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Music

Kelleigh Bannen Releases The Most Powerful and Honest Single of the Year “Church Clothes” – Listen

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The thing about Variety Beat is, we don’t review every single that gets released. (Praise be to the powerhouse outlets that have that capability.) Instead, we bring you the music that touches us most, the artists we connect with because we believe they can make a difference in your life, like they’ve made a difference in ours. Kelleigh Bannen is not just another amazing artist/singer/songwriter. She’s an amazing human being and that is why we champion her music. She’s the type of person you wish you had in your life, a person you would be proud to know. A person who isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and honest, a person who takes risks even if it’s not the safe route, because she believes in the power of music and it’s healing capabilities.

Several years ago, Bannen came across a song called “Church Clothes” written by GRAMMY award-winning songwriter Liz Rose and Nicolle Galyon. It’s a song filled with so much vulnerability and something that makes people uncomfortable to talk about in the “church scene.” The song follows the storyline of a couple struggling to stay together, a couple that no longer communicates, that fights all the time, but they show up to church on Sundays, just like they’re supposed to and put on their Sunday best.

 

The lyrics have so much power in them because they come from such a broken place. They ask the questions, what would people think if they knew what was really happening? That’s a real fear when people are going through a hard time, possibly heading towards a divorce. What is everyone going to think? On the outside, people can look so happy, have it all put together, and yet on the inside they are crying out for help, for love, for someone who understands what they are going through.

That’s what this song does. It offers an understanding for others who don’t have it all together, who don’t have the perfect marriage, who have been through or are going through things that others would look down upon. It takes courage and bravery to open up about what’s really happening and this song gives people that courage. To say “I’m not alone, other people are also going through this.” It’s something so difficult and painful, but it can hurt a little less if you can be honest about what’s going on.

Bannen brings that vulnerability out when she sings the words as if she’s lived them. There are pauses in each line that allow us to feel the pain she’s singing about. It’s difficult to say the words, because it’s difficult to live them.

A pressed shirt, you tuck it in / You tie your tie, tie it again / I put a little curl in my hair / Pink on my cheeks, barely there / A proper skirt, hits at the knee / A good sweater in wintergreen / You shake the keys, downstairs / I hit the lights, not a minute to spare / Slip a five in the bible for the offering plate / What a beautiful picture we both make

You drive, I look out the window / It’s not right but nobody says so / We walk in and head to the same pew / And hold hands, just like we’re supposed to / But last night you slept on the sofa / And these days I don’t even know ya / We fight like hell but nobody knows / When we’re wearing our church clothes

We stand up we sing a hymn / We say a prayer for other friends / We’re turning to the book of John / And I’m thinking how I can’t go on / But we smile and we give it our Sunday best / If we’re lost couldn’t tell by the way we’re dressed

You drive, I look out the window / It’s not right but nobody says so / We walk in, I head to the bedroom / But you don’t, you do what you want to / Like last week when you packed a suitcase / And came close to getting your own place / Oh that’s the stuff that nobody knows / When we’re wearing our church clothes

Oh we don’t speak / Don’t touch as if nobody’s watching us / Lord knows we’ve got it down / What would they say if we gave up

You drive, I look out the window / It’s not right but nobody says so / We walk in like we’ve never been so close / Miles apart but careful that it don’t show / When we’re wearing our church clothes

 

This song has the power to change lives and bring healing to so many. We hope it touches you as much as it has touched us over the years. It doesn’t have to be about your own life, it could be about parents, a couple you know… your neighbor. It doesn’t even have to be about a relationship, but about that brokenness of feeling so judged and feeling like you must have it all together, you have to make others think your life is perfect.

There’s not a lot of music out there that truly brings that kind of healing and the opportunity to face what’s really happening in life. This song does that in more. Don’t be afraid to tell someone you know is hurting about “Church Clothes.” Let the healing begin.

Download “Church Clothes” on iTunes,

The music video for “Church Clothes” will premiere on Saturday, March 11 on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown!

 

LISTEN TO KELLEIGH BANNEN’S “CHURCH CLOTHES”

Music

Variety Beat’s 18 Artists to Obsess Over in 2017

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 

Living

Kelleigh Bannen on Being Careful Not To Only Show the “Instagram Version” of Herself.

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Kelleigh Bannen is one of Variety Beat’s favorite human beings. She’s more than just an amazing artist, but she’s also a really incredible person. She doesn’t ask how you are just because it’s the polite thing to do, but if you’ve had a crappy day, she’ll really want to listen to it, even if she just met you.

 

At the core of music and story telling is connecting with people and when you connect to someone’s soul, there’s no going back from that. Those are connections you carry with you for the rest of your life, even if your path’s never cross again, that instance mattered.

 

Bannen recently released her EP after parting ways with her record label so she could be free to release her music. It was a hard decision, but ultimately the best one for herself and the fans. Over the past several years she has released a few singles, but has never been able to put out a collection of music in the form of an album or EP. She’s stated before that it’s hard to keep the connection with fans alive when you’re only releasing one single every 18 months. So she took the risk, she started her own blog, own podcast, released and EP and five music videos to go along with every song on it!

 

In a recent interview with AXS Bannen talks about the important of being real with herself and with fans so that false perceptions aren’t made. Life is many things, it’s beautiful and tragic. Sometimes we only share with people the really great things and try to keep the bad to ourselves. But it’s sharing those moments that are hardest that allow us to be the most vulnerable and most understood.

 

“I think it’s really important to show, not just the Instagram version of yourself to fans, and I love Instagram. I also think, that as a woman, the worst thing I can do for younger women or for women who are in a season where they need to be growing, is present an image that my life is perfect or easy or that I always look like I’ve got my act together. I don’t want people to buy in on such a level where they think they have to expect that of themselves too.”

 

She also shared advice and encouragement for everyone:

“Know what your unfair advantage is, know what you’re so good at, but no one else can really do it. And whatever that is, like for me, it’s really about what’s the story I’m telling, how can I use my heart and who I am in a way that’s going to be completely different from anyone else. The sooner you figure that out, the more doors you’ll have open for you.”

You can watch the interview here.

Be sure to check out here latest music video “Welcome To The Party.”

Music

Kelleigh Bannen Skates Her Way Through the “Welcome To The Party” Music Video – Watch

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It’s finally here, the music video for Kelleigh Bannen‘s final song off her Cheap Sunglasses EP “Welcome To The Party.” Each song holds something special, but this song really connects with so many listeners as almost everyone can identify with having their heart broken. Maybe not by a romantic relationship, but by something in their life that caused them pain.

 

“Welcome To The Party” allows people who might feel alone, or weird to realize everyone has been in that boat and together you can find comfort. The video is as upbeat as the song, as friends all share time together at a skate rink where they’re able to let loose and be as silly as they want. After all, life is more enjoyed when you are around people you can truly be yourself with.

 

Welcome to the party / ‘Bout time you stopped by / We ain’t gonna judge you / And it’s okay, yeah its okay to cry / Welcome to the freak show / It’s come as you are / Yeah, it’s bring your own beer / Bring your own heartache / Everybody’s here welcome to the party

Bannen told CMT:

“This has been a season of me owning my stuff and being real about what’s great about the good and the bad. I think that’s what’s fun about ‘Welcome to the Party’ and the overall EP is about making the most of where you are and telling the truth about yourself. We think that everyone else’s life is outstanding and perfect when the reality is, everyone else’s life is kind of a mess, too. But it doesn’t mean that it’s going to suck long term. We might as well have a good time while we’re here together. It [the music video] was sort of going back to the place where you had your kid birthday. It was fun and complete mayhem like almost everything in my life right now. Everything in life is one day at a time. And yes, I’m always looking at the future. I love planning and I love dreaming far out, but I can really only do what I can do today. And if I show up and I do the best that I can today, and then I just do that again tomorrow. And I do that the next day. I think that’s the most successful model that I have because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “WELCOME TO THE PARTY”

Check out the full Cheap Sunglasses EP here

Music

Video: Kelleigh Bannen Takes Us Behind The Scenes of Making Her EP ‘Cheap Sunglasses’

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There’s no doubt that Kelleigh Bannen is an amazing artist. She’s also a really incredible friend and person. She’s shown us her strength in her blog posts on ThisNashvilleLife.com  and her bravery of leaving her label and putting out her EP Cheap Sunglasses on her own.

Read: ‘The Strength of the Bannenite’ Why you should invest in Country Artist Kelleigh Bannen 

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For those of us who have been following Bannen’s career and been anxiously awaiting an album, we’ve been let down by the system. A system that dictates when artists can release an album based upon how well a single does.

It’s hard for a new act to break into radio, especially if that artist is a female. Without a single climbing the charts, it’s also hard for that artist to get opening slots on tours, so their music really has no platform to be heard. We get radio stations doing these country voting wars where they will put up a new artist’s song with another artist (who is more well known and probably has several #1’s under their belt). Their single literally has no chance against such huge names and yet the radio stations take that as confirmation to not play their single.

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“Right now I don’t know what’s going to happen, but for the first time in five years, I get to put music out.”

Having an EP from Bannen allows the listeners to get to know her on a completely new level. They aren’t just getting this one single, but they are getting five different songs to fall in love with. It makes all the difference to be able to play an EP on repeat vs just a single. Cheap Sunglasses has the perfect combo of summer, love, fun and being your own person. It’s everything you could want in an EP.

Listen to the Cheap Sunglasses EP 

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In Bannen’s behind the scenes video, we get a glimpse into her life. Someone who works hard and does a wonderful job of doing the impossible – balance all aspects of her life. I’m sure some days are harder than others, like making it to the gym, making time for friends, getting out on the road to perform and making new music. It’s a video that you will be able to relate to as her life isn’t perfect, her car doesn’t always start, she struggles while working out and she breaks a sweat just like everyone else. It’s one that will make you laugh and give you joy as you see friends and artists like Mickey Guyton and Emily West coming over as she celebrates this projects and having girl time while singing Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Watch the video below and fall in love with Kelleigh Bannen.

WATCH: BEHIND ‘CHEAP SUNGLASSES’ Part 1

Stay tuned for part 2!