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Features, Festivals

Cole Swindell Pens Heartwarming Letter Following Songwriter/Artist of the Year Win

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Cole Swindell was recently honored with the songwriter/artist of the year award from the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). He moved to Nashville with the dream of somehow becoming part of the music industry, no matter what form that may be. Swindell accepted the award via video message saying:

“It’s the biggest honor of my career by far because I moved to this town to be a songwriter…All I ever wanted to do was to write songs.”

He went from selling merchandise at Luke Bryan concerts, to opening for him, to headling his own tour!

 

Swindell has written #1 songs for himself as well as other huge acts. Just las year alone he earned 4 BMI awards for #1 songs he wrote for Thomas Rhett (“Get Me Some of That”), Luke Bryan (“Roller Coaster”), Florida Georgia Line (“This Is How We Roll”) as well as his own No. 1 “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.”

LIVE FROM COLE SWINDELL’S #1 PARTY “You Should Be Here.”

 

Since signing his record deal just over three years ago (July 13, 2013), Swindell has been the writer on eight No. 1 songs including five as a solo artist. His latest No. 1 included his career-defining Platinum-certified “You Should Be Here,” co-written with the NSAI Songwriter of the Year winner Ashley Gorley. The song joins Swindell’s first four No. 1 consecutive singles as a solo artist (including Gold-certified “Let Me See Ya Girl,” along with Platinum-certified hits “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” and “Chillin’ It”) from his Platinum selling self-titled debut album which tops his own record of being the only solo artist in the history of Country Aircheck/Mediabase to top the chart with his first FIVE singles. His current self-penned single “Middle of a Memory,” off of his second album You Should Be Here, is sitting at No. 5 on both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts and still climbing.

 

Swindell took the time to pen a letter to Nashville, thanking the beautiful city for being there for him, his family, his friends and his fans.

I signed my record deal with Warner on July 13th 2013, and had my first single picked, “Chillin’ It”. It was the best year of my life and I was in the middle of my radio tour when I got the call that we had lost my dad in a freak accident. How could that possibly be in the master plan? He was the best guy in the world, my biggest fan and was the first person I ever heard play the guitar and sing. I was in shock and lost. Who did I turn to?

Nashville. This town. My family. Country radio … It was like everyone had my back no matter what media partner, label, publishing company or PRO they worked for and I’ll never forget it. I realized that some of my heroes, like Dierks Bentley, had also lost their dads and were there for me. Things like that make me proud to live in THIS town and proud to be a part of this format.

“Country” means a lot more to me than the sound coming out of your speakers. To me it’s a big family. It’s how you treat others, how you were raised. It’s lyrics that can change your life. All that. We are all getting to do what we love and that’s because somebody took a chance on us.

Swindell just celebrated his latest #1 “You Should Be Here” which was inspired by the death of his father. Although the song is deeply personal to him, it has taken on a personal meaning for millions of others.

“You Should Be Here” will always be a special song for me. The first day it was played on country radio the messages I got on social media from fans everywhere broke my heart. I wanted to release a song that would help other people but hearing their stories made me know I wasn’t alone… it wasn’t about me anymore, it wasn’t about only my dad. It was for everyone that had been there and knew that pain. Your stories have and will continue to change me for the better. People asked, “How did you film the video and release a song that personal?” I never looked at it that way. The fans give me all they have and I will always do the same. Although I don’t like the circumstances of why I had to write the song. I know for a fact if my dad knew leaving this world a little early would inspire a song that would help so many, he would’ve had no problem with it. That’s the kind of guy he was. That’s the kind of guy I want to be. Every night I sing that song I know he’s there, best seat in the house no doubt.

Read the full letter: Cole Swindell Letter

Features, Interviews, Music

Morell Brown Talks Inspiration For His New Single “Without You (If I Have To)”

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R&B/Pop vocalist Morell Brown has just released his debut single “Without You (If I Have TO)” off his upcoming EP titled Side Effects.

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Morell told Variety Beat about his debut single:

“Without You (If I Have To)” is more of an anthem to me. It shows not only myself but my fans that you don’t need someone in your life who constantly hurts you. I love that it’s more of a reggae/pop vibe; it gets my fans jumping and shouting the lyrics out loud like they would during Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” This is one of my favourite songs on the EP because it has so many emotions and stories in it, and I feel men and women can definitely relate.

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Morell got real about why he wrote the song and it’s inspiring to see him be so honest about the depression he was dealing with.
I wrote this song myself— I was going through a really tough time with someone I was seeing at the time and it was making me feel so depressed; so I figured why don’t I just write and get my mind off of it, and that’s when “Without You (If I Have To)” was born.
The single, although about a difficult time is upbeat in rhythm and sound. Morell has been a victim of bullying and he writes and performs to help others get through difficult times, just like listening to music has helped him.
LISTEN TO “WITHOUT YOU (IF I HAVE TO)”
Morell definitely is on the right track with his debut single, which gives other males a chance to listen to another male artist and not be ashamed to be feeling the way they do. So often men have to put on a forefront and act as if they don’t have deep and emotional feelings. It’s inspiring and brave of Morell to share his personal struggles with so many who can now have these words to apply to their own life.
Morell is also releasing his debut EP Side Effects later this month! He told Variety Beat what fans can expect!
My EP Side Effects gives my fans an insight of what has been happening to me over the last 4 years; Break-ups, arguments, being cheated on, depression, family, and much more. It’s a great listen, especially if you’re a teenager because all of us go through this stuff one time or another, me and my fans would be connecting on a whole new level which would be great.
Be sure to pre-order Side Effects, out October 21!
EP Review, Features, Music

Lauren Davidson is on a Mission With Her Debut EP ‘Hear Me’ – Listen

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But there’s a Fire burning in me / A heat that only I feel / And I’m creating a path of my own to build a life that feels real 

That set of lyrics from Lauren Davidson‘s new song “Don’t Stop” sets the tone for her entire EP, titled Hear Me. “Don’t Stop” is the first track off the EP Hear Me available now! The song is about chasing what you want in life and never letting it go. Davidson is no stranger to chasing dreams and what it take to achieve them. Her father is also a songwriter and a frequent collaborator with his daughter. They co-wrote four of the five  songs on Hear Me together!

 

The EP consists of 5 songs and is Davidson’s debut EP! It has a theme of independence and along with a drive to achieve goals and dreams. Davidson told Variety Beat about why she chose to name the EP Hear Me and why this EP is so important to her!

“Hear Me is my debut EP – it’s my introduction to the world as an artist, my way of saying “here I am” and “hear my voice, hear what I have to say.”It is also a track off of the EP and coincidentally the first song I ever wrote. This EP is so special to me for so many reasons and only one being that it’s the first of much to come. I’ve waited a long time to get this music out and I couldn’t be happier to share it with all of you!”

The EP shows diversity in songwriting and artist ability. “It’s You” takes a different spin on the phrase “It’s not you, it’s me” and directly says how it was in fact the other person that lead to the end of the relationship. It’s sung and presented in both and empowering and honest way that will ring true with many people struggling in relationships.

“Hear Me” takes up the country twang and sound while speaking about the need to be independent, strong and let one’s voice be heard.

 

“Sometimes” brings back a beautiful classic sound while being honest about the struggles and confusion of life in the most melodic way.

The EP ends on the song “Right Here With Me” which is the perfect ode to that special someone. Life with them is simply better and seems to make even the dark times in life sunnier.

Davidson has put out an EP she can be proud of and told Variety Beat about finding her voice:

“I have finally found my voice and my sound which I think really came to light during the recording process. There are so many talented women who I look up to and admire including Alanis Morisette, Grace Potter, Carrie Underwood that influence my music but I am also very influenced by my emotions and experiences when I write.”

The EP Hear Me is available for listening and downloading now!

Features, Music

Angie and The Deserters Release “You” Music Video! – Watch

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It’s you that I lie for

You that I die for

Got to move on without you

That is part of the chorus of Angie and The Deserters‘ new single “You.” The song and video both reflect a relationship that is no longer what it use to be, but it’s hard to let go of that person that has been a part of your life for so long. The music video, which is shot in black and white add to the already haunting quality the song has.

WATCH THE “YOU” MUSIC VIDEO

“You” will resonate with many listeners as so many can think back about a relationship, whether romantic in nature or not, that hasn’t been healthy. Relationships can be emotionally damaging and as hard as it is to let that person go, it’s what’s best for both of you so that you can be free of the emotional turmoil attached with hanging on.

Angie Bruyere is the lead singer who is originally from upstate New York. She grew up exploring the backwoods and train tracks of her home which helped inspire the imaginations of her lyrics and melodies. In 2014 the group caught the eye of Fender Guitar company who took notice of Angie after the release of their album, West Of The Night,  featured singles “Mason Jar” and “Goodbyes.” Fender even featured Angie as their artist of the month! Angie also caught the eye of Nashville with her sound and lyrics.

 
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The Deserters are made up of guitarists Kyle Stevens (Bang Tango),  Danny
Hulsizer (Gutter Boy) and  pedal steel player Chris Lawrence. The latest Single from them “The Gift” debuted on Radio Indie Alliance‘s charts at #1, it also reached #4 on The Alternate Roots top ten songs of the week! So their new release is highly anticipated!

On October 7th,  Angie and The Deserters will release their new EP which is titled the same as their single and brand new video You!

Angie says that she wrote “You” about a relationship that is fading due to secrets and thoughts that can no longer be hidden. She also talks about when she wrote it.

“It was written while I was touring with the London Quireboys in England. I was on the tour bus driving though the English countryside, and wrote it one long night with Guy Griffin about what was going on back home in Los Angeles.”

The EP You comes out on October 7th! More information can be found at http://www.angieandthedeserters.com/

 

EP Review, Features, Interviews, Music

Marit Larsen Opens Up About Her New EP ‘Joni Was Right II’ and Writing With Joy Williams – Listen

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Norwegian, singer, songwriter Marit Larsen has just released her latest EP, Joni Was Right II. This is a follow up EP from her independent release, Joni Was Right, which amassed over 1.6 million streams on Spotify.  You may remember Larsen from the duo, M2M, whose debut single, “Don’t Say You Love Me” became a global hit.

Larsen was featured as “Songwriter of the Week” on American Songwriter and her album, When the Morning Comes,  received rave reviews in Norway and earned her two nominations for the Norwegian Grammy, “Spellemansprisen,” in the categories Best Lyricist and Best Composer.

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Joni was right II features five songs all produced and arranged by Larsen. The EP features the track, “Winter Never Lasts Forever.” “Winter Never Lasts Forever” was co-written by Joy Williams, formerly of The Civil Wars. The song features a powerful vocal performance by Larsen, with a soothing, melodic backing track. This perfectly embellishes the lyrical content of the song:

Set your little heart on fire / Go on / Step into the dark / You will never lose your way / No matter how far you stray

 

The rest of the tracks each tell their own story, with Larsen’s voice bringing them to life. Listening to the EP is a refreshing journey as Larsen proves to not only have strong vocals but a long lost sound of raw, talented vocals that aren’t drowned out by production. Joni Was Right II is filled with songs that tell stories in a way that will take listeners on a visual journey.  We got to interview Larsen about her EP, check out the interview below!

Variety Beat: How would you describe the overall feeling of your new EP Joni Was Right II?

Marit Larsen: To me, this EP sounds like September. Bittersweet, longing, hopeful, sun drenched, dwelling, ever-changing September. My favorite. It is filled with little hints and nods to Joni Mitchell both lyrically and musically. 

Variety Beat: Were there certain instances that happened that inspired some of the songs on Joni Was Right II

Larsen: Like every other song I’ve written, sparks stood out from the rest and slowly materialized into something more interesting. «Joni was right» is a lyric about childhood, about changing perspectives, excitement and eventually growing up. «Bluebelle mountain» is a metaphor about friendship and a tribute to my new favorite pastime.

Variety Beat: How did your co-write with Joy Williams come about and what was it like writing with her?

Larsen: We met through a mutual friend who is also a brilliant songwriter. The three of us collaborated beautifully; she has a unique presence and is a wandering poet. 

Variety Beat: What’s the most important part about making music to you?

Larsen: I’m in love with the whole journey of it. Getting an idea, struggling to let it unfold, deciding when it’s complete, then arranging, imagining and producing it and leaving something in the world that would not have existed had it not been for that spark and moment in time. It’s definitely got a magical flair to it.

Variety Beat: What’s in store for you following the release of your EP?

Larsen: We’re wrapping up a tour in Norway, then I’m flying out to Brooklyn, NY to spend some time in my new home there. Meanwhile, I’ll keep spreading the word about ‘Joni was right’ online through my little indie label. This is such a wild year for us. 

Variety Beat: What’s something you want fans to know about you?

Larsen: My home is where my music is, and even if I may not have been to your city for a while, I keep you in mind when I create new things and adore all the feedback I get on my socials. I’m so thankful for all the devoted ears and hearts out there.

Listen to Marit Larsen’s EP!