 Following the advice of a “Fortune Teller,” Amy Wilcox set her sights on pursuing a music career. Singing her her church’s choir and following in the footsteps of her father, who played guitar for his youth group, Amy has spent her life surrounded by music. Although putting music on the backburner in college to play soccer, Amy joined an acapella group. After getting injured, Amy found herself at a crossroads. Unsure of what to do next, Amy and her sister stopped by a fortune teller’s booth. Immediately, the fortune teller knew that Amy was full of creativity. With a clear mind, Amy chose to pursue a career in music.
Writing music of her own, Amy is pleased to announce that she has an EP in the works to be released this year. “Fortune Teller,” the first single off her EP is available now. Experimenting with her sound and storytelling, Amy’s music covers a range of topics. Now performing up and down the west coast, Amy is excited to share her story with others. You can find Amy performing at The Hotel Cafe on Wednesday, February 27th after opener and friend Rachel Reinhart performs. Ticket available now. Listen to “Fortune Teller” on streaming platforms everywhere and follow Amy on her social media pages at @AmyEWilcox.
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 Rising UK stars Ward Thomas released their eagerly anticipated album “Restless Minds,” on February 8th on WTW Music/Sony Music.
Hear the album here: http://smarturl.it/WardThomas_RMPV Ward Thomas’s new album “Restless Minds” features the radio hits “Lie Like Me,” “Never Know,” and “No Filter.” The album is a diverse 15 song collection written in Nashville, London, and Hampshire, with previous collaborators Jessica Sharman, Rebekah Powell and Martin Terefe (Shawn Mendes) in addition to Ed Drewitt (Little Mix), Rachel Furner (Craig David) and Steve Robson (Paloma Faith). The album was produced in London by Martin Terefe and Joe Rubel (Ed Sheeran). See the video for “No Filter” here: https://youtu.be/8pHHr-8mamY Lyrically the twins have tackled issues close to their hearts on the record, including pertinent observations on social media, the women’s movement, mental health and what ‘the truth’ means in 2018. “We couldn’t help but address social media and the subconscious competition it creates,” says Lizzy. “There’s a fake reality that everyone our age is falling for right now. Scroll down, see my page, look at my perfect life!”  SINGERS OF ALL AGES JOIN TOGETHER FOR A TRIBUTE TO DOLLY PARTON Miley Cyrus joined her godmother in a tribute to Dolly Parton’s success. Performing a variety of Parton’s top hits, she was later joined by Maren Morris, Katy Perry, Kacey Musgraves, and Little Big Town. The tribute ended with “9 to 5” and a standing ovation.  KACEY MUSGRAVES WON FOUR AWARDS INCLUDING ALBUM OF THE YEAR Before the show began, Kacey Musgraves was awarded as the winner for Country Song and Country Solo Performance. Also nominated for Country Album and Album of the Year for “Golden Hour,” Musgraves left the show with a total of four wins.  HOST ALICIA KEYS REMINDED US WHO RUNS THE WORLD Keys opened up the show addressing the crowd with an empowering statement saying, "music is what we all love. Music is what it's all about ... Music is what we cry to, it's what we march to, it's what we rock to, it's what we make love to. It's our shared global language. When you really want to say something, you say it with a song.” She preceded by inviting a number of female role models to the stage, including Lady Gaga, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and a surprise appearance by Michelle Obama.  CAMILA CABELLO OPENS UP THE SHOW WITH A LATIN AMERICAN INSPIRED ACT Complete with a brightly lit stage and numerous dancers, Cabello’s “Havana” had the crowd riled up.  LADY GAGA CONTINUES TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR HER PERFORMANCE IN “A STAR IS BORN” Although Bradley Cooper wasn’t in attendance, Gaga accepted their award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. She later put on a mesmerizing performance of “Shallow,” which she is scheduled to perform again at the Oscars in two weeks.  AFTER TONIGHT YOU’LL REMEMBER THE NAME BRANDI CARLILE Starting off the show with the most nominations of any artist, Brandi Carlile quickly took the win for Best Americana Album, Americana Roots Song, and Americana Roots Performance. As the show went on, Carlile took to the stage for a tear jerking performance of her song “The Joke.”  DRAKE GETS CUT OFF FOR ACCUSING AWARD SHOWS FOR HOSTING A POPULARITY CONTEST Drake won Best Rap Song for “God’s Plan,” however his acceptance speech was cut short. Commenting on the lack of new artists awarded at the Grammys, Drake said, “we play in an opinion-based sport, not a factual-based sport.” He continued, “The point is, you’ve already won if you have people who are singing your songs word for word, if you’re a hero in your hometown. Look, if there’s people who have regular jobs who are coming out in the rain and snow, spending money to buy tickets to your shows, you don’t need this right here. You already won.” Before his microphone was cut off.  ALICIA KEYS PLAYS TWO PIANOS AT ONCE
Call us impressed as Alicia Keys sat down between two pianos and played them at once. Performing everything from Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up” to “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Roberta Flack, Keys demonstrated her extensive vocal range. Later stating, “music is just, you know, those songs that just live inside of you. It lives inside of me. And you just love it so much because it was done so well that you wish you wrote it. That's how I feel about these songs. I wish I wrote them."  The 2019 Grammy Awards return to the Staples Center this Sunday, with host Alicia Keys, the first female host since 2005. After much backlash regarding the lack of female nominees, the Recording Academy claims that they reached out to more women and people of color about becoming members in attempt to diversify the show. To promote this image, the Recording Academy recently announced a campaign to place more “Women in the Mix.” The campaign encourages music labels and executives to hire an equal number of women.
This year five out of the eight nominees for Album of the Year are women and Brandi Carlile leads with the most nominations. The Recording Academy also announced a handful of female performers including Kacey Musgraves, Janelle Monae, Camila Cabello, Maren Morris and more. However, fans argue that major artists Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift were left out of the mix. Additional performances include a tribute to Dolly Parton by Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, and Little Big Town and a collaboration from Miley Cyrus, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Diana Ross to celebrate her music career. Making an appearance at the Grammys is film industry. Two films in particular, “Black Panther” and “A Star is Born” will be awarded throughout the night for their accompanying soundtracks. The show’s presenters will range from country music’s Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown to actress Anna Kendrick and Nina Dobrev. You can watch the 2019 Grammy Awards on CBS this Sunday, February 10th at 8 p.m. and listen to Times Up Radio for highlights throughout the show here.  Connecting with an even wider audience, critically-acclaimed country artist Kalie Shorr has released two singles in different genres at the same time: the title track off her latest country EP, “Awake” and the pop/EDM “Awake” featuring American Idol finalist Jonny Brenns.
In a first for both radio networks, Radio Disney Country premiered “Awake” while Radio Disney premiered the pop rendition of “Awake” on Thursday at 1pm PT/4pm ET. The two songs were concurrently added into the respective networks’ regular playlists. Says Phil Guerini, VP, Music Strategy Disney Channel & GM, Radio Disney Network, “We’re thrilled to deliver another Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country first with the simultaneous premiere of two different versions of the same song “Awake” from Kalie Shorr, one of country music’s most promising and undeniable talents whom we’ve supported since our launch in 2016.” On Friday, Billboard announced the release of both singles and featured the strategies that have “raised Shorr’s profile” in the last 12 months. CMT world-premiered the “Awake” music video on Friday with a feature article on CMT.com: “Kalie Shorr’s ‘Awake’ is a courageous reflection in the vulnerability of being an emotional support system for those who don’t deserve it.” Says Shorr, “It’s not a secret that I’m inspired by a wide variety of music. This past summer I spent some time in LA and wrote a lot of pop songs while I was out there. It was really freeing creatively and the perfect kind of challenge for me to grow as a writer. One of my collaborators, Matt Ferree, produced a track for a song we wrote and I loved his style. After a meeting with Phil and my management, we came up with the idea to release a reimagined version of ‘Awake’ with a whole new vibe. Calling Matt felt so obvious and I loved bringing in Jonny to sing from the male perspective. This song has been so special to me since I wrote it with Skip Black, and I’m looking forward to watching it have a whole new life.” Shorr played the Grand Ole Opry Friday night for the ninth time and will be announcing additional tour dates soon. Shorr currently co-hosts daily segments on Radio Disney Country called “Let The Girls Play” with fellow artist Savannah Keyes. You can find Shorr’s music on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music. As tour dates continue to be announced, you can stay current with Kalie on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Be sure to follow her on Youtube and visit www.kalieshorr.com.  RIAA Certified Platinum Singer-Songwriter, Heather Jeanette, is set to release her new single “Save Me The Heartache” on February 1, 2019. The song will be Jeanette’s second release, yet her first to be written, produced and recorded 100% by Jeanette herself.
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Heather Jeanette relocated to Los Angeles upon signing her publishing deal with twelve time Grammy award winning mixer Serban Ghenea. She has co-written and co-produced songs for artists including Selena Gomez, Kelly Clarkson, Jason Derulo, Jojo Siwa and more. While Heather continues to collaborate with other artists and producers, she wanted to challenge herself to be the sole writer and producer on “Save Me The Heartache.” She states, “I feel like I’m sharing a more personal experience with my fans in having full control of my sound. I also hope to inspire more females to be producers.” "Save Me The Heartache" was mixed by Serban Ghenea and Sage Skolfield. Heather Jeanette plans on writing and producing more music to be released next year.  Ever since attending a Johnny Cash concert at the age of nine, singing has been a dream of Britnee Kellogg’s. Having grown up to the sounds of traditional country and watching the success of Miranda Lambert and Carly Pearce, Britnee’s music mixes the sounds of new and old country. Writing from an honest place, Britnee shares her experiences of being a mom in her music. Wanting to be an example of someone who won’t let anyone keep her from following her dreams, Britnee plans to expand her fanbase outside of the Pacific Northwest where she’s from.
In March, Britnee will release a new EP entitled “Someone Somebody Loves.” The title track is a ballad, which has brought Britnee’s fans to tears. Based on her own personal struggles, the track is relatable to many. Stay tuned for what’s to come for Britnee Kellogg by following her on social media at @BritneeKellogg and on her website at http://www.britneekellogg.com/. Author: Nicole Marchesi  In the past year radio has been under scrutiny for lacking diversity, forcing listeners to turn to streaming sites for new music. As a result, studies predict that radio broadcasting will become extinct in the coming decades. While some can argue that radio is easier to access in the car and allows for interaction between a listener and a station’s host, those born into the digital age argue that the radio is a poor source to discover new music and is difficult to listen to on a smartphone. Streaming, however, allows listeners to choose the music they want to listen to and is compatible with in home speakers and devices. To explore this trend further we conducted a survey asking 50 people how many hours they spend listening to the radio versus streaming sites. Additionally, the sample was asked about their age to determine whether one’s age correlated to which format they listen to most.  While the majority of poll takers under the age of 30 listen to the radio, 94% surveyed prefer to listen to streaming sites. Younger poll takers listen to 1.46 hours of music on the radio on average and stream an average of 5.68 hours of music on digital platforms. This demonstrates that streaming sites are more easily accessible to listeners under the age of 30. In a study done by Music Watch, they found that streaming sites in comparison to broadcast radio are easier to navigate, keeps listeners aware of music trends, and helps in discovering new songs and artists. Without having to rely on the choices made by radio executives, streaming platforms allow listeners to discover unsigned artists and create playlists of their own. According to data found by Edison Research and Triton Digital’s Infinite Dial, only 19% of listeners choose radio as the top source for new music in 2017. The following year Spotify, YouTube, and Pandora more than doubled in sales revenue. This study also found that music discovery and keeping up-to-date with current music trends is important among listeners age 12-24. The increase in streaming usage has current radio executives turning to steaming services as an indication of an artist or song’s popularity, therefore catching onto music trends too late.  In the past, listeners relied on the radio as their main source for music. The radio allowed for a variety of music to be heard, without the customer having to purchase entire albums in the form of a CD or vinyl. Accustomed to radio’s influence on music selection, the majority of individuals over the age of 30 prefer listening the radio. Of the data we collected, poll takers listen to 3 hours of music on the radio and 2.95 hours on streaming sites each day. Removing the outliers which listen to music on streaming sites for 8 and 11 hours, the average for listening to streaming sites is 2.25 hours. Radio’s selling point is its easy accessibility in the car. According to the US Department of Transportation, the typical car is 11.6 years old, meaning the majority of vehicles are without the equipment necessary to play music from a smartphone or other digital device. Discovered by CNBC, drivers born between 1946 and 1964 are buying new vehicles at a slower rate representing only 36% of new car buyers down from previous years where they made up 42% of buyers. This indicates that older listeners typically tune in to the radio while in their cars.  A sample of 50 subjects were administered the survey ranging from the age of 17 to the age of 68. Of our sample, 62% listen to music primarily on streaming sites leaving 38% who prefer to listen to the radio. Overall, poll takers over the age of 30 listen to fewer hours of music with an average of 2.976 hours per day, while those under the age of 30 listen to an average of 3.57 hours of music per day. This speaks to the how the music industry is less dependent on radio as a source of music exposure, meaning the easy accessibility of streaming is allowing the younger generation to listen to music for more hours each day. Streaming is now available to listeners on their mobile devices, through their home speakers, and in the car.
Platforms such as Spotify and Pandora allow people to listen to music while undergoing everyday tasks including commuting, studying, and exercising. Although listening to the radio in the car remains convenient, car manufacturers began selling models with smartphone connectivity in 2015, installing USB ports and Bluetooth enabled devices. Bluetooth speakers and in home audible devices, including the Amazon Echo, focus on streaming services allowing for music to be played from a mobile device rather than through AM/FM radio channels. In the digital era, streaming sites are becoming the primary source for listening to music. Radio broadcasters are faced with how to engage with their younger audience, who prefer commercial free music and personalization. Upon our research, we agree with New York University’s Larry Miller who believes that radio stations must adapt to the rise of digital streaming. Applications including iHeartRadio and TuneIn allow listeners to stream local and national radio stations on their smartphone devices. Radio stations may also attract listeners by offering giveaways to concerts and sponsored events, continuing to market their clients’ products while offering incentives unavailable to those who stream their music. Additionally, radio stations would limit commercials which don’t provide incentives to their listeners. Another source of attracting a younger audience is by introducing new songs and artists regularly. Radio broadcasters must work with recording companies to discover new talent, before the public does. To understand their audience, radio stations should also provide their listeners with a platform to voice their opinion of the artists played on the station and request artists they’d want to hear. The best thing a listener can do is reach out to radio broadcasters and demand what they want to hear. If that doesn’t work, turn to the radio stations who do take your requests, because the point of the matter is radio provides exposure for artists and without it talent goes unrecognized. Talent the women in country music have right now.  Meet rising star Kamryn Palmer, who will be performing at the Lighthouse Cafe on January 22nd as part of our Change the Day for Girls concert series. This 19 year old is quickly building her fanbase. A talented guitar player as well, Kamryn has a unique ability to connect with her audience.
Having played venues including the Grand Ole Opry and the House of Blues in the past, Karmyn is excited to bring her music to the west coast. Now working with producer Billy Smiley, Kamryn is creating a new album to be dropped in 2019. The album follows the release of her single “Devil in an Angel’s Disguise” a soulful, female- driven anthem about finding that guy who is the perfect charmer, but eventually over time you discover “it was like being in heaven and hell at the same time.” Listen to Kamryn's music on all digital platforms and join us at the Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, CA at 6pm on January 22nd to see her perform. Details and RSVP here: http://www.womenofcountrymusic.com/events.html.  The third single "Goodbye For Good" from their highly anticipated EP, Capsize, was released on January 4th for streaming and download on all major platforms including Spotify and iTunes. “Goodbye For Good” is a strong representation of the sentimental vocals and intimate country-esque lyrics from the mother-daughter duo of Lindsey and Claire Justice. Having worked with producer Chris Jacobie (Penny & Sparrow, Jarrod Dickenson, Duncan Fellow) to complete the EP, the result is a five song exploration and showcase of the musical ingenuity that is created when artistry runs in the family. This is the third and final single from the upcoming EP, Capsize, due to be released February 1st, 2019.
Cliffs + Caves unabashedly share their deeply personal and relatable stories through songs that resonate with listeners of all generations. Best known in their home state of Texas for their unique blend of indie-folk music, the pair are delivering their best record yet with the release of their upcoming EP, Capsize. The original songs are a team effort with Lindsey creating most of the lyrics and melodies while Claire, a multi-instrumentalist, composed the music for the tracks. Undoubtedly their most dynamic release to date, Capsize reveals the depths of their skills as songwriters and instrumentalists with intimate lyrics lilting intrinsically over smooth musical progressions. |
FOLLOW USABOUT MEI am currently a student at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles as a marketing major. Upon realizing that I wanted to change the way people perceive country music and to help women have a voice, I began The Women of Country in 2015 promoting new female artists and sharing their stories with the world. You can find me via Instagram @nicolemmarchesi or contact me via email at nextwomenofcountry@gmail.com ARCHIVES
February 2019
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