One of the most original acts in country music has to be Uncle Si and the Sicotics. Si Robertson and his daughter-in-law Marsha Robertson came to fame as part of the hit television series, ‘Duck Dynasty,’ setting the record for the most-watched show on the A&E Network. The show depicted the Robertson family who became successful selling duck calls for hunters.
When the TV series ended, Si and Marsha decided to combine their love of music and their sense of humor into a new direction: making music. They teamed up with hit singer/songwriter Bridgette Tatum and became Uncle Si and the Sicotics, playing to crowds of fun-loving fans. Si, known for his ever-present Tupperware cup of iced tea, and the two young ladies have released a six-song EP titled ‘Uncle Si and the Sicotics,’ available at all digital outlets and via their website.
[L to R]: Marsha, Si and Bridgette, Uncle Si and the Sicotics. Photo: Preshias HarrisI met up with the trio when they were in Nashville preparing for appearances during CMA Fest. I began by asking Si what has been happening in his life since the Duck Dynasty TV series ended in 2017.
“Well, we went into the music business, me and my daughter-in-law,” said Si. “And then we met this young lady right here, Bridgette Tatum, at a charity event which Jesus worked out or we would have never met. Then we got together and we wrote six songs and recorded them. And we all actually think it’s pretty good music, all six of ‘em. We’ve got a record label deal and we’re going out on the road doing our thing!”
What about that Tupperware cup?
So, I had to ask Si: What’s the story behind the famous green Tupperware cup?
“I’ve got it here with me,” he said. “My mother sent it to me in a ’care’ package [while I was in Vietnam], tucked inside my cowboy boots, because I’d asked her to send me a pair of cowboy boots and a pair of blue jeans so that while I’m not on duty I’d have civilian clothes. So she sent [the cup] and the clothes and some food. That was in 1968.” Continue reading “Uncle Si and the Sicotics bring humor to CMA Fest”
During the whirlwind that is CMA Fest 2018, I found a quiet spot to talk with Lance Carpenter and Krystal Keith, two singer/songwriters who are currently making waves with their duet, ‘Anyone Else,’ released on the Show Dog-Universal Music label.
Lance hails from the family farm in Arkansas, but it wasn’t until he left home to go to college that he bought a used guitar at a local pawn shop and began to write songs. One day, he Googled ‘songwriting’ and found Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and from that connection, he attended an NSAI Song Camp. Three years later, in 2011, he made the ‘official’ move to Nashville.
Although Krystal is the daughter of Toby Keith, she is definitely her own singer/songwriter. After taking two years away from performing to welcome her daughter, she is back full time, recording and touring. We met up and talked about what is new and exciting right now for Lance and Krystal.
This one of a series of interviews that I conducted with rising singer/songwriters during CMA Fest to find out about their new music, their musical influences and their experience at CMA Fest.
On the road with ‘Anyone Else’
Preshias Harris: What’s been happening in your career life since the single, ‘Anyone Else’ dropped?
Karen Keith performing during Tin Pan South 2018. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby
Krystal Keith: We’ve been non-stop on the road. The single dropped in December and in January we went on our first radio tour date. We’ve been on the road pretty much four or five days a week since then. So, lots of travel.
PH: Do you like the travel aspect?
KK: I love to travel. I really do. And I have a two-year-old at home, so that’s the hardest part now, being a mom and being away from her. But thank God for my support system at home, taking care of her.
PH: Tell me, what’s the story behind your duet?
Lance Carpenter performing during Tin Pan South 2018. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby
Lance Carpenter: ‘Anyone Else’ is a song I found on a ‘comp’ disc back in 2011 about, maybe, a month after moving to Nashville. Me and Forest [songwriter Forest Glen Whitehead] would get comp discs from publishers and writers, and we’d listen to them and hear what everyone was excited about. And this was track one on a disc. I heard it and I thought, if I ever cut a duet I’m recording that song. I wrote [a note] in my phone under ‘songs I would cut’ that day. Flash forward to 2016, I was in the studio recording songs for solo projects and I had an extra spot on the session. I knew that song by heart so I decided to record it. The next day, I thought I’d better call the [song] writers and make sure I can record the song. I hadn’t even asked them. They said, absolutely, go for it. They said, who are going to get for the duet part? I said, I have no idea. I’ll figure that out some other day. A little bit after that we started writing, and I heard Krystal had recorded a song that I’d pitched to her called ‘Resting Beach Face’ and one we wrote together called ‘I Got You.’ When I heard her singing in the studio, I said, there’s the voice for that song! I wonder if I can talk her into doing it. So I sent her an email. Crazy idea! And she said yes. It turned out amazing. Our teams loved it, and [Krystal’s] dad gave me a record deal. Continue reading “Lance Carpenter & Krystal Keith team up on ‘Anyone Else’”
Luke Bryan thanks his fellow songwriters. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Luke Bryan is a songwriter at heart. Admittedly, a songwriter who can really sing, with a string of hits and awards to prove it. But it’s clear that Luke truly values songwriting and loves the amazing songwriters that he gets to work with.
He celebrated his 17th, 18th and 19th Number One singles at a party held at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. Note that those are all Number Ones as a recording artist, but his songwriting career goes back a little further. I attended the party for his first Number One as a writer back in July 2007, honoring ‘Good Directions’ that Luke co-wrote with Rachel Thibodeau for Billy Currington.
The three songs being recognized as Luke’s latest chart toppers were:
‘Move’ written by Luke Bryan, Michael Carter and Jay Clementi
‘Fast’ written by Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird
‘Light It Up’ written by Luke Bryan and Brad Tursi
One billion streams
As Luke stepped up to receive his awards, he was introduced as a two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year and a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year. In 2017, it was noted, Luke played live shows for more than 1.5 million fans and chalked up over one billion streams.
Songwriters celebrate three Number Ones. Photo credit: Ethan Helms
Each of Luke’s co-writers shared some memories about the songs. Jay Clementi said that this was his first No. 1 Award, drawing appreciative applause from the attendees.
“Cathy Gurley brought me to town and hooked me up to write with [hit writer] Radney Foster who mentored me,” said Jay, who added that Foster “must have seen something in me.”
Writing with best friend
Speaking about co-writing ‘Move,’ Michael Carter said, “I was very fortunate to work with one of my best friends, Luke.” Michael recalled writing for the first time with Luke. “The very first place Luke and I stayed was Motel 6 off Harding place [in Nashville]. I know that’s where we started writing.”
Luke said that he was in Europe when he first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke, adding, “and I co-wrote it!”
Brad Tursi told the story of ‘Light It Up,’ his first co-write with Luke at Luke’s new house.
“It was the first write in my new writer’s room at my house,” added Luke. “When these genius songwriters give the demo to genius musicians to record,” said Luke, the result is “genius songs” for fans to hear.
Rodney Clawson’s 24th Number One
When Rodney Clawson talked about co-writing ‘Fast,’ he took a moment to say, “Thank you, Luke, for letting me fish in your pond.” After the presentation, Rodney reminded me that ‘Fast’ was his twenty-fourth No. 1 as a songwriter.
Luke Laird recalled an earlier writing session that was his first ‘big’ co-write. “I suddenly realized that my co-writer thought I was Luke Bryan,” said Laird with a smile.
Making the achievement even more remarkable, all nineteen of these songs were consecutive Number Ones for Luke Bryan. He will soon be celebrating again. In May, ‘Most People Are Good’ became his 20th career chart-topping single.
Visit Luke Bryan’s website for music and tour updates, including info on the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018.
The party at the Hutton Hotel was presented by ASCAP, BMI, Global Music Rights and KPEntertainment.
Note: I originally posted this story here on the European website for Country Music News International magazine and radio show.
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Preshias Harrisis a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
Singer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist plays her first CMA Fest
MAGS, performing live
Mags McCarthy, known professionally simply as MAGS, grew up on a farm like many country artists. However, this farm wasn’t in Alabama, Georgia or Tennessee. Her family farm is in County Cork, Ireland.
Recognized at a young age as an accomplished dancer, singer and instrumentalist (primarily the violin) she joined the world-famous Irish dance troupe, Rhythm of the Dance, touring with them all over the world.
Branching out to become a solo performer, she has continued to tour worldwide and has performed before members of the British Royal Family, the President of Ireland and at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has racked up more than 600 tour dates in the past two years, often breaking into a dance as she sings and plays her fiddle, passed down to her by her grandfather.
She played to enthusiastic audiences during CMA Fest in Nashville where she now makes her home since moving here in January 2018. We met on Music Row to talk about her new single, ‘Strong Enough,’ and what brought her to Nashville.
Need to be in Nashville
Preshias Harris: You’ve toured the world as a principal dancer with Rhythm Of The Dance and as a solo performer. What drew you to Nashville?
MAGS, with her grandfather’s fiddle. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
MAGS: I always wanted to come to Nashville. I grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline all my life. I was always a singer and songwriter and I always felt that I need to come to Nashville for the songs. As a singer, it is the place that everyone wants to go to – Nashville. I lived in Los Angeles for a few years but I’ve always felt that I wanted to be in Nashville because of the music I grew up with. So I made the big move in January and I haven’t looked back since. I absolutely love it here.
PH: So you think it was meant to be, for you to be here?
MAGS: I do. One hundred percent.
PH: Do you feel a connection between the traditional folk music of Ireland and the Country and Bluegrass music in the States?
MAGS: Oh, it’s massive. Even my style of playing [the fiddle] I have that connection, a sort of Bluegrass playing. I was born and raised playing Irish music but I feel that connection of where Bluegrass originated from. I think that’s one of the reasons why Ireland is so big into country music. It’s that connection to Bluegrass music.
PH: What can the audience expect to see and hear when they come to a MAGS show?
MAGS: When you come to my show, you can expect fun, energy, dancing. I love for an audience to leave feeling they’ve been fully entertained by my show, from my singing, my songwriting, my fiddle playing. I am a bit of a ’live wire’ on stage! People have said that to me. I want them to go home having seen an artist they haven’t seen before. And that’s what I’ve always tried to portray with my talents, whether it’s my Irish dancing and playing my fiddle at the same time, or singing my own songs. I love the audience to get energized, to be happy, to feel they’ve had a night’s entertainment and I made them feel welcome.
Audience energy feedback
PH: Do you get an ‘energy feedback’ from the audience?
MAGS: Oh, one hundred percent! When I see the audience happy, it makes me want to entertain more and more and more and get them involved! The audience can ‘feed’ you and it gives you confidence. When you go out on stage at first, you are hoping they’re going to like you. You’re praying, oh my God, I’ll do my best here, but I’ve always tried to make them feel welcome to me and make that connection.
PH: You have a wide range of musical influences from traditional to pop to Country. Can you tell us about how some of those influences have defined your music?
MAGS: I grew up listening to traditional Irish music and pop music as well as country. Over the years I have incorporated [the influence of] Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley, one of my favorite artists of all time. People have said to me ‘you have your own sound,’ but it’s because I’ve incorporated all of what I’ve listened to growing up all my life into my music today. That’s created my own sound from listening to Springsteen, Shania Twain, Dolly, Elvis, even to the Doobie Brothers. I listened to all that music, and to pop music today from Katy Perry to all the music kids listen to today. A huge range of genres of music. While I was performing during CMA Fest, one of the crew guys came over and was very complimentary and said, ‘you sound like Linda Ronstadt,’ and I thought that was a huge compliment. They said I was different. I said, ‘I hope I’m not too different!’
‘Make it to the Opry’
‘Strong Enough’
PH: Tell us about your new single, ‘Strong Enough.’
MAGS: I’m delighted with the response I’m getting from it. People have been very supportive. I’m very, very grateful to the people who support me and follow me on social media.
PH: What is one of your favorite songs you’ve recorded?
MAGS: One of my favorite songs that’s precious to me is ‘Opry.’ It’s a song about my whole life story. I grew up on a farm back home and the first verse is about me growing up and wanting to go to Nashville. The chorus is:
No, nothing’s going to stop me, til I make it to the Opry
Because I know there’s always room for one more song
On stage with Garth and Dolly, I’ll be there with everybody
Please won’t somebody listen to my song
The Grand Ole Opry’s the place where I belong
And the second verse goes on about how I played in bars for tips and meals, and got taken in by crooked deals, and so on! So it pretty much tells my life story of where I am today. It’s the dream of every artist to be at the Grand ole Opry. It’s definitely my dream.
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MAGS is one of the most dynamic new personalities to enter Nashville’s music scene and is set to make a major impact on country music fans in the USA and overseas. Listen to MAGS singing her new single, ‘Strong Enough,’ at her website.
Follow MAGS on Twitter here, on Instagram here, and on Facebook here. Catch her pro reel at YouTube here.
Note: I originally posted this story here on the European website for Country Music News International magazine and radio show.
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Preshias Harrisis a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
Raises hundreds of thousands of dollars with celebrity friends
It was Craig Campbell‘s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge time in Nashville on Tuesday, June 5. The celebrities – and hundreds of fans – turned out at the City Winery to enjoy a warm, pre-CMA-Fest afternoon of fun for a good cause: to raise aware and funds for Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC). This is a cause very close to my own heart. My brother Shannon died from colorectal cancer at the age of 39 and his death could have been prevented simply by a colonoscopy.
Craig Campbell gets the Cornhole Challenge under way. Photo: Preshias Harris
In case you are not familiar with cornhole, it is a game in which small bags filled with dried corn or beans are tossed at a target consisting of an inclined wooden platform with a hole at one end. Points are scored when a contestant tosses his or her corn bag into the hole (3 points) or onto the board (1 point). The game was said to originate in Germany in the 14thcentury and was revived by settlers in Kentucky in the 19thcentury.
Craig’s new single: ‘See You Try’
The annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge is organized by Craig Campbell who is recognized for his ‘new-school’ take on classic Country. On June 8, Craig released his first new collection in five years, an EP titled SEE YOU TRY (Broken Bow Records). The title song, ‘See You Try,’ is also Craig’s new single, written by Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line), Bart Butler, James McNair and Jordan Schmidt.
Craig was joined by LOCASH, Walker Hayes, Brett Kissel, Russell Dickerson, Jerrod Niemann, Brett Young, Lindsay Eli, Tegan Marie,Morgan Mills, Taylor Phillips, Dee Jay Silver, The Cadillac Three and other celebrities who tried their cornhole skill (or lack of it) to entertain the fans who cheered them on.
During a break in the action, I asked Craig, how did this event come about?
Craig Campbell
“Six years ago, I wanted an event that honored my dad,” said Craig. “He was 36 years old when he died of colon cancer, so I thought, what can I do to honor him? And to have fun and do something different, you know? A lot of people are having free concerts, golf tournaments, fishing tournaments. But no-one is having a cornhole tournament. So then, I thought it was a pretty cool play on the whole corn hole / colon, that sort of thing! So that’s how it all started. Now we’re at year number six and I feel it’s just getting bigger and better.”
Brett Kissel talks about Garth and Brad
Brett Kissel
As Brett Kissel took a break to grab a bottle of cold water, I asked him how it felt when he opened for Garth Brooks, the dream of every singer and songwriter.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever been able to do in my career,” he said. “I’ll tell you, every night that I got to step out on stage to perform and open the show, and then a few times when I got to be on stage and sing with Garth in front of his crowd, I’m telling you Preshias, that was exactly what Cloud Nine feels like! I believe that there are moments that are similar to what heaven could feel like, and that was like a heavenly moment.” Continue reading “Craig Campbell fights colorectal cancer with Cornhole Challenge”
CMA Fest 2018 once again brings together the cream of the crop in Country music. From Thursday, June 07 through Sunday, June 10, fans from across the country and around the world will descend on Nashville. Described by the Country Music Association (CMA) as ‘the ultimate country music fan experience,’ hundreds of artists will be performing on eleven stages.
One of the unique aspects of CMA Fest is the opportunity to see new and emerging artists in addition to current superstars and legendary performers – all in one music festival.
If you’re heading to CMA Fest to see Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, FGL and Keith Urban, keep in mind there is SO much more talent to be seen and heard – even if some of the names are not familiar to you… yet!
Here are some quick pen-portraits of just a few of the acts appearing at Music Fest that you might want to check out…
Clare Dunn
Friday, June 08, 7:00 pm – 7:25 pm
Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage, Ascend Amphitheater
Saturday, June 09, 4:30 pm – 4:55 pm
Chevy Breakout Stage
Clare Dunn
Growing up in tiny Two Buttes, Colorado (population: 43),Clare Dunn spent days at a time in a tractor cab helping plow and plant the family farm, sharpening her ears with uninterrupted music-listening in the driver’s seat, even as she strengthened her work ethic. “That’s where a lot of my creativity came from and where a lot of my vision was forged, was just having nothing else to do other than listen to music and dream all day long in the vast wide open of those plains,” she reflects.
Recording for MCA Nashville, she is the only female country artist in recent memory to have a hand in all of the writing, arranging and producing for her debut release, the Clare Dunn EP. The project was recorded in the Cave at Nashville’s House of Blues studios.
An accomplished musician, every lick of guitar on the EP is hers, from agile melodic figures to aggressive shredding. “I think there’s, like, one song where I didn’t play a mandolin part or something like that,” she says. “But other than that, every lead part is my playing—acoustic, electric, everything.”
Catch Clare singing (and shredding) on two stages during CMA Fest. More about Clare here.
EmiSunshine
Sunday, June 10, 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
CMA Music Fest Spotlight Stage
EmiSunshine
EmiSunshine is a dynamic young singer/songwriter who initially captured the nation’s attention via her presence on social media, racking up 1,000,000+ views on YouTube. Releasing her first full-length CD at the age of 9 in 2014, she released her fourth studio recording, RAGGED DREAMS, in August 2017. She plays about 150 shows a year, and has included appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and on Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium.
EmiSunshine is a multi-instrumentalist with a unique vocal style that draws on her influences from early Country and Appalachian music. She cites artists as varied as Loretta Lynn, The Louvin Brothers, Bessie Smith, June Carter and Hank Williams as being music creators that have affected her own musical journey. Continue reading “CMA Fest spotlights new talent alongside megastars”
‘Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out’ at Music Biz 2018
Dolly Parton and Linda Perry headlined the Artist Keynote segment of the ‘Music’s Leading Ladies Speak Out’ Program. The program was a highlight of the second day of MusicBiz 2018 presented by the Music Business Association in Nashville, May 14 – 17.
(L to R): Melinda Newman, Dolly Parton, Linda Perry. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Parton and Perry collaborated on the upcoming soundtrack album for the movie ‘Dumplin’ (Dolly Records/RCA Nashville), co-writing six new songs and creating new versions of six previously-released songs. ‘Dumplin,’ described as a ‘female-centric project,’ is directed by Anne Fletcher and stars Jennifer Anniston and Danielle MacDonald. Continue reading “Dolly Parton, Linda Perry’s new ‘Dumplin’ album”
What are you giving up to become a recording artist?
So you’re an artist or a singer/songwriter and you’re looking at an opportunity to sign with a major label. Or maybe you’re not sure that’s even the way to go. What should you know before you pick up that pen?
Austen Adams
“What are you giving up to become a recording artist? What are you giving back for artist development?”
Noah McPike
Those are the questions posed by session moderators, Austen Adams and Noah McPike. Adams and McPike both serve as OF Counsel for Dickinson Wright, the Nashville Legal firm that co-sponsored the session on opening day of Music Biz 2018 in Nashville.
The room at the Omni Hotel was ‘standing room only,’ packed with both creators and music business execs. The session title was ‘The Modern Approach to Artist Development: From Self Release to Major Label and Everywhere In-Between.’
Be prepared to ‘give back’
The panel made it clear that you must be prepared to give up certain things when you transition from being an Indie artist to an artist signed to a major label. You must also be prepared to ‘give back’ to the label in terms of time and effort to promote yourself and your music on the label’s schedule.
The panelists all agreed that, in today’s business climate, almost all labels will want a percentage of an artist’s touring income if they are going to make an investment in you as an artist.
(My note: These types of arrangements can often include what’s called a ‘360 Deal’ or ‘Multiple Rights Deal’ in which the artist agrees that the label will earn part of the artist’s ancillary rights such as income from, say, merchandise sales, endorsement deals and concert revenue. In exchange, the label agrees to actively promote the artist’s career, and often takes on certain aspects of the client’s management.)
Find a music attorney
Noah McPike then gave attendees perhaps the best advice that will have heard all day. “If you enter into any type of deal like this, ask for a separate advance so that you can employ a lawyer. You need someone who works just for you!”Continue reading “From Self Release to Major Label”
Three amazing days in Los Angeles with songwriters and creators from every musical genre, freely sharing their knowledge, their experience and their love. And best of all, sharing their music.
photo: Preshias Harris
Despite the bleary-eyed early morning start from Nashville, when we pulled back the curtains on our hotel room and saw that famous HOLLYWOOD sign through the L.A. haze, we felt a rush of energy. We knew we were in for an unforgettable three days, and we were right.
Paul Williams at ASCAP EXPO. Photo credit: Lester Cohen, Getty Images/ASCAP
After so many years of doom and gloom and dire predictions about the music industry, it was a shot in the arm to hear ASCAP President Paul Williams remind us of the good news from Washington. Legislators and the music industry are working together to pass the long awaited Music Modernization Act. And music sales are on the rise again.
“This is the most amazing collection of Musoids on the planet!” – Paul Williams, President of ASCAP, starting his EXPO kickoff speech
Meghan Trainor proves you can make it
Songwriter J Kash and Meghan Trainor at ASCAP’s ‘I Create Music’ Expo. Photo credit: ASCAP
Songwriters can feel disheartened, particularly when their careers seem to stall. If any needed some encouragement and inspiration, they found it in Meghan Trainorwho first attended the EXPO as a young unknown songwriter.
This year, she was back, but this time she was on stage with the credentials of being a hit writer and performer. Meghan and songwriter J Kash took part in the Keynote Conversation on Day 3, and Meghan’s family were in the audience to share in the success that her perseverance had created.
Songwriter credit must add up to 100%!
Perhaps one of the funniest (and very important) presentations came from Desmond Child who really does have world music in his blood, care of his Hungarian father and Cuban songwriter mother. He has writing credits on mega-hits for Aerosmith, Michael Bolton, Bon Jovi, Cher, Kiss, Clay Aiken and many more across multiple genres. Not surprisingly, Child is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Desmond Child and his 99 ‘volunteers.’ Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Congratulations to Zach Farnum, the founder and president of 117 Entertainment Group. Launched in May 2017, in only one year Zach has built the company into a multi-faceted entertainment firm specializing in publicity and marketing campaigns for musicians, brands and events.
I received the following photo and email from Zach and I thought you would like to read it too.
[L to R]: 117’s Max Dacosta and Heather Scarlett Trotter, Bobby Bare, Lee Roy Parnell, Cherish Lee, John Berry, Exile Band Official’s Marlon Hargis, Jeannie Seely, Tim Rushlow, Kendall Gary, Shane Owens Country, Exile’s Sonny Lemaire, 117’s Bev J Moser, Scott Brown of the Scooter Brown Band, Exile’s Steve Goetzman and J.P. Pennington. Kneeling front center: Zach Farnum. (Not featured but present: Jerry Lee Lewis III, Exile’s Les Taylor Music, Lewis Brice)“A year ago yesterday I announced a new endeavor… all on my own with one client, Chuck Negron Formerly Of Three Dog Night. From there, thanks to many friends, one by one, 117 Entertainment Group picked up more and more amazing artists. Paige Hamilton, Karl Braun and Pepper Meiler were there from the beginning supporting me professionally — but we were blessed with Bev J Moser in late June which started a rapid up-hill climb.
“It’s been a rollercoaster with ups and downs but now we’ve got over 20 incredible acts on our roster, a management and a live division and two more great team members – Heather Scarlett Trotter and Max Dacosta. Seeing this seed grow has been the biggest joy of my life and I truly can’t believe this picture.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you — to all who believed in me from the beginning, to all who support us now and to all who came last night — especially our clients who gave their time for our celebration! My heart is full.” – Zach Farnum
Again, kudos to Zach and all at 117 Entertainment. More information at their website, here.
This one of a series of interviews that I conducted with rising singer/songwriters during CMA Fest to find out about their new music, their musical influences and their experience at CMA Fest.
Luke said that he was in Europe when he first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke, adding, “and I co-wrote it!”
