YALLWIRE.COM Is Breeding Ground For Independent Country Artists
Austin, TX —The web’s leading, non-mainstream country music video site, Austin-based Yallwire.com (www.yallwire.com), continually grows its catalog with exclusive artist interviews, groundbreaking shows and the latest music videos. The site offers independent and unsigned artists exposure amongst the biggest names in the business, as well as their fans.
Breaking out of the Texas country music scene, Yallwire.com recently released exclusive interviews with performers at the CMA Music Festival (www.yallwire.com/show/cma.html) in Nashville. Artists covered at the event include several upcoming stars: Justin Moore, Wild Honey, Sunny Sweeney, Jasmine Rae, Jimmy Wayne, Two Foot Fred, Eli Young Band, Adam Gregory, Josh Gracin, Bucky Covington, Jennifer Hanson and Mica Roberts.
Additionally, Yallwire.com partnered with emerging country artist, Jonalee White, to produce Long Road to Nashville (www.yallwire.com/show/longroadtonashville.html), which documents her journey to the top and makes pit stops at some of the nation’s most renowned country music events. Viewers can watch as Jonalee makes her way from Country Radio Seminar (CRS) and South by Southwest (SXSW) to Key West Songwriter’s Festival and CMA Music Festival.
Acts touring through Texas or those locally based are also points of interest for the music entertainment site’s Y’all Wire Presents series (www.yallwire.com/show/yallwirepresents.html). Recent footage includes interviews and exclusive sets with Jeremy McComb, Randy Rogers, Fisher Stevenson and Katie Armiger, to name a few.
Ultimately, Yallwire.com has proven to be a valuable platform for emerging, independent artists to find a loyal, niche audience not offered by the larger video sites like YouTube, Yahoo! and AOL. Music videos are free to submit (www.yallwire.com/promoter.html) to the site, and select artists can gain additional exposure through the original content posted on Yallwire.com.
Shawna Russell Releases Sophomore Single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels”
NASHVILLE, TN — Shawna Russell has released her new single to radio, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels.” The song is available via physical single, and digitally at AirPlay Direct. It is also included on CDX Volume 456 and CD Tex Volume 69 (both September 1 issues).
“Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” is the second release from the Oklahoma singer-songwriter’s critically acclaimed CD, Goddess. Russell has been praised by Nashville’s top music critic, Robert K. Oermann, along with Country Weekly, Maverick Magazine, Country Stars Online, The Oklahoman newspaper and many other publications, and music business insiders from around the world are predicting that she will become a major star.
Russell grew up in an environment that nurtured dreams and she carries on a family dream that was started by her father, Keith, and her uncle, Tim, when they began playing professionally nearly thirty years ago. Russell first started singing as a child, and by age 13 she was performing regularly. At 17, she went on the road full time, working and honing her skills at some of America’s top clubs, casinos, and concert venues, where she presently continues to build her fan base and her notoriety.
And the family franchise goes on - her father plays guitar in her band, and her uncle plays bass, produces, co-manages, and is the founder of her record label, Way Out West Records. Together, the three co-wrote the new single.
Recorded in Oklahoma City, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” features famed L.A. drummer, Russ Kunkel, whose sterling credits include James Taylor, Carly Simon and Stevie Nicks; David Santos, bassist for Elton John, Billy Joel, and currently with John Fogerty; and guitarist, Jon Conley, who has graced the stage with Wynonna, LeAnn Rimes and others. Russell’s powerful and passionate vocals were engineered by Grammy-winning Julian King – whose work with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill has helped propel them to superstardom. The track was mixed by Emmy and Grammy award recipient, Nathaniel Kunkel, in Los Angeles, between projects with The Police and Diana Ross.
“Should’ve Been Born With Wheels” opens with a crunchy rockin’ guitar riff - then the drums and a punchy B-3 organ kick in and it chugs along like a rollicking road show. Russell delivers a powerful and knowing vocal that demands attention:
You know ever since I was a baby girl - Had a feeling down deep inside
I had to get out and see the world - Even though I couldn’t drive
I knew I’d find a way if only in my mind
Well it must have been curiosity - At the heart of my desire
Roaming was my destiny – Time only fueled the fire
‘Til I felt the rubber burnin’ off my tires
So I’m packed up and ready to roll – It’s the only way I know
I gotta keep movin’ on - ‘Cause I can’t stand still
Should’ve been born with wheels
The song tells Russell’s story. She says, “From an early age, I have had the luxury of being able to travel and make music for a living. This has always been such an important part of my life. So naturally, I wanted to give my listeners a peek into the events that have impacted both my life and my career.”
“Should’ve Been Born With Wheels”
Lyrics by Shawna Russell, Keith Russell and Tim Russell
© 2008 Blue Buckaroo Music. Used by permission
Country’s Newest Husband and Wife Duo Thompson Square Release Debut Single “Not Far Enough”
NASHVILLE, TN — Thompson Square, Country music’s newest duo, have released their debut single, “Not Far Enough,” to radio this week. The song is available on CDX Vol. 455 and digitally at AirPlay Direct.
Thompson Square is comprised of husband and wife, Keifer and Shawna Thompson.
Shawna was born in Laurel, Mississippi and raised in the small south Alabama town of Chatom. She grew up under the influence of great artists including Reba McEntire, Shelby Lynne, Etta James, Patty Loveless and the supergroup, Alabama. Shawna’s dream of being a recording artist began when she made her first recording into a hand-held tape recorder at four years of age in her mama’s kitchen with her daddy playing banjo. That was just the beginning. Singing in her father’s local band was a way of life while growing up, and it wasn’t long until she set her sights on Nashville, where she scored an artist development deal with a major record label.
Keifer hails from the northeastern Oklahoma town of Miami. Music was always very important in his life and he recalls, “I was raised on Roger Miller and Elvis. I remember listening to daddy's vinyl records and learning to play guitar while entertaining the family in my cut off jeans and cowboy boots.” After high school, Keifer attended college at Missouri Southern State University where he excelled in athletics and academics - all the while performing, writing and building a catalogue of songs. Soon after graduating, Keifer made the move to Nashville where he began gigging, touring with major artists and writing with some of Music City’s great songwriters.
And then, fate stepped in - within weeks of Keifer and Shawna moving to Nashville they met while singing in a popular local venue. From that first moment, their lives were changed forever and a short time later they were married.
“Not Far Enough” will benefit greatly due to the fact that Thompson Square recently won the AirPlay Direct "All Things Digital Country / Alt. Country" artist contest, where they competed against over 200 entrants from around the world. The duo received a grand prize package of radio promotions, Internet marketing and publicity services from companies including, 1617 Virtual, CDA Promotions-Nashville, Airplay Specialists, VirtualMusicMarket.com, HitMenSongPluggers.com, Big Kev of Big Country Revue/Artist Development Co-op’s Media Guide and AirPlay Direct.
Keifer and Shawna add, “We are excited about the new single! And we hope that everyone loves it.”
Eric Durrance (Wind-Up Nashville) Added to CMT Tour 2008
NASHVILLE, TN — Wind-up Records Nashville (a subsidiary of Wind-up Entertainment) is pleased to announce its flagship artist Eric Durrance has been added to the CMT On Tour entertainment line-up for this fall.
On the heels of making his introduction into the country music scene official with the release of his debut single entitled "Angels Fly Away," Eric Durrance has accepted the special invitation to open CMT ON TOUR-2008. Joining platinum-selling artist Jason Aldean (Broken Bow Records) and the reigning ACM Top New Group, Lady Antebellum (Capitol-Nashville), Eric will perform in 20 different markets across the nation this fall. Touring from one end of the country to the other, Durrance is excited to make new acquaintances and introductions in cities and towns he's not yet visited as part of his radio tour. "Everywhere I've been, people have enthusiastically welcomed me and my music," Durrance offered. "I look forward to bringing my music to folks in Maine, Texas, Kansas, West Virginia and more. This will be an experience of a lifetime." The tour kicks off at Western Carolina University on October 8 and continues through November 22, 2008.
A native of Tallahassee, FL, Durrance is a multi-talented, self-taught musician and soulful vocalist who acknowledges "music is in his blood." He's an emotional tunesmith who naturally delivers honest music-music that he's lived.
"Being the opening act on this tour is a coveted position." Durrance said. "I'm extremely honored to be part of the tour with award-winning, platinum-selling artists and to share the stage once again with Jason and Lady A." Durrance played dates earlier this summer with the two artists.
Eric's participation in the CMT tour adds strength to his momentum to become "the" newcomer to watch. He recently signed with Buddy Lee Attractions, was featured in Country Weekly's "Listen Up," and is scheduled to appear in CMA Close-up Magazine in December.
"We are so proud of Eric's being selected for this opening slot. He's a great new addition to the country music format and for the CMT Tour. Eric Durrance is the perfect example of where the format is heading. Look for great things to come from this multi-talented artist," added Bernard Porter COO, Porter-Gentry/Wind-up Records Nashville.
Wind-up Records-Nashville will release ANGELS FLY AWAY digitally on September 16, 2008. The CD features cuts by some of Music City's finest song crafters including Dallas Davidson, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and Alabama's own hitmaker, Teddy Gentry. Durrance wrote and/or co-wrote a number of the songs contained on the project. Produced by Teddy Gentry (Alabama/Emerson Drive) and Mark Bright (Rascal Flatts/Carrie Underwood), ANGELS FLY AWAY will appeal to country music listeners with contemporary taste and traditional flavor.
For more information on Eric Durrance visit www.ericdurrance.com.
For more information on the CMT ON TOUR '08 visit www.cmtontour.cmt.com.
Monster Truck Challenge Big on Charity
NASHVILLE, TN — The "Broken Bow Records Back to School Monster Truck and Music Bash" on Saturday, August 23 has partnered with several charities to provide a night of free, family-friendly entertainment for hundreds of children.
As in all cities where the Monster Truck Challenge takes place, numerous children's charities are invited to attend the event for free. Charities in the Nashville area include The Pencil Foundation, The Boys & Girls Club, The YMCA, 100 Kings, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and Special Kids, Inc. in Murfreesboro, TN.
Tickets are provided courtesy of the Monster Truck Challenge and Broken Bow Records.
"Fortunately for us, one of the greatest assets we have at the Nashville Super Speedway is the seating capacity," says Broken Bow's Jim Yerger, who also serves as Executive Vice President of the Monster Truck Challenge. "Rather than have the seats go unattended it's a far greater service to us to provide a great day of fun and excitement for the less fortunate children in the community."
Attendees will be treated to a night of Monster Truck excitement, as well as a concert performance from Broken Bow artist Ash Bowers, Big Machine artist Adam Gregory and emerging country act The Harters.
For specific information on these charities, visit the following links:
The Pencil Foundation: http://www.pencilfd.org/pencil_programs
Boys & Girls Club: http://www.bgcmt.org/main.asp?id=4
YMCA: http://www.ymcamidtn.org
Special Kids: http://www.specialkids-tn.com
Tickets are available for purchase at www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com or by calling 1-866-RACETIX.
Industry and Artists Gather For Katie Armiger Show At The Rutledge
NASHVILLE, TN — Cold River recording artist Katie Armiger staged a special performance at The Rutledge in downtown Nashville last night. Industry and artists were entertained as Armiger performed songs off her second album, Believe, including her current single, "Unseen," which was released earlier this summer and continues to climb the charts. Pictured L to R are Jeremy McComb (Parallel/CO5/Nashville), Emily West (Capitol Nashville), Katie Armiger (Cold River), Pete O'Heeron of Cold River Records and Larry Pareigis of Nine North. Photo Credit: Bev Moser
REBECCA OWEN: Country Weekly's Download Darlin' in Sept 8th issue
Things are looking up for Louisiana-born New Mexico transplant country songstress Rebecca Owen (www.myspace.com/rebeccaowencountry). The Albuquerque club favorite has taken the advice of Music Connection Magazine that advised her in a glowing review to "get thee to Music City, little lady."
While performing at the Nashville Songwriters Festival On Music Row in June, Rebecca had a chance to perform her song "Loser In A Lovin' Game" for Country Weekly Magazine editor Larry Holden in his office. Owen penned the song for the upcoming film "The Coyote County Loser" that is filming locally in New Mexico. Holden found the song charming and asked to include it in the "Listen Up!" column in Country Weekly Magazine's September 8th issue with a free download on CountryWeekly.com.
Owen’s been turning up the heat out West, stirring up a storm of her own on the growing country music scene in her beloved adopted home state of New Mexico. Don't think the local music scene hasn't taken notice. Rebecca was named "Artist Of The Month" by Governor Bill Richardson's New Mexico Music Commission for the month of August.
A strikingly charismatic interpreter of heartfelt and rockin’ originals and beloved cover songs, the singers self-titled album Rebecca Owen, was produced by New Mexico native and Country Music Association nominee Johnny Mulhair, who helmed LeAnn Rimes’ first two CDs.
Owen’s 2008 tour dates include stops at the Harvest Wine Festival in Las Cruces on September 1st and New Mexico State Fair on September 9th. Texas is next with a two night stand at The Ranch in Midland October 17-18th and The World United Music Festival in San Marcos November 15-16th.
AUGUST 20-21, 2008 (click on link below for full release)
YALLWIRE.COM Is Breeding Ground For Independent Country Artists
Shawna Russell Releases Sophomore Single, “Should’ve Been Born With Wheels”
Country’s Newest Husband and Wife Duo Thompson Square Release Debut Single “Not Far Enough”
Eric Durrance (Wind-Up Nashville) Added to CMT Tour 2008
Monster Truck Challenge Big on Charity
Industry and Artists Gather For Katie Armiger Show At The Rutledge
REBECCA OWEN: Country Weekly's Download Darlin' in Sept 8th issue
