Category Archives: Interviews

Lee Brice Talks ACM Nomination, Touring, Writing and More

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Lee Brice Fills HaleighT In On His ACM Award Nomination, Being On Tour, Writing Music and More! The CMNB Team was lucky enough to check in with the talented Lee Brice recently, and he had a lot of interesting stuff to tell us! He discussed his current ACM Award Nomination (vote here through Feb. 4th!), his current single, “I Drive Your Truck” that he is doing great on the charts, working on new music, and hitting the road with the awesome Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert on their upcoming Locked and Reloaded Tour! I have to say that Lee was a super nice guy, and he put on one heck of a show! If you haven’t checked him out yet, be sure to do so soon! You can find his music on iTunes and upcoming tour dates below! Watch: HaleighT Interviews Lee Brice In Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Current Lee Brice Tour Dates and Tickets!

10 Random Questions with Sunny Sweeney

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Sunny Sweeney Answers Our 10 Random Questions! She hails from good ol Texas and never goes anywhere without her guitar, Sunny Sweeney is about as country as they come. She signed with Republic Nashville in 2009, and by 2010 her single”From A Table Away” had hit radio stations across the U.S. In 2011, her second single debuted, and it’s one of my favorites! “Staying’s Worse Than Leaving” sends a great message to women everywhere who are in bad relationships. This year has already brought big things Sunny’s way as she is currently nominated for an ACM Award for “New Female Vocalist Of The Year“! Fans can vote up until Feb 4th (get the info here!). So, I decided to catch up with Sunny for my 10 random questions, check it out! 1. At what age did you know you wanted to pursue music? During college 2. What artists did you listen to growing up? I listened to old school country – Merle, Loretta and Jessi Colter 3. What artists do you currently listen to? These days I listen to Randy Houser, Miranda Lambert, Tom Petty and Merle, Lorretta & Jessi. I guess you could say I’ve branched out a little. 4. One thing you can’t live without? My pillow 5. Favorite animal at the zoo? Giraffe or the monkeys at central park zoo with glow in the dark butts 6. Candy or ice cream? Junior Mints 7. Beer or whiskey? Beer. I get crazy when whiskey is in my veins. 8. Do you have a life motto? My past made me what I am today. Proud? Not of everything. Regrets? No. 9. What can we expect in 2013? Any big plans? Lots of writing, touring and meeting new fans! 10. What would you like to tell the world about Sunny Sweeney? I’m supposed to be doing this music thing. It’s hard. I’ve devoted my life to it and I am here to stay! You can follow Sunny on twitter @GettinSweenered, and be sure to vote! Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

10 Random Questions with Phoenix Stone

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Guest Writer Brittany Vance Asks Phoenix Stone 10 Random Questions! Is it just me or is Phoenix Stone such a kick ass name? His name really does match his music, unique. Stone is a true southern boy from Tampa, FL who discovered the spotlight as a teen. He was signed to Warner/Chappell record label, and worked with folks like The Backstreet Boys. However, I believe his pop days are probably long gone. His current single “100 Proof Moonshine,” which he wrote and produced on his own, has been getting a lot of attention, and he was also named one of the “25 Most Beautiful People Of Nashville 2012.” All I have to say is, any friend of moonshine is a friend of mine! Plus, he was brave enough to take on my 10 random questions… so, consider me a fan. 1. How does it feel to be one of the “25 Most Beautiful People Of Nashville 2012?” I was honored and flattered but I’ve never really considered myself beautiful haha 2. What artists do you currently listen to? Eric Church – any classic rock like guns N roses and Fleetwood Mac recently 3. If you could duet with any female artist who would you team up with? Kelly Clarkson or Sheryl Crow 4. How many tattoos do you have? 5 5. Beer or Wine? whiskey or moonshine for me 6. Do you have a favorite sport? White water rafting, UFC or baseball 7. Favorite Restaurant? Roosters BBQ in Nashville 8. Do you have any bad habits? Probably 🙂 9. What can we expect from you in 2013? Full length album and continuing to tour. 10. Is there anything you want the world to know about Phoenix Stone? That it takes a long time and it’s a long road to being an “overnight sensation” work hard and let your passion for music lead you…all the rest will fall into place. You can follow Phoenix on Twitter @phoenixstone1! Watch: Phoenix Stone “100 Proof Moonshine” Official Video. Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

Rose Falcon Talks Upcoming EP 19th Avenue Vol 2

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Interview: Singer Songwriter Rose Falcon Talks Upcoming Release 19th Avenue Vol 2 EP! Up and coming country singer songwriter Rose Falcon has a new EP, 19th Avenue Vol. 2, releasing next week and she took a couple minutes to chat with me and discuss the upcoming project, her influences, and more! The single aspect that stands out the most in Falcon’s music is the honesty in her well-written lyrics. There is a very feminine and simultaneously strong quality in the quiet songs featured on the upcoming EP. She claims influences like Tammy Wynette, Patty Lovelace and Reba McEntire, and it’s easy to connect the dots between these iconic artists and this rising star. Rose’s songs are lyrically raw and personal, and musically have hints of roots and Americana. She had this to say of the tracks and her personal “sound” featured on the upcoming EP, “It’s fairly organic, not a lot of fancy production and lyrically driven. The instruments are meant to paint around, highlight the song the best they can without taking away or distracting from the lyrical content.“ This is not surprising to hear from someone who grew up around songwriters (her father is legendary singer – songwriter Billy Falcon), spends four days a week co-writing songs and who loves living Nashville, TN which she suggests is home to best singers and songwriters in the whole world! Falcon is authentic, and in a way the simplicity of her songs is what gives them staying power. There are lots and lots of talented folks in country music these days, but not everyone can cut it as a writer. So, I was curious about her particular process and style. “I co-write a lot. It’s a process of giving and receiving what I call ‘gifts’. Someone you write with might have a gift to give you, an idea and you have to be open to that. Or one day I might have a great idea to offer. You end up with something you wouldn’t of had if you hadn’t been working with that person on that day. It’s a really magical process, and I think that God is a part of it in every step.“ In the tracks featured on Falcon’s 19th Avenue, you can hear how invested she is in the words and the stories they tell. I have no doubt that as her star continues to rise, country fans who get to listen to her music will find it relatable and this will draw them in and keep them listening. I also have a feeling that Falcon would be a wonderful singer to catch live…hope I get the chance soon! Be sure to check out the new EP when it releases Tuesday, January 29th, and stay tuned for more from Rose in the next year! Find her on Twitter and iTunes!

Getting To Know Ben Wells

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Let Me Take A Minute To Introduce You To An Artist Who Is Always Ready To “Get Down.” I got the chance to talk with Ben Wells for a few minutes the other day. For those of you who don’t know, Wells is a small town guy with big time dreams! Releasing his self-titled album this past fall and it reaching #26 on the National Country Chart sure is making those dreams a little more realistic each day. His current single from that album is “Get Down.” It’s about…well, getting down! This tune is sure to put you in the partying mood and quick! The song has done very well for him and we hope that his next single does just as good, if not better, at radio! I can’t say for certain, but I have a feeling the next single has something to do with dads…hint, hint! Like I said, Wells is making his dreams come true day-by-day, show-by-show. His favorite part of performing is the audience! Obviously the bigger the crowd the better, but Wells loves a smaller group too. He says a crowd of 200-300 is great because it’s a big party, but he can still connect to a group of that size. “A crowd too small can be awkward,” Wells said. Just for kicks, I asked Wells some pretty random questions. But hey, the piece IS called Getting To Know Ben Wells… Who did you listen to growing up? “My aunt use to take me to school when I was little and she listened to things like Tim McGraw and Shania Twain. So I listened to Tim McGraw and Shania Twain. When I got a little older I listened to a lot of Eminem, but then I went back to country.” What is your favorite drink? “At a bar that would be whiskey and sprite. When I’m trying to be healthy I go with a screwdriver, because I feel like the juice is better for me. But I love purple Gatorade!” What about breakfast? “Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds.” (That was the quickest answer of the entire interview. He REALLY loves the Honey Bunches!) What is your go to t-shirt? “About every 3 shows I wear this Rolling Rock Pale Ale shirt. But I wash it, it’s clean!” The year 2012 was a crazy roller coaster for Wells. Like the rest of us, he is ready for the things 2013 has to offer and he is looking at it with tons of positive energy and enthusiasm! Jump on over to BenWellsOnline.com for any other information you might need, including his show schedule! His current album which includes “Get Down,” “Valdosta Rain,” “Daddy In Me,” and “Might Be Worth It” is available on iTunes now!

10 Random Questions with Jack Ingram

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Get to Know Jack Ingram a Little Better with These 10 Random Questions! From the lonestar state of Texas, Jack Ingram puts a unique twist on the country music sound. In 2005 his single “Wherever You Are” was in the top 40 on the U.S Country Chart. A few other hits you may remember, “Lips Of An Angel” a brilliant Hinder remake and “Barefoot & Crazy.” In 2008 Jack won the Academy Of Country Music Award for top new male artist. What has Jack been up to lately? Well we decided to check in with him for our 10 random questions and find out. 1. How would you describe your music career using only three words? Good, getting better. 2. What is your favorite song that you’ve written? It’s a 3 way tie: the next song, the last song and whichever one is your favorite. 3. What is your favorite album of all time? Of mine?! If I could have all things come together the way they did for “ELECTRIC” every time- I wouldn’t never b**ch about any of my albums. 4. What artists do you currently listen to? I love John Fullbright. Always listen to my favorite singer/songwriters. 5. Do you have any bad habits? I drive way too fast! 6. Beer, Whiskey or Wine? Beer, whiskey and wine…but mostly Bud Light! 7. Where is your favorite vacation place? Anywhere my wife & kids wanna go! My job is pretty d**n good so I don’t sit around dreaming about an escape route! 8. Describe yourself in three words? Inside my head. 9. What are your future plans? Any new music coming our way? I WILL RELEASE NEW MUSIC IN 2013. THAT IS A PROMISE. From that point forward I plan on releasing more and more music consistently. I am also working on a movie project that could be a ton of fun and include a bunch of my musician friends! 10. Is there anything you would like the Jack Ingram fans to know? If you love everything I do- you’re right! If you hate everything I do- you are as well! If you never really think of me at all- I wish you would! If you are looking forward to hearing Jack’s new music for 2013 be sure to follow him on Twitter @JackIngram for all the latest information! Head back to 2009 and enjoy Jack Ingram’s “Barefoot and Crazy”! Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

10 Random Questions with Billy Gilman

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Checkin’ In with Billy Gilman with 10 Random Questions! We all remember Billy Gilman from back in 2000 when his song “One Voice” was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Country Music Charts. The Rhode Island native can be found in the Guinness Book Of World Records for the youngest singer to reach No.1 on the top country album chart. His latest song “The Choice” features 18 other country artists including Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Leann Rimes. The song is about giving to those who are needy, and each song downloaded will buy 1 pair of shoes for children in need. Gilman has a big voice but an even bigger heart. We caught up with him for our 10 random questions, and this is what he had to say: 1. How have you changed or grown since we first heard you at 11 years old singing “One Voice?” I think between the ages of 12 and the age I am now, which is 24, everyone makes those natural leaps in maturity .I got to see a lot of the world at a very young age, and dealt with more adults in a business sense, so i think I matured at a pretty young age. But also, I really have become more chill. I was always a hyper and very animated kid. Kind of embarrassing when I look back lol. 2. What is your favorite song that you’ve written? I’m proud of them all but of course certain ones stand out. Like The Choice. I’m very proud of that song and the mission it supports. 3. What other artists do you currently listen to? Just downloaded The Lumineer’s new record. It’s great. 4. Where is your favorite place to perform? I think The Grand Ole Opry. There’s something spiritual about it. 5. Any new projects in the works? I have some songs that I am really proud of that will hopefully be heard in early 2013 keep your fingers crossed. At the end of the day I have to believe that the people and companies that release my new music are releasing it because they see the growth and they see the future. Not just a fast dollar. That’s hard to find. 6. Where is your favorite place to eat? I love mom and pop kind of places and home cooked food. I also like to cook so I stay home. In RI I love West Bakery and in Nashville I love Mafiosso’s — I love pizza that’s good. 7. If you could duet with any female artist who would it be? There’s a few I think would be cool to sing with. I have always liked Allison Krauss’ voice. 8. If you could have a superpower what would you pick? To find one good politician. 9. Do you consider yourself trendy? Do you follow clothing trends? Some people say I am, but I don’t feel I am nor try to be. I don’t follow anything — I just Continue reading 10 Random Questions with Billy Gilman→

Dustin Lynch Interview: Talks First Album, Recent Success and What’s Up Next

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MissMolly Chats with Dustin Lynch About His Eventful Year, Working On His Album,  What’s In Store Next and More! Earlier this afternoon, I got the chance to chat via phone with country newbie, Dustin Lynch, and I gotta say, I was digging his sound before and now I really am a full blown fan! Lynch is down to earth, gracious, and quite honestly shows every sign of being the real deal. There’s no doubt that we’re going to keep seeing and hearing more from this talented young man in the future. So, take a couple minutes and get to know him a little better below with excerpts from our chat! Cheers! Interview with Dustin Lynch: Dustin shared a little bit about the recording process, telling me that he worked with his two producers, Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten who are also two of his buddies, for three years on his debut album. There were a lot of long days, long nights and long weeks, but ultimately they came up with an end result that they were satisfied with. “We’re super proud of the sound we got off this album. I’m not an artist that’s gonna have just a couple hits and then filler songs. Top to bottom its gonna be solid.” Creating such a great album (my words, Lynch proved to be very humble when I praised his work!) right out the gate definitely takes a lot of hard work, and Dustin shared that he approached creating songs and the album a lot of different ways. “With songwriting it really depends. A lot of my writing I try to find the melody and phrasing that works with it. We might go, hey here’s a hook, and then we’ll start banging around on what music fits that, and then it kind of falls into place. With “Cowboys and Angels” that was a lyric that came first not the whole song but some pretty decent lines. Then we sat and  thought what could make this an epic love song? And we got that guitar riff and off it went. With “She Cranks My Tractor” we tried to get something up beat, but the song is really built out of that line, “She’s ten pounds of sugar in a five pound sack.” It set the tone for that song. But it happens different ways. If we find something we think is a hit, we try to work it out.“ There are 13 tracks on the album, and I tried to get Lynch to choose a favorite. It shouldn’t be surprising that that was a tall order from the young man that wrote or co-wrote ten of the songs off the record, and clearly put so much love and sweat into it. While he couldn’t pick a favorite, he did have this to say: There are a couple I love to do live. Though, “Your Plan” is my most personal song…I was getting kicked around pretty hard in Nashville, the business can be hard. Continue reading Dustin Lynch Interview: Talks First Album, Recent Success and What’s Up Next→

10 Random Questions with Chris Janson

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10 Random Questions with Country Up and Comer Chris Janson! Missouri native Chris Janson has really made a name for himself in the country music world. He takes songwriting very seriously, and it’s something he is extremely good at. Performing since age eleven, he knew exactly what he wanted to do at a young age. Not only did he write Tim McGraw’s recent hit “Truck Yeah“, he’s also the spokesperson for Scentblocker and Mossy Oak. His new song titled “Better I Don’t” explains his personality perfectly, crazy, funny, and down to earth! He is also brave enough to answer my 10 random questions. At what age did you know that you wanted to pursue music? At 18 I headed to Nashville, started at Tootsie ‘s. Who were your influences growing up? Merle Haggard , Hank Jr , Guns n Roses. What artists do you currently listen to? Justin Moore and Tim Mcgraw If you could duet with any female artist who would it be? Noone. If you were a drink, what drink would you be? Moonshine – cause I ‘m authentic and come from the woods What is your favorite song that you have written? “Holdin Her” – cause it’s about my wife , my proposal and my baby girl Georgia . I wrote it with my best friend James Otto. Do you have any nicknames? Rocking Randel and Kelly calls me picky pants cause on the road I only like Mountain Dew , Bo Jangles and Crawfish. Do you have any bad habits? Mountain Dew Where do you like to shop? Do you have a favorite store? Adel Outfitters Is there anything you would like the fans to know? Yes. I’m a Christian. To keep up with Chris, find him on Twitter: @janson_chris! Listen to Chris Janson’s “Better I Don’t” Now! Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

Vince Gill Talks Daughter And Guitars

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Take A Look At Two Intimate Videos Featuring Vince Gill Shot By Musicians Friend. In December of 2012, Vince Gill was featured in Musicians Friends Catalog. They put together a few videos and we wanted to make sure all of the Vince fans got a chance to see them! In the first video, Vince and his daughter Jenny talk about how they handle both of their careers. You also get to hear a little bit of the two singing one of Vince’s hits! In the second video, Vince shows part of his guitar collection and shares some stories behind them.