TagKey West Songwriters Festival

This is absolutely one of my favorite events here in Key West. I have always been a fan of country music but this festival takes it to another level. Getting to see the people who wrote the songs you love and hearing their stories makes them so much more special. Wendell Mobley is probably my favorite person I have seen over the years. I’m pretty sure I love every song he has written! The person who you should be on the lookout for is Kane Brown, currently his breakout song “Used to Love you Sober” is blowing up the charts. Can’t wait to see him on the Main Stage on Saturday!

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.

Robert Earl Keen –

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.

Rhett Akins –

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.

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.

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.

This year I have a bit a unique opportunity – experience since my company TORsAdventures Media is also working with the KWSWF as the official festival Social Media Manager. I can’t wait to share some behind the scenes photos and also want to send a HUGE Thank You to Dani since she is the real person behind this whole festival!