EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Courtney Cole

Twenty eight year old Courtney Cole is an outstanding Nashville, Tennessee  based Country Singer from Mandeville, Louisiana, her hometown. Cole is a fresh face, bubbly personality and a sound that is equal parts contagious and sassy, Courtney Cole has spent many years crafting her music and creating positive messages in her lyrics that inspire others in their lives.

In 2015 Courtney performed over 50 shows opening for Miranda Lambert, Chris Young & Thompson Square among many others as well as playing festival dates throughout the summer.

Courtney will be opening for Diamond Rio during their appearance at 2016 Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine. Cole goes on at 7:30pm August 5th. Her Maine Lobster Festival appearance is one of 13 upcoming concerts. Some other concert stops are Ulster County Fair August 6th, Surf Ballroom August 11th, August 12th Mystique Casino and Wisconsin St. Fair on August 13th, 2016, to name a few. For more details on her upcoming concerts please click here.

Our founder, editor David Mills recently had the opportunity to interview Courtney on her singing, challenges and more. The following what she had to say.

When did you start singing?
I have been singing since before I can even remember! My mom said I used to sing all the time in my car seat, and would even try to sing songs to the pitches of the vacuum cleaner when she would clean the house! I really remember falling in love with it when I was 5 years old performing at the church talent show with my dad!

Was it your dream to be a singer?
I have never wanted to do anything else! I used to play a game called "touring" where I would travel around from room to room in my house to sing for my stuffed animals! I think at one point I wanted to be a marine biologist, but that was maybe for like a day because I thought dolphins were cool..

Tell us about your style of singing?
Ive always been a big fan of strong, powerful female singers.. I used to listen to a lot of Shania, Martina, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston.. So the big vocals and the powerful melodies are definitely two important characteristics that have stemmed from those influences!

Are there challenges pursuing a singing career and being a normal young lady?
There are always challenges.. I think the most challenging thing can be to maintain a social life at home while being on the road so much. I have a lot of friends and family that mean the world to me that I have to make sure I see when I'm home and reach out to when I'm gone so that we can maintain a solid relationship! And it's not always easy!!

Do your parents and friends support you?
100%. I couldn't be more lucky to have a supportive community of people that surround me.

Do you write your own songs?
Yes! It's so important to me to share my story and my perspective of life!

If so, tell us what goes into writing a great song?
Writing a great song comes from living the life you write about and staying true to that. That's what people are going to relate to, and it's going to hit harder when they feel like they can really believe what you're saying.

Where was your first performance, were you excited?
It was at my church talent show! I was 5 years old and performed Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" with my dad! That performance wasn't only exciting, but it changed my life!

How do you prepare your voice for a performance?
Warming up the best I can.. (which I need to be better about). I also love to use essential oils that help to open me up!

If I went to one of your concerts, what can fans and I expect?
A high energy show, full of sass!

Where have you been able to perform?
I've been so lucky to open up for some of my heroes like Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney. From arenas, to amazing country bars, to some of the coolest fairs and festivals!

Who inspires you with your singing and songwriting?
Miranda Lambert's Revolution record was a huge inspiration to my songwriting. Shania Twain inspires me with her confidence and sass. Katy Perry inspires me with her color and energy!

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and with who/why?
On a beach in Hawaii, with my guitar, playing songs with my dad. He just learned guitar and I love playing with him. Special memories :)

What do you hope to accomplish with your singing/songwriting?
More than anything, I want people to feel empowered. I could say, that I want to sell millions of records, play the biggest venues. Which all that would be cool, don't get me wrong, but if I achieve all that and people walk away with nothing, then what's it all for? It's important to me help people feel understood.

What three words best describe you and your music?
Sassy, colorful, relatable

Do you have any advice for those wanting to start a career in singing and songwriting?
Write about and be exactly what and who you are.. Don't try to conform with what seems to be working.

Do you have any other talents?
I can touch my tongue to my nose.. Does that count?

Are you passionate about any charities, if so, why?
I'm a big believer in furthering higher education and music in schools. Music class was always my favorite hour in school and helped me fall even more in love with my dream.. It encouraged me to study music in college, which has led me to be the spokesperson for CMTs Empowering Education initiative. I've been so lucky to be able to travel around the country this year promoting higher education for those who might not have the means or time to do so!

We want to thank Courtney for answering our founder, editors questions. We're looking forward to covering her appearance at the Maine Lobster Festival on August 5th, 2016 in beautiful Rockland, Maine.

For those that want to know more in-depth information on Courtney, upcoming concerts and more can click here. We have added a list of her social media sites and YouTube below.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thecourtneycole
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/thecourtneycole
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/courtneycolemusic
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamcourtneycole

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Bryana Salaz

From the mid west city of St. Louis, Missouri comes a beautiful and really talented seventeen young lady by the name of Bryana Salaz. According to her Facebook, Byrana is not your typical 17 year old. Being raised in a military family, Bryana has moved every two to three years since she was born. This includes attending four high schools between her freshman and senior years. Her many moves taught Bryana to easily adapt to her environment. This quality serves her well in a difficult industry where she is often put on the spot to perform and interview. Bryana’s captivating sound and dynamic performance has built her quite the following. When asked about her music inspirations Byana is able to quickly list several female performers saying, “I think Ariana Grande’s vocal range is ridiculous. Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston’s vocals have inspired me to work on my vocals and find no limits. I love performing and have learned so much from watching Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani.”

Currently, Bryana is sharing her wonderful voice on NBC's 'The Voice' where she is a contestant in their seventh season.

We recently had the opportunity to interview Bryana on her music, was it her dream to be a singer, is she passionate about an charities and more. Here is what she had to say to us.

When did you start singing? 

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Singer Lovey James From Los Angeles

The adorable and really talented 16-year old Singer, Dancer, Songwriter, Actress Lovey James from Portland, Oregon. Lovey’s love and talent for music started at a very early age and by the time she was 6 years old, she was already performing for audiences around The U.S. Her love for dance quickly earned her a spot on the local dance team The Portland Stars, directed by former New Orleans Saints Cheerleader, Linda Anderson. Linda Anderson has directed and choreographed over 50 live productions and worked with Tommy Tune, Carol Channing, Burt Reynolds, and many more. She noticed Lovey’s talent and immediately entered her into a local singing competition where Lovey took 1st place. She continued to dance and sing at local competitions.

In 2012, she entered Portland Teen Idol and met singer/songwriter/producer Geoff Byrd who quickly took Lovey into the studio to record her first song. Together with the help of John Oates, Lovey Co-wrote her first single “Right Now.” Byrd saw something in Lovey and felt inspired to introduce her to longtime friend Producer/Writer Steve Sundholm, who has worked in the studio with Carrie Underwood, Ryan Tedder, Hall & Oats, Jet, Johnny K, Teddy Riley and many other artists, producers, and writers. After the introduction they began to work to develop an image for Lovey. She performed at local fairs, visited ratio stations and started work on her next song “Nothing Can Stop Me.” She continued to enter local competitions, write, and record.

In 2012, with the help of her producer, they traveled to LA to meet up with songwriter/producer PJ Bianco who is known for chart topping international hits with artists Demi Lovato, Fifth Harmony and The Jonas Brothers. He Co-Wrote and Produced her next single “Stupid Boy.” A music video was made that caused quite a buzz. She continued to Co-write more songs. “Rule The World” was written with the intent to show her ability to dance. “Don’t Be Such A Chick” was written to create more momentum and get attention. Lovey is now ready to launch her newest single “Who You Are” and you can expect more great things ahead.

It is Lovey’s dream to become a Recording Artist and tour around the world and that dream is now a

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Skylar Stecker

Skylar Stecker from Tampa, Florida is a wonderful 12 year old singer, songwriter and actor who loves music and entertainment. She is currently in California making her dreams come true. She hopes you like her singing and I can't thank you enough for your support.

Skylar will be perform at the Roxy in Los Angeles, California on November 16th, 2014. At the Roxy she will be performing thirteen of her original songs. If you are in the area make sure you check it out which happens to be her first concert.

We recently had the great opportunity to interview this upcoming and coming singer or her singing, is education important to her and if she is passionate about any charities. Here is what Skylar had to say.

When did you start singing?
When I was 9 years old. I signed myself up for a talent show to play the piano and the teacher in charge of auditions asked me to sing instead. I got in surprisingly for singing instead of playing the piano which was shocking because I had no idea I could even sing. Although, once I started, I couldn't stop singing.

Was it your dream to be a singer?

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Multi Talented Lauren Suthers

Photo Credit: Steven Wetherbee

Los Angeles, California - Lauren Suthers was born to perform! This 14 year old 'Triple Threat' has performed at some of the hottest venues throughout Southern California from; The Avalon Hollywood, House of Blues Anaheim to Dodger Stadium. She was lead in short films such as; “Hide & Seek”, “Monster”, and featured in “Operation Terror”, and has appeared in numerous print ads and on TV shows. Lauren also has trained with some of the hottest choreographers in the country like: Todd Flanagan, tWitch and Bobby Newberry to name a few.

Lauren was named Rising Star of the Year 2012 on the Jenni20 Countdown Radio & TV Show, featured on 1st Fam FM Radio, TweenPop Radio, as well as, International Australia's FM Radio Stations 2RDJ 88.1 & 100.1 and was named "Stars of Tomorrow Top 5" four times. Look out for her debut EP coming soon!

Her inspiration for music is drawn by experiences in life and through artists like; Adele, Bruno Mars, Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Her music is about believing in yourself, having fun and never giving up! Dreams do come true if you work hard!


Represented by Actors & Artists Agency, Lasting Legacy PR and is an independent recording artist. Endorsed by Epic Boards.

We recently had the honor to interview this adorable young triple threat about herself and music. Here is what she had to say to us.

When did you start singing?

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Bryce Hitchcock Interview

From Nashville, Tennessee comes a very talented fifteen year old singer and actress Bryce Hitchcock. Bryce began acting at the age of six, performing in local theater productions in her hometown of Nashville, TN. Since then, she has worked in many other areas of the entertainment industry including film, TV, voice-over, commercials and as a recording artist. She enjoys playing the guitar and is writing her own original music.

We recently had the opportunity to interview Bryce on her music and if she has an other talents. Below is our interview with her.

When did you start singing?
I started singing at around 7. I joined a performance group in Franklin, TN. When I was 8, I was heard by a Sony BMG executive at one of these performances.  He hired me to sing on various projects. After that I sang for many other labels including Warner and Word.

Was it your dream to be a singer?
I actually didn't really know I could sing until I tried it.  I started acting first.

Tell us about your style of singing?

EXCLUSIVE Musician Spotlight: Jordan JAE Interview

New York City, New York - From the crossroads of America comes a beautiful, talented fourteen year old rising singer that has a very unique voice that's catchy. Jordan JAE hailing from the iconic and cultured streets of New York City, 14-year-old pop sensation is about to burst the music industry wide open with her relentlessly catchy tunes. This musical wunderkind has been singing since she can remember and at the tender age of 7 was persuaded by her mom to take vocal lessons. By the age of 9, Jordan JAE picked up piano as well and wrote her very first original song. She confesses, “It was definitely the quality of a nine year old but like they say, you can only get better.”

With the support of her parents, Jordan JAE started writing songs whenever she could. She found creative vision in everything, from her daily life to her twin brother, Tyler. Stating, “Inspiration comes from the girl that helps someone because she wants to and not because she has to. It comes from experiences and books and movies and other music. Inspiration comes from the things that make you feel something, because that’s what music should do. Music should make you feel something.”

Around the age of 13 she was invited to record at SlumboLabs recording studio in Brooklyn by Jake Ottman. There she began to develop as a singer/songwriter, working alongside some amazing artists and producers. She’s quickly grown a strong online following with her YouTube cover videos, releasing beautiful renditions of Imagine Dragons “It’s Time,” Ingrid Michaelson “Breakable,” The Beatles “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” and more. Recently Jordan JAE teamed up with Grammy nominated songwriters and producers Kinetics & One Love (Eminem, B.o.B, Pitbull, Sean Kingston, Melanie Martinez) for her anthemic debut single, “Said No One Ever.” The tenacious, empowering breakup song and music video are was released on March 4th.

Jordan RAE a month ago released a music video for her original song "Said No One Ever". Her catchy vocals in this song catches your attention. This is a song Jordan sang beautifully and is one to listen too.

We most recently had a chance to interview this rising singer about her music and if there's any challenges.

When did you start singing?
I can’t remember a time I was not singing and performing. One of my memories was when I was 4 years old at my Grandparents house performing, “We Go Together”, from the movie Grease, in front of my family singing my heart out on my Barbie Karaoke Machine.

Was it your dream to be a singer?
Yes always! My dad is a musician and I grew up listening to my dad play guitar and I knew I wanted to do something in music too. He would play mostly rock music not the type of music that I choose to sing, write or listen to; but I do appreciate his musical taste.  When I was younger I was always singing. Whether I was singing and my Dad was playing the guitar or I was just singing in my room I have always dreamed of being a singer.

Tell us about your style of singing?