Alicia's View On All Things Music

Friday, March 22, 2013

Joshua Adams....Rock Hard and "Everything Will Be Alright"

With rock vocals that reach out and demand attention, Joshua Adams is making his mark on the music scene. Joshua is building a loyal fan base by creating music with lyrics that everyone can relate to….and, oh yeah, that rocks! Anchored by vocal ability rarely heard today, his self-penned songs provide both the hardest edge and the softest melodies. Possessing all the goods….the drive, the look, the talent, he is well on his way to paving the road to a long-lasting career.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Joshua. He not only gives us some insight into his musical journey so far, but also provides a glimpse of what’s coming in the near future.

AV: Where did you grow up? Do you have a musical family?

JA: I was born in Brooklyn, NY and I grew up in a small, but historic town called Saint Augustine in northeast Florida. It's famous for being “The Oldest European Settlement in the United States”, being founded in 1565 by the Spanish. It's a quiet town, but nice place to
grow up. I’m not really from a musical family, although my parents have always been
supportive of me and my musical path. My younger brother is in the corporate world up in
NYC and my older brother is a screenwriter/film director.

AV: How did you come to know music was your future?

JA: Some of my earliest memories are enjoying music and dancing around the house to it. It wasn't until I was around 12 or 13 when I was inspired to learn how to play the guitar. Soon after that I was writing and singing my own songs.

AV: Who were your musical influences growing up?

JA: I've been asked this question a lot lately and the more I think about it, the more my influences point to Michael Jackson and Van Halen. Eddie Van Halen is the reason I wanted to start playing the guitar and Michael Jackson was always an inspiring performer.

AV: You’ve played over 250 shows during the past couple years. Tell us about those experiences….favorite moments, surprises, etc.

JA: The road always provides countless stories, both good and bad, so I'm not sure where to begin. I can say that throughout all the show dates, I was consistently asked about my hair and how I keep it so healthy. I'm typically pretty professional on the road, so most of the “funny” stories have been directly related to musicians and band members I've used over the years. Most of my favorite moments from touring usually come from fans enjoying the show or expressing how my songs have touched them personally.

AV: Along with your incredible vocal ability, you’ve also become known for your dancing on stage. Any professional dance training?

JA: I've never really taken any dance training, however I did go to a few modern / hip hop dance classes in high school because I liked a girl in the classes. I even dragged one of my friends with me.

AV: Love that!

AV: Who have you worked with, both on stage and in the studio?

JA: I've been lucky to be able to work with some great talent and hope to work with many more
talented artists in the future. Some great talent along the way have been Teddy Gentry of Alabama, Jason Scheff of Chicago, Mark Slaughter, hit writer Don Rollins, hit writer
Jennifer Adan, and many others.

AV: Describe your sound. Do you write your own songs?

JA: My sound could probably be labeled as Alternative Rock with Pop and Dance influences.
My entire new album is full of songs solely written by me. I'm also doing all of the programming, playing all the instruments, and engineering the release.

AV: You’re entered in a contest called the VeeWall Vocals video contest with your single, “I Promise You.” Tell us about that.

JA: The VeeWall Vocals contest is a song/video contest where the winner gets a prize of $100,000. It's based on daily fan voting and runs until April 29^th. I don't normally enter contests like this one, however I saw it as an opportunity to raise money for a great cause. Anyone interested in watching my video entry and voting can find “I Promise You” at
http://www.veewall.com/vocals/video/joshuaadams

AV: What prompted you to commit your contest winnings to breast cancer research among other charities?

JA: Many of my fans and friends have been directly affected by breast cancer and I've always
wanted to contribute to the cause. If I win the VeeWall contest, I'll be contributing to a few other charities as well.

AV: What’s coming up next for you?

JA: I'll be releasing the full album both online and as a hard copy this May. I’m also in the
process of setting up performance dates. I'm always looking to make new fans and friends through social media and at live show dates.

A huge thank you to Joshua for taking the time to chat. We are definitely looking forward to the release of his new album along with those tour dates!

For booking information, email booking@atomsbomb.com

Be sure to check out Joshua’s tunes on:

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/joshuaadams

Youtube http://www.youtube.com/officialjoshuaadams

Follow Joshua at:

Website www.joshuaadamsmusic.com

Facebook Official Joshua Adams

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialJoshuaAdams?fref=ts

Twitter @joshuaadamsrock

https://twitter.com/JoshuaAdamsRock

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Thompson Square...Country Duo Magic

Thompson Square, country music’s new power duo, is on quite a run. Husband and wife team, Keifer and Shawna Thompson, who met at a songwriting competition in Nashville, are proving that determination and hard work do in fact pay off.

After pounding the pavement and paying their dues for 15 years, their recent ascent to the top of the country music duo scene is quite impressive. Radio airplay magic came in the form of their first #1 Platinum single, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” The song became the iTunes Country Song of the Year for 2011, as well as the Most Played Song At Country Radio in 2011 (Mediabase).

As if that wasn’t impressive enough, what happened next is nothing short of amazing….and much deserved! The awards and accolades started flooding in:

American Country Awards Single of the Year by a Group

American Country Awards Single of the Year by a New Artist

American Country Awards Music Video of the Year by a New Artist

………..all for Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not

Grammy Nomination for Best Country Song

Grammy Nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance of the Year

American Music Award Nomination for New Artist of the Year

Perhaps the most impressive of all…the 2012 Academy of Country Music’s Vocal Duo of the Year. They are the first new duo in 20 years to win this category!

On the heels of their massive success, Thompson Square is set to release their 2^nd CD, “Just Feels Good,” on Stoney Creek Records March 26^th. The first single, If I Didn’t Have You, written by Keifer, Shawna, Jason Sellers and Paul Jenkins, is already breaking career sales records.

The future is certainly looking bright indeed for this talented pair. Be sure to catch them on tour in a town near you. They are out with Luke Bryan on his Dirt Road Diaries Tour through October 2013. In the meantime, enjoy the songs that helped put them on the map.

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not http://youtu.be/FDUOcHg5ijg

I Got You http://youtu.be/F5yNYMp7DPQ

Glass http://youtu.be/tPd1GIwjRFM

If I Didn’t Have You http://youtu.be/UptgRHX4JsI

Pictures courtesy of www.thompsonsquare.com

For more information and updates….follow Thompson Square at:

Website http://www.thompsonsquare.com/

Twitter @thompsonsquare

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thompsonsquare?fref=ts

MySpace http://www.myspace.com/thompsonsquare

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/thompsonsquare

Tumblr http://thompsonsquare.tumblr.com/

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/thompsonsquare/

Instagram http://instagram.com/thompsonsquare

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Jimi Jamison..."The Voice"

Rising out of a bluff on the Mississippi River is the city called home by many pioneers of American music. Memphis, TN has produced several musical giants including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Otis Redding, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins…just to name a few.

Moving to Memphis as a young child with his mother and claiming himself to forever be a native Memphian, the artist named “The Voice” by Casey Casem got his musical start. Powerhouse vocalist Jimi Jamison has lived up to the reputation of his hometown, and then some! Music fans have been blessed with his voice and impressive catalog of hits for 4 decades….and fortunately for us they’re still coming.

Getting his start singing radio call letters, Jamison would go on to front the band Target in the 70’s. A group of friends who remain in contact today, this band knew how to rock and still does……..Bill Marshall on drums, Buddy Davis and Paul Cannon on guitar, Tommy Cathey on bass, and Jimi on lead vocals. They released two albums for A&M, “Target” and “Captured”. When these guys come together for reunion concerts, you want to be there! In the meantime, here’s a little blast from the past. Check out their performance of “Holdin On” and “It’s Only Love” from 1979.

http://youtu.be/8-KTS7nxRto

Following his time with Target, Jimi would join the band Cobra producing one album, “First Strike“ on Epic Records. This hard rockin band included Mandy Meyer and Jack Holder on guitar, Tommy Keiser on bass, and Jeff Klaven on drums. Sure wish we could’ve heard more from these guys! Here’s a couple video links. Watch and listen…see if you don’t agree!

http://youtu.be/cNmiUuArE6M http://youtu.be/W7RwF1oO6Mo

As the early 80’s came calling, so did a new opportunity. A band out of Chicago, Survivor, fresh off their mega smash hit “Eye of the Tiger”, was looking for a new lead singer. At first hesitant to audition as he saw Survivor’s sound as more pop influenced versus the heavier style to which he was accustomed, fate would step in. The stars were aligned and as they say…what’s meant to be was meant to be. Vital Signs, the first Survivor album with Jimi as lead, soared to massive success. Charting 3 hit singles, “The Search Is Over,” “High On You,” and “I Can’t Hold Back,” Jimi’s place in rock history was confirmed. And continuing the Rocky connection, 1985’s “Burning Heart” from Rocky IV hit number two on Billboard.

In 1989 Jimi was considered to replace Ian Gillan as lead vocalist for Deep Purple. Although a huge fan of Deep Purple, Jimi opted to remain with Survivor. When Survivor went on hiatus not long thereafter, what followed was an impressive run of solo projects, both musical and charitable. While providing backup vocals for Jeff Healy Band, Krokus and ZZ Top, among others, he also released a CD “Crossroads Moment” with former Survivor mate Jim Peterik. In 2011, Jamison collaborated with fellow Melodic Rock alum, Bobby Kimball, to produce “Kimball-Jamison.” He organized the Voices of Classic Rock, as well as, gave his support to charitable functions like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Special Olympics.

Fortunately for Jimi’s legion of fans, he shows no signs of slowing down! Survivor has just released 2013 tour dates, and he’s also making appearances to promote his solo projects both in the US and abroad. His 2012 solo CD, “Never Too Late”, is a testament to the talent of this amazing artist. From the first track to the last, this is a masterpiece! Take a listen and watch the video for the title track……

http://youtu.be/R_ReU37cFpU

To keep up to date on all of Jimi’s happenings, follow him at:

Twitter @Jimi_Jamison

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jimijamison?fref=ts

SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/jimi-jamison

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/jimijamison

Website www.jimijamison.com www.survivorband.com

We would like to get some feedback from some of Jimi’s faithful fans. Take a look at the questions below. Give us your thoughts.

1. Which album do you feel is Jimi’s best work, and why?

When Love Comes Down
Kimball-Jamison
Vital Signs
Target
Crossroads Moment
First Strike
Never Too Late

2. What’s your favorite Jimi tune of all time, and why?

Credits: Target video courtesy of rockinrythms via youtube

Cobra video, Blood On Your Money, courtesy of cometola

Cobra video, Travelin Man, courtesy of FantasyAOR

AllMusic Jimi Jamison biography

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Legends of Rock Cruise 2...Jimi Jamison w/ Hybrid Ice

The cruise was winding down, but the excitement was never higher! The night had arrived. Jimi Jamison’s performance with Hybrid Ice was imminent. As they took the stage, the dance floor filled immediately.
Jimi’s voice filled the room, flawless, deep, rich…never better! Hybrid Ice….rocked as always! Running through several Survivor hits, including “I Can’t Hold Back” and “The Search Is Over,” the crowd was dancing and singing along. Some not so willingly! When Jimi lowered the mic to the gal standing in front of me, she nearly did a backbend trying to avoid it! I can’t say I blame her. I’ve had that same experience, and have very candidly said that if he values his sound system, he might want to avoid putting the mic in front of me! LOL My lack of singing ability could cause equipment damage for sure!
Much to our delight, all of the performers from the previous nights on the cruise came to the stage for an all star jam! Perfect way to end the night. We drank in every moment, relived the memories each song conjured up, and wished the night could go on forever. Thanks to Jimi, Hybrid Ice and all the artists for a night of new cherished memories!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Lindsay Bruce.......Songs from the Heart

Lindsay Bruce

As fans, I think we can lose sight of how much of a role we play in whether or not an artist gets to pursue his/her dream. With all the social media sites of today, our involvement has an even more significant impact. I had the pleasure of speaking with a singer/songwriter who is living her dream and pursuing her passion as a direct result of the support from her fans. It all started with a song uploaded onto YouTube!

Lindsay Bruce is a California girl transplanted to the heart of the country music scene. She brings the lyrics of her life to the hub for the greatest songwriters in the world, Nashville, TN. Lindsay has truly come home.

AV: How did a California girl find herself in Nashville? What drew you to country music? When did you decide to pack up and make that cross-country move?

LB: I got to Nashville thanks to a big sister who believed in me, supportive parents, and my YouTube listeners. It was a total team effort. I wasn’t someone who grew up having leads in school musicals or singing in talent shows. I was always really shy, and really insecure about my voice. So, when I finally got the courage up to post a song on YouTube, and a few people left some comments, it was honestly a life-changer. My sister took me to Nashville one Spring break using her free miles. After that, I knew I had to move there as soon as I finished college.

AV: You’re a songwriter. However, you started out writing something else. Tell us about the Mudd Jeans “Mudd Girls Move the World” ad campaign.

LB: Mudd Jeans did a campaign one year that focused on young girls working to “change the world.” I’d just written a children’s book to raise money for the Red Cross and, by some amount of luck, I was selected along with four other girls to be in their national ad campaign. It was crazy! They flew us to New York and donated money to our causes. It was the first thing that ever happened because of my writing.

AV: Do you prepare differently when sitting down to write books versus songs? Creatively….what are the differences/similarities?

LB: When I’m writing children’s poems, which I only do now for fun for my nephew, it’s all about creating a story. With my songs, it’s about telling a story. That makes songs more difficult, but much more rewarding.

AV: You’ve created quite an impressive catalog of songs. When did you write your first song? How did it feel to create it?

LB: Aw, thank you! I wrote my first song when I was 7 and it made no sense. It was mainly me fitting words into a melody in my head. Then when I was 11 I started writing songs with my best friend. I still have our ‘catalog’ and it’s pretty embarrassing, but again, they were based on melodies. My first real song, one that had personal lyrics, was called “You Chose Her.” I wrote it when I was 17. I knew it was different from what I’d written in the past because the idea of anyone hearing it was terrifying.

AV: Your single “Stupid and Seventeen”…Wow…all of us can relate to the lyrics of this song. Tell us what its like to create a piece of work that so many will connect with and say “that’s my life!”

LB: That’s such a huge compliment! Although I think you’re being way too complimentary! I wrote it one night after literally texting a boy I knew “I can’t keep being stupid and 17 with you.” I opened up the notepad in my phone and wrote it right then, putting the song on YouTube the next day. I honestly didn’t think people would really like it, but I was really attached to it. I was living it, so I decided to post it. That’s just made everything that’s happened from it that much more special.

AV: Could never be too complimentary on this song. It’s a gem! Here’s the link to the video for “Stupid and Seventeen” on YouTube….judge for yourself! http://youtu.be/7nA85J3cFP0

AV: If someone were to compare you to another mainstream artist, who do you think it would be? Why? Who would you most like to be compared to…or do you want to be?

LB: Taylor Swift! We’re both tall, have blonde hair, and write songs about boys. It’s been a struggle being in Nashville and having so many similarities, but something I take as a compliment. I think she’s a great writer.

AV: Who would you most like to write/tour with?

LB: My dream co-writer is Shane Mcanally. I was Wikipedia-ing songs one day and realized that almost all my favorite songs in the last two years had been written by the same person, him. I’d love to write with him someday. For now, I just favorite all his tweets.

AV: You frequent open mic nights and writers rounds. Where are some of your favorite places to perform? Can you describe the most memorable event at one of these performances?

LB: I love playing the Commodore Grille. It’s homey and you always see familiar faces. There’s always a good crowd, and the sound is great. A memorable moment… I went to an event that featured Darryl Worley and a few hit writers. The host asked if I’d play some songs after the show while people mingled. I went to put my guitar backstage and met Darryl Worley, who later called me up onstage to sing a song! I was sitting next to the guy who wrote “Waitin On A Woman” for Brad Paisley. I was like “don’t mess this up, don’t mess this up.”

AV: What has it been like to perform songs that you’ve written in front of a live audience?

LB: At first, terrifying! The first time was at an “open mic” that my college dorm put on. I sang one song and I was a nervous mess. After I did it I called my entire family, including my parents who were on vacation, and they were all shocked. I think I did it to show them, and myself, that I could do it. By now, it’s just fun!

AV: I understand that you have an acoustic album on the way. Tell us about that.

LB: Yes! It’s ten of my songs from YouTube and it’s almost done! You can hear one of the songs, “That’s How I Feel About You” on SoundCloud.

AV: Here’s the link to “That’s How I Feel About You” on SoundCloud….

https://soundcloud.com/lindsay-bruce/thats-how-i-feel-about-you-1

AV: What else can we look forward to from you in 2013?

LB: I have some shows lined up in Nashville, some new songs to record and, of course, the acoustic album coming out in February. I’m not sure exactly what the year has in store but I’ll be sure to post updates on my Facebook page and LindsayBruce.org!

2013 has many great things in store for Lindsay….of that I am certain. Thank you for taking the

time to chat, Lindsay! All the best to you!

For the latest news from Lindsay, follow her at these sites:

Website http://www.lindsaybruce.org/Index.html

Twitter @CowboyBootsB

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Bruce/130830676949016

Youtube http://www.youtube.com/CowboybootsBruce

SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/#lindsay-bruce

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/lindsaybruce

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Jason Sturgeon....Hitting It Full Throttle

Petersburg, IN native, Jason Sturgeon, stepped on the gas with his debut CD “That’s Just Me.” Co-written and co-produced with Dane Clark, longtime member of John Mellencamp’s band, the songs range from rockers like “Hell on Heels” to the pure traditional country sound of “The Cover”.

The first track “Time Bomb” cranks your attention into high gear. This tune was adopted as the theme for the 2012 Monster Truck Nationals Tour. With its high octane melody and lyrics about living in the fast lane, it’s not hard to see why. Take a look and listen http://youtu.be/uAth1eZk46k .

‘I’m living my life way too fast… and I’m damn sure I’m gonna crash.’

Full throttle? Check out this video and you tell me. http://youtu.be/ZrMxnXYVGLM Yep, just nod and agree.

Connect with Jason and be on the lookout for more great music in 2013….

Website: http://www.jasonsturgeonmusic.com/

Twitter : @Jason_Sturgeon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jsturgeonmusic/app_57675755167#!/jsturgeonmusic

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/#!/jasonsturgeon

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jasonsturgeonofficial/music

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Joy Collins....It Ain't Just Music

Looking for a traditional sound with some smooth yet powerful vocals? Your search is over. Joy Collins delivers the goods with her CD “It Ain’t Just Music.” The storytelling history of country music comes through loud and clear. With lyrics that could be the soundtrack of anyone’s life, she draws you in with each line.

"Headlights"

"Got his picture hangin on my rearview

drove to his house, thought he'd be surprised

Guess I'm just a fool in love, drivin blind

in the window I saw two shadows

their silhouettes on the shade

I was paralyzed when he turned and saw my face

chorus...

frozen in his headlights

standin' there in his front yard

frozen in his headlights

he ran over my poor soul

Joy's pure and empowering voice has drawn the attention of country music’s elite. Listen to the endorsement of one of the genre’s greats, Joe Bonsall of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys.

http://youtu.be/gUSsaVJRGZQ

Be sure to get a copy of “It Ain’t Just Music” on iTunes. It Ain't Just Music - Joy Collins

And….connect with Joy on the following sites:

Website http://www.joycollins.co/

Twitter @joycollinsmusic

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/joycollinscountrymusic?fref=ts

Reverbnation http://www.reverbnation.com/fan/control_room/892998?tab=fan_dashboard&subnav=account_messages#!/joycollins

Credits: Joe Bonsall video via Joy Collins website