Interview with Pez

 Posted by at 9:48 pm on November 2, 2020
Nov 022020
 

Artist Name: Pez
Hometown: Mitterteich (Southern Germany)

What project(s) are you currently working on?

My new single “Dreamer” will be released on 13th of November. On the quiet: we’re planning with an EP-release in March 2021.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

Well, it wasn’t actually a thing or a person or whatever. As a baby already I never made it NOT wiggling my baby-bum to the music. So I guess it was kinda “designated”. But especially after finishing high school, I made the step into “professional music making” and never regretted it.

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

I think I would work as a photographer or a videographer. Any kind of creative job, though.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Never have no guitar in my hand.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

That is so hard. I think I’m not able having a crush on somebody and NOT knowing them personally. That’s what basically my 2nd single “Who I Am” is all about.

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Guess, it’s not Bayern München! I’m a big fan of 1. FC Nürnberg. That’s a soccer club in the 2nd Division of Germany.

What is the last movie that you watched?

Lord of Rings.

What is the last album you listened to?

A Rock – Hardy.

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

That’s hard. Damn. I think it would be This One’s For You – Luke Combs.

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Ah come on. Even harder. Can’t decide. I have to say Alright by Darius Rucker. Darius is the reason I’m writing country songs.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Rome! It’s simply awesome.

What is your favorite meal?

Steak. There’s nothing like a perfectly grilled steak.

Who is your dream duet partner?

If it has to be a female artist – Lindsay Ell. But hell! I want to do a song with Darius Rucker so hard. If you meet him please tell him!

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Hard decision. I think Morgan Wallen or Hardy would be a perfect match.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

Touring across the US someday!

Interview with Whiskey Crossing

 Posted by at 9:29 pm on November 2, 2020
Nov 022020
 

Artist Name:  Tina Marie of  Whiskey Crossing
Hometown:  Sussex, NJ

What project(s) are you currently working on?

We just finished our summer Album ” Whiskey Rises” Due to release July 4th through Perry Music

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

I have been singing since I was a child, My Father called me a natural.

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

I currently work with 29 horses, i would most likely just be doing that

What is your favorite downtime activity?

watching a movie

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Johnny Depp

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I’m not really into sports, but if I had to choose it would be The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team

What is the last movie that you watched?

Walk the Line

What is the last album you listened to?

Luke Combs on shuffle on Apple Music

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

anything Chris Stapleton honestly

What is the greatest country song of all time? 

Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

What is your favorite meal?

Vegetarian fajitas

Who is your dream duet partner?

Luke Combs

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Chris Stapleton

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To make amazing music and continue rescuing animals

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2020 Announced

 Posted by at 8:51 pm on November 2, 2020
Nov 022020
 

 

Steve Earle, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Blazy, Brett James and Spooner Oldham have been elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, according to an announcement made today by Sarah Cates, chair of the organization’s board of directors.

The five new inductees-elect – who next year will join 219 of their previously named colleagues in the elite organization – will be officially inducted during the “50-51” edition of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Monday, November 1, 2021, at the Music City Center. The Class of 2020 will join the yet-to-be named Class of 2021 to celebrate the 50th and 51st anniversaries of the event, which was postponed this year because of the ongoing health crisis.

“This year marks our 50th year to welcome a new class into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. And although our year has looked different, we couldn’t be more excited to continue our commitment and core mission by announcing the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2020,” says Cates. “It’s our great honor today to welcome our class of 2020: Kent Blazy and Brett James in the songwriter category; Spooner Oldham in the veteran songwriter category, Steve Earle as our songwriter/artist and Bobbie Gentry as our veteran songwriter/artist.”

Kent Blazy’s songwriter credits include “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (Garth Brooks), “Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til The Sun Comes Up)” (Garth Brooks) and “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” (Chris Young).

Brett James’ resume is known for “Jesus Take The Wheel” (Carrie Underwood), “When The Sun Goes Down” (Kenny Chesney & Uncle Kracker) and “Summer Nights” (Rascal Flatts).

Spooner Oldham is the writer of R&B and Pop hits such as “I’m Your Puppet” (James & Bobby Purify), “Cry Like A Baby” (The Box Tops) and “Sweet Inspiration” (The Sweet Inspirations).

Multiple Grammy Award winner Steve Earle recorded many of his self-penned hits, including “Guitar Town,” “Copperhead Road” and “The Devil’s Right Hand.”

Artist/songwriter/producer Bobbie Gentry popularized many of her own compositions such as the oft-recorded smash “Ode To Billie Joe,” “Fancy” and “Mornin’ Glory.”

Top 10 Songs of the Month – October 2020

 Posted by at 1:51 pm on October 31, 2020
Oct 312020
 

Here’s this month’s Top 10 list of our favorite current songs!  Songs are pulled from the list of current singles on the airplay charts and other lessor known current releases.  Check out our list below and let us know what you think!

*Songs are listed in alphabetical order.

Last Month’s List

Interview with Harrow Fair

 Posted by at 7:38 pm on October 26, 2020
Oct 262020
 

photo by Jen Squires

  • Artist Name: Harrow Fair (Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner)
  • Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Miranda: Besides our new single, “Sins We Made (Acoustic),” Andrew and I are currently working on music for a theatre piece about The Great War that will premiere on Remembrance Day.  I am very involved in artist advocacy and have been speaking all over the world at various forums like the World Intellectual Property Organization and the World Trade Organization (although currently on Zoom) about fair remuneration for creators and the importance of copyright.

Andrew:  I’m producing a few albums for other people and am performing in a livestreamed concert around Halloween called “Ghost Quartet” that I’m also music directing.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know? 

Andrew:  I sang in choirs and played in bands as a kid.  Music has always been there, and when I started making a living from it, I felt (and still do) so lucky.

Miranda:  I’m not sure it was ever a choice for me. I started singing before I could talk and playing violin at age 4, but I’ve switched genres for sure. When I was 16, I wanted to be on Broadway, then at 20 I wanted to sing at La Scala, but I think I’ve found a home in roots/Americana… for now anyway. It just has to feel authentic.

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

Andrew:  Weatherman or shoeshiner

Miranda: Andrew is already a weatherman. I would be Governor General. There is still time!

What is your favorite downtime activity?

Andrew:  Walking, cooking, tennis

Miranda: Cooking, reading, wine drinking, yoga

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Andrew:  Tina Turner

Miranda: Domhnall Gleeson (swoon)

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

Andrew:  Detroit Tigers

Miranda:  SPORTS!

What is the last movie that you watched?

Andrew:  “A Hidden Life.”

Miranda: I’m not sure I’ve seen a full movie in a while, but I just finished the FANTASTIC French spy series, “Le Bureau.”

What is the last album you listened to?

Andrew:  Sufjan Stevens “Ascension.”

Miranda: Ray LaMontagne “Monotone,” and Vikingur Olafson “Debussy-Rameau.”

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

Andrew:  I’m pretty sure no matter the album, that would be torture.  (Stevie Wonder “Songs In The Key Of Life”)

Miranda:  Emmylou Harris “Wrecking Ball”

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Andrew:  Mississippi Sheiks’ “Sitting On Top Of The World” or Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

Miranda:  John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” or Iris Dement’s “Our Town”

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

Andrew: Philadelphia and Belfast are up in the favourites for sure!

Miranda: Edinburgh and Istanbul

What is your favorite meal?

Andrew: cheese, some bread with butter, and an apple.

Miranda: steak tartare and frites with mayonnaise on the side and a good bottle of Cote du Rhone .

Who is your dream duet partner?

Andrew: Tina Turner (…and Miranda, of course) .

Miranda: Um… Andrew? Or also Ray LaMontagne

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Andrew:  Mavis Staples, Shovels and Rope, Jack White, The Jayhawks, Tami Neilson.

Miranda:  SAME! Calexico would be fun, too.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

Andrew:  Same as it ever was.  To keep excited about learning and creatively growing.  Also, I want Harrow Fair to play Austin City Limits.

Miranda:  I would like to always be able to feel challenged and stimulated creatively.  I’d like for Harrow Fair to play the Tonder Festival in Denmark.