2023

Review: Jessie G – Martyr

With Jessie G working under the guidance of her idol Gretchen Wilson at Redneck Records, it is no surprise that this latest single packs a punch. Leaning heavily towards rock opposed to her usual country sound, ‘Martyr’ showcases Jessie G’s epic vocal ability as she belts out that chorus. The production is tight and complements the song perfectly with its heavy drums and distorted guitars. I like the heavily EQ’d guitars as the production drops between sections in the song. It is the next single taken from the record that Jessie G has been working on for the past five years and which is set to be released later this year. Jessie said it would draw influence from across genres and this song certainly shows us the feisty, rock edge that can be injected into her music. 

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Review: Arielle Eden – Signs and Signals

New York based singer-songwriter, Arielle Eden, has drawn comparisons to Taylor Swift and LeAnn Rimes with her mix of country-pop songwriting. The debut EP has seen her work with the likes of hit songwriter Forest Glen Whitehead who has worked with Kelsey Ballerini and Brandy Clark and you can see why he’d want to work with someone like Eden. As she explores the typical themes of an ill-fated love on this record, she does so in an unusual way with quirky and clever lyrics telling the stories. Her vocals are unique – soothing with a lovely tone to them. The EP opens with the title track which has a lovely melody and dreamy backing vocals. ‘One Way’ starts with the warm sound of a pedal steel, it’s an insightful track touching on the theme of self-discovery. It’s a really well written EP, I’m excited to hear more from Arielle Eden and see how her career blossoms. 

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Review: MaRynn Taylor – Something I Would Do

The 21-year-old has had a whirlwind couple of years, impressing Black River Entertainment and being surprised with a recording and publishing contract live on air during a radio interview. She released her debut EP with them in the summer of last year and it’s a belter. Her blend of country-pop is upbeat and relatable, and her voice is both powerful and sweet. The production blends traditional country instrumentation like the banjo and fiddle with a drum machine whilst lyrically she refers to typical country themes, referencing Johnny Cash in EP opener ‘Sounds Like Something’. Melodically the whole record is riddled with catchy hooks that get stuck in your head. My favourite track on the record is ‘Slow Dance in Headlights’, it’s a beautifully written tune and her vocals really shine. I expect 2023 to be even bigger for this fast-rising star! 

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Review: Thomas Deed – New Star Rising

This is the first time Thomas Deed’s music is crossing my desk but I’m glad it has now. His charismatic voice on this bluesy, rock track is what really captures my attention. It’s backed by a really unique and quirky production, there are some small additions to the instrumentation and little effects that really bring character to the song. It is delivered with a passionate and emotive vocal from Deed who sings with a sense of freedom as he talks of taking a road trip in his Mustang. With humour also prevalent throughout the lyrics, this is a great start for Thomas Deed who will no doubt be on my radar from now on.  

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Review: Wolf Moon – How Do You See Yourself

Drawing influence from the likes of John Mayer, Carole King and Prince, Wolf Moon’s second record is full of carefully crafted songs that were mainly written in lockdown. It’s not an album that would appeal to a typical country fan but the songwriting and vocal harmonies can be appreciated by all music lovers. The production, built upon the acoustic foundations of the tracks, is purposeful and effective. The album opens with ‘Variations On A Feeling’, the chorus, with those dreamy vocals intertwining and blending so beautifully to create a lovely soundscape, really adds character to the song. The standout track for me is ‘Tell Me What I Don’t Know’ with its skillful finger style guitar, the foundation of the song and it’s eerie vocal melodies is a unique addition to the collection. 

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Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis: New full-length album ‘Bluebird Days’ available 17 Feb

Multi-Platinum hitmaker Jordan Davis has announced his highly anticipated new full-length album, Bluebird Days. The album, available on February 17 via Snakefarm in the UK, will include Davis’ US 2 x Platinum No. 1 single, “Buy Dirt”, which earned him his first ‘Song of the Year’ win at the 2022 CMA Awards.  One of the most-streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022, “Buy Dirt” was co-written by Davis and his brother Jacob, along with Matt Jenkins and Josh Jenkins. Davis shared the album cover and title with American Songwriter before joining Bobby Bones to discuss the release… “It’s been an evolution, and not just from a songwriting standpoint,” said Davis, reflecting on the process of creating Bluebird Days with producer Paul DiGiovanni, who also produced his debut album, Home State. He added, “Everything matches the song…letting the song be a song and letting the lyrics lead it. Nothing feels forced. To me, it’s an album expressing exactly where I’m at right now.” “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan) about “faith, family and friends” continues to resonate with fans on a global scale, topping the US country radio airplay charts for two weeks, amassing more than 735 million global streams to date, and earning the NSAI ‘Song of the Year’ accolade (2022). In addition to its 2022 CMA ‘Song of the Year’ win, “Buy Dirt” has tallied multiple awards nominations, including ‘Top Country Song’ at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, ‘Musical Event of the Year’ at the 55th CMA Awards, and ‘Music Event’, ‘Single’ and ‘Song of the Year’ at the 57th ACM Awards. Read the story behind the making of “Buy Dirt” here.  In addition to “Buy Dirt”, Bluebird Days will feature several recently released tracks, including fan-favourites “Next Thing You Know”, “Midnight Crisis” (feat. Danielle Bradbery), “Part of It”, and current hit single, “What My World Spins Around”, which has amassed more than 145 million streams since its release this summer. In addition to his direct support slot on a Stateside tour with Luke Combs, Davis has headlined sold-out US venues coast to coast, and played back-to-back sold-out nights at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium in 2022, with Music Row noting, “Davis… rises to stardom, shines on Ryman Stage”.   Davis will next join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his Bring the Bar To You Tour.  For more information on upcoming tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tour.

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SXSW Announces Opening Night Film

South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals (March 10-19, 2023) announced the Opening Night film, Feature and Short Competitions, Midnighters, select titles from other categories and XR Experience for the 30th edition of the SXSW Film & TV Festival. The rest of the lineup will be announced in early February. SXSW Film & TV will open with Paramount Pictures and eOne’s Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, directed and co-written by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. In the film a charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. The movie brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez,  Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Chloe Coleman, Daisy Head, and Hugh Grant. “We are thrilled to announce the first wave of our incredible lineup for SXSW 2023,” said Claudette Godfrey, VP Film & TV. “It’s an amazing collection of films, TV series and XR experiences that promise to inspire, entertain and challenge our audiences. We’re also proud to open with Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, a raucous and engaging fantasy adventure, and look forward to welcoming everyone to Austin in March for what promises to be an unforgettable event.” SXSW draws thousands of fans, film and television creators, press, and industry leaders to immerse themselves in the smartest, most innovative and entertaining new films, TV and XR projects of the year, as well as giving access to hundreds of Conference Sessions, Music and Comedy Showcases, Creative Industry Exhibitions, Mentoring, Meetups and Special Events that define the cross-industry event. The 2023 Film & TV Festival will be in-person only. Feature films in the SXSW 2023 lineup screen in the following categories: Headliners; Narrative Feature Competition presented by Panavision; Documentary Feature Competition; Narrative Spotlight; Documentary Spotlight; Visions; Midnighters; Global presented by MUBI; 24 Beats Per Second; Festival Favorites, and Special Screenings. The TV program consists of TV Premieres, TV Spotlight, and the Independent TV Pilot Competition. The SXSW 2023 Shorts Film Program presented by IMDbPro will present seven competitive sections. XR Experience Competition, XR Spotlight and XR Special Events programming round out the Film & TV Festival program. All Categories with the exception of Special Screenings and TV Spotlight will be eligible for section-specific Audience Awards.

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Eric Church to Headline Amphitheaters for the First Time on ‘The Outsiders Revival Tour’

It’s a rite of passage for any music fan, seeing “The Chief” live in concert. Known for his marathon sets, the 2022 Billboard Music Awards’ Top Country Tour honoree Eric Church brings his critically acclaimed live show to new audiences in new ways this year, headlining outdoor venues throughout the summer with The Outsiders Revival Tour. Joining the man praised by POLLSTAR for “having already long established himself as one of the most successful touring country artists” across varying dates are Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Lainey Wilson, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King and Paul Cauthen, plus Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Hailey Whitters, Ray Wylie Hubbard and The Red Clay Strays. “When I approach touring, I’m always inspired by a new experience, a new way to gather, to express ourselves sonically and visually. Whether it’s solo, in the round, double down; being able to bring a different perspective has always brought out our best creatively,” shared Church. “Well, we have never done an outdoor summer tour. Never headlined amphitheaters. Never brought a summer experience to your town that featured artists we want to share the summer with. Until now. See you in the season of sunshine with some fellow outsiders that shine brightest when the sun goes down.” Kicking off June 22, the Live Nation produced tour takes the man celebrated by Forbes for “offering fans a unique experience each night while conjuring up the unpredictability that used to make concerts unforgettable” to 26 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets to all dates go on sale next Friday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.com, with presale access available to Church Choir members starting Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 10 a.m. local time. For more information and to learn how to join the Church Choir, visit EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

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Brett Kissel to Release Four-Part “The Compass Project”

Platinum-selling country artist Brett Kissel is about to unveil his biggest project to date: a four-part album project, titled The Compass Project. The first part, South Album, features 11 songs and will be released on January 27, with the remaining three being released throughout the year. South Album includes Kissel’s new single, “Never Have I Ever,” which is out now (listen to the single here and watch the lyric video here). Other songs include the fan-favorite track “Ain’t The Same,” featuring pop group 98°, and recent releases of Kissel’s, such as “Watch It” and “Our Home.” South Album is now available for pre-save here.   Kissel spoke on the release of The Compass Project, saying, “The Compass Project is without question the most ambitious project I’ve ever undertaken. It’s also the one I’m most excited about, being that the complete project includes four full-length albums. At this point in my life and career, I want to tap into all of the different quadrants that represent and guide me as a person, husband, father, artist, and entertainer. Those themes resonate in the distinct direction I take on each album!”   Each album part describes a different part of Kissel’s personality and sound. Before each album is released, feature tracks will drop as singles to give listeners a taste of what to expect from each one. The first part, South Album, is “Classic Brett,” as he calls it, which features contemporary tracks that fans will enjoy singing along to.    “‘South’ is a straightforward, heartfelt, and authentic album that my fans would expect. This one has the heartbeat of Nashville pulsing through every song.”   East Album will be the next released album with more of a spotlight on Kissel’s acoustic, laidback side and is set to release in the early spring.   “‘East’ is a collection of songs that reflect a more stripped-down, heartfelt acoustic side of me. It’s inspired by the ocean and my love for both coasts – the Atlantic and Pacific.”   Released in mid-summer is the West Album. West will bring in the southern twang and classic country that Kissel loves to perform.    Kissel spoke about the West Album, saying, “The ‘West Album’ contains two of my biggest loves – country and western music. It will have the tales and topics that have been the lifeblood of country music since the beginning.”   Rounding out the project will be the North Album, containing many of Kissel’s greatest hits performed live, as it shows his passion for performing. This will be released in the fall.   “I love to entertain. The stages and crowds have always given me a massive burst of energy, and the ‘North Album’ will revisit live versions of some of my biggest hits and crowd favorites,” Kissel adds.   Kissel has become a household name since the beginning of his career in 2012. The multi-platinum artist has won 22 CCMA awards and three JUNO awards (equivalent to the American Grammy). The singer has toured with Brad Paisley and Garth Brooks as well as collaborated with Grammy winners Charley Pride, Dave Mustaine, Nelly, and 98°.   “I hope that throughout the year 2023, my fans – old and new – get a 365-degree view of me, my life, and my music. I can’t wait to embark on the journey with them.”   For more information about Brett Kissel, visit his website or follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.    South Track Listing:   “Never Have I Ever” – Brett Kissel, Thomas “Tawgs” Salter, Elizabeth Lowell-Boland, and Ron Lopata “Watch It” – Matt Rogers and Blake Bollinger “Ain’t The Same” (featuring 98°) – Brett Kissel, Karen Kosowski, and Tim Nichols “Our Home” – Brett Kissel “Starts And Ends With You” – Brett Kissel, Emma-Lee, and Karen Kosowski “All I Ever Wanted” – Jacob Durrett, Justin Wilson, and Weston Davis “First Place” – Brett Kissel, Jason Nix, and Jason Gantt “That’s Just You” – Brett Kissel and Dave Thomson “Standing In The Dark” – Steve Fox, Mark Smith, and Sean Smith “Line In The Sand” – Brett Kissel “Cadillac Ranch” – Bruce Springsteen

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SXSW Announces Keynote Session and Third Round of Featured Speakers

South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals has announced the addition of Keynote Session Unfold The Universe: NASA’s Webb Space Telescope and the third round of Featured Speakers for the 37th edition of its annual Conference, which celebrates the convergence of technology, film, television, and music. SXSW takes place March 10 – 19, 2023 in Austin, Texas. The Keynote Session Unfold The Universe: NASA’s Webb Space Telescope includes NASA Goddard Communications Team Lead for the James Webb Space Telescope Laura Betz, Astrophysicist and James Webb Space Telescope Deputy Project Scientist for Exoplanet Science Dr. Knicole Colón, Planetary Scientist and James Webb Space Telescope Deputy Project Scientist for Planetary Science Dr. Stefanie Milam and Astrophysicist and Deputy Project Scientist for James Webb Space Telescope Science Communications Dr. Amber Straughn. The Session will feature a never-before-seen image from the James Webb Space Telescope. “We are honored to host a Keynote Session featuring members of the James Webb Space Telescope team,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer and Co-President. “They join an impressive group of Featured Speakers who have consistently strived for progress and discovery across a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology, transportation, food, and the arts.” Author of the national bestseller The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life and Executive Director of the Religion & Society Program at the Aspen Institute Simran Jeet Singh has been announced as Opening Speaker. The SXSW Conference is organized into 25 programming tracks presented in a variety of session formats. The tracks for 2023 include 2050, Advertising & Brand Experience, Cannabis, Civic Engagement, Climate Change, Creating Film & Episodics, Culture, Design, Energy, Film & TV Industry, Food, Game Industry, Health & MedTech, Markets & Economies, Media Industry, Music & Tech, Music Careers, Psychedelics, Sports, Startups, Tech Industry, Transportation, Travel & Leisure, Workplace Revolution and XR & Metaverse. More information about SXSW programming tracks and formats can be found here.

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