Chris Ross spent the better part of a decade tucked away on the coast of Maine developing his voice as a writer. Inside the arsenal of tracks he’s penned, one finds dangerous, hard-hitting reflections; stories of love, life, and longing that appeal to listeners for their authenticity.
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On Saturday night, eight of Nashville’s most exciting, up-and-coming songwriters had a chance to be named the inaugural Top Writer Series champion at True Music Room and Bar.
In the end, there could only be one winner — and he brought some friends along for the ride to celebrate!
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The day is almost upon us. This Saturday, June 22 at 6 p.m., eight battle-tested songwriters will descend once again upon Nashville’s True Music Room & Bar for a chance to be immortalized as the first-ever Top Writer Showdown champion.
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Born in the Northwest, Bradford Loomis has lived to tell a different and exciting tale from many of us. Through years of choir, band, and orchestra, Bradford discovered a powerful kinship to the songs and stories of bygone eras, as they helped show him how to tell stories in a meaningful, impactful way.
Bradford marries grit and melody to dig to the roots of American folklore, and to speak of the raw reality of the human condition with passion. His stories span several lifetimes of relatable emotions; bitterness and loss, deep longing and regret, enduring hope and love, elation and joy.
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This week’s UMC20 Spotify playlist is a spectrum on independent music wonders sure to captivate you.
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The Parkers have garnered accolades for their smoldering live show, which harnesses the sweaty-soaked punk rock energy inherent in the band’s vibe. Propelling the sisters forward live is dynamically explosive drummer and close family friend Henry Kane.
Select live performance highlights for The Parkers include appearances at Rocktoberfest; festivals such as MONDO.NYC and LAUNCH Music Conference; the Highline Ballroom; and even a show alongside Wu Tang Clan members and offspring. The group has garnered press accolades from ThatMusicMag.com, NJ.com, and have earned exposure for its stunning video for “Let’s Disappear.” The video garnered local awards, and was featured in the Millburn Film Festival (NJ) and The National Film Festival for Talented Youth in Seattle.
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Leah Marie Fuls is a singer-songwriter whose sound can best be described as strong and sultry. Her influences span genres including pop, country, and rock, with Stevie Nicks, Halsey, Tom Petty, and Carrie Underwood among the artists that have inspired her.
She released her first EP, “You’re Never Gone,” in early 2017. That was followed by a change in her sound with the pop single, “Collision,” which has earned her awards on the local and independent circuits.
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Handsome, thoughtful, and well-spoken, Christian Lopez is less concerned with the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle than with spending time back home with friends, family, and the old cars he and his dad like to tinker with.
At the same time, as interest in his multiple talents heats up, his fascination with discovering places, ideas, and music becomes stronger. Lopez has been stoking that fire for five years, since he began touring and learning how to turn a bunch of bar patrons into foot-stomping, cheering fans.
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Carter Lansing’s gritty vocals have been compared to John Hiatt, Steve Earle, and Warren Haynes. Backed by veteran drummer Bill Matlack Jr., bassist Mary Chamberlain, Dan DeChellis on keyboards, and Mike Carr on lead guitar, Acoustic Kitty Project continues to impress every crowd for whom they have the privilege of playing.
Carter’s songs expose the raw, common threads that run through all of our lives. We all get hurt, we all break down, and sometimes, things are good. No matter what, the important lesson is to keep moving forward.
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The unique thing about Whiskey Jam at Winner’s Bar and Grill — and really, about being in Nashville overall — is you never know who you’re going to run into. Some of today’s rising stars and GRAMMY winners have performed on that stage on a Monday or Thursday night, making the twice-weekly tradition a growing institution and proving ground for the country and Americana stars of tomorrow.
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