Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Madd Talent Contest - Update!

Update for all our Homegrown Songwriters!  This contest is open to ALL AGES, GENRES, BANDS, SOLO ARTISTS, INSTRUMENTALISTS. I thought since so many of you songwriters also perform, you would like to take advantage of this opportunity. So read all about it! Click the links ... Watch this video!

Embed filter did not allow the full rules and links to show so I have copied them entirely for your information and convenience as I do not want any of you to miss a good opportunity! I suggest you go to this link http://youtu.be/5ehi5JHhkQA if you decide to compete. Judges are from the  music and talent industry! Once again, "Good Luck!"



MADD TALENT ARTIST CONTEST RULES

Details:


Welcome to the Madd Talent Artist Contest. You will compete for some great prizes listed here on our website.
 http://bit.ly/maddtalent


The top three winners will perform on stage with established YouTube artists Skylar Dayne, The Command Sisters, Just Hannah, MaryJustice Lucas and Emily Brooke.


We are expecting a packed house so it should be a blast. If you are serious about advancing your exposure on YouTube as an artist you can get some great tips from these artists. 

If you are within 100 miles from Nashville you must perform on stage at one of the dates below to be eligible.
 

HOW TO SUBMIT A VIDEO

You can now submit a video response to this video in order to enter the contest. This is for contestants that live long distances from Nashville and can't make two trips to Nashville if they win. You must live outside of 100 miles from Nashville to qualify for the video entry. Your video will be played in front of the judges on one of the two days set for competing. The competition will be streamed live so you can watch the contest as it happens. You can register on the day you want your video to be judged by registering on one of the dates below.

In order to be considered a contestant for this contest, you must register below: There is a $35.00 entry fee. One general admission concert pass is included in the entry fee.

Monday June 18th, 2012
 6:00pm-9:00pm
http://bit.ly/Jwzsk7

Monday June 25th, 2012
 6:00pm-9:00pm
http://bit.ly/Lsgo7T
 


After you have registered, your video will be shown as a video response to this video. Please allow 2 days for it to show. If you don't see it after two days the please feel free to email us and let us know. If you have any other questions about the contest email: mgmt@maddtalentmgmt.com.

No artist or relative associated with Madd Talent Music or any subsidiaries are eligible for the contest.

Watch for the announcement by following us on Twitter @maddtalentmgmt or Subscribe to us on YouTube at MaddTalentMgmt.

Links:
Skylar Dayne
http://bit.ly/J6P0G3
The Command Sisters
http://bit.ly/KoaBeJ
Just Hannah
http://bit.ly/ygRMqF
MaryJustice Lucas
http://bit.ly/Jv3TqS
Emily Brooke
http://bit.ly/L8TSv0

Madd Talent Music Contest

Hello to all our Homegrown Songwriters! This contest is open to ALL AGES, GENRES, BANDS, SOLO ARTISTS, INSTRUMENTALISTS. I thought since so many of you songwriters also perform, you would like to take advantage of this opportunity. So read all about it! Click the links ... Watch this video!



SOME CONTEST HIGHLIGHTS:

Contest is on two consecutive Monday nights at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville. So, click the link of your choice to register your entry. Deadline to enter is the Saturday night before each contest. So, if you miss the first night you have an opportunity to make the next night. How's that for opportunity!!?

Monday June 18th, 2012 
6:00pm-9:00pm
http://bit.ly/Jwzsk7

Monday June 25th, 2012

6:00pm-9:00pm
http://bit.ly/Lsgo7T 


Contest Rules are below the video with full details.

It gets even better for opportunity! If you live 100 miles or more from Nashville and can't make two trips (being positive because you KNOW you will be a winner), you may compete by submitting a video. Video contestants will be judged along with the live contestants via large screens. Both evenings of competition will be streamed live on the internet so you may watch the entire contest if you can't be there in person!

See prizes at this link  http://bit.ly/maddtalent

There are more prizes but ... First, Second and Third Place winners will perform at the Madd Talent Concert  on Sunday, July 8th with Madd Talent YouTube Artists at the Hard Rock Cafe Nashville.

GOOD LUCK!

Sunday, May 6, 2012

A Day For Hackleburg School

Songwriters for Survivors in conjunction with Wishmaker Productions is sponsoring a tornado relief concert in support of Hackleburg, Alabama school students. Please go to the Songwriters for Survivors website for information about the organization. There is also a PayPal link on the website for donations. Raising money to rebuild, repair and replace because of the April 2011 tornado destruction and devastation in North Alabama is an on-going project for these caring, giving songwriters who so unselfishly DONATE their time, talent and funds for the cause. 
Saturday - May 12, 2012 12:30PM - 8:30PM
311 N. Court Street - Florence, Alabama


12:30 Marla Cannon-Goodman and Dylan Altman


Marla Cannon-Goodman, born in Melrose  Park, Illinois and raised in Kingston Spring, Tennessee, is a second-generation hit songwriter. As a child, Marla had a front seat for country music history as she watched her father, Buddy Cannon, shepherd the careers of new and legendary artists as producer, songwriter and record label executive. Since her first cut by Sammy Kershaw in 1996, she has been making country music history herself, with songs recorded by artists ranging from Eddie Arnold to Kenny Chesney. Marla had number one smashes with "The Fool" recorded by Lee Ann Womack and "Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo" recorded by Tracy Byrd. Marla has become a beloved and respected hit-maker on Music Row.


Dylan Altman, a graduate of Boston's Berklee College of Music, hails from New Jersey. This singer-songwriter-musician was initially influenced by his jazz musician father. Dylan picked up a guitar at age 13 and quickly developed a passion for music. Influences ranging from The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Marvin Gaye, Lowell George and Bruce Springsteen can be heard in his melodic songs, soulful grooves and fiery guitar playing. These qualities shine through in his live performances, having opened for Edwin McCain, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Radiators and Will Hope. Dylan had a number-one hit in "Watch the Wind Blow By" on Tim McGraw's album, "Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors" and "Baby I'm Home" on Trace Adkin's album, "Songs About Me".


1:45 Kenneth Cooper and Andrew Velez


Kenneth Cooper is a Singer/Songwriter from Huntsville, Alabama. Kenneth's genre of writing is best described as a rough-n-rowdy style of contemporary country, like his current singles "Bad Ass Country" and "Die Tired".  However, he's still known to throw down the occasional hearty love song. Currently, Kenneth is writing with hot new Nashville artists and staff writers, including Lindsay Bruce, Alayna Carroll, Borrowed Blue, Mike Sprinkle, and Parish County. Kenneth's schedule is full with writing sessions with more new up-and-coming pop and country artists this year. He routinely plays rounds at Nasvhille's famous Bluebird Cafe and the Commodore Grille, and has gotten two Independent Artist cuts so far this year.



Andrew Velez is a Country and Southern Rock singerfrom Huntsville, Alabama, currently living in Nashville, Tennessee. He began singing and playing guitar at a you age in church and soon thereafter began doing musical theater for extra time on the stage. As soon as Andrew turned 18 he headed to Nashville to pursue a career as a performer and songwriters where he has spent all his time writing songs, recording in the studio and touring his band, as well as his solo project. This fall, Andrew is releasing his new CD entitled "Country as Cornbread" and couldn't be more excited. He's currently playing the college circuit with Nashville based Crescent Moon Entertainment. This spring he has traveled and played all over the Southeast and looks forward to expanding the tour circuit soon. Although most of Andrew's time is spent on the road, he loves coming home and visiting and his family and friends. North Alabama is still Andrew's favorite place to perform!


3:15 Vickie Raye, Billy Ryan Droze and Jim Parker

Vickie Raye, a talented singer with a powerful and soulful voice, is capable of taking you on a journey from the very first song well into the last; leaving you wanting more. Born in Puerto Rico where she was a adopted at birth, Raye began performing professionally at the age of 8 in musical theater in Miami, Florida. She is now a permanent fixture in Music City, USA. She quickly made a name for herself by writing strong lyrics, and impressionable melodies. Vickie performed as the "front-woman" with the rock band Emerald Steel; touring Germany, Brazil and the United States. Rave reviews in Rag Magazine said her voice transcended the band from just heavy metal band to a "melodic heavy" band. Vickie performed as background vocalist for Gloria Estefan, John Secada and others in the famed Calle Ocho in South Florida. In the country scene, she's opened for Jeff Bates, Shenandoah, Marty Raybon, Billy Ryan, and more. During those experiences, she discovered a new world outside the theatrical arena and moved to Nashville to focus on her solo career. Her album releases include, "Different Shade of Southern", "Cigarettes & Circumstance" and "Vickie Ray: Unplugged". Taking the next step in her career, she is the newest artist with PCL Music, preparing to release her debut single, "Face" to radio. Vickie Raye's song "Leaning On The Grace of God" was featured as CMT's Top 10 Listener's Choice 2011.

Billy Ryan Droze is said to be one of the most prolific singer/songwriters in country music today. He earned his first #1 hit and several top ten songs in Europe. He tours extensively with the country music super group Shenandoah. He has been featured in major publications and media all over the world such as radio, television, magazines and newspaper. His songs have been recorded by Shenandoah, Darryl Worley, Randy Kohrs, Marty Raybon and Billy Yates. He is a writer on on a Darryl Worley single. Billy Ryan Droze is sure to be a huge success in country music and you can say you've seen him first! Don't miss it!!

Jim Parker co-wrote John Anderson's first single "I've Got a Feelin'" with John Anderson and Michael Garvin in 1978. The song received an ASCAP country song award. In the late 1970's Jim co-wrote "Chicken Truck" which was recorded by John Anderson in 1981 as the last song in a recording session. The song became a "B" side release for the song "I Love You A Thousand Ways" by Lefty Frizzel but Jerry House, a popular DJ in Nashville turned the single over and played the "B" side and the song took off. "Chicken Truck" was later recorded again by Aaron Tippin. Jim co-wrote the title track of John Anderson's 12th studio album, "Bigger Hands," which was released in 2009 and peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. Jim Parker is the creator and host of Jim Parker's Songwriters Series(TM) show at the Von Braun Center Playhouse in Huntsville, Alabama where he showcases the talent of songwriters from Los Angeles, Canada, Georgia, Nashville, Muscle Shoals and surrounding areas. The dinner-theater type atmosphere is a monthly event where people can listen to songs from the people who wrote them and hear the stories behind their songs. 


4:45 Karen McNatt and Kathy Hudson

Karen McNatt was raised in a very musical family. Her father and mother played and sang together and raised eight kids with a music addiction. Karen stood on a chair in church and sang harmony with her two sisters when she was aged 3 and 4. Although her family "took the front burner" while she was raising her children, Karen never stopped singing and playing, mostly in church. Eight years ago after marrying her talented husband, Don McNatt, she poured herself into writing and learning mandolin to accompany his "sweet guitar sounds." They travel throughout the United States and worldwide doing shows in Hawaii, Alaska, Germany and Australia. Karen says she does not know how this year could top last year but she has already decided it will! 

Kathy Hudson started singing and writing songs in the early 70's and played in top 40 bands for a few years. Kathy quit to concentrate on writing while enjoying a solid career as a Registered Nurse working in the Emergency Room.  She was heavily influenced by fold singers she grew up listening to but has concentrated on a career as a commercial country writer. She moved to Nashville in 2008 and has made big leaps toward attaining that goal and feels she will soon write the song that will give her the option of early retirement from her day gig of ER RN. Kathy  says, "I'm getting a lot of pitches to great artists and hopefully, I'll get the "cut" we all dream of ... but at the end of the day, it's the journey!"


6:00 Jerry Salley and John Tinger


Jerry Salley is an American country and bluegrass singer/songwriter. 
Jerry won SESAC's 2003 "Country Music Songwriter of he Year" award. He has been writing and singing in Nashville since1982 and to date, has had 300 songs recorded including "I'm Gonna Take That Mountain" by Reba McEntire, "I Fell in the Water" by John Anderson and ten top twenty gospel songs. Jerry has had songs recorded by Toby Keith, Patty Loveless, Brad Paisley, Loretta Lynn and many others, too numerous to mention here. He is a six-time Dove Award nominee and won a Dove award in 1990 for Inspirational Song of the Year with "His Strength is Perfect" co-written with Steven Curtis Chapman.

John Tinger was introduced to a guitar at age eight by a neighbor and from that time on, music became a major part of John's life. By the time he reached early adulthood, he was able to collaborate with like-minded musicians, which eventually led to creating a band focusing on experimental rock and heavy metal. John continued his studies in classical guitar and enjoyed a career in recording and live performances. He  soon, however, became disillusioned with the music industry and put his guitar down for a period of nine years. During this time, John feels that he grew personally, enabling him to put his music career in perspective. He began to realize how important music was to him for self expression through finger-style acoustic styles rather than the more provocative and energetic electric medium of his youth. John has been influenced by finger-style composers such as Alex Degrassi, Chet Akins, and Leo Kottke. It was their commanding influence that brought John back to music to focus on the acoustic medium exclusively.

7:30 MaryJustice Lucas and Matt Morrow

MaryJustice Lucas, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, is a 17-year old performing songwriter. Although she is trained in ballet, jazz and modeling, her passion for songwriting and entertaining is clearly demonstrated in her renditions of pop, new country and inspirational music.Whether singing her originals or cover songs, MaryJustice's style, stage presence and honesty of lyrics appeals to teens as well as older music lovers. MaryJustice is a multi-award winning singer and songwriter who performs regularly in North Alabama and Nashville. She has recorded demos and harmonies for other songwriters. She is an  iPOP! Los Angeles 2010 top ten finalist  iSING! and TV/Commercial Beauty and is affiliated with NSAI, BMI, TCGMA and is under the management of Madd Talent Management of Nashville, Tennessee. MaryJustice is the 2012 music award winner of the North Amercian Country Music Associations, Int'l (NACMAI) Music Awards, in New Country Songwriter of the Year, New Country Rising Star Album of the Year and the New Country Female Entertainer of the Year in her division. She currently ranks #19 on ReverbNation's Nashville Pop Chart.

Matt Morrow is a singer-songwriter-musician from Guntersville, Alabama. Matt writes acoustic folk music in the vein of Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Ryan Adams. Matt frequently writes from the perspectives of other people, his songs sometimes sounding like short stories. Matt says, "I like to write songs that tell the stories of people who you wouldn't expect to have stories to tell." He recently released his album "Burlap and Gold" containing songs inspired by the lives of people from his home town. He is a multiple MOVA 
Songwriter Winner and has played concerts all around the country. Matt has a strange way of stealing the attention of a room with a whisper, rather than a shout, and making darkness seem more beautiful than the light. On stage, his acoustic guitar is the only foil needed for the dark poetry of his lyrics that sting with addiction, despair, hope and hard-earned wisdom. But it's truly his remarkable voice that can bring an audience to a breathless silence -- dipping low and smoky one minute and sailing into a chilling falsetto at others, but usually somewhere in between and always hauntingly beautiful.

A big THANK YOU to Adam Thomas and Ken Shelton for helping with pulling the bios and photographs together to promote this event. Thank you to John Matthews for such a terrific poster that will be in displayed in  front of FloBama with the "gate-keeper of the donation box, bucket, vessel". I think the posters are on most every building in the area by now! Thanks to Susan Belk for getting all this talent and holding it together like Super Glue. See everyone in Florence on May 12th at 12:30PM ... get ready to be entertained. But, there's still a LOT to do before Saturday. Any one with some time to pitch in please Facebook Susan Belk! I think we are in need of someone to video the show and make individual short videos of  the performances. That shows the public our credibility as an organization!!
Webmaster

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Derby Days at the Madison Gazebo

Songwriter's Concert - May 5th 10:00 - 4:30
Hosted by Jim Parker

Permission to publish Derby Days granted by artist,  Michelle Lee


You will not want to miss this concert! If you have ever been to one of the Jim Parker Songwriter Series concerts at the VBC you know the caliber of songwriters he can bring in. Come hear  them sing their hit songs. Sometimes they tell the story behind the song! And this one is free to the public. What more could you want?


Jim Parker co-wrote John Anderson's first single "I've Got a Feelin' (Somebody's Been Stealin')" (co-written with John Anderson and Michael Garvin) in 1978. The song received an ASCAP country song award. In the late 1970s Parker co-wrote "Chicken Truck" which was recorded by John Anderson in 1981 as the last song in a recording session. The song became a "B"-side release for the song "I Love You A Thousand Ways" by Lefty Frizzell but Jerry House, a popular DJ in Nashville turned the single over and played the "B" side and the song took off. Parker co-wrote the title track of John Anderson's 12th studio album, "Bigger Hands," which was released in 2009 and peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. The song was released as the second single from the album but did not chart. Jim Parker is the creator and host of a show at the Von Braun Center Playhouse in Huntsville, Alabama called Jim Parker’s Songwriters SeriesTM where he showcases the talent of songwriters from Los Angeles, Canada, Georgia, Nashville, TN, Muscle Shoals, AL, and surrounding areas. The dinner-theater type atmosphere is a monthly event where people can listen to songs from the people who wrote them and here the stories behind their songs.  Jim Parker - 12:00PM


Shane Adkins is a fingerstyle guitarist, entertainer, and songwriter from Hazel Green, AL. He won the 2005 International Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in Winfield, KS and the 2003 International Thumbpicking Championship in Greenville, KY. Shane has performed on the Grand Ole Opry, for the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society, and most recently, traveled internationally to perform as the main act for the Grand Soiree Guitar Event in Gravelines, France. He blends the styles of Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, and Doc Watson along with his original tunes to create a fun, moving, and unique performance. 
Shane Adkins - 11:00AM

Born in Florence, Alabama in 1942, Donnie Fritts began his career as a musician at the age of 15, playing drums and keyboard. In 1965 Fritts began writing songs and had songs recorded by Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson and others. As a songwriter, Donnie's songs were performed and appeared on the national charts by Charlie Rich (You're Gonna Love Yourself In the Morning' (1980), Dolly Parton (We Had It All-1986), and Waylon Jennings (We Had It All-1973). Donny just got a cut by the Rolling Stones entitled (We Had It All - 2012) being released on their next album. In 1967, Fritts began playing keyboards for Kris Kristofferson, also a Florence, Alabama native, a relationship that spanned 20 years and in locations both nationally and internationally. Donnie appeared in several movies with Kris Kristofferson.  In 2001, Fritts had a kidney transplant that closely followed seven heart operations. While he was recovering in the hospital after the transplant, a friend asked how he was doing. Fritts responded that he had "one foot in the groove." It became the title of a CD in 2008. On February 22, 2008, Kristofferson was on hand  to induct Donnie into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. On March 06, 2008, Donnie Fritts, active on the Muscle Shoals, Alabama, music scene appeared with Billy Bob Thornton for The Billy Bob Bash: A Muscle Shoals Homecoming at the Shoals Theatre in downtown Florence, Alabama as  part of the George Lindsey UNA Film Festival. In 2008 Billy Bob and Donnie also began co-writing several new songs.  Donnie Fritts - 1:00PM


Alabama born Ricky Ray took up slide guitar at the age of three as he sat on his great grandmother's lap and watched her play slide guitar using a butter knife. And he hasn't looked back since!
Primarily recognized as a guitar player's guitar player, no matter what the venue, when he plays everyone in the room sits up and takes notice! A player, producer, singer-songwriter, he works with some of the best, played for some of the best and has a versatile list of cuts unlike many other in Nashville!
Ricky Ray's songs have been recorded by:   Ruth Brown - Good Day for the Blues, The Band (Levon Helm) - Stand Up, Tony Joe White, Waylon Jennings - Up In Arkansas, Memphis Horns, George Strait - Noel Leon, Maria Maldaur - He Don't Have the Blues Anymore, Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers), Dobie Gray, Etta James, Lacy J. Dalton, Johnny Neel, Miranda Louise, T. Graham Brown – Darlene, Bucky Lindsay, Rhonda Townes, B. J. Thomas, Ashley Cleveland - We Can Dance, Bruce Channel, Larry Henley, Original Copy, Bobby Keyes, Becka Bramlett, Lonnie Mack, Eddie Raven, Mel McDaniel, Kix Brooks, The Kingsman, Kimberley Dahme, The Bowling Hounddogs, Bama Band, Roy Head, Charles Tuberville, The Nerve, Tom T. Hall, Les Taylor, etc... Ricky Ray - 2:00PM

Karen Staley was born in Weirton, WV and raised in Hookstown, PA, where families worked in the  steel mills for generations. Her family was no different. A back injury  haulted Karen's career in sports, but her high school choir director lent her a guitar and showed her the chords to John Denver's “Annie's Song.” Karen quickly forgot about sports! She attended West Virginia Wesleyan College majoring in social work and psychology.  Karen, a devout Christian, began writing and singing Contemporary Christian music and performing at school and area churches. After graduation she signed an artist deal with a label in Costa Mesa, CA, but the label folded. Dejected and looking for a way to use her God-given gifts, she entered a country talent contest at  Wheeling, WV.  Karen won the Grand Prize, an opening spot on the now world-famous Jamboree In The Hills Festival, and a regular spot on the Wheeling Jamboree radio show where she  opened for artists such as the Judds and Reba McEntire. Karen moved to Music City,  went to ASCAP and met with Bob Doyle who immediately saw a star in the making. Her first #1 record was “A Face In The Crowd” recorded by Michael Martin Murphy and Holly Dunn, nominated for a Grammy award. Her songs have been recorded by: Faith, Reba, Terri Clark,Dolly Parton, George Jones, Conway Twitty, Kathy Mattea, Tracy Byrd, Lee Ann Rimes, Patty Loveless, Confederate Railroad, Trick Pony, Thyrd Time Out, Jeff & Sherry Easter, Daniel O’Donnell, Ronna Reeves, Michelle Wright and Rick Trevino. Experiencing many countless trials, disappointments and setbacks in the music industry, the tenacious and determined Karen Staley prevailed! Her strong faith in the Lord, and  being a vessel for the miraculous gift of music has  sustained her through the many tough times.  Karen Staley - 3:00PM

Rising Young Stars

Opening - Special Guest 
Bonner Black - 10:30AM

Bonner may have very well redefined what it means to be 16 years old. While your average teenage girl may be consumed in thoughts of a driver’s license and boys, Black is well on her way to accomplishing more at her young age than most do in a lifetime. She was formerly a classically trained ballerina and received scholarships to train in New York with the Eglevsky Ballet and the Alabama Ballet in Birmingham AL. Black began teaching herself guitar at the young age of 13. She began singing around the house for fun, but was sent to vocal coach Jami Wigginton in Nashville by a man who heard her singing in church. Now hard at work on her debut record, Bonner is currently endorsed by Daisy Rock Guitars for Girls as well as an active member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Very active in the crusade to end online piracy, Black frequently travels to Washington D.C. to meet with congressman and senators to share her passion in preserving the rights of hardworking songwriters in Nashville and beyond.


Closing Artist
MaryJustice Lucas - 4:00PM

MaryJustice Lucas, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, is a 17 year old performing songwriter. Although she is trained in ballet, jazz and modeling, her passion for songwriting and entertaining is clearly demonstrated in her renditions of pop, new country and inspirational music. Whether singing her originals or cover songs, MaryJustice appeals to teens as well as older music lovers.

A multi-award winning singer and songwriter, she performs regularly in North Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee. She has recorded demos and harmonies for other songwriters. MaryJustice is an iPOP! top ten finalist in iSING! and TV/Commercial Beauty having competed in the international competition in Los Angeles, California in 2010. MaryJustice is affiliated with NSAI, BMI, TCGMA and is under the management of Madd Talent Management of Nashville, Tennessee. MaryJustice is the 2012 award winner of the North American Country Music Associations, Int'l (NACMAI) Music Awards, in New Country Songwriter of the Year, New Country Rising Star Album of the Year, and the New Country Female Entertainer of the Year in her division. She currently ranks #19 on ReverbNation's Nashville Pop Chart.