NEWS4U SEPTEMBER 2021 | MUSIC
BRANDON MCCARTY Up-and-coming country singer releases "I Found," targets end-of-year EP release
McCarty was making the rounds at area bars, coffee shops and restaurants, performing both covers and original material. Speaking of the latter, he scored a big local hit with 2020's "Niner Fiver," a party anthem on par with the likes of Luke Bryan. But McCarty also has a darker side. Songs like "Alice" and "Perfect" capture a melancholy that truly resonates - as does the new single "I Found" which addresses a relationship gone bad but also touches on the struggles associated with PTSD. "It's a really good song slower and sadder, but I think it will really touch people and lend a helping hand," McCarty says. Beyond "I Found," McCarty plans to release an EP by year's end which will include the latest single plus a few brand
Despite the overwhelming popularity of country music
new tracks - all recorded with local producer Stephen
these days - it's virtually the only genre that can sell out the
Horning. And he's getting some vocal assistance from the
Ford Center - there simply aren't that
aforementioned Cynthia Murray,
many local artists or bands carrying
who
the flag. Tailgate Revival comes to
on
mind as does singer-songwriter
McCarty, despite being a gifted
Cynthia Murray, but otherwise,
performer with an undeniable
the
remains
exuberance, hopes to find a
more rock-oriented. However, an
niche as a songwriter in Nashville
up-and-coming artist just may be
penning material for seasoned
turning the tide. Originally from
acts. But for the time being,
Mt. Vernon, 24-year-old guitarist
we're privy to seeing him live at
Brandon McCarty headed our way
a host of venues and events this
in 2015 after graduating from high
month.
Evansville
scene
also "Niner
provided Fiver."
backup
Ultimately,
school, keen to develop his love for performing. "I grew up on Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn - they inspired me," he notes. "And Dierks Bentley was a huge influence - his stage presence was flawless." By 2016, McCarty had opened up for the Kentucky Headhunters and started taking songwriting seriously. Shortly after, he joined the military, signing up with the National Guard as a cannon crew member. Through it all, McCarty continued to pursue music while attending USI and networking with other tri-state country talents, crossing paths with fellow student Austin Peckham who later decamped to Nashville and partnered with Rascal Flatts for a bit. Seeing his friends succeed lit a fire. Soon
UPCOMING SHOWS 9/4 Front Porch Fest @ 3-5:30 p.m. 9/10 Backstage Bar & Grill (Blake Shelton pre-show) @ 5:30 p.m. 9/17 Jennings Street Public House @ 7 p.m. 9/18 Carson’s Brewery @ 7 p.m. 9/24 Half-Moon Saloon (Mt. Vernon, IN) @ 9 p.m.
For more info, follow Brandon McCarty on Facebook.
36 | SEPTEMBER 2021
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