Key West Songwriters Festival

Key West Songwriters Festival – Jake Owen

May 11, 2016July 13, 2018

You know that time that your job requires you to ask Jake Owen to pose for a photo so that you can post it on Facebook… Yeah that happened to me this week when we were waiting for him to perform and I asked “Could I snap a backstage photo of you so that we can say your here and excited about going on stage”.

I was upstairs on the balcony of Rick’s for all 3 shows that night. LANco opened the show followed by Kane Brown who was AWESOME!

Jake Owen –

“Jake Owen ascended to stardom with five #1 smashes – the 2X PLATINUM anthem “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” PLATINUM-certified hits “Beachin’,” “Anywhere with You,” “Alone with You,” “The One That Got Away” and the critically acclaimed “What We Ain’t Got.” Owen’s latest hit “Real Life” released to rave reviews with Entertainment Weekly hailing the progressive song as “infectious.” The RCA Nashville recording artist is currently in the studio with award-winning producers Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman working on his fifth studio album due out in 2016. The upcoming project follows DAYS OF GOLD and the GOLD-certified, chart-topping BAREFOOT BLUE JEAN NIGHT, which has sold well over 5 million tracks to date. Previously taking home ACA and ACM Awards, the Vero Beach, FL native has earned GRAMMY and TEEN CHOICE Awards nominations. Known for his thrilling performances and laid-back style of country, he toured as direct support for Kenny Chesney’s 2015 BIG REVIVAL Tour and will be hitting the road again in 2016.”

LANco –

“LANco are five best friends making music and working to create something bigger. Together, LANco is Brandon Lancaster, Chandler Baldwin , Jared Hampton, Tripp Howell, and Eric Steedly. Formed in 2012, LANco was born of a chance meeting between Howell and Nashville native Lancaster. Mining a catalog of songs written by Lancaster, the group began to develop its sound. The first result of their collaboration is LANco’s four-song, self-titled 2015 EP. The EP offers first-time LANco listeners a taste of the distinctive style that defines the band. Now looking forward to the release of their upcoming full-length debut album LANco is among the first acts signed to Sony Music Nashville since the arrival of new Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman. Assigned to the label group’s Arista Nashville imprint, the band was an immediate win with Goodman, who offered them a deal on the spot the first time he heard them live.”

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.”

Have I mentioned recently that I LOVE my job … yes I think I can say that! To end the night I was listening to Jake Owen perform Barefoot Blue Jean night and sipping on my Corona!

Key West Songwriters Festival – What happened the rest of the week…

May 10, 2016February 20, 2019

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.”

Key West Songwriters Festival 5-4-2016

May 4, 2016May 5, 2016

Well this was sure a day that I wont forget anytime soon! Mother nature was NOT kind to us at all! First we had to postpone the Kickoff party until 7:30 and then move it to another venue all together! After many hours of rain the Kickoff party and Pier House events were moved to the very small and very pack Conch Republic Seafood Company. I have to give them a lot of credit they did what they could with the lack of notice and amount of people that piled in to see some of their favorite songwriters. I also wish I had taken a selfie of me walking down the streets of Key West in my trash bag since I don’t actually own an umbrella.

Rhett Akins was up first! He played a ton of songs and was on stage for at least 45mins. He played with 3 band mates and 2 borrowed acoustic guitars! How cool is that!

“Rhett Akins is a Valdosta, GA. native who grew up in a close-knit family that supported his musical interests.

One of Rhett’s song demo tapes found its way to the reactivated Decca Records, who quickly signed Rhett to a recording contract and in 1995 released A Thousand Memories to critical acclaim, spawning his first # 1 single, “That Ain’t My Truck”. That success was duplicated the following year with “Don’t Get Me Started” from Somebody New.

Rhett has an impressive 20 career number one singles and cuts by Brooks & Dunn, Frankie Ballard, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins, and Lee Brice. All of these hits led to Rhett being named BMI’s songwriter of the year twice. Rhett was named the #4 Billboard Country Songwriter for 2010. “Honey Bee” became the highest selling digital debut by a country male solo artist. He has received the Triple Play Award five times for having three number one singles in a twelve-month period.”

Next up was Wendell Mobley & Randy Montana, They were supposed to perform at the Pier house and they were also moved to the Conch Republic Seafood Company. I can’t say enough times that Wendell is one of my favorite songwriters.

“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.”

Randy Montana was someone who I had never heard of and won’t forget anytime soon!

“Nashville native, singer-songwriter Randy Montana’s songs are pure, honest, gritty but still manage to be from the heart. His style clings to the rough edges of country’s musical highway with clear hints of his childhood musical influences intertwined throughout. Growing up in the “music business” with a successful songwriter father, Billy Montana, he was familiar with the industry and “good music” before attending grade school. As a child they listened to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Jackson Brown among others.

He has quite the resume of touring, opening for artist such as Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Sugarland and many others. And in the songwriting world, having a George Straight cut isn’t too shabby either. He has also penned songs recorded by David Nail and Parmalee and wrote “What if I Was Willing,” featured the show Nashville. He currently writes for Sony ATV Publishing and is working on an EP to be released in 2016. ”

Next up was Robert Earl Keen, who truly doesn’t need any other introduction … but we will keep it going with the bio’s.

“Over time, Robert Earl Keen has recorded 19 albums and has thousands of shows under his belt and still no end in sight. He has blazed a trail that’s earned him living legend status in the Americana music world. REK has led his road savvy band from coast to coast where they have carved out a place in the Americana pantheon. Keen has sold out performance halls from New York to Nashville to Austin to San Francisco. In April of 2015, REK was part of the Grammy’s On The Hill Texas delegation to lobby music creator’s rights before Congress. In March 2015, he was presented the very first BMI Troubadour Songwriter’s Songwriter Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame. It isn’t always easy being Robert Earl Keen, but somebody’s got to do it. And he’s loving every minute of it.”

He was also onstage with Even Stevens & Robert DiPiero who it turns out is the cousin of someone I know! Small World right?

Even Stevens – “Even’s songwriting career spans many stylistic borders, from the international hit, “When You’re In Love With A Beautiful Woman” by rock’s Dr. Hook, to “ I Love A Rainy Night” by longtime partner and superstar, Eddie Rabbitt. He has accumulated an unprecedented 53 BMI Awards, which includes: 14 Pop Awards – 26 Country Awards – 1 Five Millionaire Award – 1 Four Millionaire Award – 1 Three Millionaire Awards – 4 Two Millionaire Awards – and 6 One Millionaire Awards. The Grammy and NSAI Songwriter Hall of Fame nominated composer has written the ACM Best Country Song winner, “Love Will Turn You Around” by Kenny Rogers and won BMI’s coveted Robert J. Burton Award, Song of the Year for “Suspicions” by Eddie Rabbitt, earning him the distinction as a BMI “Songwriter of the Century.”

Bob DiPiero – “Since his first #1 in 1983, Bob DiPiero has been responsible for more than 1,000 cuts by artists, countless singles, and 15 #1 hits. His songs are on TV and in films, including his Oscar and Golden Globe nominated track “Coming Home” from Country Strong. He has 50 BMI Million-Air honors, multiple Songwriter of the Year awards and 2 consecutive Triple Play awards for 3 #1 songs in a 12 month period. Bob is the host and creator of the CMA Songwriters Series, touring Nashville’s finest artists at home and abroad. In 2007, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame and Walk of Fame. In 2014 Bob performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “Poets and Prophets Series” as a “Salute to Bob DiPiero.” The CMA presented Bob their Chairman’s Award in recognition of his contributions to the industry and songwriting community.”

And lastly on my list is Aaron Lewis … who I met and took photos of earlier in the day and had no idea he was performing later tonight at Rick’s/Durty Harry’s.

“In 2011, Staind frontman, Aaron Lewis, formally arrived in the country world with the release of his debut EP, Town Line. Highlighted by the success of gold-selling single “Country Boy” featuring the legendary George Jones and Charlie Daniels, the seven-song EP reached #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and #7 on the Billboard Top 200 upon release. Critical praise followed from the likes of PEOPLE’s Chuck Arnold and the ASSOCIATED PRESS’ Michael McCall. Lewis also received two Academy of Country Music nominations for “Vocal Event of the Year” for “Country Boy” (for his work as artist and as co-producer) as well as two CMT nominations–one for “USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year” and another for “Collaborative Video of the Year.” Now, he’s carrying on a tradition of storytelling and songwriting himself. This new chapter proves cyclical for Lewis, actually bringing him back to the first style of music he ever heard: country music.”

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