The Music Universe Podcast
By The Music Universe Podcast
The Music Universe PodcastSep 22, 2023
Episode 193 with Black Stone Cherry's Chris Robertson
Black Stone Cherry will release its eighth studio album, Screamin’ At The Sky, on September 29th via Mascot Records. The release will be available on white solid vinyl, a limited edition deluxe vinyl box set, an HMV exclusive limited edition blue vinyl, standard CD and digital formats. The deluxe box set has sold out.
Screamin’ At The Sky features all-new material written collaboratively while on tour, but when it came time to record, BSC tried something they’ve always dreamed of doing: tracking an album at The Plaza Theater in Glasgow, Kentucky - a legendary 1020-seat venue built in 1934 that boasts meticulous acoustics. In June of 2022, the band rented the whole place, and brought in all its recording equipment and trusty engineer, Jordan Westfall. They set up the basement as the control room and the stage as the live drum room. The time between recording sessions and the incredible room ambiance have resulted in a career-high watermark for BSC.
Frontman Chris Robertson joins us while en route to a show in Plano, Texas over the summer. He talks about the inspiration of the album and the decision to record in the theater.
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Episode 192 with Naomi Cooke Johnson
Equipped with an adventurous and fiery attitude, former Runaway June lead singer and chief songwriter Naomi Cooke Johnson returns with a pavement-pounding anthem, "Livin' Ain't Killed Me Yet." Semi-autobiographical, the song is a musical adrenaline rush celebrating living life to the fullest.
Co-written by Cooke Johnson alongside Phil Bentley and producer Dan Muckala, “Livin’ Ain’t Killed Me Yet” is a scorching celebration of carefree fun with a chosen family of friends.
It's the second offering after signing a solo deal with BMG/BBR Music Group.
Naomi Cooke Johnson’s life is a song worth writing and a story worth telling. Growing up impoverished with no education, Cooke Johnson found her refuge and purpose in music. She’s a real-world example of what’s possible when hope transcends hardship and a real product of the American Dream. This former lead vocalist of Runaway June, who co-wrote many of the trio’s acclaimed hits including the Top 5 smash “Buy My Own Drinks," made her official solo debut in the country music scene with a strong dose of Shania Twain sass releasing “Girls of Summer,” a spirited celebration of carefree fun with a chosen family of friends. With powerhouse vocals and an irresistibly upbeat tempo, “Girls of Summer,” was fans’ first taste of blazing new music from Cooke Johnson who has truly come into her own as a solo artist.
Cooke Johnson joins us to talk about the new song, and how she's transitioned from Runaway June frontwoman to solo artist.
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Episode 191 with Garth Brooks' studio guitarist Chris Leuzinger
Garth Brooks has used the same studio musicians for all of his albums from 1989 to the present. This group of seven players is known as The G-Men and has worked with the country superstar for 35 years and counting, curating the "Garth Sound" that changed country music.
Drummer Milton Sledge, bassist Mike Chapman, keyboardist Bobby Wood, rhythm guitarist Mark Casstevens, lead guitarist Chris Leuzinger, steel guitarist Bruce Bouton, and fiddlist Rob Hajacos can be heard on every album Brooks has recorded, sans 1999's rock concept album, ...In The Life of Chris Gaines. Their first recording session was on August 25, 1988, at Jack's Tracks on historic Music Row in Nashville. Songs such as "Not Counting You," "I've Got A Good Thing Going, "Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)," and "Nobody Gets Off In This Town" were among the first songs the group recorded live in the studio with Brooks.
Brooks is the first to see nine of his albums certified diamond for sales of 10 million each by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The country star retains the crown as the No. 1 selling solo artist in U.S. history with a total of 157 million overall, according to the RIAA, only second ever to The Beatles's 183 million.
In 2016, Brooks and the G-Men, along with producer Allen Reynolds and engineer Mark Miller, were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. The late Joe Chambers founded the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2006, marking the only museum to honor the greatest musicians of all time. Inside, guests will find everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Elvis Presley to Glen Campbell and Hal Blaine as members of The Wrecking Crew, the famous group of Los Angeles studio musicians who recorded hundreds of top 40 hits throughout the 1960s and 70s.
During the 2023 CMA Fest, Leuzinger took The Music Universe on a tour of the facility where he talked about the history behind some of music's greatest songs Following the tour, he gave us an exclusive on-site sit-down interview, taking us further into the depths of his career, his appreciation for Chambers and his surviving widow (now-CEO Linda Chambers), and crediting Brooks with being the "the most loyal artist on the planet."
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Episode 190 with Mitch Rossell
Dreamcatcher Artists’ rising country music star Mitch Rossell captivated audiences and judges alike on NBC's America's Got Talent, leaving an indelible mark. With an incredible performance that showcased his talent, passion, and undeniable stage presence, Rossell's journey on the hit reality show garnered praise from judges, fans, and even his fellow contestants.
Throughout his time on AGT, Rossell captivated both the live audience and the esteemed panel of judges, including Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara. His performance of his original song, “All I Need To See” on the August 22nd live semi-finals further solidified his star power. AGT Judge Sofia Vergara praised Rossell's electrifying semi-final performance, stating, "Mitch, you sing with such emotion. I mean that was such a catchy, romantic song. I think you're the perfect, perfect talent that America is gonna fall in love with."
“All I Need To See,” which has amassed over 30 million all-time streams, is a testament to his unique ability to convey deep emotions through his music. The judges gushed with praise, as Simon Cowell stated, "You are the real deal,” while Heide Klum added, “You are radio-ready. You're great. Your songs are great. You have an amazing family and you seem like a really great guy. I wish you all the best."
Judge Howie Mandel, renowned for his insight, even predicted that Rossell was "the act to beat." Although that prediction did not come to fruition, Rossell's response revealed his positive outlook. He took to social media to express his gratitude, stating, "It didn’t go our way tonight, but it’s definitely all good, y’all. I’m honestly overwhelmed and floored by the love y’all always pour on me and this music I make. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. You keep me going! This was a great chapter and a lot of fun. Now I'm excited to see what God has in store." Rossell extended his congratulations to finalists Lavender Darcangelo, Adrian, and Hurricane, noting their well-deserved spots in the finals.
Rossell continues his musical journey with his newly signed recording contract with Dreamcatcher Artists. The radio edit of “All I Need To See” is impacting radio now, as his dedicated fan base eagerly awaits his upcoming projects and live performances.
Rossell joins us to discuss his time on AGT, his songwriting career, being discovered by Garth Brooks, and what's ahead with his new label partnership.
Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Select episodes now streaming on Canyon Star TV and the Roku channel DBTV.
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Episode 189 with Heath Wright of Ricochet
August 18th marks Ricochet's first new album in over a decade with Ricochet Then And Now... The Hits & More. The project celebrates the 90s country band's 30th anniversary of the band's formation in 1993 with newly recorded renditions of six of their classic hits along with eight new songs.
The group is best known for their chart-topping, gold-selling single, "Daddy's Money," Top 10 hits, "What Do I Know," "Love Is Stronger Than Pride," and the Top 20 "He Left A Lot To Be Desired," and are among the re-recorded tracks. We are premiering the new version of "Love Is Stronger Than Pride," which can be seen below.
Wright joins us to discuss the project, the band's role in the 90s country resurgence, and how re-recording their biggest hits can be a double-edged sword.
"When somebody would go in and re-record songs, after you've done a song on the road for several years, you tend to get a little bored with it, you start changing it," frontman Heath Wright tells The Music Universe. "And as an audience, as a fan of country music, that always bugged me, because I want to sing along. I want to sing along the way I remember hearing it on the radio. I told the guys, 'We're gonna go in and we're gonna re-record these songs. We're gonna do them exactly note for note the way they were recorded the first time.' So that's what we did. We went in and re-recorded everything, kind of gave everything a little bit of a facelift."
Despite the change in band members throughout the years, Ricochet still possesses their trademark harmonious vocal sound and is considered one of the hardest-working bands in the business. For nearly two decades, original lead vocalist Heath Wright has maintained the group’s legacy and fan base with a hefty tour schedule. Besides Wright on lead vocals and guitar, current band members are Chris Hempfling on vocals and drums, Rick Toops on vocals and keys, Bruce Bennett on vocals and bass, and Larry Hight on vocals, rhythm/lead guitar, steel, dobro, and saxophone.
Episode 188 with Kent Blazy
Kent Blazy is an American country music songwriter who was inducted into the class of 2020 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame during the Golden Anniversary plus one during the special 50th And 51st Gala. The Kentucky native has written several singles with Garth Brooks, and penned tracks recorded by by Gary Morris, Diamond Rio, Patty Loveless, Chris Young, and an upcoming song by Reba. Blazy has a total of seven No. 1 hits to his credit.
Blazy began playing guitar at a young age, citing The Byrds, Rodney Crowell and Joe Ely as influences. He later played for Canadian singer Ian Tyson. Later on, Blazy met former Exile member Mark Gray, who suggested that Blazy move to Nashville, Tennessee. Eventually, he signed to a publishing contract, but the publishing company closed. Despite the loss of contract, Gary Morris sent Blazy's "Headed for a Heartache" into the top 5 on the country charts.
By the late 1980s, Blazy met with a then-unknown Garth Brooks, who gave him the idea for a song entitled "If Tomorrow Never Comes." He and Brooks co-wrote the song, which went on to become Brooks' first No. 1 hit. Brooks continued to record Blazy's material throughout the 1990s, including the singles "Ain't Goin' Down ('Til the Sun Comes Up)," "It's Midnight Cinderella," "She's Gonna Make It," "Somewhere Other Than the Night" and the George Jones duet "Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?)." Blazy, along with songwriters Pat Alger, Tony Arata and Kim Williams, recorded an album entitled A Songwriters' Tribute to Garth Brooks, which included their renditions of songs that they had written for Brooks which was released in 2001.
He also co-wrote "That's What I Get for Lovin' You" by Diamond Rio and "Can't Get Enough" by Patty Loveless in the late 1990s and "Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)" by Chris Young in the 2010s, along with a 15-year-old song recently cut by Reba for consideration for her upcoming new album that's expected in 2024.
Blazy returns to The Music Universe Podcast for his third appearance, but first on camera. He chats with us about his new album, From The Beatles to The Bluebird, inspired by a 2022 visit to The Beatles' hometown of Liverpool, England. From first inspirations to endless gigs in bars to writing hit songs in Nashville Tennessee on Music Row, the album is a musical journey from the 60's English invasion winding through decades up till today.
"I got to go to Liverpool last year and you know, I'm a huge Beatle fan. And when you are at the dock, they have a life-size statues of The Beatles. And it's pretty cool because all of them are carrying something that means something to them. So if you go Google that, it's an interesting story how they did that," Blazy tells us. "But it was cold that day. And I was wearing a Bluebird sweatshirt that I had gotten when I was doing a benefit at the Bluebird a couple of weeks before that. And somebody took a picture. And when I saw the picture, I thought, God, that's a great album title -- From the Beatles to the Bluebird -- because part of my career started due to Garth [Brooks] playing 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' at the Bluebird Cafe after he'd been turned down by every record label. And somebody was in the audience to hear somebody else and told Garth, 'Maybe we missed something. Why don't you come back in?' And thanks to the Bluebird, he got a record deal and 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' ended up being his first single that went number one, so pretty cool."
The album is available at digital outlets and features 11 songs penned or co-penned by Blazy. Members of Jon Pardi's band joined him at Sound Emporium in Nashville to record the project in a day and a half.
Full audio and video are streaming below. Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Select episodes now streaming on Canyon Star TV and the Roku channel DBTV.
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Episode 187 with Engelbert Humperdinck
Instead of receiving gifts in celebration of his 87th birthday in May, iconic singer Engelbert Humperdinck gifted fans his new album, All About Love via OK! Good Records. A collection of eye-opening reinterpretations of classic love songs, reworkings of some of his own classics, and duets with two of the most-celebrated Mexican singers vocalists today (“Mexico’s Sweetheart” Angelica Maria and Grammy-nominated Mariachi star Lupita Infante), his new 13 track collection is more proof that Engelbert just gets better with age.
The four-time Grammy-nominated and multi-Platinum selling legend tackles some of the most beloved romantic tracks and puts a unique spin on them, including the No. 1 R&B hit "If You Don't Know Me By Now" which was originally released by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in 1972 (also covered by Simply Red in 1989) and the Philly soul classic "When Will I See You Again" (originally released in 1974 by The Three Degrees). Among other tracks are The Bee Gees’ first US No. 1 (and one of the greatest love songs of the era) “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart,” Lou Rawls’ perennial classic “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” and Mel & Tim’s “Starting All Over Again.” Released last fall, his country-western tinged rendition of Barry White’s 1974 Gold-selling chart topper “You’re The First, The Last, My Everything” has amassed over 2.7 million views on YouTube and inspired a line-dance from its celebratory music video, which was filmed at Los Angeles’ authentic Honky-Tonk club, Cowboy Palace Saloon.
All About Love was recorded at famous Blackbird Studios with some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including Dave Cohen (Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line) on keyboards, Rob McNelley (Buddy Guy, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban) on guitars, Lex Price (Shemekia Copeland, Neko Case, Indigo Girls) on bass, Jerry Roe (LeeAnn Womack, Luke Combs, Keith Urban) on drums, Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, Willie Nelson) on drums, and even legend Charlie McCoy (Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan).
Thanks to massive awareness from creative placement of his classic hits in current and vastly popular mainstream TV shows and films, Engelbert’s popularity has exploded exponentially in recent years. The aforementioned “A Man Without Love” was featured on the Marvel Universe series Moon Knight and "Quando, Quando, Quando" found itself on Netflix's Umbrella Academy. His newly recorded version of West Ham United’s football anthem "Forever Blowing Bubbles" was featured prominently in Brad Pitt’s No. 1 runaway hit movie Bullet Train.
The legendary singer is also on tour, with stops throughout the US, Europe, South American and Asia.
Humperdinck recently chatted with us to discuss the album, touring, his career and more.
Full audio and video are streaming below. Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Select episodes now streaming on Canyon Star TV and the Roku channel DBTV.
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Episode 186 with Danielle Bradbery
Danielle Bradbery has come a long way since kickstarting her career and becoming the youngest artist ever to win NBC's Emmy-winning competition series The Voice at 16-years-old in 2013. Spending the past decade growing into her artistry, the Texas native has honed her skills and defined her sound while pouring her heart into lyric – earning award nominations, touring across the globe and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music including Diplo, Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett, Nick Jonas and more.
Facing the challenges brought on by the pandemic head on, Bradbery spent time creating music she loves, infusing her own heartfelt and personal stories into songs like "Never Have I Ever" and "Monster," the most vulnerable song she's released to date.
Penned by Bradbery alongside Lauren LaRue (Sam Hunt, Arizona Zervas, JoJo, Alana Springsteen, Jimmie Allen) and Sam De Jong (Alec Benjamin, Lennon Stella, Gracie Abrams, Marina, Little Mix), the Nathan Chapman and Derek Wells-produced track delivers a haunting chorus that carries the unbearable weight: "You always lie to me, then you lie down with me / You won’t leave and you’re so unhealthy / You’re breakin’ me, messin’ with my head / It feels like a bad dream and I wonder why I can’t sleep / When you’re here ‘cause I know the monster / He ain’t under the bed / ‘Cause he’s in it with me"
Earlier this year, Bradbery embarked on her first-ever headline A Special Place Tour where established herself a force to be reckoned with by selling out all nine stops. Following her recent collaboration with Jordan Davis on “Midnight Crisis,” Bradbery joins him on the road once again for his Damn Good Time Tour this fall.
Bradbery spoke with us earlier in the spring, ahead of her performance at The Basement East on May 18th with special guest CB30 and CMA Fest, to talk about "Monster," her first-ever headlining tour and career.
Full audio and video are streaming below. Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Select episodes now streaming on Canyon Star TV and the Roku channel DBTV.
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Episode 185 with 'America's Got Talent's Ana-Maria Mărgean & Terry Fator
Earlier this year, NBC premiered America’s Got Talent: All-Stars, a new extension of the powerhouse hit series featuring winners, finalists, fan favorites and viral sensations from previous seasons of America’s Got Talent and Got Talent franchises around the world. America's Got Talent season two winner Terry Fator and Romania's Got Talent winner Ana-Maria Mărgean are singing ventriloquists who both appeared on the new edition this past spring, and gave a awe-inspiring performance together.
Fourteen year old Ana-Maria Mărgean is from Bucharest, Romania who's been singing and performing since early childhood. She's performed throughout the world and has won several awards for her ventriloquism and powerful operatic-style vocals. She's also an accomplished voiceover artist and dancer.
In 2021, Mărgean won the Golden Buzzer for the 11th season of Romania's Got Talent, a year after she began working on crafting her singing ventriloquism art. She cites Fator as her biggest influence after discovering his work during the pandemic. At age 11, she won Romania's Got Talent and dreams of headlining a Las Vegas showroom.
Named the “Best Las Vegas Strip Headliner” by Las Vegas Weekly three years in a row, Terry Fator captures the audience’s hearts and funny bones with his unique brand of entertainment that combines ventriloquism, singing, comedy, and breathtaking celebrity impressions. Upon winning season two of the popular NBC show at age 42, Fator headlined his own theater at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for 11 years alongside his cast of characters that include Winston, the Impersonating Turtle; Maynard Thompkins, the Elvis Impersonator; Duggie Scott Walker, the annoying neighbor, and; a host of famous singers, past and present.
Since March 2021, Fator has been headlining Terry Fator: Who’s The Dummy Now? at MGM's New York New York on the Las Vegas Strip. When he's not performing in The Entertainment Capital of the World, he can be seen on tour or visiting Disney properties around the world.
We chatted with both talented artists together in a sit down interview in Las Vegas where they discuss their path to stardom, appearing together on America's Got Talent: All Stars, their love of the stage, and current and future endeavors.
Full audio and video are streaming below. Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Select episodes now streaming on Canyon Star TV and the Roku channel DBTV.
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Episode 184 with Hunter Hayes
Multi-instrumentalist and Platinum-selling artist Hunter Hayes is an embodiment of the type of musician that embraces change and strives to rewrite the rules. After debuting on the scene with a Platinum-certified album, Hayes has charted his own path, moving from his country roots into the genre-bending world that he was destined for.
On his latest album, Red Sky, the singer-songwriter is executing at the highest level of his musical career: crafting memorable melodies and instantly catchy hooks albeit with a top-notch musician’s discerning ear. His music is both a reflection of his influences, and a product of his prodigious multi-instrumental talents, reflected by the fact that he plays every instrument on his records.
His first ever fully independent album is more than a decade in the making, Hunter describes the transition from his last album saying, “[My last album] was the optimistic dreamer, looking out of a window and dreaming about adventure and Red Sky is very much the actual adventure. It has been my diary, my journal alongside a very adventurous part of my life.”
The Louisiana native has garnered over two billion on-demand global streams since the release of his debut album, along with six Gold and Platinum-certified singles. In addition to his legendary headlining shows, Hayes has also toured with superstars like Taylor Swift, and has headlined sold out shows across the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With over 50 award nominations and wins, including five Grammy nominations, Hayes is just getting started.
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Episode 183 with Vince Neil
Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil is staying busy with his band and judging the AXS TV competition show Banded. The 90 minutes season finale of the groundbreaking show airs tonight (Sat, July 1st), and redefines the traditional “build-a-band” concept that showcases exceptional up-and-coming artists who can play, write, and sing their own music.
The series features a roster of legendary mentors and guest judges, including Neil, Kip Winger, early 2000's chart-topping country star Steve Azar, Vans Warped Tour mastermind Kevin Lyman, and world-class rock drummer Mark Schulman, among others.
GameTV will be the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of the series which will air every Saturday at 7 pm ET beginning July 8th.
Neil, who is currently in Europe on The World Tour with Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard, chats with us via video from London to discuss Banded, new music and life after The World Tour.
Last week, Mötley Crüe teased a London club show under the pseudonym Dögs of War which took place last night (Fri, June 30th) in a 450-capacity venue in London. The teaser video also included a snippet of a new song called "Dögs of War," which they were expected to premiere at the show, but played their version of the Beastie Boys' "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)." Neil confirms both "Dögs of War" and "Fight" are among multiple new tracks the group has recorded with producer Bob Rock.
The Live Nation-produced The World Tour returns to the United States for eight dates in August with Australian and Japanese dates set for November. The global trek is an extension of last year's The Stadium Tour which was named the biggest North American stadium tour of 2022 with more than 1.3 million tickets sold, and marks the first with new Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 who's replaced Mick Mars after leaving the band due to his health.
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Episode 182 with Randy Travis, Rita Wilson, Kimberly Perry, Garth Brooks, and more from 50th CMA Fest
Earlier this month, CMA Fest marked its 50th anniversary in Nashville with four straight days celebrating record-breaking milestones and more. The golden anniversary of the legendary festival delivered everything country music fans could want as an estimated more than 90,000 fans attended the festivities in Downtown Nashville each day, cementing a new attendance record for the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world.
Unlike other festivals, CMA Fest acts donate their time to perform so ticket proceeds can directly benefit high-quality music education initiatives across the country through the CMA Foundation.
Reporter Matt Bailey was on hand to capture the action and conduct interviews with some country legends, established artists and newer acts. He attended countless events, including the Nissan Stadium Nightly Concerts where Alabama was honored with the CMA Pinnacle Award, and had the rare opportunity to interact with Reba McEntire during her Artist of the Day on the CMA Close Up Stage panel. The latter moment is featured in this episode.
This episode marks our longest one yet, clocking it at just over 100 minutes with guests including Kidd G, Pillbox Patti, Jake Worthington, Ian Munsick, Travis Denning, Chrissy Metz, Callista Clark and more. We have three very special interviews with Rita Wilson, Kimberly Perry and Randy and Mary Travis, who all discuss their music and careers.
Following CMA Fest, Bailey attended a No. 1 party for Tyler Hubbard's "9 Foot 5" and "Dancin' in the Country" which included a surprise appearance by Keith Urban. Matt's question to both artists can be seen in this episode.
We wrap the feature length episode with coverage of Garth Brooks and TuneIn launching The Big 615, a new global country radio station that's hosted by former GAC-TV and SiriusXM personality Storme Warren. The Big 615 is the flagship station of Brooks' Sevens Radio Network, exclusively on TuneIn, and launched June 15th with a new single from the country legend. The stations featured on the network are conceived and directed by Brooks with more on the way.
All CMA Fest coverage can be seen at our website.
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Episode 181 with Pecos Hurley of Pecos & The Rooftops
Emerging with a sharp signature style and an unrivaled live presence proven one gig at a time, Platinum-certified rising Texas-based country rock band Pecos & The Rooftops release their major label self-titled debut album today (Fri, June 23rd) via Warner Records. The hard workin’, hard rockin’ sextet’s anxiously awaited full-length features "The Last Thing I Remember" and "5 AM," the latter of which has already reeled in 4.5 million global streams and 291K YouTube views on the lyric video.
Pecos & The Rooftops have been perfecting a signature heavy blend of lowdown country and classic rock since their inception with the band living in a big five-bedroom house in Lubbock, Texas. Formed in 2019 by a tight-knit squad of college friends, the band outfits their soulful Americana with muscular guitar grit yet remains tuneful and melodic. They’ve carved out a singular niche for themselves in the rich songwriting tradition of their home state, as evidenced by their debut Warner Records single "5 AM," released in March. Anchored by the heart-baring songwriting and booming voice of former Marine Pecos Hurley, the band is rounded out by top-tier players and songwriters Brandon Jones on rhythm guitar, Zack Foster on lead guitar, Kalen Davis on bass, Garrett Peltier on drums and Hunter Cassell on guitars and keys.
Hurley chats with us about the project, touring and where the name "Rooftops" originates.
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Episode 180 with Colt Ford
Country music pioneer Colt Ford has released Must Be The Country, his new 24 track collection featuring collaborations with Tracy Lawrence, Brantley Gilbert, Sam Grow, Tracy Byrd, and more. The project was released on his own Average Joes Entertainment and marks his first full length project in three years.
The album took shape while battling eye cancer and recovering from an intensive surgery to remove the tumor. Following his successful fight against cancer, Ford has been diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disorder that destroys neuromuscular connections and affects the muscles in the face. Despite his recent struggle with personal health, Ford has exhibited his enduring human spirit and continues to tour the nation as well as write and record new projects slated for release later this year.
Ford joins us to chat about the new project, future new music, his diagnosis, and how he's pioneered the country/rap movement.
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Episode 179 with 3 Doors Down's Chris Henderson & Finger Eleven's Scott Anderson
3 Doors Down and Finger Eleven are two of the biggest rock bands to have emerged out of the 90s. Both bands are hitting the road this summer on their own respective tours, but we spoke with 3 Doors Down guitarist Chris Henderson and Finger Eleven's Scott Anderson about their careers, including the latter's first-ever collection of hits and vinyl.
Formed in 1996, Grammy Award-nominated multi-Platinum Mississippi rock band 3 Doors Down consistently captivates audiences worldwide. The quintet’s many accolades include selling more than 20 million albums globally, receiving a Grammy nomination, two American Music Awards, and five BMI Pop Awards for songwriting, including ”Songwriter of the Year.” Their debut, The Better Life, became certified seven times RIAA Platinum and was fueled by the success of juggernaut hit ”Kryptonite.” Away From The Sun has been certified five times Platinum. In 2023, to celebrate the anniversary of Away From The Sun, the band will play all the songs from the album and all their hits in Amphitheaters across the US.
One of Canada’s best-selling bands, Juno Award-winning rockers Finger Eleven have built a long-lasting legacy with their genre-defying sound -- spanning cathartic metal and alt-rock balladry to danceable funk, power pop, and beyond -- that continues to keep fans on their toes. The band’s story begins in 1990, when vocalist Scott Anderson, guitarist Rick Jackett, guitarist James Black, bassist Sean Anderson, and drummer Rob Gommerman (later replaced by Rich Beddoe and Steve Molella in 2013) began playing together in high school. In 1995, the Burlington, Ontario five-piece released their debut, Letters from Chutney, under the moniker Rainbow Butt Monkeys, before recording their first LP as Finger Eleven, Tip. The album, which was produced by Arnold Lanni (Our Lady Peace, Simple Plan), caught the attention of Wind-up Records, who signed the band in 1997 and re-released Tip a year later. This summer, Finger Eleven will play festivals across the US.
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Episode 178 with Big Time Rush
Big Time Rush is back with its first new studio record in a decade, Another Life. The project was kick started by the release of "Can't Get Enough" earlier this year followed by "Waves" in May. However, due to frenzied fan excitement and demand, Another Life was released one week earlier than anticipated and is available as of today (Fri, June 2nd).
The group, which shot to fame with their Nickelodeon series of the same name, has an exceptionally busy summer. The band kicks off their 39-city North American Can’t Get Enough Tour with special guests Max and Jax on June 22nd. The trek follows their hugely successful Forever Tour, which ran from 2022 into 2023 and took the band across North and South America and sold over 300,000 tickets with numerous sell outs, including New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden.
Members Kendall Schmidt and Logan Henderson chat with us about the new 10 song project and how they decided to keep the album's making more simplistic than ever before. They also talk about the tour and how their TV show shaped who they are today.
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Episode 177 with Garth Brooks & Gary LeVox
We have a pair of country superstars on the show this week. Garth Brooks joins us in Las Vegas ahead of his new residency and former Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox talks to us on his tour bus before a headlining show in Los Angeles.
Last week, Brooks kicked off his Garth Brooks/Plus One two year Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The show runs through December with 18 dates currently set for 2024 after selling out all 2023 shows last year.
The residency is different from his One Man Wynn show that spanned more than 200 shows between 2009-2013. Ahead of opening night, we chatted with Brooks who talks about how the show evolved into the band performing most of the show.
After attending the first two Garth shows during opening weekend (read our review), we darted off to Los Angeles where we chatted with LeVox about his new solo endeavors. Following a short interview, we caught his first-ever headlining show at The Troubadour in West Hollywood as part of his Get Down Like That Tour (read our review).
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Episode 176 with Erin Kinsey & Chapel Hart
It's New Music Friday and we have some country ladies leading the releases. Erin Kinsey's Bet My Heart EP is available via Records Nashville while Chapel Hart's third full length album, Glory Days, drops independently.
Erin wrote all seven tracks on the EP, co-writing with songwriting heavyweights such as Sarah Buxton, Josh Kerr, Sara Davis and more. Erin is the embodiment of a ten-year overnight success: the Rockwall, TX native started singing, songwriting and playing guitar at the age of 11. She made the move to Nashville in 2018 to pursue music full time and experienced her breakthrough success in 2021 with the independent release of singles “Drunk Too” and “Just Drive."
The rising country artist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, now 22, caught the attention of legendary music exec Barry Weiss, signing this year to Records Nashville, the Music City division of Records, his joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment. She has amassed more than 70 million streams across her catalog.
Kinsey, who plays seven instruments, also co-wrote “Pink” with Victoria Shaw and Jodi Marr. The song was recorded by Dolly Parton,
Monica, Jordin Sparks, Rita Wilson and Sara Evans. The collaboration released in 2020 to benefit Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer foundation.
Chapel Hart — made up of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart along with first cousin Trea Swindle and hailing from Poplarville, Mississippi — are taking country music by storm. The powerhouse trio’s meteoric rise comes on the heels of appearing on America’s Got Talent and receiving the second ever “Group Golden Buzzer” from all four judges after their performance of their viral hit “You Can Have Him Jolene” which led to a spot in the finals, prompting America and the rest of the world to pay attention to their undeniable talent and drive.
Deemed “America’s Sweethearts” following the show, Chapel Hart has earned praise from country music pillars such as Tanya Tucker, Darius Rucker, the one and only Dolly Parton, and the late Loretta Lynn.
Glory Days features the title track, written by the trio along with Jim Beavers and the newly released "Welcome to Fist City," a song inspired and requested by the late Loretta Lynn.
The group chats with us from their newly acquired tour bus as they embark on their first-ever headlining tour, The Glory Days Tour, which spans 60 shows from coast to coast. The trio was recently named one of Music Row's Next Big Thing, CMT's Listen Up, and the Grand Ole Opry's NextStage Class of 2023.
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Episode 175 with Caroline Jones
Caroline Jones is prepping to release her new EP, Superpower, on Friday, May 19th. It features the focus track, "Normal Person," along with "Lawless" and "Keep It Safe" featuring Alyssa Bonagura. Written and co-produced by Jones in Nashville and features five tracks that showcase a wide range of influences from country to pop to Bluegrass and precedes her forthcoming third studio album, set for release later this fall.
The project is rounded out by the title track and "By Way of Sorry," the latter which features Vince Gill.
Jones is pulling double duty as she joined the Zac Brown Band as a full-time member in 2022, marking her as the first and only female to join the band. This year marks her fifth consecutive summer stadium tour with Zac Brown which runs from June to November. She will also perform more than 25 solo dates as a headliner throughout the US and can be seen at key festivals.
Jones chats with us ahead of the EP release in which we discuss the project and talk about her career.
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Episode 174 with Savoy Brown's Garnet Grimm
Savoy Brown released its latest album, Blues All Around, on February 17th via Quarto Records. The release of the new album is especially poignant in that it comes after the December 13th passing from cancer of band founder and sole constant Savoy Brown member guitarist/lead vocalist Kim Simmonds. Simmonds is considered one of music’s premier blues/blues rock guitarists and songwriters and is also discussed as one of the architects of the 1960’s British blues scene in London. Simmonds, an early pioneer of the British blues movement and a passionate proponent of the blues, lost his hard-fought battle with cancer just a week after turning 75.
Blues All Around follows Savoy Brown’s critically acclaimed 2022 album, Ain’t Done Yet, and is lovingly dedicated to the band’s families, friends, and Savoy Brown fans everywhere.
Savoy Brown helped spawn the 1968 UK blues rock boom and later opened the eyes of many 1970s American music fans to their own homegrown blues artists, many of whom had a huge influence on Savoy Brown’s music. Many notable names have performed with the band over the decades and went on to perform with other name bands, including, among others, singer Dave Walker (Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath), Bill Bruford (King Crimson), Andy Pyle (The Kinks) and Paul Raymond (UFO). Most notably, classic rock legends Foghat were formed by Savoy Brown alumni Roger Earl, Lonesome Dave Peverett and Tony Stevens.
Bassist Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm, both of whom have been integral members of the band’s lineup since 2009 and were part of the longest-running consistent line-up in the band’s lengthy history. Grimm chats with us about the new project and how Simmonds death inspired its release.
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Episode 173 - Stagecoach & Super Nintendo World
Stagecoach 2023 is in the books and The Music Universe was on hand for exclusive coverage. We saw 18 artists during the three day festival in Indio from April 28-30 and chatted with several as well. We published our print interviews with Ian Munsick and Warren Zeiders already.
This episode includes an interview with The Valory Music Co's Mackenzie Carpenter, who was recently named a member of CMT's Next Women of Country Class of 2023. We chat with her about her new EP, forthcoming full length album and more.
We also share some sites around the festival grounds, including the iconic Ferris wheel, the seven story spiral rainbow tower walkway called Spectra, and more.
Following our three day excursion in the desert, we headed to a cooler Los Angeles where we visited Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. The Mario Brothers theme song is the first video game tune to enter the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry. It's one of 25 new additions alongside Mariah Carey, Led Zeppelin and more.
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Episode 172 with The Scarlet Opera
Cemented as the hottest rock band in Los Angeles, The Scarlet Opera is lighting up stages and screens everywhere with their "unashamedly queer" brand of music and entertainment. In the past month, the group released its major label debut EP, Comedy, via SB Projects/Republic Records, made their late night TV appearance in March, and wrapped their first-ever headlining tour with a hometown stop that sold out in record time.
The group formed in 2016 as Perta, but rebranded themselves as The Scarlet Opera in 2022. The same year, they signed with Republic Records and released their debut single, "The Place To Be."
Frontman Luka Bazulka, keyboardist Colin Kendrick, bassist Daniel Zuker, drummer Justin Siegal, and guitarist Chance Taylor join us via Zoom from their LA-area rehearsal space a week after their tour wrapped. We chat about their newfound success, their history and what's ahead. Our own Matt Bailey has a personal connection to Bazulka as they attended the same art school together in Pennsylvania.
Full audio and video are streaming below. Be sure to subscribe to The Music Universe Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
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