Originally hailing from Alabama, before finding a home in North Carolina, Johnny Dailey and his family moved to Nashville, TN several years back to give country music all he’s got. He has a passion for telling stories through his songs and is inspired by what he knows.
With CMA Fest finally back for the first time in three years, Dailey had the opportunity to play the CMA Spotlight Stage inside fan fair hall. Getting to introduce his music at the biggest country music festival was definitely a highlight.
Variety Beat sat down with Daily to talk about his current single “Beers in It” along with the inspiration behind the music video. His family is very involved in providing feedback for his music and they get to be his first audience. His down-to-earth nature makes him immediately lovable. Be sure to check out the interview below along with his official music video. We also chatted about his favorite beer and a secret talent fans might not know about him!
WATCH- INTERVIEW WITH JOHNNY DAILEY AT CMA FEST
WATCH- “BEERS IN IT” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
About Johnny Dailey
Johnny Dailey discovered his love for country music as a kid riding around in his cousin’s truck listening to songs. When his dad gave him his first acoustic guitar at the age of 12, his destiny was all but set in stone. Following high school, the Trussville, AL, native moved to Charleston, SC, where he honed his performance chops playing original songs up and down the city’s infamous King Street. Nashville quickly took notice and, in the summer of 2018, he, wife Michelle and son Cooper began the next chapter of their lives in Music City.
“I grew up loving country music,” says Johnny. “I’ve always had a desire to tell my story through song and have it connect with people in some way. Songs have always been a source of comfort for me and I’ve always wanted to sing songs that provide that comfort for other people. It’s a good feeling when you know someone else has been in your shoes.”
The rising country star, with his anthemic, feel-good brand of Country music, signed his first major publishing deal in 2019 and is now signed to a global publishing deal with Endurance Music Group. Johnny is currently focused on his songwriting and honing in on his sound. When he’s not writing and performing in Nashville, Johnny enjoys spending time on his family’s farm, making furniture, taking trips to Charleston and surfing.
CMA Fest was finally back after a three year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. It was an especially exciting time as it marked the first time Belles was able to perform during the 4 day music festival in Nashville, TN. Hailing from Nebraska, Belles has spent three years on the road with Jojo Siwa.
As a new solo artist, Belles told Variety Beat about the transition from a duo (formerly with her mom, her brother also plays drums for her!). Writing constantly, it felt only natural to become more of a solo focus. With her family’s full support, she is starting to show the world what she can do. Her mother and brother still perform with her at shows as part of her band.
Belles loves spending time off with an adorable pup and even takes time to knit in her spare time. She told us about a time where there was a collision with a camel, some amazing songwriters she’s been working with, her latest single “He Gave Me a Ring,” and that she has new music coming out in just a few weeks!
Check out our interview below and her latest single! Stay tuned for new music from Belles, coming soon!
WATCH- BELLES INTERVIEW AT CMA FEST 2022
Watch- OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “HE GAVE ME A RING”
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to interview country duo Smithfield. It was a lovely summer day in Los Angeles and I listened as Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith told me their story. The pair have been family friends for such a long time and started their duo a decade ago. Hailing from Texas and sharing such a unique bond has allowed them to withstand the test of time. When you listen to their music, you will be transported to a sound that isn’t as common in country music today, the blending harmonies of a male and female voice. The power of a male/female duo.
There have been a few male/female duo’s over the the last couple of decades, Thompson Square and Sugarland are the most prominent. There has been so much success with each group, and yet still not enough credit to the power of the male/female duo. I was able to talk to Smithfield about the power of the female/male duo and how much they bring to the table. The story telling and the chemistry they can share on stage. We spoke about how even though there have been other male/female duos, there hasn’t been as much success with getting airplay on the radio. We mentioned how successful trio Lady A has been with similar song content and the way their songs are designed to really give equal vocals to both a male and female voice.
It has been a couple of years since their last EP release, so we chatted about their upcoming release New Town and it felt like talking with old friends. Their EP, set to release June 16, is one that was truly made in a labor of love. The project was funded by a kickstarter campaign by their fans. Variety Beat is definitely proud to be one of those contributors. As such, we were also privy to listening to a couple of songs that have yet to be released. More on that below!
Fielder spoke about recording their EP New Town that wrapped up two days before the world shut down due to the global pandemic. The duo’s plan to release the new music kept getting pushed back as they realized this was not going to just be a quick shut down, but actually go on for months and months. Once time continued to pass they decided to wait to release their new music and instead release a Christmas song, which they have always wanted to do.
Now in 2021, there are new and exciting opportunities as the country begins to open back up. It finally feels like the right time to release the EP they made a year ago. The six song EP includes two previously released tracks, “Sunday Best” and “Something Sexy.” Fielder explained the theme of the EP and how each song tells a story inside of a story. The EP shares a story about the ups and downs of relationships. Fielder described “New Town” as that freshness and newness of falling in love with somebody. “Something Sexy” is about going to that next level where things begin to get very romantic. “Burning Wings” is when you hit a bump and hard blocks in relationships. It also has rock vibe to it, which made Trey extremely happy to hear since he used to be in a rock band prior to forming the duo Smithfield. Fielder continued to explain that “Sunday Best” is when you look past those hardships and love them anyway. “I’ll Never Stop” tells the story of when things don’t work out but you still have to keep going and you still have love for that person.
Since contributing to the kickstarter, I was able to listen to “Burning Wings” and “I’ll Never Stop.” I can say with confidence that there is something on this EP for anyone who has been in a relationship. The power and harmonies of the male/female duo is something that is unexplainable.
Kickstarter Photo Exclusive!
The duo will kick off their EP release with a full band show in Nashville, June 17 to celebrate the release. They are excited to sing all their own songs with a full capacity show. They are also excited to be headlining at a venue and are grateful for the opportunity to play for their fans and get back to playing live shows again after a year of not being able to perform. Be sure to check out their new EP New Town available everywhere music is streamed June 16!
The show will be streamed live on American Songwriter’s Facebook page, SmithField’s YouTube and Facebook, 3rd & Lindsley’s Facebook page, and nugs.net. This show comes on the heels of their highly anticipated EP, which is set to release on Wednesday, June 16. Pre-save/pre-add NEW TOWN HERE.
Canadian Country Artist, Shae Dupuy recently released her latest single “Black and White” and has an EP coming out soon! Hailing from Canada, where she saw success an a young age, Dupuy has since moved to Nashville, immersing herself in the country music world and writing with the town’s talented songwriters.
“Black and White” was co-written with Kyle Rife and Jeremy Bussey (who has written countless hits and one of our favorite songs, “You Make it Look So Good” – Thompson Square). The song was inspired by a break-up that did not have the closure needed to move on from the relationship. Sometimes people just grow apart and there is no big fight or disagreement, so it can be hard to move on. Dupuy explains more on that in our interview! Take a listen to the song and read on to find out more about this talented singer/songwriter.
Hi Shae! Thank you so much for taking the time to discuss your music and let our readers learn more about you. You started singing and playing guitar at a young age, what drew you to music? Were there particular artists you listened to that inspired you at that age?
Around 8 years old, I started learning guitar, but I’ve been singing since I could talk! My grandpa used to watch me as a little girl when my parents would work and he was the musician in my life that really started my love of music and country music.
You gathered attention in Canada, where you’re from and earned nominations for multiple award shows there. It seems like Canada really loved Country Music, how was it starting your career there?
I wouldn’t trade my start in Canada or the people I met and helped my career and growth for anything! The community is so talented and special and really feels like a family, starting a career in that environment makes all the difference.
You’ve since moved to Nashville, what inspired your decision to move there and how have you enjoyed your time there thus far?
I love Nashville and I love my friends and community I’m a part of. I’m always looking for new ways to grow and push myself. Having been down to Nashville multiple times for writing trips, I knew moving here would mean I was surrounding myself with the best of the best and that would push me to be better.
Have you been inspired to write during this time of lockdown? It seems like the perfect time to just sit, be still and hopefully be inspired.
As a writer who thrives off of the connection with co-writers, writing through zoom has been really tough! It feels impersonal doing it through a computer screen. I’m a writer and artist who likes to write about all the messy parts of life and I’ve actually found it a little harder to write during this time because this pandemic doesn’t feel like real life.
You just released your song “Black and White” can you tell us more about what inspired the song and how a lack of closure can be difficult?
“Black and White” for me, was trying to work through a breakup where nothing went wrong. I find having something to blame makes things easier to get over after a breakup. When you miss them and you have a reason you can hold in your hands, you can remind yourself why it didn’t work. Without that, it’s just that much harder.
What else can you tell us about the music you have been working on and when we might be seeing more of it soon?
I can tell you there’s an EP on its way with one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written and another single coming out in the next couple of months!
Now that everyone seems to have a little more free time, how do you enjoy filling your days?
I love hiking with my dog and reading! Most of my free time these days has been spent between those.
What are you looking forward to doing most once the world starts getting back to normal
Playing and going to a festival! I miss live music so much.
Can you leave our readers and your fans with any encouraging words?
Trust in timing, everything happens on its own clock.
More About Shae:
On the day of Shae’s high school graduation, she launched her career with the release of her first single, “Grandpa’s Truck.” The single attracted the attention of CMT Canada, naming her ‘Fresh Face Artist’. Later that fall in 2016, she released her second studio EP, “Brave”, and garnered multiple nominations from the CMAO Awards for her songs, “Tin Man” and “Drink About It”. Soon after, Dupuy went on to earn in 2017, the CCMA nomination for ‘Interactive Artist of the Year’.
Following the success of her first two studio RPs, she moved south to Nashville, immersing herself in the city’s songwriting scene. It is here that Dupuy has written a catalog of songs for her next recording project, as well as songs for other artists. Her music displays cultured vocal expression, storytelling, and a strong sense of identity and conviction, both as an artist and as a person.
Singer-Songwriter, Rachele Lynaeis gearing up to release her sophomore album Every Reason Friday, May 22, on her wedding anniversary! She has been writing songs since the age of 12 and has worked very closely with Jamie O’Neal on her self-titled debut album. She has shared the stage with artists like Keith Urban, The Band Perry, Kelsea Ballerini, Randy Houser and more!
Ahead of the release of Every Reason, she spoke to Variety Beat about making the album, the inspiration behind some of the songs, and how she’s been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Variety Beat: Congratulations on your new album, Every Reason, releasing May 22! How long was this collection of songs in the making?
Rachele Lynae: Thanks so much!! I’m SO excited to finally share this music with the world. This album has been in the works for quite a while as some of these songs were written up to four years ago. Many of them were written in 2018. Recording the album was mostly finished in the Spring of 2019, with a couple of small tweaks happening after that and as recently as the start of this year. It always surprises me how long it takes to write, record and put out an album, but it’s so worth the wait!
VB: You co-wrote all of the songs on the new project, so what back stories do you have from your favorite songs?
RL: All of these songs are my favorite! haha! I could tell you back stories about all of them. Like most of my writing, the majority of these songs are highly inspired by personal experience. Some of them start with personal experience and then they take on a life of their own. I took the title of the album from “Running Out Of Reasons,” and the song is probably the most word for word my experience of the bunch….from a story telling perspective. It’s the story of my husband and I when we were dating.
VB: Was the concept of the album mainly about your husband and marriage?
RL: It turned out that way almost by accident. I’ve always thought that albums should be a picture of where the artist is at that point in time, whether stylistically, personally or both. This album is definitely a snapshot of this season of my life. I had a vision for the feeling I wanted the music to give me and the overall sound. Love and marriage being woven into most of the songs just came naturally.
VB: What is the message you hope fans will take away from the album?
RL: I guess if there is an overarching message it would be the beauty of love, whether that’s loving someone else or learning to love yourself. I hope that it makes people feel inspired and free.
VB: This has been such a unique time for everyone with the COVID-19 pandemic, so how have you been promoting the album during this time of lockdown?
RL: I always planned on releasing singles ahead of the album, and I decided to stay on schedule. People need music, especially when they are stuck in their homes for such a long time. Most of the promotion has been online through the build up of each song being released, and of course through wonderful people like y’all at Variety Beat! 😀
VB: Has the down time made it easier or more difficult to be more creative?
RL: Haha! It really depends on the day. It’s definitely been a difficult time to focus, but I’ve never played the guitar this much in my life so a lot of creativity has come out of my scatterbrained mayhem.
VB: How are you finding ways to still connect with others…..fans and other artists?
RL: Social media has really come in for the win on this. My sister, Heather Cole, and I have been hosting virtual writer’s rounds, inviting other artists to share original music. It’s been fun! I have honestly been more consistent on my socials than I have ever been during this time. I’m so thankful for everyone who continues to support the arts right now.
Every Reason Track Listing (with songwriter credits): 1. Braggin’ On Ya – (Rachele Lynae/Robin Schorr) 2. Got It Bad – (Rachele Lynae/Hannah Bethel/Jamie O’Neal) 3. Run Away – Rachele Lynae/Brittany Ray/Heather Cole) 4. Ground Me – (Rachele Lynae/Emily Jubb/Gina Venier) 5. Can You – (Rachele Lynae/Caitlin Cannon) 6. Vinyl – (Rachele Lynae/Brittany Ray) 7. Running Out Of Reasons – (Rachele Lynae/Emily Jubb/Scott Lindsey) 8. Cut Me Off – (Rachele Lynae/Jessica Roadcap/David Dorn) 9. Breaking Chains – (Rachele Lynae/Jessica Roadcap/David Dorn) 10. Enough – (Rachele Lynae/Kenny Fuller) 11. Oh My Heart – (Rachele Lynae/Emily Jubb) 12. Come This Far – (Rachele Lynae/Dee Briggs)
Rachele Lynae to Perform Online Concert for New Album “Every Reason” on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 pm CDT
Nashville, Tenn. (May 19, 2020) —– Singer-Songwriter Rachele Lynae, will be hosting her Album Release Party on Facebook Live in support of her new album, Every Reason. The project releases this Friday, and the virtual party will begin at 7:00 pm CDT. Lynae will perform six songs from the album with her band. The long-awaited album, including 12 songs co-written by the artist, is a great work of art that is definitely worth the wait.
Lynae has been treating fans to five months of singles from Every Reason, with “Ground Me” being the latest. The singles have generated attention for the new album, with both “Ground Me” and “Got It Bad” being featured on Spotify-curated playlist, New Music Nashville, and “Got It Bad,” getting a strong review from Music Row Magazine’s Robert K. Oermann, “Breezy pop-country with some cool dynamics in a production that shifts from stripped down ‘open’ verses to swirly, rushing, lush choruses. Highly listenable. This troubadour has it going on in both songwriting talent and vocal finesse.”
Every Reason is one of the most personal projects that Lynae has ever done, as the songs are inspired by her own life experience. In fact, the album is being released on May 22nd in celebration of her wedding anniversary to her husband Tim. It’s clear Rachele knew the sound and message she wanted to deliver. This album is about love, being inspired and feeling free to truly love yourself and someone else.
Trusted Source for news regarding Artists and Entertainment you love!
Variety Beat 