Interview with Derek Jones

 Posted by at 2:16 pm on July 11, 2020
Jul 112020
 

  • Artist Name:  Derek Jones
  • Hometown:  Hartford City, IN

1. What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m going to release three singles starting with “Everybody’s Somebody,” and in the fall we will release the full five song EP. I’m also working on writing for my next EP or even possibly a full album. I also have a 7-month-old daughter, so that’s my biggest project I’m working on right now! Haha!!

2. What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Growing up, my Dad was a drummer and watching him was amazing to me. I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do. When people would ask me as a kid “What do you what to be when you grow up?,” my answer would always be either a pro football player or I wanted to be in a rock n roll band…well, I’m 5’8 and 170 lbs, so a football player was out.

3. If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
No doubt I would be driving a truck. That’s what I was doing for the last 15 years before I took the leap of doing music full time. I love driving a semi and just being on the road.

4. What is your favorite downtime activity?
I love just being with my family and being outside. We spend a lot of time camping and just enjoying the outdoors.

5. Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Mila Kunis hands down.

6. Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
I’ve always been a Chicago Bears fan, but to be honest, I don’t really watch sports too often now.

7. What is the last movie that you watched?
Man, I couldn’t even tell ya. I’m not a big movie guy. I’ll start a movie and 15 minutes into it, I’m bored and I’ll turn it off.

8. What is the last album you listened to?
Don’t Mess Around With Jim by Jim Croce

9. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Allman Brothers Idlewild South – hands down one of the best albums ever and if you disagree, you probably hate puppies.

10. What is the greatest country song of all time?
I’d have to say “Poncho and Lefty”

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

If it’s here in the U.S., I’d have to say Vegas is always fun to play, but my favorite place all around would be Sydney, Australia because 1. Its’ beautiful and 2. The food is amazing!

12. What is your favorite meal?
Chicken wings with a side of chicken wings……I like chicken wings, but not like burn your dang mouth off, just a little kick is perfect.

13. Who is your dream duet partner?
I’d love to sing a song with Jamey Johnson or Alison Krauss or both. Can y’all make that happen?

14. Who would you like to go on tour with?
I’d love to hit the road with Cody Jinks or Tyler Childers. Can y’all make that one happen too? Ha!

15. What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
My ultimate goal is to have a No. 1 hit. Honestly though, I’ve always said as long as I’m making a living playing music, then I’m living my dream! My next goal though is to have a theater tour with me as the headliner! It’s gonna happen…you watch!

Interview with Jennafer Lynsey

 Posted by at 2:04 pm on July 11, 2020
Jul 112020
 

Photo by Jessica Ahrens Photograph

  • Artist Name: Jennafer Lynsey
  • Hometown: Originally from Buffalo NY, but now I live in Nashville, TN

What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am currently working on promoting my song, “Click,” which is my new pop-country single! I’m putting my heart and soul into this song; I believe in it so much.

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

I was always drawn to music since I was little. The moment that truly sealed the deal for me was when I performed at my 5th grade talent show. I sang “Somebody To Love” by Queen, and I absolutely fell in love with performing. I just remember feeling like I had never felt so happy and I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. 🙂

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

I’d definitely be a hobo, haha. I don’t have a back-up plan. When you have a back-up plan, you’re much more likely to give up on your dream. When it’s just you and your dream, you work so much harder for it because it is all you’ve got.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

I don’t know if you’d count songwriting, because it aids in my career, haha, but when all the business work is done, I naturally pick up my guitar and write! Besides that, I LOVE reading. I was told that to become a better songwriter, you should read books as often as possible. It has so many benefits. It strengthens your vocabulary and your knowledge. It improves comprehension, brain connectivity, and so much more. So while I love reading in general, I don’t feel guilty doing it since it does in turn help my career, haha. 🙂

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Oh gosh, I’d 100% say Keanu Reeves. Just don’t tell my boyfriend, lol. Just kidding, he definitely knows that already, haha!

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I’ve always loved hockey. I’d say the Sabres since I’m from Buffalo, but I love the Predators so much, too!

What is the last movie that you watched?

I almost never watch TV. I’m really weird, lol. I sometimes get too antsy while watching a movie and start thinking of things I should be doing instead, haha. I think it was either “Sinister” or “Moana.”

What is the last album you listened to?

My insanely talented friend, Whitney Lusk, just released her new album called Anthems of My Life, so I’ve been listening to that a lot. 🙂

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

Oh shiz, this is such an unfair question!!! Haha! I feel as though any Taylor Swift album is always a good go-to. In any of her albums, she goes through so many different emotions, so I think I’d have enough songs to relate to when I’d need them, lol!

What is the greatest country song of all time?

Man, these questions… I don’t think you understand what you’re doing to me, hahaha. I’m going with Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying.” It is such a classic that will last forever. The meaning behind it is so powerful and inspirational. I don’t know a single person who doesn’t know that song. I’m definitely going to think of other ones within the hour and be like, “Dang, I want to say that one, too!” But I do think this is an incredible song that will be remembered for a very long time

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

Oh gosh, they’re all so amazing in their own ways. Each city holds a special place in my heart. I’m going to say my hometown of Buffalo, NY. When I play there, I get to see my family and loved ones. Some that I haven’t seen in a long while. I love that when I finally go back home and do a show there, it brings so many people together. I love that I have the ability to do that for them. 🙂

What is your favorite meal?

PIZZA! All the way, pizza. It makes me so happy!

Who is your dream duet partner?

Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra. Sadly, both have passed away already. Maybe Paul McCartney because we have the same birthday, and I can’t wait to meet him one day and tell him that, lol.

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Anyone! Get me out in the world to perform in front of people and I’m happy. I would love to tour with anyone willing to bring me on tour with them.

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

I want to do whatever it takes to be able to inspire millions of people. I want to sell out stadiums, and change people’s lives. I want to be able to spread love and happiness to everyone who needs it with my music. I want to be able to make other people’s lives better; that’s what would make me feel whole. <3

HCM Daily News – July 10th, 2020

 Posted by at 8:59 pm on July 10, 2020
Jul 102020
 

 

Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw

Recent Country Music Headlines

Recommended Viewing – Recent Country Music Videos

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2017 – Brett Eldredge earned a platinum single for “Drunk On Your Love”
  • 2017 – Miranda Lambert scored a platinum album with The Weight of These Wings
  • 2016 – Dierks Bentley’s longtime canine companion, Jake, passed away
  • 2014 – Garth Brooks announced his un-retirement with plans for a new album and tour
  • 2013 – Randy Travis underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke
  • 2012 – Zac Brown Band released their album Uncaged
  • 2012 – Hank Williams Jr. released his album Old School, New Rules
  • 2012 – Kix Brooks made his solo debut on the Grand Ole Opry
  • 2010 – Carrie Underwood married NHL player Mike Fisher
  • 2004 – Toby Keith scored a #1 hit with “Whiskey Girl”
  • 2000 – George Strait released his single “Go On”
  • 1995 – Toby Keith released his single “Big Ol’ Truck”
  • 1993 – John Anderson scored a #1 hit with “Money In The Bank”

Today’s Birthdays (See All Country Artist Birthdays)

  • Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts)
  • Jessica Simpson
  • Ken Mellons

Today’s New Albums (See All Album Release Dates)

  • Brett Eldredge – Sunday Drive
  • Margo Price – That’s How Rumors Get Started
  • Jack the Radio – Creatures
  • Jimmie Allen – Bettie James (EP)
  • Ray Wylie Hubbard – Co-Starring
  • Barbara Mandrell – After All These Years:  A Collection
  • The Bellamy Brothers – Bucket List (EP)

Today’s New Singles (See All Single Release Dates)

  • That’s All – Noah Guthrie
  • Crazy – Timothy James
  • The Song That I Call Home – Stephen Mougin
  • As You Were – Brian Rhea
  • Black & White – Shay Dupuy
  • Love Blind – Ross Ellis
  • This Is God – Phil Vassar
  • Find My Faith – Ben Fuller
  • Good Thing – Curt Chambers
  • Secret Keepers – Mary Chapin Carpenter
  • She Drove Me To The Bar – Lakeview
  • As Far As I Know – Sean Stemaly
  • Tiny Town – Laine Hardy
  • Quick, Fast, In a Hurry – Rascal Flatts w/ Rachel Wammack

Today’s Photo Flashback (See All Photos)

  • None Today

Contests

This Week’s Events (See All Upcoming Events)

HCM Daily News – July 9th, 2020

 Posted by at 11:11 pm on July 9, 2020
Jul 092020
 

Recent Country Music Headlines

Recommended Viewing – Recent Country Music Videos

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2017 – Maren Morris got engaged to Ryan Hurd
  • 2017 – Cassadee Pope calls off her engagement to Rian Dawson
  • 2016 – Jon Pardi topped the Billboard Country Album Chart with California Sunrise
  • 2015 – Parmalee’s single “Carolina” was certified platinum
  • 2014 – Krystal Keith made her Grand Ole Opry debut
  • 2012 – Zac Brown Band performed before the MLB Home Run Derby in Kansas City
  • 2002 – Andy Griggs released his album Freedom
  • 1996 – LeAnn Rimes released her debut album Blue

Today’s Birthdays (See All Country Artist Birthdays)

  • David Ball

Today’s New Albums (See All Album Release Dates)

  • None Today

Today’s New Singles (See All Single Release Dates)

  • None Today

Today’s Photo Flashback (See All Photos)

  • None Today

Contests

This Week’s Events (See All Upcoming Events)

HCM Daily News – July 8th, 2020

 Posted by at 9:08 pm on July 8, 2020
Jul 082020
 

Blake Shelton

Recent Country Music Headlines

Recommended Viewing – Recent Country Music Videos

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2017 – Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit scored a #1 album with The Nashville Sound
  • 2014 – Florida Georgia Line released their single “Dirt”
  • 2013 – Little Big Town‘s album Tornado was certified platinum
  • 2011 – The Oak Ridge Boys were invited to join the Grand Ole Opry
  • 2008 – The Lost Trailers made their Grand Ole Opry debut
  • 2000 – Lee Ann Womack topped the charts for the first of 5 weeks with her hit “I Hope You Dance”

Today’s Birthdays (See All Country Artist Birthdays)

  • Toby Keith

Today’s New Albums (See All Album Release Dates)

  • None Today

Today’s New Singles (See All Single Release Dates)

  • You Can’t Win ‘Em All – Town Mountain
  • Down in Flame – Jared Lostracco
  • American Girl – Matt Jordan
  • Gravity and You – Jake Bush

Today’s Photo Flashback (See All Photos)

Contests

This Week’s Events (See All Upcoming Events)

Date/Time Event
07/09/2020
8:00 pm
CMA Best of the Fest on ABC