Wednesday, 25 November 2020

Fellow Singer /Songwriters and Friends Remember and Mourn The Loss of Hal Ketchum

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - American country music great Hal Ketchum has passed away at age 67. Some of his most legendary hits as an artist include, “Long Haired Country Boy” which got nominated for a CMA award in 1997, “Past the Point of Rescue,” “Small Town Saturday Night” and “Hearts are gonna Roll.” Ketchum’s 1991 album Past the Point of Rescue is his most commercially successful, having been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Between 1991 and 2006 Ketchum had seventeen entries on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. Ketchum was not only a genuine entertainer and talented lyricist but a friend to many in the music and entertainment industry.

Fellow artists mourn the loss of their friend and share fond memories that have left them forever inspired by the timeless, Hal Ketchum.

“The Oak Ridge Boys are saddened over the loss of Hal Ketchum ... a great voice and a great guy ... 2020 has been hard ... so many country music artists and songwriters have gone home this year ... Rest easy Hal.” – The Oak Ridge Boys

“There is now another addition to the amazing band in heaven. I really hate to hear this. Hal was such a talented and wonderful guy.” – Johnny Lee

"Such a deep loss for our music community and for the world. Thank you, God, for giving us the gift of wonderful, talented Hal Ketchum. My heart and prayers are with the family, friends, and all who were touched by his music and songs. He will surely be loved, missed, and remembered Forever. Rest In Peace, Hal.” – Deborah Allen

“My heart is breaking for the family of Hal Ketchum. I always enjoyed playing the Grand Ole Opry with Hal. He stepped on that stage with a smile on his face, and the music he sang was pure poetry. He will be missed.” – Tim Atwood

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He made a lot of great music throughout his career.” - B.J. Thomas

“Hal was one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. We always had a special bond. I’m saddened to hear of his passing but gladdened to know his physical pain is over. Sheila and my prayers are with his family today. R.I.P. my brother.” - T. Graham Brown

“Thoughts and prayers out to the family of Hal Ketchum. One of my favorite voices of the Opry. I’m glad to know that he is no longer suffering and in a much better place. Our hearts are still gonna roll, Hal. We love you and will miss you but your songs will always remain.” - JD Shelburne

Forward

Experimental Chorus re-release Due out 8th Jan

Musical Artizan · Experimental Chorus

Sunday, 1 November 2020

New music Video Drums Americas

Friday, 23 October 2020

Rising Country Singer / Songwriter Jordan Moore’s Debut Single, “Hard At Quittin’” Available Now

Music Video Premiered Exclusively on CMChatlive.com

"With Jordan's single ‘Hard at Quittin’, he's showcasing his twang-country sound. From the moment the song begins, the listeners are immediately drawn into his deep and country rooted vocals that instantly make you addicted."

- Trevor Justin, Country Sway

"Hard At Quittin’ is a rock-infused ditty with rock-solid vocals and a melody that will have you swaying along. It embodies everything that modern country is about. He is radio-ready and rock-solid.”

- Brittany Vance, CMChatLive

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country singer/songwriter, Jordan Moore gets a little dirt on his boots and rides onto the scene with his debut single, “Hard At Quittin'”. This single, produced by Noah Henson, takes center stage with grit and traction, providing listeners with honest lyrics and a catchy beat. Moore’s country rooted vocals and genuine passion for his craft are highlighted throughout. “Hard At Quittin’” will have fans up on their feet, rockin’ to the beat and singing along all night long. The music video, produced by Keith Leman exclusively premiered on CMChatlive.com and is now available to download and stream on all digital services.

Watch “Hard At Quittin’” on CMChatlive.com.

“When I write not only do I want to have fun, but I want to use personal life experiences and music to create a connection between myself and listeners. Lots of people have been cheated on and “Hard At Quittin’” speaks about my experience and the internal struggle of staying in a toxic relationship or just calling it quits,” shares Moore.

The genuine nature of Moore sets this single into motion as listeners can feel an authentic desire to share a personal story within each line of the song. Fans instantly feel connected to the humbling effect that Moore's lyrics present. “Hard At Quittin’” appeals to those who can relate to the toxic drama that can cloud relationships when the mind runs rampant. When feeling stuck and confused, the single serves as a reminder that one shouldn’t waste romance on someone who doesn’t appreciate them. Moore presents distinctive experiences through music in hopes that listeners will take refuge and uncover individual strength within each song. Fans will not want to miss this one of a kind release.

Born and raised in the small town of Lowell, Michigan, Jordan Moore’s earliest memories are immersed in music. Lowell, a small town, sporting a total of only two stoplights, was known as “the farm town” to surrounding areas. “Growing up in the country gives a person a lot to be inspired about,” says Moore. Jordan’s music career took him all over the world, traveling around the United States and all the way to Thailand and Cambodia. He realized he was just as much inspired by the people in the world as the world itself.

In his senior year of college, Jordan started the rock band, Sargent Avenue, with his brother in law and a couple of friends. After gaining traction with local Michigan radio station, WGRD 97.9, as well as WOOD TV 8, they were soon featured at MTV’s EXIT concert in Thailand, playing to an audience of over 15,000 people, in order to raise awareness for Traffic Jam, an organization whose mission is to stop human trafficking.

The youngest of five children, Jordan has always known the world is bigger than him.

“I grew up in a very musical family, helping with praise and worship in church as long as I can remember,” says Moore. His father gifted him with his knowledge and love of music early on, teaching all his siblings and him to play instruments as early as they could hold one. Jordan took to the guitar and microphone instantly. Jordan’s father had to give up his dream of playing music as a career in order to make a living for his family. His father’s sacrifice is what inspires him to never give up on his own dreams.

He now lives just outside of Nashville with his wife and their three kids. Jordan’s solo career has taken him back to his original roots of down-home country.

To keep up with future releases and everything Jordan Moore, visit HERE and follow his social channels linked below.

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Don McLean Releases New Album 'Still Playin' Favorites'

A follow-up to his 1973 covers album 'Playin' Favorites', this new collection digs deep into the roots of American music and adds a rock and roll edge to country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz, and soul gems

FAIRFAX, Va. - Don McLean pays homage to American music with his new covers album, Still Playin’ Favorites, released today through Time Life. Spanning more than 100 years of songwriting, McLean assembled a treasury of music from country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz and soul for the album, performing them with a rock and roll twist. Don discusses several of the tracks in a new video series on his YouTube channel, including “Backwater Blues,” originally recorded by Bessie Smith in 1927.

“I just love writing songs and I love hearing songs by good writers that make sense and have lyrics that say something and that are pretty simple,” Don explains about the concept behind the album. “My version is just a little bit more rock and roll, a little harder-edged, with drums and double guitars,” he goes on to say about the classic blues and jazz song, “Backwater Blues.” When it came to recording “Got The Bull By The Horns,” originally performed by Johnny Horton, “I changed a few of the words, I hope he won’t mind,” McLean admits good-naturedly. The collection also features songs made famous by Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Clyde Moody, Mel Tillis, Ray Charles, Mahalia Jackson, Elvis Presley, and more.

Still Playin’ Favorites is modeled after his first album of cover songs, Playin’ Favorites, a remarkable artistic statement for a young songwriter to release on the heels of his masterworks “American Pie” and “Vincent.” The new album extends his original tribute to the great songwriters who have helped shape American music and, in turn, McLean’s work.

To keep up with Don McLean and be a part of his upcoming announcements, visit his website and follow his social channels linked below.

Still Playin' Favorites track listing:

01. So Doggone Lonesome (Johnny Cash)

02. Greenback Dollar (Hoyt Axton, Ken Ramsey)

03. Hide Nor Hair (Morton Craft, Percy Mayfield)

04. I Ain’t Never (Webb Pierce, Mel Tillis)

05. Little Sister (Doc Pomus, Mort Shuman)

06. I’m Going To Live The Life I Sing About in My Song (Thomas A. Dorsey)

07. Six White Horses (Clyde Moody)

08. Treat Me Nice (Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller)

09. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine) (Bob Dylan)

10. Backwater Blues (Bessie Smith)

11. The Keys to the Kingdom (Jenny Lou Carson)

12. Got The Bull By The Horns (Amos E. Byrd, Billy Jones)

13. Tell Old Bill (Traditional, Arranged by Don McLean)

14. She Used To Love Me A Lot (Charles W. Quillen, Dennis Morgan, Kye Fleming)

YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website

About Don McLean:

Don McLean is a Grammy award honoree, a Songwriter Hall of Fame member, a BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and his smash hit “American Pie” resides in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry and was named by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) a top 5 song of the 20th Century. A New York native, Don McLean is one of the most revered and respected songwriters in American history. After paying his dues in the New York club scene in the late ‘60s, he went on to score mega-hits like “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night),” “Castles in the Air” and many more. His catalog of songs has been recorded by Madonna, Garth Brooks, Josh Groban, Drake, Weird “Al” Yankovic, and countless others. In 2015, one of McLean’s four handwritten manuscripts of the lyrics to “American Pie” was auctioned by Christies, selling for just over $1.2 Million. 2019 honored Don with a star on the Las Vegas Walkway of Stars and his song “And I Love You So” was the theme for Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding. Now in 2020, Don signed a recording contract with Time Life to release his catalog of recordings as well as the highly anticipated new album Still Playin’ Favorites, releasing October 23rd. “American Pie” will be featured in the Avengers Black Widow and the Tom Hanks movie BIOS and much more to be announced. And when you think things are slowing down, not so for Don McLean! 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of American Pie with a world tour to follow.

About Time Life:

Time Life is one of the world's pre-eminent creators and direct marketers of unique music and video/DVD products, specializing in distinctive multi-media collections that evoke memories of yesterday, capture the spirit of today, and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. TIME LIFE and the TIME LIFE logo are registered trademarks of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies used under license by Direct Holdings Americas Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.

Shane Owens' Latest Single "Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives" Is Available on All Streaming Services

Single Brings Optimism to Fans During Uncertain Times

“‘Everybody Dies’ certainly hit home with me. It reminds us to add life to our living - to create and cherish special moments daily, with those we love, wherever we are. Shane kindly reminds you to live without regret so when the distant shore is near, it is well with your soul. As always, he sets the mood and speaks to the heart through his music, making you laugh or cry... and think. His traditional country music approach remains a favorite of mine - thanks for keeping it alive and well, Shane! Great job on this one.”

- Randy Travis

"With recently losing a close family friend, Shane Owens connects with my heart personally. In the song, Shane mentioned that "life is just a moment" and that isn't anything but the truth. Sometimes you can lose someone so unexpected, however, at the end of the day, everybody dies at some point. With the traditional country sound that Shane brings to the table, this song is a highly relatable song for anyone going through losing a member or close friend."

- Trevor Justin, Country Sway

NASHVILLE, Tenn – Alabama-bred, neo-traditional country singer, Shane Owens releases his latest single, “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives” from his current album ‘Thankful For Country Music.’ This single proclaims exactly what the title states. Dying is irrelevant, but living to the fullest each day is a choice. Reminding all of the brevity of life, this single stands to lift those carrying the weight of tomorrow's uncertainty, allowing them to drop tensions to see that living for the day and releasing that which is out of our control is the only option. The single places itself at the forefront of optimism, at a time where listeners all over the world can relate and find comfort in the message. “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives” was the #1 most added song to country radio for Music Row and has moved up thirteen spots.

To listen to “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives” or the full album ‘Thankful For Country Music’ visit HERE.

"When we picked, “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives” for the album, it really spoke to me. I never dreamed how much it would hit home in 2020. This has been a tough time for everyone and the events of the year have made me sit back and reflect on things,” shares Shane.

The genuine nature of Owens sets this single in motion as listers can feel his authentic desire to inspire within each line of the song. Sometimes, an artist deals a sweet hand and the perfect song comes along that ties humanity together to bring about change. Though some deal with uncertainty better than others, everyone is affected by the inability to predict time which is seemingly more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives” highlights that there is no better time than the present moment to live.

“One thing is for sure,” says Owens, “Life can change in a split second. Every day is a gift and sometimes we need to take a minute and remember to make the most of what we can, take the time to enjoy our family and friends, do what we love to do, and truly LIVE. I hope this song helps us all to do just that.”

Click HERE to listen to “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives”.

To keep up with future releases and everything Shane Owens, visit HERE and follow his social channels linked below.

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

About Shane Owens:

Named by Rolling Stone Country as one of the “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know,” and awarded 2018 Music Row Independent Artist of the Year, Shane Owens has been building a strong following for more than a decade. His powerful vocal range combined with the emotional lyrical content of his songs has made him a favorite of fans, critics, and fellow artists alike. After starting his career opening shows for dozens of major stars, the baritone performer attracted the attention of Nashville music executives, and he soon landed a record deal. However, with all the changes in the music industry at the time, his album was shelved and never released. Just like the ‘Never Give Up’ mantra of his lyrics, Owens picked himself up and moved on, thanks to famed producer James Stroud (Tim McGraw, Aaron Lewis, Clint Black), country music legend Randy Travis, who co-executive produced his first album, Where I’m Comin’ From, and Amerimonte Records. Never one to sit still for long, Owens followed up with his most recent release It’s A Southern Thing, and is currently impacting at radio with his latest single “Everybody Dies But Not Everybody Lives” from his latest album, Thankful For Country Music. For more information about Shane Owens, visit www.shaneowenscountrymusic.com.

Country singer/songwriter Reyna Roberts' "Stompin' Grounds" single finds its way to ESPN and NFL's 'Monday Night Football'

Single added to ESPN Music 'Grind Mode' Spotify playlist

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Rising Country singer/songwriter Reyna Roberts continues to lay it all on the line for fans with the unmatched success of her stand-out single, “Stompin’ Grounds.” This hard-hitting Alabama anthem has recently been picked up by ESPN and was featured during Monday Night Football. In addition, “Stompin’ Grounds” can now be found on the official ESPN Music 'Grind Mode' playlist on Spotify. The triumph of the single is a direct reflection of Robert's genuine southern roots and provides a window to her experiences of growing up and having family in the South. “Stompin’ Grounds” is available to download and stream on all digital platforms.

Reyna continues to strive for stardom. Remaining humble and forever thankful for the support of her passions, she continues to make headlines in features for notable media outlets across the world including Rolling Stone, Billboard, American Songwriter, The Boot, and Wide Open Country to name a few. Fans will not want to miss what Roberts has in store for the coming months! This is only the beginning for the elite entertainer, Reyna Roberts!

“Her new full-throttle track, “Stompin’ Grounds” proves, her other influences (Gretchen Wilson, The Chicks) find their way into her music.”

– Melinda Newman, Billboard

“Roberts is a black woman singing bangers like “Stompin’ Grounds” that would fit right in on country radio. Carrie Underwood is already a fan.”

– Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone Country

“Reyna Roberts raises a giant jar of moonshine to the South on the sizzling "Stompin' Grounds," an ode to raisin' hell in the Bible Belt. Country Radio, take note!”

– Bobbie Jean Sawyer, Wide Open Country

“Country newcomer Reyna Roberts shows off her Southern pride in her debut single, “Stompin’ Grounds.” It’s an ode to the “deep, dark, dirty South”

– Angela Stefano, Taste of Country

“Stompin’ Grounds” is one of the most purely fun country songs of the year so far. You’ll be hypnotized and tapping your foot along in no time.”

– Ellen Johnson, Paste Magazine

“Roberts is not afraid of being bold. She is sweet but fiery, mature but outspoken and she is making waves within the industry. Everyone is talking about Reyna Roberts, and pretty soon you will be too.”

– Brittany Vance, Country Sway

“After I picked my jaw off the ground, I immediately put Roberts on my radar because I knew her career was getting ready to take off.”

– Bethany Bowman, Tennessee Star

Follow Reyna Roberts:

About Reyna Roberts:

From a young age, Reyna’s parents (both Army veterans) exposed her to many artists across various genres of music: Aretha Franklin, The Chicks, Led Zeppelin, Christina Aguilera, Gretchen Wilson, Destiny’s Child, and Journey to name a few. This early exposure to music created the soundtrack of her life. Reyna’s first performance was at three years old at a bar in Fairbanks, Alaska where she sang “Lady Marmalade.” In 2014, Reyna recorded her first song, “Lying to Myself,” illustrating a crush on the captain of her high school wrestling team. In addition to her athletic abilities and undying passion for music, Reyna is also an active volunteer within the community. She has performed to assist in fundraising efforts for organizations such as Rett Syndrome Awareness, The Wounded Warrior Project, Teen Impact Affiliates, and the Empowerment Project. Because of family experiences with PTSD and other mental health disorders, Reyna is a committed advocate in supporting military service members and veterans. Reyna is gearing up to release her first single, “Stompin’ Grounds,” produced by Noah Henson, with Oath Management and represented by 2911 Media. With undeniable charisma, the possibilities are endless for the groundbreaking entertainer, Reyna Roberts.