Photo: Nancy Kruh
Keith Urbanis still riding the wave of his “Graffiti U” world tour — and current single “Never Comin Down” is still climbing the charts — but last week he surprised the national gathering of country radio broadcasters with new music.
How new?
So new that the 51-year-old singer had to stop mid-chorus during his acoustic performance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
“Oh my gosh, I forgot the words of the damn song!” he exclaimed. “Literally fresh! Brand new!”
He paused to chuckle at his gaffe, then told a secret on himself: “Normally, this is what I’d do if I forgot the words,” he said, imitating the stuttered sound of singing when a mic cord shorts out. “And then I’d reel the mic cord.” He frowned and pointed to his cordless mic. “But there is none.”
It didn’t take long for the reigning CMA entertainer of the year to collect himself and finish “We Were,” a mid-tempo ballad that — in Urban’s defense — contains lyrics that most would find tricky to memorize, let alone sing at such a fast clip (“We were leather jackets hanging on to a Harley, two heartbeats in the moonlight …”).
In the end, the song was warmly received — but will it find a place in the upper reaches of radio’s charts? That question hangs over the entire abundance of new music that’s performed each year at the Country Radio Seminar. For three days every February, Nashville record labels woo the star-makers of country’s airwaves with live showcases, hoping an artist with a fresh song or sound will catch their ear and turn it into radio play.
Sometimes it works like gangbusters. Who could forgetUrban debuting future No. 1 “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”at UMG’s Ryman show in 2015? Sometimes, a performance can turn into a slow burn. That same year, a relative unknown namedChris Stapleton sang “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore”during the same show. It never entered the radio charts, but Stapleton obviously made an impression. (This year, he did a star turn, performing current top 10 single “Millionaire.”) Of course, in this musical roulette of a town, there also are the inevitable wannabes who get their shot and fade away.
So, with this year’s crop of CRS performances as your guide, here’s what else you may be hearing in the coming months on country radio:
Dierks Bentley.Peyton Hoge for Universal Music Group
More new songs from hit-makers:Fresh off his latest No. 1, “Burning Man,”Dierks Bentleyauditioned his next single, “Living,” with lyrics that offer him more opportunity for self-reflection. Still celebrating their home runs with “Tequila” and “Speechless,”Dan + Shayreminded everyone that sexy new single “All to Myself” is now on deck.Chris Jansonrollicked through fresh single “Good Vibes,” showing up as his own one-man band with guitar, harmonica and kick drum.
Chris Janson.Nancy Kruh
Previewing one of his favorites off his upcoming album,Jon Pardiintroduced the most weirdly wonderful pickup line sinceJordan Davis’“if he ever singles you up.” So goes Pardi’s: “I want tequila little time with you / a little salt and lime with you.”
Jon Pardi.Peyton Hoge for Universal Music Group
More feminine-powered songs:Maren Morrisisalready making a splash with “Girl,”the first single off her album, which drops March 8. At CRS,Little Big Town’scalling card for their new music was a song with a feminist refrain: “I’ve heard of God the Son and God the Father / I’m just looking for a God for the daughters.” (Karen Fairchild didn’t mention a title in her intro.)Ashley McBrydeshowed off her signature grit in new single, “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” And two newcomers dug deep with more message songs: Kassi Ashton confronted feminine stereotypes with “Pretty Shiny Things,” and Tenille Townes tackled homelessness with “Somebody’s Daughter.”
Ashley McBryde.Nancy Kruh
Lindsay Ell and Brantley Gilbert.Nancy Kruh
Cody Johnson.Nancy Kruh
More from worthy hopefuls:Several artists asked for new consideration to songs that have been looking for momentum for a few months now.Morgan Evansbrought his good cheer to “Day Drunk” — amonster No. 1 hit in his native Australia— and Walker Hayes served “90’s Country” sunny side up; both songs have a definite summer vibe if they can hang on a little longer.
Morgan Evans.Nancy Kruh
Devin Dawsonreminded the radio crowd of his classic combination of coolness and charisma with autobiographical “Dark Horse.”Maddie & Tae,who hit a career reboot when they changed labels last year, were looking to build buzz over their Juddsy harmonies on “Die From a Broken Heart,” presumed to be their next single and already racking up significant streams.
Taylor Dye and Maddie Marlow of Maddie & Tae.Peyton Hoge for Universal Music Group
More from newcomers:Will country radio give any newbies featured at CRS a spot in the rotation? Besides Tenille Townes and Kassi Ashton, other fresh faces who earned a CRS spotlight included Adam Hambrick, Caylee Hammack, Hardy, Lauren Jenkins,King Calaway, Brandon Lay and Noah Schnacky.
Kassi Ashton.Peyton Hoge for Universal Music Group
All have label support, and there’s talent behind every name. None of them ring a bell? If they’re tomorrow’s stars, remember you heard about them here first. If not, blame the roulette.
source: people.com
