SO HERE'S WHY I SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS ... AND WHY YOU SHOULD TOO

There is an endless sea of music out there to choose from and my primary choice of music is the independent artist. Don’t misunderstand, I love signed artists and listen to Top 40 too, but there is something special about an independent artist who hasn’t allowed themselves to get lost in the soul sucking vortex of today’s music industry.

I’m not talking the weekend garage band warrior or the guy who occasionally gets up on open mic night to impress the new girl of the week. I’m talking about the serious and determined artist who is out to make their music more than a hobby and don’t mind doing what it takes within reason to get it out there. They don’t have the backing of big bucks, they’re not the ones who pucker up to kiss the ass of an arrogant corporate suit who’s telling them what to sing, what to wear, how to look, to drop some weight, or that it would be best if you didn’t talk too much about the family because it’s not good for the image. They don’t have high paying radio promoters, they do it themselves and realize that their fans are their biggest and most honest promoters and they don’t have to feel the need to compete with the bigger name on their label.

I love the artists who stand by their creativity and aren’t willing to sell it to the highest bidder who’s going to take control of it and turn them into something that doesn’t even start to resemble who they are. They refuse to stand in line on the musical conveyor belt as another corporately packaged, look alike, sound alike, cookie cutter molded artist who won’t be around in 5-10 years. I love the guys who will play the hole in the wall venues barely taking home tips just to be heard. They realize the size of the venue doesn’t matter and neither does the size of the crowd because all it takes is one person to hear what they have to offer and change their lives. They don’t do it for the fame, the money or the attention, they do it because they love it and because it’s who they are. It isn’t always the voices that turn my head, it’s the drive and the willpower to get in the van and hit the road, not knowing what’s ahead, only knowing they have to move forward. They stand on that stage night after night and sing to a crowd of drunks who aren’t even listening to the music. It’s frustrating, but they do it with a smile on their face. They load up their merch tables with stacks of signed self-released CD’s they paid for themselves, cleverly designed t-shirts that they paid for themselves and signed headshots that they paid to have taken, and then stand at that table exhausted after their show shaking every hand, thanking every person for coming and posing for a million pictures. They don’t just bolt off the stage and become a bus hermit. Why? It’s part of the deal and most of them really don’t mind doing it. They seem to connect on a more personal level with their fans than high profile names. They tend to remember your face and your name and talk to you for more than the standard 5 minute shake and go.

The struggle to be heard is one of the most difficult roads to travel but these artists just pile their stuff in the van and head to the next gig, the next city, the next month, the next year and hope that someone will listen and tell someone about them and that the right ears will eventually hear. They don’t give up easily and if they do, then this wasn’t the right road for them anyway. To them it’s not a hobby, it’s their livelihood and puts food on their tables and pays the bills. They aren’t any less talented than someone in the Top 40 and being played on country radio, some are more talented, sound better and their music is better quality. They just haven’t had that break yet to give them the platform to make that life changing impression but they don’t give up. This is why I don’t give up on them.

Give an unheard name a chance, listen to new music, don’t compare it to what the industry tells you is good music. Every big name started in a small venue, every big name was once a local unknown. There’s room on your playlist for both.

#SupporttheUnderdog

- Jenn

Follow Jenn on Twitter at @Lovinlyrics

#COUNTRYGIVESBACK - LOVE FROM MUSIC CITY & THE FIRE PLACE FELLOWSHIP WELCOMED OVER 300 FOSTER CHILDREN FROM SUMNER COUNTY AT 14TH ANNUAL "A MUSIC CITY CHRISTMAS" PARTY

Juna N Joey Entertained Families During Event

Love From Music City’s ‘A Music City Christmas’ provides food, clothing, toys, and entertainment to Middle Tennessee Foster Kids

On Sunday, December 14th, The Fire Place Fellowship hosted its 14th annual Christmas celebration, ‘A Music City Christmas,’ serving approximately 300 foster children and their families from across Middle Tennessee. Sponsored by Love From Music City, the event was created to bring hope and joy to children within the foster care system during the holiday season.

The event featured a festive lineup of activities, including photos with Santa, complimentary treats provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes, and a lunch served to all the children. Adding to the celebration, country music singer-songwriter sibling duo Juna N Joey delivered a live performance, bringing holiday cheer and entertainment to families attending.

Each foster child received at least five brand-new gifts, along with winter clothing, shoes, toys, bedding, and personal care items. The day concluded with prize giveaways, including bicycles and musical instruments, as well as a special musical performance for families to enjoy together.

Pictured L to R: Kaden Hesse, Sonic The Hedge Hog, Joey, Hannah Hesse, Juna, Pastor Shanda Tripp-Hill, Pastor Randy Hill, Santa Claus in Hendersonville, Tenn.

(Photo by Ranger Garrett)

“We are incredibly grateful to the businesses, volunteers, and families who donated their time and resources to make this possible,” said founder Shanda Tripp, who established Love From Music City following the event’s beginnings at The Fire Place Fellowship. “Fourteen years ago, we chose to honor foster families by focusing our Christmas efforts on the children who need it most.”

(Photo by Ranger Garrett)

According to the Tennessee Alliance for Kids, nearly 9,500 children are currently in foster care statewide, with fewer than 8,000 available foster homes—making the holiday season an especially critical time of need.
For more information on supporting future events or becoming a foster parent or volunteer, visit LoveFromMusicCity.org and thecamelotdifference.com.

Sponsors for the event include Patriot Angels, Sam’s Place Bar & Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes, The Fire Place Fellowship, Let Us Do Lunch & Dinner, The Isaacs Foundation, John the Printer, Blown Away Hair Salon, Carter Natural Health Center - Hendersonville, Church International, Pony Mailbox - Hendersonville, Gallatin Chiropractic, and Jumbo & Delicious.

THE GATLIN BROTHERS TO BE HONORED WITH STAR-STUDDED TRIBUTE FOR 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Special Live Concert Set for February 23 at Historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Mae Estes, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, David Phelps, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, Red Steagall, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang and More to Tip Their Hats to Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin

With Special Appearances by Gary Sinise and Nancy Jones

Known as one of the most iconic acts in country music, The Gatlin Brothers will be spotlighted with a special tribute at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on Monday, February 23. The star-studded show will be in celebration of Larry, Steve and Rudy's 70th anniversary. It's a history-making milestone featuring all original members from 1955 when their musical journey began.

Tickets for the celebration go on-sale this Friday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. CT via ryman.com. Pre-sales begin tomorrow, December 18, at 10:00 a.m. CT (code: GOLD).

Larry says the legendary trio will be forever thankful for the decades-long support.

"Brother Steve, Brother Rudy, and I are grateful to God for the 70 years we have had making music together," Larry explains. "We are thankful for our millions of fans all over the world and for the good folks in Nashville who helped us make the music. We’re also grateful to the performers and friends who will be participating in our 70th Anniversary Celebration. Keep the faith."

Many of the greatest hits recorded by The Gatlin Brothers will be performed during the tribute event. Here’s a peek at the lineup: The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, Mae Estes, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, David Phelps, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, The Isaacs, Mark Wills, Red Steagall, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang and more, accompanied by Sixwire as the backing band. The evening will also feature special appearances by Gary Sinise and Nancy Jones.

Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

CONCERT REVIEW: A NIGHT WITH SKIP EWING AT THE CAROLINA COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS

Artist: Hit Singer/Songwriter Skip Ewing

Event: 2025 Carolina Country Music Awards

Venue: The Highlands Country Club - Fayetteville, NC

Date: 12/10/2025

Reviewer: Jennifer Smith

One day you're going about your business and a song comes out of nowhere and stops you in your tracks. That song for me was "The Gospel According to Luke" by Skip Ewing. I remember riding home late one night back the late 80's or early 90's after having dinner with a friend and we were listening to one of a "mix tape" of her favorite songs that she had burned onto a CD. Remember those good old days when you could do that? A song came on, she turned it up and asked me if I had ever heard of Skip Ewing. I told her I hadn't and she said he had recently put out a new cd called "The Coast of Colorado" and she just fell in love with this song. That night was the night I discovered a love of songwriters and discovered one of the best there is to ever put their heart to pen and paper. Through the years and research, I was amazed to find out that Skip was the one who created some of the best and most memorable songs in my playlist:

"Love, Me" - Collin Raye

"You Had Me At Hello" - Kenny Chesney

"Every Other Weekend" - Kenny Chesney & Reba McEntire

"Don't Mind If I Do" - George Strait

"I'm Not Supposed to Love You Anymore", "Someone Else's Star" and "Rebecca Lynn" - Bryan White

"I Would If I Could" - Lainey Wilson (and Ernest too!)

"I Believe" - Diamond Rio

"If I Didn't Have You" - Randy Travis

"Wish You Were Here" - Mark Wills

"Something That We Do" - Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black

"Little Houses" - Doug Stone

"Answer To My Prayers" - Gordon Mote

There are so many more songs including his own amazing songs like "Wyoming", "Knots", "Road Dog" (cool fact, my dog Charlie is in the video), "Just a Kid", "The Way I Am" and "Always You". He just released a great new single, "I Want It All" from a soon to be released album and I can tell you this album will be one hell of a collection of some great music. The days of the Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Don Henley, Elton John, Willie Nelson, John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon style of classic, simple yet long lasting impactful written classics may be slowing down but there are still writers who fall in those ranks out there and Skip Ewing is one of those names that will stay with you. He is a legend in the making.

In 2007, with the advent of social media and the growth of blogs, I felt it in me to do what I could to help those whose names were only found in liner notes or through word of mouth and started "Sound Advice", a promotions site to spread the word about writers as well as new upcoming and veteran artists who weren't getting the attention their music and talent should be. The industry didn't tend to recognize the talent behind the song at the time and the artists trying to build their audiences either didn't have the money to stuff the pockets of the industry "elite" who decide who should be getting the attention, those who weren't in a certain demographic, weren't "radio worthy, didn't have the "right image" to fit the current trend or they have "aged out". Good music is good music regardless of the money behind it, the audience size, the age or appearance of the artist. It's about how a song makes you feel and the impact it leaves with the listener long after the song ends, the radio is silent or the venue doors close. It never gets old and it stays long after the writers and artists are gone. The best songs aren't always on the radio and the best in the industry aren't always the ones standing on the stages winning industry awards. "Sound Advice" morphed into "Lovin' Lyrics" and has played the role of David, standing up in an industry of Goliaths for about 20 years. I will load rocks in my sling and go to battle for these people any day of the week. I want to see artists who have heard "no" for so long realize that the "yes" is out there and it may not be the type of "yes" that results in sold out arenas, multi-million internet streams or a big paycheck. It may be a change in the direction of someone whose life was on the wrong path, it may be the words that someone at rock bottom needed to start the journey upwards, it may be the encouragement needed to start over, and it may literally save a life. Words mean everything. When they are combined with the right notes and the right melody, it is heard by someone and that is the "hit" that matters most. This passion for music lead me right back to Skip.

After connecting with Skip via social media a couple of years ago, I was invited to attend the 2025 Carolina Country Music Awards Christmas Show at the Highlands Country Club in Fayetteville, NC earlier this week where he would be receiving the CCMA Gold Medal and be the featured performer of the evening. I can't even explain how much this meant or how the appreciation for his talent has deepened after spending time with him in person and hearing him sing and the stories behind the songs.

My friend, Tammy, and I arrived at the venue, walked into the foyer, and then into the beautifully decorated ballroom which was full of suits and ties, sparkling Christmas dresses, high heels, new hairdos and holiday finest. Then there was us, standing there in our jeans and gussied up sweaters and thinking "Uh, we aren't blending. LOL". We sat at Skip's reserved table with the best people, Steve the Greek and Rhonda from STG Marketing. Steve and I connected like crazy old friends and laughed literally most of the night. Rhonda was laughing at us, it was great. It's like Skip knew the misfits needed to sit together and it was so much fun. I can't remember a night where I smiled ALL night long. The salad, filet mignon, mashed potatoes, green beans and dark chocolate mousse were AMAZING. I'd like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful wait staff of the night, especially our server William who kept sneaking up behind me and scaring the beetlejuice out of me and making me laugh so hard. He got his payback later when I came back from the restroom and he had his back turned. I win. LOL!

The awards were handed out and Skip took the stage and performed random parts of his hit songs and told the stories before them and it was soooo good. His Christmas portion of the night was exactly what we needed. He sang his rocked out "Better Watch Out", the story of "Christmas Carol" and his songs that celebrated the birth of Jesus, the true joy and reason for the season - "Whenever a Child is Born" and "Just a Kid". These moments truly captivated every person in that room. Being in Fayetteville, the home of Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne, he sang his personal version of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" as told through the eyes of our service men and women and dedicated it to those who serve "America the Beautiful" every day and being home for Christmas is only in their dreams, combining the lyrics of "America the Beautiful" and the Christmas classic. I won't lie, I had tears. He then asked the room to be part of his Christmas and he started quietly singing "Silent Night" and the whole room sang with him. There probably weren't too many dry eyes in the house. It reminded us of simpler times, the joy and reason for the season, and when the best Christmas gift wasn't the latest iPhone or the latest video games, it was the love of family and the love of a child that changed the world.

 As a person, he is the same as his songs, authentic and pure gold. I watched him interacting with new artists in the room like Paige King Johnson (Tour of the Year and Music Video of the Year winner), Jason Lee Cook (Male Artist of the Year winner), Katie Caulder Godowns (Female Artist of the Year winner), Michael Schott (an amazing 14 year old songwriter who won the Entertainer of the Year award), Sophie Taylor (Single of the Year winner for "Back to You"), Whiskey Revelation (Vocal Group of the Year winners) and others in attendance and it was really nice to seeing him truly want to connect with these artists and share his thoughts on writing and performing. He did not overlook a single person in that room who wanted some of his time. He is a rare commodity in this world - his heart is genuine and his need to just write and release music that reaches hearts matters more than the numbers he reaches on the charts is something that's been missing from music for a long time. How can you not support that especially in a world where so much new music is trending towards being easily and artificially created, driven by dollar signs and sadly forgettable? Skip Ewing and the music he writes are none of those things and I, for one, am grateful for that night in that car so long ago. 

Music changes lives and I can attest that Skip changed mine. Thank you may be two small words but they can never express the amount of gratitude I have for this songwriter and the gift God gave him.

- Jenn

Please take some time and connect with Skip and if you have a chance, go see him perform. It's worth it.

Website - www.skipewing.com

Social Media - He is on Facebook, Instagram and X

You can find his music on most digital streaming platforms. 

Photo Credits: Jennifer Smith / Lovin' Lyrics 

#HAVEYOUHEARD - "TALKING TO JESUS THROUGH A BOTTLE OF JACK" BY JYKÄ?

 

"Talking to Jesus Through a Bottle of Jack” was written for JYKÄ’s childhood friend who he grew up with in a small factory town in Finland and who unfortunately lost the battle for his demons and passed away in 2022. 

He says this song is dedicated for everyone who’s lost someone close, is seeking for hope, the right answers or is trying to find the strength to talk to God – with or without a bottle of Jack.

JYKÄ's previous single “Crack a Cold One” was #71 on the Music Row Charts and was the 15th most played independent song. JYKÄ also writes and co-writes for other artists (Bucky Covington, Joe Hermes and more)

Connect with JYKÄ on Facebook