Interview with Sami Lavette

 Posted by at 8:57 pm on November 23, 2020
Nov 232020
 

 

  • Artist name: Sami Lavette
  • Hometown: Springville, Alabama

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently in an Artist Development Program with Ivy Manor in Muscle Shoals. This program will end with over fifty written songs, around 15 demos, and one completely produced track. Specifically I am writing song after song searching for my new hit!

What inspired you to pursue a music career and when?

My dad is a musician. Ever since I was little my dad had me sing song after song and I adored it. I would close my eyes and imagine myself on stage. I knew that I could be a star just like Taylor Swift and Barbara Streisand.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing?

I would be training a little more intensely for Auburn Cheerleading Tryouts. I would also hopefully have a new puppy that I could train to go to college with me.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

I love to read and watch Hulu shows. I have read 13 of Lurlene McDaniel books alone. She is my favorite author, but don’t read one of her books unless you are ready to cry!

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Bennet or Brenden from this season of The Bachelorette!

Who is your favorite sports team?

Auburn football. War eagle!

What is the last movie you watched?

Beauty and the beast… My favorite Disney Princess is Belle!

What is the last album you listened to?

Lately I have been streaming Brantley Gilbert radio. My favorite songs of his are “Bad Boy”, “Saving Amy”, and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Kelsea by Kelsea Ballerini

What is the Greatest Country Song of all time?

“Something Like That” by Tim McGraw

What has been your favorite place to visit on the road?

I love New York City even though I’m from the South. It is definitely my favorite place!

What is your favorite meal?

My favorite meal is any sort of Japanese, Chinese, or sushi! I could eat it everyday!

Who is your dream duet partner?

Bruce Springsteen for sure!

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Chris Bandi, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini and Dan and Shay

What is your ultimate career goal?

I would like to inspire fans to believe in themselves and to tell my story through my writing. I would like to be able to write the majority of my songs and work hard to be successful and inspiring on stage and off.

Album Review: “kelsea” by Kelsea Ballerini

 Posted by at 1:52 pm on November 21, 2020
Nov 212020
 

 

 

Kelsea Ballerini’s album ballerini is a disorganized mess of good and bad music.  On one hand, it has some good country songs, most notably “Half of My Hometown” which features Kenny Chesney as the background vocalist.  On the other hand, half of the tracks are not country at all.  At this point in her career, it’s time for Kelsea to decide if she wants to be a pop artist or a country artist.  She has been leaning more and more pop lately, and she very well could explode into the next Taylor Swift if she does.

However, she has the tools to be the next Carrie Underwood should she decide to focus more on being a country artist.  I get that in today’s blended world, the lines between genres have become so blurred that pop music is now country music, rap music is now pop music, and country music is now Texas/Red Dirt music.  Regardless of how music is classified these days, this album was hit or miss.  Overall, the album scored 6.8 on a scale of 1-10, meaning it’s a decent country album.

Here’s how we scored the tracks:

  • Overshare – 5.9
  • Club – 6.2
  • Homecoming Queen – 7.7
  • The Other Girl – 6.4
  • Love Me Like a Girl – 7.3
  • Love and Hate – 7.3
  • Bragger – 5.8
  • Hole in the Bottle – 7.7
  • Half of My Hometown – 8.4
  • The Way I Used To – 6.2
  • Needy – 6.5
  • A Country Song – 6.8
  • LA – 6.7

For more Music Reviews and info on how we score music, click here.

Rate the Music: “Wildflower” by Drew Haley

 Posted by at 9:06 pm on November 19, 2020
Nov 192020
 

Today we put Drew Haley’s new solo project Wildflower (EP) through our scoring system.  Released on October 2nd, the five-track EP showcases the strong vocals of the accomplished singer/writer/actress, who also stars in the all-female vocal group The Highway Women!

Here is how we scored the tracks on the EP:

  • Wildflower – 7.5
  • Fool to Remember – 7.4
  • Mood Swing – 6.9
  • Listen to the Sound – 7.2
  • Whole Wide World – 7.1

Total Album Sore – 7.2 = Good country album!

HCM Scoring Scale:

  • 9.0-10 = Great country song/album
  • 8.0-8.9 = Very good country song/album
  • 7.0-7.9 = Good country song/album
  • 6.0-6.9 = Decent country song/album
  • 5.0-5.9 = Average country song/album
  • 4.0-4.9 = Below average country song/album
  • 0-3.9 = Not a good country song/album
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2020 Texas Country Music Association Awards Winners

 Posted by at 10:11 pm on November 16, 2020
Nov 162020
 

The 2020 Texas Country Music Awards were held last night at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, TX.  Below is a list of all the winners!

Entertainer of The Year:

Josh Ward

Male Artist of the Year:

Jon Stork

Female Artist of the Year:

Bri Bagwell

Country Band of the Year:

The Wilder Blue

Roots/Alternative Artist of the Year:

Giovannie and the Hired Guns

Young Artist (16 & Under):

Macy Dot

Emerging Artist:

Aaron Copeland

Country Album of The Year:

“Live at Billy Bob’s”, Josh Ward

Country Single of the Year:

“River Road Dreams”, Curtis Grimes

Terrestrial Radio Station of the Year:

100.9 KVMK FM The Maverick College Station

Broadcast Personality of The Year:

Ben Ryan, 95.9 The Ranch Fort Worth

Internet Radio Station of the Year:

RealTexasRadio.com, Michael White-Owner

Live Music Venue of the Year:

Gruene Hall, New Braunfels

Christian Country Artist of the Year:

Curtis Grimes

Christian Country Single of The Year:

“Bible on My Dash”, Michael Knight & Kelly Kenning, Writers

Bassist of the Year:

Colton James

Fiddler of the Year:

George Navarro

Guitarist of the Year:

Brendan Gilman

Keyboard/Pianist of the Year:

Allen Huff

Steel Guitarist of the Year:

Haystack Novak

Drummer of the Year:

Nate Coon

TCMA Artist Scholarship

Brody Caster

Trailblazer Award:

Mr. Radney Foster

Country Songwriter of the Year:

Luke Christenson and Walter Martin for “Fort Worth and You”

Christian Country Songwriter of the Year:

Justin Todd Herod for “To Be Continued”

Remembering Doug Supernaw

 Posted by at 9:11 pm on November 13, 2020
Nov 132020
 

photo courtesy 2911 Media

2020 has taken yet another country star, this time Doug Supernaw who lost his battle with bladder and lung cancer at the age of 60.  The Texan was best known for his hit “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” and 4 other Top-25 singles throughout the 90’s.  Here is what some of his peers are saying in remembrance of him today.

B.J. Thomas:  My heartfelt condolences to the family of Doug Supernaw. You will be missed.

Bri BagwellDang it. RIP Mr. Doug Supernaw.

Charley Pride:  Doug Supernaw’s voice was a mainstay during the 90s in country music and I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Clay Walker:  Rest In Peace Doug Supernaw. God bless your family all those who loved you.

Craig CampbellHate to hear about the passing of #DougSupernaw. His music is part of that #90sCountry that inspired me to come to #Nashville and pursue music for a livin’. Sending love to the family. Rest easy bud and thank you for stayin true to country music.

Dallas Remmington:  I am so sad to hear about Doug Supernaw’s passing. My family and I will keep him and everyone who loves him in our prayers.

David Ball:  We are sad to tell you that we lost Doug Supernaw this morning. After moving to East Texas, we got to know him and his lovely wife Cissy. Keep that family in your prayers. Thanks to @MouserMedia for letting us know. “Reno,” what a song!

Deborah Allen:  Doug Supernaw was always such a welcomed sight when our paths would cross out on the road! I loved his big smile and warm heart! He was super sweet to me and a super talent! Doug had a great love for country music and for all of his friends and fans! And the feelings were mutual in return. Doug Supernaw will be loved, missed and remembered forever by all who knew him.

Doug StoneI’m sad today for the loss of my friend Doug Supernaw. He went to be with Jesus early this morning. Cissy, Jade and I will be here for you. Whatever you need! This one hurts.

Exile:  Doug was a great guy and a good entertainer ,and a Texan no doubt! We extend our sympathies to his family and fans and the country music community. RIP Doug..

J.D. Shelburne:  My heart aches for the family of Doug Supernaw. Getting introduced to country music in the early 90s, he had one of the biggest songs I can remember in “I Don’t Call Him Daddy” – still to this day I know every single word. Country music will miss him and that last name will never be forgotten.

Jeannie Seely:  So sorry to hear of the passing of Doug Supernaw. Although I didn’t know him real well, he was always so friendly and nice when I did have the opportunity to be around him, and would like to have known him better. He was a great talent and very supportive of our Dottie West birthday bash.  Thank you and RIP Doug

Joe Bosnall (Oak Ridge Boys):  I never really knew Doug all that well, but I have always respected him. He has been in my prayers since I heard he was down. Heaven’s gained another great one. Prayers for his family.

Johnny Lee:  I am really sad to hear about the passing of Doug Supernaw. The loss of another great talent. I am going to miss you, Doug.

Kelly Lang:  Your career in country music spanned for nearly 3 decades. My thoughts are with you, your family and friends during this difficult time.

Kent Blazy:  I met Doug Supernaw thanks to Kim Williams who had written “Not Enough Hours In The Night,” and he wanted the three of us to write together. He was a genuine gentleman. He went out on the road to promote that single and we did hook up to write.

Lee Greenwood:  Praying for Doug Supernaw and his family during this difficult time. Thank you for your contributions to country music.

Linda Davis:  We have lost another member of the country music family. Fellow Texan, Doug Supernaw was a very talented man and he leaves such great music and memories for his many friends and fans. My deepest condolences go to Doug’s wife and family.

Mickey Gilley:  Sad news to report today, fellow country musician and friend, Doug Supernaw passed away today. I enjoyed his music and catching up with him during our shows in Houston. Rest In Peace Doug!

Noah Garner:  I was saddened to hear of the passing of Doug Supernaw. Being raised on 90’s Country, hits like “I Don’t Call Him Daddy”, and “What’ll You Do About Me” were staples in our home. He will be missed!

Rich O’TooleRIP Doug Supernaw. One time I was playing at The Firehouse Saloon and out of nowhere he jumped on stage and we jammed Reno for 10 minutes. Legend.

Shane Owens:  My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Doug Supernaw and his family during this very difficult time. Have always loved his songs and he will be greatly missed.

T. Graham Brown:  Doug had a broad smile, great spirit, and firm handshake. He always left me feeling better with his natural sense of humor. Blessings and condolences to his immediate and extended family. R.I.P., dude.

T.G. Sheppard:  My thoughts and prayers are with Doug and his family during this time. He was one of the good guys in our business and he gave us some great music during his career that will always be remembered.

Tim Atwood:  The last time I performed alongside Doug Supernaw was during a Country For A Cause charity event. It had been years since I had seen him work a stage, and it was great to see him wow the Nashville crowd that night. I remembered what a great entertainer he was. Over the past year, Doug fought a good fight, but he is in pain no more. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans.

Toby KeithRIP Doug Supernaw. We traveled a lot together back in the day. One of a kind. Ride on in peace. -T