David Fanning To Release Four Part Concept Album: Dreamers, Lovers, Liars, Strangers

MV2 Entertainment artist/producer/songwriter David Fanning mines personal relationships in a concept album to be released in four parts: Dreamers, Lovers, Liars, Strangers. The first four-song EP, Dreamers, will be released on Sept. 1.

“I wanted to create a project that reached beyond the traditional EP in terms of timing and exploring a central theme,” Fanning said. “Relationships – the meaningful, the immediate, and the lost causes – resonate with my fans and provides a deep well for me as a songwriter and artist.”

MV2 Entertainment and Fanning will officially launch the project Sept. 2 during two shows (7:00 and 9:30 PM/ET) at Joe’s Pub at The Public in New York City (425 Lafayette Street). Tickets are available now by calling (212) 967-7555.

Producing the EPs with creative collaborator Ben Stennis provides Fanning with the freedom to release a new title every three to four months.

“Being on the road, I’ve witnessed the fans’ appetite for new music,” Fanning said. “And I’m in a position with MV2 to be able to give it to them without fitting into a rigid production or release schedule. This music is fresh and part of an ongoing movement.”

Fanning is no stranger to musical innovation. He has produced three No. 1 hits for Thompson Square and Parmalee. His songwriter credits include cuts by Tyler Farr, Dylan Scott, Parmalee, Thompson Square, Bonnie Tyler, Scotty McCreery, Tracy Lawrence, and Lindsay Ell.

He first turned heads with his country version of Justin Timberlake’s “Drink You Away,” which was endorsed by the superstar.

Fanning released his debut EP, First, on MV2 Entertainment in September 2016. The single “First” was added to Spotify’s “New Boots” Playlist, where it currently has more than 2.7 million streams and nearly 200,000 monthly listeners.

“Being an artist was always the plan, but sometimes you get there in different ways,” said Fanning. “When you are blessed to get an opportunity to work with such talented artists and co-produce No. 1 singles, you become better at your craft. Producing albums helped me become a better artist.”

Track List for David Fanning EP Dreamers:
1. “Dreamers” (Fanning, Thomas Archer, Stennis)
2. “Ridin’ To The Beat” (Fanning, Kylie Sackley, Vanessa Olivarez)
3. “Lighthouse” (Fanning, Stennis, Amanda Watkins)
4. “Unbreakable” (Fanning, Thomas Archer, James McNair)

Kenny Chesney Set To Launch “Live In No Shoes Nation” October 27

When the sound of the generators finally fell silent in his head, Kenny Chesney dug into his mountains of tapes and started listening. To the songs, to the band, but especially to No Shoes Nation, well over one million strong. And the more he listened, the more he realized his music – and the people it has attracted over the last decade – have indeed created a nation without borders or boundaries; in that moment he knew he wanted those people to know they were heard.

“When you’re on stage, in the rush of it all, it hits you so hard and so fast. You take it in, but you never really digest it,” explains the high-intensity songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee. “Once the noise in my head died down, I went in to relive some of those amazing nights I’d had with everyone in No Shoes Nation, and the more I listened, the more I wanted to hear. And the more I heard, the more I knew I needed to share these moments with all the citizens of what we call No Shoes Nation, so they could hear how freaking awesome they sound.”

Almost 10 years to the day from the first recording – a medley with Dave Matthews captured at the end of Chesney’s 2007 Flip Flop Summer Tour – Live in No Shoes Nation captures 29 performances from the last decade. Some hits, some surprises, some obscure jewels, some guests and some of the unabashed songs that have come to define coming of age in the flyover in the 21st century. Beyond the obvious joy that marks the 8-time Entertainer of the Year’s summer tours, you can hear the fervor for what Chesney created.

“I always say no matter how hard we hit that stage and hurl the music at them, No Shoes Nation has so much energy and so much heart, they come back at us even harder,” Chesney marvels. “But when you can sit and really listen, it’s shocking. They are so loud, so in the moment and put out so much awesomeness, it stopped me in my tracks – and reminded me why I feel most alive out there on that stage.”

Combing through 10 years of stadium shows, pop-up bar gigs, amphitheaters and the occasional beach takeover, Chesney listened to over a thousand hours of concerts in search of the definitive performances. More than wrangling a greatest hits with cheers, the man Los Angeles Times called “The People’s Superstar” sought to capture the spirit of his audience as much as document some of the most special moments in his touring life.

“So much has happened over the last 10 years,” Chesney marvels. “But the one thing that remained consistent, that’s been there no matter what, are the people of No Shoes Nation. They’ve always been why I do what I do, but listening to all these shows over the last several months, I realized they’re really the heartbeat to everything me and my road family do.”

“And the more I heard those voices singing, the energy and the power, the more I wanted everyone who’s ever come to our shows to hear it, too. Those moments when you’re so completely free are the greatest feeling in the world.”

With a track list being finalized and plans for 2018 being sorted out, the only sure thing is this: Live in No Shoes Nation arrives October 27. As Chesney says, “No Shoes Nation is more than a state of mind, it’s the place we all come together for the music, the fun and each other.”

CMR Exclusive: Getting To Know… Brandon Ray

Artist on the rise Brandon Ray just released his brand new single, “Ends of the Earth.” The Texas native currently resides in Nashville, and has been working on music with producer/songwriter Ross Copperman and Keith Urban.

In an exclusive Q&A with the country newcomer, Brandon Ray shares details with us about his brand new single “Ends of the Earth,” working with country superstar Keith Urban, and much more.

“Ends of the Earth” is available on iTunes now. Grab your copy on iTunes here and add it to your country music playlist.

Country Music Rocks (CMR): You just released your brand new single called “Ends of the Earth”. Give us a little background and tell us about this new song.

Brandon Ray: I was writing like crazy and also listening to songs through one of my producers Ross Copperman. He sent me this song and I just knew it was mine.  We started playing it live and a few weeks later we recorded it. I can’t wait to release it!

CMR: Tell us how Keith Urban got involved with this song? He not only co-produced it, working with well-known producer Ross Copperman, but he also plays bass and sings background on the track.

Brandon Ray: Yeah it’s all pretty crazy how everything happened…
Back in December, Bobby Bones invited me on his show. I played some songs live and he played my single at the time “That Could Be Us”… Shortly after, Ross Copperman called me up. After talking about working together, Ross called up Keith to see if it was something he’d be into. Next thing i know I’m in the studio recording with both Ross and Keith Urban. Insane! 

CMR: What was it like for you to work with Keith Urban? Has there been a piece of advise that he has given to you for your career ahead and/or is there something from his career that you have put some focus on to apply to your career in your own way?

Brandon Ray: It was been absolutely unreal working with Keith. While we were recording one night, I was wondering about a certain part in the song. He told me “speak up if you don’t like something. It’s you who has to go play this song every night not me. You wanna make something you’re proud of and comfortable with.” 
I just really appreciated that – Now being in the producer role, he knows what it’s like to be in my shoes. Him and Ross just work so well together, I’m honored to have such an incredible team behind me. 

CMR: You are no stranger to the stage and have already had a busy year so far with performances and still have a calendar packed with dates. For folks that haven’t seen you perform yet, how would you best describe your set?

Brandon Ray: I’d best describe my set as a high energy musical gumbo show – my originals and covers go everywhere from Country to Rock to Pop to Motown. Honestly, my goal is for each and every person in the crowd to forget whatever problems they have, put a smile on their face, sing along, and just have a kick-ass time.
And maybe someday, I’ll have the money to add a fog machine.

CMR: In addition to the multiple performances you have scheduled, you are also booked for some major festivals throughout the summer including Country Thunder, Watershed, Faster Horses, and more. You also performed at Stagecoach earlier this year. What are those performances like for you? Do you prepare a bit differently, knowing you’ll be reaching such a huge country music fan base?

Brandon Ray: Ok.. Festivals are SO fun!! It’s definitely nerve-wracking and exciting thinking about being on such a huge stage. But once the nerves get out of the way, you realize you just need to do what you do best. We prepare quick transitions and mostly uptempo songs to keep the crowd engaged. Honestly, it makes me so thankful to play for that many people – i just want them to have the same incredible experience that i’m having up there on stage.

CMR:  You hold a very busy schedule. When you’re not writing or performing, what do you like to do in your off-time? How do you unwind and make the most of your time off?

Brandon Ray: I LOVE touring and writing, but when i have time off I love to play sports, go to shows, and work on cars. I have a 1978 Ford F100 truck that I’m constantly working on. My wife Alyssa and I also love to chill on local restaurant patios to hang/eat/drink before i have to hit the road again.

CMR: As fans continue to get to know you, what is one thing you would like to convey to fans about you and your music?

Brandon Ray: I think what I want to convey to fans is that I’m exactly like them and share their same life stories. So many people work so hard all week just to spend their hard earned money to come see a show. That means more than anything to me. Coming from a hardworking family, I understand that nothing comes easy at all. I think my music resonates love, nostalgia, and growing up in the blue collar Heartland of America. 

CMR: Music consistently evolves and grows, and we see and hear that with country music. What is one aspect about this genre that has always resonated with you and continues to do so?

Brandon Ray: The one aspect about Country music that always blows my mind and resonates with me is the undying support and loyalty from the fans. I used to be in a rock band – we were on the warped tour and opened for bands like Fall Out Boy, Sugarcult, and so many more. The attitude of the fans was very much like “flavor of the week”. Maintaining a fanbase was almost impossible with the hundreds of thousands of rock bands being thrown at them everyday.
Country music is the opposite. The fans are PROUD to be the ones that discover us “up and comers”. And they follow us through thick and thin. We honestly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.

Stay connected with Brandon Ray by visiting his Official Website, and following him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

#ListenUp: Country Music Rocks Featured Playlist: August 2017

Here we go again! It’s that time for us to feature another exciting playlist! We’ve compiled a list of Ten Hot New Songs for you to enjoy all throughout the month of August and long thereafter. These songs make for a great fit on the country radio airwaves, and will fit in just right on your country music playlist!

Country Music Rocks Featured Playlist – August 2017

“Broken Halos” Chris Stapleton – download on iTunes Here

“Dang If We Didn’t” The Cadillac Three – download on iTunes Here

“Dirty South” Lucas Hoge – download on iTunes Here

“For The First Time” Darius Rucker – download on iTunes Here

“Get To You” Michael Ray – download on iTunes Here

“Kiss Somebody” Morgan Evans” – download on iTunes Here

“Ms. Marianne” Levon – download on iTunes Here

“Speakers Bleachers and Preachers” Brandon Lay – download on iTunes Here

“Three Chords and the Truth” Chase Rice – download on iTunes Here

“What Guy Wouldn’t” Waterloo Revival – download on iTunes Here

Joe Nichols Teams Up with Sir Mix A Lot for an Epic Collaboration on “Baby Got Back”

Twenty-five years after becoming an iconic part of pop culture, legendary rapper and producer, SIR MIX A LOT, has teamed up with 4-time Grammy nominee JOE NICHOLS on a countrified collaboration video for his multi-platinum hit, “Baby Got Back.”

Premiering Monday night (7/31), the video quickly racked up more than one million views and 20k shares in less than 24 hours on Joe’s Facebook Page and was later picked up by viral news outlet BuzzFeed, driving the clip to nearly two million views overnight. 

Found on his newly released album, Never Gets Old, Nichols has been covering “Baby Got Back” in concert for several years.

“I pranked my band a few years ago by breaking into the song in one of my concerts and they just kicked right in there with me,” shared Joe. “The crowd loved it and we were shocked that we pulled it off. It’s very Country with big ol’ steel guitar and it became a thing so we started making it part of our shows. Of course I had to cut it for Never Gets Old and when Mix agreed to be in the music video I was freaking out.”

Joe travelled to Mix’s hometown of Seattle, WA a few weeks ago to shoot the video at the city’s historic Washington Hall. Directed by Brian Lazarro, the classic Country meets 90’s rap collaboration was kept under wraps until Monday night when the video released to Joe’s Facebook page. In the 25-year history of the song, this is the first appearance by Mix in a remake video.

“After hearing about Joe doing BGB live, I’ve had little spies at his shows ever since and people seem to love when he performs it every single night,” said Sir Mix A Lot. “Honestly, I didn’t think he would ever release it…but BAM…he did it. Then we received a call asking about us getting in the video which was cool but, it was really Joe himself who won me over by not only respecting the artistic integrity of the song but, NOT trying to rap on the song. He truly made a whole new song of it and in my opinion he never abandoned his Country roots.”

Download and stream Joe Nichols’ new album — Never Gets Old ­— including “Baby Got Back,” HERE. Drawing from Country tradition in its truest form, the album reflects a timeless sound and features songwriter heavyweights Chris Stapleton, Zach Crowell, and Shane Minor. Standout tracks include the soaring tribute to the human experience of “We All Carry Something” to the traditional steel-laden sing along “I’d Sing About You” while “Diamonds Make Babies” adds a dose of light-hearted mischief.

This summer, Nichols brings the nationwide NEVER GETS OLD Tour to festivals and legendary clubs such as Cotton Eyed Joe in Knoxville, Tenn. (Aug. 5) and Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, Texas (Aug. 26). For a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit joenichols.com/events.