2016
Fresh Finds
Emma Lane
ABOUT EMMA
Emma Lane is not your typical country singer-songwriter. While most country acts stroll onto the stage with cowboy boots, Emma Lane keeps true to her rock n' roll roots and sticks to Chuck Taylor's. So is true for her music. Lane grew up in a musical family performing since she was 16 in her father's rock band, covering rock n' roll greats like Led Zeppelin, Heart, Janis Joplin, and Pat Benatar. Through the years she floated in and out of bands and began writing her own songs and work as a solo act. In just a few short years, EMMA LANE has solidified her career as one of the brightest up and coming indie artists to watch.
Christine Bauer
ABOUT CHRISTINE
At the age of 24, American Singer/Songwriter, Christine Bauer, is ready to take her music to the world in a big way with her new EP 'If I Could Have Chosen" produced by Paul William Ray. Christine is an independent artist supported by many fans, friends, and family who encourage her to follow her passion for music, all while supporting herself as a full-time night shift nurse. To get to this very moment, learning why certain choices came and others were left out of her hands, Christine knows exactly where she belongs and is ready to share 'If I Could Have Chosen' with the world.
Justin Phillips
ABOUT JUSTIN
Justin Phillips is a 26 year old Country artist born in Valdosta, Ga. Justin grew up in music as his dad was a Country artist opening for acts such as Rhett Akins, Tim McGraw, and Kenny Chesney in the 90's. He picked up the guitar at age 15 and learning other instruments followed right after. He joined a cover band with his dad playing bars and venues around the south. He then released his first album titled "Kickin' up dust" in 2013 and his audience grew tremendously. Justin made the move to Nashville, TN in March of 2014 and plays songwriter rounds around town, as well as touring to multiple states.
Leanne Weiss
ABOUT LEANNE
Leanne Weiss, a native of northern New Jersey, first began singing at age nine, after performing a karaoke rendition of Tammy Wynette’s, “Stand by Your Man.” After college, Weiss began performing professionally as a singer and actress.
Additionally, she wrote songs for various local artists until she released her own debut country EP, For Love, in late 2013. Influences for Weiss include Faith Hill, Celine Dion and Carrie Underwood.
Chase Miller
ABOUT CHASE
Chase Miller has found that he can tell his stories through country music in a way that has his creative juices flowing like never before. He is a prolific songwriter, and a talented guitar player, who has embraced this career with both hands and won’t let go! Chase is constantly investing in self-development and looking for new and creative ways to develop his music and songs. As some may know, Chase managed to make many of his own connections without the help of a management or PR agency. He is a business-oriented musician who understands that dreams don’t happen without hard work, dedication, and most importantly optimism.
That’s right…optimism. As Chase believes; “You have to remain optimistic, even in the darkest of times. That is the most important part. If you don’t believe in you, then who will?”
Pete Scobell
ABOUT PETE
Pete Scobell already has a long narrative with many chapters – celebrated Navy SEAL,competitive skier and athlete, mountain climber, inspiration and advocate. So it would be easy to take the release of a country album as just another chapter in the life of a habitual success addict.
The truth is a guitar has been Scobell’s only constant companion as he’s traveled the world on more adventures than most people have in a full lifetime and the release of “Walkin a Wire” represents the culmination of a lifelong dream.
“I’m really just focused on making good music that I enjoy playing and that’s meaningfulto me,” Scobell said. “Everybody has life lessons, you just learn them in different places. Some of mine happen to be from my experiences in the military. That story might get people to listen to it one time, but this is a passion of mine and I’ve put so much time and effort into creating this album, this music and this sound. I want the music to really speak for itself.”
Nikki Briar
ABOUT NIKKI
A TASTE OF COUNTRY, A LICK OF ROCK! Hot, sassy, country rocker Nikki Briar will get your boots stompin and hands clappin, guaranteed!!! She has been named the East Coast’s hardest working female country artist as of 2011, sliding herself into the hearts of fans all over the nation and world! While performing over 220 shows a year, this Jersey Girl clearly has the heart of a country music superstar.
Nikki records and performs in Nashville and has showed people that a Jersey Girl can rock the country music scene as good as any southern bell. She performs all over New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, as well as Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and Massachusetts. Upon popular fan demands, she is currently planning a West Coast tour for 2016. Briar headlined at the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ and performed with southern rockers BlackBerry Smoke at the Starland Ballroom in Sayerville, NJ. She was a 2015 featured artist at the TASTE OF COUNTRY music festival in Hunter, NY.
Josh Goodlett
ABOUT JOSH
Country singer Josh Goodlett says he likes artists who are the “real deal” - artists who believe in themselves, perform music that is sincere and heartfelt, and who connect with the fans. While he seems quite unaware of it, Josh is describing himself. Goodlett is a natural singer who grew up in a musical family, and he’s been “singing since before he could talk.” While ability is key to succeeding in the music business, willingness to work hard is another essential element. Josh was born willing - a native of Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana farm country - he grew up rising before dawn for chores, and singing in the church choir on Sunday mornings.
Josh now co-writes much of his insightful original material with Nashville hitmaker Bobby E. Boyd (Alabama, Rascal Flatts). “I met Bobby a couple years ago when I came down to Nashville to record a demo,” Josh recalls. “He asked me why I was doing this, and I told him I wanted to touch people with my music. When I told him that, he said that he’d help me in any way he could, and we’ve been friends ever since.”
Travis Rice
ABOUT TRAVIS
With his bold vocals and rugged allure, there’s certain chemistry when a great vocalist collides with southern country songs. The impact is undeniable. Travis Rice’s confident baritone voice and winning stage presence have earned the adoration of country music fans for several years and he is now ready to show the industry what he’s made of.
With a brand new album set to be released Summer 2016, this Tennessee native has come a long way from the small town bars to the bright lights of Music City. Rice is earning his stripes sharing the stage with the likes of Colt Ford, Craig Morgan, Rhett Atkins, Little Texas, Con Hunley, and others. He thrives for the moments when he connects with his fans. “The second a stranger in the crowd is completely lost in the moment with me onstage, I know the real power that music has. Music has always been my journal. If you want to know who I am, just listen to my music. It’s a snapshot of what was happening in my life during that time.” With real emotion behind his songs, Rice is destined to remind fans and performers why we all love and connect with country music.
Madelyn Victoria
ABOUT MADELYN
Madelyn Victoria is a 24 year old singer-songwriter from deep South Texas. Performing professionally since 15, Madelyn has made a name of herself in the Rio Grande Valley. Winning competitions such as the Caesar's Palace Shania Twain Sing Off Contest and opening for names like Easton Corbin, Zac Brown Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, and many more; she has made an impression and paved a new path for all original artists in the RGV. This small lady has a powerful, rich soulful voice which brings a new fresh sound to the Country music scene. Madelyn can sing it all, but her true voice and songwriting ability lies within the Country music roots.
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Madelyn not only has a passion for singing and songwriting, but for helping others and donating her time to the community. She volunteers at local Motor Training events for special needs children, sings to the children at hospitals and rehab centers and started her own annual event called “Octave Higher Christmas”. Her hopes are that one day, it will become a large non-profit organization and that it can reach out to children throughout the US and all over the world.
Southern Halo
ABOUT SOUTHERN HALO
Sisters Natalia, Christina and Hannah Morris hail from Cleveland, Mississippi, in the heart of the musically-diverse Delta. Natalia is the principal songwriter, guitarist and lead vocalist, while Christina plays drums. Younger sister Hannah is the group’s bassist. The girls jump-
started their career in 2014 as National finalists of the Texaco Country Showdown, and they’re now known for their signature harmonies and Pop Country sound.
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The group’s debut album, Southern Halo, was released in 2015 to rave reviews and their newest single, “Rewind,” landed at Country radio in May 2016. The single’s companion music video was shot on an island in the middle of the Mississippi River. “Rewind” follows the phenomenal success of their debut single and video, “Little White Dress,” which was featured on Radio Disney, CMT, MTV, The Country Network and more.
Short-listed in Billboard.com’s recent feature on trending all-female bands, Southern Halo has opened for Brantley Gilbert, Eric Paslay, Tyler Farr, Randy Houser, John Michael Montgomery, Parmalee, Old Dominion, Craig Campbell, Julie Roberts, American Young and B.B. King.
The Tennessee Werewolves
ABOUT TENNESSEE WEREWOLVES
The Tennessee Werewolves a new family trio Country sensation bring a rebel yell to Country music. With the cool collective sounds of old fashion dixie roots, bluegrass picking, Haggard styled lyrics and rocking high energy vocals. The Band Consist of Angel Mary on Lead Vocals and Guitar, Christian Wolf on Vocals and Drums, and Antoine Wolf on Vocals and Bass Guitar. Make no mistake this is a Family tradition,"pass the biscuits please ." Angel Mary , Christian Wolf and Antoine Wolf are all related.
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Having a name as unique as this band, The Tennessee Werewolves push forward on their music endeavors by reaching out, and stepping out of the box. The name being derived from Johnny Cash and his song the "Beast in Me " from his American Recordings sparked the band to record Folsom Prison Blues, a song they hold close to heart.
Not only did they record this new epic single at the Cash Cabin where the American Reordings were recorded, they also had John Carter Cash produce the single and play an acoustic track on it. Giving it the "Cash" stamp of approval.
Jacob Stiefel
ABOUT JACOB
On the heels of his third release, "The Memphis Sessions," Jacob Stiefel is building steam and isn't planning on slowing down any time soon.
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Jacob, currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, was born and raised in Fort Payne, Alabama where his love affair with music began. His earliest musical memories are his mother dancing with him at two or three years old to Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger," and listening to his granny's cassette tapes of Elvis Presley and Little Richard, after kindergarten. After two years of piano lessons at seven and eight, he started guitar lessons at age nine and hasn't put it down since.​ Now Stiefel is looking forward to hitting the road once again and “sharing the love” and the music with his ever-growing number of friends, family and fans across the country and around the world.
And if you ask him he’ll tell you, “Oh, I’m just gettin’ started…”
Mary Kutter
ABOUT MARY
Kentucky native Mary Kutter has always been one to work hard and to go after her dreams. Receiving the CMA Rising Star Outstanding Showmanship and Best Overall Stage Performance awards, Mary has competed in various state and national competitions. The North American Country Music Association, International has awarded Mary in the Songwriter, Entertainer, Vocalist, and Music Video of the Year Categories.
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Since she began her career, Mary has always taken time aside to give back to others with her music. Launching her first annual Love Tour in the beginning of 2015, Mary shared her music at military bases, halfway houses, benefit concerts, nursing homes, veterans' homes, schools, and community centers. Always going after her dreams, Mary is rising higher and higher in the industry, gaining momentum and a reputation of being a hard-working, good-hearted young lady in country music.
Newtown
ABOUT NEWTOWN
The sound of a great band is usually developed through the relationships the members have with one another as much as their technical abilities. This is certainly the case with NewTown, which features the first-rate vocal and instrumental work of five of the finest musicians in Bluegrass, who share a bond that combines individual virtuosity with a background of formal training.
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Based in Lexington, Kentucky, and fronted by award-winning vocalist/fiddler Kati Penn Williams and her singer/banjo-picker husband, Jr. Williams, NewTown is one of the most exciting acts in contemporary Bluegrass. The ensemble has also opened shows for the John Cowan Band, whose namesake leader says on NewTown’s website, “Bands like NewTown are not by any means common; they're not made everyday. It takes sweat equity, passion, patience and vision.”
Richard Lynch
ABOUT RICHARD
You'd be hard-pressed to find a musician as authentic as Richard Lynch, whose traditional country music fully embodies his hay-raising, farm-dwelling lifestyle. An all-American, blue collar country man, Lynch has poured his heart and soul into the countless chart-topping hits he and his band have produced. His music is 100% real country, evoking some of the great classics who influenced him, like Keith Whitley. Conway Twitty, and George Strait. For three decades and counting, Lynch has written, sung, and performed his songs with passion and dedication, building himself up into an independent country music sensation. While his musical roots are grounded in pure country, his songs also showcase elements of western swing, rockabilly and outlaw country.
Living the life he sings about is what gives Richard Lynch the edge as a singer/songwriter. Richard's style is true and it carries into his live shows. Much like his music alone, a live performance of the Richard Lynch Band is something you feel. It's something you carry with you when you walk away. If country music is a gift that sustains in our lives wherever we go, Richard Lynch is the messenger.
Hannah Belle
ABOUT HANNAH
Hannah Belle is a true country girl hailing from Red Lick, MS where she grew up learning how to live the country way. Singing since she was three, country music came naturally to her, having a love and respect for the traditional country sound, but also embracing the modern sounds of country music today. Her dad has always played music and Hannah says her mom is her biggest fan. She writes a lot of her songs with her sister, Robin, so her music career has become a family business. Hannah’s dad is a Baptist minister and she has always been involved in church activities, so God and country flows naturally through most of her music.​ Hannah's songs uphold the strong family and Christian values she’s grown up loving and respecting. She reminds the listener that with God, all things are possible. Hannah’s music always accentuates the positive side of life…engaging, uplifting and encouraging her fans and listeners. She truly has a heart for helping people and it shows in her music. With her warm, engaging personality, she loves to meet people, so it won’t be hard for her to do. And, with her ability to write and sing such compelling music, she’s an act who’s bound to connect.
Adam Sanders
ABOUT ADAM
Adam Sanders grew up in the north Florida town of Lake City, where he spent much of his youth with music; playing local fairs, talent shows and town festivals. While spending summers with his dad in Nashville, Adam found himself in and out of studios on Music Row with his uncle and professional session musician, Scotty Sanders. It was then that Adam fell in love with the recording process, and the creative side of the music business. He knew this was where he was meant to be. With a plan of moving to Music City following high school graduation, Adam would spend as much time as possible, teaching himself to write songs about the things in life he knew about.
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Adam has been burning up the road, sharing stages with the likes of Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Randy Houser, Dustin Lynch, Easton Corbin, The Cadillac Three, Gary Allan, Eric Paslay, Cole Swindell and more. Adam’s debut single, “Nothin’ To Do But Drink,” was released in 2014 and was a Highway Finds track on SiriusXM. In early 2015, Spotify chose Adam as of Country’s “One’s To Watch.”
Derek Andrew
ABOUT DEREK
Country music has always been known for its brutally honest storytelling, great musicianship and relatable stars. New country artist Derek Andrew certainly holds up this legacy. Growing up just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, Derek caught the country music bug early on. Derek began singing at the age of 4 and was writing his own songs and playing guitar by 14. Almost immediately he began performing and hasn't slowed down since. His years working as an EMT have given him a "no quit" work ethic and a unique perspective on life from which he draws songwriting inspiration.
Kristi Hoopes
ABOUT KRISTI
Whether you ask Country Perspective, Queens of Country, Relate Magazine, or any of the other numerous reviewers, newspapers, blogs and radio stations that she has spoken with, there’s one thing they can all agree on – Kristi Hoopes has the “tried and true music that country radio needs.” With eight years of vocal experience, 30+ awards in country music, and two guitars under her belt, four-time “Songwriter of the Year" and five-time "New Country Female Entertainer of the Year” Kristi Hoopes is creating the country music of tomorrow – today.
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Kristi has been an opening act for well-known Colorado bands like the Blue Canyon Boys and Fireweed, as well as nationally-acclaimed acts such as Wynonna Judd and the Big Noise, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Kenny Rogers. As a headliner, her eclectic musical footprint has been left everywhere from local county fairs to the National Western Stockshow, the Colorado State Fair, and the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Kristi Hoopes may be a small-town girl, but her music promises to take her fans on a Mile High ride.
Spinn
ABOUT SPINN
The Spinn girls have been a songwriting team since they were 5 years old writing for many styles along the way, but they truly found their hearts and voices live in country music. The stories shared and connections made with the country audience is unlike any other genre of music, and that kinship is one Spinn hopes to grow with every song they write. For the City Country EP the twins are joined by singer, friend, and fellow country music lover Megan Battaglia who lent her vocals to add another level of harmonic flare to this fun, fresh collection of songs.
“Spinn is a powerhouse of superb vocalists whose flawless harmonies never fail to amaze. Initially settling into a comfortable kind of folk rock groove, over the years, these young women have continually evolved and refined who they are as artists.” The Examiner says of Spinn’s new single. Life Of A Rockstar says, "Blowing the door "wide open" on the idea that, "who you are is where you're from," the girls from Spinn take two parts rock, three parts country and five parts heart and soul to make this song a perfect ten." Rock Meets Country defines the band: "Spinn is a blended cocktail of country, rock and pop, an intoxicating combination that leaves you wanting more."
Towne
ABOUT TOWNE
This Nashville-based powerhouse duo consists of Pennsylvania bred, music theater geek Steevie Steeves and straight-from-Kentucky, former bassist for punk-rock band, The Pink Spiders, Jon Decious. The two talents unexpectedly crossed paths at Skip Ewing’s Horse and Writer Seminar in Wyoming where they immediately connected musically. Not long after they met, they realized they both lived behind the liquor store on 8th in the heart of Music City, yet they had to travel thousands of miles to find out they were meant to make music together.
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Their unique sound mixes homegrown sentiment with dive bar rock-n-roll. The organic blend of their soulful edge with Americana southern roots makes them extremely unique. The iconic 60’s influences of Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor, and Carole King shine through their voices in every performance.
Steevie and Jon’s musical fate finally caught up to them, and the result is both enchanting and wicked; in the words of Decious, “You can outgrow your boots, but you can’t outrun your boots, or at least that’s what I think they say.”
Alyssa Bonagura
ABOUT ALYSSA
One listen and it becomes crystal clear that Alyssa Bonagura was born to make music. With a voice that touches somewhere deep inside, Alyssa’s soulful sound and powerful lyrics will send you jet-setting into a broad range of human emotions. Growing up on the open roads of America, with her RCA country recording artists parents, Baillie & The Boys, made it impossible for Alyssa not to witness the power and magic of music.
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Road Less Traveled showcases Alyssa as a solo artist in her truest form to date and shares the journey of finding her own voice and paving her own path as an independent Country artist. It encompasses elements of early Sheryl Crow mixed with Joni Mitchell like vocals. You'll hear so many iconic female influences on this project.​​ Alyssa blends them all extremely well to come up with a sound that is familiar in its harkening back to the greats from multiple decades, yet completely unique and unlike anything else one would hear today.
Adam Searan
ABOUT ADAM
As Cumulus Radio’s NASH Next debut season runner-up, Adam Searan will join a national tour headlined by Big Machine recording artist RaeLynn and secured multiple features in Country Weekly. Mentored by Big Machine Label Group heads, Scott and Sandi Borchetta, Adam created a music video for his award-winning song, Last. Co-written with publisher/writer, Jon D’Agostino, Last, not only propelled him to the top of the Cumulus Radio challenge, it also added another prestigious credential to his impressive resume.
The song has secured wins as Grand Prize in the Country Category of the John Lennon International Songwriting Contest and in Billboard’s Unsigned Only Music Competition. This award-winning tune has also been garnering critical acclaim among music journalists and radio personalities.
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“Adam, with his distinctive look, style and sound, has created a brand that is unique in contemporary country music,” says Jon D’Agostino, co-writer and President of Demolition Music Publishing. Co-publisher, Abbe Nameche adds, “With his passionate lyrics and original melodies, he puts his signature on every song.”
iamtheband.net
The Darren Zancan Band
ABOUT DARREN ZANCAN BAND
Darren Zancan grew up in a musical household where he started singing at the age of 3. His passion to entertain people was evident from a young age.
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In 2008, Darren was dealt the hardest hand in his life - his father, Paul, who was his best friend, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Darren immediately turned to the only thing he knew, which was his guitar. Out came the song Table for One, a tribute to his father. His father’s death in 2009 was a wakeup call for Darren. They had a common love of music. A fire was lit inside Darren, musically, and from that moment he knew it was time to pick up the guitar and share his dad’s legacy, but also build a musical legacy for himself. Music was not a hobby, but a calling, and his dad’s passing became an inspiration for Darren to take his music even more serious.
In October of 2015, Darren along with his band Ben Fabert and Clint Edwards started recording his country-debut album This Life at the world famous Black Bird Studio in Nashville. Blackbird is owned by country star Martina McBride. Hold You So Tight is the first single off the album.
Sam Brooker
ABOUT SAM
Reared among the humble community of Green Bay, WI, Sam took to both piano and guitar via lessons from his dad. He would transition to Music City after high school and honed his songwriting craft and music business knowledge.
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Founding Artist Revolution, a publishing company, the company’s first cut would become Billboard’s longest running #1 and the “Top Selling Country Song of All Time” with the release of Cruise by Florida Georgia Line, co-written by his writer Jesse Rice. AR would go on to secure additional cuts with Florida Georgia Line and acts like Kristian Bush, Chase Rice and Colt Ford. Also in the business arena, he founded Remix Hits with Matt Wilder, a tech company that is developing software to automate the process of sampling and licensing to create new revenue streams for the entire music ecosystem.
With the catalog of works that he had built along the journey since Sam & Ruby, he compiled his top selections across the country and adult contemporary genre and will be releasing a full self-title EP in 2017 featuring the debut single Stay.
The Runaway Hamsters
ABOUT THE RUNAWAY HAMSTERS
"We truly got our start as TRH by helping a friend who had cancer. We recorded a simple song, had CDs made which we sold to raise money that was donated to the hospital caring for our friend. Our story got picked up nationally and we began to get calls from all over the country. We were interviewed on radio stations & Media from coast to coast and eventually producers approached us to make an album. We chose to work with Kent Wells Productions in Nashville (Dolly Parton's producer). Kent connected us with songwriters and has also written with us himself. He shares our vision, passion and love for music."
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TRH produced their first official EP in 2015 and their second release, "A Little Country" was released June 1, 2016. TRH creates music that is original, engaging and heartfelt. Their lyrics can be touching with a dose of humor with the aim of leaving the listener happy. You will be smiling if you take the time to enjoy! TRH has been involved with music from a very early age starting with piano lessons, which began at 5 years old. They all love to write, and each plays a variety of instruments. They all like to help others. Their hashtag is #wehelpfriends!
Kayla Woodson
ABOUT KAYLA
With musical roots in country, rock, and soul, Kayla Woodson's influences range from Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder to Journey and Guns ‘N Roses, and country stars like Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood. Combining her powerful vocals with her strong stage presence, Kayla has perfected her live show and started to make her mark on Music City. From a spur of the moment opportunity to jump on stage and perform with Lady Antebellum to mentions on The Bobby Bones Show, Nashville is taking notice.
2015 was a whirlwind year for Kayla that included her first performance on the Hard Rock stage at CMA Music Fest, shows with her band up and down Nashville’s famed Broadway, and the release of her first single “Fan for the Flame” to country radio.
he released her self-titled EP in April of 2016. The Kayla Woodson - EP is a collection of five original songs, written or co-written by Kayla. Having had her hand in every aspect of the creation of this project, Kayla is confident that it represents the artist into which she has matured.
