VER
ITY CHRISTMAS 2013
Behind the Scenes with
Hunter Hayes
Cruising to fame with
Chase Rice S
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“The music I make is the only place I’m comfortable.” 12-19
V M
EDITORS
WRITERS
DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHY
CONTRIBUTORS
Emily Kirchner Adrianna Velazquez
Adrianna Velazquez
Katie Martini Courtney Rose Adrianna Velazquez
CONNECT
veritymag@gmail.com @VerityMag
Ashley Beckstein Alyssa Milliman
WHO WE ARE Verity Mag is a digital magazine dedicated to bringing you the latest news in the music industry. We are passionate about promoting both local and well-known artists through interviews, album reviews, concert coverage and other exclusive features.
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LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER Dear readers, We have been hard at work this year to bring you the best of music and we are extremely happy to present you with the first-ever special edition issue of Verity Magazine. This issue is dedicated to showcasing the talent of many noteworthy country artists both locally and nationally. We had the opportunity to talk with country music’s heartthrob, Hunter Hayes, who we must admit is a total sweetheart. We also caught up with singer-songwriter Chase Rice to talk about his career, Eminem and Jack Daniel’s. As you flip through these pages we hope that you enjoy what this issue has to offer. Even more than that, we hope that you love it as much as we do. Sincerely, Adrianna Velazquez
THANKS TO
Whitney Bond, Robby Cox, Daniel Hill, EB Media, Music City News Media & Marketing and Tree Paine
20-23
FEATURES David Shelby [04]
Chase Rice [06] Rose Falcon [10] Hunter Hayes [12] Canaan Smith [20]
EDITORIAL Reviews [24]
Live Performances [26]
David Shelby
Words by Adrianna Velazquez Photo by Michael Raffin
It was a sunny Friday morning when I sat in Starbucks sipping on a salted caramel latte just hours after my flight from Jacksonville, Florida landed back in Detroit. I sat quietly against the window reviewing talking points when David Shelby arrived. “I thought I recognized the name,” said David as he greeted me with a warm smile and friendly hug. He remembered me from his private showcase back in August at 12th & Porter in Nashville. It was the second time I saw him perform live and his performance left me even more impressed than it did the first time. One thing about David is certain, his stage presence and energy are naturally captivating and immediately drawsin the attention of old and new fans alike. With a rough, Motown-inspired edge heard through guitar riffs that resonate throughout the venue and empowering southern-grown vocals, he can easily be 04| DAVID SHELBY
compared to the likes of country superstar, Jason Aldean. Compared to many of his friends growing up, David’s youth was more than ordinary. To say he is a musical prodigy is an understatement. David grew up in a very musical family. His father played the accordion and his mother sang. He spent his teenage years touring internationally with popular Motown acts such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Turtles, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Davy Jones (The Monkees) and Stevie Wonder. These life-enriching experiences left him with skills that created a strong foundation and fueled his career. “My parents were big Motown fans so it was always playing in the house growing up. Being that I played trumpet, when I was in college—my freshman year of college—I actually got the opportunity to go on the road with a lot of the old Motown acts. The music was just so
timeless and great that it was great to actually play it and perform it; to get to talk to those guys,” said David. “They were the first ones to blaze the trail for all popular music today. So it influenced me quite a bit and I think you can hear it in my latest album.” This past August, David released his debut album Rust Belt Cowboy on Highway South Records. The album features seven tracks including his latest single “Moonshine.” “I like to drink. Don’t we all?” he joked as he described his second single off the album. The title was inspired by the contents of a mason jar, but even more than that, the song sets the scene for a moonlit backwoods party framed with a rock n’ roll rhythm. A unique sound that propelled the single into the Top 40 on Music Row charts. “It’s going really well,” said David about his current
radio tour. “For a new artist to break out it’s always an uphill battle,” he added. While he’s making his way across the country promoting his latest single, David has shared the stage with noteworthy acts such as Joe Nichols, Uncle Kracker and Hank Williams Jr. just to name a few. “The most ‘WOW’ moment I’ve had and the biggest thrill that I have had so far was getting to do a concert with Hank Williams Jr., and that was two-fold. One, it was Hank Williams Jr. and two, it was at The Fox Theatre,” said David. “I was joking with the crowd that it was kind of cool to be standing on the stage that my parents took me to go see Big Bird,” he chuckled. Much like his Motor City roots, David’s music is American-made and finished with a detailed polish and shine that creates a unique sound that combines the cultures of Detroit and Nashville into one of its own.
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“Eminem, to me, is one of the most genius human beings I’ve ever listened to.” Words by Katie Martini
After getting to know Chase Rice, a collaboration with Eminem would only make sense. “He’s crazy in the way of some of the lyrics he brings out. The guy is just smart. I’d love to pick his brain and sit in a room and maybe even write a song with him. I think it’d be fun. I think we’d come up with something really cool,” he laughed. Born in Daytona Beach, Florida and raised on a small farm in Asheville, North Carolina, Chase Rice always had a genuine passion for football. Ranked among the Top 25 prospective players during his high school career, Chase suffered a minor shoulder injury that tested his dedication and passion for the game. “I throw with both hands. [My] shoulder got hurt in high school so I learned to throw with my left. I’m probably better with my left hand now,” said Chase. His ability to quickly adapt, along with his hard work and dedication, paid off when he landed a starting position at the University of North Carolina with the NFL Draft in sight. His career took a drastic turn for the worst when he tore a tendon in his ankle his junior year of college— Chase was never the same player. Though he still tried his hardest—a trait instilled in him by not only his coach but his father who was battling melanoma when Chase returned his senior year—he was unable to reach the performance level he played at prior to his career-ending injury. Chase’s interest in music first sparked at a young age after seeing legendary country music icon, Garth Brooks, perform live. The experience was captivating, and 06| CHASE RICE
according to Rice he was “hooked forever.” It was no coincidence that when fellow teammate Ben Lemming introduced Chase to a guitar his sophomore year of college, he developed a love for songwriting. After graduating, Chase made no mistake when he turned his weekend visit to Nashville to visit Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard—who later became Florida Georgia Line—into a permanent move when he decided to take over their spare bedroom. The three often spent evenings writing music and it wasn’t long before they, along with Jesse Rice, wrote Florida Georgia Line’s hit single, “Cruise.” “I saw it grow from nothing to what it is today. I have a very different take on it than most people. For me, it’s hard to believe, because I saw it as just a few words on a piece of paper in a living room to now the biggest selling country song of all time,” explained Chase. “Cruise” is not only a product that showcases his strong songwriting abilities, but it is also the product of the same perseverance and hard work his father possessed that is prevalent in his work. Losing his father to melanoma was a battle that could have brought him to a standstill. Instead, Chase turned to music as an escape that allowed him to channel passion and drive that came from his life experiences into each and every song. Growing up, his father was and continues to be the biggest influence in his life. Chase mimics his relentless attitude through his work. “My dad passing away is probably my
CHASE RICE VERITY MAG |07
biggest influence. He had to bust his ass every day to become the successful business man he became. I saw that and it has influenced me to bust mine to try and be as successful as possible in the business world,” said Chase. His father’s hardworking nature is an example he follows closely to become the best that he can be. His hard work and dedication to his career paid off when he independently released his first full-length album, Dirt Road Communion, which sold a staggering 30,000 copies. As an independent artist, Dirt Road Communion fueled his career with critical success that has set the framework for his entire career. Since its release, Chase has created an intimate live show party experience for fans. “When the party involves me watching other people screaming my songs back to me as loud as they can and they can’t stop smiling, I can’t help but love my life,” he explained. “I’ve built my entire career and live show off that record and can’t wait to see what Ready Set Roll does for me.” This past October, Chase released his second EP, Ready Set Roll which features more high tempo tracks that showcase his fun, wild side. The album was executively produced by chart-topper, Rhett Atkins and contains a tracklist of songs that tell the story of spitfire romance to a backwoods party and everything in between. The 6-track EP also features a piano version of “Jack Daniels and Jesus,” a song originally released on Chase’s Dirt Road Communion album. The track opened the door for fans by allowing them to get a deeper look into a significant life event that has shaped Chase into who he is today. The lyrics are a reflection of a personal battle that express truth, agony and revival. “It’s my life in a song and a very honest part of my life. I tell people stuff in that song I could never say to their face,” confessed Chase. It’s a song that not only he is deeply connected to, but one that his fans can relate to. “People come up to me at shows and say my song ‘Jack Daniel’s and Jesus’ saved their life. That to me is way bigger than any amount of fame.” 08| CHASE RICE
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Rose Falcon Words by Courtney Rose Photo by Kristin Barlowe
T
o an average child, a game of hopscotch is simple; you throw a small object along the path of numbers to see how far you have to hop to retrieve it. For Rose Falcon, that small object was her dreams. When she threw it, it landed on twelve, the age she was when she began to discover her love for music. Born in New York City and adopted by Nashville when she was just 10 years old, Rose Falcon was far from ordinary. Rose’s interest in poetry quickly evolved into songwriting and at fourteen, she was signed to Columbia Records. “It never really felt like a conscious decision, but more of an awesome sequence of events that revealed the path I was meant to follow,” explained Rose. Certain that music was her destiny, Rose faced the challenge of figuring out exactly where she belonged within the industry. Having signed to Columbia Records as a pop act, it wasn’t long before she made the decision to venture off only to discover that country/folk was her true calling. As she transitioned between genres, Rose rekindled her focus and began working to overcome the obstacle of nervousness that sometimes held her back. “Being in the spotlight is not second nature for me, but I know I have something important to say and songs that people wanna hear, so I continue to work through the occasional nervous fits and it gets easier every time I step on stage,” she explained. Growing up in an environment where everything revolved around music, Rose got a taste of what she craved for. Over the course of her own musical journey, she was heavily influenced by her father, Billy Falcon, a legendary singer-songwriter. “Simply growing up with my father always writing and playing music around our house was my biggest inspiration, watching him diligently follow his dream and never give up,” she admitted. “Watching my dad’s story evolve was like reading the best motivational book ever written. He just kept believing no matter how tough things got.” Her father’s songwriting gene is certainly something she inherited. Much like her father, Rose’s lyrics
express beauty and fragility and explore the depths of heartache, disappointment and joy. “I hope my songs speak to people and lets them know that they are not alone in whatever it is they are feeling. I try to write with transparency and let people know my flaws,” expressed Rose. “ Kind of like saying, I’m not always okay, and that’s okay with me. I hope people find comfort in that message to find peace with who they are, imperfections and all.” Her delicate lyrics do just that, they move listeners to smile, laugh and cry while inspiring them to be content with who they are and what they have. Earlier this year Rose released 19th Avenue (The EP Volume 2) which featured 5 hearty tracks, that according to Rose, are inspired by love and the lack thereof. “Like Crazy,” the fifth track on the EP and Rose’s favorite, explores the depths of love. “I wrote it on my own and it is very personal. I like writing things that are so revealing that people are surprised. I think it shows a lot of vulnerability and I feel that is a quality that is lacking in female songs these days,” confessed Rose. “It seems lately most female singers are wanting to kill their boyfriend or are really pissed off about something. I miss the vulnerability of artists like Billie Holliday or Tammy Wynette. Being graceful and vulnerable does not mean that you aren’t strong.” Aside from music, falling in love is what Rose does best. She recently wed to Rodney Atkins, who she hit the road with for his “More Hits for Your Money Tour” this past fall. “It is truly awesome. I think most people would probably go nuts in such close quarters (on a bus), but we are best friends and we handle the road really well. It’s really great to share the stage with him and give people a little peek into our real lives,” said Rose. “I love being on the bus because all of the stuff I need is within arms reach. My guitar, my laptop, a tv, and my darling.” Where words fail, music and love will always speak, and that for Rose, will always be enough.
“It never really felt like a conscious decision, but more of an awesome sequence of events.”
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Words & Interview by Adrianna Velazquez
the
BEHIND
SCENES with Hunter Hayes
Country heartthrob, Hunter Hayes has spent the better part of his career traveling across the country. The road has become home away from home for the multi-talented Louisiana native who has performed more than 500 shows in the past two years. This past fall, Hunter played for sold out crowds across the country on the CMT on Tour: Hunter Hayes Let’s Be Crazy tour which wrapped up earlier this month. According to Hayes, the road is his favorite place to be. “I was definitely made to be on the road. I love the constant change of scenery, having to adapt, the evolution of everything. I love making music. My life is dedicated to music,” he confessed. Since his self-titled debut album two years ago went platinum, Hunter Hayes has been taking the industry by storm, racking up an impressive list of accomplishments along the way. Hunter had a hand in writing every song, played every instrument and co-produced his debut album with Dan Huff which led him to receive three Grammy nominations in 2012 for Best New Artist, Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance. In addition, he was crowned New Artist of the Year at the 2012 CMAs. VERITY MAG |13
The nominations continued this year following the release of the deluxe version of his debut album, Hunter Hayes (Encore) which featured 8 new and re-recorded tracks. He received nominations for the American Country Awards for Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist and Single of the Year for “Somebody’s Heartbreak.” “To me it’s saying ‘Welcome to the industry.’ Out of all the things that they heard, for some reason they had enough emotions when listening to it—they were nice enough to just check out the music for one. Out of all music that they could have listened to they checked out the record, they checked out the stuff that I was doing. And surprisingly, thought it good enough to be nominated with some serious superstars and that blows my mind even when I think about it now and it always will,” exclaimed Hunter. “The nomination for a Grammy is something that you cherish, especially as a new artist.” Being a part of the entire production process has certainly helped him find his sweet spot on both a personal and professional level. “It’s a comforting process because you know, I’m very shy, I’m very to myself, very awkward, very quiet and the music I make is the only place I’m comfortable,” he said. “Being a part of it all the way through allows me to change the scenery too. If I really get bored doing one thing, I can always put a different hat on and try something different,” explained Hunter. “It’s exciting, it keeps you excited about the music, and it keeps me invested and makes sure that with every step of the way it matters. And so being able to sort of make it slowly and to be involved with all the pieces of the process is fun. It’s comforting to know that I can.” 14| HUNTER HAYES
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In our interview with Hunter Hayes, he talked to us about his meteoric rise to fame that most aspiring musicians could only hope to achieve in a lifetime.
On tour VM: What was the experience like out on the road for the CMT on Tour: Hunter Hayes Let’s Be Crazy tour? Hunter: We sold out every night of the tour which is unbelievable. The energy was off-the-charts good. It’s been better than I even hoped it would be. We put together this show that I’m really proud of I’ve been able to be involved with a lot of it, a lot of hands-on and it’s been a real treat. VM: What kind of lessons did you take away from being an opening act on Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away tour? Hunter: It was great being direct support for a superstar like that in arenas for 95 days. That was one of the best learning experiences. I was introducing this music to people that have never heard this music before, there was a lot at stake and you learn what’s important in a show when you have that much to gain and lose at the same time. It was a fantastic experience, I had a blast. 16| HUNTER HAYES
VM: Playing so many shows how do you keep fans coming back for more and making each show special not just for the fans but for yourself as well? Hunter: That’s a great question. I think for me I get bored with the music pretty quick. I get bored playing the same thing over and over and over so we’re constantly changing stuff. The show is constantly evolving because if we’re just going through the motions playing stuff you can become really comfortable playing something and that can be really boring to watch. Learning something in the process, doing something new, it keeps us all invested, it keeps us all excited about it which is what I want people to see, when they come I want them to see how excited I am about this music.
On success VM: You’ve really taken the industry by storm. What are some of your thoughts and feelings about the sudden rise to fame? Hunter: It’s unbelievable, it’s hard to process. It’s been a beautiful ride. If you were to give me a step-by-step of what just this year would look like—there’s no way you can plan for it, there’s no way you can strategize for it. I just feel incredibly blessed, incredibly lucky, that if anything—at the end of the day I get to keep doing what I love to do. VM: You’re one of few artists whose debut album has gone platinum. What was your reaction and what kind of implications does this have on your career? Hunter: That’s unbelievable when you talk of it. I never would have dreamed that my debut record would do that. I thought the debut record was going to kind of be like getting it introduced to as many people as humanly possible. You would never even dream that a debut record could change so much, and looking around it’s changed a lot. It’s hard to believe but at the same time, I wouldn’t change a single thing. This is what I’ve been dreaming about for a long time and it gives me fuel to keep going.
VM: With three consecutive No. 1 singles steming from your debut album, what were your initial thoughts about each song spreading like wildfire? Hunter: That’s nuts, that’s unbelievable, especially considering Crazy. We had the benefit of “Wanted” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” we played them in the show. The fans really reacted to them, they told us basically, that it should be a single by singing along. With Crazy, I didn’t have the benefit. So that nerve racking feeling of ‘I hope somebody likes this.’ It’s been overwhelming, it’s been a huge perspective shift for me, just feeling good about music, trusting my gut about certain things.
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18| HUNTER HAYES
Despite his recent success, Hunter Hayes is like many people his age. Above all else, Hunter continues to face the pressure that he puts on himself. The pressure stems from his desire to make every show bigger and better that will give fans something worth coming to see. “I’m famous for really loading it on [pressure], you know? I have a lot of expectations for myself every day,” Hunter confessed. “And you just pray. I guess the one thing–honestly, the one thing I worry about the most–I get back on the bus and I hope everyone that came to the show left with something more than just two hours of music, whatever that may be.” Though some musicians who achieve a similar level of success would be ready to settle and ease up, Hunter Hayes continues to challenge himself by viewing it as an opportunity to continue growing and reaching new heights. “It’s inspiring to say ‘I don’t think that was good enough. That could be good enough. I could settle for that performance but tomorrow it has to be better.’ And not drastically, but there’s always room for improvement,” explained Hunter. “There’s always room for making it better. There’s always room for finding something new to be inspired by,” he added. “And it’s important to me that I keep searching for that, and that I never let myself say ‘That’s good.’” Even when it is.
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CANAAN SMITH 20| CANAAN SMITH
“You always have time for what you make time for.” Words by Alyssa Milliman Photos by Sarah Barlow
Growing up on the outskirts of historical Williamsburg, Virginia, Canaan Smith was raised in true American fashion. The thirty-one-year-old was brought up on soulful music and raised with a strong Christian faith by parents who instilled good morals and principles. During his childhood he enjoyed hanging out with his four brothers and his sister. “We had a big yard with a circle track in the backyard so we could ride our dirtbikes and go-karts. Our next door neighbors had the same size yard so we put them together and had a pretty badass playground,” he reminisced. Canaan’s childhood was heavily influenced by music, his passion sparked after watching his older brother play guitar. His brother was not the only family inspiration he had—he spent a lot of time at his father’s band rehearsals. “I was sitting on the couch one time at a house where he was rehearsing and the guy whose house we were at had a couple of daughters—they were around my age, a little bit older and they were like super hot, you know? I was like ten years old and I was sitting on the couch just thinking I was in heaven. One of them had their arm around me and I was like ‘This is the life, I gotta be a musician’,” laughed Canaan. Around age eleven, he began taking guitar lessons. “I would sing songs to my mom, she would videotape [them].
I would sing [George Strait’s] ‘I Cross My Heart,’” he said with a heartwarming smile. Not long after, he packed up his things and relocated to Music City. “I needed to be in Nashville to make things happen and country music is where it’s at. I moved there just with the intention of making it. In the meantime, I thought, ‘Well, I should get an education too while I’m [here],’” explained Canaan. While in Nashville, he attended Belmont University where he earned a degree in marketing and connected with Stephen Liles from Love and Theft. “I moved to town around the same time as Stephen. We became roommates for a few years and in the process we were writing songs. One of the songs we wrote right after I graduated was with him and Rob Blackledge from Blackjack Billy.” Around the same time Love and Theft cut a record deal, the three of them wrote a song called “Runaway.” “Their label was really excited about the song that we wrote so they decided to cut it on their sides and it turned out so good they said it would be their first single. And so I’m a fresh graduate with nothing—no kind of track record as a writer, and I already have a single coming on the radio. It was a big deal.” It was no surprise that publishers became interested in Canaan shortly after “Runaway” made its way to radio. “Offers started coming in from VERITY MAG |21
22| CANAAN SMITH
publishers around town. Meanwhile, I had written a back catalog of 100 songs that hadn’t been heard yet,” said Canaan. It wasn’t long after signing his publishing deal that Canaan was offered a record deal from Mercury Records and released his debut single, “We Got Us.” The singer-songwriter also landed another career-changing cut when “Black Tears,” a song he wrote with Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard made its way onto country superstar, Jason Aldean’s fifth studio album, Night Train. Since his youth, music has always been an important part of his life. Spending late nights at band rehearsals with his father and his videotaped performances as a child led him to even bigger stages. This fall he joined Love and Theft on tour as an opening act, rocking stages across the country. According to Canaan, “you always have time for what you make time for,” and for him, that will always be music.
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SONG Cruise
RATING 5/5
By Courtney Rose
The popular track showcases the duo’s southern roots, while singing about their favorite activities and highlighting an oringinal country romance. Nashville’s own Florida Georgia Line The country-rap style comes into makes quite the impression with play with a speedy rap verse domitheir hit single, “Cruise.” nated by their hip-hop counterpart, If the tune wasn’t catchy enough, Nelly. A catchy twist that takes the Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard hit to a whole new level. teamed up with southern rapper, Since its release, this out-of-the-park Nelly to release what many would remix has taken the industry by say is the best collaboration in years. storm.
SONG That’s My Kind Of Night
While most would be quick to say that mixing country with rap is a recipe for a musical disaster that isn’t the case with this creative collaboration. Not only has “Cruise” been one of the most requested country hits all year, but the remix featuring Nelly has been requested and played on pop stations across the country. It’s no doubt that “Cruise” is one of the biggest hits we’ve seen in a long time.
RATING 3/5
By Adrianna Velazquez country music. Despite the controversy, it’s hard to deny that he continues to impress listeners with experimental melodies that intertwine country love songs with energetic hip-hop rhythms. The electric guitar riffs evade tradiWith a more dynamic hip-hop influ- tional country twang and introduce ence, Luke Bryan’s hit single, “That’s catchy yet corny lyrics. My Kind Of Night” has stirred up From the feel-good bottle of booze heated debates over the direction of to the ‘diamond plate tailgate,’ this
SONG Make You Wanna
hit tells the story of a typical farm town romance. Aside from the cheesy lyrics, Bryan capitalized on the country-rap style with its release, making it his eighth No. 1 single and highest-debuting single to date. Regardless of how silly his lyrics may sound, there’s no denying that this is an unforgettable tune that is sure to get stuck in your head.
RATING 4/5
By Ashley Beckstein With the success of his first single, “It Goes Like This,” Thomas Rhett is ready to tackle the charts with his latest hit, “Make Me Wanna.” The upbeat melody takes you back to the eighties with a romantic soundtrack that blends the use of vintage guitar riffs and heafty bass.. 24| REVIEWS
This passionate tune expresses the type of firey lyrics that get stuck in your head long after the music stops. The feel-good jam makes you want to grab the on you love and sit on the back of tailgate until the sun comes up.
SONG Everything Has Changed
RATING 5/5
By Courtney Rose chords that create a soft and delicate melody that sets the scene for Swift’s hopeful lyrics that tell the story of a young romance that changes over time. Like many of Swift’s songs, the lyrics are original and genuine. Both British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran singers exemplify passion through their soft vocals that strengthen this and country-pop sensation, Tayromantic ballad. lor Swift came together to create a In the official music video for “Evpowerful duet in “Everything Has erything Has Changed,” we are Changed,” the sixth track from aboard a school bus where we are Swift’s fourth studio album, Red. introduced to little Taylor and little The heartfelt track is introduced with the gentle strumming of guitar Ed—both around age 8. They enjoy
SONG See You Tonight
cute playground dates at school and are seen sitting side-by-side when riding the bus to school together. The two cast off an innocent lovestruck bond from the beginning. The well blended duo portray love and passion for one another binding them as soul mates. With their beautiful ballads and emotion-evoking lyrics, Swift and Sheeran create a concrete duet empowered by delicate vocals and an empowering acoustic arrangement that leaves listeners longing for a similar love.
RATING 3.5/5
By Adrianna Velazquez album titled, See You Tonight. With a voice much like that of Josh Turner, listeners get exactly what they’re expecting with his single, “See You Tonight.” The smooth sailing love song is captivating from the very beginning and Having earned his fame from Amer- showcases his matured vocals and ican Idol, Scotty McCreery remains how much he has grown as an artist. Though “See You Tonight” is your active in the country music scene typical hopeless romantic sing-along, having recently released his latest
SONG Red Solo Cup
the song is recognized for its catchy chorus that is brought alive by his enthusiastic vocals, making this single radio-ready. “See You Tonight” has an undeniable tempo and hearty groove that draws you in from the very first verse. This feel-good track certainly gives off a contemporary blend that suits the North Carolina native while pleasing fans.
RATING 5/5
By Katie Martini It’s hard to forget about this goofy jam that country music didn’t even know it was missing. A fun and simple song that’s too catchy for it’s own good, “Red Solo Cup” is so cleverly written that you can barely tell it’s clever at all. It seems more like a drunken ramble
set to a funky rhythm. Eventually pausing for Toby to declare—in all seriousness—that the red solo cup is his friend. A very fun listen and much needed lighthearted tune, “Red Solo Cup” will forever be an all-time favorite for old and new country fans alike. VERITY MAG |25
CHASE RICE
St. Andrew’s Hall Detroit, MI
CANAAN SMITH The Machine Shop Flint, MI
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