 Country music artist, Stephanie Owens, releases her new single, “Work for Shoes”. Co-written by Stephanie Owens, John Allan Miller, and Melissa Sheridan and co-produced by Lee Holland and Stephanie Owens, the song is a celebratory anthem for shoe lovers everywhere.
“This single begins a new chapter for me. While most of my released songs have been more reflective in nature, ‘Work for Shoes’ unleashes spunky Stephanie. Anyone who knows me well is very aware of my sassy side, so I figured it’s about time to show that to the world,” Stephanie laughs and continues, “I’ve always been obsessed with shoes, and wearing the right pair of heels truly makes me feel like I can conquer anything. This recent pandemic also has us all feeling a bit down in general, so I’m excited to throw some humor into the mix!” Steam or buy the single, available on all digital retailers, now: https://ffm.to/workforshoes
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 Canadian country-pop artist Mandy McMillan is thrilled to announce the release of the official music video for her newest single, “Dream Catcher”. Co-written in Nashville by McMillan and Andrew Beason and produced by Simon Gugala, “Dream Catcher” was inspired by McMillan’s own love of dream catchers that started when she first made them at a festival. The song is both an honest reflection of her unwavering belief in the cultivation and manifestation of goals, and a compelling snapshot of her own journey towards fulfillment. The music video was directed by Jenny Marvin. A performer since age 5, the Edmonton-born McMillan gave up her day job in Stony Plain, Alberta to move to Nashville after winning a 2008 Country Music Television Canada contest. This bold choice has led to an array of moments, like opening for the likes of Trisha Yearwood and Blake Shelton, releasing her self-titled debut 2014 EP, appearing on stage as part of Kenny Chesney’s 2014 CMA Awards performance, showcasing at the 2018 Diamonds in the Rough series during Canadian Country Music Week, making the Top 10 of ole’s “Play for Publisher” for her 2018 single “Chasin’ the Ace”, playing in a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, and showcasing at Whiskey Jam. Now dividing her time between Canada and Nashville, McMillan wants her new music and her journey to empower others to act on their own ambitions.  Following in her father’s footsteps, Samara Yung was destined for the stage. Initially a competitive figure skater, an injury focused her attention to music. Inspired by the musicians close to home, her sound reflects her Canadian roots.
Her new single “In Case you Missed Me” is the first song from her upcoming EP. Written by Emma-Lee, Madeline Merlo, Brett Kissel, and Tim Hicks, Samara was in love the moment she heard it. Saying, “There is so much emotion right from the start and I felt so much love still in her heart for someone who is not there anymore. She’s just not ready to give up on that person. It’s something so many people can relate to. Danick Dupelle nailed the production and really helped musically to take us on that emotional journey of the song. I am so excited for you to hear this one!” Constantly learning and pushing herself outside her comfort zone, Samara is excited for what’s to come. To new artists she notes, “It doesn’t happen overnight, stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you.” You can listen to Samara’s music on all streaming sites or on her website here. Country singer/songwriter Drew Haley released her new single and music video, “Fool to Remember” on June 12, 2020. “Fool to Remember” is a song listeners won’t forget. It’s a heartfelt reflection on memories of what used to be, and holding on to a past you’re not quite ready to let go of. Drew’s emotional lyrics lay the groundwork for the perfect sad song, and the passion in her voice makes it clear she’s been there before. Drew’s voice takes center stage against a simple acoustic arrangement.
"As a songwriter, you always hope that someone out there will relate in some way to your songs, maybe find hope & healing thru them. I’m a sucker for writing sad songs and 'Fool to Remember' is definitely one of the most vulnerable, soul poured out on paper, heartbreak songs I’ve ever written. It's a bit scary and exciting all at the same time to be finally releasing it." The beautiful music video “Fool to Remember” was produced by Austin Peckham of Create Nash. The video adds visual emotion to the song and Drew's stunning beauty on camera matches her velvet vocals. Through the video, Drew tells a highly relatable story of love, what could have been, and the pain of those memories not easily forgotten.  LGBTQ+ Pride Month occurs in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have had in the world.
Country music is making major strides as proof that the country community of artists and fans are accepting to all. The annual Concert for Love & Acceptance, hosted by GLAAD and presented by CMT, will be streaming June 30th at 8 PM ET. Hosted by Ty Herndon, Cody Alan, and Kristin Chenoweth. Ty Herndon is an openly gay country singer who is most well known for his number one single, “What Mattered Most.” Cody Alan, host of CMT’s Top 20 Countdown, publicly announced he is gay in 2017 via a heartfelt Instagram post. Proceeds from the concert will benefit GLAAD and the Academy of Country Music’s charity, ACM Lifting Lives. The Concert for Love & Acceptance boasts an amazing lineup of incredible performers and will also include many notable appearances. Lauren Alaina, Jake Ownen, Matt Bomer, Lewis Brice, Terri Clark, Billy Gilman, Leslie Jordan, Harper Grae, Mickey Guyton, Dennis Quaid, Michael Ray, Rita Wilson, Brett Young, and more will all be featured on the livestream. In a release Herndon said, “Now more than ever, it’s so important that young LGBTQ people see the artists and musicians they love standing up for them. Since we began this event in 2015, it’s only been about love and acceptance, and we’re not about to let this COVID virus distract us from sending a message loud and clear to LGBTQ youth: you’re perfect just the way you are.” Country music artists Kasey Musgraves, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, and Jennifer Nettles are a few of the many artists that are using their voice to publicly declare their support of the LGBTQ+ community. Musgraves' hit song, “Follow Your Arrow” features the lyrics, “Kiss lots of boys/ Or kiss lots of girls/ If that's something you're into.” The positive reception from the LGBTQ+ community of her fans was overwhelming. Bryan sings, “I believe you love who you love/ Ain't nothing you should ever be ashamed of” in his song, “Most People Are Good.” These artists are paving the way for future country artists to show their acceptance and love and to spark social change through their music. Brandi Carlile is one of four women who make up the country music supergroup, The Highwomen. Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris, and Amanda Shires are her bandmates. Carlile is a multiple Grammy award winning singer-songwriter and producer. Carlile identified as a lesbian in 2002, and ever since she has been spreading awareness for health issues to LGBTQ+ rights and empowerment of women. Brandy Clark, nominated for Best New Artist at the 2015 Grammy Awards, is an American country music singer-songwriter. Her songs have been recorded by greats such as Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Billy Currington, Kacey Musgraves, Darius Rucker, and more. As an open Lesbian, Clark says, "The only people who ask me about my sexuality are journalists -- whenever there's a story to write, it seems like a cool talking point. I've never had a label person say anything to me about it; I've never had a radio person ask me about it." To stream the Concert for Love & Acceptance, visit their website www.F4LA.org. Haley Moloney |
