Interview: RCA Nashville artist Josh Dorr

The youngest of three brothers, Dorr grew up in a close-knit family in the resource rich oil and coal mining city of Gillette, Wyoming. He grew up playing football but multiple injuries made him rethink his direction. While recovering from an injury he picked up an unused guitar and started learning chords. The first time he played in public for 700 people at a college talent show. A couple of internships at a record label later he started writing songs and the rest is history.

**REQUEST HIS CURRENT SINGLE ROCKET AT SIRIUSXM THE HIGHWAY & COUNTRY RADIO**


1. For people who may not have heard your music before how would you describe your sound?
I heard someone describe my music as it has that stadium rock aggression, with coffee house country lyric/intimacy.

2. What was the inspiration for your current single Rocket when you were writing it?
It came from the guitar my co-writer Blair was playing, and we were talking about high school days. It came from that feeling for just getting lost and being spontaneous if that special someone, and I feel like everyone can relate to that feeling. It's one of the best feeling you can have.

3. Who are a few songwriters you would like to write with but haven't had the opportunity to yet?
Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell.

4. You released your self-titled EP in May 2014, Can you tell us if you are working on a full length album and what the status of that is?

I am currently in the song narrowing process, for new album. I'm still writing almost every day though, it's the best song wins for me whether I write or someone else does. I'd say early next year i'm hoping to have some new music out!

5. Who are a few of your biggest musical influences?

This is a long and broad list haha. Tom Petty, Garth Brooks, Dwight Yoakam, Ryan Adams, Bruce Springstein, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill.

6. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your life before you die?
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I just want to be healthy and happy and playing music. Ok, a Grammy would be alright with me though too haha

7. What is your favorite part of being a country music artist?

I love getting to travel and meet all of the interesting and amazing people and fans all over the USA, the stories you get from the road are priceless.

8. What is the biggest difference in where you grew up in Wyoming and living in Nashville?

The biggest difference is just the amount of people and the whole "city life" thing. We didn't have traffic jams or one way streets. Another big thing is all the damn trees the south has. In Wyoming it's really flat, no trees, you can see for miles, I miss that part a lot.

9. If you could collaborate with anyone for a CMT Crossroads episode who would it be and why?

I think Tom Petty...Can you make that happen!!?! Haha

10. If you had the opportunity to go on your dream tour who would it be?

As long as they are easy going and fun, i'm in.

11. In your opinion what is the key to having a successful career in the country music industry?

Just working hard, having a lot of patience, and a lot of faith in yourself. Only worry about the things you can control.

You can download Josh's debut EP on iTunes and keep up to date with everything on his Official Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. 

Q & A with family trio The Henningsens

Aaron, Clara and Brian Henningsen

I was first introduced to The Henningsens when I had the opportunity to see them perform at a fair in Mineral Wells, WV in July 2013 and instantly became a fan. Their vocals are flawless, are incredibly gifted songwriters and are three of the nicest people you will meet. Thank you Aaron, Clara and Brian for taking the time to do this interview it is greatly appreciated.

How did the idea of starting a trio come to fruition?

We started out first just writing country music. And we went and played our very first country song at the bluebird Café in Nashville in 2007. That was the first time we had ever played together. But it wasn't until almost a year later that we decided to become a trio. We would play a lot of writers nights and we were constantly having people tell us that we should be a band and get a record deal. The most important was Paul Worley who was producing The Band Perry and Lady Antebellum to at the time.

What was the first song that the 3 of you wrote together?

It was called Just Between You and Me. It was a song from Clara's perspective to a boy explaining that God and her dad were important figures in her life.

How would you describe your sound musically?

It's sort of a modern throwback. Our songs are lyric driven in the style of classic country. We like to tell stories but our sound ranges from a very traditional country to catchy and hooky modern country with some rock.

What do you think is the key to having a successful career that lasts for decades?

We are trying to figure that out! You have to be aware of what is current but also know that you can't follow trends. Your music should appeal to a broad range of ages. So much music today is focused on only the younger audience. We have many younger fans but we also have many moms and dads, and grandparents listening.

You have had the opportunity to tour with some big name artists such as Brad Paisley, what have you learned from being out on the road with artists like Brad?

We have learned that major artist are just people like everybody else. However they have a lot of pressure on them. It seems like the ones that go far are the nice ones, and very easy to work with. They value their fans very much and also their crews. Country maybe unique in this.

You released a 5 song EP in 2013 and have been writing & recording a full length album, Can you say what the status of the album is and is there a tentatively released date yet?

We are about halfway done with the process. Somewhere around Christmas is the target.

When you are out on the road touring what do you like to do in your down time?

What downtime! Just kidding, it's actually very busy when you're on the road. A typical day would be wake up get breakfast then you have to load in equipment most of the morning. Then you do a sound check in the early afternoon. We might have a couple or three hours off in an afternoon. Sometimes we just sit around the bus and relax. But a lot of times we will be writing or rehearsing for the show. Occasionally we will get out to see some sights in whatever city we are in, normally this doesn't happen if there's a meet and greet.

What is your favorite part of being a country artist & touring the country?

Meeting all sorts of people. It's cool to know somebody on Facebook but it's cooler to know them in person. Also dad is sort of a history buff so it's neat for him to see historic sites. Aaron and Clara like to try different foods.

What song do you wish you had written?

Brian: I Hope You Dance. Clara: The House That Built Me. Aaron: All your life :(

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

For Aaron: Colonel Sanders, because he would cook me dinner. 

Brian: C.S. Lewis, because he had such an ability to think through complex ideas and to see truth where it was obscure.
Clara: John Wayne, because he reminds me of my grandfathers.

What are 3 things you have to have while on the road touring?

Coffee, Oikos Greek Yogurt, Sunchips

If given the opportunity who would you want to do a CMT Crossroads episode with?

The Eagles, Mumford and Sons, Bruno Mars

Who would you like to play a show with that you haven't gotten to already?

Keith Urban

If you could write a song with any songwriter that you haven't written with who would it be?

Jimmy Webb

Favorite artists/bands at the moment (any genre)?

The Bottle Rockets, Ed Sheeran, The Lone Bellow

Last album you listened to from beginning to end?

The Bottle Rockets-South Broadway Athletic Club

Last concert you attended?

Our own. Brain: The Bottle Rockets at music City Winery, Clara: Nickel Creek, Aaron doesn't go to concerts :(

Favorite tv show/movie?

Downtown Abby, O'Brother Where Art Thou, Nacho Libre

What are a few of your go-to places in Nashville?

The Grand Ole Opry, Arnold's Meat and Three, Pucketts Restaurant

What advice would you give an aspiring singer/songwriter/musician?

Know who you are artistically and spiritually then become the best You that you can be. Make your presence known. Whether it's through YouTube videos, playing at small coffee shops, or coming to Nashville and playing writers nights. You can't be discovered if you are never seen.

Keep up with all things The Henningsens on their Official Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.. If you can download their self titled EP on iTunes and well as their current single Why I Farm and watch the music video on YouTube.

NASHVILLE’S ALLISON VELTZ COMPETING AS PART OF “A&E’S PROJECT STARTUP

Nashville’s ALLISON VELTZ is joining 50 artists from across the country to compete in “A&E PROJECT STARTUP,” a crowdfunding initiative in partnership with RocketHub and Ovation TV, to gain support for her passion project, The White Room EP. In less than 48 hours, Veltz’s campaign has been fully funded, allowing her to take the next steps in the creative process.

Named for the music room in her East Nashville home where she will also record this intimate project, The White Room’s five songs are co-written by Veltz and include guest appearances by Carly Pearce and Josh Matheny. Additional funding for her RocketHub and Ovation TV campaign will allow her to tour in 2016 in support of the project’s release.

“I want to keep it simple, raw and real,” shared Veltz. “I’m excited to be pulling back the curtain and letting people in on the process. The amazing thing about crowdfunding is my fans get to be part of everything now, instead of waiting until I’m on their radios.”

The crowdfunding competition, which launched earlier this week and runs through November 18th shines a spotlight on our country’s brightest up-and-coming artistic minds, including musicians, novelists, photographers, inventors and more, and helps to jump-start their creative works. Three projects will be selected at the end of the campaign, based on creativity, buzzworthiness and potential for additional crowdfunding success. Winners will receive an award of $5,000 toward their artistic creations. In addition, the winners will receive exposure on Ovation TV, America’s only Arts & Culture network.

To contribute to Allison Veltz’s RocketHub campaign and learn more about her story andThe White Room EP, visit https://www.rockethub.com/projects/61452-i-want-to-make-the-white-room-ep-with-you#description-tab and follow Allison’s journey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Concert Review: Jason Michael Carroll - Belleville, WV - 9/19/15

This was my third time seeing Jason Michael Carroll live and he never disappoints. He has such a passion for what he does & it truly shows. He has one of the best vocal ranges I have heard from anyone. In my opinion he should be played on country radio & be up for Male Vocalist awards over some of the other artists that are almost every year.

He puts on a very high energy show but also has some great ballads he performs acoustic with just a guitar. He sang I Can Sleep When I'm Dead, Let Me, Alyssa Lies, Living Our Love Song, Close Enough, God Only Knows, Here's To You, God Only Knows, What Color Is Your Sky, My Favorite, Stray. He had a request to sing Purple Rain from someone in the meet & greet so he sang that and it was amazing. He sang Country Roads acoustic which as someone born & raised in WV I loved it. A few of the highlights of the night for me where when he came out he smiled & waved at me, he held my hand while singing Meet Me In The Barn, later on I thought he wanted to shake my hand again but he pointed at my phone so I handed it to him and he took a selfie while singing, then finally he came over again while singing and mouth "How are you?" to me. To say I had a blast would be an understatement. He appreciates his fans and it truly shows. He certainly doesn't need awards to validate his career but as a fans of his from the start I wold love for him to win ACM's, CMA's, etc since he actually writes & records country music which in this day and age is few and far between.

If he comes to your area you should make a point to go see him live because there is no way you won't be a fan after you do. You can purchase his new album What Color Is Your Sky on iTunes. Check out his tour dates on his Official Website and follow him on his social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Dylan Scott releases new single Crazy Over Me

Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scott releases his new single Crazy Over Me to iTunes and other digital media outlets. Request it now on your local country radio station as well as Sirius XM The Highway. I have had the opportunity to meet Dylan twice in the past year and a half and I can tell you first hand that he puts his heart and soul into his music and appreciates his fans so much & is always willing to meet everyone he can. In my opinion he has one of the best & most soulful voices in country music & deserves all the success in the world. The song is currently #19 on the iTunes Country Songs chart, please buy the song, rate & review it and ask others to do the same and lets get this song all the way to #1 for Dylan. He works so hard & deserves it.

You can keep up with Dylan on his Official Website, Facebook, Twitter.

Concert Review: Wheels Up Tour 2015 - Lady Antebellum & Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini: This was the first time I had the chance to see Kelsea Ballerini perform in person and I was pleasantly surprised. She seems like a down to earth and sweet person and she is great interacting with the audience. I think she has learned a lot being out on the road with Lady Antebellum. A few songs that stuck out to me where The First Time, Square Pegs, Peter Pan and of course her #1 single Love Me Like You Mean it. The highlight of her set for me was the medley of 90's songs as those were some of the songs I grew up listening to. Overall I can say I think she will have a lot of success in country music & be up for many awards in the future.

Lady Antebellum: This was my 6th time seeing Lady A but my first time seeing them headline and let me tell you they put on one of the best shows i've ever seen. To me it is worthy of them being nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards. They took the stage singing their current single Long Stretch of Love. They sang many of their hits over the years including Bartender, Downtown, Freestyle,  Compass, Our Kind Of Love, American Honey, Just A Kiss, I Run To You, Lookin For A Good Time, Love Don't Live Here, 747, Hello World, Perfect Day. The acoustic set in the middle of the arena was a highlight for me. During that portion they sang Dancing Away With My Heart, One Great Mystery (a new favorite of mine & song I hope is the next single). Kelsea Ballerini came out and sang one of my favorite Shania Twain songs Any Man Of Mine. To end the night the encore songs were Need You Now and We Owned The Night. A few songs that I would have loved to hear were Wanted You More & Goodbye Town but they have so many hits it's not possible to fit them all in which I understand. If you have the chance to see this tour I wouldn't pass it up. I plan on seeing Lady Antebellum many more times in the future.

Dave & I after the concert. Thanks for coming out to take pictures with the fans. :)

Charles & I after the concert. Thanks for coming out to take pictures with the fans. :) 

The Henningsens release Why I Farm music video

The first time I heard The Henningsens debut single American Beautiful I instantly became a fan of theirs. I had the oppurtunity to see them live later that year & meet them. They are infinitely talented & one of the things I love about them is how great they are to their fans. They are all around great people. I Miss You was the follow up single to American Beautiful and I think it should have done a lot better at radio but i'm a bit biased. I love all of their songs they release.

They released their newest song Why I Farm which is kind of a tribute to everyone that makes farming their career and livelihood. All of The Henningsen family grew up on a farm that has been in their family for over 100 years. 

You can purchase the song on iTunes and watch the music video on YouTube. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. 

Concert Review: Kristen Kelly & Trent Tomlinson

Kristen Kelly and Trent Tomlinson played the final night of the annual Jackson County Junior Fair on Saturday, July 25, 2015 in Cottageville, WV. While I have been a fan of both Kristen and Trent for quite a few years this is the first oppurtunity I have had to see both of them in concert and they did not disappoint. 

I have heard a lot of country female voices and let me tell you I have not heard one with more soul & power than Kristen Kelly's and she makes it seem effortless. I personally think the industry is doing a disservice to country music fans by not playing her songs more on the radio & having her on an arena tour. She sang a mixture of her old songs as well as songs from her recently released EP titled Fire which is available at her shows as well as on  iTunes. A few of the songs she sang are Fire, Renegade, Getting Over Someone (personal favorite of mine), Bad Decisions, He Loves To Make Me Cry, Ex-Old Man and her current single Kiss By Kiss. She also sang a few covers of a couple soul songs & as well classic country songs. I encourage everyone to call your local country radio stations and request Kiss By Kiss. I was able to meet her after the concert and she is a very sweet & friendly person. I recommend meeting her if you have the chance.

I have been a fan of Trent Tomlinson since I was in high school but never had the oppurtunity to see him in concert until now but it was worth the wait. He puts on a high energy show but  also sings a few songs with just an acoustic guitar which I love. It was particularly moving to see him sing One Wing In The Fire as he said his father passed away two months ago from a heart attack and it was difficult for him to get through the song. He has written a lot of songs that other artists have recorded such as Already Calling You Mine by Parmalee and In Color by Jamey Johnson. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Trent's version of those songs. A few of his songs that he performed are Drunker Than Me, Come Back To Bed, Hey Batter Batter, Angels Like Her, Country Is My Rock, & The Bottle. Trent's meet & greet was on his tour bus so after he met everyone else he came out and met me and was extremely friendly and when he went to sign my picture he asked me what my name was and I told him and then he was like from Twitter? I said yes. We hugged, took the picture and he said it was great to meet you sweetheart. I'd always heard he was great to his fans and I can tell you firsthand that he is indeed. 

I had an amazing evening and would go see Kristen and Trent again given the oppurtunity.

You can follow Kristen on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

You can follow Trent on Facebook, Twitter

A Few Songs & Artists You Should Check Out

Over the years I have listened to my share of songs on country radio as well as discovered some amazing songs & artists through social media & iTunes. Here are just a few I recommend checking out. If y'all know of anyone not listened that I should check out let me know on my social media accounts.

All Country On You - Austin Webb - PURCHASE HERE
Kiss By Kiss - Kristen Kelly - PURCHASE HERE
Greyhound - Ashley Clark - PURCHASE HERE
Burning House - Cam - PURCHASE HERE
One Night Between Friends - Katie Armiger - PURCHASE HERE
Run With The Night - Wiley Chandler - PURCHASE HERE
Stella - Stella James Band 
Night's On Fire - David Nail - PURCHASE HERE
Fly - Maddie & Tae - PURCHASE HERE
I Got The Boy - Jana Kramer - PURCHASE HERE
Journey's End - The Cains - PURCHASE HERE
Caryn Womack - Follow her on Twitter @CarynWomack
Jillian Jacqueline - Follow her on Twitter @JillianJacqueline 
Maggie Rose - Music available on iTunes 

9 Artists/Bands You Need To Know About

Over the last 6 to 7 years I have been fortunate to discover some incredibly talented artists and bands through social media, mainly Twitter or through other artists I have became friends with a long the way. I know of many more than 9 but I wanted to highlight a few that I listen to the most right now. If you know of anyone that you are a fan of that I might not be let me know and I will check them out.

Note: These are in no particular order.

Austin Webb

Austin is signed to Streamsound Records and is produced by Byron Gallimore. He has has singles Slip On By, Raise 'Em Up and his current single All Country On You is currently in the Top 40 & climbing. You cCan request it at radio now. You can download his music on iTunes & follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

Colby Dee

Colby Dee is an incredibly talented & determined singer/songwriter. Her debut EP Missed The Exit is available on iTunes and she is currently working on new music. She plays shows around Nashville and her home state of Georgia frequently. Keep up with everything Colby Dee on her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Lily Nelsen

Lily Nelsen is an independent artist originally from California but moved to Hendersonville, TN when she was 16 years old. She won the songwriting contest this year to be able to perform on the main stage alongside Florida Georgia Line and Blake Shelton in Manhattan, KS this year. She is currently working on her debut EP. You can follow Lily on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

  

Stella James Band

New country trio Stella James Band is made up of Sarah Davidson, Ty Graham and Rachel Bradshaw. Their debut sing is called Stella and the music video is on YouTube. You can download some of their music for free on their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Devious Angels

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The Devious Angels is a country/rock/pop/folk duo made up of Jon Decious and Steevie Steeves. Their self titled EP is available on iTunes as well as their latest single Stupid Cupid released in February of this year. You can keep up with them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Dakota Bradley

Dakota Bradley is a native of St. Louis and is signed to Streamsound Records and is produced by Tim McGraw. His current single is Name On It and .50 of every download of the song on iTunes benefits the American Red Cross. You can keep up with Dakota on his Official Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Two Story Road

Two Story Road is made up of married couple Brandon and Jamelle Fraley. They are getting ready to release their first EP. You may recognize Brandon as he was a part of Danny Gokey's band for several years and Jamie was Carrie Underwood's backup vocalist for 5 years. One of the things I love about them as people is they are great about staying in contact with their fans and also do online concerts on StageIt for their fans. You can stay up to date on everything TSR on their Official Website, Twitter and Facebook. 

Alayna

Alayna is a very talented singer/songwriter originally from Pennsylvania. She released her debut EP titled The Wrong Side in May of this year which her fans funded by making pledges on kickstarter.com. She also posts acoustic videos of her original songs & as well as covers on her YouTube  channel. You can follow Alayna on her Twitter, Facebook.

unBRAKEable

unBRAKEable is a country/rock duo made up of married couple Blake Gray & Brian Nutter. They released their debut album titled Helluva Love Story on September 28, 2014. Starting in January 2015 they sent out on their Home Invasion Tour where fans submitted where they wanted the duo to come and play their homes. The first leg of the H.I.T. started at the beginning of January and lasted until the end of May. They are currently on the second leg of the tour which will last through the fall. I had the oppurtunity to go watch them perform & meet them in March. They are incredibly talented & the nicest people. You can download their album on iTunes and keep up with everything UnBRAKEable on their Official Website, Twitter and Facebook. 

Jana Kramer releases new single I Got The Boy

The country girl from Detroit, Jana Kramer, has gone and done it again. Jana's new single "I Got The Boy" possess a country melody, twangy vocals, and a genre-appropriate topic.

"I Got The Boy" (penned by Jamie Lynn Spears, Connie Harrington and Tim Nichols) is a slow tempo tune that compares first love to last love, with Jana taking on the role of the girl who had a certain boy's heart before he grew up, moved on, and entered into an adult relationship.

The verses of the song focus on Jana peering through the rearview mirror, looking back on her times with the boy who found out, through the virtue of newspaper announcement, has vowed his love to another for eternity. Though she recognizes that their love was practically another lifetime ago, Jana can't help but reminisce on their times together and consider the things she shared with her former love that his forever love will never experience.

The track bleeds of acceptance and the ability to move on without shutting out memories of a wonderful time in your life. Though Jana sings a song of longing, their is a clear cut line between the boy of the past, and the man of the future; and the line is one with which she has comes to terms.

Jana Kramer undoubtedly has the capability to choose a song with which her fans can relate while, likewise, sounding as if it could be the next big country radio hit. "I Got The Boy" come as no exception to this rule and, whether Jana scored the boy in the end or not, she is about to score a hit by singing about him.

Download "I Got The Boy" on iTunes HERE it is also available to stream on Spotify. Keep up with everything Jana Kramer on her Offiicial Website, Twitter, Facebook.