Category: Music Industry News

Juna N Joey interview with Preshias

Juna N Joey “Slip Out the Side Door” on new single

By Preshias Harris

Brother and sister duo, Juna N Joey, caught the world’s attention as viral sensations. They chalked up around 8.5 million collective views on YouTube and a viral 10 million views on Tik Tok; their rendition of Mariah Carey’s Holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas is You” landed them on Instagram’s Best Covers of the Year list for 2022.

Then came two singles and a debut EP ahead of their current single “Slip Out the Side Door” that takes full advantage of their peerless sibling harmonies.

During Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in March, Juna N Joey sat down with me to talk about the new single and their upcoming EP.  You can read the full interview at Center Stage Mag here.

In the interview we talked about their songwriting process and their experience of being in the studio recording “Slip Out the Side Door.”  All their previous recording had been during Covid. “With this record,” Joey told me, “I felt that everybody was together and had ideas while we were in the same room so there was more of a connection.” 

Read my full interview with Juna N Joey at Center Stage Mag.

Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

Dallas Remington: the story behind “Steal Your Dad”

Dallas and co-writer honor “Uncommon Man” farmer dads

By Preshias Harris

Dallas Remington and her co-writer Courtney Bumbacher both grew up in farming families and they know farmers are often America’s ‘unsung heroes.’  Together they wrote “Uncommon Man” – even calling their farmer dads while in the writing session to be sure they captured the right phrasing.

I caught up with Dallas during this year’s Country Radio Seminar and you can read the full interview at Center Stage Mag here.

Dallas also told me the story behind the song “Steal Your Dad” and how it racked up thousands of views almost instantly on Tik Tok. “A lot of people like the goofy songs,” she told me.

In the interview, she also shares the reason she decided to record a ‘countryfied’ version of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”  Check out the “Preshias On The Row” section at CenterStageMag.com for more stories and interviews.

Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

David Adam Byrnes gotta “Keep Up With A Cowgirl”

Scores SEVEN No. 1 songs on Texas radio charts

David Adam Byrnes came to Nashville from his native Arkansas seeking success as a singer-songwriter.  But it wasn’t until he left Nashville that he found success.

That success came to him in Texas where it felt “just like a glove that fit perfectly,” as he said, in an interview with me during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in March. He found a true connection with the culture and the music in the Lone Star State – and an audience that embraced his genuine love of traditional country music.

In the interview, Byrnes told me that, as a songwriter in Nashville, he seemed to be on the edge of success when five songs he had penned were on hold or about to be released by recording artists. But all those potential cuts evaporated, forcing him to reevaluate his career path.

You can read my full interview with David Adam Byrnes at Center Stage Mag here. He talks about how that potential career-end became a golden opportunity with a string of No. 1 hits in Texas and a new album, Keep Up With a Cowgirl. #DavidAdamByrnes

Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

It’s “That Summer” for Southbound 75

Seasoned road warriors talk about their new single 

by Preshias Harris

Southbound 75 have been described as “Old Dominion meets Maroon 5” which may be true but does not quite encompass their wildly popular live shows. 

As seasoned road warriors – hence the band’s name – they entertain audiences all across the country. They stood still long enough to talk to me in Nashville during Country Radio Seminar (CRS).

We talked about their just-released single, “That Summer” (Brown Lee Ent/Sony Orchard) — an upbeat song about living in the moment — and about their life on the road.  They even revealed their “gotta-go-to” eatery when they are burning up the miles between gigs!

Read my full interview with Southbound 75 in the Preshias on the Row section of Center Stage Magazine here.

 Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

Nashville Music Guide Spring Edition ready to read now

Includes ‘Inside Track on Music Row and guide to CRS 2023

A quick ‘heads up’ to let you know that the Nashville Music Guide Spring 2023 edition is now available here. You can read the full digital edition as an online ‘page turner’ or find out how to have a physical issue mailed directly to you.

The Spring edition includes NMG’s Artists to Watch in 2023, CMT’s Next Women of Country, the ‘must attend’ music festival list and a full guide to Country Radio Seminar (CRS) plus many other features.

As always, Nashville Music Guide includes the March edition of my column Inside Track on Music Row with photos and news about HARDY, The Cadillac Three, Lee Greenwood, Morgan Wallen, Ashley McBryde, The CMA Triple Play Awards, Jericho Woods, Megan Moroney, Kelsea Ballerini, Craig Campbell, Jake Owen, the NSAI Music Industry Career Camp, Chris Janson, Tin Pan South and more.

Find the digital version of the Nashville Guide Spring 2023 issue here.

 Preshias Harris  is an advocate for songwriters and a 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@PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris 

Alannah McCready raises the bar with her new EP, ‘Back To Me’

Reveals her “twin passions”

By Preshias Harris 

Alannah McCready

Alannah McCready is a unique artist in so many ways. She is a dynamic performer in her live shows with skills honed during her years on the road.  She is also a remarkable songwriter and found a new energy in her writing when the Covid pandemic brought personal appearances and touring to a screeching halt.

Another unique aspect to Alannah: she is a skilled hockey player.  As she told me recently, “I’m from Minnesota, so we’re in the state of hockey and you basically get hockey skates when you get shoes!”

  • Read my entire interview with Alannah about her new EP at Center Stage Mag here.
Continue reading “Alannah McCready raises the bar with her new EP, ‘Back To Me’”

Andy Pursell serves up “Right Amount of Wrong”

Twangy honky-tonker blends ’90s country with contemporary sound

By Preshias Harris

How about a song with a vibe and storyline that feel like Dukes of Hazzard meets Urban Cowboy? Intrigued?  Well, that’s how Andy Pursell describes his new single.

Pursell, a Florida-based singer-songwriter and indie country recording artist (Southern Dreams Ent.) has announced the scheduled release of his newest tune “Right Amount of Wrong.” Written by Ryan Griffin and Terry Dennis, and produced by Mark Dreyer, the track will be available via all digital retail outlets and streaming platforms Friday, March 17, 2023. (Presale/pre-save event begins March 3, 2023. Presale / Pre-save here. )

Recorded at Studio 23 Lakeside Recording in Nashville, the single features instrumental performances by award-winning, A-list musicians, including four-time ACM “Steel Guitarist of the Year,” Mike Johnson (Jason Aldean/Carrie Underwood/Jon Pardi/George Strait/Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard), Kevin Grant (Willie Nelson/Merle Haggard/Colt Ford/Josh Turner) and Mike Rojas (George Strait/Tim McGraw/Brett Eldredge).

Continue reading “Andy Pursell serves up “Right Amount of Wrong””

‘Inside Track’ Feb ’23 edition online now!

‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted and ready to read

Check out the current edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, now posted here at Nashville Music Guide. A lot of ‘must read’ stuff this month, including…

  • Details on Dierks Bentley‘s new 14-track album, Gravel & Gold, set for release Feb 24…
  • Sunny Sweeney‘s new album, Married Alone, blurring the lines between Texas Country and Nashville Americana…
  • Memory Lane (Sampler) is the title of the new project from Old Dominion that they co-produced with hit songwriter Shane McAnally…
  • CMT has announced the sixteen new artists that will be the Class of 2023 for the 10th Anniversary CMT Women of Country…
  • Alana Springsteen has released a single from her debut album, Twenty Something, a three-part collection documenting the heartache, excitement, and immense transformation of early adulthood…
  • Colton Dixon‘s No. 1 hit “Build A Boat” is back again in a brand-new version: “Build A Boat (feat Gabby Barrett).” Dixon and Barrett are fellow American Idol alums…
  • Indie artist Andy Pursell is gearing up to release his newest tune, “Right Amount of Wrong,” produced by Mark Dreyer, March 17 via all digital and streaming platforms…
  • Mitchell Tenpenny will be touring overseas for the first time in March, playing dates in Europe and Australia…
  • Take listen to Chris Janson‘s new single “All I Need Is You,” a song that unravels what really matters in Life…
  • In May 2023, the Johnny Cash Museum will celebrate its tenth anniversary as a staple of Nashville, country music and Johnny Cash culture…
  • Check out “Drinkaby,” the new single from multi-Platinum Cole Swindell from his upcoming deluxe album Stereotype Broken, due April 28…
  • Find the details about tickets and venues for Tin Pan South; 100 shows and 400+ performances, March 28 through April 1, 2023…

Plus news about Dolly Parton, The Grand Ole Opry, Jelly Role Keith Burns, HARDY, Chris Young, Gabby Barrett, Chris Clark, ERNEST, T.G. Sheppard, Cody Johnson, Elvie Shane, tour news, music video news and so much more. Find it all here at Nashville Music Guide.

Preshias Harris  is 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 here.  Follow her blog and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.

Sam Phillips, Sun Records celebrated

Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates Sam Phillips’ 100th birthday

by Preshias Harris

2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the most influential people in the realms of virtually all popular music – country, blues, R&B, rock n’ roll and pop.  Sam Phillips was born January 5, 1923 in Florence, Alabama, but made his indelible mark on music in Memphis, Tennessee.

It was there, in 1950, that he set up the Memphis Recording Service and then Sun Records that would launch the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and many more.

(L to R) Jay McDowell, Jerry Phillips talk at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Preshias Harris

In February, The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum honored the legendary Sam Phillips at a special event marking what would have been his 100th birthday.  In attendance was Sam’s son Jerry Phillips who took the podium for an informal Q&A, led by the Museum’s multimedia archivist Jay McDowell.

Read my full story and interview at Center Stage Mag here.

Continue reading “Sam Phillips, Sun Records celebrated”

Colton James new EP, America, puts “Ring On Her Finger”

Launches Land4Heroes, a lodge for Veterans

By Preshias Harris

Colton James is one busy guy.  But he’s not complaining. As the saying goes, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Colton is passionate about his music, about helping veterans and about his lovely wife Cassie.

Colton James talks about his new 7-song EP titled America and plans for Land4Heroes

Colton and I caught up in January to talk about what’s new and exciting in his life, including his new EP, titled America, released January 20, 2023. The seven-track project includes “Ring On Her Finger” that will certainly be played at a LOT of weddings in the months and years ahead. The song has a special poignance for Colton who co-wrote it with Kim Tribble.

“’Ring On Her Finger’ was the very last song that me and Kim wrote together,” Colton recalled, “And it was the last time I saw him alive.  I told that story at his Celebration of Life and Kim’s wife Patti wanted me to play it. I think about him every day.  Not only were we writing buddies, we fished together, we hunted together, we hung out together. He was like family.”  See the official music video for “Ring On Her Finger” here.

Another track on the EP has a unique backstory: “I Miss America” co-written with Rick Dawson, the owner of Rich Strike, the 80-1 outsider that came from behind to win the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby. 

Continue reading “Colton James new EP, America, puts “Ring On Her Finger””