#gotcountry

[hotmilkforge]

Not the worse view while doing a course. #hotmilkforge #glensofantrim #glensofantrimforge #gotcountry (at Hot Milk Forge)

[gcdanielle]

My Picks for the 51st ACMs

The nominations for the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards were announced today. If you missed it, you can see the full list of nominees at GotCountry?. Every time the noms are announced, I like to make my picks. 

The 51st ACMs, hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, will be broadcasted LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 8:00 PM. You can following along with GotCountry by using #GotCountry and #ACMs.

Please note, the nominees for Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Studio Recording Awards and Industry Awards will be announced at a later date. 

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean

Garth Brooks

Luke Bryan

Eric Church

Miranda Lambert

Will this finally be the year Eric Church receives the award he deserves.

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean

Dierks Bentley

Eric Church

Brett Eldredge

Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Kelsea Ballerini

Jana Kramer

Miranda Lambert

Kacey Musgraves

Carrie Underwood

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brothers Osborne

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Joey + Rory

Maddie & Tae

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Eli Young Band

Little Big Town

Old Dominion

Rascal Flatts

Zac Brown Band

NEW MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Brett Eldredge

Chris Janson (super thrilled about this one)

Thomas Rhett

Chase Rice

Chris Stapleton

NEW FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Kelsea Ballerini

Cam

Mickey Guyton

RaeLynn

NEW VOCAL DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Brothers Osborne

Maddie & Tae

Old Dominion

Parmalee

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)] 

I’m Comin’ Over – Chris Young Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young Record Label: RCA Records

Montevallo – Sam Hunt Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally Record Label: MCA Nashville

Mr. Misunderstood – Eric Church (a secret album deserves the award) Producer: Jay Joyce Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

Tangled Up – Thomas Rhett Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure, Chris DeStefano, Joe London Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

Traveller – Chris Stapleton Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton Record Label: Mercury Records

SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)] 

Burning House – Cam Producers: Jeff Bhasker, Tyler Johnson, Camaron Ochs Record Labels: Arista Nashville, RCA Records, Kravenworks

Buy Me A Boat – Chris Janson Producers: Brent Anderson, Chris DuBois, Chris Janson Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Die A Happy Man – Thomas Rhett Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

Girl Crush – Little Big Town Producer: Jay Joyce Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

I’m Comin’ Over – Chris Young Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young Record Label: RCA Nashville

Take Your Time – Sam Hunt Producers: Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally Record Label: MCA Nashville

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)

Biscuits – Kacey Musgraves Director: Mark Klasfeld Producer: Nicole Acacio

Burning House – Cam Director: Trey Fanjoy Producer: Trent Hardville

Girl Crush – Little Big Town Directors: Karla Welch, Matthew Welch Producer: Amanda Prunesti

Mr. Misunderstood – Eric Church Directors: Reid Long, John Peets Producer: Megan Smith

Riser – Dierks Bentley Director: Wes Edwards Producer: Jennifer Rothlein

VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]*(Off Camera Award)

Hangover Tonight – Gary Allan Featuring Chris Stapleton Producers: Gary Allan, Greg Droman Record Label: MCA Nashville

Home Alone Tonight – Luke Bryan Featuring Karen Fairchild Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens Record Label: Capitol Nashville

Raise ‘Em Up – Keith Urban Featuring Eric Church Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban Record Labels: Hit Red Records, Capitol Nashville

Smokin’ And Drinkin’ – Miranda Lambert Featuring Little Big Town Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glenn Worf Record Label: RCA Nashville

Wild Child – Kenny Chesney With Grace Potter Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney Record Labels: Blue Chair Records, Columbia Nashville

[gcdanielle]

Got The Spotlight: Andy Velo

There’s been an influx of country musicians coming out of Georgia over the past few years and the talent just keeps getting better and better. If you’ve followed me and my music obsession over the past three years there are a few artists you are mostly likely well aware of. Andy Velo should definitely ring a bell. My twitter bestie who I found through music suggested I take a listen to Southern Thing back in June of 2012. The opening guitar strum had me hooked and I couldn’t stop talking about this good ol’ Georgia boy named Andy. I did my best to beat it into the head of my friends, family, and followers that they needed to check this guy out.

When I was pointed in Andy’s direction he had a four song EP on iTunes along with a promo video on ReverbNation. My favorite was obviously Southern Thing. I constantly listened to that song and watched the video on repeat. I would even pull up YouTube on my BluRay player so I could watch it on the big screen. One afternoon I even created a line dance to Southern Thing but I’m not sure if I can remember it now. My second favorite would have to be I Can’t Wait to Tap That, a raunchy love story about a beer keg. I bet you weren’t expecting that.

As much as I loved playing Andy’s self-titled EP on repeat, after awhile those four songs just couldn’t hold me over. I was in need of new music. Early on in 2014 Andy posted a photo on Instagram of a track listing for a Summer 2014 EP. Yes yes yes! I had to get my hands on that new music ASAP! I was ready to hit the pre-order button on iTunes but unfortunately I had to wait a few more months. On August 12 I woke up to the Blue Collar Cruise EP on my iPhone. You can read my review here . I had every lyric memorized by the time I reached work that morning. I bet my neighbors know all the words too since I would leave the radio turned up when I got home and would remote start my Jeep in the morning with the EP blaring.

When Andy announced that he’d be tweeting a big tour announcement in late November I set an alarm. As long as I’ve been following him you’d think I’d already seen him live. Nope. I always seemed to miss him. I’d go to Georgia one weekend to visit my family, and he’d be playing about an hour away from them the next. I even went to Nashville one weekend, but he was in Georgia. We probably passed each other on the interstate as he went back up to Nashville while I was coming back into Georgia. Just days before this big announcement I tweeted about starting a campaign to bring Andy to Charleston and he hinted to being in Charleston in 2015. Thank goodness that was right! It wasn’t included on his original announcement but in mid March I noticed he announced a show with Corey Smith at the original Music Farm in downtown Charleston. I. Had. To. Go. I already had plans but those were immediately changed. There was no way I was missing Andy again, especially when he was coming to my hometown. Then Andy did the coolest thing ever. He reached out to me through DM on Twitter, because I was such a huge fan from the early stages he was going to put me on the guest list as thanks for all my support. That’s never happened to me before so you bet I was totally fangirling. You can read my concert review here! I got to chat with Andy for a long time after his show. We discussed his upcoming release of Wake Up Boat Drink Repeat which I got to hear a clip of at the merch table, the hope that this single would spread like wildfire across the boats during the summer, and the plans he has for the rest of 2015, along with the new Jim Beam guitar he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of.

Since Andy has been super busy on the Corey Smith tour along with working in the studio, prepping for the release of Wake Up Boat Drink Repeat, and hanging out in Key West I took our Got Country Twitter Party as a chance do to a small follow up Q&A. 

Danielle: “What got you started in music?” Andy: “Literally a phone call. I left my job the next day.” It would be interesting to know more about this story. Imagine such an amazing, life changing phone call. What a risk, but a risk that paid off!

Danielle: “How do you want to be known in the country music world?” Andy: “Relatable, approachable, and nothing that I’m not. You get one shot to get it right. Why be anything else?” That’s some great advice. And I think Andy is already well known for what he desires to be known as. I find Andy to be one of the nicest guys in the music industry. He’s definitely approachable, he loves his fans. And he’s definitely relatable, the fame doesn’t get to him. He shows that he’s still one of us.

If they gave out an Entertainer of the Year award for a newcomer, Andy Velo would definitely take home the trophy. If you ever get the chance to see him live you better go! I’m already ready to see him again. I also can’t wait for his upcoming single release “Wake Up Boat Drink Repeat” on 5/19 (which I hope to hear blasting on every boat this summer) and future music that he’s been working on in the studio. Make sure you follow Andy to keep up with all of his announcements, music, projects, and super fun tweets. And don’t forget to join our GotCountryOnline.com twitter party with him on 5/19 at 8/7c. You can use our hashtag #GotCountry to join the fun!

Socials…

Website: www.andyvelo.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/andyvelomusic

Twitter: www.twitter.com/andyvelo

Instagram: www.instagram.com/andyvelo

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/andyveloofficial

[gcdanielle]

EP Review: Preston Summerville "One More Time"

Around August 2012, I was surfing the web and discovered a contest by Dodge looking for a band to perform a jingle on their next commercial. Dodge had every genre available and if you liked the single that the band had entered, you could download it to count as your vote. Of course I immediately went to the country genre. I found lots of bands I liked but one stuck out in particular. The Preston Summerville Band. I was born and raised in Summerville, South Carolina so I had to see if this band was from the area too. Nope. Cedartown, Georgia. Which you may recognize as Sam Hunt’s hometown. I took a listen to “How We Party” and was drawn to the grit feel of the song with a rock edge which reminded me of Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church. I feel it was a good introduction for the band: “here we are and this is what we’re about.” After downloading the single of course I had to like the band on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. We had chatted back and forth on twitter a few times when their manager JR Roberson, Founder/CEO of BIGFOOT Music and Outdoors, asked about bars in my area they could play at. I gave the names of Market Street Saloon (our version of Coyote Ugly), a country bar called Bighorn’s, and my favorite bar Montreux. I wasn’t sure Montreux was the right fit for a country band but it was five minutes up the road from my house and I was always in there so I was hoping Montreux could give them a shot. And guess what?! Montreux booked them for a Saturday night in October. When I walked into Montreux that night I introduced myself to JR and got hooked up with PVILLE and Fireball Whisky merch.

Preston and his band rocked the local crowd for two straight nights, packing the place out even though Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Festival was in town the same weekend. The guys have come back twice so far, in April of 2013 and November of 2014. I was most excited for this last visit. I got to listen to a clip of "Home Town Pride" and couldn’t wait to hear more of Preston’s new sound.

(Top: October 2012. Bottom Left: April 2013. Bottom Right: November 2014.)

Today Preston Summerville releases his official debut EP called “One More Time” to all major digital distribution outlets. Fortunately for me, I had the chance to stream it two weeks early. I’d been dying for this moment ever since JR told me at the November show that the album would drop in January.

The One More Time EP kicks off on the right track with Talk About Livin’, an upbeat catchy tune with a rock flair that describes simple backwoods country living from putting in those blue collar hours to celebrating once you punch out that time clock. The title track One More Time (co-written with Erica Sunshine Lee) keeps you hooked in to the EP with an upbeat story of a bad relationship you just can’t seem to escape from. I fell in love Home Town Pride (co-written with Jared Mitchell) when a video clip was posted on Facebook. It was the first recording I got to hear of Preston’s not new, but refined sound. I love everything about the song from the beat to the lyrics to the way it makes me feel. Georgia and South Carolina are very similar in the way they feel about state pride, and that goes all the way down to the towns. Even though my hometown of Summerville isn’t so small anymore, it’s still similar to what I’ve read about Cedartown. Therefore, Home Town Pride hits home for me. Halfway through my first listen of Bow My Head I had to restart the song. It sure did sound a lot like Preston’s journey in music. As described in Jason Aldean’s Crazy Town and Eric Church’s Princess of Darkness, Nashville can chew you up and spit you out, but if you work your ass off and fight for your talents she’s one of the greatest cities to be in. And that’s what Preston did. Like having the angel and the devil on your shoulders, he chose to go with his faith while pouring his heart and soul into his music. Now here he is today, with his official debut EP and soon to have songs on the radio. I feel this song can be relatable to everyone if you just insert your dream into the lyrics and I hope you make the same choice Preston did. Finishing out the EP is Between This Bottle and Me, a strong ballad about a front porch and a bottle of your favorite liquor playing the role of a therapist during a heartbreak. With subtle strumming and chords, I believe this song best shows off Preston’s vocal talents. It leaves you wishing the EP was a full length album.

After my first stream of the One More Time EP I had to pull out Preston’s old stuff, the first EP his manager gave me in 2012 and a few songs he emailed me in 2013. The difference is impeccable. As previously mentioned, Preston doesn’t have a new sound per se, but a more focused and refined sound, without losing that rock and grit feel that made me an original fan. If you get a chance check out some of his older music which is still available on his reverbnation page. Preston tends to walk the fine line of the country music genre yet at the same time he’s still grounded in true country music.

Make sure to grab a copy of One More Time today and go see Preston Summerville on the Pepsi: On The Rise Tour with Kirstie Lovelady and Them Dirty Roses. You can keep up with Preston Summerville on Facebook, Twitter, and prestonsummerville.com. 

I am so grateful for the random introduction to Preston Summerville that has landed a great relationship between him, JR Roberson, BIGFOOT Music and Outdoors, GotCountryOnline.com, and myself. I’ve enjoyed watching and listening to Preston transform over the past two and a half years. It seems like he has a lot in store for him in 2015 and I’m excited to be along for the ride. Congrats on all you have accomplished Preston!

[gcdanielle]

SINGLE REVIEW: Granger Smith "Bury Me In Blue Jeans"

Regardless of which parts of social media you belong to, you should be familiar with the Cloyd Rivers-type character Earl Dibbles, Jr. The famous catch phrase “Yee, Yee” along with country quotes such as this...

… can be seen throughout Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Many of you may also know his stage-sharing counterpart Granger Smith. But how many of you knew that Earl & Granger are actually the same person? It’s okay if you didn’t. That has been a recent discussion at GCO, whom he always remembers because the ‘?’ in our logo.

A ballad with soft, humble voice and tantalizing guitar strums, the new single “Bury Me In Blue Jeans” comes from his 9th home-recorded album “Dirt Road Driveway” which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Chart and became the #1 selling independent country music album in 2013. Granger takes great pride in his simple, down home lifestyle and you can see it in his music. “Bury Me In Blue Jeans” seems to be a perfect description of his life, something he never wants to stray away from, even in the traditional way of death. Don’t put him in a fancy suit and show him off to the world. Bury him in what he’s known for, old blue jeans and pearl snaps. GCO fans, what would you like to be buried in?

I know, I know that's so far to go

Got the roots of an oak and a tumbleweed soul

When my time's up all this good ol' boy needs

Is to bury me in blue jeans.

  Something faded and worn in the knees

Fits like a glove and frayed at the seams

And throw this old guitar in there, please

When you bury me in blue jeans.

Because the success of his latest album launched him into a national touring act, you should be able to catch Granger & Earl at a show near you! Check www.grangersmith.com for tour dates and follow along on twitter using @GrangerSmith and @EarlDibblesJr. YEE YEE!

[gcdanielle]

You Can't Get "Wild and Reckless" with Cale Dodds Just Once!

A few months ago I was introduced to the music of Columbus GA raised and Nashville based Cale Dodds. He was playing in town that night but it was too short of notice to grab some friends and go. I still wish I hadn't missed it! I constantly kick myself for it. Fortunately he was coming back to town a few weeks later and I made sure to see him. You can read that review here. I also let Cale talk me into doing a review on his recently released EP Wild and Reckless which you can read here. It was my first album review ever and I was so nervous! I was on pins and needles until I heard that Cale loved both pieces. Hallelujah! But not only did Cale love it, his longtime hometown fans and friends did also. Actually, two helped me out with the album review. Marie & Kevin Cooper. It was because of them that I was able to see Cale in Savannah. When Cale told me he'd be in Savannah I was dying to go because #1 I loved the show at Wild Wing Cafe but wanted to see him in a better venue, and #2 I love Saddle Bags. But I had two problems: #1 I didn't have anyone to go with, and #2 I would need a hotel because I doubted I could make it back to Charleston. Marie & Kevin would be at the show and helped me get a hotel room. I couldn't wait to meet them! And of course see Cale again!

(Photo Credit: Marie & Kevin Cooper) 

I arrived in the heart of Savannah around 4pm, right in the smack middle of their Bacon Festival. I will admit I did not partake. Instead I took in the sights (it had been 2 years since I was last in the city) and let every single person and visitor's center kiosk know that Cale Dodds would be playing at Saddle Bags starting around 10ish, until the band arrived at the bar. I must say, Saddle Bags should definitely invest in a set of cornhole boards. I was hoping for a rematch against Cale. I had a good time catching up with the guys while they got set up though. I had been to Nashville since the last time I saw them so I told Chase all about my experiences. I tried to talk Cale into riding the mechanical bull (since he never did the ice bucket challenge) and Ryan into taking line dance lessons from the couple that was dominating the dance floor, but neither woudl. While sound-checking, I made friends with that line-dancing couple Sandy & Dan who enjoyed what they heard during the Preach run-through. They decided to stay for some of the show and taught me a few more line dances while we waited around for 10pm. Then Marie & Kevin arrived! It was so exciting to finally meet them. We got to know each other better over dinner and drinks and they shared Cale stories, pictures and videos with me. I was so jealous of all the shows they've been able to go to. Especially that they're going to see Cale at The Bluebird this week!

(Photo Credit: Marie & Kevin Cooper) - Yes I'm a dancing diva

Finally the show was getting ready to start. We grabbed a table next to the stage, had tabs set up at the VIP bar, and took claim to a section of the dance floor. A lady beside us told me Cale looked like a mini Luke Bryan. The band started off with a few of their originals, which obviously I love hearing more than cover songs. We sang and danced to every original and cover during the first set. Cale even dedicated "Must Be Dreamin'" to me and the rest of the GotCountryOnline.com staff. If you read my first concert review you understand why this song means so much to me. I'm not talented enough to write my feelings into lyrics so I was grateful to find a song that matched my emotions. Thank goodness I didn't cry this time though!

(Photo Credit: Marie & Kevin Cooper) 

By the time the second set rolled around, the bar was packed, we made tons of new friends, and Cale was rockin'. He called out a few bachelorettes, birthday girls, and one lone bachelor. Girls were constantly being pulled off stage by security. One lucky blonde even got a kiss. No y'all, put the bail money back, it wasn't me. I don't know why y'all think I'm such a troublemaker! It was definitely a rowdy bunch at Saddle Bags though. One of my highlights of the night was Cale's lyric change in Pour Some Sugar On Me... "I'm hot, sticky sweet from my head to my meat." Yes, I'm calling out your dirty mind Cale! The girls in my group all looked at each other making sure we all heard him right. Speaking of cover songs, now every time I hear one of the popular ones I think of Cale's shows. My favorite cover, however, is Semi-Charmed Life which is performed by Ryan & Gabe. No matter how many times I listen to that song I can't keep up and get the lyrics straight but they kick ass at it. And for all those who beg to hear Wagon Wheel at every single show they go to, Ryan can help you out with that! In the words of Kevin, the show was EPIC. I was so glad that I was able to go and see Cale in a different style of venue. Maybe one day I could see an acoustic set... (*hint hint wink wink*)

(Photo Credit: Marie & Kevin Cooper) 

Besides Jake Owen (who doesn't stop moving until the encore is over), I've never seen anyone as into the performance and into the crowd as Cale. I have no clue how he didn't trip himself up on his guitar cord the way he was spinning all over the stage. Then he'd jump up on the speakers in front of the stage, making all the girls go crazy. He really puts his heart and soul into his music and performances. You can definitely see it at a show and I believe it can be seen in some of the pictures Kevin captured. I'm pretty sure Cale is pretty close to doing a complete backbend while playing that guitar. He is pouring sweat by the time he walks off stage but as long as you don't mind it, he'll hang around and take pictures with everyone. You may lose your sober-up water though. True story. Be sure to meet him though. He'll make you feel like ol' friends. I really adore the way he interacts with his fans. Cale Dodds has every aspect you need to be a true superstar and I cannot wait to see him succeed. 

(Photo Credits: Marie & Kevin Cooper) 

If you have yet to see Cale Dodds live (what is wrong with you) please promise me to look up his schedule. You can track him through Bandsintown and they will alert you when he's playing in your area. Or you join the rest of us and travel anywhere and everywhere to see him. Trust me, the miles, gas and hotel stays are worth every single penny. 

Thank you Cale, Chase, Ryan, and Gabe for an awesome time this past weekend! Thank you Marie & Kevin for all your hospitality. You helped give me a night out that I desperately needed. I'm so glad we found each other through Cale! Making friends through artists is probably one of the coolest things ever. I can't wait to see you all again in Athens!

(Photo Credit: Marie & Kevin Cooper) 

[gcdanielle]

GotCountryOnline.com EP Review: Wild and Reckless by Cale Dodds

Georgia seems to be bursting at the seams these days with talented country musicians. You’ve got the big dogs such as Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Zac Brown. There’s the new boys on the scene like Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, Kip Moore, and Sam Hunt. And lastly, the up & coming Jon Langston, Jordan Rager, along with my friends Daniel Lee and Preston Summerville. Well let me introduce you to Cale Dodds, born and raised in Columbus until he relocated to Nashville a few years ago and recently released his first EP Wild and Reckless.

Each time I listened to “Run” I picked up a different story line. I can imagine a young couple on the verge of falling in love, scared of what may come. I see a boy trying to prove to a girl that it’s safe to open her heart up to him. But I can also see a couple choosing to take that next intimate step in a relationship. No matter which way you see it, there’s only one concept, no need to run unless you’re running to love.

"Whatcha say now, whatcha say now I can feel it on the tip of your tongue If you’re afraid of love you’re not the only one Whatcha say now, whatcha say now Is there any chance for us With a heavy heart like a loaded gun You got nowhere left to run"

I believe “That’s When I Knew” is my favorite song from the EP. I still play it on repeat even when I’m not working on my review. It’s also my go-to song when I want to introduce my friends to Cale’s music. I’ve always had this silly little dream about wishing a song would be written about me, and I always wondered what that song would say. I’d hope it goes a little something like this...

“Lightning struck, there was nothin’ I could do You were firing me up with every little move Time stood still and the world stopped spinnin’ Like I just found everything I’ve been missin’ Just like that I was holding on Couldn’t hold me back, it was set in stone I finally found something I’d fight not to lose Yeah girl that’s when I knew”

When I first heard the title track of the EP “Wild and Reckless” I thought of summer but the melody quickly turned into memories. It takes you back to those carefree days of no responsibility in high school. The wild road trips and reckless parties in college. Freedom, living that American story. P.S. Does anyone else get the feel of Midnight Rider?

 “Take me back to the wild and reckless The summer sun ain’t never gonna set ya feel it That’s what you wanted, that’s what you wanted Take me back to the golden glory Keep on livin’ that American story That’s what you wanted, that’s what you wanted Wild and reckless”

When I hear “Get You Higher” I think of how I feel at a concert. The excitement while waiting to enter the venue, hanging out with my friends and making new ones, having the time of my life, living like there’s no tomorrow. It’s the ideal party song. It does indeed Get You Higher.

 “We’re gonna party like the world is gonna end Get a little bit closer like you’re everybody’s best friend Yeah we’ll be lovin’ like we’re never gonna love again Blood pumpin’ shootin’ stars bouncin’ off the wall You can’t stop startin’ up like a storm song Drop a beat and everybody’s hearts are singin’ along Everybody sing…. Let me light your little love on fire Ain’t nothin’ gonna get you higher”

If your prince charming got down on one knee singing to you to “Say Yes,” you would, right? Come on, what girl wouldn’t appreciate a proposal song? I hope somewhere on his journey, someone asks Cale to use Say Yes to help with their special moment. I’m not gonna lie, I wouldn’t mind having prince charming propose with this song. I’d definitely say yes.

All five songs on Wild and Reckless are extremely meaningful. They have each pulled at my heart strings in a different way. It has been nice not having to deal with yet another truck or drinking song. Although I wouldn’t object to one or two on his next project. I have thoroughly enjoyed having the EP on repeat for days studying the tracks. It’s great music to listen to while relaxing next to the pool with a bottle of wine, yet it’s fun to dance to during a night out on the town. I recently saw Cale live and even though he had just released this EP I was already asking him when we could hear new music. He currently has two more tracks recorded. You can search “Preach” on youtube if you just can’t wait for his next album to come out or are not able to see him live soon. I suggested that as long as he didn’t re-recorded them to put them on a full album later, he should keep cranking out EPs so us adoring fans can own new music faster.

  *Special thanks to Megz, Stephanie Bear, and Marie & Kevin Cooper for helping me out with my first ever album review!*

[gcdanielle]

GotCountryOnline.com EP Review: Blue Collar Cruise by Andy Velo

If you’ve been following me on twitter (@GC_Danielle) for awhile, you should know all about Andy Velo. He put out his first EP in 2012 but I didn’t catch onto him until early last year and I’ve been dying to see him live ever since! Take a listen to Southern Thing and the oh-so-hilarious I Can’t Wait to Tap That when you’re done reading. As much as I loved listening to his self-titled EP on repeat, only four songs just weren’t doing it for me. I couldn’t contain my excitement when he tweeted about working on new material and when he finally announced an album release date for Blue Collar Cruise. I was ready to preorder it, when the option became available. Now I’ve been listening to BCC nonstop for days.

I think Andy had all the girls jumping at the bit when he asked “Hey girl, How You Wanna Roll?” on twitter. What I absolutely love about this song is that the girl is in control, he is just happy to be spending time with her no matter what they’re doing. It was such a great choice to kick off the feel of the album. So how do I wanna roll? Windows down, music cranked, flyin’ down the back road. And yes, I will be driving the big jacked up truck.

"Hey girl, how you wanna roll We can crank it up or take it real slow Boot’s on the gas, feet on the dash Kickin’ dust up fast down Airport Road It’s your world so girl tell me this What’s it gonna take to taste that kiss I’m ready to go, all I wanna know is Hey girl, how you wanna roll"

Blue Collar Cruise makes me want to grab the box of dusty ol’ inner tubes from my garage, all of my friends, a cooler or two and go floatin’ down the Edisto River. It’s the ideal Southern thing to do in the Lowcountry of South Carolina during the summer. Some of the best memories can be made on a slow float down the river. If nothing else, it gives you a much needed break from the fast lane. It’s part of the simple life. Who’s ready to jump off a rope swing? If you’ve never experienced a Blue Collar Cruise, I hope this song adds a task to your bucket list.

"Floatin’ along on hydro power 1.1 2 miles an hour Soaking up the summer sun Kickin’ back drinkin’ cold ones With a redneck kinda attitude And a patched up old inner tube Ain’t first class but it’ll do For a blue collar cruise"

Being from what is sometimes still considered a small town, I can definitely relate to Outrun This Small Town. As much as I say I want to leave, small towns beat out city lights any day and roots aren’t so easily buried. You may think leaving is easy, but as in this song, you may be leaving someone behind. Here the boy wishes the best for his love in her newfound future but wishes she would return to that ol’ small town. 

"Those city lights can’t burn so bright They hid your pretty redneck Bury your roots up in that highrise But you can’t just up and forget Don’t wanna get gone Leave all you want Say you won’t be back around But you can’t outrun this small town"

When you see a song that includes “dirt road” you think about racing, kicking up dust, blaring music through open windows, and partying in a tailgate circle. But Roll of a Dirt Road is just a boy and a girl out on a dirt road taking in the view, falling in love, possibly tangled up in each other. I can see this song being Andy’s first radio single. P.S. I harass Sirius XM The Highway about needing to play his music every time they send me an email regarding my thoughts on the songs they play.

"I wanna see you layin’ back out there with me lost in a melody Out on a county road diggin’ out the country scenes You’re a sexy little something pretty sweet thing Danglin’ bare feet swingin’ off my tailgate I know this little bit of get down that’ll have you dancin’ all night now No it ain’t a song on the radio But it’ll make your heart go... whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa Roll of a dirt road"

All of this summer’s songs have been along the lines of Crazy, Reckless, Young, & Wild. Go out and live your life. Live it like there’s no tomorrow. The vocals and storyline of this one make it my favorite. There’s nothing like taking off with your friends into the unknown and seeing what kind of unforgettable memories you can make. But just don’t do it for one night. Live it up as often as you can. So listen to this song every day.

"Whoa… It’s time to feel alive Whoa…. Light up the night, yeah Whoa… We got the rest of our lives to think twice So tonight we’re crazy, reckless, young, & wild"

If you’re thinking Meet Me in the Barn sounds familiar, it was co-written and cut by Jason Michael Carroll on his last album. But before you play it, turn that knob up to maximum volume. I immediately envisioned a music video perfectly following the lyrics, playing out a bonfire on a farm where a new couple sneaks out to the barn for a fun night. I may have also suggested myself as the lead girl to Andy if he ever chose to make a video for Meet Me in the Barn.

"Meet me in the barn, way out in the pasture Turn off your headlights, park by the tractor Sneak in the backdoor, so we don’t get caught I’ll be there waitin’ in the hayloft With a kiss on my lips, no you don’t wanna miss Holdin’ me in your arms... Meet me in the barn"

I have yet been able to choose my favorite song from Blue Collar Cruise. I love them all! There are songs that I connect to and songs that I wish I could live out, and hopefully someday will. I will continue to listen to the BCC EP in the car, in the shower, and at home. I hope with this album release will come a tour date release. GotCountryOnline.com would love to see Andy in Charleston SC. Maybe we could get him down here during a summer weekend and plan our own blue collar cruise. Stay tuned as I am hopeful for an Andy Velo Concert Review in the future. Make sure to keep up with Andy Velo on twitter and bandsintown to see him at a show near you. And don’t forget to pick up Blue Collar Cruise today!