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Kelleigh Bannen Makes History On Sirius XM ‘The Highway’ With 3 New Songs!

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It’s so hard to keep calm because finally, Kelleigh Bannen is getting the attention she deserves. Bannen has been in the country music scene for over a decade and it has been one heck of a ride so far. She’s one of the most talented singer/songwriters out there and maybe now, others will finally get to discover her music and talent.

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Bannen was previously signed to EMI Records Nashville but parted ways with the label and her management team and has been releasing music independently, along with a podcast series called This Nashville Life. Her previous EP Cheap Sunglasses came out two years ago this month. Since then, she has released three singles including the powerful “Church Clothes” and two Christmas songs “O Holy Night” and “Deck The Halls.”

Her new release The Joneses is listed as a single, but it’s a three in one! There are three songs (“The Joneses” “Happy Birthday” “John Who”) and Bannen has become the first artist to ever have all three songs in rotation as a “Highway find” on Sirius XM’s The Highway.

Although Bannen has been completely overwhelmed with this honor, she is completely deserving as she has been working hard and dealt with so many of the hardships that come with being a female artist in the country music industry. Her music now has a chance to be heard, to be found, to be appreciated. Our hope is that the new listeners will take the time to invest and get to know not only these songs but the essence of who she is.

She is so much more than she could ever reveal on social media, but she has the purest heart. Variety Beat often features artists we might not know well to help get their music out to the world, but we only champion artists who have not only an incredible talent but an incredible heart.

Bannen told RollingStone: “These three songs are personal and my favorite kind of storytelling: detail oriented, intimate, and, ultimately, hopeful. Ten years in, I’m just overwhelmed that each of these three songs will get the exposure they will get from being Highway Finds. It’s incredible, and, to be honest, I’m just shocked to be the first artist to have three songs in this program simultaneously. I hope music fans love the storytelling in these songs as much as I do.”

“John Who” is the first song in The Joneses  that starts off with a reflection of all the nice things this man did in the relationship and then things take a turn when he up and left, inspiring the chorus

I need a clean slate from this heartbreak

I need a reason to forget, get you the hell out of my head

I need a don’t look back kiss that stops me in my tracks

Someone that makes me say, anytime I hear your name

John Who? John Who? John Who?

John Who? John Who? John Who?

John who, I shouldn’t think about, but who wouldn’t think about someone they thought about for so long?

Every other memory. John who are you with right now? Are you kissing her now? Is she prettier than me? What do you see in her that you didn’t see in me?

LISTEN TO “JOHN WHO”

 

“Happy Birthday” is an emotional ballad about missing someone and thinking of them when their birthday comes around and not knowing how that phone call is going to go. It starts out with questions that come to mind when thinking of someone you still care about but who aren’t really a part of your life anymore, even though you wish they maybe still were.

“Did you get to sleep in? Did your grandmother send you a card with twenty in it? Did your boss say 30 is old? Did your nephew sing on the phone?

You’ll either pick up or you won’t. Hey it’s me, I know it’s kind of late but I had to call ya. Just to say hello, catch up, you know I was thinking of ya. Another year older, another year wiser. Bet you’re out with the guys, low-key drinking Budweiser.

I learned a little too late, you know what they say, I can’t have my cake and love you too. Anyway, Happy Birthday

Ever think about an ex and wonder if you should say something to them on their birthday? If they’re with someone now? What they are like?

…Maybe you’re out with a girl, if I say I don’t care, I’m a liar.

LISTEN TO “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”

 

If you’re too busy living in the moment to keep up with ‘The Joneses” then this song is your jam! It really kicks in with the chorus once we stop caring about not having the white picked fence and fancy car. Plus, Bannen finds a way to use “shut the front door” in a song so she’s basically the coolest person ever.

We don’t got what they got, they don’t got what we got. When it comes to the haves and the have-nots, we’d rather not keep up with the Joneses, what the hell for? Mind your own business, shut the front door. We ain’t rich but we own it, work all week just to blow it on a back yard tab, high-class, white trash, party on the patio. Too busy living in the moment to keep up with the Joneses.

LISTEN TO “THE JONESES”

 

The RollingStone also revealed that Bannen will be releasing tour dates soon, so we are basically freaking out over here and ready to jump on a plane to the nearest show! Be sure to check out her music wherever digital music is sold!

Music

Lauren Davidson Learns Life’s Not Always Fair In New Single “Pouring Rain” – Listen

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Country Music Association (CMA) Country pop artist, Lauren Davidson, announces the release of her new single, “Pouring Rain.” Davidson has been promoting her music at radio stations on the east coast and playing shows around New Jersey/New York where she resides.

“Pouring Rain” isn’t your typical pop/country song, as it perfectly blends “catchy” with “calmness”. Davidson says of the song: “I had been spending a lot of time between shows writing but was waiting for a release until something felt right. My fans have really responded to this song each time I played it live at a show. Sometimes I’m hesitant to play a ballad but some of my favorite songs are ballads, they’re timeless. Like Elton John said it’s easy to write a sad song, this song just sort of poured out – no pun intended… well pun intended”

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Well I’ve learned, life’s not a bed of roses / yeah I’ve learned, life’s not always fair

I’ve been walking in the pouring rain / trying to wash away this aching pain / walking in the pouring rain / lost in time

I’ve been walking in the pouring rain / and the heartaches slowly fades away / walking in the pouring rain / clearing my mind.

You’ll find yourself listening to “Pouring Rain” on repeat and not wanting to change the station! Take a listen below!

 

The song was co-produced by Grammy Award winner Bart Migal (Bjork) and Cristian Camilo Castro (Musical Director, Guitarist, and co-writer with Davidson).  Migal also mixed the track and it was mastered by David Browning (Katy Perry). Davidson has received praise from Audio Fuzz, who stated, “Davidson brings about the same attitude as an early Patsy Cline or Linda Ronstadt; that ‘I can do this myself’ attitude.”
The single was written as a collaboration with Lauren’s father Danny Davidson.  Her singer-songwriter father had previously opened for Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Reiser, and the two collaborate often including her last single “I’ll Drink To That” which was released last July. This single was named Top 5 Female Country songs of 2017 by Digital Journal who said “Rising Country Songstress Lauren Davidson shows her sassy side and some attitude on the spitfire  “I’ll Drink to That” which is infectious and fun”.  This song showcases a new layer of Davidson as an artist and songwriter after her critically acclaimed debut EP, Hear Me.  Davidson’s music pulls from the pop singer-songwriter genre, while also incorporating elements of contemporary country, citing influences such as Little Big Town and Maren Morris.  Davidson often travels to Nashville to write and perform.
The country singer gives fans everything she’s got when playing numerous venues around the country.  Lauren has opened shows for some of today’s biggest country stars including Old Dominion, Justin Moore, Locash and more.  She was named Nash FM 94.7 Nash Next Top 10 finalist this past year. You can find Lauren Davidson’s songs on all major digital music outlets.
Keep your eye on Lauren Davidson as she gears up to perform with Maddie and Tae at iPlay America on July 28th and the legendary Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Raceway Park with Thunder 106.3.
Music, Photo Galleries

Thompson Square Celebrates ‘Masterpiece’ Album Release With Fans at CMA Fest!

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It’s been over five years since GRAMMY-nominated Country duo THOMPSON SQUARE have release new music! It has been worth the wait! The duo just released their new album on June 1 called Masterpiece.

Thompson Square’s previous albums have had big ballads such as “Glass” on Thompson Square and “If I Didn’t Have You” on Just Feels Good which reached #1 at Country Radio. Masterpiece might not have that big ballad, but fans will get that same sense of connection from “Breakers.” There are the roll down your window songs to tracks like “Good Day” and “Stuck In My Head.” Of course the love songs that Thompson Square have become known for as they continue to showcase their writing and vocal abilities.

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Shawna and Keifer Thompson have had a busy media week surrounding the release of their album, followed by a busy weekend at CMA Fest where they were able to have an album release/fan appreciation party for their fans! They played the entire album as fans enjoyed food and afterwards got to talk with each and every one present! Keifer’s parents were also in attendance which made it that much more special!

T2 were also featured as special guests on today’s edition of CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan and CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, having spent a day visiting with patients, performing new songs and being interviewed at the Seacrest Studios at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

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Seacrest Studios

MASTERPIECE Track Listing:

1. “Masterpiece” (Keifer Thompson)
2. “Up in Smoke” (Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson)
3. “Millionaires” (Marv Green, Catt Gravitt, Courtney Cole)
4. “Stupid Girls Stupid Boys” (Ben Caver, Sara Haze, AJ Pruis, Laura Veltz)
5. “Let’s Do Something Stupid” (Jason Lehning, Keifer Thompson)
6. “Stuck in My Head” (Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson)
7. “Good Day” (Erik Belz, Frank Rogers, Keifer Thompson, Shawna Thompson)
8. “I Know This Guy” (Mike Fiorentino, Keifer Thompson)
9. “A Love Like This” (Cary Barlowe, Keifer Thompson)
10. “Make It Rain” (Emily Weisband, Marv Green, Keifer Thompson)
11. “Breakers” (Marti Dodson, Patrick Droney, Keifer Thompson)

MASTERPIECE  REVIEW

 

  1. “Masterpiece” is the title track of the album and rightfully so. Keifer wrote this song by himself, about the legacy he would leave behind. Before having his son Cooper, he always thought he would leave behind a great music career, big house, fancy car… and then his son was born and everything changed. His legacy, his masterpiece, is his son. It’s a beautiful song, that is also Shawna’s favorite off the album and moved her to tears. Keifer was especially impressed by this since she is a tough critic on songs. He played it for her one morning while she was still pregnant. It’s definitely a favorite, if not the favorite of the songs on the album. It’s not only a beautiful song, but it has really amazing metaphors that build imagery and show how truly meaningful and important a child truly is. Although the song was inspired by their son, it can be applied to anyone, which makes it a true masterpiece

Shakespeare sure knew how to write them / Words that would live through our time / That Eiffel Tower’s still standing / It’s built to be one of a kind / Da Vinci’s got his Mona Lisa / And Beethoven’s got his symphonies / But you’re my masterpiece.

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2. “Up In Smoke” is a song T2 has been performing since their last tour and looks incredibly cool with all the special effects. It’s a song that was inspired by Keifer’s ex-girlfriend.

The use of repetition allows the excitement to build as they begin to play with fire!

I keep coming, coming back / I keep coming, coming back / I keep coming back for more / Playing with fire / and the flames getting higher /  I’m going up in smoke.

Shawna’s angelic voice makes you feel every note as she sings “Firrrrrrrreeeeeee”

 

3. “Millionaires” is one of two tracks that the duo didn’t have a hand in writing and one they enjoy playing live because of its uptempo beat. It’s one of Shawna’s favorite songs on the album and a fun departure. The lyrics talk about how rich they would be if they could turn their love into money, which would definitely be great for artists in the music business as many can relate to not having much money in the bank while they chase their dreams.

We got no money in the bank
No gas in the tank
No jingle in my jang
Baby don’t you think that we could…

Take our love, turn it into money
We’d be rolling in the dough, let me tell you honey
We’d be millionaires

4. “Stupid Girls Stupid Boys” is the other song the duo didn’t have a hand in writing, but a song you can really jam and sing along to. It’s a song that fans will relate to with lyrics like:

Shout out to the stupid girls baby, screw must of come loose kind of crazies. I don’t mean to be mean but I don’t think they knew what they were losing. Every time I’m looking at you, I can’t believe there was somebody somewhere that had you and gave you back. It’s all love and adoration, I got mad appreciation for the stupid girls.

5. “Let’s Do Something Stupid” is a song the duo has also been playing on their acoustic tour. They slow things down as Keifer explained at a show, that it was about the time he and Shawna first began their relationship. Keifer had been dating another girl on and off and decided to end things as he and Shawna did something stupid, all those years ago and started something magical. Here they are 19 years later! It’s a sweet song that helps you get a sense of where they came from. There are probably many out there that can relate to taking a risk and doing something they might regret, but hey it just might turn out to be the best thing they ever did!

It might be wrong but it might be right
Guess we’ll find out in the morning
Let’s do something stupid

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6. “Stuck In My Head” seems like it would be a really radio friendly song if it was able to get that kind of exposure. Maybe it’s because the song really does get stuck in your head? It’s not only a song with catchy lyrics, but also with the kind of production that has a little bit of everything, that makes everything about it make you feel happy inside.

Stuck in my head like a song, gotta sing along
Sounds so good, can’t turn it off
Your melody, is haunting me
And I just can’t forget
You’re stuck in my head

7. “Good Day” is a song the duo wrote while on a writing retreat where life was really rough on the beach drinking coconut rum. 😉 It even sounds tropical!

Life ain’t gonna get no better than this
So when the sun comes up
let’s do it again, just like this ’cause

Today is a good day

8. “I Know This Guy” is one of our favorites on the album. It just has that true Thompson Square sound, the way their voices blend into each other, really turns the song into the steamy romance it’s meant to be. When they sing the “whoa, whoa whoa” all our insides melt and it’s what true love should be like. It’s a song that encompasses who Thompson Square is, cuz at the end of the day, who would they be without each other?

Worships the ground that she walks on
Yeah he’s her moon, her stars, her sun
He knows, she knows, he’d die for her
And she needs him so damn much it hurts

Whoa, everytime her fingertips touch me
Whoa, it’s hard to hold back and harder to breathe
She’s got me right where I want me
And it’s only her that I need
In this big, old, crazy, messed up world
I know this guy, I know this girl

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9. “A Love Like This” is a song that already has over 1 million streams on Spotify! One that also mentions their son “Cooper” while Shawna was pregnant with him. It’s truly their story and makes you feel happy and warm inside knowing that despite everything else in this life, they have a wonderful love with each other and their son!

We said forever and I’ll change the name
Who would’ve thought we could love anything
More than this love, more than this life
But now there’s a little heartbeat inside

It was a long shot kiss
It was a last call risk, yeah
That’s how it all happened
That’s how it all started

10. “Make It Rain” has been in the duo’s setlist on live shows for the last couple of years and has been a fan favorite. It kind of plays off millionaire in a sense, that instead of their love being turned into money, it’s kisses they can spend on one another. They just want to love each other, and after all isn’t that how it should be?

We may never be rich
But you and me don’t need to be
When you’re lovin’ like this
When you’re lovin’ like this

I wanna spend these kisses like money
Till we’re so broke it ain’t funny
I wanna spend these kisses like money, money
Yeah

Let’s make it rain yeah

11. The album ends with the song “Breakers” which is a song that brings Shawna to tears as she performs it live. Keifer told RollingStone it’s a song that chronicles “the worst thing that has happened in their life.” It’s a song about being hurt by the ones you love the most. It makes us wonder if it’s about some of the ones they were close to in the music industry that championed them and then ended up leaving. It’s a hard song not only to perform but to listen to, knowing that pain is so real.

Although the song is personal, it’s one that applies to so many situations. Whether it be a family member, friend, relationship, co-worker. It can apply to so many which makes the emotions that more real and honest as you can picture the person/people who have hurt you.

They say you hurt the ones you love the most
Well I must be lucky you must really love me most
I guess I’ll never understand why you can’t be happy
If you know I’m happy no
Loving you is putting my head in the fire
Hoping that it won’t burn this time
Or the next time or the next time

Some people are leavers
Some people are stayers
Some people run when it gets too tough
Some people are braver
You’re supposed to love me
Oh but I can’t make it
I’m getting tired of giving all I got to a taker
Some people are fixers
But some people are breakers

Watch Thompson Square introduce “Masterpiece” and “A Love Like This” on FOX & FRIENDS, plus catch “Good Day” on After the Show Show here.

Download or stream MASTERPIECE in its entirety here.

PHOTO GALLERY – THOMPSON SQAURE’S FAN CLUB PARTY

 

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Hayley Orrantia Closes Out the ‘Strong, Sweet and Southern’ Tour With A Bang!

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Hayley Orrantia embarked on her first headlining tour the Strong, Sweet and Southern Tour, which was named after her single with the same name. Orrantia was joined by Brennley Brown, who most recently reached the top 10 on NBC’s The Voice. The tour’s last stop was in Nashville, TN at the Wildhorse Saloon. I was able to be a part of the final show and attend the event.

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Brown kicked off the evening with a few of originals of her own and playing covers such as “Joline.” At just 16 years old, Brown showed no signs of her young age and captivated the audience with strong vocals and mature performance. Brown effortlessly set the tone for the rest of the night and kicked things off with a bang.

Orrantia opened her set with her original song “Tightrope,” which was a mid-tempo song drawing the comparison between the balancing act of walking on a tightrope and a romantic relationship. The song set the tone for the rest of the night as she spoke about a few of the songs and the story behind them. The first of these was “Lewisville,” which is a song about Orrantia’s hometown and the feeling of wanting to get out for the pursuit of achieving a longing dream. Orrantia also showed off her radiant and humorous personality by covering Vanessa Carlton‘s “A Thousand Miles,” and the audience was able to see along with all of the words. Afterward, Orrantia sang a toe-tapping, uptempo song titled “Stuck in the Rhythm,” which continued the high energy feeling of the show. Before Orrantia ended her set with “Strong, Sweet & Southern,” she performed Justin Timberlake‘s “Drink You Away.” Although the song has country undertones, Orrantia showed off her diversity and flawlessly delivered a powerhouse performance that solidifies her artistry. Before ending the night, Orrantia was joined on stage by Brown, where the pair sang Cam‘s “Diane.” The pair reached back and put an exclamation point to an already impassioned night of music.

Orrantia, who is mostly known for her role on ABC’s The Goldbergs, is now quickly cementing herself into the country music world. The show solidifies the certainty that Orrantia is well on her way to a prosperous and lasting career, with a mix of intelligent and provoking originals. Orrantia is definitely one you do not want to miss out on and has the vocals to back it up. If you plan on attending CMA Fest this year, be sure to check her out. She will be performing on the Maui Jim Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe on Friday, June 8th at 12:45 PM, as well on the CMA Close Up Stage at 2:45 PM on Saturday, June 9th.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiKak0Mg_KJ/?hl=en&taken-by=hayleyorrantia

Features, Music

Hawaiian Country Artist, JoLivi Releases Soulful New Single “Vinyl” -Listen!

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Recently, I turned the radio to a Country station and someone asked “Are you listening to Country?” Then proceeded to say how annoyed she got because of all these people who listen to Country Music and have never even been on a horse. I’m not sure what riding a horse has to do with liking an entire genre of music, but it just goes to show that you don’t have to meet a specific mold to enjoy what Country Music has to offer.

Hawaiian native, JoLivi would probably agree! There probably isn’t a whole lot of Country influence on the islands, but that hasn’t stopped her from resonating with the music and turning it into a career. JoLivi wants to make music for everyone and for every occasion. Her soulful new single “Vinyl” (written and produced by Mark McKee),  is playful and has all the makings of a hit song. Her vocals are strong, the beat is catchy and the song is carefree and relatable.

JoLivi told Variety Beat about the inspiration behind the song:

‘“Vinyl” is about experiencing moments that are classic and unfiltered.  There is something romantic about a jukebox and watching a record physically play on the turntable.  Also, just having fun.. leaving all your worries behind and getting lost in time.”

 

“Play me like a Vinyl

Get it on like I’m out of tune

Then flip me over if you want to play side two

Oh spin me around, yeah you love the sound

Of the jukebox stereo coming in loud

I’m vinyl, let your needle touch my groove.”

LISTEN TO “VINYL”

 

Get “Vinyl” on itunes.

About JoLivi
Born and raised in the Hawaii Islands, JoLivi’s love for country music started at a young age. While some may not correlate country music and the aloha state, the rural landscapes and laid-back lifestyle emulate everything we love about the genre. JoLivi caught the music bug at a young age and quickly began singing wherever she had a chance. After graduating with a Theatre degree from Colorado State, JoLivi decided it was time to make the move to LA to pursue her music career full time.
While in LA, Jo Livi had the opportunity to open for artists including Andy Grammar, Gavin DeGraw, Lindsey Stirling and more alongside the release of four singles garnering more than 670K views on YouTube and 20K streams on Spotify. Her vocal chops turned critics heads with Perez Hilton stating she possessed ‘star potential’ and alt radio stations around the US spinning her singles.
Now residing in Nashville and working closely with Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood), JoLivi has released two country singles “Take a Shot” and “Crooked Crown” with the music video for “Crooked Crown” in regular rotation on The Country Network. With ‘the contemporary appeal of Maren Morris, vocal strength and uniqueness of Melissa Etheridge and the grit of Bonnie Rait’ (Country Music Tattle Tale), JoLivi is gearing up to release her brand new single entitled “Vinyl” on March 9th.