This week we look at a handful of indie artists and one bigger label star that showcase the wide variety that can be found on country radio. Our favorite of the week is Randy Houser’s “We Went” but we also enjoy offerings from Sugarcane Jane, Simon Andersson and Adam Sanders.
Sugarcane Jane - “The Game” (ArenA Recordings)*
From their fine Dirt Road’s End album that hit stores this week, “The Game” showcases why fans in Alabama and the Southeast have grown to appreciate the husband and wife duo. There’s a old-time feel to the track but one that still feels fresh today too.
Allan Craig Miller - “Between Saturday & Sunday” (Gray Area Records)*
Production (from Erik Halbig) is super contemporary and radio ready and Allan Craig Miller has a nice voice but the song just kind of lies there.
Tim Hadler - “1+1” (Independent)*
An honest-to-God real country song. Voice is solid and lyrics are nice. Production from Kent Wells is good. Still don’t know if it’ll be a hit or not but it’s a nice introduction.
Leslie Cours Mather - “Countrified” (Cours Mather Records)*
Talented (Loretta Lynn meets Gretchen Wilson vocally) California-based singer/songwriter shines on this self-explanatory uptempo song that’s about her roots and how she got to where she is as an artist. Wait til you hear the other stuff from her, It’s even stronger.
Chad Wilson - “Alabama Will” (Blue Mercury Records)*
Written with the late Wayne Mills and producer Chris Rowe, “Alabama Will” is a strong offering from Chad Wilson. He’s a strong vocalist and worth paying attention to.
Simon Andersson - “How Did I Get Here” (SA)*
The production on this Neal Coty-penned track is strong and Andersson has a strong voice. This is a song that can and should make a dent on the secondary radio markets. Can’t wait to hear more from Simon.
Adam Sanders - “Somewhere That You Don’t Go” (Big Yellow Dog)
Rising singer/songwriter is winning audiences over one by one and with this new single gaining traction on SiriusXM, he’s about ready to break out as the next Indie SXM artist to get signed to a big league label.
Beau + Luci - “Fire” (Beau+Luci Entertainment)*
Voices are ok but don’t see anything that’ll break out here.
Randy Houser - “We Went” (Stoney Creek Records)
This has an interesting, easy to digest melody with rhythmic verses that joins a trend that seems to be country’s mood in 2015 from Bro to R&Bish sounds. Houser sounds fantastic on the track and it should easily become a hit for him.
Ward Davis - “Last Monday In May” (Operation Song)*
One of the best unknown vocalists in Nashville (he’s had some major songwriting cuts along the way), Davis delivers this great song for Memorial Day in the USA. It’s a well-done and downright country story song. Will it be a huge hit? No. But definitely worth a listen.
Note for radio professionals: All songs denoted with an asterick (*) can be found on CDX #615 or CDX #616 or via their website.
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