Look out Country Channel! Branan Logan is here and he’s ready to take over the country community. His twangy voice and classic country lyrics team up to make his songs something worth tuning into. The potential for stardom is both tangible and undeniable for this songwriter. Branan’s tunes have garnered so much attention in Nashville that his tunes have been pitched to superstars like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. His sound is totally his own, and he is sure to be noticed for his unique approach to country music.
Branan Logan
You don’t have to be certifiable in order to appreciate Branan’s catchiest diddy “Borderline Crazy”. With a Phil Vassar sound and Kenny Chesney island-themed lyrics, its only a matter of time before everyone blasts this tune through their speakers. Logan tells his 60-hour weeks “Adios!” but the only thing I see country fans saying him is “Hola!” and “Muchas Gracias!” for making such great new music.
Over the past year, if you’ve tuned in to any of our Country Channels, chances are you noticed the undeniable talent of Jason Lee Thomason. In the country music capital better known as Nashville, Jason’s music is spreading fast. The city’s songwriting community is taking notice of this rising singer/songwriter whose repertoire includes acoustic ballads and upbeat tempos.
Mr. Jason Lee Thomason
Swiftly gaining momentum in the South, Jason has a Keith Urban look but his sound and style are all his own. Jason is a force that cannot be cornered into simply one category. His pipes have won him accolades in genres from Country to Acoustic to R&B/Soul which explains why he’s already playing on some radio stations in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. With a steady fan base of loyal listeners, this OurStage favorite continues to work hard and continue his success in Nashville. But rest assured, Jason Lee Thomason is ready to break out.
When you first check out Jason’s music, you’re shocked by how many catchy tunes this crooner has to offer. One of Jason’s most successful songs, “Southland”, is an upbeat track that pulls you in with the instrumentation, and keeps you engaged with soulful vocals. This song is a tribute to home, the place you want to escape to when “You’re tired of the rat race, here in the city. It gets worse (there) everyday.” But this is what I know, if Jason Lee Thomason is playing in that city, I can’t think of one good reason to leave.
Devin Belle was born a Texan and raised an Alaskan. Sick of the freezing cold, she moved to Tennessee with her husband to embark on a music career in Nashville. Her adventurous spirit and angelic voice make for a compelling raconteur and singer-songwriter. While influences of country songbirds Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood shine through her music, listeners can sense a bit of good, old fashioned R&B soul when she hits the high notes. Devin is making a home for herself on the Nashville live circuit in addition to making a home for herself on OurStage. In the past year she’s landed an impressive five Top 10 spots within the Alternative Country, Country and Female Singer-Songwriter Channels. Give her country chart-topping track “Mama Never Told Me” a listen and treat yourself to one of Nashville’s most promising rising stars.
Being a songwriter in Nashville isn’t easy. The immense competition. The sleepless nights penning lyrics and melodies. The countless hours spent shopping your catalog to the right person. It’s not for everyone, but Connecticut native Jesse Terry wouldn’t be the same artist he is today without paying his dues in Music City, USA. Before relocating to Nashville, Jesse studied songwriting and performance at Berklee College of Music while becoming a veteran of the Boston live music scene. Terry’s true-to-his roots approach, with twangy guitars and impeccable storytelling, forges a sound that could appease both country and rock fans. This week’s free download is the title track off his debut solo album The Runner, which was produced by The Click Five’s bassist Ethan Mentzer.
I just moved to Nashville and want to take my career to the next level as a songwriter. I could use some help from those that are living in the Nashville area. Would like to know where they hang out. I could use all the friends I can find out here in the music city as a new face in the crowd.
The Family Wash and The Basement are two spots with live music that you can meet the most folks in a hurry around here. Both have their own versions of open mic nights – you gotta contact each place to set it up in advance, but if you’re good and/or get a good response, they’ll have you back and you’ll meet a lot of folks who know a lot of folks that know a lot of folks. Rock, Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Soul… these two joints have it all. (The Family Wash also has good food and great beer on tap, and the Basement sits atop Nashville’s best CD store, Grimey’s.)
...and Steve Gorman rocks the answers.
The Bluebird Cafe has live music 7 nights a week and a ‘new songwriters’ night every Sunday. For country songwriters, this is where you want to get inand get noticed. Daylight hours find most musicians, songwriters, producers, and generalindustry riff raff hanging out at one of several coffee shops – Fido, Bongo Java (2 locations, same owner) Sip, and Portland Brew (both locations) are prime meeting spots for everyone I know. Everyone here came from somewhere else, so everyone knows how you feel as a newcomer in town. And, because of that, most people are pretty cool about helping others out. Give firm handshakes and look people in the eye. Some things never go out of style.
Cheers!
- SG
OurStage would like to thank Steve for taking the time to answer Jerad’s question. If you would like to ask an insider an music industry question ask it HERE.
Steve Gorman’s response is thanks to OurStage Editor At Large, Jay Sweet, who contacted the artist.
Look out Country Channel! Branan Logan is here and he’s ready to take over the country community. His twangy voice and classic country lyrics team up to make his songs something worth tuning into. The potential for stardom is both tangible and undeniable for this songwriter. Branan’s tunes have garnered so much attention in Nashville that his tunes have been pitched to superstars like Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts. His sound is totally his own, and he is sure to be noticed for his unique approach to country music.
