Category Archives: Interviews

Interviews, Music

Mary Sarah and Listeners Are Finding Themselves Post Breakup With Single “Without You.”

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Country Artist, Mary Sarah was a top 5 finalist on ABC’s hit TV show The Voice. Her story starts long before her time on #TeamBlake. Mary Sarah was taken under the wing of The Oak Ridge Boys back in 2011 when she was invited to perform before their show and sang “Where the Boys Are.” They even appeared on her sophomore album along with Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and more!

WATCH MARY SARAH PERFORM “WHERE THE BOYS ARE”

 

Mary Sarah is back with her first single singe The Voice titled “Without You” in which she takes back the narrative of a sad lonely break-up and turns it into a way to find herself. Her voice is unique and feels like the type of Country Music we are missing on the radio right now. With pop/rock infused tracks blasting on the airwaves, it’s refreshing to hear an “old school Country” sound.

You left a mark on my heart that I never thought would go away / I cried so hard in the dark, I stained my pillow case / Mascara black, wishing you’d come back / But that was yesterday / Boy what a waste / Yeah I never thought I would / But Baby I’m all good without you

 

Check out the new single and our interview with her below!

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Photo Credit: Katie Kauss

Variety Beat:  You’ve had quite a start in country music, dating back to 2011 when you first met The Oak Ridge Boys, How did that help you further pursue country music?

Mary Sarah: Immensely. The Oak Ridge Boys have since taken me under their wing and have opened many of doors for my career! I am beyond thankful for them. When I first worked with them, the video I got of me singing with them opened a lot of doors for my record Bridges. They’ve definitely had a huge effect in my life and career!

Variety Beat: You were on Blake Shelton’s team during the voice. What was that whole process like and what drove you to try out for the show?

Mary Sarah:  Man, the experience was incredible. I’ve found that a lot of the experiences in my life cause me to grow so much. The Voice helped me to find more of my voice! It was tough but beyond worth it. I had wanted to go on the show for about 3 years prior to being on it. For some odd reason, when I watched the show, I could just see myself doing it. But, everything has timing and when I turned 20, I had finished a lot of what I had been working on in music so it just seemed like the perfect time!

 

Variety Beat: What’s been one of your top favorite moments in your career so far?

Mary Sarah: Singing on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time!!! There is NOTHING like it!! I still get nervous/chills every time I am presented the opportunity to go back and sing. It’s definitely one of those experiences that you just remember and think, “I did it”.

Variety Beat: You have a new single “Without You” inspired by a relationship that didn’t work out, but it’s not your typical sad break up song. Can you explain the direction you took and how you hope listeners will receive it?

Mary Sarah: Of course. The direction I wanted for this song was more of a positive vibe. Yes, breakups can be very hard but I’ve learned that in life, you should always strive to see the positives. It’s hard but you have to make an effort and when the writers and I got together to write “Without You,” we didn’t want it to be a bitter break up song but a “I’m Better” breakup song. That, finding yourself again can be such a positive experience! I hope that’s what people take from it.

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

Mary Sarah: I am a real person. I am not perfect, and I hope everyone see’s that! I hope that when people listen to my music or read an article about me that they feel they can connect on a friendship level. I also hope to be an example that shows people that it IS okay to be imperfect and still do what you love!! So, I always like to say that I am perfectly imperfect! <3

You can get “Without You” on itunes for .69 cents. Go buy it and support a great artist! Click to buy.

Country, Festivals, Interviews, Music, Route 91 Harvest

Meet Country Duo Smithfield + Catch Them at Route 91!

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If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good Country Duo! Especially one composed of a male/female solo! Meet Trey and Jennifer of Smithfield! The two have been friends since they were 10 years old, so it’s safe to say their bond is unbreakable. What makes this duo unique is that they both take turns with lead vocals and they take on a wide range of songs. Their vocals blend harmoniously as they performed their latest single “When You’re Gone” inspired by one of the cowriter’s wife!

Smithfield Is Fine Like Wine on New Single “When You’re Gone” – Listen!

SMITHFIELD PERFORMS “WHEN YOU’RE GONE”

 

The duo spoke about their history together, how they formed the duo, their latest single and what they find sexy in someone! Take a look at the interview below and be sure to check them out on the road! They are also performing at this year’s Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas!!! We can’t wait!

INTERVIEW WITH COUNTRY DUO SMITHFIELD

 

We hope to see them at Route 91 Harvest! They we will be performing Friday September 29, at 3:30 pm on the ‘Next From Nasvhille’ Stage.

Festivals, Interviews, Music, Route 91 Harvest

Meet Country Duo Smithfield!

Video Leave a comment

If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good Country Duo! Especially one composed of a male/female solo! Meet Trey and Jennifer of Smithfield! The two have been friends since they were 10 years old, so it’s safe to say their bond is unbreakable. What makes this duo unique is that they both take turns with lead vocals and they take on a wide range of songs. Their vocals blend harmoniously as they performed their latest single “When You’re Gone” inspired by one of the cowriter’s wife!

Smithfield Is Fine Like Wine on New Single “When You’re Gone” – Listen!

SMITHFIELD PERFORMS “WHEN YOU’RE GONE”

 

The duo spoke about their history together, how they formed the duo, their latest single and what they find sexy in someone! Take a look at the interview below and be sure to check them out on the road!

INTERVIEW WITH COUNTRY DUO SMITHFIELD

 

 

 

Festivals, Interviews, Music, Route 91 Harvest

Interview With Drew Baldridge – Catch Him at Route 91!

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Meet Drew Baldridge! You may have seen him on the road as he has been opening up for a number of artists and was recently a part of SiriusXM The Highway Finds Tour! The Highway is a great way to hear up and coming artists and new music that’s not currently in the top 40. Quite frankly, hearing the same songs every hour gets a little repetitive and it’s refreshing to hear some other great artists on the radio!

We got to speak with Baldridge while he was in town for CMA Fest and we spoke about his last single “Rebound” which has a different perspective than most of us are used to hearing coming from a male. It’s all about how the male doesn’t want to just be a rebound for this woman who just got out of a bad relationship and sticking up for himself. It’s just a very interesting perspective and makes Baldridge a little vulnerable which is what makes it great.

Baldridge is also performing at Route 91 Harvest this year on Friday, September 29 at 4:20 on the ‘Next From Nashville’ stage!

Watch our interview with Drew Baldridge!

We were also able to have some fun and ask some not so typical questions with Baldridge like “Would you delete a tweet if it didn’t get any favorites” and what would he name his boat if he had one! Watch below!

 

Interviews, Music

Interview With Mallary Hope about Her Debut Christian Single “Now” and Journey To Let Go and Let God

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When life doesn’t go the way we plan, it becomes hard to stay positive and see the bigger picture. Mallary Hope has experienced a lot of closed doors and phrases like “You’re too this or that” over and over again. She didn’t know where she belonged, or if music was something she should keep pursing.

Hope released her debut single to Country radio 8 years ago, and today her debut Christian single “Now” is going to radio. In that time she has cried, rejoiced and prayed a lot. She’s let go of everything she can’t control and has gained an incredible support system, amazing husband and two incredible daughters. She’s also gotten a record deal with Curb records and is finally able to get her music heard. She’s already charted in the top 40 thanks to early stations adding her single!

Mallary Hope Shares How She Overcame Hardship in Debut Christian Single “Now”

 

 

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR MALLARY HOPE’S SINGLE “NOW”

Variety Beat had the chance to ask Hope questions about her journey and how much this new single means to her and how much we hope it will mean to you.

Variety Beat:  Congratulations on the release of your new single “Now,” can you describe your emotions, getting to release a single for the first time in seven years and what that journey has been like?

Mallary Hope: The journey has been heartbreaking at times, but I wouldn’t have it any another way. God had to break my heart so that I would learn how to depend on him. Sometimes He brings us to our knees because He needs us to look up. Faith can be so hard because it is FULLY trusting in His plan.. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect at it, but He does want us to try to just lean on him. I will say that I haven’t been this “giddy” in a long time. I’m just so proud of this music. We wrote “NOW” when I was pregnant with my first baby. So this song is almost 3 years old. It’s amazing to look back and see how God was working on me, and orchestrating this journey from the start. It just took me a minute to open my eyes and let him do the driving.
Variety Beat: You were previously releasing music on country radio, what helped inspire you to move to Christian radio?

Mallary Hope: I think the transition is very natural for me. I’m a child of God first, and I just love making music. My music has always reflected my life. Where I am in some relationship, or where I was in my career.. I honestly thought that (and forgive me for going third person here) but Mallary Hope the singer was all I was.. it was my entire identity. I’ve been making music since I was 9 years old and when I wasn’t being successful at it, I started to question why God made me..  I love country music and I thought that was where God wanted me to be. I used to think that if I wasn’t successful at music, then there would be no reason for me to live. (Let me be clear, I was NEVER suicidal I just remember thinking, God If you’re not gonna make this happen, then why am I here?) ME ME ME..  How crazy immature that sounds now..  I think that is the mindset of someone who believes their entire identity is defined by what they do.. God wants us to see that He made us for so much more and that He has plans for us. Plans to prosper, but we have to give up the control.

I remember crying and praying that God would just take the love of music away from me, because it just kept breaking my heart. I was in this miserable place and then it hit me.. It’s a lot of “Me Me ME” What a selfish place to be in.. It was all about me.. But I needed God to show me that it wasn’t about me at all.. It was ALL about Him.. So he completely took away that desire of music that I’ve had since I was 9 Years old.

Then, when I was pregnant with my first child, while listening to Christian radio, I just had this overwhelming feeling to make/say something important.  What’s the most important thing a Christian can do? It is to be Christ like, love others, and tell people about God’s love. This life is temporary but as a believer we have eternal life and it is imperative that we help win others over for the kingdom.. So I figured, if God gave me this love of music in the first place.. It was about time I used my gifts for His glory.  For the first time in my life, I didn’t need someone to tell me “I love your voice” for me to feel validated.. I found my validation in Christ…  I just want to make music that can help people come to know what an amazing God He is. To experience His unconditional love and peace. For people to know that it is ok to surrender your ideas of what you think you were made for. God will show you exactly what He has in store for you.. You just have to allow Him to do so.

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Variety Beat: Tell us about your single “Now,” the inspiration behind it and what you hope listeners can take away from it.

Mallary Hope: My single Now is my journey all wrapped up in about 3 mins. Pretty much the same answer as #2.. Just a song about coming to a place of surrendering your desires for God’s plan for you. Sometimes what we want for ourselves isn’t what He wants for us, but what He has in mind is so much better. It’s just a reminder that He has been with us every step of the way. Even when we might have ignored Him, He was there.

Variety Beat: What’s been some of the biggest differences since working with Christian radio and so you feel it’s been more welcoming to new talent?

Mallary Hope: Well, there’s not really THAT much of a difference. Just people who love music and artists who love to sing. The topic is really the only difference. Instead of me singing about an ex boyfriend, I get to praise and worship God.

Variety Beat: “Now” that you’ve released a new single, what else is on the horizon? Is an album in the works and will you be getting to perform at some events?

Mallary Hope: We have an album coming out in the fall. (that’s the rumor anyway)  KLOVE fan awards are next month, and those are always fun. Will be doing some more radio tour.. and then some Touring in the fall.  We will be excited to get out and play this album for people.

 

Variety Beat: What’s been the most encouraging part of this next chapter in your life?

Mallary Hope: I think the most encouraging part is knowing that I’m doing exactly what I was put here to do.. And that there’s no pressure because for the first time in my life, I’m letting God be in control. So, if this music just reaches one heart then that’s enough for me. There’s this amazing peace because I know who I am now, and getting to make music is just icing on this already amazing life.

Variety Beat: Who have you written with lately that you’ve always wanted to work with?

Mallary Hope: I love all my cowriters on this album. This entire album was written with new people and I’m just thankful they allowed me to come in and share my story with them.

Variety Beat: What’s one of your favorite quotes or scripture that helps you through difficult times?

Mallary Hope: There are so many Great ones, but i really love this one from Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
(Again it’s just a reminder that no matter what we go through, as a believer God is right there with us. Fighting our battles for us, and helping us get through times of trouble.)
Variety Beat: What do you want listeners to know about you?
Mallary Hope: I just want people to know that I love God, and feel so blessed to be able to use this platform to tell others about how awesome He is.