The Music

ISSUE 1 | APRIL 2018

THEMUSIC

THE MESSAGE / THE ARTIST

EMI SUNSHINE A Musical Prodigy

Christian Davis Just Showed Up

Bruce Haynes Return's!

ISSUE 1 | APRIL 2018

THE MUSIC Editor in Chief Danny Joines Deputy Editor Sophia Everett Davis

EDITORIAL OFFICES Nashville, Tn 37203

Website www.bigccn.com Facebook Page facebook.com/TheCCMS Email christiancountrynetwork@gmail.com

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Editors notes

The Music

A few things to know about what we are doing

Greetings! and welcome, we hope you like what we are attempting to do with The Music.

In an effort to push the genre forward we are setting out to represent The Music in a way that it hasn't been covered in previous years. Our focus will be on The Music of what we call Christian Country although we will feature Country Gospel music as well, each time calling it such.

We will also be talking about The Message within The Music and The Artists / Writers behind The Music.

We are not trying to push anyone out or put anyone down. Our goal is ONLY to RAISE THE BAR and TAKE IT TO THE WORLD. With that being said we do have criteria that we feel must be met. That criteria being the Three Areas of Quality. The first area of Quality is Lyrical Content. The Second area of Quality being Production and the third being

Vocal Ability.

The Music will not be selling ads or stories for Artists. All Articles will be by INVITATION and approved by The Music. We welcome any and ALL who feel they have an article to be considered to forward those articles to us for consideration at NO COST to you. We will sell ads to Industry Professionals such as Booking Agencies, Record Labels and all other Industry Related as well as general business with an interest to sponsor The Music and be of interest to our readers. ALL ads will be pre-approved and NO AGENCY will be sold an ad to promote a SPECIFIC Artist or Group. This will aid in keeping the Magazine about QUALITY and help in Raising The Bar. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

There were only 12 Disciples 3

CONTENT

Vol 1 Issue 1

Inside the Issue

SUNDAYS KIND 6 OF COUNTRY

BEING HOME

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SPOT LIGHT VIDEO

WILLBANKS

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15

EMI SUNSHINE COVER 32 STORY

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CHUCK DAY

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BRUCE HAYNES 17 RETURNS

MUSIC SCENE

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AARON BARKER 26

SIDELINE

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OAKRIDGE BOYS 27

HOYT'S CORNER 25

CHRISTIAN DAVIS

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Sundays Kind of Country Making Noise at CRS Nashville

Terry McBride Interview

CRS was a three day event furthering technology, business practices and career development with educational panels, new music showcases, and much more.

The event is attended by thousands of Industry Executives from program directors, record label and other country radio executives along with seasoned and rising country stars.

Sundays Kind of Country, Radio and TV made the rounds at Country Radio Seminar Week in Nashville Tn. Working with MV2 Entertainment, they interviewed many Artists including Terry McBride and Duck Dynasty's own Uncle Si and the Sicotics.

Country Radio Seminar Week is put on by the Country Radio Broadcasters.

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Uncle Si & the Sicotics

Robby Lynn, who is the owner and host of Sundays Kind of Country has been attending the event for the last 20 years representing the Christian Country Genre of music. In our interview with Robby he went on to say....

"CRS is one of the highlights of the year for us at SKOC. We have developed many relationships from the interaction that takes place during the 3 day event. This year we were fortunate to have been asked by MV2 Entertainment to accompany them in there Suite for interviews with the many artists that pass through the event"

Robby went on to say....

"It was great to see the many faces and revisit with old aquiantences. We've had Terry McBride on the Stillery Stage before and he will be returning to the stage later in the year as will Uncle Si and The Sicotics and many others."

The Stillery is locally owned and they are the sponsor of the Sundays Kind of Country Stillery Stage inside the studios at SKOC located on Music Row in Nashville, TN. The Stillery has two locations in Nashville, Dowtown and Midtown.

MV2 Entertainment During our interview Robby talked about the move to Nashville.

"It's been about 4 years now since the meeting with BigCCN at the BMI building where we invited 20 other industry professionals to discuss the direction of Christian Country and started planning for the future. One year later we moved Sundays Kind of Country from Beaumont Texas to where we are now in Nashville, Tn. We have seen tremendeous growth since moving to Nashville with both the Radio side and the TV side of SKOC. The future of Christian Country is looking bright.

We have a great group of New Artists coming up and a solid class of Artists from the past who carry the torch forward. We are looking forward to a great future in this genre of music and are very thankful to be a part of the movement!"

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YOUR IN

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY

WWW.BIGCCN.COM

The Christian Country Music Scene Fiddlin In The Kitchen Hicktown Garage Words of Wisdom The Music Magazine 8

WE ARE OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKERS WWW.ONLINEMEDIASTUDIOS.COM

OUR SERVICES

Video Production Audio Production Website Design & Maintenance Social Media Campaigns 9

CHRISTIAN COUNTRY LIVE Brent Harrison launches his "Being Home Show " Live via Facebook!

The show will feature Brent singing his version of Christian Country and inviting other Artists to join him for a time of Great Music and fellowship. The first episode featured guest appearances by Mike Manuel, Tommy Brandt, James Gee and Brents sister Melodye.

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JUSTIN TODD HEROD MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR Guitar pickin, country singing, outlaw Preacher Justin Todd Herod receives the Musician of the Year Award from the ICMA for his contributions as an outstanding musician and performer. Justin has that natural ability to captivate an audience. Its very apparent that he feels the music. Justin's passionate performance backed by an equally talented ability to shred the guitar accompanied by the classic country vocal style that also comes naturally, has been his signature for the genre of Christian Country since the early days of its formation. Â

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www.mbsmokehouse.com

www.funhousestudios.com/ 12

www.marketbasketfoods.com

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Chuck Day Producer of the Year Chuck Day takes Producer of the Year at the ICM Awards.

Chuck has produced numerous Projects with the Newstep Records Label including the new project with Gemma Adams.

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THE MUSIC // ISSUE 1 // VOLUME 1

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

WHISKEY STAINED GLASS

Whiskey Stained Glass embodies the full measure of what the lyrical content of a Christian Country Song should be. The song is very well written. The writers, Mark Narmore and Brent Baxter capture the imagination of the listener with there writing style. The vocal delivery from Jimmy and Jennifer Layne is second to none and the Producers, Chris Latham and Jeff King did an excellent job on this Production. Fresh Well Media delivered an inspiring Video Production with this one. This is a great cross-over from the Southern / Country Gospel Genre.

Back Home is made up the of husband and wife team, Jimmy and Jennifer Layne. This dynamic duo have there own unique sound of rich, vibrant vocals that come across as believable. When the couple sing its not just a performance but a total immersion into the emotions of the lyrical content of the song.

BACK HOME

Whiskey Stained Glass represents the result of what happens when Quality Lyrical content, Quality Production and Quality Vocal Abilities are joined.

Looking forward to seeing more of this style of music from Back Home in the years ahead. Visit there sites via the links provided and watch the video, Whiskey Stained Glass.

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Southern Gospel Cross-Over Pick

"If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It"

The Wilbanks come out of the gate charging with this up-tempo Country Gospel rendition of a song that takes me back to my childhood. The story line pits todays philosophies against the old antiquated principles of our forefathers.

An up-lifting, Old Fashioned, Steeped in Tradition giving of advice that is solid and rooted in Biblical Principles. It addresses the idea that in an ever-changing world, change can be good but "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It". The song was written by Monica Matthews and features Monica on the lead vocal. The video was Produced by Phil Cross.

For more information on the Wilbanks visit there website www.wilbankssingers.com

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BRUCE HAYNES RETURNS TO THE STUDIO TO PRODUCE A NEW ALBUM!

A Christian Country Icon The Making Of A Genre Bruce Haynes, musician, songwriter, singer, preacher and pastor. These are the many titles that describe the man today. For those of us fortunate enough to remember, the name takes us back to an

BRUCE HAYNES ACCOLADES:

1993 Male Vocalist of the Year CCMA 1993 CCMA Christian Country Song of the Year "Rodeo Preacher"

era of Country Music that ushered in a new lyrical content that was soon embraced by mainstream

1994 CCMA Male Vocalist of the Year

country.

1995 CCMA Male Vocalist At the time of this writing Bruce has returned to Nashville to record a new project! We are excited to hear of this and look forward to reviewing the album as soon as it is released.

Bruce was a member of the group White River for

Bruce was also nominated for a Grammy Award and received the Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association for "Praise His Name

several years and has performed with them in recent years as White River Reunion on several Cruise's. In 1992 bruce released his Album "Love At First Sight" followed by his self titled album "Bruce Haynes" in 1996 and his album "Sure Dont Feel Like Home', also in 1996.

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IN THE NEWS

AMERICAS NEW MUSIC?

by Robby Lynn Is Christian Country Music AMERICA’S NEW Country Music?

Mike Huckabee was asked to join the CMA Foundation Board Of Directors recently only to be asked some 24 hours later to depart the appointment because of certain political & conservative views. The Social Media explosion with comment and commentary on the issue was huge. But this is not the first time country music and some of its representative’s departed from Middle America and its biblical and conservative views. This is a battle that has raged for many years.

However, the purpose of this article is NOT to debate politics and the basic representation of country music as a whole. Instead my wish is to identify a certain segment of Country Music that does represent Middle America and her Conservative / Biblical / Christian way of life.

The music is Positive Message Country music with basic Christian messages of Hope, Faith and Love. These things effect all of us when presented lyrically correct and the words within the songs

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actually move one's heart and soul, stirring deep emotions that make us laugh and cry and remember things only we know about ourselves.

Welcome to True CHRISTIAN COUNTRY MUSIC. No offense to the other brands, but it must be stated that it’s Not “Gospel” Music or “Southern Gospel” Music or “Country Gospel” Music. It’s Christian Country Music. And we within the Christian Country Community have our own debate on the exact definition of what the music really is. Just like the mainstream country music scene of “Classic Country”, “New Country” or “Today’s Hot New Country” there is a good argument that we also have different pockets of the music that represent the whole picture and presentation of Christian Country Music. Most of the bigger representatives of Christian Country music are specialty radio shows that only

broadcast on Sunday’s on Country Radio Stations across the country. Yes there are a number of internet stations that broadcast various versions of positive message music as well. They have their own battles to fight to continue to gain popularity in the individual presentations of what they consider Christian Country music.

In the future we will address issues that are holding back this brand of music from growing.

We will talk about lyrical content, representation by groups and organizations and how they both benefit and hurt the growth of the Music called Christian Country Music…

TOMMY BRANDT Tommy Brandt takes Male Vocalist of the Year at the 2018 ICM Awars in Nashville, Tn. Tommy received his first CCMA/ICMA Award back in 2004 as New Artist of the year and has garnered numerous awards from the association over the years. Tommy and his son, Tommy II put on an inspiring show each time they take the stage representing the Christian Country Genre. With a modern country sound powered by the lead guitar styling's of Tommy II there taking the music to Rodeo's , Fairs and Church's across the country.

You can learn more about Tommy by visiting his website at www.tommybrandt.org

REBA TO HOST ACM'S Reba McIntire is set to host the ACM Awards ! The 53rd ACM Awards will air live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sunday, April 15 on the CBS Television Network.

Reba received her 16th nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year. If she wins, it would be her eighth victory in the category.

It is great to see Reba back as Host of the ACM Awards. The 2018 ACM Awards will mark Reba’s 15th time hosting the ceremony; she last appeared in 2012 with Shelton as her co-host.

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FIVE MORE MINUTES Scotty McCreery rocks the charts for the month of March with the song "Five More Minutes". Once again we see the Christian Country lyrical content taking its place among the top. In March the week of the 3rd it was at number 1 on the Bill Board Top 60 Country Airplay.

MICHAEL LEE SINGS TO RACE FANS! Christian Country Artist Michael Lee recently booked shows with the Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Michael told The Music in an interview, "We get to do TWO shows at Atlanta Motor Speedway for race weekend. One for the race Saturday and also Sunday's race." Way to go Michael! Keep moving forward and keep us in the loop as to when the NEXT one will be!! You can follow Michael Lee by visiting his website www.mlsministries.com and following the links to all his social media from there!

ICMA SONG OF THE YEAR Mainstream Country Artist's Buddy Jewell and Jeff Bates took the Inspirational Country Song of the Year during the ICM Awards and Convention.

Buddy received his Award for the song "I'm There" and Jeff Bates for the song "Judging Judas".

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CHRISTIAN COUNTRY DUO "BRANDED" TAKES DUO OF THE YEAR AWARD Branded , the Christian Country Duo from the great state of Texas were in attendance for the ICMA Convention and took the Duo of the Year Award. Paul Staggs and Robert Welch make up the Duo and have been hitting the stage across the country for 19 years running. Paul is one of the top writers within the genre of Christian Country with songs like, When Did This Happen, Heros and many others. Robert plays Mandolin and the two together deliver a solid traditional country sound. You can follow Branded on facebook or visit there website at www.brandedtx.com

MID SOUTH PERFORMS AT ICMA After a 21 year recess Mid South returned to Nashville and took the stage performing for the ICMA Convention. The band was well received and got a standing ovation which prompted an encore performance of a number of additional songs from there repertoire . Leo Johnston of Cross Country the Band was in attendance and was excited to see Mid South stepping up to represent the genre. Mid South was very influential in the early stages of the formation of Cross Country the Band.

Later that week Mid South was presented with the Living Legend Award by the Inspirational Country Music Association.

Bobby Bowen also announced that Mid South is now booking dates for a Mid South Reunion Tour 2018-2019. For more info you can contact Bobby on facebook at the link below.

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SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Greg McDougal receives the Songwriter of the Year Award from the ICMA. Greg has written numerous songs over the years as an artist/songwriter.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR The Entertainer of the Year Award goes to Lisa Daggs. Lisa delivers a high energy performance Greg McDougal, with a rockin-country sound that is second to none. From her latest CD and songs Sonwriter Year like "Well Worn" toof herthe previous releases and songs like "Forgivness" where she masterfully incorporates the "Cow Bell", the message stays the same, Faith, Family and Country. Lisa and her husband Ronnie Horten are a dynamic duo and you can hear them in a video at the link below

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

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Video of the Year Award went to Kali Rose for the video of the song "Jesus On The Jukebox". Kali had this to say about her nominations and receiving the award.

"I’m grateful for being nominated in the Inspirational Country Music Awards Top 5 for Female Vocalist of the year and Video of the year for “Jesus on the Jukebox”!

“Jesus on the Jukebox” was directed by Carl Diebold and the song was produced

by Jeff Silvey. Congratulations Jeff Silvey for being nominated in the top 5 for Producer of the Year! " https://youtu.be/978lCsiGeTM

SIDELINE FRONT AND CENTER

BLUEGRASS CROSSOVERÂ PICK Wow! If you haven't heard this

What started as a side project for the

band yet your missing out on a

seasoned players soon moved to the

ride that will take you to a place

front and center as the three were

where instrumental and vocal

joined by talents of Bailey Coe; guitar,

talent join together for a complete

Troy Boone; mandolin, and Daniel

musical experience.

Greeson; fiddle, and began to record and release albums in earnest.

 Sideline is a pedigreed six-piece powerhouse whose style has set

To listen to Sideline reminds the fan

the pace in Bluegrass for over two

of why so many people fall in love

decades. Founders Steve Dilling,

with Bluegrass in the first place;

Skip Cherryholmes and Jason

pulse-pounding drive, songs sung

Moore can all claim their own

from the heart, perfected timing and

historical significance to the genre

dynamics as well as a visceral

as members of highly awarded

emotion in the rendering. A band that

groups, multiple Grand Ole Opry

was started as an off-season fun

appearances and years of national

experiment has become a full-time

and international touring.

dream team of players and singers.

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The band, recorded or live, move dynamically from well chosen, hard-hitting neo-traditional covers of classic songs to new material curated by a band with a perfect sense of who they are and what they have to say. Combine all this with their on-stage energy and finesse as well as their powerful and affecting harmonies, and you have the embodiment of the North Carolina Bluegrass sound. Sideline has released 3 national projects and currently records for the highly awarded Mountain Home Music Company based near Asheville, NC

FRONT & CENTER

Front and Center is SIDELINE’S

The new Album "Front and Center"

fourth album and their first for Mountain Home Music Company.

This is also the group’s first outing with the talented producer Tim Surrett at the helm, and their first offering to feature an instrumental. Despite all the “firsts,” the threads that bind this group of musicians together are tightly and inextricably woven. This cohesiveness emphasizes the power of their hard-driving sound that is so perfected as to seem effortless.

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features several songs that crossover into the lyrical content of what we call Positive Message Christian Country.

Sideline was recently featured on SKOC's Stillery Stage where they shared these songs with our audience.

CROSSOVER PICKS THUNDER DAN OLD TIME WAY FROZEN IN TIME I LONG TO SEE HIS FACE

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AARON BARKER

WRITER'S CORNER

AARON BARKER spent the better part of two decades in a band that performed at military bases and public events across the U.S. During long stretches on the bus he began experimenting with writing songs. His first attempt, “Baby Blue,” was recorded by George Strait and topped the country chart in Billboard. Aaron soon began performing his original material in small clubs and cafes. One night after a long father-son talk he wrote “Love Without End, Amen.” Once again his song was recorded by George Strait and topped the country chart. After that, more Strait hits followed: “Easy Come, Easy Go,” “I’d Like To Have That One Back,” “I Know She Still Loves Me” and “I Can Still Make Cheyenne.” Aaron’s hits with other artists include “Not Enough Hours In The Night” by Doug Supernaw, “Watch This” and “You’re Beginning To Get To Me” by Clay Walker and “What About Now” by Lonestar.

Aaron is also the writer and singer of many radio and television commercials for the Blue Bell Ice Cream Company, including “Have Yourself A Blue Bell Country Day” and “The Good Ol’ Days.” In 2007 he was inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2016 he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame.

Aaron told us during our interview how he had originally planned to be a preacher and had attended seminary. Then later he ended up in a band playing the clubs.

He said one night while on stage he asked himself "How did I end up here?" It was a life changing moment. Now he looks back and realizes that God has used him as a songwriter to reach many more than he ever would have as a preacher.

OAKRIDGE BOYS NEW ALBUM RELEASED

THE OAKRIDGE BOYS RELEASE NEW GOSPEL ALBUM

The new album, 17th Avenue

Revival, is out now! The album was recorded with producer, Dave Cobb, at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A on Music Row. You can find the New Album at your Cracker Barrel Country Store or you can use the link here http://smarturl.it/oaks-17thave to review and purchase the album.

From the gospel styling of the piano to the thumb style guitar, coupled with the

Songs included on the album are:

harmonies delivered as only the Oakridge

1. A Brand New Star

Boys can, this project leaves you

2. There Will Be Light

reminiscing the memories of day's gone

3. God's Got It

bye with a warm feeling.

4. I'd Rather Have Jesus 5. Walk In Jerusalem

If you are a fan of the Oakridge Boys and

6. Where He Leads Me I Will Follow

good Country Gospel music then you will

7. Pray To Jesus

want to get yourself a copy of this project.

8. If I Die

It's a must have for any collection.

9. Let It Shine On Me

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Phone In Heaven

The song was written by Bobby Reed

CHRISTIAN

Country".

COUNTRY

VIDEO

SETS

GOES

VIRAL

RECORDS

and is on the Album "Building A Better

Phone In Heaven 1 was the first video and was debuted on Sundays Kind of Country Rado and Tv about

Its a song that tugs at the heart

two years ago on Mothers Day. In the

strings. Mamma songs have a way of

first year the video gained one million

doing that, and this particular one has

plus views. During this time Mike

touched Millions. Christian Country

Crawford who produced the video and

Legend Mike Manuel included the song

Mike Manuel decided to re-shoot the

on one of his albums some 17 years

video and came out with Phone In

ago.

Heaven 2 releasing the follow Mothers

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Day.

This time the video went viral and captured 40 million views in four months. During this time Mike launched his Mission Country On The Row Show which can be watched on both facebook and youtube via Live Stream, where he promoted the song and video driving viewers across the nation to watch the video. Sundays Kind Of Country once again played a key roll Hosting the video on there site making it available to around 300,000 followers.

At the time of this writing the view count across all social media outlets is setting at 60 million and climbing.

You can view the video at the link below and follow Mike on Facebook and all other social media by going to his website at www.mikemanuel.com and using the links provided.

WATCH PHONE IN HEAVEN

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CHRISTIAN DAVIS

Look Who Just Showed Up The man formerly known for the low bass vocals he contributed to quartet music; has crossed over from Southern Gospel, Bluegrass and now a regular to reckon with in the genre of Christian Country where he can show his multi-octave vocal abilities.

The 38-year-old singer unveiled a string of radio favorites with a voice that noone could resist. The reality

for Davis is that his success is due to years of perseverance and a lot of hard work to pursue his dream of singing.

Much like a Fourth of July fireworks show, rockets for Christian Davis have been firing off in sequence, in 2018. Christian states, “We have a great team around us who are working hard. I could lie and tell you I have never

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been frustrated, or concerned things just weren’t moving as fast as they should be." But even now everything seems like it’s right on track, even though there may be some bumps, we are ever so diligent to keep moving things along.”

Not having a passion for the particular style, he expressed his heart to Pastor Jerry Falwell which confirmed his desire to have a traveling quartet as another outreach, then forming The Old Time Gospel Hour Quartet. As Christian began singing bass in the newly created group, it was only a matter of time before they went on to record several gospel albums, toured nationally, and appeared weekly on the Old Time Gospel Hour television program.

Christian has a funny story on how he was later contacted by a national Bluegrass Group "Dailey and Vincent" to join their band.

After Jamie Dailey contacted him via Facebook, Christian replied: "not interested." I later agreed to travel to Nashville where we knew it was a good fit. He enjoyed traveling with the guys for almost 6 years. Davis states, "Singing bluegrass music was probably one of the most valuable things I have ever learned. In Bluegrass not only do you have vocal harmony notes,

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but the musicianship is top notch.

I learned to play the guitar while on the road with the band. I learned more about music in the nearly six years traveling with the bluegrass band and even made a "how-to" quartet DVD with the guys... boy that was fun."

Christian adds, "Most important I love what I get to do, and because

of my recent endeavors, I have been very blessed in meaning what I sing about. Bottom line, if you sing gospel music, and you don't believe what you are singing, not only are you being hypocritical but the people are going to see right through it. I can't imagine mouthing the words - you have to approach your songs with sincerity. " “That’s something that carries over for me in picking songs for my new projects,” “I purposely pick songs that strike a chord in my heart that means something to me. It could either be about an experience that I’ve had or one that I am having. I sing some of the verses in my songs and know those feelings all too well. Knowing those emotions helps me read the feeling that’s in the room–whether I’m making the contact I need to or not. All part of being an entertainer, minister of the music, or friend. If I can make someone's day a little better and give them a 75min break from all the hustle of life and make them smile, then I feel like I have fulfilled the true calling on my life.

Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Dailey & Vincent Show, Marty Stuart Show, Gaither Homecoming Artist, RFTV’s show Country Family Reunion. He has also shared the stage with Jimmy Fortune, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, Steve Martin, Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, T Graham Brown, Marty Raybon, Chris Christopherson, and many more...Christian knows none of this would be possible without the grace of God. Stay tuned for his new Bluegrass, Americana Album releasing in May.

Thru all the ups and downs in this career of music, "It's trust in knowing where God's purpose and my passion meet that makes it all worthwhile" states Davis.

To date, Davis has featured guest appearances on: RFD TV’s show Larry’s Country Diner, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman

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FEATURE

EMI SUNSHINE A MUSICAL PRODIGY

With a family musical lineage that goes back three generations, it’s no surprise that EmiSunshine is a natural performer. Like her great-grandmother, Emi has the ability to turn on the country charm and entertain a crowd. Like her grandmother, Emi can sing gospel with the conviction of a soul who’s been on the earth years beyond her age. And like her father, Emi can cut loose and have fun with the crowd.

Before Emi could even talk she was cooing along to harmonies with her grandmothers. By the time she was five, she’d written her first song. By the age of six she’d already performed live at countless churches and festivals

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THE BRAND NEW “RAGGED DREAMS” CD

around east Tennessee. At age seven she simultaneously recorded her first two albums, Strong As The Tall Pine and Wide River To Cross with the help of her musical family.

Emi draws inspiration from artists such as Buddy & Julie Miller, Dolly Parton and Sister Thorpe, as well as

regional artists like Jeff Barba & Sarah Pirkle, Kata Hay, Matt Woods, and her distant cousin Kevin Abernathy. Even at a young age, Emi writes and performs her own songs, while also covering some of her favorite artists.

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While she begins the process of recording her next album, all who experience her artistry will agree that talent as all-encompassing and unique as hers is a rare find.

PULSEBUSINESS.COM

ISSUE NO. 15

It’s nearly impossible to explain the exceptional talents of EmiSunshine, the 13year-old prodigy from East Tennessee who has captured the nation’s attention and enchanted hearts-a-many with her musical wizardry.

Born Emilie Sunshine Hamilton, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has been surrounded by family members who possess a genuine love for “salt-of-theearth,” mountain melodies and lyrics. Emi embraced the classic country, blues and folk music that echoed throughout her Madisonville, TN home.

LOCAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Steeped in Appalachian music, Emi is a true vocal stylist. Influenced by legends (Loretta Lynn/Tanya Tucker/ TheLouvin Brothers), she is a throwback to earlier eras of country music when trendsetters like Bessie Smith, June Carter, Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams made history. The sassy, strikingly powerful, ultra entertainer is bound and determined to follow in their footsteps, and while she has some pretty big shoes to fill, this little lady fits the bill.

Recently featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, No Depression as a "major star on the rise"; she is featured in Eugene Jarecki's documentary, "Promised Land" and was a featured performer at its debut at Cannes Film Festival; she's appeared on the Grand Ole Opry 14 times and will appear at this year's prestigious New Orleans Jazz Festival; she has been featured on the "Today" show and appeared on NBCs "Little Big Shots starring Steve Harvey" this past weekend; and finally, she is currently in the studio working on a new album which is being produced by three-time Grammy award-winning producer, Tony Brown (Brooks and Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, George Strait, etc.).

Emi launched her professional career performing at churches, community outings, and local festivals. It’s the spectacular 2014 performance at a Tennessee flea market that skyrocketed her career to become a worldwide SKOEWALE: THE THE GAME phenomenon when a video of her stage NEXT BIG THING CHANGERS show went viral on YouTube. Since her The Skoewale's economy is booming in An exclusive interview with breakout at just nine years old, Emi has the market, the rising city will no longer visionaries, innovators and leaders begarnered called the "baby" of thethan Asia family. changed how we look in the more 14 Millionthat YouTube world. views and a half million Facebook followers.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY IAN CASTANEDA

TAKING OVER THE WORLD Social media are already more important than our lives most people would say. What does the internet really do to our society.

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SUNDAY’S KIND OF COUNTRY / MARCH TOP 10 SONGS PLAYED FROM MARCH 4TH – MARCH 25TH [SPINS BASED OF 42 SYNDICATED RADIO MARKETS] #1 ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE – SOUTHERN HALO SPIN’S = 210 #2 THIS SIDE OF SUNDAY – BRENT HARRISON SPIN’S = 168 #3 COUNTRY SIDE OF THE CROSS – MIKE MANUEL SPINS = 168 #4 TOUCH DOWN JESUS – TIM MCGRAW SPINS = 126 #5 TO DIE FOR – LANCE CARPENTER SPINS = 126 #6 PRAY TO JESUS – OAK RIDGE BOYS SPINS = 126 #7 THAT’S WHAT JESUS WOULD DO – JUSTIN HEROD SPINS = 126 #8 JESUS ON THE DASH – JOSH GRIDER SPINS = 84 #9 THOSE CRAZY CHRISTIANS – BRAD PAISLEY SPINS = 84 #10 PRETTY GOOD DAY – LONE STAR SPINS = 82

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