Thousands of people move to Nashville, the “country music capital,” with hopes that their talents will get them noticed by the right person. Whether they score that record deal or not, these musicians put their heart and soul into their music that ultimately leads their lives.
Hearing the same country songs on the radio can get old really fast. It’s always nice to have some new tunes shuffling around on your iPod or MP3 player. If you can’t get enough of country music, then take a few minutes, turn down the radio and turn up these three artists you may have never heard of.
Kelleigh Bannen
This Nashville native is sure to win you over. Kelleigh Bannen’s original music and bubbly personality make the up-and-coming country artist unique and worth listening to. In 2009, Bannen played 90 gigs in 90 days in honor of her brother who passed away after a long battle with addiction. You may be familiar with her first radio single, “Sorry on the Rocks.”
On Bannen’s website, she says, “I want to make the kind of music that feels great when you crank it up on your way home from work on Friday night. The kind that plays in your head even when you turn it off. And I want to make the kind of music that makes you lean in and think about who you are, and who you want to be.”
Check out her latest video for her single and original music on Bannen’s website, http://www.kelleighbannen.com/
Eric Paslay
Eric Paslay has made it on the Country Billboards, won award after award and all without singing a single note. Well, not literally of course. He is one of Nashville’s most talented songwriters who has yet to make it big as a performer. However, if you’re a country fan, you have heard a few of his songs.
“Barefoot Blue Jean Night” may ring a bell. Written by Paslay, the song won EMI’s 2012 “Country Music’s Song of the Year.” Eli Young Band, Lady Antebellum and Love and Theft are only a few of the other many popular artists Paslay has written for.
His music is nothing but honesty and immediately captures the attention of anyone who listens. Even though Eric Paslay may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of country music, his ability to write and perform country music is impeccable. Country music runs through Paslay’s blood. It would only be expected as a country fan to know his music.
Greg Bates
He has all the boys shining up their Chevy and all the girls dreaming of the day when he’ll sing his hit single “Did it For the Girl” just for them.
Born and raised in Nashville, TN, Greg Bates, a Belmont alum, knew his calling in life was to make real country music. And he did just that. Recently releasing his EP on iTunes, his songs embrace just enough traditional country music pleasing to the ear. Authentic is a good word to describe Greg Bates’ music. Lipscomb junior Rachel McAngus, loves cranking up Greg Bates whenever she can.
“His music is just fun and puts me in a happy mood. It’s always surprised me that he isn’t bigger than he is because his music is so good,” said McAngus.
Greg Bates sweet southern charm and pure country voice is slowly but surely winning the hearts of country fans everywhere. Get to know his music before everyone else.