Dylan Scott entertains enthusiastic crowd at Racine Party In The Park

You may or may not have heard of Sidewalk Records recording artist Dylan Scott who hails from Monroe, Louisiana but one thing is for certain, he is here to stay. With his smooth baritone vocals, relatable song lyrics, and a likability with fans, I have no doubt Dylan Scott will have a long and successful career. He currently has a 5 song self-titled EP available on iTunes which includes the first song he released to country radio "Makin' This Boy Go Crazy", as well as his current single at radio now titled "Mmm,Mmm,Mmm".

Last night, September 12th, I went to see Dylan for the first time with a few of my family members and we were all impressed with his entire show; vocals, stage presence and likeability. He has it all in my opinion to  be as successful as Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, etc. He brings tons of energy on stage and doesn't stand still for very long and interacts with the crowd quite a bit. He sings a wide variety of songs, from the ones he has written himself to cover songs of rap and traditional country songs such as Fishin' In The Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and When You Say Nothin' At All by Keith Whitley among others. One of the standout moments of the show was when his band left the stage and it was just him and an acoustic guitar for a few songs. In my book that is true talent. One of my favorite covers that he did other than the Keith Whitley song was Country Man by Luke Bryan. A few of my favorites of his original songs that he had written or co-written are Lay It On Me, Passenger Seat and Beer Buddies. I strongly encourage you to go see Dylan Scott live if you have the oppurtunity. He is a phenomenal performer and one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. After he performed he signed autographed and took pictures with anyone that wanted one. He recognized me from Twitter and meeting him in Nashville during the CMA Music Festival because I brought the picture of us for him to sign.

You can follow Dylan on his Official Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.

Dylan Scott & Me

Tyler Barham releases lyric video for More Than A Cotton Dress

Tyler Barham enlisted fans to bring a personal touch to the lyric video for his current single, "More Than A Cotton Dress". Female followers were asked to tweet a selfie holding a sign describing one non-physical thing about themselves with the hash tag #morethanacottondress. Photo submissions came in from all over the country and even as far away as Australia, even garnering a selife from a US Olympian.

"This song is a necessary reminder and a beautiful reassurance that we are SO much more than a hairstyle and lipstick shade. We are brave and bold and silly and kind and loyal and quirky and intelligent and talented. The true test of beauty is not for a mirror to decide. It is the strength of the light from within--it is how willing we are to be our unique selves in a society of stereotypical expectations. So as you listen to the lyrics, think of a quality that defines the REAL you--a quality that you identify with most, a quality that has been your driving force, a quality that gives you purpose and passion. You are more than a pretty face and "a cotton dress", you are (insert wonderful quality here)." -Natasha Greene

You can check out Tyler's other original music available on iTunes now and well as keep in contact with Tyler through his social media sites: Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube as well as his website http://www.tylerbarham.com

Canaan Smith releases music video for Love You Like That

Mercury Records artist Canaan Smith releases the music video for his latest single Love You Like That. It is the follow up to his debut single We Got Us which was released in 2012. Canaan also co-wrote Love and Theft's first single Runaway. He was a part of the Country Deep Tour earlier this year with Jana Kramer & Austin Webb. He is currently in the studio working on his debut album. No release date has been announced yet.

Love You Like That is available for download on iTunes now! You can follow Canaan on his social media accounts: Twitter Facebook Instagram YouTube

Q & A with Streamsound Records artist Austin Webb

First off I want to thank Austin for agreeing to do this interview and also Jeff from his record label for passing on the question to Austin. Austin grew up in the Greenville, South Carolina area and moved to Nashville in 2011. He is produced by Byron Gallimore who also produces Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Leann Womack among others and is the founder of the label Austin is signed to, Streamsound Records. His debut single Slip On By made it into the Top 40 on the charts. His current single is Raise 'Em Up which you can download on iTunes. I can say from personal experience there is not a more down to earth, humble, talented person than Austin, he is the entire package. If you have not seen him live or met him and have the oppurtunity don't pass it up. 

1. For fans that may not be introduced to you yet, give us an introduction on how you started your music career and were discovered.

I started writing when I was 9, started touring when I was 15, won a songwriting contest in 2011, moved to Nashville, and got a record deal in 2012.

2. For fans new to your music, how would you describe your sound?

Country Soul.

3. Were you surprised at the response and success of your second single at country radio, Slip On By, and how did you discover the song?

I'm humbled and grateful to have any of my music ever on country radio. "Slip On By" was a gift. I heard it on Christian radio and knew it was a great song that spoke to country music fans. That song certainly got me noticed a lot more in some circles. The next single is gonna be my breakthrough.

4. Who are a few of your musical influences? 

Kris Kristofferson, Elvis Presley, Vince Gill, Bob Dylan, and Billy Preston.

5. You have had the oppurtunity to play a lot of venues of various sizes; what venue(s) have been your favorite to play so far?

My favorite venues are the ones where the fans are closest to the stage. 

6. I know you are very active on your social media accounts, How important to your career do you think it is, and which one do you preference most? 

The country music fans are the most important things in the whole format. I'm grateful and lucky to be able to communicate and connect with my fans. It's very important.

7. What is your life motto? 

"There ain't but three things in this world worth a solitary dime...but old dogs and children and watermelon wine." My favorite lyric by Tom T. Hall.

8. What do you like to do in your free time?

I'm too young in this business to have free time. Any downtime I get, I'm working on how I can improve as an artist and human being.

9. What are a few of your future goals that you hope to accomplish in your career? 

I'd like to do a couple of separate duets with my favorite female singers - Cassadee Pope and Maggie Rose. I'd like to have a Top 10 single on the radio. Tour with Cassadee Pope and Tim McGraw. Own a winery and Basset hound farm.

10. What country artists do you currently listen to?

Right now I listen to everyone. I'm such a fan of all the new artists out there and feel great to be a part of this class. I like Charlie Worsham, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Drake White, Leah Turner, Lindsey Ell, Maggie Rose. I can't wait to hear them on the radio regularly alongside the talented superstars like Luke, Tim, and Aldean. 

11. I know you are working on your debut album; can you say what the status of that is and if there is a possible release date?

I've recorded fifteen songs, had one Top 40 single, and I'm ready to release my new one soon! I believe my debut album will follow after this next single!

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Highway Run release debut EP 'Dust That Record Off'

Newcomers Highway Run made up of Brandon Ray & Alyssa Claar release debut EP Dust That Record Off exclusively to iTunes. The influences and experiences of both Alyssa Claar and Brandon Ray's singing, songwriting, and performing fall between pretty much any genre you can think of in music today, bluegrass, rock, pop, country, etc. Packed with power and sensitivity, wit and excitement, emotion and a connection unlike their peers, Highway Run fills a room and concert with memories and catchy tunes.

Ray's songwriting was recognized immediately by powerhouse company, Horipro Entertainment, who signed him to a publishing contract. Shortly after, he received and signed a production deal with Freeway Creative Group to record his first EP. His original songs have been co-written with legends like Dean Dillon and Hillary Lindsey. His catalog continued to grow in popularity with songs like "Summer Thing" and "21 Tonight" that easily became fan favorites. Brandon continues to record and is amping up the game by combining his efforts with Alyssa Claar. As a regular performer at Nashville's infamous The Stage, she learned to use her theatrical vocal skills to really reign in the crowd and give them a show that lasts. She has performed with Rascal Flatts Lynyrd Skynyrd, Poison, Trick Pony and Seether to name a few. She has proven to successfully bridge the gap of rock and country. The power of Highway Run is non-sensical powerful, yet humble performances the two individuals come together in to unite.

On a personal level sometimes I have trouble adjusting to the fact that country music as a genre isn't what is used to be sound wise but after my first listen to Highway Run I was a fan. Both of their voices sound so in sync with one another and fit perfectly together. I definitely recommend checking out the EP on iTunes and don't forget to write a review and rate it to help the chart position. I will post links below of where to keep in contact with Highway Run on their social media sites.

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Jackson County Junior Fair Concerts 2014

The Jackson Country Junior Fair was held the last week of July just like years past. This was my 7th year in a row attending the fair and it did not disappoint. They always have a very friendly staff working down at the stage where the concerts are held and they managed to get a variety of artists to perform throughout the week. I attended the fair three nights this year, Tuesday for rising country duo Dan + Shay (lead vocalist Shay Mooney & Dan Smyers), Thursday for legendary country band Diamond Rio and ended the week on a fantastic note seeing  rising star Austin Webb plus Jamie Lynn Spears on Saturday.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

I got to the fair a few hours before Dan + Shay took the stage because I wanted to get a meet & greet to meet them before they performed which I was able to do. It was incredibly hot & humid that evening but worth it because those guys are incredibly appreciative of their fans support and friendly. They thanked me for supporting them by buying their album. The meet and greet wasn't very long as I was the first person in line but it was great getting the oppurtunity to meet them. They sang their first single which was 19 You And Me, their current single out to country radio called Show You Off as well as songs from their debut album that was released earlier this year such as Stop Drop + Roll, Party Girl, Close Your Eyes, among others. I was able to get their set list after the concert which is a nice keepsake. If you have the chance to see them in concert and/or meeting them I recommend going. You won't be disappointed. 

Dan Smyers, Me, Shay Mooney

Thursday, July 24th, 2014

This night was easily the most special and memorable for me because I have been a Diamond Rio fan ever since I can remember basically so to meet them was amazing. I got to the fairgrounds a couple hours early like usual and hadn't planned on meeting them but I was hoping I would be able to. When I first asked they weren't sure if there was enough meet & greet passes but a little while later they ended up giving me one and I was just sitting next to the stage waiting for time to get in line for the meet & greet and Jimmy Olander who is the guitar player was standing around with his guitar on and started talking to me. He thought I was someone he knew from Nashville but then we got to talking about his kids and how i'd wanted to see them live for a long time. He is a very friendly guy. Before too long the other guys in the band showed up and as usual I was first in line but they didn't allow autographs so I got my pictures with them & then it was basically over. 

Before too long they took the stage and played a lot of their hits over the years such as Meet In The Middle, Beautiful Mess, How Your Love Makes Me Feel, I Believe, One More Day (one of my favorites), You're Gone, Walkin' Away. They sang a melody of a few of their less popular songs as well as newer songs from their Christian album. They loved that people were singing along and encouraged those who weren't to do so. They were very interactive with the crowd which was one of the biggest crowds I have ever seen at the fair. They signed autograph for fans after they were finished performing so I got in line and when I got up to them my mom and I said they put on a great show & I said it was great to meet them and Jimmy said "It was great to meet you too Cassandra" which made me happy that he actually knew my name. I would definitely go see these guys live again if given the oppurtunity. For a band that has been touring for 23 years they still sound as good as they did when they started. 

Brian Prout,Jimmy Olander,Marty Roe,Me,Dan Truman & Dana Williams

Saturday, July 26, 2014

This night was extra special because I have became friends with Austin Webb and i'm a huge supporter of his music career so I loved being able to see him again and be able to talk with him. Some bad thunderstorms were coming through the arena so he didn't end up taking the stage until 30 or 45 minutes after he was supposed to and he didn't have a huge crowd due to the stormy weather but he still put on a great show. 

I was first in line for his meet and greet and as he came over the hill past everyone else he had a huge smile on his and yelled "Hey Cassandra!" and when he got over to me he hugged me and asked me how I was and that it had been forever since he saw him (even though it had only been a month and a half) lol I caught him up on my life and we got to talking about Nashville and how I want to work there at a record label and do artist promotion and he told me that I should do that because I am great at it and encouraged me to send in resumes for it. He also told me he really appreciate all of my support and promoting him & his music career. Before we took our picture he asked me if I wanted to take a selfie and I was like sure so we did and then took a regular picture then he hugged me and it was over. 

It started storming soon after so they had to delay the concert so he came out and talked to the people who were in the crowd and took pictures with everyone and was chatting with me and my mom for a few minutes. I don't think there is a more down to earth and friendly guy in the country music industry then Austin. He truly is a great guy and treats his fans more like friends which I love. When he was finally able to take the stage he sang his first single he released to country radio Slip On By as well as his current sound out to radio called Raise 'Em Up which if you don't request it at country radio I would recommend doing so. He sang several cover songs such as Hound Dog by Elvis Presley. After he sang he signed autographs for anyone that wanted to meet him so I went over and talked to him again and he thanked me for coming and for all the support. Amazing guy.

Our selfie Austin took :P 

Austin Webb & I

Country Artist SaraBeth releases new EP "Obsessive"

Circle S Records recording artist SaraBeth releases her second EP today, "Obsessive" on iTunes as well as physical copies are available for pre-order on her website www.sarabethmusic.com. The first single off of this EP is Nowhere With You which was released to iTunes, Amazon and Google Play on July 22. The track listing is as follows:

1. I Don't Want To Wear You Home
2. Nowhere With You
3. Obsessive
4. Unusually Over You

You can stay up to date with everything on SaraBeth's social media sites: Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube