Country singer/songwriter Jon Edmund is 22 years old and is from Norman, Oklahoma. Although he is new to releasing his music, he is not new to the music scene. Through playing in many different bands, writing, producing and mixing, he feels greatly thankful to get so many outlooks on how music is made and how the industry works. His first EP, “Southern Gentleman,” will be coming out on June 10th, 2022 and will feature three songs that will show what kind of artist he wants to be.
Edmund’s latest single is “Country Girl Swing,” and it came this year. His music is available to listen on both Spotify and Apple Music. If you would like to find out more about Jon Edmund please go check out his social media pages down below. Thanks again Jon for being a part of my site.
Hello Kate! Can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country artist?
I grew up in a beach town between Boston and Cape Cod called Duxbury MA. Around age 7 I took voice lessons which eventually led to some piano lessons as well. At age 11 I taught myself guitar on a Martin my dad had in our basement which he played from time to time. Even though I did play a lot of music growing up, I had a really cool childhood, played a lot of sports and was in a lot of different friends groups which, I believe, made me a really well rounded person. I am the youngest of 3 and neither of my older siblings can sing or play any instruments but they always had their friends over blasting music. At my core I have always loved the radio. I didn’t really get into country music until highschool but when I did it totally changed the course of my life.
What made you want a career in country music?
In highschool I changed my friend group who all LOVED country music. I’ll never forget one of them gave me a couple Miranda Lambert CD’s and I was floored. I never heard anything quite like it yet had never related to something so quickly. At the time Eric Church and Lady Antebellum were also hitting their first huge wave of success so I got really into both of them as well. I was pretty close to going to college in Nashville but ended up getting a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston which I took as a sign that I needed to be there.
Who are some of your musical icons?
As a musician this question always throws me for loop because I never clung to one specific artist for too long. I was constantly jumping into different genres. But several big names I took a lot of inspiration from are Joss Stone, Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, Miranda Lambert, Gavin Degraw, Maren Morris and you could even say Britney Spears for her attention to her performance.
How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?
Soul, Style, Grit, and Grace.
What is the background behind your new song “Turn on Your Light?”
In August of 2020 I received a track from a musician in town. He asked if I wanted to write to it as he had a female artist friend in mind for it. He actually told me the girl he wanted to create it for was going through quite a tough year. At that time we had all been through a tough year so I took that concept and flipped it into a comforting song of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Long story short, I then brought the song to Peter Shurkin who I have worked with for several years who produced the song with Goffrey Moore. We ended up cutting the song with more live band production which ended up being the best fit for the lyrics and melody.
Where are a few of your favorite venues to play at?
Since going to Berklee I never had a typical social college experience so playing in bars and clubs in my late teens and early 20’s really became that for me. In Boston I used to play 3-4 nights a week over the summer and really gained my chops in every type of dive bar to five star hotel possible to play in town. Once I moved to Nashville, I started playing a bit Downtown but over the years really gravitated towards playing in Midtown. I have played so many songwriter nights on Demonbreun it feels like several hundred. This past year I started playing 4 hour cover gigs at Live Oak which has become quite the spot for musicians in town. I really enjoy it there, the staff and crowd are always fantastic.
What is your recording process like when making and creating new music?
It really depends on the song. “Turn On Your Light” was really unique because I wrote it to a track rather than starting it on my own. Usually I can demo all my songs on my own then send them to a proper producer to create.
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Be a jack hammer” – Billy Ray Cyrus – I recently heard him say this in an interview on the Bobby Bones podcast. His story really hit a note with me in the fact that he played bars and clubs for a decade before getting signed to any sort of deal. (Which essentially could be my story as well) The phrase basically means hit your daily grind from all angles and as many times as possible.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I really hope most people can take one part of “Turn On Your Light” and resonate with it! Hope to stay in touch! XO
Country singer Kate Cameron is equal areas of soul, grit, and grace. Cameron’s clear and rare vocal sound lands between two places her Boston background and her Nashville icons. At times you can hear aping soul and rock vocalists such as Susan Tedeschi or Aerosmith yet she also has the song/songwriter appreciation of singers like Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert.
In 2015, Cameron graduated from Berklee College of Music, obtaining a Bachelor of Music focusing in Songwriting and where she also got the chance to perform for and honor Doug Morris, a top industry executive who formerly was a CEO of Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. While attending Berklee allowed her to refine her vocal craft before taking on Music City. Cameron has been working in the Nashville music setting ever since moving there to release her self-written and co-producing different artist projects.
Cameron’s latest single “Turn on Your Light,” came out this year and is available to listen on both Spotify and Apple Music. If you would like to find out more about the talented Kate Cameron then please go take a look at her website at (https://www.katecameronmusic.com).
I’m known for my margaritas at parties so here’s my preferred recipe of the Cadillac Margarita!
Directions:
– 3 oz of Casamigos Reposado Tequila and squeeze 1 fresh lime (1 1/2 if you prefer more citrus/tart flavor.)
-1/2 ounce of simple syrup, 1 oz of grand marnier and add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
-(If you don’t have Casamigos or want to save money, use any reposado tequila that is 100% de agave and just add a few drops of vanilla sweetener. It’s my secret weapon!)
• Hello Eric, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country musician?
Sure thing. I’m Eric Lee and I grew up living in South Florida just outside Davie. I live with my wife, cat, and we just got a golden retriever pup named Billy the Kid. Over the years, Before I became a country musician, I mainly worked as a music producer, collaborating with a variety of artists and have made music for TV, Film, and ads. When the pandemic hit in 2020, those types of projects went on hold so I bet on myself and finally laid some of my own songs down. The immediate reception was far greater than anything I could’ve ever imagined.
• What made you want a career in country music?
I must’ve been 7/8 years old when my grandmother would play Dolly Parton and The Judds cassette tapes in her car. My grandmothers have always had a profound influence on me, instilling values I hold high to this day. One of the things I love about country music is that it’s a community of core values and southern hospitality and being able to sing about those things. During my time as a producer, I always dreamed of performing live for huge crowds of people. I was able to write for the artists I produced but it took many years searching for my unique voice as a songwriter. But then about 5-6 years ago, these songs just started pouring out of me.
• How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words?
Country RocknRoll with Heart n’ Soul
• What is the background story behind your new song “Come Break My Heart?”
I’ve written a few songs for my wife that I’m excited to release in the near future but this one came to me during lockdown. I think a lot of couples were put through “patience building” circumstances at home in the past couple years haha – but me and my wife’s unconditional love for each other pulled us through it all. I don’t think there’s anything more special than standing by the one’s you love no matter what, through the ups and downs. It’s definitely a unique take on a love song but it feels authentic to me and I think a lot of people will relate to it after everything we’ve gone through.
• Who are some of your musical icons?
Dolly Parton, Dwight Yoakam, Chris Stapleton, and Eagles to name a few. Those are all just phenomenal, iconic story tellers who sing form the heart and each have their own unique personas that have inspired millions all over the globe.
• What are a few of your favorite venues to play at?
Well, I haven’t had the opportunity to play many shows just yet since I’m the new guy in town but I’ve played The Troubadour once in Los Angeles with a past band which was a lot of fun. My dream is to play The Ryman, Grand Ole Opry and huge festivals to seas of people all over the world one day soon.
• What is your recording process like when making and creating new music?
A lot of my songs have came to me in random moments of life. Just sheer inspiration. Sometimes I’ll finish writing it by myself and sometimes I’ll want to collaborate with others. I always start with an acoustic guitar and the voice memo app on my iPhone. My philosophy is that once the songwriting is bulletproof with just my acoustic guitar, the song will essentially produce itself. Doing it this way gives me the freedom to imagine what the instrumentation will sound like and the ability to try different chord progressions on the fly. After that, it’s essentially paint by numbers while producing the song in Pro Tools at my home studio since most of the arrangement has already been planned in my head for the song. It also allows me to give my full attention each process of a song’s creation separately. First I put on my songwriter hat and then I put on my producer hat. I find it’s a very efficient way to work for me. When I’ve finished both my jobs on each song, I then send the sessions off to Vance Powell to mix. He’s my favorite mixing engineer, a legend, and the nicest and most generous guy (not to mention he’s worked with Chris Stapleton and Jack White and won several CMA and Grammy awards). It’s an honor and a lot of fun getting to work with him.
• What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Love thy neighbor as thy self”. I’m not a highly religious man but my grandmother took me to church every Sunday as a young boy and this was the most important value for her that I learn. There have been many experiences and different people I’ve met over the years that have taught me a lot and reaffirmed this ideal. Most recently, I watched the film 42 shortly after Chadwick Boseman tragically passed away. I realized it was the only film of his I haven’t seen yet so my wife and I put it on. The film is incredible and Chadwick gave a powerful performance. But there’s a scene where Harrison Ford, acting as Branch Rickey who managed the 1946 Dodgers, recited this famous bible verse and then proceeded to explain that it can be found in the bible 9 times and is in fact the most mentioned verse above all others… which get’s me thinkin that it’s gotta be the most important value we should all uphold in life.
• Is there anything else you would like to share?
Absolutely! Please check out my covers of “Before the Next Teardrop Falls” and “If We Make it Through December” as they are both benefiting great charities and I’m hoping to raise money! You can also hear a traditional country version of my song “Same Dirt Road” exclusively on songsforhope.org which raises money for many important causes.
Eric Lee is an American Singer/Songwriter He was raised in South Florida, and Lee grew up with wide-ranging impacts- from Dwight Yoakam, Bob Dylan, Eagles, and Dolly Parton. He has a one of kind voice in country music, creating vocally driven singles with all his heart and soul.
His first single “Same Dirt Road,” was released in November 2020 and rapidly gained millions of streams, hit number 38 on the Music Radio radio chart and earned a steady international presence. Motivated by the concept that we’re all joined, no matter where we grew up and what “road” we walk, Lee co-wrote and produced the song.
He’s also had success as a producer and co-writer, licensing music for TV, Film and Ads. In 2018, he produced and co-wrote the song “Stronger Than I’ve Ever Been,” performed by Kaleena Zanders which was showcased in Toyota’s segment during the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics that year.
His debut album “For Who You Are,” was self-produced and mixed by six-time Grammy winner Vance Powell (Chris Stapleton and Jack White) and Mastered by Grammy-winning engineer, Pete Lyman.
In 2022, Lee’s brand new single “Come Break My Heart,” is available both on Spotify and Apple Music. If you would like to find out more about the talented Eric Lee then please go check out his website at (https://ericlee.live).
Hello Anthony, can you tell us all a little bit about yourself before you became a country singer? Hey so its Anthony! thanks for reading my Q & A I grew up in Chicago I Have always had a silly fun side to me I enjoyed bass fishing, basketball,Cars for me its always been about spending time with the people close in my life that has always been important to me!
What made you want a career in country music? From a young age music was an incredible passion of mine I use to get home from school as a kid grab my little guitar & headset mic jump on the couch play Garth brooks live and put a show on to my parents and sister all the time! I had it down pretty good Lol. So as I grew up Country just stoled my heart I connected to it the most because of Dad raising me up on the traditional country it always stuck with me & I loved the story telling the overall sounds & great voices of Country Music
Who are some of your musical icons? Man that is tough to only say a few but the few that made me the Country artist I am today is Garth Brooks , George Strait, Keith Whitley & Brad Paisley
What is the background story behind your brand-new single “Nowhere TN?” Sat down with My Co Writer Aaron Pax Taylor brought him the idea The song originally started as a couple in love enjoying the simplistic, small town living in Tennessee, but it turned into much more “ When someone listens to Nowhere TN, I truly feel it will connect to everyone in some aspect. I didn’t grow up in Tennessee, but I’ve been here for five years and I can tell you, this song truly embodies something that can be hard to put into words. The people here have a certain set of values that I admire greatly and am working towards every day to instill in myself. It seems that there is a great sense of connection between the southern states that is hard to find any where else. They are all about helping their neighbors out in times of need and they love their Faith, Family and are proud to be an American! ”
What is your recording process like when making and creating new music? Great question so for me I wanna go into the studio having a great general direction of where I want the song to be before getting there and make sure everyone In the room the producer the band understand my vision & understand me as an Artist & creating new music I just try and go into a co write with again a clear direction of what I wanna write to get things taking off efficiently & keep my songs that I put out there as Real to who I am as possible that’s important to me
How would you describe your music in 3 to 5 words? Traditional, Real , relatable,Authentic & Country
What are a few of your favorite venues to play at? When I started playing in Nashville 5 years ago I played in this small town a little south called Leipers Fork its a slice of Gods Country I play there quite often still at the Fox and Locke but another great venue has been the Local in Nashville & Dawghouse in Nashville as well this town has amazing venues
What is one of your favorite quotes? “Believe Dreams come true Every Day Because They do” Lucas Scott
Is there anything else you would like to share? Yes with this first single & music video coming out just know I got more coming so please keep tuned in with me if your in Nashville hopefully we have the opportunity to say hello & you can catch me playing in Nashville or on tour soon! & thank you so much for taking your time to learn about me come join my social media & be apart of the Pana Fam I tend to post most often on instagram but I am on Facebook, twitter, YouTube & Tik Tok Anthony Pana Music God bless Y’all Anthony Pana
Anthony Pana just put out his first single and music video for “Nowhere TN,” and plans to make a stand-out report of who he is as a Country artist and an individual.
“Nowhere TN,” was released on March 25, 2022 and was penned by Aaron Pax Taylor and Papa in 2021. The single first started as a couple in love liking the childish, small-town lifestyle in Tennessee, but it transformed into much more. Pana’s thoughts about this song are “When someone listens to Nowhere TN, and he can feel it will connect to everyone in some aspect. He didn’t grow up in Tennessee, but he has been here for five years and he can tell you, this song truly embodies something that can be hard to put into words. The people here have certain values that he admires greatly and am working towards every day to instill in me. It seems that there is a great sense of connection between the southern states that is hard to find anywhere else. They are all about helping their neighbors out in times of need and they love their Faith, Family, and are proud to be American!”
Pana also had the chance to work with his good friend Tim Rushlow, formally the lead singer of Little Texas, who came into the studio the cut Background Vocals. Papa felt so lucky and happy that Rushlow took his time and talent to work with him on this song. He grew up loving little Texans so this just took the song to the next level!”
Pana was born and grew up in Chicago and is now pursuing his dream career as a Country Music Singer/Songwriter in Nashville,TN. As a child he listened to a lot of traditional Country Music from the 1980’s and 1990’s. Artists like Garth Brooks, George Strait, Randy Travis, Keith Whitley and Alan Jackson, who are some of all time favorites. He praises them to his creativity and wants to being out that traditional sound in his own music. Country music holds a important place in his heart and he can’t envision life without it. He connects with his fans through his honest and relatable lyrics and wants people to fall in love with traditional country music the same way that he has. He wants new fans and old ones to join him on his adventure and keep a lookout for more new music in 2022. Also come be a part of the Pana Family on social media, he would love to talk and connect.
If you would like to find out more about the talented Anthony Pana please go check out some of his social media accounts for all updates about his music. Down below are links to his social media outlets. Thanks again Anthony for being a part of my site!
dixiedeeblog.com 