 During his short career, Matt VanFossen has shared the stage with national recording artists including David Nail, Craig Campbell, Brooks & Dunn, and more. In 2013, he was asked to become one of the main stage artists at the Ohio-based ‘Jamboree in the Hills’ festival. For the past two years, he has opened up for the likes of Neal McCoy, Aaron Tippin, and The Oak Ridge Boys.
With the release of his new EP, BOOM, Matt VanFossen should prepare to take his career to exciting new levels. The EP is a collection of five songs, including the hard rocking title track (and current single), which has already become a fan favorite. The rest of the EP showcases Matt’s diversity from the driving “Close If It Ain’t” to the mid tempo “She’s Just Like That,” which describes the intensity of love and on which his warm, enveloping vocals really shine. A standout track is “Get To You,” a beautiful piano based ballad about how he would relive a painful relationship over again so long as it would bring him to his new love."I don’t know how, but I know when I started living when you walked in/I felt something I wasn’t sure of until you showed me your love/I’d do anything I’d have to do/I’d even relive all the hell I went through/I’d get hurt again to feel your love come true/I’d go back to her just to get to you." My personal favorite, and radio ready single, “Time Ain’t What It Used To Be” reflects on one’s carefree younger days and the passage of time. "Don’t it seem like the clock ticks faster/Don’t it feel like a moment don’t last/All that time on our hands gone as quick as your fingers can snap/There was a time when the world spun around us/And we had forever to chase our dreams/Oh but time ain't what it used to be.” Matt VanFossen's EP has something for everyone. Definitely give it a listen. The EP is available at all digital outlets and is distributed by TuneCore.
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 After more than a decade and four albums in, one could worry that an artist has peaked or become repetitive, but those worries can be cast aside for Wade Bowen’s upcoming release. With Wade Bowen, due October 28th, Wade has exceeded expectations and executed an album that could be his best yet.
This new album, undeniably a Wade Bowen record, is filled with story songs that are detailed so vividly you can clearly envision the entire narrative as you listen. Emotions are at times moody, contemplative and sad, but there is an underlying optimism evident throughout. The initial two tracks, along with the final two, highlight that positivity while nicely bookending songs about love (“My California”), regret (“Hungover”) and the road (“Long Enough To Be A Memory”). His current single, “When I Woke Up Today,” opens the album with a simple message: you have choices in life, so make the most of every day while taking “the good and the bad with a big smile.” The song segues nicely into the folky, upbeat “Sun Shines On A Dreamer,” which continues the theme of taking chances, listening to your heart and embracing life. The varied dimensions of love and relationships are showcased in songs that many will find highly relatable. “Watch Her Drive,” with its sprawling chorus, extols living in the moment and being satisfied with a relationship where “maybe all we’re meant to be is no more than right now.” In “When It’s Reckless,” the urgency and abandon of the guitars perfectly complement the lyrics in which he rejects the notion of an endless, sweet love, instead preferring a love that’s thrilling and a little rough around the edges. The bluesy introduction of the lovely, harmonica infused “Sweet Leona” tells the story of a woman so charming and beautiful that he cannot find the words to say every time her “sweet eyes look my way.” While the Spanish stylings and honest lyrics of “Welcome Mat” describe all too well the feeling of heartbreak. “Like a welcome mat sitting on the front porch lady/I’m just waiting around it’s driving me crazy/Stomped on dirty feeling lonely and laid out flat/Like a welcome mat.” In the introspective “West Texas Rain” he reflects on the passages and complexities of life; finding answers, falling apart and coming out stronger for the struggle. “So close your eyes and hold on/We’re here then we’re gone/It goes just as quick as it came/Just like a West Texas Rain.” The final two tracks cement the fact that even though a musician’s life may be one with uncertainties, Wade is staying the course. A cover of “Honky Tonk Road,” one of the highlights on the album, features vocal assist from Randy Rogers, Cody Canada and Sean McConnell. The four sing about those trials and tribulations wondering “what we’re out here for,” yet unable to deny its pull. “God help me I love it out here so much.” The rockadelic closing track, “I’m Gonna Go,” describes a man who may make mistakes and travel an uncertain journey, yet is not afraid to take those unfamiliar roads because he is “A man who’s bleeding hope/Quit giving up long ago/To me there’s always gonna be some way.” It’s an anthem, not just for himself, but for anyone feeling that the journey might be hopeless, encouraging us that there’s “no time to stop believing.” Embrace this record and enjoy the journey down the deserted highway, coastline or honky tonk road. For with this album, Wade Bowen is definitely in a pretty good place. For more information visit his official website Pre-order the album here  Courtesy Casey James Facebook Casey James recently debuted his new single “Fall Apart” on Sirius XM’s The Highway. Written by Will Bowen, Josh Carter and Zach Carter, the relatable song is a mid tempo ballad about the emotions that surface when seeing an ex. The song begins with James expressing how he is finally over a lost love, but we soon learn that is short lived, because even though memories fade away, every time he sees her, he falls apart. It’s an ache so deep, it causes him to look over his shoulder when is he out, simply to avoid her (and the pain). The subtle piano in the first verse as well as James’ vocals, particularly alongside the melody of the sweeping chorus, perfectly deliver the emotions of the song.
“Cause every time I run into you baby I go a little crazy inside Tell myself I gotta breathe Try to get my heart to beat Photographs, memories fade away easily But you’re right here in front of me and won’t let me go Since you broke my heart every time I run into you I fall apart” “Fall Apart” will be featured on Casey’s upcoming project, which if this song is any indication, is something to look forward to.  Cody Pennington is an acoustic singer-songwriter who, while originally from Nashville, is currently playing venues throughout the East of England and surrounding regions. He has done extensive touring throughout the Eastern seaboard of America, Turkey, the city streets of Athens, Greece, and many other countries with consistent success, all the while steadily gaining a loyal following.
As a veteran of live music performance for nearly a decade, his shows are energetic and always keep the crowd tapping their feet. He brings this energy to his recently released EP, To Be Me. The five track EP is a stripped down project of honestly sung songs that are memorable and personal, yet relatable; reminiscent of other singer songwriters such as Jason Mraz and Eric Hutchinson. The melodically vibrant tracks are often at opposition to lyrics that are sad and introspective, dealing with topics such as lost love ("Missing You") and relationship struggles ("I'm Afraid"). The songs on the EP give one the feeling that Cody is sharing intimate pieces of himself (the opening sigh prior to "To Be Me" is telling) and if that is the case, then Cody is someone that you definitely wouldn't mind getting to know. To Be Me is available here.  Newly signed to Warner Nashville, The Railers, are poised to break out in a big way with their debut single "Kinda Dig The Feeling." The foursome, comprised of brothers Jordan and Jonathan, and Cassandra and Tyler have a sound that is fresh, unique and infectious.
The new single, which was previously recorded by group Mockingbird Sun, describes all the ways a woman makes him feel; and although it's often a crazy, chaotic, unpredictable love, he's definitely digging it. The fast paced melody, instrumentation and the group's tight harmonies showcase an undeniable energy and a sound that is rootsy, buoyant and original. I guarantee you'll dig it. "Well your love's just like running a red light Playing with a pocketful of dynamite Well your love's more hell than spending a month in a Mexican jail That lost the key I ain't gonna make bail That's what it feels like Oho, man I can't sleep Oho, I'm in too deep, can't go back, don't look down Everything is spinning around The ceiling is slaying me, amaze me I kinda dig the feeling" The Railers will be out on tour with Hunter Hayes this fall and having seen them a year ago with Corey Smith, I can tell you they are terrific live! For more information visit their official website  Show Dog Universal duo Native Run's new single “Good On You" is one of those songs that is instantly likable. Written by Native Run members Rachel Beauregard and Bryan Dawley along with Steve Mokler, and produced by Luke Laird, the song immediately grabs you at the instrumental introduction and keeps you swayin' and singin' through the verses and chorus.
Rachel's vocals displays the conviction of a woman who, while taught to not make the first move, is eschewing that advice to take a chance and approach a certain someone. The layered instrumentation and the duo's harmonies bring the well written lyrics of the song to life. It’s a cute, fun, fresh debut single that makes one look forward to more from Native Run. "I think I'd look good on you Boy I can’t help it I just do Like a sunset on the water Flower in the hair of a preacher’s daughter Jet black on an old corvette A memory on your mind you don’t wanna forget Tell me, tell me Do you feel the way I do? ‘Cause I think I'd look good on you" Watch the “Good On You” lyric video The single is available at all digital retailers  A follow-up to his critically acclaimed Rayality, Ray Scott's newest self titled studio album, produced by Dave Brainard (Brandy Clark’s 12 Stories, Jerrod Niemann’s Free the Music), was released today, October 7th.
The album contains eleven songs, including the first offering, “Drinkin’ Beer’,” which was released in July to ‘New + Noteworthy’ acclaim from iTunes and is championed by Sirius XM’s The Highway as an “On the Horizon” pick. The remainder of the album contains songs witty ("Cookin'" & "Her Old Man"), emotional ("Ain't Always Thirsty"), romantic ("Leave This World") and surprising (in a good way). For example, don't let the title of "Papa and Mama" deceive you; the song is not an ode to loving parents, but rather an emotional murder ballad. The humorous "The Ugly One" offers a twist (that you will be happy to hear) at the end while "Tijuana Buzzkill," with it's horn section, tells the story of getting set up in Mexico. The twangy "Wheels On The House," about everyday life, was co-written with Brandy Clark and "It Ain't Gonna Be You" is a up tempo kiss off song to a woman who did him wrong "somebody might break my heart again, somebody might rip it right to shreds....somebody might make this grown man cry again, but it ain't gonna be you." The album closes with the nostalgic "I Miss The Days," a nod to 70's era country. Recorded in Nashville, the tracks highlight Scott’s ability to write honest songs with catchy hooks delivered by his distinctive, enveloping voice. The result is a country album with songs containing lyrics that you actually want to really listen to and melodies that will have you toe tappin' and swayin'. For more information visit here  Grand Ole Opry members Montgomery Gentry return with new music, their first since 2011. Their new single, "Headlights," was written by Bob DiPiero, Wendell Mobley and Tony Martin. The song is a party anthem; lyrically touching on every major hot topic of late including shotguns, girls in cut-offs, and alcoholic beverages. Melodically, the tune is a guitar driven country rocker that sets you up for a fun time whether it be inside or out, enjoying times with friends.
"Headlights" is a carefree, fun, have a good time song that should settle in nicely at country radio. "Follow those headlights Down a broken fence line Take it to the riverside Point em through the red dust Keep it in the tire ruts If you wanna find us Wanna go all night Hell yeah, that's right Follow those headlights" “Headlights” is currently available for download and will be found on the duo's debut album with new label partner, Blaster Records, set to release in early 2015. For more about Montgomery Gentry, visit www.montgomerygentry.com Find them on Facebook, Twitter @mgunderground, and on their YouTube channel.  Singer songwriter Andy Pursell's new single, available on iTunes and Amazon, is called "The Fan's." Andy calls it an "anthem...that should hit home for many of us." The song is a country rocker, with lots of electric guitar and heavy drums, about something many of us can identify with: being a fan. Whether your thing is football, racing or music, you can find something to relate to in this song.
"Ready for the band to fire it up The guitars running through my veins Drummers pounding he's insane Singers singing we are the fans Taking us to the promise land We're gonna hold our lighters way up high And wave our hands into the sky" For more information, visit here  Courtesy Dierks Bentley FB page Dierks Bentley’s versatility cannot be denied. He consistently and successfully releases songs that span a spectrum of emotions, from the humorous (“Drunk On A Plane”, “5150”), to the patriotic (“Home”) to straight up bluegrass (Up On The Ridge). But the one type of song he always does extremely well is the romantic-whether it is sexy, hopeful or yearning.
“Say You Do,” Dierks third single from this year’s CMA nominated Riser, combines all three. The song, written by Matt Ramsey, Shane McAnally and Trevor Rosen, is sensual, yet melancholy. “Say You Do” encompasses a yearning for someone so intensely that you are able to forego, as the opening line states, “the damage done” for another night together. It’s having a desire so strong that one is willing to be with someone who broke their heart regardless of how it happens; whether it be through alcohol, leading him on or as he sings, begs even, to “let those words roll off your tongue even if you’re lying.” The yearning one hears in Dierks’ voice is deep and real to the point of being painful. It’s 3:40 of pure emotional aching and desperation pleading for someone he still loves to voice the same “even if you say you don’t…..say you do.” “Well couldn't you Say you do Say you might For tonight Have a heart Bend the truth Even if you don't Couldn't you" "Say You Do” seems poised to give Dierks his third consecutive number one. The single will impact radio October 6th. |
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