What's to Come in 2017

Here on An Ear for Music you are used to getting concert reviews and artist 411 articles. First, don't expect that to change. Second,  I wanted everyone to know this year I'll be adding some new features and I am very excited about them! Read on for small descriptions of each and hopeful posting schedule. Don't want anyone to miss out!

Johnny and June Cash

I was inspired to start this first new feature by the newest Parmalee single "Roots." A fantastic song

that is acknowledging no matter where you end up, your roots are still a part of you. So twice a month I'll be sharing Iconic 411 articles in order to acknowledge the roots of country music. 

Carter Winter

The possibilities of this next feature have me very excited! Sharing my prior posts on social media has brought many other artists to my attention. So every week I will be sharing Social Finds were I'll be introducing everyone to a new artist\band I discovered via a social media platform. 

Lauren Alaina

I'll be continuing the artist 411 articles twice a month just like the new Iconic 411 articles. You will also be able to find the country airplay mediabase charts each week and a Spotify discovery piece featuring their New Boots playlist. At the end of each month there will be a poll to decide which artists featured via artist 411 articles or Social Finds articles will become a Permanent Rotation artist. Permanent Rotation means they'll have their own page here at An Ear for Music were you will be able to find all their links and music.

Next month is the holiday of love, so starting the first I look forward to showing some love to some well deserved artists and music! I'm very excited for 2017 and I truly hope you'll be along for the journey!

High Valley

Canadian sibling duo, Brad and Curtis Rempel, currently have a top 20 hit with their single "Make You Mine" and if you have ever listen to their music you know it is not going to be their only hit in the making. Twice now I have had the pleasure of seeing High Valley live and I walked away wanting more both times. Their music is like a serious breath of fresh air. Their sound is full of actual instruments and lyrics that are family friendly with meaning. I have yet to hear a song from them I did not enjoy. Don't just take my word for it though, listen to their new album Dear Life below via Spotify and tell me what you think!

                         

Get Dear Life
iTunes | Amazon | Google Play

Follow On
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Snapchat ID: highvalleysnap

Visit High Valley's website HERE to sign up for their newsletter, join their fan club, and even download their app.

Who is Seth Costner?

You may recognize Seth Costner as the talented keyboardist touring with The Swon Brothers. The one who gets to perform a song as a part of their show. However,  there's so much more to this artist. Seth Costner is a talented singer/songwriter who has an incredibly beautiful voice that just draws you in. In fact, Costner just released his second EP, The Easy Part. The five song EP is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. The Easy Part not only showcases the smooth vocals of this up and comer, but his astounding writing skills as well. There's more, he also plays the keyboard, guitar, banjo, and harmonica.

Seth Costner playing keys

 Talent is not the only thing Seth Costner has going for him though. He is very down to earth and appreciative of his fans. He interacts with them after shows and on social media often. In fact, his fans are quite a buzz with the holiday spirit thanks to the recent release of  the holiday tune "Celebrate Me Home" on iTunes. My advice for the new year is to keep a watch out for Seth Costner. As 2016 is sure to hold amazing things for this gifted artist.

The Easy Part's Cover Art

For updates (and singing clips) follow Seth Costner on Twitter and Instagram with @sethcostner

Who is Cole Taylor?

Country music is now home to another extremely talented southern Georgian.

In the world of music, country included, there are several different sub groups like musicians, artists, producers, and song\writers. I have found it advantageous to follow each. While researching a showcase of songwriters, I came across Cole Taylor and was immediately intrigued when I saw he pinned "Look At My Truck," one of my favorite Chase Rice songs. He actually started writing songs at the early age of 14! Just nine months after moving to Nashville in November 2013, Taylor landed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville. This Cuthbert, GA native is stunningly talented. In Taylor's bio he states, "I write for my fans and try to touch them with the songs, because some people don't know how to say what they want to say."

Cole Taylor - "Drop  Top"

Taylor is building up some impressive song writing credits in Music City including the number one hits "Sippin' On Fire" by Florida Georgia Line and "Home Alone Tonight" by Luke Bryan and Karen Fairchild. If you want to hear more of this talented writer's work be sure to pick up a copy of Cole Swindell's sophomore album You Should Be Here. Because "Making My Way To You" and "Stay Downtown" are both pinned by this talented artist. Cole Taylor does not just produce magic with a pen and paper though. He also has one amazing voice! He has two phenomenal EPs out right now that are definitely worth a listen. The first EP, released in 2015, is self-titled and has five tracks on it. Taylor's second EP, Step 2, was released February of this year and has six tracks on it.

Cole Taylor - "8 x 10"

You can follow Cole Taylor on Facebook, Twitter (@coletaylorlive), and Instagram. Be sure to watch the above videos and if you like what you hear, Taylor's EPs are available for download or steaming on most music platforms.

Who is David Fanning?

You may find the name David Fanning familiar in regards to the world of music production, but Fanning is also an incredibly talented singer and songwriter. 

"Being an artist was always the plan, but sometimes you get there a different way." Fanning's words from the bio on his website. Though the path was different, it was exceptional none the less. In the role of music producer Fanning has worked with artists from Thompson Square ("Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not") to Parmalee ("Carolina"). The AL native has a stunning array of talents when it comes to music including an incredible voice. This producer, songwriter, and bottom line phenomenal singer posts weekly videos of songs suggested by his fans that range from originals like "Homegrown" to covers like Three Doors Down's "Here Without You." Fanning has three singles available titled "Drink You Away," "Doin' Country Right," and "What's Next" that are available to download or steam on most music platforms including iTunes and Spotify.

David Fanning ~ What's Next

There is one other thing about Fanning besides his talent and skill that deserves mentioning and that's his appreciation of his fans. It is true artist\fan interaction differs from artist to artist, but I have yet to see any that reaches the involvement Fanning has with his fans. His interaction with his Fanndom goes past simple likes and responding to comments (which he does). There is #ThrowbackTuesday were he shares memories with fans. Then there's #WouldYouRatherWednesday were he poses an either or question to fans. On Thursdays is when fans usually get the new music videos and Friday is #FannFriday were he picks a random fan to Skype with! That's not all though! He also posts fun contests on #FannSwagSunday were the winners get some new swag.

David Fanning ~ Homegrown

I was curious when I discovered the music producer for my favorite band was also an artist, was awe struck the first time I heard him sing, and flat out speechless when I discovered the depth of this humble artist's appreciation for his fans. I highly recommend watching the above videos and keeping an eye out for David Fanning.

You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter (@DavidFanningMuZ), Instagram, and YouTube. 

Who is Glen Templeton?

I was recently asked to listen to a song called "Anyone Else" and that simple request had me very eager to discover all I could about the singer, Glen Templeton.

Glen Templeton is a singer\songer writer from Tuscaloosa, AL. In the bio on his website, he says "I don't think I chose country music. I think it chose me." We all know the feeling when something just fits right. Well Glen Templeton and country music are definitely a "just right" fit. Templeton has a beautiful voice described best as gravely, but smooth. I was listening to his music on my phone when "That's My Job" started playing. I thought my playlist had ended because I recognized the song (and voice). However, I discovered I was listening to perhaps one of the most beautiful covers of Conway Twitty I've ever heard. In fact back in 2008, Templeton was actually hand picked by Twitty's daughters to play their father in a touring musical tribute to the country legend.

Templeton's impressive vocals are showcased beautifully on both his EPs. His self titled EP has five songs including a very moving "Choosing To Believe." The others are "I Could Be The One," "When Gone Comes Back," "Devil In The Mirror," and "A Sinner's Prayer." On his EP Let Her Go there are also five songs including "Anyone Else." The others are "Ball Cap" a cute telling of how a girl and her ball cap, the up tempo "I'm In Love With Your Girl," the title track "Let Her Go," and "Sing That Song Again." Something I noticed about all the above songs is depth. The stories told are done amens justice by this talented singer/songwriter. Check out the pure vocal strength, amazing sound, and sweet guitar skills in the video below.

You can follow Glen Templeton on Twitter (@glentempleton), Facebook, and Instagram. You can also keep watch on upcoming tour dates here http://www.glen-templeton.com/tour

Who is William Michael Morgan?

While the debate of what is country and what is not rages on, there is no doubt William Michael Morgan is exactly were he belongs.

Morgan could never be considered a late bloomer. This Mississippi native has actually been performing since he was about seven years old and even got his first guitar at age eight. He moved to Nashville at age 18 and ended up with his publishing deal. Then the following year at age 19 William Michael Morgan got his record deal with Warner Bro. Nashville. Morgan's current chart climber is "I Met A Girl." The sweet lyrics tell a story of when a boy first meets that girl that makes him feel "like the world turned upside down" and it beautifully showcases Morgan's voice. You can watch the official video below:

I initially listened to "I Met A Girl" after a fellow music lover recommended it and William Michael Morgan. It was a perfect preview of the vocal strength and talent of this young artist. On March 18th, Morgan released his self titled debut EP and I quickly discovered the wait for new music was well worth it. Every song tells a story, has substance, and just feels real. The six tracks on the incredible EP are "Vinyl," "Beer Drinker," "I Met A Girl," "Lonesomeville," "Cheap Cologne," and "Backseat Driver." You can download the EP on iTunes, Amazon, and Google play as well as stream it on Spotify. Morgan is breathing a sense of traditional back into country music and I highly recommend giving that debut EP a listen.

Track One ~ Vinyl 

My first William Michael Morgan show is April 20th and I can't wait to tell you all about it. You can find future tour dates on his website and while you're there don't forget to sign up for his mailing list. To put this in the words of William Michael Morgan, a career off to such a great start "is an instant classic" for sure.

You can also follow this Grand Ol' Opry performer on Twitter (@wmmorgan), Instagram, and Facebook.

Who is Waterloo Revival?

As proven by the guys of Waterloo Revival, Cody Cooper and George Birge, passion and talent can be formed and nurtured from a young age. These talented artists have not only been friends since middle school, but they've been involved in music for just as long. The members of Waterloo Revival are not just extremely vocally talented and ingenious guitar players. They are true magicians with pen and paper. They've been writing songs together their entire lives and say it is one of their biggest passions. 

Waterloo Revival

     

Both Cooper and Birge grew up in the musically vibrant city Austin, Texas and are very proud of those roots. In fact the duo's very name is recognizing were they came from. Most may not know this, but Austin, Texas was originally Waterloo, Texas. The duo recently released an EP titled Front Row. The six songs are "Summer Thing," "I Could Get Used To This," "That Damn I Didn't Give," "Backwood Bump," "Front Row," and "Meet In The Middle." They lent their song writing talents to each song. The EP is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. Waterloo Revival recently made The Reviver Nation very happy with the unexpected release of an additional song titled "Racin' To The Redlight."

The official "Bad For You" music video 

     Their first show together as Waterloo Revival was back in 2012 at Lucky Lounge and they have since toured all across the United States including the Grand Ole Opry, twice! I had the pleasure of catching this duo during an acoustic show put on by my local radio station 98.5 KVOO. Let me tell you, just because they were sitting on a stool playing for us doesn't mean you couldn't feel the excitement radiating from these guys or the passion behind every note. There was not one single moment they did not have a smile on their faces. In the spirit of this #Artist411 if you follow this link, you'll find a YouTube interview with the guys were they share some basic 411 info with you. 

The lyric video for "Hit The Road"

 They are extremely active on social media with their fans (Revivers), very humble, and having the time of their lives fulfilling their dreams. Country music truly has a diamond in these self proclaimed nerds at heart.

Follow Waterloo Revival on Facebook, Twitter (@WaterlooRev), Instagram (@WarerlooRevival), and even SnapChat (waterloorevival), so you do not miss what comes next from this on the rise duo. 

Who is Parmalee?

Do you know the mythology behind a Phoenix? It is a long-lived bird that obtains new life by arising from the ashes. That is what comes to mind for me when I think about the country band Parmalee and what this talented band has over come to get to where they are.

Cain's Ballroom, Jan. 2015

Parmalee is a four man, family band, made up of Matt Thomas (lead vocalist), his brother Scott Thomas (drums/bass), their cousin Barry Knox (bass/drums), and their brother from another mother Josh McSwain (guitar & keys). This gifted four some is North Carolina born and bred. All four men grew up on music. In fact, they started out performing with their fathers and uncle. In 2001, at Corrigans, a local venue, near East Carolina University where they went to school, Parmalee was officially born.

Left 2 Right: Matt, Scott, Barry, Josh

Do you know were this band came up with their name? Let me tell you. These proud NC natives stayed connected with their roots and named the band after the town in which Parmalee practiced every Tuesday and Thursday (according to their bio) Parmele, NC. The guys toured all over including New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta ultimately discovering they needed to be in Nashville. In 2010, the band's journey was altered amidst a terrible tragedy. Scott was shot during an attempted robbery after a show. He was in a coma for 10 days and hospitalized for over a month. In true Phoenix fashion, they rose from what most would have considered the ashes of a promising career. In February 2011, the band, Scott included, performed a showcase that landed a record deal.

Tulsa State Fair, Oct. 2015

Five years later, this incredible band, that is the epitome of never give up on your dreams, has been nominated for an ACM award for New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year! They have a debut album out titled Feels Like Carolina. They have had three consecutive top 10 hits, including #1 hit "Carolina." In addition to countless appearances on their own across the country, they have also toured with both Jake Owen and Brad Paisley. In fact, they are currently back out on the road, as well as, spending days off in the studio working on what is sure to be a steller follow up to Feels Like Carolina. 

You can keep up with the band on several social media platforms including FB, Twitter (@parmalee), Instagram (@parmaleemusic), and even SnapChat (parmaleemusic). Check out their website for more info on tour dates  http://www.parmalee.com/tour/

Who is Tara Thompson?

2016 kicked off in an incredible way. I had the privilege of seeing Tara Thompson on her radio tour when she stopped by 106.1 The Twister's studios. 

Photo by Shannon H

Thompson is a singer/songwriter who is currently out on the CMT Next Women of Country tour. She has a single out right now titled "Someone To Take You Home." Tara Thompson sang us five songs from her upcoming debut album. I love her song lyrics. As her bio states, "she puts a quirky tongue-in-cheek spin on her life experiences." I have always loved music that spontaneously makes you smile.

Tara Thompson said she wrote all, but two of the songs on her upcoming album. After hearing her single "Someone To Take Your Place", "Vows", "Pregnant At The Prom", her romantic song "Jail", and perhaps my new favorite song "Pink Flamingo", this is one album that is sure to fly off the shelves or in todays world up the downloading charts. Stay tuned, I predict a bright future for this spunky down to earth artist.

You can follow Tara Thompson on FB, Twitter (@TaraThompsonTN), and Instagram (@TaraThompsonMusic)

Who is Backroad Anthem?

A show back in January at Cain's Ballroom is what I attribute the birth of one of my favorite things about concerts to. Of course, I'm there to see the billed artist, but there are other components that are amazing to watch as well. For instants, I thoroughly enjoy watching the band perform. That faithful day at Cain's Ballroom I discovered something else truly worth paying close attention to and that's the opening act. That night was the first time I heard Backroad Anthem. 

Photo from their website

I was at Cain's Ballroom to see my favorite band Parmalee perform and had no real idea who the opening act was except they were a six man band. My concert buddies and I found that out because we googled them before they hit the stage. What I noticed right away was they had a fiddle player. I'll admit it. I was a band nerd in school and seeing that was intriguing. Fiddle player Eric Dysart certainly did not disappoint, none of them did.

Eric Dyart at Cain's

 Craig Strickland and Toby Freeman are lead vocalist. As well as extremely proficient on acoustic and electric guitar. Josh Bryant is the lead electric guitarist and Brandon Robold plays Bass. While Issac Senty kills it on the drums! The entire show was highly energetic. All six men and their instruments blended beautifully together. As they say in their bio on their website, it was like they caught lighting in a bottle and I couldn't agree more.

Cain's Ballroom show

After the show they came back out to meet and talk with fans. Humble and down to earth is the only way to describe them. They are very interactive with fans on Twitter and now have their own Twitter fan base called @Backrodies. On September 4th my Backroad Anthem music withdrawals ended. Because this astounding band released their debut album Torn. I was very excited to download it.

The EP is five songs long. Various bandmates co-wrote three of the tracks including title track "Torn". The EP showcases an incredible range of what this band is capable of from the up beat tempo song "Disco Ball" to the smooth ballad "No Show". This Fayetteville, AR based country/rock band has a bright future ahead. There's no doubt with their chemistry, talent, and energetic live shows they are not going anywhere. 

Follow them on Twitter @BackroadAnthem and on Facebook as well.

Who is Justin Adams?

If there is one thing Oklahoma is known for more than twisters, its extremely talented  country musicians. I mean Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Toby Keith, Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and sibling duo The Swon Brothers are just a few that call Oklahoma home.

   

I have been fortunate enough to see several musicians live in the past year. In that time I've discovered one of my favorite parts is hearing the opening acts. One such show were I was completely blown away was when I saw Chase Bryant at Cain's Ballroom back in May. Side fact: Chase can really play guitar!

Back to his opening act, I had no clue who it was going to be before I got there. However, I became even more intrigued when I discovered everyone around me was there for the opening act. I was informed his name was Justin Adams, he was extremely talented, and always genuine with his fans. However the last bit of "Justin Facts" caught me completely off guard. He's from Oklahoma!

When he hit the stage and started singing, my jaw dropped and the only word that came to mind was AMAZING! When the ladies who had been educating me before the show looked at me and said "So what do you think?" all I got out was "Damn.."

Justin was absolutely amazing. His energy level was down right contagious. He engaged the audience between songs. At one point he even had a band-mate take his picture were the crowd was in the background. Because playing at Cain's was a dream come true for him (His words). He performed several songs. Some of which I later discovered were from his EP (Yes I totally bought in that night). That was my first solo concert (I try to have a buddy with me because of my eyes) and I'm very glad I didn't miss it. Adams is one of those performs that you can just feel how much they love what they're doing. Then at the end of the night I learned my educators were very much correct!

He was such a sweetheart! A true Oklahoma gentleman! I've followed this very talented artists career every since. He just announced he's coming back to Tulsa in Dec. He'll be at The Vanguard. Its going to be a great show. You should check it out and if your not in Tulsa check out his website for up coming tour dates.I totally recommend you check out his EP and his new song "Red Lights" on his YouTube channel! Justin is on Twitter (@JustinAdamsCty), Facebook, and Instagram if you want to check out this talented artist who is going to be lighting up the airwaves very soon.