NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville celebrity gossip

Spotlight: John Mcdonald

 

John Mcdonald is your average West Virginia boy, however, when he is not working at the strip mine he is singing Lady Gaga covers. Oh come on, it's not country music but at least this version I can stomach. This 26-year-old Trace Creeker grew up listening to Hank Sr, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. His current influences are Eric Church, Justin Moore, and Jamey Johnson. He grew up in the backwoods and got his first guitar at fourteen, he wanted to be just like Lynard Skynard he says. He even won a talent contest during the Freedom Festival in Logan, WV a few years ago. His prize? $250 and a trophy. He also claims he will win again this year and I believe it. Family, friends and coal mines...that's what John Mcdonald is about, oh and Lady Gaga! :)

For more country music gossip follow me on twitter @brittwv

The Cadillac Black Storm Nashville And Put The Rock Back Into Country [ARTIST FEATURE]

If you haven’t yet heard of The Cadillac Black, you have a lot of catching up to do. They’re already making huge waves in Nashville with their unique brand of Southern rock, and fans in the likes of Eric Church and Dierks Bentley, both of whom they’ve toured with. In addition, their first ever show was opening up for ZZ Top, and they’ve also toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd (“it certainly has helped us open some doors”), and they have Billy Gibbon’s cell phone number, to name but a few. If that isn’t enough, no less than three of the songs from their self-titled debut album were featured on a recent episode of ABC’s ‘Nashville’ (including the cover of Ring of Fire that character Scarlett sang on). Their tracks have also been featured on The Vampire Diaries, Hart of Dixie and CSI Miami, not to mention a host of others.

Yet The Cadillac Black isn’t a five-piece supergroup, but three ordinary guys from Nashville who accidentally became a three-piece and found a way to make it work, even with such a wide host of instruments utilised in their music. These clearly talented musicians have only been together for just over a year, but Kelby Ray, Jaren Johnston and Neil Mason (described by Jaren as a ‘long-haired hippie drummer’) have already built up a great reputation on the live circuit and their support from such big artists and mainstream TV shows mean they have a big year ahead that is bound to see them every success. But it’s not just about their music. Jaren, the lead singer and guitarist, produced Dierks Bentley’s ‘Country & Cold Cans’ EP, and he has penned tracks for Dierks, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Keith Urban (the #1 hit ‘You Gonna Fly’) and Tim McGraw. He’s also been nominated for Music Row Magazine’s 2012 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year. All this means you’re in safe hands when choosing to listen to such an already accomplished band, so early in their career.

I interviewed Jaren and I loved how genuine and real he came across as. The three band members grew up together in Nashville and they’ve been friends as long as they can remember, playing together in a very organic process. In an industry where so much is manufactured, it doesn’t get much better than this. In fact, their album was thrown together totally organically in a couple of days at Sound Emporium in Nashville, recorded live with their engineer Ryan Gore. Jaren grew up watching his dad play drums at the Grand Ole Opry, and even saw Garth Brooks play the legendary stage for the first time – so it was only natural that his musical influences ranged from those popular during the 1990s, to more traditional artists such as Keith Whitley (inspired by his parents) to the classics such as Willie. But the music Jaren actually owned strayed a little. “My first cassette tapes were Lynyrd Skynyrd's greatest hits and Metallica's "And Justice For All"... I think I was like thirteen or something. I never thought about that before this band but that honestly explains our sound almost to the T!” Jaren also cites bands such as Rage Against The Machine, Tom Petty, Nirvana and the Rolling Stones as huge influences on The Cadillac Black’s music, among others.

Gary Allan & Greg Bates Bring It On For 95.1 KFROG's Birthday Bash

Many of us may wish for a Birthday Bash to be this big and full of good old country entertainment. I have a landmark birthday this year; but the party 95.1 KFROG threw on January 17th for their 43rd Birthday was probably as close as I will get to a big blow out.  No complaints though; I won't feel slighted; I was just happy to be along for their ride.

The Annual event was once again held in The Vibe room at Morongo Casino near Palm Springs, CA.  I find myself enjoying these smaller venues more and more; seems more intimate so to speak. It takes a big team to pull off such a grand party; but the station has no shortages of staff or sponsors who are more than willing to make it work.

 

The entertainment was once again above and beyond; just what a party should have. The evening started out with young new Repbulic Nashville recording artist Greg Bates. I had not seen Greg perform live before and was only familiar with his hit "Did It For The Girl" so I was looking forward to seeing what he brought to the party. He brought all the right party favors with his authentic country sound and song writing talent. From the talk among the crowd he has already developed quite a fan following and I myself see this young man going places.  I would enjoy seeing him again given the opportunity.

The anticipation for the headlining party entertainment was rewarded when California native, Gary Allan strolled onto the stage ready to round out the night with some of his hits such as "She's So California", "Her Man", "Songs About Rain," as well as one of my favorites, "Right Where I Need To Be."  As promised he brought in songs from his upcoming album, "Set You Free" which will be in stores on January 22nd. Just by the sound of two of the tracks, "It Ain't The Wiskey" and his current single out on radio, "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" I know this is another Gary Allan album I will not miss.

There were many ways to enjoy this night; be it kicked back and taking it all in; or indulging in  enough "adult beverages" to make ya scream, act crazy, and not remember most of it the next day. I guess I am of the old school crowd these days; I like to kick back and take it all in and remember it all the next day.  Well let the young have their fun; that's part of what our lives are. Thanks KFROG; another party success until next year when we anticipate how you can top the previous year.

Special Thanks to Victoria Jacobs for the pictures & the patience.

 

 

Introducing Walk Off The Earth... You Don’t Want To Miss This

You may have heard of Walk Off The Earth before, as they’re pretty famous on YouTube for doing inventive and creative and amazing covers of popular songs, including an awe-inspiring version of Gotye’s ‘Somebody I Used To Know’, and their most recent, a vocal-bending rendition of Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’. However, it was tonight that I first heard one of their own songs, and felt I had to share. I wouldn’t call them country, but this song definitely has country elements to it, albeit country pop, and is so infectious and amazing that I just had to share.

I know people say this all the time, but just for the chorus and the funny video, you really won’t regret taking four minutes out of your life to watch this.

Here you are:

 

Thank me later.

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

 

Ben Affleck has gone country....or something like that

I have this odd quirk where everyone I meet I think about who would play them in a movie. 

And I mean everyone.  

My family has gotten to the point where me leaning over and whispering, "Reese Witherspoon," at random points during the day is normal. Now my kids are doing it, which tickles me pink. To think that that's the character trait I've passed down to both my son AND daughter makes me smile.  

Anyway, this guy, Mike Short Jr., totally Ben Affleck. Well, OK, maybe a young Keanu Reeves. 

I've gotten two emails about this Mike Short Jr. fella so I figured I should check him out. Here's part of what the most recent email said about him...

Rising country music artist and Country Music Television reality star Mike Short Jr. and his southern rock band StateWide are currently on four-month, 25-city tour. Mike Short Jr, is one of the hottest new artists to emerge from the Nashville music scene. In fact, he just played to a standing-room only crowd at his only stop in VA this past Friday.

In just a few years, Mike has released two CDs, produced two music videos, and conducted multi-city tours throughout the southeast - all while seeking a degree at Middle Tennessee State University. Would you please consider an interview with Mike, maybe a profile story, music or concert review? He is a very talented young man, and we would really appreciate the opportunity to tell his story.

Here he is singing Stirrin' Things Up. The song is a little more hard rock meets country than I tend to like, but it's actually quite good as a whole. 

If you like what you see, you can check out more about Mike and his band at www.mikeshortjr.com. 

Payton Rae makes me ask, "What are we teaching these boys?"

Taylor Swift has made a habit (and millions of dollars) out of writing songs about the men and boys in her life who have hurt her, double crossed her, and basically been mean in one way or another. 

Yeah, she writes happy, fairy-talesque songs too, but it's the getting even ones that get noticed.  

Now here's the official music video for a very innocent looking 16-year-old Payton Rae singing with gusto about a cheating boyfriend, who I also assume is a 16-ish year old teenager, in a song called Stomp the Fire Out. 

She sounds like a young Kellie Pickler to me.  Cute.  

So were cheating boyfriends at 16 always an issue or is this a new norm for the new millenium?  I can't remember having issues with such things at 16, but then maybe I was fortunate or just clueless.    

I'm starting to think that the country singers out there who are parents to teenagers need to start putting out how-to songs to teach teenage boys how to be faithful and nice and quit breaking little girls hearts to counteract this trend of teen girls singing about cheating -- at least until they're old enough to deal with it like an adult....you know, by drinking.   

You can find out more about Payton Rae on her website. 

Your ACM Favorite New Artist of the Year Is? Let Your Vote Count !! Starting Jan 16th

Early last week the date was announced for the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards night to be held April 1st in Las Vegas.  Now let all the games, along with the pomp & circumstance begin.  There is the show itself, The Fan Jam during the show & The All Star Party after the show.  Yet to be announced is the activity, if any this year, of FREE concerts on Freemont Street on Friday & Saturday nights.

http://www.acmcountry.com/home/index.php

But the first thing you are asked to do before all of this is to vote.  No not a political vote, but one that will determine the ACM New Artist of the Year.  This year the selection is all male with the exception of Shawna Thompson, one half of the husband & wife duo, Thompson Square.  And I can honestly say I am familiar with all of the nominees, & have heard some of them live. 

All of the nominees have had a good year, some more than the others, but this does not take away from the vast talent that is in this class of 2011 New Artists.  David Nail has been around for a long time but has finally hit a stride that will not loose steam anytime soon.  Scotty McCreary is definitely a new comer fresh off his American Idol win.  Mixed in between the old & the real new is a great "cast of characters" such as JT Hodges, Justin Moore & Hunter Hayes that deserve this recognition and if anyone of them is your favorite they need your vote.

http://www.gactv.com/gac/pac_ctnt/text/0,,GAC_26058_84999,00.html

Starting January 16th the first round voting begins to determine the final three, ending January 30th.  Final round voting begins on March 16th & ends on April 1st with the winner being announced live during the show. As part of this partnership, GAC will air several specials, including a show featuring the top eight semi-finalists, as well as a show highlighting the final nominees who will compete for the title.  The first airing of the "ACM Showcase" airs January 16th through the 30th when first round voting ends.  Following this will be the GAC "ACM New Artist of the Year" special with the three finalists, airing March 19th through April 1st.

You already know your favorite choice, so do not hesitate to make your vote count.  I already know who my pick is, hope he makes the trip to the finals & wins.

Music Row's Weekly Chart Report

This list is compiled as of Feb 4th....Ronnie Dunn's first song in his solo career, "Bleed Red" debuted at #46.  I love this song & know he will do well in his new solo career. What are you views on the list?  A lot of new talent on the horizons.  I enjoyed Joanna Smith when she opened up for Blake Shelton in Los Angeles, & David Nail is a great talent who I hope gets a fair shake on his new song, "Let It Rain."  There are songs on this list that I truly hope will get air time in So Calif.

http://www.musicrow.com/2011/02/weekly-chart-report-20411/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=weekly-chart-report-20411

Upcoming Singles
February 7
Joanna Smith/Georgia Mud/Columbia
David Nail/Let It Rain/MCA
Keith Urban/Without You/Capitol
Colt Ford/Country Thang/Average Joes
Doobie Brothers/World Gone Crazy/HOR/CO5

February 14
Ronnie Dunn/Bleed Red/Arista
Bridgette Tatum/Hillbilly Rockstar/Root 49/Quarterback

• • • •  •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Ronnie Dunn/Bleed Red/ Sony — 45
Keith Urban/Without You/Capitol — 64
Jamey Johnson/Heartache/Mercury — 76
Matthew Huff/As TIme Goes By/MGH Records — 77
Aaron Lewis/Country Boy/Stroudavarious — 79

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Ronnie Dunn/Bleed Red/Sony — 627
Keith Urban/Without You/Capitol — 368
Miranda Lambert/Heart Like Mine/Columbia — 331
Zac Brown Band/Colder Weather/Bigger Picture — 263
Reba/If I Were A Boy/Starstruck/Valory — 247

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Sean Patrick McGraw/My So Called Life/Little Engine Records — 184
Lathan Moore/Love In Your Life/Blue Steel Records — 179
Emma King & The Heartsets/I’m Not Forgotten/PLC — 168
The Grascals/I Am Strong/BlueGrascal — 157
Scott Lindsey/Miss Lead Me On/Gray Trailer — 147

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Ronnie Dunn/Bleed Red/Arista — 45
Keith Urban/Without You/Capitol — 30
David Bradley feat. Rodney Crowell/Hard Time Movin’ On/Gecko — 13
D.J. Miller/Whatever It Takes/Evergreen — 12
Reba/If I Were A Boy/Starstruck/Valory — 10
Carter’s Chord/A Little Less Comfortable/Show Dog-Universal — 10
Aaron Lewis/Country Boy/Stroudavarious — 9

Guest writer: Indie Artist Leslie Craig Keeps Music City Rockin’

I've often made it known that if any of my readers ever had the urge to try their hand at writing, I'd fully support their efforts and post what they write (well to a point anyway).  Most people sort of laugh uncomfortably and say, "Yeah, maybe I'll try it sometime."  Well I can't believe it took a year, but someone finally took me up on my offer.  Introducing a great piece about a new artist named Leslie Craig by Deidre DeFelice.

Enjoy everyone.  And thank you Deidre for writing such a wonderful piece......

Nashville is the place people come to take a risk, chase their dreams, and spend countless hours singing for complete strangers who may or may not even remember their name. The entire city is full of live music venues fully booked with talented artists who put their heart and soul into focusing on turning their dream into reality. Offering live music seven days a week, Nashville is home to some of the most gifted musicians in the world.
 
It takes a certain balance of passion, motivation and risk-taking to pick up your life and move to a new city in order to pursue your biggest dream. Not just any musician has what it takes to put themselves out there, hoping and praying that the right person will hear their music and realize they are worth more than just an average bar gig. I have recently met someone who, I am completely certain, possesses each and every quality that is required in order to truly make it in the music business. If you have never heard the raw talent of indie artist Leslie Craig, then you haven’t experienced truly extraordinary music.
 
After moving to Nashville four years ago from St. Louis, Leslie landed a full time gig in January of 2007 singing at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. I have had many nights out in Nashville, stopping into all the different bars 2nd Avenue and Broadway have to offer,  yet I always find myself spending the most time at Tootsie’s. This is a very well known establishment that has become one of the most popular tourist attractions on Broadway, yet that’s not why I returned to Tootsie's again after my first visit. The reason I can devote countless hours to hanging out at the same bar is because of  the phenomenal performances I have seen by Leslie Craig. Since I first heard her sing, I realized there was something different about Leslie than all of the other performers downtown. I have racked my brain trying to find someone to compare her unique sound to, but I have come up with no one. Combining her total rocker style with southern country charm, Leslie can perform any song flawlessly, from Led Zeppelin’s “Rock ’n Roll” to Brooks and Dunn’s “Believe”. Her distinctive vocals and remarkable stage presence keep hundreds of people pouring into Tootsie’s every night she performs.
 
Not only does Leslie put her own spunky twist on everyone's favorite songs, but her original music is not your average country tune. There’s something magical about her ability to combine great lyrics with her phenomenal vocals that keeps you entertained for hours. She has been blessed with an undeniable gift that even the most country music hating person can appreciate. If one thing is certain, it‘s the fact that Leslie has the ability, motivation and personality to make the kind of music you can‘t help but listen to over and over again. Her first record is almost complete and many people, including myself, are greatly anticipating its' release. Get a sample of what's to come from Leslie by visiting her MySpace music page at www.myspace.com/lesliecraig where you can hear a few songs that will be included on her album.

You guys should check this kid out

  Okay, he's married so technically he's not a kid, but he looks young to me so I'm going to stick with that label. 

Anyway, I got an email yesterday asking me to please check out James Dupré.  Now I get a lot of these requests and, although I always check them out, I don't always talk about them on the site.  Well I went over and checked out James' YouTube page and I wanted to make sure I mentioned him because he's so great.  I must say that when I first seen him I was't sure what to expect because he looks so young, but thankfully I was pleasantly surprised by his voice.  I've included a couple of videos, but he's got tons more so be sure to head over to his MySpace and YouTube to hear more covers and original songs.  He's in the process now of working with producers Kyle Lehning and Jerry Douglas and I can't wait to hear the result!  You can check out a little bio after the videos. 

Just so you know that he can sing faster songs too, he does a great Folsom Prison Blues here and Chicken Fried here.

- James Dupré is a country singer-songwriter from Bayou Chicot, Louisiana. He currently resides in Eunice, Louisiana with his wife, Kristen and three sons, Paul, Topher and Nickie. He works as a paramedic while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician.

- He has a unique style that follows traditional country music with a hint of folk rock influence. He is inspired by Jackson Browne, Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Waylon Jennings, Alison Krauss, John Lennon, James Taylor, Keith Whitley, and many others.

- While attending University of Louisiana at Monroehe joined a local church band called JGS. The band allowed James to develop his soulful voice and style.

- In the past year, James has posted over 80 home-recorded tracks on his Youtube and Myspace pages. He has gathered 2 million hits and thousands of fans, pushing his presence to the point where people from across the world are requesting songs, tour dates and album releases by the masses.

- As he becomes a household namehe remains humble and thankful. His videos on Youtube often begin with a gracious introduction and end with a courteous thank you.

- James is currently working with world renowned producers Kyle Lehning and Jerry Douglas, writing and recording in studio.

- He has played venues from Louisiana to California, ranging from his hometown bar 'The Dugout' to a show with the Sawmill Band at Evenings in Seville Square, which had 10,000 in attendance.

- Fans can visit his myspace page at www.myspace.com/jamesdupremusic to learn more. The majority of his music can be found on his youtube page at www.youtube.com/jamesdupremusic