WD-HAN: A Band That Can’t Be Put In A Box

WD-HAN is a Florida based band that started in 2007, while the members were still in high school, and is continuing to grow 13 years later. WD-HAN consists of members, Spencer Barnes (vocals), Lea Barnes (drums), and Cal Henry (guitar). The band is based out of the Clearwater/Tampa area and has a unique sound that can’t be placed in a neat little box.

I asked the band how they would describe their sound, and they quickly responded “that’s the million-dollar question.” Each member brings their individual influences which creates a sound all their own. The band doesn’t write and record music to stick to a particular genre. Spencer said “when writing, we don’t say that we can’t do this or we can’t explore this sound because we only play rock music.” The band might give you a song with a pop sound, while some have a straight blues rock feel. In the end, they give you a sound that is strictly WD-HAN. (Isn’t that what all bands hope for?)

WD-HAN is a total collaborative effort when it comes to the song writing process. Spencer writes the lyrics and melodies, while Cal writes the guitar parts, and Lea will add the drums. The band has a rule that when writing music, no matter what the idea is, they have to at least try it. The entire band has input when it comes to song structure. The trio attributes a lot of their success to the willingness to take each other suggestions and listening to what each member can add to improve or “massage” the song to the completion.

When asked about their musical influences, they were all over the spectrum. That would explain why you can’t put WD-HAN in a neat little box. Cal was inspired by Mark Knopfler, Jimmy Hendrix, Garry Clark Jr and. John Mayer. Lea would add bands like Third Eye Blind, and Black Keys. Spencer told me that Brandon Boyd from Incubus, AC/DC and Little Feat were a few of a long list of inspirations. I asked the band to pick three songs to sum up their sound. “Spaceman”, “Monkey”, and “Red Sun” seems to be consensus of the band, but they would also add an unreleased song “Stepping 11’s”. (Look for a review of “Stepping 11’s soon.) I would add, my personal favorite, “Icarus”.

Though WD-HAN plays predominantly in the Florida area, they have toured Taiwan, Australia, South by Southwest, San Diego, and up the East Coast. As with all musicians, COVID-19 has dampened the physical tours, WD-HAN has found ways to continue playing live. WD-HAN had made a goal in January of this year to release a new song each month. They have kept the pace of release great new music in 2020. They are also able to explore their sound and experiment. The band has also performed in virtual shows, but they miss the feedback and energy of a live audience.

WD-HAN enjoy being independent and being able to release music without compromising the integrity of the music and their sound. Currently the band has released a full album and later released EP. If and when the opportunity to work with a label presents to the band, it isn’t something they would dismiss. They feel they have a lot to bring to the table and would consider working with a true partnership would be an honor.

WD-HAN has a big and active social media presence and are very interactive with their followers. The band asked for readers to check them out on all their social media platforms and website. (I have posted links to a few below.) They also have a TikTok video with 6.5 million hits.

I have enjoyed meeting the members of WD-HAN. I have enjoyed being introduced to a great band that are doing their own thing, on their own terms, while making a sound all their own. I encourage you all to check this band out and I dare you to not become a fan immediately. I love a band that has the desire and drive to create a new sound that is uniquely their own.  In a world with so much cookie cutter music, it is refreshing to hear a band that you just can’t decide the exact genre.  You can hear the mixture of influences in their unique and creative sound. At the end of the day, do we really need to put music in a genre?  Isn’t good music, just good music? To all my readers, WD-HAN is just really good music.

https://www.wdhan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wdhanmusic

https://www.wdhan.com/music

https://www.instagram.com/wdhanband/

Jessica Lynne: “Crazy On The Outside”

How many times have you met someone and thought “they seem normal”? Now, how many times have you said “she wears her crazy on the outside”? If you can relate to either or both statements, download “Crazy On The Outside” by Nashville (via Denmark) country singer, Jessica Lynne.

“Crazy On The Outside” was released May 9, 2020 and has all the right ingredients to become everyone’s “glad it ain’t me” anthem. Jessica Lynne’s use of clever lyrics and memorable chorus makes this a song destined for your playlist. Memorable lines, delivered by Jessica Lynne’s strong vocals, include sing a long lyrics like, “Did that “fine” mean she’s fine you never can tell?”

To find out more about Jessica Lynne and to download the sure hit for the summer, “Crazy On The Outside:, click on the links below or visit any of your favorite streaming sites.

www.jessica-lynne.com/

Facebook

Instagram

Jessica Lynne Spotify

Jessica Lynne YouTube

28 Pages: Rock And Roll Truth

Coming off a successful 1st Annual Rock and Roll Truth Festival to support the Blue Ridge Humane Society, I spoke with Christian Justus of 28 Pages. 28 Pages is a rocking band from Hendersonville, NC. The band is made up from an eclectic group of phenomenal musicians, looking to fill the void of rock and roll for an older fanbase, while still entertaining audiences of all ages ranging from 2 years old to 102 years old. (To my younger readers, if your mom and dad raised you on solid rock and roll, 28 Pages is a solid band for you to follow. Don’t worry, they still cover newer music as well.) The band members are: Christian Justus-bass/vocals, Steven Posey-keyboard/guitar/trumpet/vocals, Andy Balla-drums/percussion, David Miller-guitar/vocals, Rosie Mateaki-lead vocals/cello. The band still honors all past and alternate members of the band that include: Jason Lane-guitar/vocals, Paul Edelman-guitar/vocals, Frank Guagenti-guitar/harmonica/vocals, Paul McIntire-violin, David Robbins-saxophone/clarinet/percussion, John Powers-guitar/vocals, Craig Steven-guitar/vocals, Terina Plyler-saxophone/guitar/vocals, Robert George-percussion, Jennifer Thiessen- keyboard/banjo/vocals.

28 Pages brings a wealth of musical knowledge and talent to their craft, and work hard to incorporate all genres into their sound. The band can be seen all over the Western North Carolina area and are expanding their area into Eastern Tennessee to the Upstate North Carolina area.  28 Pages might have started as a soul/blues band, but they have honed their sound to a more edgy rock genre.  They are feeling more cohesive and by the amount of venues they are playing, I would agree.

Don’t confuse 28 Pages as a cover band.  Though they play covers in their shows, they are building a solid setlist of originals.  When talking about the originals that are out and upcoming, Christian talked about the influence and sound of what fans can hear and expect to hear in the future.  Christian spoke about the band’s former lead guitarist Craig Stevenson and the song “Living Right”.  Craig gave his blessing for the band to take the song and rearrange it.  28 Pages recorded the song at Giraffe Studio in Hendersonville, NC and feel that the song is the best representation of the band’s sound and direction. The band has also released “Be My Moon” recently.  The song was written by David Miller and has a sound that shows influences of Fleetwood Mac.  Now the band is writing as a group and have exciting music upcoming.

When asked what a listener can expect from hearing 28 Pages play, Christian told me, “you are going to hear a little bit of 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and current music.” He talked about lead singer, Rosie Mateaki’s gritty, comparable voice to Janis Joplin, voice.  Christian said that “her voice has become the driving force in writing”.  Christian also highlighted each members instrumentation and you get a classic sound.  You can expect to hear influences of bands like Steely Dan, Trombone Shorty, Rolling Stones, JJ Grey, Jimi Hendrix, Guess Who, Gary Clark Jr, The Allman Brothers Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Spencer Davis Group, Janis Joplin, Bob Seger, Joe Walsh, Steve Winwood. 

Over the last year, they have seen the crowds growing for their shows.  They are getting folks on the dance floor and creating an experience for old and young.  When I asked Christian what he wanted folks to know about the band, he said “we play with a band motto Rock and Roll Truth (also the inspiration for the name of the festival held a couple of weeks ago).” What you see is what you get from 28 Pages.  They do not try to hide behind anything and let the music speak for itself.  I can only add a personal RIGHT ON!

What can you expect from 28 Pages in the coming months? You can expect more originals, a music video, and a hell of alot of venues. I have included links to their social media and website.  Follow the band’s Facebook page to see where you can find the band playing.  You can stream songs from all major streaming sites including ITunes.

From the music I have heard from 28 Pages, I can say that they bring a grit and solid rock that has been missing in the music world.  This band is a group of talented musicians that continue to grow as a band and truly perform out of a love of music and respect for those that influenced them so much.  I know that the new songs, coming out, will be the type songs that will easily intertwine with the covers. The audiences will be singing back these songs to them.  I truly feel, that with their performances, even new listeners will feel like these are songs they are instantly connected with.  I hope you will check out all the links listed below.  I am really impressed with what I have heard so far and know that more great things are coming.

Personally, I want to thank 28 Pages for being the first band to allow me to write about them since moving to this area.  I think I have found a jewel in my first North Carolina interview.

28 Pages Website

28 Pages Facebook

28 Pages Music

Dave Kennedy: Outlaw Country Like We All Deserve

With a mix of outlaw country, rock and roll, and everything in between, Dave Kennedy brings an in your face experience that is one of a star on the rise.  Dave grew up in an educators family from Chattanooga, TN.  Dave was a member of the Chattanooga Boys choir for 6 years, and attributes that as to where he learned a lot about music.  Dave says that “music is a language, and the best time to learn a language is when you a are a kid when your brain is still developing.”  He said as a kid, he was able to tour internationally with the choir and had many amazing experiences.

Dave received his first guitar when he was 12 or 13 years old.  He says, “he banged around on it for a while”. Dave played in the band in high school.  After graduating high school, he attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville.  He had a little cover band, with three friends, while in college.  Dave jokingly said, “We were somehow not as bad as we thought we were, but not as good as they thought they were either.”  Dave joined the UT Concert Choir for a year.

Dave graduated college and returned for grad school, but had little direction.  Nothing seemed to have his heart.  He looked into the law school route, but nothing seemed interesting to him.  Dave went to work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for two years.  In 2008, Dave was laid off from his job.

Back in 2008, Dave had began to write songs and had a small band.  He was making a little money with his music.  The job market was lacking for new employment, even with a college degree, so Dave took the leap of faith to give his music a shot.  Dave said “If there was ever a time to give this music thing a shot, now would be it.” Dave feels that all the paths to truly pursuing his music, converged at the time he was lost his job.  Call it a serendipitous moment or all the stars aligning at the right time, Dave feels that it all happened for a reason.

Dave began traveling to Nashville to play and write.  He found that he was not being laughed out of the room.  Dave said that his confidence began to grew as people he admire and thought were good artists, felt mutually the same about his music.

Dave has earned his 10,000 hours of playing in the bars, small dives, figuring out his sound, and becoming a better writer.  Almost a year and a half ago Dave took the plunge, and moved his family to Nashville.  Dave was the opening act for Drake White, for 4 months, while he made a move.  This is experience continued to open his eyes as to the performer he wanted to be.

Recently Dave was featured on the USA show, Real Country.  Travis Tritt invited Dave to compete on an episode.  Dave is thankful for the experience, but he has been focusing on releasing a new album.  He has at least 8 songs ready for the new project.  Dave is feeling great about life right now!

Dave and I talked about a couple of songs on his previously released EP.  I mentioned to Dave that I really loved his song “Heroes”.  With lyrics like, “It’s a hard life, getting by, on melodies and rhymes.” and “What do you when your heroes are gone.”, you know the deep love a person has for honoring his (and my) heroes.  He told me that he wrote this song the day Merle Haggard died and the song was about him.  (I will link a performance of Heroes below.)

When asking Dave, what genre he would classify his sound,  Americana would be the best fit for him.  Dave describes his sound as a country/folk thing, but it is cool”.  I will agree with Dave on that comment.  He has one of the coolest sounds out today.

Dave and I also talked about his influences.  Buckle up, because this is one of the greatest lists ever! Dave finds influence from Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Otis Redding, The Allman Brothers.  Dave also added that he just loves good music.  He finds inspiration from artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder because they had a conscience and sang music about things that were important with a message.  Dave finds a certain value to artistic expression and he appreciates what these guys did for the times.  He would also add in singer songwriters like Channing Wilson and Sturgill Simpson.

When talking to Dave about his song writing, he first said it all depends if he is writing alone or in a co-write.  Dave says there is a freedom of control when writing alone. That is how he started back in Knoxville.  He gets a lot of ideas and inspiration from driving.  He remembers an article about Willie Nelson getting a lot of his inspiration from driving and Dave said “if it is good enough for Willie, it is good enough for me.” Inspiration really comes from any place for Dave.  He talks about the favorite song he has ever written, came from a single image, while listening to a song from Roger Alan Wade.  Roger mentioned a “calico dress” and to Dave, it was an image of the mid-19th century, and he wrote a Civil War song around it.  Sometimes the lyrics are first, sometimes the melody comes first. Rarely for Dave is a song autobiographical.  Some aspect of his life finds it way into a song.  Dave loves chasing a song but he also loves the organic song that comes in several minutes.

Dave is a lover of books and old movies.  He loves country music and rock and roll.  Dave loves words and lyrics.  All of these things are what make up all that is Dave Kennedy.  Dave likes to create and put out songs that he, as a fan, would like.  Dave daydreams of playing intimate venues with people listening to and enjoying his music.  Dave feels that happiness in his own life is so important.

Dave is looking forward to finishing up his new album.  He describes it is the music he wants to represent who he is and the direction he wants to be going towards.  Dave is also excited to tour to back up the music he is releasing.  Dave took his time with his new album and hopes that is something fans will play over and over.  Keep looking for a great album and an amazing tour.  Dave Kennedy is a name we should all remember.

Links to Heroes and Dave Kennedy’s social media is listed below.

Dave Kennedy Facebook

Dave Kennedy Twitter

Dave Kennedy Instagram

Heroes

 

 

 

Noah Smith: A Long Cut Above The Rest

“If you ain’t broke, when you’re breaking, you’re doing something wrong my friend.” 

Those are the lyrics that drew me into the music that is Noah Smith.  He has a style and sound that is all his own and a lyrical approach that will impress you from the first word.  From his amazing lyrics to the high energy live shows to the special way he connects with his fanbase, Noah Smith shows why he a great musician that is on the rise.

Noah Smith is a singer and songwriter bringing  his Ohio roots and unique spin to the music scene.  He is a sound all of his own that is rooted country music and rock and roll. Noah describes himself as a “fan of so much music”.

Noah will tell you he is just a “typical midwest kid from Brown County, Ohio” that grew up with music all around his house.  His mother had Paul Simon and Alan Jackson always on in the home.  Noah found himself wanting to be a rockstar and was in a band all through high school and college.  They were playing 30-40 dates a year, but he realized that being a rockstar wasn’t happening in his early 20’s.  Noah, not ready to give up the dream, turn to the folky-storytelling side to him.  It was his love of storytelling that brought him into the world of country music.

Noah went to the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati for audio engineering.  Noah went on to run a studio for awhile.  As well as writing and performing, Noah began producing a few songs.  He also began booking more shows for his music and working on an EP.  Noah released that EP in 2014, hooked up the trailer, and never looked back.

Noah’s work ethic is one to behold. Even though he has opened for several national acts, it is his fanbase that continues to be amazing.  Noah feels “he blessed with his fanbase”.  He told me that he just has to starve everyone out and not go away.  Noah and his band have toured 12 states and Canada in the past year.  He also released his album “Long Cut”.   Noah has also spent a lot of his time driving to and from Nashville.  He talked about taking the boys to school on Monday morning, then heading to Nashville to work and write through Wednesday.  Noah ends his week by gigging on Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

When it comes to songwriting, Noah feels that if he is the best one in the room, he is in the wrong room.  Noah was very complimentary to his talented bandmates and the co writers he has the opportunity to collaborate with.  He feels honored to be around such talent because he is always looking to improve his own songwriting.  He said that as kid “he fell in love with words” and the music came later.  He has been trying to go back to writing without the music and then adding in the music.  He enjoys “stepping out of his comfort zone and just writing”.  Noah feels that it takes his words to a new place.

Lyrics have always spoken out to Noah, so it hard for Noah to talk about influences.  The love of Paul Simon and Alan Jackson,  but he also can point to artists like Todd Snider and Johnny Cash. I would venture to say that naming your children Cash, Waylon, and Brooks, would also be an insight to some of the musical influences, though Noah has a sound all of his own.

Noah feels that he is continually growing as a musician, songwriter, and artist as he spends more time on the road, in the studio, and writing.  Noah has been putting in the hard work and sweat to create his sound and hone his craft.  Noah jokes that he didn’t name his album “Long Cut” by accident.  It took Noah a long time and perseverance to do the music he wanted to do.  He never wanted to be a cover band, so Noah worked hard to build his sound with his own music and built his fanbase in his home state.  Once that fanbase was engaged, Noah started spreading out across the country.

I talked Noah if he would love to see his music cut by other musicians.  He has had a few cuts with independent artists.  Noah also feels that Gary Allen would do his songs justice.  Noah also sends out surveys to people and creates a song for them.  He calls that  “Gift Songs”.  He looks at songwriting and music as a gift to share with people.

What can we expect for Noah Smith going forward? Definitely more music, more touring, and more growth.  On New Year’s Eve, Noah is scheduled with the Big Ol’ Family New Year’s Eve with Noah Smith at Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati.  You can follow Noah on all social media platforms and by clicking on some of the links below:

Noah Smith Music Website

Noah Smith Music Facebook

Noah Smith Music Instagram

 

 

 

Kevin Allen: Showing It Is Never Too Late To Follow Your Dreams

I would like to start this article by saying that Kevin Allen and I have been lifelong friends.  I have known Kevin during his years as a standout athlete, amazing student, loyal friend, and all around great guy.  Kevin has always been the type of person that did everything well and is one that excels at all his sets his mind to do.  It came to no surprise, that when I started seeing Kevin playing music around town last year, that his musical aspirations would soon exceed everyone’s expectations.  Kevin decided to forge a new path for himself when most people have settled into the life they have been living.

Kevin started his music in the church.  His father, Norris Allen Sr has been the pastor of New Hope Cathedral in South Rome for several years. Kevin began playing the drums and singing when he was 5 years old.  Kevin was always shy about his music.  Kevin thought that music was secondary to his sports.  Kevin was a standout in sports, especially baseball.  He played baseball in high school, college, and even attended Spring Training for both the Kansas City Royals and St. Louis Cardinals.

Kevin took to playing drums in the church regularly and singing with his friend and mentor, Sam Dillard.  Sam was a keyboard player that encouraged Kevin to learn to play the keyboard about 10 years ago.  After Sam passed away, Kevin watched several people come through the church.  Kevin knew that the church needed a regular person to play keyboards in the church.  He decided to build on what Sam had taught him and with the help of some DVDs, Kevin taught himself how to play the basics of gospel music.  He took on the role of being a regular and faithful keyboard player for the church.

From playing in the church, Kevin joined a band.  They played a few birthday parties and other small events.  The band was together for 2 years when the lead guitarist, Ted Thompson, passed away.  That loss caused the band to stop playing.  Kevin turned his focus on working on his craft for the next six years.  Ted had exposed Kevin to rock, blues, and other music.  Kevin would take these 6 years learning how to play other styles of music and really hone his craft.

About a year and a half ago, Kevin decided he would try to play a few restaurants in Rome.  Johnny’s Pizza was the first venue Kevin would play.  Kevin had no idea the response he would have, nor did he know how things would take off.  Kevin started out with just him and a keyboard.  After 3 months, he brought in other band members.  Kevin brought in his drummer, Paul Knox.  Paul Knox would introduce Kevin to Richard Wright aka “Bruiser” (On a personal note, Bruiser is one of the most gifted guitarists I have had the pleasure of hearing.)

The three-piece band started playing together and the momentum and their follow continued to grow.  They were bringing something different to the music scene in Rome.  They play fun music, people can dance, and always have a good time.

In November of 2017, John Graham was looking for a group to play with and Kevin  brought him in as a second guitarist.  He brings a different sound to the group.  Kevin is always looking to bring different people into the band to keep the sound from becoming stale and stagnant.  You might even see Will Camp on saxophone.  With all the different musicians that perform, at different times, Kevin has added the name KAMP to the name of the band.  The success is moving so fast and Kevin says that even though they are staying around Northwest Georgia, they are looking to move out and playing other places.  Kevin has plans for KAMP to be a true production with different events.

Even though the momentum seems to be a quick success, you can’t lose sight of several facts.  Kevin was shy and didn’t think he could play good enough.  Kevin had doubts that his voice was good enough to take on music.  It took Kevin to gain the confidence and studying his craft to make the leap into performing.  Kevin was 44 years old  to become confident with his talents.

When talking to Kevin about what influences his sound, he says there are so many.  Outside of the gospel influences, Kevin talks about being influenced by artists like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Michael Jackson, Prince, Garth Brooks, Guns and Roses, and everything in between.  He also talked about newer artists like Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton.  Kevin loves to listen to a song and the lyrics.  Genres do not matter to Kevin.

I think one of the reasons that Kevin is so successful, he brings all of his influences and brings something for everyone.  Kevin strives to be a great band, doing something different, and having people leaving his shows saying they had a good time.  Kevin is always trying to recreate himself and the band.  He wants to take each song he covers and do something different with that song.  It could be as simple as slowing it down or  speeding it up.

 

What is next for Kevin Allen and KAMP?  Kevin has started writing original material.  He has a goal to have at least one original song by the end of this year.  He wants to see KAMP playing in other cities and states.  Kevin is open to the idea of music become his fulltime job.

If you haven’t seen Kevin Allen and KAMP perform, you are truly missing out.  It is always a great time of music, talent, and dancing.  To find out where you can listen to his amazing music and dance the night away, visit the links below.

KAMP website

Kevin Allen Music Facebook

 

 

Taylor Cromer: The Struggle Is Real, But The Payoff Is Great

There is an old saying that “The Struggle Is Real”, but for Taylor Cromer, he has lived it. Deciding to chase his dreams and taking the plunge to move to Nashville, Taylor spent time living out of his car and grinding away to make it.  After the struggles and sacrifices, Taylor has become a staple in the Nashville music scene. The road wasn’t easy, but chasing his dreams were worth it.

At 18 years old, Taylor became interested in music after seeing a friend learning to play the guitar.  After his friend learned to play, Taylor asked him to teach him a few chords.  Taylor practiced the guitar, learned some songs, and found himself at a bonfire a few weeks later.  A few friends and Taylor played a few songs and then convinced him to go to an open mic.  Taylor found acceptance from those in attendance and the passion grew from there.  Taylor would go to every open mic he could and began honing his craft.

Taylor has a strong belief in working hard and learning your craft.  With acceptance comes failures, but his drive and determination fueled his passion for music.  Each performance became better than the last as Taylor’s confidence grew.

After his band dispersed and working a day job, Taylor found that his music was at a standstill in Georgia and he was running out of fumes.  He decided that it was time to leave town, take a chance, and go somewhere else.  Taylor headed to Nashville with the attitude that “no matter what happened, he wouldn’t stop and come home”.

He got his first gig about 3 days after moving, but Taylor found himself with no place to live and his money was running out.  Taylor said that at his first gig, he made $12 after singing for 3 hours.  He played a continued playing, but would only make a few dollars each time.

Now broke, sleeping in his car in a recording studio parking lot, he gets up one morning and went to downtown Nashville.  Taylor starts walking around, hungry, broke, and walks into Tootsie’s.  He saw a friend playing and his friend takes him to meet Scott Collier.  After his friend told Scott that Taylor needed work, he got an audition.  Taylor plays a song and Scott asks him to come outside to talk.  Scott asked Taylor to be back the next morning.  John Taylor, who runs Tootsie’s, not only asked Taylor to play, he told Taylor that he wanted him to go to all the stages and sit in with everyone.

Now with a place to play, Taylor began living inside the studio on a couch.  After staying there for a month, Taylor found a place to live and was able to focus on getting his feet planted in Nashville.  He truly lived the life of the starving musician.  Taylor is grateful for all the help he had to keep his dreams alive.

Taylor still plays in Nashville, but now he has started to get back out on the road to expand his fanbase.  Taylor is now writing more and has enough material for a new CD.  Taylor is trying to find the money to self fund the project.

Taylor talked about his song writing process.  He is not a fan of co-writing because he has his own process. Some songs starts from humming or an emotion, others start from a guitar riff.  Taylor finds that constant reading and increasing his vocabulary is very beneficial to writing.  Taylor only wants to put out quality songs, still using a pen and paper, and only writing songs that are songs worth keeping.

Taylor is a big believer in promoting himself, working hard, and trying to make things happen.  Technology is allowing more artists to self record, self promote, and being able to do things their own way.  If Taylor makes it big in the industry, he is good with that, but he is more concerned in putting out quality music and making a living doing what he loves to do.  Taylor is influenced by bands like Them Dirty Roses, Bennie Gray and The Trailer Park Cowboys, Jason Isbell, and many others in the Texas Red Dirt Scene.  He also highlights that Bennie Grey really showed him how to write songs.  He credits Brad Wolf to helping him learn how to be a better stage performer.

Taylor is an amazing artist, with a powerful voice.  One of the biggest things I love about Taylor’s music, is that is doesn’t have to be polished.  Taylor desire to put out great quality music is more impressive than produced, polished records. Taylor says that he is going to play music until he dies and if commercial success follows, he is good with it.

I can’t give enough praise to Taylor Cromer.  He is a true fan of music and that shows each time he takes the stage.  He cares so much about the craft, the quality, and always learning.  If you are visiting Nashville, be sure to find where Taylor is playing.  I can promise you that you will be so impressed.  You can follow Taylor and learn more about where to find him and upcoming projects on his Facebook page.

 

Wilkes: From Cedartown, to Nashville,to The Voice, and Beyond

Recently, many North Georgia residents turned on The Voice, to hear a familiar name, “Jason Wilkes”.  What was even more exciting, was to watch the battle between Blake Shelton and Adam Levine, when both  mega stars, turned their chairs.  Ultimately, Wilkes chose Blake Shelton and went on to wow America to the Top 24.

Some see shows like, The Voice, as a quick path to fame, for Wilkes, this was far from instant success, without putting in the hard work.  The 33-year-old Cedartown native, has put years into honing his craft, working the small shows, and building a sound that is defined by the influences of Church, small town life, and dynamic story telling.  Wilkes, started in Freedom Baptist Church, a small church located in Cedartown, GA.  His grandfather was pastor of the church, and the Wilkes family provided the music.  By middle school, he started developing his own tastes and sound, and by high school, he joined a rock band with friends.

Asking Wilkes to define his current sound, he attributes it to being raised in a small town, being raised on Southern Gospel, country music, and having an unexpected 17 year career in rock.  Wilkes says his sound comes from “flying all over the map, as a typical 33-year-old, from a small town”.  The combined sounds, from playing all types of instruments, and meshing of genres, is the unique blend, that is now Wilkes.  Musical influences, that you can hear in his sound, would go from The Killers to Keith Urban to Dierks Bentley.

Wilkes has been writing music since he was 5 years old.  His process is self describe as “24 hours a day of banking ideas”.  He told me he had notebooks, voice memos, and recordings of melodies or lyrics.  He has been writing and working with a publishing house in Nashville, and even if a song doesn’t come “organically”, he has years of material to pull from.

Reluctant to do The Voice, Wilkes is now seeing the benefits from taking the leap, and keeping true to who he has worked hard to become.  He is still releasing the same material he would be releasing, but The Voice has given him a larger platform to share his music.  He is seeing a bigger number of downloads, newer faces at shows, and the ability to perfect some earlier released music.  Wilkes has released an original song, “Good To Be Us” and a cover of  No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak”.  The EP will be released soon, but his fans can start downloading songs now.

This Friday, June 8th, Wilkes will return “home” and headline the Rome River Jam Pre-Party.  Rome River Jam is one of the largest music festivals in the south and has seen headliners from Tracey Lawerence to Luke Bryan to Old Dominion, and this year’s headliner Kane Brown.  The Rome River Jam Pre-Party has become a must see show to kick off the weekend.  Wilkes is excited for his first, post The Voice, hometown show.  Wilkes will have a great opening act, Austin Jenckes (from Nashville and Season 8 The Voice contestant), and another unnamed opener.  Wilkes will take the stage at Rome City Brewing Company, located at 325 Broad Street in Downtown Rome, Ga.  Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss out.  Doors will open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 9:00 pm.  You can purchase tickets at Fresh Tix.

Be sure to download “Good To Be Us” from all of your favorite streaming sites, or from Good To Be Us ITunes.  You can learn all things Wilkes by visiting all of his social media sites. All the links are provided below!

www.wilkesmusic.com

Wilkes Facebook

Wilkes Instagram

Wilkes Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

Ben Haggard: Honoring His Father While Finding His Own Sound

On Tuesday, December 12, 2017, Ben Haggard along with his brother Noel, will play an acoustic show at Rome City Brewing Company and hosted by Bigfoot Music and Outdoors. The show is an all ages show and starts at 6:30 pm.  In preparing for the show, I was able to talk with Ben Haggard about what we can expect at the show, what we can expect from him over the next few years, and how he is finding the balance between honoring his father, the late great Merle Haggard, while finding his own sound.

Ben Haggard learned from the one of the best in country music, Merle Haggard, his father.  Ben said that it has been a journey for him that started when he was around 15 years old.  He told me that he had been playing his guitar in the garage and his mother heard him playing.  He jokes that she heard “a few things that were somewhat apparently sounding right”.  Ben remembers his mother telling his dad “Merle, you might want to listen to Ben play.  He is playing pretty good.”

Merle began to listen to Ben play and eventually graduated from the garage to the front room band.  Ben began jamming with the guys that came over to play.  Ben talked about beating on a box, playing drums, and helped him with his timing.

Working his way from playing with the artists like Chris and Taylor Malpass, to the playing as a member of The Strangers.  Ben embraced the opportunity to learn what the sound has been for many years.  Ben fondly calls this his school.  He was learning all he could from his father.  He said he was learning “his sound and that Bakersfield sound”.

While Ben had a front row seat to learn from his father, Ben takes the other influences of artists and genres he likes, as he is working to find his own sound.  Ben told me that he likes John Mayer, blues, and swing.  He talks about how all of these influences eventually come together and he is on the journey to find “the right sound and the right song”.

I asked Ben about trying to make his way in the music industry with the last name Haggard.  Ben talked about it being a blessing and somewhat a curse.  He said that “automatic reaction to being Merle Haggard’s son is that you have already made it.” Ben continued by talking about that being far from the truth.  “You almost have to work harder to even come close to what he (Merle) was good at.”  He tries to show that he can mirror the good that he learned from his father.

While Ben is working to record his own material, he still pays tribute to his father by singing Merle’s amazing list of songs.  Ben recalls his father telling him, not long before he died,  “don’t be afraid to sing my songs and don’t worry what someone might think, worry about what you think.”   Not only is Ben going out and playing his father’s songs, his older brother Noel is playing and singing with him.

Ben and Noel have been playing different venues while out touring.  The show they are bringing to Rome City Brewing Company on December 12, 2017, is the acoustic show.  Ben said that “these shows are more intimate and have a cool vibe”.  Then they are playing shows with the full band.  Ben and Noel are still going out to bigger venues and oversees with The Strangers.  He says they will continue to go out as long as they have places to go.  Ben talked about playing with Norm Hamlet, who is now 83 years old.  Ben feels that playing with guys, like Norm, allows him to continue to learn from the greats of the business..

As Ben and I were wrapping up our time together, I asked him what we could expect from the show, at the Rome City Brewing Company on Tuesday December 12, 2017.  Ben said that we can expect to hear them paying homage to their father “in a very respectful manner”.  We can also expect to hear some abstract Haggard cuts and some songs that are not Haggard songs.  Ben hopes to add some original aspects to the songs.

What can we expect from Ben Haggard in the coming years.  He has moved to Nashville and trying to see what might come from the move.  He is continuing to work on his craft.  He is looking to record original material, but he wants to put out quality music.  He hopes to be in the middle of an album for this time next year.

Ben Haggard is an amazing guy to speak with and you can hear the passion he feels in paying respect to his father’s music and his desire to put out quality music of his own.  You can learn about Ben, his music, the tour, and all other things, by visiting his website and social media.  I have included a few links below, including the link to purchase tickets for the show, in Rome at Rome City Brewing Company, on Tuesday December 12, 2017 brought to you by Bigfoot Music and Outdoors.  Ben and Noel Haggard will be in downtown Rome, bringing real country.  The show is an ALL AGES show.  There are a few opening acts, for this show, including Preston Summerville, Rickey Cole, Corey Alan Rose, and Lance Peace.  The tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 by visiting  Ben Haggard tickets. Tickets are SOLD OUT for the Meet and Greet.  If tickets remain, the day of the show, those can be purchased for $25.  The show begins at 6:30 pm.

Ben Haggard Website

Ben Haggard Facebook

 

Kirstie Lovelady: New Music, New Sound, And A New Kind Of Awesome

Source: Kirstie Lovelady: New Music, New Sound, And A New Kind Of Awesome