Category Archives: Interviews

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: Live Google + Hangout with JT Hodges

Posted on by

Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with JT Hodges! This week, in conjunction with upcoming country music festival Thunder On The Mountain, we kicked off our very special interview series, “Thunder On The Mountain Presents…“, with Rose Falcon, and we’re keeping things going with our second installment welcoming the talented and swoon worthy JT Hodges! This fest is sure to rock the Ozarks June 6-8, and event organizers have put together a really amazing line-up! Our interview series will be featuring some of these talented artists (including JT and Rose!)  over the next few weeks. So, be sure to catch Hodges when he joins us for a chat via Google + Hangout on Wednesday, May 1st at 3:45pm central! You’ll be able to watch the video below, but you can also find it live, in the moment, on our Google + page. You can also RSVP via Facebook to keep track of updates. We’ll have more folks like Colt Ford, JJ Lawhorn, Easton Corbin and others on the schedule soon! Have a burning question you really want us to ask JT? Then make sure you let us know before next Wednesday! Be sure you’re following us (@CMNBlog) and (@THUNDERontheMTN) on Twitter, and tweet us your questions with the #Thunder2013 and tagging us! If you aren’t a big Twitter fan, you can just leave your Qs in the comment section below. Watch Now: For event info, ticket details, lodging information and more be sure to stop by the official Thunder On The Mountain website!

Josh Charles Hits Country Scene with Wasted On Love

Posted on by

Josh Charles Breaks Onto Country Music Scene, Offers Up Single “Wasted On Love.” Josh Charles is one of those folks who is not only talented, but also a down to earth person, trying to find a way to pursue his passions. Luckily for us, his passion is country music, and he is offering up a traditional country sound with relatable and genuine lyrics. These qualities are right at the forefront of his current single “Wasted On Love,” and it’s one of those easy going tunes that you’ll listen to once or twice and then catch yourself humming along to later when you’re cleaning the kitchen or getting ready for bed. It’s just the kind of song that sticks with you. After listening to the single more than a few times myself, I had the chance to “meet” (via phone) the man behind the music! He let me know that really, he just tries to be himself, and that kind of honesty goes a long way when your profession is centered on country music. He may just be getting his start with “Wasted On Love” and previous single “Life Ain’t Fair,” but having performed gigs opening for the likes of Blake Shelton and working on new music, including a full album hopefully soon, Josh is in the early stages of really making a name for himself. This is one on the rise artists that I sincerely think is worth a few minutes of your time! So, take a break from your busy day and enjoy his music below. Then be sure to find him on Twitter (@JoshCharles) to let him know what you think. Listen: “Wasted On Love.”

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: LIVE Google+ Interview with Rose Falcon

Posted on by

Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with Rose Falcon! The inaugural Thunder On The Mountain festival is coming to the Ozarks June 6th – 8th, and we’ve teamed up with them to bring you exclusive, LIVE interviews with some of the awesome folks on their amazing line-up! Between now and June, we will be featuring these interviews via Google +, and will be asking not only our questions, but your questions too! The series kicks off on Monday, April 22nd, and we will be chatting with the talented and lovely Rose Falcon who recently released an EP titled 19th Avenue, Vol. 2! The hangout will start at 2pm central, so don’t be late! You can watch the chat below, and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook! Thunder On The Mountain presents…Rose Falcon!

Introducing New Country Artist Joel Crouse

Posted on by

Interview: Joel Crouse Is Just Getting His Start with a Debut Album on the Way and 16 Dates On Taylor Swift’s Red Tour! There seem to be so many new faces emerging on the country scene these days, and we’re happy to see that one of those faces is the talented and hard working Joel Crouse! Currently signed with Show Dog – Unviversal, Crouse has a lot of new developments coming down the pipeline including finishing up his debut album (no title yet, but he says they’re basically torn between 2-3 options!) and hitting the road for 16 dates on Taylor Swift‘s 2013 Red Tour! Not too shabby, am I right? Despite having plenty to keep him busy at the moment, Crouse took a few minutes to chat with me about these exciting events, how he got into country and more. Needless to say, Joel is pretty pumped about the upcoming tour dates, and he shared, “Its getting more real now as we’re starting to prepare for it and get the band together and I’m just getting so excited.” Touring with big name acts isn’t exactly new for him though having opened for folks like Darius Rucker and Toby Keith. He even once did a gig with the 90’s alt band Goo Goo Dolls! Besides having significant cred in the live show department though, Crouse is also genuinely passionate about his music and songwriting. For the upcoming album, he co-wrote each of the songs and stated that he really tries to write from a real stand point. He elaborated with the following, “Living…that’s where I get my inspiration, especially when we travel so much and see so much and are exposed to so much. I think it comes really from when I travel.” This up and comer grew up in Massachusetts, and so I was curious if he’d always been exposed to country music or if, like some artists, he discovered the genre in some other way. The answer was definitely that Joel is country born and bred, “For the longest time, it was like the only kind of music we were allowed to listen to. My grandpa was from Alabama, and he moved in with us when I was young and the outlaws were more his thing. But my parents listen to contemporary country. Then my brother and sister, all they did was watch CMT and go to concerts!” These days, he says that there are a lot of amazing and talented artists to listen to and find inspiration, but he named Keith Urban, Eric Church and Zac Brown Band off the top of his head as the folks he really enjoys. I have to say, I can’t argue with those options (you know I love some ZBB!). My general impression from Joel is that he is a very real, very genuine person, and if this rubs off in anyway on his album, I’m sure we’re in for some really good music! Indicating just that was his response when Continue reading Introducing New Country Artist Joel Crouse→

Justin Moore Interview

Posted on by

Justin Moore Talks Heroes, Tours and New Music. I got the chance to have a quick chat with Justin Moore on the phone yesterday. We caught up on this nasty weather we are dealing with here in Arkansas before we got to business, Fayetteville and surrounding areas were getting some of that thundersleet. Luckily Moore didn’t have to deal with any of the mess cause he was sitting pretty in Panama City. He’s in the Sunshine State for the Daytona 500 this Sunday. Moore is going to give a special concert at 10 a.m. at the Crown Royal footprint before the race to launch the inaugural “Your Heroes Name Here” program. The Crown Royal program is a chance to have naming rights to the Brickyard 400 that is held in July. Anyone who is 21+ can go to CrownRoyalHeroes.com and nominate their personal hero. Moore will be officially nominating two local Florida heroes who are making a difference in their communities. When I asked Moore what heroes of his he might nominate if he could he said there were a lot of people. But one that stood out was his grandpa who passed away. “He retired out of the military and was the cornerstone of our family. He showed me how to raise a family and taught me how to be a husband and dad.” I asked Moore who he was routing for Sunday and he said he always wants his buddy Carl Edwards to do well, but his gut was telling him Tony Stewart. “He’s got a good car and feel like it’s his time, but its anybody’s game.“ Moore is a huge NASCAR fan and has a real respect for what the guys and girls do out on the track. He is excited to be a part of the Crown Royal campaign and to watch the race. “I’ve been to a lot of races, but never Daytona. I’m knocking tracks off my bucket list.” We also got to talk about Moore’s exciting tour news. After finishing up Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat and Beer Tour, Moore is hitting the road again, but this time as the headliner! “We’re really excited! I’ve learned a lot from being out on the road with other people and have got to play in front of tons of folks. It’s kind of scary and exciting at the same time, if it goes bad it’s all my fault. But it’s going to be a lot of fun.” The Outlaws Like Me Tour will begin March 14, with Dustin Lynch and Jon Pardi as opening acts. Moore will also be a part of the first-ever Thunder On The Mountain country music festival. The festival is taking place in his home-state and is sure to be three days full of great music. “Anytime I can play at home and sleep in my bed is good! I’m sure I’ll have a lot of family and friends there. The festivals are always a lot of fun.” Moore will be Continue reading Justin Moore Interview→

Jaida Dreyer Talks Debut Album, Songwriting and More

Posted on by

Interview: Jaida Dreyer Discusses Her Upcoming Debut Album, Songwriting Process, What’s Next and More! Jaida Dreyer has the kind of voice that makes you stop what you’re doing and listen. Recently, I had the chance to chat with this talented country singer/songwriter, and she is just as compelling when she isn’t singing! Her latest single, “Half Broke Horses,” is a powerful and personal tune that hits radio this month, and will no doubt have country fans wanting to get to know Dreyer better. Check out the interview below, and be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for this gal on the rise! You’re a songwriter as well as a singer. Tell us a little bit about your writing process. I’ve always had quite the imagination. I used to write elaborate stories in elementary school. As things got more interesting, and I had my ups and downs my stories became poems and then my poems became songs…Before I moved to Nashville, I’d never done any co-writing, and I quickly learned that Nashville is a very co-writing oriented town, and I learned that that’s a good thing. Someone might look at your idea a little differently than you did. I try to make time to write by myself most days, took work out my brain. You know its a muscle, and I never want to lose the ability to write a song on my own. Do you typically pull from personal experience? Where else do you find inspiration? On this first record, especially that song, I drew a lot from my life. It makes it a lot easier sing…maybe not easier to write about, though (laughs)…I also get my inspiration from a lot of other different places, catch phrases, headlines, other people’s lives…I was very very proud of this song [“Half Broke Horses”], but I was afraid to play it for my Mom. She’s my biggest fan, but she’s also my biggest critic. That was our life I was writing about. When you put those things out there for people to know…things that are so personal…it makes it a little weird. I think, can I say that? But I’ve learned that other people have gone through those same things and its cool to see how people relate to it. Your upcoming album has a bold title [I Am Jaida Dreyer]. So, what can we expect the project as a whole? You know I wanted to make a record that sounded nostalgic but also modern. I wrote or co-wrote everything on it, and I feel like its a good representation of who I am and where I am in my life. It’s a labor of love. A lot of blood sweat and tears went to this baby. Literally! [laughs] Are there any particular artists that you grew up listening to that inspire you? Kris Kristofferson, Steve Earl, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton – listening wise. Then when I moved to Nashville some really cool artists embraced me and kind of took me Continue reading Jaida Dreyer Talks Debut Album, Songwriting and More→

Eli Young Band New Album and Tour In 2013

Posted on by

Interview: Eli Young Band Touring, New Music, Recent Success and More, Headed for A Big 2013! Hailing from North Texas, Eli Young Band has been hard at work for over a decade, and they are nowhere near the finish line. Many of us have had EYB on our radar for some time, but in the last year or so it seems this foursome has really started to hit their stride. Mid-success, and on the verge of an arena tour with Kenny Chesney‘s No Shoes Nation, drummer Chris Thompson took a few minutes to chat with me about all things EYB! The CMNB team will be catching the talented group when they head to Fayetteville, AR (fun fact: one of EYB’s favorite towns to play!) on Thursday, February 7th, and this date along with a few other mark their return to the road after almost two months off. They weren’t sitting idly, though. These boys were hard at work in the studio working on a new album we can expect later on this year, probably around early summer. So far, they have eight tracks complete, and this album is the first time the band members have taken on the role of co-producing. EYB consistently releases quality music, and it’s exciting to hear that they’re taking an even larger role in the recording process. It’s pretty remarkable that this group has been together for as long as they have…no easy feat. They started “jamming” together when that met at the University of North Texas in Dallas. From playing local nights at a bar in Denton, their friendships and love of music grew into a partnership that has served them well. You still have to wonder…what’s their secret to sticking together and making things happen? “I think some of the magic for us was we got a lot of the stupid fights out of the way before the success and the pressure came and realized that we needed to focus on the friendships and I think a lot of just really like bands. In a lot of ways, even though we’ve been a band for awhile it feels like we’re just arriving. Doors are starting to open, and we’re learning that when opportunities arrive, you take them.” -Chris Thompson Having recently played live at the 2012 CMA Awards, experiencing a great reception of singles from their current album, Life At Best, and other milestones, Eli Young Band seems to be hitting all the right notes lately and having their hard work of the past few years pay off. Speaking to this, Thompson had a few words of advice for aspiring artists, “I would say we just took every opportunity that we had…didn’t say no to a lot. Had a lot of perseverance and making a point of being around people that are driven is key. The four of us have always been really driven and we drive each other. We always think there’s something better around the corner. You know, great things happen Continue reading Eli Young Band New Album and Tour In 2013→

Sarah Darling 10 Random Questions

Posted on by

Interview: Sarah Darling Fills Us In By Answering 10 Random Questions. Sarah Darling is just a small town girl from Iowa with a big dream and a big voice. Her single “Home To Me” has been attracting attention all over country radio, and you can now find her on tour with Scotty McCreery starting February 14th and through the Spring. She also made a special appearance on ABC‘s “The Bachelor” Monday, February 4th as the musical guest, and had viewers wanting more from this talented artist! I put my 10 questions to the test to see if I could find out more about the darling herself. 1. At what age did you know you wanted to be a singer? I’ve been singing since I could walk and talk! My first solo was in preschool where my music teacher told my mom I was going to be a singer. 2. What was your favorite song of 2012? I love “Merry Go Round” by Kacey Musgraves. 3. Do you have a favorite place you like to perform? Hands down playing the Opry stage. 4. Do you have any pets? I have a shichon puppy! He looks like a teddy bear, maybe the cutest dog in the world. 5. If you could duet with any male artist who would you pick? I would love to duet with Michael Buble. His voice is like butter. 6. What is one thing you can’t live without? Coffee and my Bible. 7. What was the last movie you saw? “You’ve Got Mail,” I’m a chick flick girl all the way. 8. Sweet or spicy? Sweet. 9. What do you like to do in your free time? When I’m not on the road I’m in my kitchen creating something delicious. 10. Is there anything you want the world to know about Sarah Darling? Darling is my real last name. So I really am a darling 🙂 You can follow Sarah on twitter @_sarahdarling, and be sure to check out her brand new EP “Home To Me“ if you haven’t already! She’ll be heading out on tour with Scotty McCreery this month! Darling also participated in a “Twangout” #CMchat on Monday, February 4th, and CMNB’s MissMolly was one of the panel members!! Get more on Sarah Darling here. Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

EDM Meets Country Music: DJ DU

Posted on by

DJ DU Shakes Things Up Infusing EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and Country For One Wild Ride! I never thought I’d be writing about someone who mixes country music with electronic dance music, but that’s exactly what I’m doing thanks to DJ DU. I recently got wind of DU and his country/EDM infusions via #CMchat, and I’m not gonna lie, at first I didn’t know quite what to do with it. Now, I know some of you are probably thinking, that’s crazy! Leave my country alone! I understand where you’re coming from, but just hold on and give DJ DU and his unique style a chance! DJ DU originally hails from the East coast, but now resides in the dusty and warm desserts of Arizona. A self-professed country music fan and bonafied musician (plays bass, drums, guitar and more…), this DJ has a love and respect for the genre, and his musical concoctions are simply a natural progression of his musical tastes! He let me know that first and foremost, he has to love the song to work with it! “First of all, I gotta love the song. I gotta feel the song and know the crowd is gonna love it. I gotta love the artist. I try to look for songs that are up and coming on the charts, and there are other songs that are staples, like the Johnny Cash one, you hear Johnny Cash and you gotta love it.” -DJ DU No doubt traditionalists will balk at the idea of mixing country tunes this way. Even DJ DU said himself that there are some songs that he wouldn’t even touch. Still, he is getting a great response from artists, and was even featured live on the 2012 American Country Awards on FOX spinning a special mix just for Kip Moore. Right now, he’s playing festivals like Country Thunder and big venues like Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and folks at the clubs are loving these reinvented country songs! Major upshot for country artists, their music is being heard and appreciated by folks that would never have listened to them before. DJ DU hopes that he’ll get the chance to work with artists in the studio on original work, and maybe even sing a recording deal sometime soon. I’m definitely intrigued, and can’t wait to see where this goes! Check him out for yourself below! DJ DU gives country an EDM twist! Find more here! DJ DU will be posting a new “Duesday” remix every Tuesday, so keep checking back in!

Brian Davis Talks Touring with Brantley Gilbert, Songwriting and More

Posted on by

Brian Davis Talks to HaleighT about Hitting The Road with Brantley Gilbert, Current Record Under the Influence, Writing with Lee Brice and More! You may not have heard of Brian Davis yet, but this is one talented fella you need to look into! The CMNB Team caught up with Davis at his current stop with Lee Brice in Ft. Smith, AR, and he filled us in on his current album Under the Influence, his fans, writing with Brice, hitting the road with Brantley Gilbert on his Hell On Wheels Tour and a few other interesting tidbits! It was great meeting Brian, and he was not only a very nice, cool guy, but he also put on a great acoustic set! It’s easy to see why his album is being so well received by fans! Watch the complete interview below, and be sure to check out Davis on iTunes! Watch: HaleighT Interview Brian Davis in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.