Sunday, March 28, 2010

SUNDAY NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!!

Hey y'all! Last week we started a new weekly feature called "Sunday New Artist Spotlight" and we basically take a new artist that we think you will be hearing a lot more of in the future, tell you a little bit about them and give you a link to a review of their first single and a link to a video or their website, just to give you more info. Last week Randy Montana was featured. His first single is out now, "Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You" Read the review here http://tinyurl.com/ydkv7ob and visit his website http://tinyurl.com/y9q5qs.

This week we are featuring new-comer Tyler Dickerson. Tyler is a 16 year old guy with an amazing voice and a unique "Hank Jr.-ish" style. tyler will be opening for Brooks & Dunn on select dates of their "Last Rodeo" tour this summer. His first single is out now, "Tell Your Sister I'm Single" Read the review here http://tinyurl.com/yfsogbs & check out this in depth interview about his music: http://tinyurl.com/y9qsdc2

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Meet Rising Singer/Songwriter Matthew Huff!

He may not be a household name yet, but rising singer/songwriter Matthew Huff is a name you will soon be familiar with. Born in Helena, Ark. (home of the blues in Arkansas), and raised in Mammoth Spring, Ark., music has always been a part of Matthew’s life. Matthew explains his style of music as “very true and emotional”, which really allows him to connect with his fans on a deep level. And for the past ten months, he has been working hard to get his name and his music out there for everyone to hear. With his first single, “Back Again” currently playing on many radio stations, Matthew is hard at work completing his first album, due out in May. I sat down with Matthew Huff and asked him a few questions about himself, his music, and how it all began. The following is an edited selection from the Question and Answer session Matthew Huff recently granted Nashville Noise:


Q: You grew up in a small town in rural Arkansas… Could you tell us a little bit about how that influenced you and your music, and how you try to incorporate it into your songwriting?

Huff: I grew up like most kids do in Arkansas, on a farm, long gravel roads, fishing on the weekends, “living” to hunt during season, and one country song ‘till the next. Country music has always been dialed in on my radio station. Honestly I didn't even listen to Pop/Rock music much until I got in to college. In the 80's and 90's, I was inspired by groups like Blackhawk, Alabama, Little Texas and Lonestar. The harmonies these guys produced were simply art through music. I've always paid attention to lyrics, instrumentation, and how it sounds together. I seemed to have had an ear for knowing when something was "just right" musically, even at a young age. Today my inspirations have changed some, but the strong ballads are still my favorite(s). Keith Urban is by far the artist that I pay most attention to. Besides his gift and artistry of how he plays the guitar, he portrays the feeling in to his music, from the instruments to the vocals. This is what I try to create when I write.

Q: How old were you when you first started playing music? What got you turned on to it?

Huff: Well, I can remember back as early as about 3 to 4 years old, sitting at my grandparents home in Helena, AR banging on their old upright with some "blue star" rimmed glasses.(laughs) I grew up singing in a small Baptist church in Mammoth Spring, AR. This was probably where it really got going for me. I knew I had something special singing with the other kids in church. We had a group we put together that traveled in MO and AR and sang at different small town churches. The "Praise Posse" was a great group of kids from a small town church that sang praise songs to churches that would normally be singing from the hymnbook. I sang at a lot of competitions from 15-18, winning most of them, but just got burned out by the time I went to college. I joined the University Choir at the University of Central Arkansas for a year, but other than that I really didn't decide to do much with music until about 9 years later.

Q: What about the Song writing aspect of it? How did you start that?

Huff: I could write a book on how I wrote "Back Again"...my first song to ever write...well, first to ever write and perform, and notably the first that I will drop to Country radio. The inspiration behind that came last April, when a long relationship came to an end for me finally. So, it ALL started 10 months ago, and I guess I have "her" to thank!


Q: They say without the songwriters, there would be no music. This is especially true in Country Music. You do it all, but out of performing, recording or songwriting, what is your favorite part of the process and why?

Huff: Oh man.... Tough one. (Pause) I think for me, man, it is the crowd, the fans, the places I've traveled to and scheduled to travel to. I have heard other artist say this same thing, but you don't truly feel the effect until you've done it, but to see people you've never met singing your songs is truly AWESOME… In my first 10 months I have a song that hasn't been promoted yet that is getting great attention nationally just from word of mouth, I've booked a showcase during CMA Fest in Nashville and have traveled to FL already to play. I'm truly thankful for the small amount of attention that I've received in such a short amount of time.


Q: You list many artists and groups on your website as influences, but if you had to pick one as your main influence, who would it be and why?

Huff: Keith Urban, definitely! Urban's style, flare, songwriting, and performances are very intriguing to me. As I mentioned earlier, he has a way of taking lyrics and making you feel them. I am an emotional songwriter, meaning I write on emotion a whole lot. If I were to compare my style with any artist, it would most resemble Keith Urban's style. The guy is a truly phenomenal musician and artist.

Q: Your single “Back Again” has been picking up spins on radio stations throughout Arkansas and Missouri as well as on a few Internet Country stations… How did you react the first time you heard your song on the radio, and what does it take to make that happen?

Huff: I remember the first time I heard it, it was last summer around July or August. I was sitting in my truck and Tiffany from Y107 (Conway, AR) had texted me telling me it was about to air. Man, I just cranked it up as loud as it would go! Honestly, it's a surreal moment. It feels the same when you know that it's playing on a different station. I don't know if there is another feeling in the world that feels the way that makes you feel, to hear yourself, your song, on the radio for the first time.... well, maybe an ACM award or something! (Laughs)


Q: There is a new trend in the music industry, where record labels don’t seem to be putting people together to form bands, and they aren’t investing as much in potential talent to try to make them a success. Now there is more of a search for unsigned artists or bands that have built up fan bases on the internet through MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, etc… Do you feel like this is a better way for the industry to do things, and how has it helped you so far?

Huff: Well, whether it’s better or not, I think the labels will foresee that in the future. I do believe that the labels are smart in that way for a couple of reasons. They are recognizing people that have already done a ton of PR for themselves, have built a good quantity of fan bases, and show that they can be a serious profit to a label. I think this is smart for not only the label, but for an artist in the 21st century to do. It's just the way that things have changed over the last 10 years even. Before Facebook, MySpace, Ning, Ping, Twitter, and Ustream, how did artists get their name and product out? They DROVE and shook hands! The Internet has opened so many doors for an average person with very few connections and very little money to spotlight themselves and get their talent seen. I think this benefits the labels as well as the artists. It definitely makes the abundance of people trying to "make it" increase, which makes it a littler harder for the artist to get the attention of the labels, but in the same sense it makes it easier for you to be recognized by a label that otherwise would have never known who you were.

Q: How do you feel this is working for yourself so far?

Huff: I'll just put it this way... it’s safe to say without the use of Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, which are my 3 sources of social networking,
I wouldn't be playing at half the places I play outside of Conway, AR. I consider myself an average person and my connections are limited within the state. My music, image, and talent would not really be heard outside of the state without the Internet.

Q: On your web site you list your tracks along with a description about the song, why you wrote it, and the story behind it. Why is this important to you?

Huff: It’s important for me to give my fans and people interested something to grasp. My career is in elementary education where I have studied, followed, taught, and tutored kids over the past 6 years. You not only learn what works for kids, but you learn what works for adults. Adults are big kids that love to have content to new things. This may be something that I do for every song. I have received a good response from the “song biographies” and it gives color to the music and lyrics.


Q: What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

Huff: My short term goals right now are to get “Back Again” dropped to music row reporting stations and promoted, finish this first 6 pack album, continue broadening my fan base, and continue playing as many shows, venues, charities as I can. In 5 years I would love to have been with and established a solid career with a label, had some #1 songs, a hand full of top 10's and touring on my own headlining tour. Yes, big goals, but I've never in my life dreamed small. If God is willing and the chances don't pass me by, I feel that I have a great chance to making a great career from music and I'm excited to be off and running with it!


Q: What is country music to you?

Huff: Country Music is tradition! It is Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Sr./Jr., Johnny Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Mini Pearl and “Heehaw!”. Country Music is the facet of American music. It’s a little Bluegrass, a little Jazz and a little Soul all mixed together. In today's modern country you even find more rock mixed in with our country...Country is honest and friendly. You won't find another genre of music where the artist are so fan based. I feel that more country artists are truly humbled by their successes and truly appreciate their fans for their support more than any other genre of music. To me, country music is Family. Barbeques, camp fires and parties at the bayou, now that’s pure country! It's safe to say that Country music is what has sustained in almost every Southern home in America. Country roots run deep in Arkansas and country music is the family I want to be a part of for the entirety of my career.

Q: Thanks for your time Matthew!

Huff: No problem! I enjoyed it.

Matthew Huff is currently in the process of recording his first album. Look for it to be available on iTunes and other digital music carriers in May. For more information on Matthew Huff, his tour schedule or his music, visit his website at www.matthewhuffmusic.com .

This interview was conducted by Aaron Lee of Nashville Noise.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Luke Bryan, Joey+Rory and Gloriana Win ACM Best New Artist Awards!

Luke Bryan captured the award for best new solo artist, while Joey+Rory and Gloriana won best new vocal duo and vocal group, respectively. The awards were fan-voted awards, and voting ended on March 16. These three artists will now compete for the overall best new artist award at the ACM Awards, which is also a fan-voted award. Online voting in the category resumes on April 1. The ACM Awards will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 18.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

We are Back and Ready to Blog

Hey all,

Just letting you know, Nashville Noise is back from spring break, and we will continue to bring you important Country Music news that you want to hear! Tune in to stay up to date with what's going on throughout the industry!

Whitney Duncan to play for our troops on a USO Tour!!

Looks like Whitney Duncan is going to be playing for the troops! She announced via Twitter-
whitneyduncan “Guess where I’m going in a lil over a week?? Kuwait & Iraq!! USO tour!!! Soooo excited! Gonna get to play for the guys that keep us safe:)
This is exciting! We’re glad she getting to go over there and entertain the courageous and amazing heroes!
Whitney will be gone from March 18th- 31st. We may not hear too much from Whit while she’s over there.(Via www.whitneyduncanfans.com)

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

SPRING BREAK!!!

Hey y'all!
I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of updates recently...I'm on spring break right now, so it is kind of hard to keep up with everything while i'm on vacation! But, twitter and facebook are still being updated regularly. Stay tuned, we will be back in less than a week!!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

45th Annual ACM Awards Nominees

The Nominees are in!! This morning, Blake and Reba did a great job of announcing the nominees for the 45th annual ACM Awards, and it looks like its going to be a great show! Lady Antebellum leads with seven nominations, including Album of the Year for "Lady Antebellum" and Top Vocal Group. Miranda Lambert is nominated for six awards, including Album of the Year for "Revolution" and Top Female Vocalist. Carrie Underwood also has six nominations, including Entertainer of the Year. Taylor Swift is up for five awards, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band and Brad Paisley are tied with four nominations. Here is a rundown of the complete list!

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Toby Keith
• Brad Paisley
• George Strait
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Keith Urban
• Zac Brown Band

TOP MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Darius Rucker
• George Strait
• Keith Urban

TOP FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Miranda Lambert
• Reba McEntire
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Lee Ann Womack

TOP VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Randy Rogers Band
• Rascal Flatts
• Zac Brown Band

TOP VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brooks & Dunn
• Joey + Rory
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland

TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR *
• Luke Bryan
• Jamey Johnson
• Chris Young

TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR *
• Bomshel
• Joey + Rory
• Steel Magnolia

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]

• American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers

• Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Victoria Shaw, Paul Worley

• Play On - Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright
"Quitter" Produced by Max Martin & Shellback for Maratone Productions and Mark Bright

• Revolution - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke

• The Foundation - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]

• Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley

• People Are Crazy - Billy Currington (Mercury)
Produced by: Carson Chamberlain, Billy Currington

• Red Light - David Nail (MCA Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke

• Toes - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown

• White Liar - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

• Cowboy Casanova - Carrie Underwood
Composers: Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood
Publishers: Brett James Cornelius Music (ASCAP), Carrie Okie Music (BMI), Rincon Ave Music
(ASCAP), Stage Three Songs (ASCAP)

• Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: EMI Foray Music (BMI), Darth Buddha (ASCAP), Dwhaywood Music (BMI), Hillary
Dawn Publishing (SESAC), Radiobullets Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
(BMI), Year Of The Dog Music (ASCAP)

• People Are Crazy - Billy Currington
Composers: Bobby Braddock, Troy Jones
Publishers: Crozier Music Enterprises LLC (BMI), Mighty Nice Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree
Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music (BMI)

• White Liar - Miranda Lambert
Composers: Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music
(BMI)

• You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
Composers: Liz Rose, Taylor Swift
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Taylor Swift Music (BMI)

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] (Off Camera Award)

• Boots On – Randy Houser
Producer: Eric Welch
Director: Eric Welch (Drake footage: Vickie Vaughn)

• Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Clarke Gallican
Director: David McClister

• Welcome To The Future – Brad Paisley
Producers: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea, Peter Tilden
Director: Jim Shea

• White Liar – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Tameron Hedge
Director: Chris Hicky

• You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] (Off Camera
Award)

• Hillbilly Bone - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins (Reprise Records / Warner Music
Nashville)
Producer: Scott Hendricks

• Honky Tonk Stomp - Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy Gibbons (Arista Nashville)
Producer: Ronnie Dunn, Terry McBride

• I Told You So - Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis (19/Arista Nashville)
Producer: Mark Bright

• I’m Alive - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews (Blue Chair/BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

• Seeing Stars - Jack Ingram featuring Patty Griffin (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Jack Ingram, Jeremy Stover

Be sure to tune in to the 45th annual ACM Awards on Sunday, April 18th to find our if your favorites won.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Whitney Duncan's "Right Road Now" Set to be Released!

Whitney Duncan's highly anticipated album "Right Road Now" now has an official release date!
The CD will feature the hit "Skinny Dippin" along with many other great tunes.

Whitney Duncan is set to release her debut album, Right Road Now, exclusively to fans on www.whitneyduncan.com and iTunes on April 20. Due to popular demand, the label decided to release Duncan’s album exclusively on her web site and iTunes to give her fans the music they have been asking for. The album will not be available in stores, ONLINE ONLY! Make sure you pick up your copy!!

Also, pick up a copy of Jimmy Wayne's new single "Just Knowing You Love Me" Ft. Whitney Duncan!

ACM Nominee Announcements Tomorrow Morning!

Be sure to tune in to CBS' "Early Show" tomorrow morning. At about 8:15ET, Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire will be in the studio to announce the nominees for the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards! Also, don't forget to vote on VoteACM.com for the nominees in these three categories:

TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST
• Luke Bryan
• Jamey Johnson
• Chris Young

TOP NEW VOCAL DUO
• Bomshel
• Joey + Rory
• Steel Magnolia

TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP
• Eli Young Band
• Gloriana
• The Lost Trailers

Fan voting for these three categories will begin at VoteACM.com on Friday, February 26, and will close
on Friday, March 12. The winner in each category will be announced in mid-March and will move on to
compete for Top New Artist. Voting for the Top New Artist category will begin at VoteACM.com on
Thursday, April 1, and will close on April 18, with the winner being announced live during the 45th
Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast on the CBS Television Network. Go to VoteACM.com now to cast your vote!