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

Musician, Artist, and Music Discoveries of 2016

If I was asked what music from 2016 caught my attention the most, there would be but one answer - High Valley. The sibling duo is originally from Canada and they easily topped my most played playlist. Their songs have meaning and their sound is full of actual instruments. Their newly released album Dear Life sounds amazing and has the current chart climbing single "Make You Mine" on its' track list. They are not the only wonderful awesomeness to come out of 2016 though. Read on to hear about all the other wonderful musicians, artists, and music that caught my ear through out 2016 including the stunning collaboration Forever Country. 

~ Top 5 Noteworthy Bands ~

1. Michael Ray's Band:  

• Lucas Chamberlain – Guitarist
• Jonathon Sepulveda – Bassist
• Kurt Ozan – Utility Player
• Andrew Beselica - Drummer 

2. Granger Smith's Band:

• Jonathon Wisinksi – Bassist
• Dusty Saxton – Drums
• Todd Howard – Electric Guitar & Banjo
• John Marlin - Electric Guitar

3. Brantley Gilbert's Band:

• BJ Golden – Utility Player
• Jess Franklin – Guitar & Keys
• Noah Henson – Guitar
• Stephen Lewis - Bassist & Bass Cello
• Ben Simms  - Drums

4. Canaan Smith's Band:

• Luke Berridge – Bass
• Tucker Wilson – Drums
• Kenny Fuller – Guitar
• Stephen Whitfield - Guitar

5. Eric Paslay's Band:

• Tyler Tomlinson – Guitar
• Chris Roach – Bass
• Marcus Hill – Drums
• Luke Moller - Utility Player

.~Top 5 Noteworthy Musicians ~

1. Blaze - Guitar
2. Clark James - Drums
3. Lindsay Ell - Guitar
4. Dave Gayland - Fiddle
5. Seth Costner - Keys\Banjo

Lindsay Ell

~ Top 10 Must Listen To Artists ~

1. Seth Costner
2. Cole Taylor
3. David Fanning
4. Ryan Kinder
5. Jesse Joice
6. Tara Thompson
7. Runaway June
8. Travis Denning
9. Drake White
10. Timmy Brown

~ Top 10 Noteworthy Albums/Eps ~

1. Dear Life by High Valley
2. Remington by Granger Smith
3. Pawn Shop by Brothers Osbourne
4. You Should Be Here by Cole Swindell
5. Fired Up by Randy Houser
6. Timeless by The Swon Brothers
7. Spark by Drake White
8. Vinyl by William Michael Morgan
9. Southern Boy by Jordan Rager
10. Big Day in a Small Town by Brandy Clark

~ Top 10 Noteworthy Singles ~

1. "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw
2. "Alien" by Cassadee Pope
3. "You Should Be Here" by Cole Swindell
4. "Cold Beer "by Cole Taylor
5. "Road Less Traveled" by Lauren Aliana
6. "Hometown Girl" by Josh Turner
7. "My Church" by Maren Morris
8. "Lil Bit" by Timmy Brown
9. "Different for Girls" by Dierks Bentley
10. "Angels in this Town" by Eric Paslay

Highlights of 2016's Concert Season

2016 was a year full of incredible artists, albums, and fantastic live shows. I had the pleasure of  meeting so many incredible artists and musicians this year by attending 27 shows with 45 different artists. Read on to hear about all the highlights. 

Shadowbox of Justin Adams' survivors 

Concert Recap

• January: Tara Thompson, Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots, Lindsay Ell, Lucie Silvas, Old Dominion, BC & The Big Rig, Corey Kent White, The Round Up Boys, Alaska & Madi
• February: Brantley Gilbert, Canaan Smith, Michael Ray
• March: Jon Pardi, Justin Adams (2)
• April: David Nail, William Michael Morgan, Clare Dunn, Jordan Rager, Drew Baldridge
• May: Granger Smith, Lindsay Ell, Brandy Clark, Jordan Rager, Chris Janson, Jerrod Neimann, Drew Baldridge, William Michael Morgan, High Valley, Lindsay Ell, Ryan Kinder, Chris Lane.
• June: Chase Rice, Walker Hayes
• July: Justin Adams
• August: Josh Abott Band, Prophets & Outlaws
• September: Michael Ray, Justin Moore, Clare Dunn, Justin Adams
• October: Seth Ennis, Aaron Lewis, Eric Paslay, Lindsay Ell, Cole Swindell, Cole Taylor, Travis Denning
• November: Collin Raye, John Michael Montgomery
• December: Jesse Joice, Justin Adams, High Valley, Chris Lane, Josh Turner, The Band Perry, Alaska & Madi, The Swon Brothers 

KVOO 5-Man Jam

~ 2016 Country Music Gives Back  ~

• Corey Kent White Folds of Honor Tour - To raise money for Folds of Honor
• The Swon Brothers Salvation Army Benefit - To raise money for the Salvation Army
• Justin Adams Ugly Sweater Benefit concert - To raise money for Last Minute Toy Store

The Swon Brothers after their stellar Salvation Army Benefit

~ 2016 Live Music Highlights ~

• Favorite Opening Line-up: Canaan Smith and Michael Ray on The Blackout Tour
• Best Musical Moment: Justin Adams singing me Happy Birthday from the stage.
• Favorite Multi-Artist Show: Jake FM New Face Showcase: William Michael Morgan, High Valley, Ryan Kinder, Lindsay Ell, Chris Lane

Jake FM New Face Showcase Artists (not Shown Lindsay Ell)

• Coolest Concert Souvenir: Justin Adams Shadowbox
• Favorite Meet and Greet Tradition: Ellfie w/ Lindsay Ell
• Most Memorable Meet and Greet: Granger Smith
• Still Can’t Believe I Met: Cole Swindell

Meet & Greets with Cole Swindell, Granger Smith, and Cole Taylor

• Most Anticipated Performance: Cole Taylor
• Most Anticipated Concert: Downhome Tour
• Most Anticipated Musical Release: First by David Fanning

My birthday celebration with Justin Adams and his band

• Most Seen Artist: Justin Adams - 5 shows
• Most Seen Opening Act: Lindsay Ell - 4 shows

An Ellfie with the very talented Lindsay Ell

• Most Energetic/Passionate Performance: Granger Smith. He loves this country, what he does, and his fans and it translates on stage beautifully.
• Most Appreciative Performer: Cole Swindell on his Down Home tour. He not only continuously thanked his fan, but the love he showed opening acts Cole Taylor and Travis Denning was amazing.
• Most Noteworthy Concert Moment: 5-Man Jam with Jordan Rager, Brady Clark, Chris Janson, Drake White, and Drew Baldridge when every artist randomly decided to stay and meet all their fans after perhaps the funnest multi-artist show ever.

Click Here to continue on to Musicians, Artists, and Musical Discoveries of 2016