House In Back - My One Lousy Friend Alternative/Alt. Rock, Country Rock, Alt. Country California, United States Overall Impression: House In Back have released their new Country tune My One Lousy Friend. Opening with a gorgeous pedal steel, My One Lousy Friend boasts a quick Country groove and sweet sound. The guitars and percussion all work to create a solid foundation for the vocals, and have a breezy attitude that will have fans of Country and Gulf Rock pining for more. In contrast to the general sweetness of the music, the lyrics deliver a sour punch to the piece of work who calls themself your "friend". When times get tough and you need a shoulder of support, this person steps out of the way and slips out the door. They are sung with a gentle and patient tone that adds snark and wit to the overall tune. As the song progresses, listeners are treated to a fine and melodic guitar solo that gently carries them to the final chorus. With the release of My One Lousy Friend, House In Back shows a strong command of Country style and lyricism that lends itself to a very enjoyable listening experience. Strongest Point(s): The wit hidden behind the tune is very fun. While the overall sound is positive, gentle, and easy going, the lyrics surprise with their intent. Listeners should stay diligent and not get lost in the music, as they could risk letting the lyrics slip in one ear and out the other. Thus turning them into a particularly lousy friend. Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Country are sure to dig My One Lousy Friend by House In Back. Artist target suggestions: Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Zap & The Wires, The Charlie Daniels Band, Creedence Coldwater Revival, Keith Urban Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruises, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
Nicole Stromsoe - I Am Fine Folk, Jazz, Blues, Americana, Alt Country California, United States Overall Impression: Nicole Stromsoe has released the new country tune I Am Fine. Opening with acoustic guitars and piano, I Am Fine immediately pulls listeners in with a warm sound and moderate two-step groove. The tune's strong country feel is accented by folksy vocals and fine guitar work, both of which add an indispensable color. Lyrically, I Am Fine stylishly raises a giant middle finger to that former lover who clearly has a type. They are sung confidently with a sly wit by Stromsoe, and provide an anthem for those who deserve better. As the tune progresses, listeners are treated to a fine slide guitar solo and continual sense of assuredness in the vocals. With the release of I Am Fine, Nicole Stromsoe reveals a strong sense of songwriting, and even stronger sense of self. Strongest Point(s): The lyrics are clearly inspired from personal experience, and provide relatable content supported by fine musicians. The tune is quite strong all around. Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Country music and strong female singers will enjoy I am Fine by Nicole Stromsoe. Artist target suggestions: Carrie Underwood, Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, Johnny Cash, Zac Brown Band Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured as a classical chamber musician, onboard luxury cruise lines, and with the Broadway musicals Finding Neverland and Escape To Margaritaville. His recorded work spans from classical works and pop tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
Amanda Cunningham - Run Country, Americana, Alt-Country Oklahoma, United States Overall Impression: Superb writing and excellent performances blend together in a truly graceful manner in this excellent Americana-infused folk piece by Amanda Cunningham. "Run" is a great example of what the genre has to offer and is a testament to what great songwriting can achieve regardless of duration. In its brisk runtime, "Run" manages to achieve a great deal, and does so with great style. Amanda gives a brilliantly understated performance that's filled with both nuance and refinement, encapsulating the genre perfectly. Strongest Point(s): The performances are certainly a standout and capture the spirit of the genre wonderfully. Amanda showcases a tremendous amount of character and subtle expressiveness in her vocal delivery that makes for a resoundingly soothing listening experience from start to finish. The folk genre has always treated both the vocalist and lyrical tale their telling as the main focal point, it's very much about building a relationship between the lyrics, vocalist, and listener and it's clear Amanda understand this relationship, and it makes for a deeply engaging performance that is both smartly understated and intimate in nature. Along with the poignant lyrics and all-round solid performances, I really like the way small changes in instrumentation and texture are made in order to significantly alter the overall "feel" of the piece, whether it'd be the stripped-back approach in the opening to the expanded middle section that feels broader in both scope and space, this track manages to do more in its brisk runtime of 2:19 than many can accomplish in double that, which is certainly no easy feat, and for that I must tip my hat off to everyone involved! Target Audience Appeal: This is an excellent example of what the folk genre has to offer, and with its subtle Americana elements, fans of both genres will find themselves connecting with "Run" on a deep level. Artist target suggestions: Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, George Harrison, James Taylor, Cara Dillon, Patty Griffin, Jamie Drake, Joni Mitchell, Simon &Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, Caitlin Canty, Judee Sill, James Taylor, Jim Croce Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer: Andre is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.
Curtis Lee Putman - Montgomery In The Rain Country, alt country , Blues Michigan, United States For Fans Of: Conway Twitty, Florida Georgia Line, Jamey Johnson, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Brantley Gilbert, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis, Ariana Grande, Moonshine Bandits, Mac Miller, Sam Hunt, Eminem, & Hank Williams, Jr.
Interested in being a New Music post? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Free Song Contest under your Special Offers menu on the RadioAirplay.com dashboard!
Jeremy Parsons - Things To Come Country, Americana, Alt Country Texas, United States For Fans Of: Jason Isbell, Brent Cobb, Brandi Carlile, David Ramirez, John Prine, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, Gabe Lee, Steve Earle, Ruston Kelly, Lori Mckenna, Tom Petty, Margo Price, Will Hoge, Justin Townes Earle, Rodney Crowell, Robert Earl Keen, Hayes Carll, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sturgill Simpson, Buddy Miller, Buddy & Julie Miller, & Waylon Jennings
Interested in being a New Music post? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Free Song Contest under your Special Offers menu on the RadioAirplay.com dashboard!
Mike Breen - Behind The Blues Country, Alternative Country, Folk Arizona, United States Overall Impression: Mike Breen follows the time-honored tradition of country storytelling in the sweetly sentimental ballad Behind the Blues, where his traditional guitar work marries with tender piano, and nostalgic strains of autoharp and mandola to create a timeless tale of weary resignation and blues blossoming into the sweet surrender of love. The instrumental mastery on display, along with Breen's unwavering delivery of matters of the heart brings the listener back to days as a small child, humble and quiet, content just to have a place to sit and enjoy the music as it unfolds. Strongest Point(s): Where to begin? Cartsonis's presence with the Autoharp and multiple Mandolas lends Behind the Blues an idyllic, almost storybook-like feel, while still blending with the other instruments flawlessly, a very special and specific je ne sais quoi. The piano's line, provided by Ponzek finds opportunity for plenty of flair and personality amid wonderful simplicity, and the contrast between acoustic and resonator guitar furthers this same sense of carefully crafted restraint. A moment of resolve (at approximately 3.21) and the lead up to it (starting around 3.07) work together to grant the closing measures particular poignance. All that being said, the song truly owes its soul to the excellently arranged and delivered lyrics that paint a vivid picture of a lonely, aging narrator long resigned to his fate, and his miraculous evolution as he begins to discover love in his world, and finally bids the Blues farewell. Target Audience Appeal: Behind the Blues is essentially Country in structure, but Mike Breen may find it tugging on the heartstrings of Pop, Folk, Singer-Songwriter, and Indie listeners; really anyone who's up for a song full of authentic emotion. Great for live performances, album sales, and personal playlists alike, the possibilities for Behind the Blues are many. My guess would be that there are dozens of prolific country artists who would beg (and pay) for a chance to perform this song, but with the excellent execution of Breen and company, I wouldn't blame him for wanting to keep this one to himself. Artist target suggestions: Townes Van Zandt, John Prine, Patty Griffin, Gordon Lightfoot, Emmylou Harris, James Taylor, George Jones, Jason Isbell, John Hiatt, Dave Alvin, Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, Elton John Interested in having your Song Reviewed by our Professional Staff? Head to your RadioAirplay.com dash and click Song Reviews under the Special Offers menu!
About the Reviewer: Mary Wildsmith is an FM Radio DJ, and has been involved in both on-air work and radio production for five and a half years, in addition to working the past decade in and out of the live entertainment industry. She has experience with the fickle nature of the music industry, selecting singles to promote or discard for radio play, and engineering stage to audience sound systems. Having worked balancing, troubleshooting, and running audio rigs has enabled her to be both sensitive, and sympathetic, to the finesse and nuance of quality recording. Mary is passionate about promoting new and independent artists, and has spent extensive time in round-table environments discussing music and audio critically, and collaborating with artists to enable them to put the best possible foot forward with their art.
