I had all the right intentions of writing a blog for each day and I did actually do it after the first day … that is when my plans went out the window. Working an event of this scale is exciting and exhausting at the same time! I felt like I was being pulled in 97 different directions and I loved every moment of it! There were over 50 shows scheduled for the week and I think I went to all of them but 5 … I’m still a little tired just thinking about it! Some of the highlights for me were getting to see Wendell Mobley again! And take a selfie! Discovering a new very talented songwriter and now friend Opal Justice. Meeting Kane Brown who is very quickly becoming a name that you will know and not forget anytime soon! Hearing Jason Duke perform his hit song “Dibs” – he was asked to join his friend onstage and I was standing there to witness the awesomeness! And last but not least being blown away by Kyshona Armstrong and her amazing voice! She is also someone that you should be on the lookout for!
Wendell Mobley – “His songs have been at number 1 for 25 weeks and they’ve sold over 60 million records, but Wendell Mobley continues to create refreshing lyrics and melodies for the biggest acts and brightest newcomers. Since making his way from his hometown of Celina, Ohio, Wendell has had huge success with acts including Rascal Flatts (“Take Me There”, “Fast Cars and Freedom”, “I Melt”), Kenny Chesney (“There Goes My Life”, “How Forever Feels”), (“Tattoos On This Town”) and 12 other cuts by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan “Shut It Down”, Keith Urban, Dustin Lynch, Brantley gilbert, Rodney Atkins, Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Lonestar, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Montgomery-Gentry, Andy Griggs, Julianne Hough, John Michael Montgomery, the legendary Kenny Rogers and pop star Edwin McCain among many others. Rascal Flatts had a huge hit with his song “Banjo”, the debut single from their last album Changed, which Wendell also wrote the title track for. He has been showing his range with national ad campaign for Napa Auto Parts, writing and singing their theme song, “Napa Know How”. Mobley’s most recent single called, “How Country Feels”, also went #1 with the amazingly talented Randy Houser.”
Opal Justice – “Born and raised in Ohio. Has called Nashville home since 1998. Signed to independent label Mr. DOC Records in 2010. Label folded two years later. Has played benefit shows in Vermont, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. Has had independent cuts. Has written everything from R-rated tunes to kid-friendly songs, both with and without co-writers. Currently playing writers’ nights in and around Nashville. Quickly earned the nickname “Ocephus” by the songwriting community in Nashville because of her “outlaw” style.”
Kane Brown – Twenty-two year old Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga. native, Kane Brown shot to the top of the country charts after independently releasing his viral sensation “Used To Love You Sober” to digital retailers. Named an “Artist To Watch” by Billboard, HITS and Huffington Post, Brown built a army of online fans by posting original and cover songs to his personal social media channels. His popularity led to the success of his 2014 independent single “Don’t Go City On Me” and debut crowd-funded EP, Closer. After joining forces with RCA Nashville in January 2016, Brown answered fans demands and released “Used To Love You Sober” to country radio as his debut single. Brown is currently out on his first headlining tour with 35+ sold out shows and joins Florida Georgia Line on the Dig Your Roots tour this summer. His EP, Chapter 1, is available now.
Jason Duke – Is a singer songwriter based in Nashville, TN. He is one of the writters listed for “Dib’s” and also has a cut on Kieth Urbans new album Rip Cord. I do not have a lot of info about him since I can’t find a bio anywhere!
Kyshona Armstrong -“Surrounded by a family of singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists, Kyshona Armstrong didn’t have to search far to find musical inspiration. With a natural gift for using music to tap into emotion, she began her career in music therapy helping others find a voice and tell their story. She uses her emotional intelligence to create her unique bluesy and soulful style of music. Her latest album, Go, shows off vocal stylings that are reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, Etta James and Al Green. She has three independent releases under her belt, 2008’s EP “Music”; 2011’s EP “Home Again”; and 2014’s crowdfunded full length album, entitled “Go”. As she has traveled across the country the last 5 years, Kyshona has had the privilege of sharing the stage with Lake Street Dive, Meiko, Lera Lynn, Hope For Agoldensummer, Angel Snow, Randall Bramblett, Dwayne Shivers, Anthony David, Cracker, and many more. She currently resides in Nashville, TN where she is writing, performing and donating her time to youth empowerment programs in her community.”
