All posts by Kyle3194

Song Suffragettes’ Lena Stone Releases Debut Single “Nervous” – Listen!

Audio February 17, 2017 Kyle3194 Leave a comment

Lena Stone has been living in Nashville for a few years and her debut single, “Nervous” is now here. Stone is originally from Massachusetts and decided to take the plunge and move to Nashville at the age of 18. Stone is one of the co-anchors of Song Suffragettes, which is a weekly show that showcases some of the most talented female songwriters in Nashville. In June of 2014, Stone signed her first publishing deal with The Song Factory. Stone has also written with many fellow songwriters and achieved independent success as one of the co-writers on Kalie Shorr‘s “Fight Like A Girl.” Today, Stone is releasing her debut single and looking to release her debut EP in the near future.

“Nervous” Song Review

“Nervous” is a flirtatious song all about how a girl can make a guy nervous. It is about the beginnings of a relationship where you are still getting a feel for one another and figuring one another out. Stone expresses her idea of what this could be and the thought behind it. The song’s first verse opens up with:

When I bought this dress I’m wearing / I knew I’d catch you staring / And it’s cute how you’re trying not to / I sit down way too close / And pretend like I don’t know / I’m driving you out of your mind

The song expresses the fun side to a relationship where the girl is purposely trying to make the guy nervous and the guy’s reaction to those actions. The chorus blissfully describes this scenario:

I love making you nervous / Making you sweat, making you guess / If it’s all on purpose / Brushing your leg, stealing your breath / Watching your eyes light up, getting your tongue tied up / Boy I know it’s working / I love making you nervous

WATCH LENA STONE PERFORM “NERVOUS”

Stone’s vocals pop through the playful lyrics and it’s instantly stuck in your head. She has the ability to string you along the story of the song and a clear picture of what is being described. Stone’s voice is also one that will have you belting out lyric after lyric before you know it. Stone has one of the most encapsulating voices in the Nashville scene that has the pop sound while having the soothing country flare. “Nervous” also features a catchy backtrack that perfectly captures the upbeat lyrics and feelings described throughout the song. It makes the listener begin to feel what this feeling is described by Stone and leaves them wanting more. Your repeat button will be working overtime with this song.

“Nervous” has the potential to be a major breakthrough hit for Stone for good reason. It offers a different take on a romantically based song that is heard on the airwaves today. Stone’s voice paired with her raw songwriting talent, is the beginning inner workings of what separates a good artist from a superstar artist. Be sure to keep an eye on future releases from Stone in the near future.

It’s finally here!! #NERVOUS 2.17.17 pic.twitter.com/e7eOU7IHn0

— Lena Stone (@lenastonemusic) February 17, 2017

Purchase “Nervous” on iTunes!

Nervous – Single by Lena Stone

Interviews, Music

Interview: Sarah Darling Talks About Her New Album ‘Dream Country’

February 4, 2017 Kyle3194 Leave a comment

It has been a few years since Sarah Darling‘s last album, but she is now set to release her long overdue album, Dream Country, on February 10th. Darling has been in the country music scene for many years with multiple appearances at the famed Grand Ole Opry. Darling has released several albums, garnering over a half million downloads worldwide, with two #1 videos on CMT and GAC. Darling has opened for artists such as Carrie Underwood and Kacey Musgraves, among others.

Dream Country takes listeners on a journey through aspirations, with songs about the stars, dreams and romance. Each track on the album blissfully describes an emotion or experience with Darling’s soothing voice, backed by a cinematic sound. Songs like Halley’s Comet has a very special undertone with comparisons to the free-spirited and awe-inspiring Halley’s Comet. The song takes you on a journey through the past, where Darling experiences her doubts and wonders where her life will take her. The lyrics describe Darling’s feelings and all the magical parts of life brought upon by gazing at Halley’s Comet.

Listen to Sarah Darling’s “Halley’s Comet”

Continuing with the dreamy theme of the stars, Starry Eyes, is a letter to your younger self with advice on how to deal with the struggles of life. The lyrics describe the sense of hope and light through the darkness of bad experiences. It is a life lesson to never give up on yourself and to keep on pushing through. Darling pleads for this younger self to “keep those Starry Eyes” and to always keep that twinkle in their eye, to become one of the brightest stars of the world.

Dream Country takes a step back from the modern country limelight with simple backing tracks and elegant guitar strums, piano, violin and various other instruments. The entire album plays like a symphony to one’s journey through all of life’s hardships and greatest treasures. Darling’s voice perfectly encompasses this overall tone of the album with each note enchanting the listener, leaving them in a dream-like state to fully take in each and every lyric. Overall, Dream Country, is a solid album that captures the spirit of dreamers everywhere and brings them on an unforgettable journey among the stars.

We had the chance to interview Darling about her latest release, check out the interview below!

Variety Beat: How did you come up with the title, Dream Country?

Sarah Darling: While I was recording the record, I actually came up with the title. I had a friend pop over to the studio to listen to the first cuts, and I remember him telling me it sounded country, cinematic. Then the term “Dream Country” came out of my mouth and it stuck ever since. It’s a world I’ve created.

VB: What are some of your inspirations behind the songs on this album?

SD: I’m very much inspired by traveling to places and beauty. A lot of the tunes on my album capture the wide open spaces which have always been close to my heart. I grew up in small town Iowa, where I had lots of room to dream. I think this subject floats through Dream Country quite a bit. I almost feel like I’m a travel songwriter!

VB: Typically, how are these songs written and what was it like working with different songwriters?

SD: Working with each songwriter is completely different every time. I find that I write my best work with my close friends. I think there’s an openness and honesty that pops out. For example, I wrote the track “Montmartre” about my love affair with Paris with my best friend Jenn Bostic. Writing with her is like a girls night out with wine but bonus, we write a song! My other favorite writing process was “Where Cowboys Ride.” I wrote it with Zach Runquist. We both adore Wyoming, and literally wrote a song looking at images of golden fields and wide open skies. It’s a mixed bag but that’s what’s amazing about being a songwriter.

VB: How does this album differ than your past work?

SD: It’s a lot different from my past work I would say. There was a lot more creative freedom and exploring while making this project. I had always dreamed about making a string heavy record and I did it! I wanted the tracks to tell a story to the listener. I also experimented crossing over into other genres which was fun.

VB: How has your musical influences or style changed with this new album?

SD: Not much has changed as far as influences go, but I almost feel like the pool just got bigger. There’s a big appreciation for so many types of music. I love seeing Chris Stapleton add his thing to country music! I love anyone who inspires me.

VB: What separates this album apart from other albums that are currently out?

SD: I haven’t heard anything like it, and that’s great from my stand point. It’s country mixed with dreaminess with a dash of strings. I did me, and it happened to be different. I think this is good advice for any artist. Always be yourself in what you do.

VB: What do you hope listeners take away from this album?

SD: I hope listeners dream a littler bigger and shine a little brighter. It’s really encouraging and I hope everyone gets to experience that. It was therapeutic for me when writing it!

VB: What are some of your future plans? (Tour, radio, next single)

SD: I will be touring like crazy this year both in the US and UK which is fun. My next single takes you to the West. That’s my only hint! I also have some gorgeous videos I’ll be releasing all this year from my travels abroad. Can’t wait.

Dream Country is available Febraury 10, 2017. Pre-order here.

Tracklisting:

Authors, Interviews

Interview With New York Times Best Selling Author Tom Carter on His Latest Release ‘Nashville: Music & Murder’

January 20, 2017 Kyle3194 Leave a comment

Tom Carter is a renowned author who has co-written countless autobiographies for legendary artists such as Reba McEntire, Merle Haggard and George Jones. Carter has had a success career as an author with his first of seven books to appear on the New York Times best-sellers list. Cater’s autobiography titled, Memories: The Autobiography of Ralph Emery, climbed all the way to the number-two spot. Carter is also currently set to release an autobiography on Jason Aldean in 2017.

Cater has written a total of 18 books over the course of his career with more in the works. Carter’s latest book, Nashville: Music and Murder, is his first Fiction novel that tells the untold story of the music industry. Taking place in the heart of Nashville, the book covers the lifestyle of Maci, who is a major country star and tells the story behind all of the cameras. Maci barely escaped her death after an estranged fan targeted her during a live performance. The book draws you in as you will follow the mysterious murder attempts and dig deeper into the chaos that surrounds the life of Maci. The book will be sure to intrigue anyone who has interest in the Country music world and the glimpse into the life of a music star.

Nashville: Music & Murder is available for Pre-Order and will be out February 7, 2017!

We got to interview Carter about his experience as an author over his 46 years:

Variety Beat: What does the typical writing process consists of?

Tom Carter: IF THE BOOK IS NON-FICTION, THE WRITER MUST DISCOVER THEN ASSEMBLE THE TRUE FACTS IN COMPREHENSIVE AND APPEALING SENTENCES.IF THE BOOK IS FICTION, THE WRITER MUST CREATE “ARTIFICIAL FACTS,” THEN WEAVE THEM INTO ENTERTAINING SENTENCES WHICH USHER EACH INTO THE NEXT.

Variety Beat: Is this process different from writing a book that is not an autobiography?

Tom Carter: NASHVILLE: MUSIC & MURDER IS A NOVEL. A NOVEL IS FICTION. AS MENTIONED ABOVE, THE FORMAT OF A NOVEL IS MARKEDLY DIFFERENT FROM NON-FICTION. AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY IS NON-FICTION.

Variety Beat: How much research goes into the topic before you start to write the book?

Tom Carter: NASHVILLE: MUSIC & MURDER IS A MYSTERY THRILLER. I IMPLEMENTED THE FORMAT OF CREATING A HEINOUS CRIME IN THE FIRST CHAPTER, THEN SPRINKLED FICTIONAL FACTS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK TO HELP THE READER SURMISE WHO COMMITTED THE CRIME, AND ENSUING EQUALLY HORRIFIC CRIMES. ALL THE WHILE, I HAD TO LET THE STORY’S PROTAGONIST, “MACI WILLIS,” UNDERGO ANCILLARY YET RIVETING ORDEALS. THE READER NEEDED TO WONDER JUST WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT, AND JUST WHAT CHARACTERS WERE BEHIND MS. WILLIS’ CONTINUOUS AND OFTEN FATAL MISFORTUNES.

Variety Beat: What was it like working with some of the most recognizable names in country music?

Tom Carter: I HAVE WRITTEN ELEVEN AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, NON-FICTION BOOKS ABOUT THE CHRONOLOGIES OF RONNIE MILSAP, RALPH EMERY, BUDDY KILLEN, GLEN CAMPBELL, REBA McENTIRE, GEORGE JONES, MERLE HAGGARD, TAMMY WYNETTE, THE REV. LARRY JONES (FOUNDER OF FEED THE CHILDREN), JASON ALDEAN AND, AN ANTHOLOGY OF SEVENTEEN WIVES, EACH OF WHOM ARE MARRIED TO THE BIGGEST STARS IN COUNTRY MUSIC. EACH CELEBRITY WIFE TRUSTED ME TO INTERVIEW THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WHO’VE DOTTED THEIR LIVES. OBVIOUSLY, I HAD TO INTERVIEW EACH CELEBRITY AUTHOR. IN EACH AUTOBIOGRAPHY, THE CELEBRITY AUTHOR HAD CREATIVE AND CONTENT CONTROL. I WAS THE WRITER. EACH CELEBRITY’S MANUSCRIPT WAS RE-WRITTEN BY ME UNTIL THE PROSE PLEASED THEM. THE MAJORITY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AUTOBIOGRAPHERS WERE COOPERATIVE DURING THE RESEARCH AND WRITING PROCESS. WITH ONE EXCEPTION, EACH BOOK REQUIRED FROM ONE TO TWO YEARS TO WRITE AND PUBLISH.

Variety Beat: Is there anything new that you learned while working with them?

Tom Carter: CELEBRITIES ARE OFTEN INSECURE AND PLAGUED WITH MOOD SWINGS. THEY AREN’T NECESSARILY MALICIOUS PEOPLE. THEY’RE JUST NORMAL FOLKS FACING ABNORMALLY HIGH STRESS LEVELS INHERENT TO TRAVELING, MEETING DEADLINES, DEPENDING ON UNDEPENDABLE PEOPLE, ROAD WEARY, LONELY AND OTHER TRAUMAS THAT DON’T FACE MOST PEOPLE. LITERARY WRITERS, SUCH AS MYSELF, FACE SIMILAR PERSONALITY NEUROSES THAT OFTEN COMBINE WITH THE PERSONALITY DEFICITS AMONG FAMOUS ENTERTAINERS. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, I HAVE MESHED WITH MY CELEBRITY AUTHOR CLIENTS.

Variety Beat: Is there anyone that you are hoping to work with on a new book? Why?

Tom Carter: I HAVE A FEW CELEBRITIES IN MIND. EACH HAS ENJOYED THE TRIUMPHANT OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. BY THAT, I MEAN CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE OVERCOME HARDSHIPS SUCH AS POVERTY, REJECTION, THEFT FROM PEOPLE THEY TRUSTED, DIVORCES, DEATHS, ADDICTIONS AND PHYSICAL MALADIES THAT HAVE JEOPARDIZED OR OUTRIGHT ENDED THEIR CAREERS, AND SOMETIMES THEIR LIVES. THE COUNTRY MUSIC INDUSTRY IS LACED WITH MANY SUCH CELEBRITIES WHO’VE FACED LIFE ON LIFE’S TERMS, ONLY TO RISE TO THEIR CAREER PINNACLES AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Variety Beat: How do these particular books differ from other autobiographies?

Tom Carter: COUNTRY MUSIC AUTOBIOGRAPHIES ARE REAL BOOKS THAT I’VE CO-WRITTEN WITH REAL PEOPLE. MANY OTHER CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGAPHIES FOCUS ON TELEVISION, MOTION PICTURE OR POLITICAL CELEBRITIES. THE LATTER “STARS” ARE BORN IN WEALTH, ATTEND PRIVATE SCHOOLS, GET EXPENSIVE SPORTS CARS WHEN THEY’RE 16 AND GET A YEAR ROMPING ACROSS EUROPE AS A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PRESENT. THEY ATTEND PRIVATE COLLEGES WHERE THEY GRADUATE WITH STOCK IN THEIR DADDY’S EMPIRE WHERE THEY’RE GIVEN “TITLES” FOR JOBS THEY DON’T FILL. I DON’T CO-WRITE WITH PEOPLE WHO THINK THAT A BIRD DROPPING POOP ON THEIR MERCEDES’S IS A FATAL TRAGEDY.

Variety Beat: Can you tell us a little about your new project coming out in February and what was it like to work on a murder-mystery book?

Tom Carter: NASHVILLE: MUSIC & MURDER was written entirely by me for me. It was difficult to make the protagonist likable, although she was a mood-swinging, embittered, jaded country star whose childhood was rooted in domestic violence and paternal rape. She disliked her career and hated her life. I drew from personal observations of some country music female celebrities who were self-destructive as young women, and more so in mid-life. I also discovered the struggle of giving readers enough clues to keep them interested in the riveting plot, but not enough to project the story’s ending. Juggling the storyline, the back story, characters’ developments and suspicion of disbelief were challenging, exhaustive and fulfilling. I’m eager to see this book succeed, and proceed with a sequel.

Music

Variety Beat’s 18 Artists to Obsess Over in 2017

December 29, 2016 Kyle3194 Leave a comment

2016 is quickly coming to a close and with that another year of music ends as well. In 2016 we saw many new artists breakthrough such as Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Brett Young and Brothers Osborne among others. We will be looking forward to which artists will breakthrough in 2017 and ones we are still gonna be obsessing about. Here is our list (in no particular order) for 18 artists that should be on your radar in the upcoming year.

Brooke Eden

Eden released her debut EP, “Welcome To The Weekend,” this year and is slated to release her full length album later in 2017. Eden has opened for artists such as Alan Jackson, Dierks Bentley and Tim McGraw to name a few. Eden also made her Grand Ole Opry Debut on November 19th. With Eden’s raw vocal talent and high intensity live shows, Eden is one you will not want to miss in 2017. Eden is also currently scheduled to play at Luke Bryan’s, Crash My Playa and at Stagecoach next year.

Notable Songs: “Act Like You Don’t,” “Diamonds” and “Silence Speaks”

Kelleigh Bannen

Bannen has had a whirlwind of an adventure in 2016 with the departure from her record label. However, that did not stop Bannen from having an incredible year and releasing her debut EP, “Cheap Sunglasses” in June of 2016. Bannen currently also runs a blog and podcast (free on iTunes) titled, This Nashville Life, which gives a behind the scenes look at what it is like being an artist in Nashville. Our Editor was also on the podcast and you can listen to it here! Bannen’s vocals instantly grab your attention and you will be hearing a lot more from her in 2017. Bannen is also currently scheduled to play at Luke Bryan’s, Crash My Playa, in January 2017.

Notable Songs: “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Welcome to the Party” and “Once Upon A”

Ryan Hurd

Hurd has had a successful career as a hit songwriter. Writing songs like Blake Shelton’s “Lonely Tonight,” Dierks Bentley’s “I’ll Be The Moon,” and Florida Georgia Line’s “Island.” In 2016 Hurd released some songs of his own on Spotify and is currently working on new music in the upcoming year. Hurd’s unique voice sets him apart from other artists and is making a name for himself. Hurd is currently gearing up for his tour with Maren Morris on select dates and with Thomas Rhett starting in the end of February.

Notable Songs: “Hold You Back,” “Love in a Bar” and “City Girl”

Kalie Shorr

Shorr has had a successful 2016 with her debut single, “Fight Like A Girl,” which received significant airplay on Sirius XM’s The Highway. Shorr is also featured as a Highway Find and earned a spot to play at the CMA Music Festival Kick Off Concert during CMA Fest this past year. Shorr also currently plays every Monday night at Song Suffragettes along with other female songwriters. Shorr has a voice that is grabbing the attention of Nashville and is on the verge of stardom in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Fight Like A Girl,” “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “Break the Breakup”

Carly Pearce

Pearce has been making a big splash in 2016 and is looking to continue the success into 2017. Pearce’s fierce attitude and one of a kind vocals makes her a clear standout from the rest. Pearce was the duo partner on Josh Abbott Band’s song “Wasn’t That Drunk,” which also lead to a live performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live over the summer. Pearce has also been getting significant airplay on Sirius XM’s The Highway with her latest single, “Every Little Thing,” and has opened for artists such as Kelsea Ballerini, Josh Abbott Band and Eli Young Band. Keep an eye out for upcoming releases from Pearce in 2017, she is one that you will not want to miss.

Notable Songs: “Blame The Whiskey,” “Wasn’t That Drunk” and “Every Little Thing”

Lindsay Ell

Ell is originally from Canada, but is currently residing in Nashville. Ell is known for her killer guitar playing skills with a strong vocal talent to go along with it. Ell has opened up for artists like Brad Paisley, The Raging Idiots, and Eric Paslay all in 2016. Ell also shared the stage with Carrie Underwood as a guitar player during Underwood’s performance at the 2016 CMA Awards. Ell released her second single, “All Alright,” this year and she is currently working on a future project that is due out in 2017. Ell will also be opening for Brad Paisley‘s Life Amplified Tour in February.

Notable Songs: “By the Way,” “All Alright” and “Criminal”

Luke Combs

Combs recently signed with Columbia Nashville under the Sony Music Group in October of 2016. Combs released his debut single “Hurricane,” which has been gaining in popularity and reached the Billboard Hot Country Top 40. Combs offers a new sound that will have you listening to his debut EP on repeat. Combs is currently gearing up for his opening spot on Brantley Gilbert‘s The Devil Don’t Sleep Tour in early 2017. 2017 is looking to be a huge year for Combs with no signs of slowing down.

Notable Songs: “Hurricane,” “Used to You” and “Memories Are Made Of”

Runaway June

Runaway June is a trio with members, Naomi Cookes, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne. Runaway June brings in a new dynamic to country radio that has not been heard since the Dixie Chicks. Runaway June’s debut single, “Lipstick,” recently reached the top 30 at country radio, which is the first time in over a decade that an all-female trio has accomplished this feat. Runaway June also shared the stage with Carrie Underwood at the 2016 CMA Awards. With Cookes on lead vocals and jaw-dropping harmonies, Runaway June creates an organic sound that is unlike any other group. Look for Runaway June to make a huge splash in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Lipstick,” “Wild West” and “Blue Roses”

Jamie Lynn Spears

Spears first shined with her debut single, “How Could I Want More,” which was released back in late 2013. Spears also released her debut EP, The Journey, in 2014 and her latest single, “Sleepover,” in the summer of 2016. Spears also has had success as a songwriter with Jana Kramer‘s “I Got the Boy,” which entered the top 10 on Country airplay. Spears’ authentic sound and natural songwriting skills creates a fresh Country sound. Spears has been working with some of the biggest songwriters in Nashville and has over 100 songs under her belt. Be on the look out for future releases by Spears in the upcoming year.

Notable Songs: “Sleepover,” “How Could I Want More” and “Run”

Olivia Lane

Lane’s country twang is infused with pop influences to create a distinguishing sound with colorful lyrics to express her life experiences, that sets her apart. Lane released her self-titled EP in the summer of 2016 with the lead single, “Make My Own Sunshine.” Lane has an infectious, bubbly personality that shines while she is on stage. Lane has opened for artists such as Wynonna and Frankie Ballard and she is currently getting ready for her She Fits Tour, which will bring a free concert to lucky contest winners. Lane is constantly in the studio and writing new music for future releases, be on the look out for a full length album in the near future.

Notable Songs: “Make My Own Sunshine,” “Quarter Life Crisis” and “You Part 2”

Russell Dickerson

Dickerson has just recently signed to Sony Music and is gearing up to release his debut single, “Yours,” to Country radio in 2017. Dickerson released his debut EP, Yours, in 2016 which features four songs. Dickerson’s songs have been featured on Sirius XM’s The Highway and his EP debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Heart Seeker Chart. Dickerson has opened for artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Canaan Smith and Billy Currington, bringing his high energy stage presence. Dickerson is currently finishing up his first headlining tour and is then heading out on the road on Thomas Rhett‘s Home Team Tour in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma” and “MGNO”

Courtney Cole

Cole has already gained the attention from female superstar, Miranda Lambert, opening for Lambert on her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour in 2015. Cole currently has her four song EP, #NoFilter, on Spotify and just released her newest song, “Free.99.” Cole features modern-day production while still producing a natural Country sound that is her own. Cole’s voice is one that you will be hearing a lot more of and be on the look out for new music in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Drunk,” “Loud” and “Fall Like Rain”

Mallary Hope

Some of you may recognize Hope from Darius Rucker‘s previous two albums, being his duet partner on two of songs. Hope was also a co-writer of Lauren Alaina‘s song, “Georgia Peaches” and “The Locket” back in late 2011. Since then, Hope has released some of her own music with her songs “Love Lives On” and “Blossom In the Dust” both reaching the top 50 on the charts. This past year Hope signed with Curb Records and is currently in the process of recording her debut Christian album due out next year. With Hope’s soothing voice with her hitting high notes so effortlessly, it is clear to see why she is one to be on the lookout for in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Love Lives On,” “Blossom In the Dust” and “I Will Love You Still”

William Michael Morgan

Morgan has had his first breakout moment in his career with his debut single, “I Met a Girl,” reaching the #1 spot on the Country Airplay Charts. Along with this, Morgan released his debut album, Vinyl, in 2016. Morgan brings the classic country sound to the mainstream while creating a sound that fans new and old will love. Morgan’s deep lyrically content and life experiences pens together memorable songs that fans alike can relate to. Be sure to keep Morgan on your radar in 2017 as you will be hearing more and more of him.

Notable Songs: “I Met a Girl,” “Vinyl” and “Backseat Driver”

Mary Sarah

Sarah was recently on the season 10 of NBC‘s The Voice, where she reached the top 5 and wowed fans of the show. Sarah also released her debut album back in 2015 and more recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut back on May 31st of this past year. Sarah has the vocal ability to hit any note which is paired with her natural Country sound. Sarah also has the ability to sing songs of the past with ease and add her own spin to those classics, along with modern-day sound. Keep an eye out on Sarah as she is busy in the studio looking to put out new music in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Dress Up This Town,” “More Jack Than Ice” and “There Goes That Memory Again”

Livy Jeanne

Jeanne is Alberta-born singer who has just recently made the move to Nashville this year. Jeanne has had success in Canada with two of her songs charting on Canadian radio charts. Jeanne was also a 2016 CCMA Discovery Program finalist, which is a program that seeks to find the next big country music star. Jeanne released her debut album in 2015 and has worked with hit songwriters such as Phil Barton and Danny Myrick. Jeanne’s effortless and full of life voice, brings in a refreshing sound that keeps fans wanting more. Jeanne is currently working hard on new music that will be out sometime in the near future.

Notable Songs: “I Got Your Number,” “80 Proof” and “Fake It Past Goodbye”

Megan & Liz

Twin sisters, Megan Mace and Liz Mace have recently made the switch from Pop to Country in the past few years and are starting to make a big splash. Megan & Liz are currently featured with My Country Nation and they also work closely with Radio Disney Country. Most recently, Megan & Liz released their second EP in early 2016 along with other singles spread throughout the year. Megan & Liz have also opened for artists like Russell Dickerson on his most recent tour. Megan & Liz bring a dynamic sound to the scene with flawless harmonies that will turn heads wherever they are performing. Megan & Liz are on the cusp of stardom and are well on their way to breakout in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Drive,” “Almost” and “New at This”

Hayley Orrantia

Some of you may be familiar with Orrantia from ABC’s hit comedy, The Goldbergs or from The X Factor where Orrantia reached the Top 9 a part of the group, Lakoda Rayne in 2011. Today, Orrantia has been working with top Nashville producers and songwriters such as Mark Bright and Corey Crowder. Orrantia’s latest single “Strong, Sweet & Southern” was released back in September. Orrantia proves to be someone to keep an eye on with her outgoing personality paired with her crisp and mellifluous voice. Orrantia has been working on her forthcoming EP that is due out some time in 2017.

Notable Songs: “Love Sick,” “Until Then” and “Strong, Sweet & Southern”

With 2017 just around the corner there is no telling what this year will bring. Who will become the next big artist? That question does not have an answer, but what is for certain is that there are an endless amount of artists on the brink of stardom. There is no telling what 2017 can bring to the music scene and the possibilities are endless.

Spotify Playlist of Artists Featured

Features, Music, Pop

Upcoming Pop Artist Isabella Releases Debut Single “Olé” – Watch!

Video December 21, 2016 Kyle3194 Leave a comment

Upcoming pop artist Isabella has just recently released her debut single, “Olé,” along with the music video. Born as Kelly Isabelle Chiappini, Isabella is a Puerto Rican/French singer and songwriter, who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Isabella’s style is an international sound, combining pop music with a Caribbean Latin flair, with lyrics in English, Spanish and French. In 2016, Isabella collaborated with Capital Records‘ artist, BJ The Chicago Kid, on the single “Love Inside” on his debut album. Isabella’s musical influences includes artists such as La Lupe, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Juan Luis Guerra. Isabella is a graduate of the Lycée International and has also attended the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Colburn School of Performing Arts. This has led Isabella to realize that music is her passion and lead to the release of her debut song, “Olé.”

“Olé,” is the lead single from Isabella’s upcoming untitled EP that is slated to be released in 2017. The song tells the story of a king who is willing to sacrifice everything for the love of the world. It is influenced by gypsy culture and flamenco in southern Spain. The percussion reflects the sounds of Puerto Rico, the diversity of the culture and Isabella’s musical influences. Isabella told Variety Beat:

“Olé is very personal to me as it is about true and everlasting love. It symbolizes a love story between a king and a young woman. It also means more to me than a relationship between two people who deeply love one another; it is a reflection of the past and what will happen in the future because of this love.”

Along with the single, Isabella has released a music video to compliment the song. Isabella talks about the inspiration for the music video:

“Flamenco culture was the main inspiration for the video. I intended to use visuals that would reflect a modern, pop artist version of international Andalusian flamenco. The director and I worked together to have dynamic and colorful visuals that represented both the song’s storyline and myself as an artist.”

“Olé” will also be included on Isabella’s upcoming EP that will feature songs written from a place of passion, and is introspective of what it means to love. The central theme of the EP is everlasting love, with all the songs featuring reoccurring characters and anecdotes from Isabella’s personal life. Be sure to keep an eye out next year for the full EP!

Watch the Music Video Below!

Purchase the Song Below!

Olé – Single ISABELLA

Variety Beat