Here at
CountryStarsOnline.com we’re always on the lookout for emerging
talent, and acts that have been around for a while, but
without the fanfare they deserve. That’s going to change. Here in
"
Waiting In The Wings" we’re going to introduce you to acts and
performers who, for one reason or another, have caught our eye and
our ear. We think you’ll like them.
Michael Dean Church - Live it Out Loud
Dream Church Records
By Cheryl Harvey Hill
This
6-foot-5 singer is making big waves with his first album. His
bio states that when you mix the traditional country and bluegrass
influences of his native West Virginia combined with the
R&B-flavored soulful country of Atlanta and North Georgia, you
begin to understand the magic and unique vocal stylings of Michael
Dean Church. Then when you hear that he grew up in a home full of
Gospel music (his grandfather was a preacher and his parents
recorded Gospel albums), the breadth of Church’s musical knowledge
and taste shines forth as an ideal combination for today’s Music
Row and Country Radio.
Church
says he aspires to be one of those brilliant country boys who hangs
in there long enough for radio and Music Row to fall in love with
his music. He is off to a good start since Steven Sharp and Chip
Martin produced the album; Sharp has promoted more than 60 No. 1
singles including Alan Jackson’s very first number one. Church
actually went to Bakersfield to record several of the tracks with
members of Buck Owens’ Buckaroos but it is on the beautiful ballad
from Sheri Austin called “Fools Like Us,” that was first cut by
Jason Sellers, that he really shines.
"It
was sort of fate,” he said. “I had always wanted to move to
Nashville, but I didn’t want to be a starving artist, so it just
so happened that a position in my field opened up so that I was able
to move.” A loan officer with a financial mortgage corporation,
Church said while his job pays the bills, it also gives him the
flexibility to pursue his true calling … music. "In this
town, there are a thousand great singers, you just have to keep at
it and hope someone will get what you’re trying to do as an
artist.” With a voice like his, I don't think it will be long
before he's trading his office for a stage.
Stand
out tracks: "Fools Like Us," "What am I Cryin'
For," "Another Lonely One," Burned by the Same Fire
Twice"
Van
Preston: Schizophrenic Heart UnConvetional Records
By Jim Weaver There
are many words one could use to describe Van Preston but the first 3
that came to mind were spunky, energetic and honest. I have never
seen Ms. Preston in concert but I would be willing to bet you a six
pack of coke that the audience is filled with loyal friends and fans
singing along at the top of their lungs to every verse. The
impression I get is a gal that loves the whole shootin' match,
writing, performing and meeting the fans after the show. Van
recently did some advertising for a road band and I hope all the pieces
fell into place.
You'll
find a bit of everything on Preston's self-titled debut CD including
some upbeat, fun country rockers like "Piece Of You" and
"Tougher Than That", to honest ballads including "Schizophrenic Heart"
and "Forever Ago" Speaking of honest, maybe "Bought
Myself A Toy" is too honest but it's a fun song that gets the
point across.
Preston
reminds me of a heyday-Tanya Tucker or a Jo Dee Messina with all the
attitude, cuteness, and fun rolled into one little package called an
entertainer.
David Cline: Texas
Hold ‘Em Circle Wire Records
By: George Peden
Texan
David Cline lives by one simple premise: "Nothing
ventured nothing gained, you can’t hit if you don’t swing."
That home-soaked philosophy could equally apply to his music. Out
now with his sixth CD, Texas Hold ‘Em, the former big wheel
long hauler is finding that if there’s enough swing there may be a
hit. The needed proof? Cline’s music is enjoying both American and
international radio play.
Produced by Grammy
award winner Phil York, the album is a confident blend of
traditional sounding shuffles and swing. With a hot band that
engages appealing steel and fiddle, the mainly self-written album of
12 tracks is solid proof that if you make music you love you’re on
way to connecting.
Are you an Indie Artist looking
to increase your fan base? Click here and learn
more right now! Disclaimer: The Indie Artist Spotlight
feature is an advertising vehicle specifically designed for Indie Artists.
Being a featured artist/group does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by
CSO.
This
6-foot-5 singer is making big waves with his first album. His
bio states that when you mix the traditional country and bluegrass
influences of his native West Virginia combined with the
R&B-flavored soulful country of Atlanta and North Georgia, you
begin to understand the magic and unique vocal stylings of Michael
Dean Church. Then when you hear that he grew up in a home full of
Gospel music (his grandfather was a preacher and his parents
recorded Gospel albums), the breadth of Church’s musical knowledge
and taste shines forth as an ideal combination for today’s Music
Row and Country Radio.
There
are many words one could use to describe Van Preston but the first 3
that came to mind were spunky, energetic and honest. I have never
seen Ms. Preston in concert but I would be willing to bet you a six
pack of coke that the audience is filled with loyal friends and fans
singing along at the top of their lungs to every verse. The
impression I get is a gal that loves the whole shootin' match,
writing, performing and meeting the fans after the show. Van
recently did some advertising for a road band and I hope all the pieces
fell into place.
Texan
David Cline lives by one simple premise: "Nothing
ventured nothing gained, you can’t hit if you don’t swing."
That home-soaked philosophy could equally apply to his music. Out
now with his sixth CD, Texas Hold ‘Em, the former big wheel
long hauler is finding that if there’s enough swing there may be a
hit. The needed proof? Cline’s music is enjoying both American and
international radio play.