Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Jack Ingram

Jack Ingram signs with Sony/ATV Publishing

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:54:34 +0000

Congratulations to singer-songwriter Jack Ingram and Sony/ATV Publishing! The Texan star has signed a brand new publishing deal with Sony. Jack is currently working on a brand new album, due out later this year.

Jack has had three top 10 singles in his career, including “Barefoot And Crazy.”

Pictured (L-R): Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran, Jack Ingram, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Triple 8 Management’s George Couri.

Jack Ingram teaches about True Texans in Superbowl ad

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:05:22 +0000

Do Texans really ride horses to work? Run track in cowboy boots? Accessorize every outfit with a giant, rodeo-style belt buckle? Do Texans really barbecue at every meal?

With a little help from Texas native and country music star Jack Ingram, H-E-B sets out to dispel some famous myths about the Lone Star State and find out what really makes a “True Texan.” The 60-second commercial debuts on Super Bowl Sunday followed by a series of social media “True Texan” Twitter contests using the hashtag #truetexan. A sneak preview of the commercial can be previewed on January 30 via heb.com/truetexan, along with more information on the contests.

The commercial begins with Jack Ingram — radiating Texas charm, of course — asking viewers if they really believe all these silly myths about Texas. In the end, there’s one myth that rings true. When Texans are away from the Lone Star State, they miss their H-E-B.

“This is something we hear from our customers all the time,” said Cory Basso, H-E-B Group Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. “No other retailer can compare to H-E-B when it comes to connecting with our customers and treating them like family. For our Super Bowl campaign, we wanted to show that shopping at your neighborhood H-E-B is part of what it means to be a True Texan, but do it a fun and entertaining way.”

After the Super Bowl 60-second spot debut, the ads will go into regular rotation and will air throughout February, and can be viewed during other high profile programs such as The Grammy Awards. The campaign will also feature a strong social media component to include promotions, contests and interactive content on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to find out what makes a “True Texan.” Viewers have the chance to win barbecue grills, outdoor furniture, H-E-B gift cards and much more.

Jack Ingram, Matthew McConaughey & Mack Brown Team Up

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 20:59:18 +0000

Actor Matthew McConaughey, artist Jack Ingram and The University Of Texas Head Football Coach Mack Brownare teaming up for a special two-day event to support various charitable organizations that help to empower kids across the nation.

They will be kicking off the inaugural Mack, Jack and McConaughey (MJ&M) event, a nationwide philanthropic effort to make an impact in the lives of underprivileged children.

About the event, Jack shared:

“We wanted to create a true, lasting impact and that inspired us to come together.”

The three also released a joint statement, saying:

“Our commitment to children’s charities and our passion to empower kids is why we joined together to create this important effort. This is a great opportunity for everyone in Texas to make a big impact across the entire country.”

The event will take place on April 11-12, 2013, and will be a two-day celebration including celebrity-filled, unique events across Austin, Texas. Additional details will be announced. For more information visit mackjackmcconaughey.org.

New Artist: Matt Dunn

Ted Efron — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:02:46 +0000

Sometimes you have to travel the world to find your way home. Such is the case for Matt Dunn.

The 28-year-old grew up in a military family that had him crisscrossing the country. His stops included Hawaii, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana and California. When it came for his own time in the service, a stint in the Army took him overseas to Iraq.

Music was part of his life in the Middle East and when he came home, it became his career calling . His passion for music brought him to Texas, where he’s honing his craft in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area.

In our interview with the up-and-coming artist, we found out the unique way he joined Jack Ingram, the inspiration he took from a technology titan and one of the best answers ever for who he would like to tour with.

While in Iraq did you have your guitar with you and, if so, did you keep everyone entertained?

I didn’t have one when I first got over there. I actually ordered one online because I couldn’t stand it. We would all get together to pass the time. I would bring my guitar to play songs. I ended up writing a song about how all I wanted was a cheeseburger, a pizza and a beer! (Laughs)

Has your love and passion always been with country music?

I wish I could say yes, but no, it hasn’t. I like all types of music, but my passion has always been with rock music. Another passion of mine is musicians who can grab an acoustic guitar and just get up there and blow your mind.

Country became a huge influence with me getting out of the Army and moving to Texas.

You got out of the Army about a year ago and ended up working for Jack Ingram and living in Denton, Texas. How did that all come about?

When I got back I was staying with a friend for a little while. I actually got a job working for Jack Ingram. I got the job off Craigslist! I basically put an ad out there that said, “Hey! I want to work in the music business. I’ll clean the bus, I’ll clean the van, I’ll do anything! I’ll leave tomorrow if you want!” Sure enough, Jack Ingram’s tour manager contacted me and gave me the opportunity to work for him. I started selling t-shirts and I did that for the last year or so.

Along the way I met the most amazing woman when we played a show at the Denton County Fair. So I moved to Denton because that’s where my heart was.

What have you learned just from being able to observe Jack?

Jack’s interesting to watch – especially if you go to a lot of different shows – because what he does is adapt. You can put him in any situation and he will adapt to it. He’ll play a different show for a really rowdy drunk crowd than he will for a crowd that’s not really paying attention.

He taught me, just from me watching him, how to really connect with the crowd; that they want to know why you wrote the songs, they want to know where you came from, where you’ve been and that they can relate to you.

Has Jack been able to give you any personal time to answer your questions or give you feedback?

My plans were to be a roadie so I could be around music constantly. The more I was around it the more I wanted to play. I never told him that I wrote songs and played guitar. Jack didn’t know until just recently. He was shocked that I played guitar and sang.

But, yeah, he’s helped me out. We’ve had numerous conversations about music.

That’s probably something he appreciated. Most people would’ve been tempted from day one to say, “Hi! I’m your roadie, but I also play guitar and sing! Here’s my demo!”

Yeah…. I think he did appreciate that!

Speaking of working, you’ve certainly been keeping yourself busy. For the past few weeks you’ve been here, there and everywhere playing every chance you get.

I truly believe if you work hard at anything you’ll be successful. That’s what I try to do. If there’s just one person there and they want a show, I’ll give it to them. That’s what I do. I’ve had about 20 shows this month and I’m trying to get more!

What are you learning about the business as you’re getting out for yourself?

It’s a lot of hard work. I knew it would be hard and I knew I would really have to go out of my comfort zone in some situations. I go to school full-time, booking all my own shows and promoting them.

It’s not easy. I really commend anyone else who’s doing the same thing or who has done it in the past. It’s a lot of work! You’ve got to not only book the show and promote the show, but you’ve also got to go out there and put on a good show, too. There’s a lot to it!

With all that hard work behind the scenes, how enjoyable is the payoff when you get up on stage behind the mic?

The payoff is huge for me. My whole life I’ve kinda been searching for what I was meant to do – something I love. I don’t know if you’re familiar with Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech, but in that speech he talks about when you wake up and you look in the mirror. If you’re not happy with what you’re going to do for that day, then you’re not doing the right thing. I truly believe that and I’ve done that my whole life.

I finally feel like I’m where I need to be. When I have people come up to me and tell me they enjoyed my music and my show. It makes it all worth it.

When I listen to your singing, I hear a sound that is both gritty and soulful. Is this a style you’re aiming for or is it something else?

For a long time I tried to aim for certain things and I tried to write songs a certain way. I have always listened to a lot of rock and classic rock. I grew up listening to 80s metal. My step-dad was really into the 80s metal and all that stuff.

When I moved to Texas, I started listening to country music and I got some friends who listened to country music. They started showing me different sides of it, like Ryan Bingham, Jonathan Tyler, Hayes Carll and Chris Knight. When I heard that, it began to influence me. That’s when I really found my voice.

I don’t really try to sing a certain way. I try to portray my emotions in my songs. That’s my voice.

For fans who want a taste of your music, you have out your Hope EP (available on iTunes here). Would you tell us a bit about each of the five tracks?

“Unknown Road” is the first track on there. I did a lot of traveling the last year and I did a lot of thinking about all of the roads I’ve been on. That’s kinda where that came from.

“Hope” is a song about meeting someone who gives you hope again and makes you realize that maybe that someone is someone who you were missing. I wrote it about the woman who did that for me!

“LSD” is a song I wrote about meeting one of my idols who tried to get me to partake in some recreational fun. It kinda broke my heart. I always tell people when I sing that song, don’t ever meet your idols because they’re just like you – they’re gonna disappoint you.

“Perfect Weather” is one I kinda wrote for my military buddies and kinda for just all of my friends. It’s like, what do we have to do to find perfect weather? And I don’t mean that in the sense of, “Oh, it’s raining outside.” But just what do we have to do, how hard do we have to fight, to really find something perfect.

And “Sit Next To Me” is song I wrote for the most amazing woman I ever met. I met her in a time of reinventing myself and finding myself. It talks about being in love and wanting to jump right in. Sometimes you can’t, but you still want that person to be sitting next to you.

I have a lot of songs, but these five are what represent me right now and everything that’s going on in my life. I like to put what’s going on with me and my emotions into my music.

Just for fun, if you could go out on tour with anyone right now, who would it be?

Would I open for them or would I headline? (Laughs) Because there’s a difference! If I were headlining, I’d pick Jack to open for me! (Laughs) I’m just kidding! (Laughs)

If I could go out with anybody and they were out touring non-stop, I would have to say I’d probably go out with somebody like Ryan Bingham. I’m a huge fan of his. He’s a great guy. I think his fans would appreciate my music.

And if you had the chance to sit down and write a song with anybody, who would that be?

Oh, man! That’s a tough one. You know, I’ve always said I’ve wanted to write a song for Keith Urban. I really enjoy his music. It’s like one of those guilty pleasures-type things. I think I could bring something to the table if I sat down with Keith Urban.

Let’s finish with an open floor for you to say whatever you’d like to your current fans and potential new ones:

If you’ve never heard my name before, I encourage you to listen. I love music. I love playing music. And I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

If you ever do come out to a show I will make you smile; make you laugh; make you think about a time when maybe things were better or make you realize how good things are now.

I thank everyone who’s reading this interview and I thank everyone who’s helped me out so far. Thanks to all the people who helped me with my Kick-Starter project. I’m actually going into the studio on March 24 to start recording my new CD which should be out sometime in May. Thanks for the interview!

********

Find Matt on Facebook here, on Twitter here and his website here.

Video Picks Of The Week: March 13, 2012

Jeanna D. — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:03:27 +0000

Hi friends…

It’s time for our “Video Picks of the Week.”

Music Video

This week’s music video is Jack Ingram, “Lips Of An Angel.” The song was originally sung and made popular by the rock band, Hinder. Ingram later gave the song his own spin and earned himself a country hit with his version. The track served as the lead single off of his album, This is It.

I have always enjoyed Ingram’s version and it introduced me to his music back in 2006.

Here is his website: http://www.jackingram.net/.

Continue reading for our live performance and cover videos…

Live Performance

Matt Nathanson‘s song “Run” appears on his most recent album, Modern Love. The track features Sugarland with Jennifer Nettles providing the vocals for the duet.

Nathanson is currently on tour opening for Kelly Clarkson on the Stronger Tour, and is also out on the road for his All Night Noise Tour. For several stops on the Stronger Tour, he brought out singer-songwriter Ashley Arrison to perform the duet. This week’s live video is their performance of “Run” in Grand Prairie, Texas.

I saw Matt on the Stronger Tour back in January. Besides being a great performer and musician, he is also hilarious. He has fantastic stage presence, and he had the audience’s full attention during his set. For tour dates visit: http://www.mattnathanson.com/modernlove/.

Here is Matt’s info:

Twitter: @mattnathanson
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mattnathanson

Ashley Arrison is not only a super talented singer-songwriter, she also is one of the nicest people. I have been following her career for the last few years, and I met her earlier this year as well. I seriously cannot say enough good things. Check out her album, Hearts On Parade, and stay tuned for new music expected out this year.

Here is Ashley’s info:

Twitter: @ashleyarrison
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashleyarrisonmusic

Cover Song

This week’s cover is Mitch Gallagher’s version of Eric Church‘s single, “Springsteen.” Mitch is a country music singer-songwriter who moved to Nashville in 2010 to work on his music career. He released his first iTunes single last fall entitled, “Just Like Heaven,” and the song made its way into the rotation at various radio stations. Check out his website: http://mitchgallaghermusic.com/home.cfm.

Have a video suggestion? We would love to hear from you. Sound off in the comments!

Until next time…

Anti-Valentines Day Anthems

Tia — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:02 +0000

We recognize that not everyone is oh-so-happy around this time of year. With that being said, we thought we’d put together the best of the best anti-love songs by some of our favourite country artists. Whether you’re dealing with a bad breakup or simply boycotting Valentines Day, these songs should be on constant repeat!

Picture To Burn – Taylor Swift
When you think of vocal ex-girlfriends, who comes to mind? How about Taylor Swift? We think it’s empowering how vocal she is about her ex-boyfriends and the troubles of her relationships. This song does nothing but pick apart every fault of the boy she is singing about. Even better, she goes on to speak about wanting to seek revenge! We can’t help but love every part of this song and how Taylor shows us that women can own their emotions after a bad breakup.

You’ll Think Of Me – Keith Urban
Personally, this song is it. Keith acknowledges that it’s okay to be upset over lost love. But it’s even better to claim that sense of worth after a breakup and realize that, ultimately, it’s the other person’s loss! Keith captures every raw and natural emotion that can come out of a breakup in a very empowering and sentimental manner. To witness the man perform this song live is something else. We can’t see how anyone could ever get sick of this song!

Kerosene – Miranda Lambert
It doesn’t get much more ill-tempered than this. Miranda nailed it with “Kerosene” by proving that women are capable of expressing their emotions in any way they want. Who says all country girls are sweet and innocent? We love this feisty side of Miranda and the raw lyrics of this song. “I’m givin’ up on love ’cause love’s givin’ up on me” – does it get much more anti-Valentines Day than that?

Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
We love this bad girl side of Carrie! It’s neat to see such a glamorous woman get down in the dirt, so to speak, with this song. The video just takes this song to a whole other level with the intensity of the lyrics shining through. We can’t help but think that nobody will do wrong to Carrie after hearing this song.

Love Don’t Live Here – Lady Antebellum
This song has it all. The toe-tapping tune is quite in-your-face about moving on from a bad relationship. With lyrics singing about doing just fine without the significant other, and “I ain’t got a heart for breakin’,” Lady Antebellum have managed to create a song that shows the optimistic side of moving on – something we should all adopt!

Good As Gone – Little Big Town
We appreciate the raw country vibe with a bit of an edge that is evident in this song. It’s one of those songs to blast in the car to celebrate the end of a bad relationship. It’s another one of those toe-tapping hits one can’t help but love, especially in a time where the concept of “love” is the last thing you want to think about.

Best Days Of Your Life – Kellie Pickler
This list would have been incomplete had we not recognized Miss Pickler’s stormy hit. We love how she exhibits such an attitude in this song (and even the video) that liberates women to do just the same. Her sweet voice somehow fits the in-your-face tone of the lyrics. But hey, it works. This is one song that should be played over and over again.

Goodbye Earl – Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks may have been the ones to kick off this revolutionary era of “bad girl” country artists with this song alone. The comical spirit of this tune ultimately shows that it’s okay to get out of an unsatisfying relationship. Maybe the actual way the girls sing about getting out of such a relationship is rather dramatic, but we still can’t help but chuckle to this song.

Love You – Jack Ingram
Jack Ingram makes evident an “I don’t care anymore” attitude with this track, especially with lyrics such as, “to heck with us.” The play on words with, “I’m sick an’ lovin’ tired of all your lovin’ around,” and “There’s only one four-letter word that’ll do: Love you,” makes this tune rather funny, all the while still getting the message across that enough is enough. Wonder who could have had the nerve to hurt such a nice guy like Jack!

Consider Me Gone – Reba McEntire
We couldn’t leave out the ultimate diva of country music. Personally, to be a younger woman and hear an inspirational figure like Reba sing a liberating song about moving on – well, it’s empowering! All women should take to heart the message of this song: they should be a top priority on any guy’s list. Otherwise, it’s not worth it!

Jack Ingram Getting “Grounded” For The Kids

Ted Efron — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 04:16:47 +0000

Jack Ingram is donating his time and talent to help the next generation of music makers. We’re not necessarily talking about the next wave of music stars, but simply giving kids the opportunity to be involved with music.

On February 15, Ingram will be headlining the “Grounded In Music” benefit concert in Austin, Texas. The acoustic show, along with an accompanying silent auction, will raise funds to help provide music lessons and instruments for underserved kids at the Boys & Girls Club in Austin. Singer-songwriter Hayes Carll will also be performing at the event, which will be held in Austin’s Gibson Guitar showroom.

We’re still waiting for Jack to announce a new string of tour dates. but in the meantime two of his songs are making special appearances. His previously unreleased “Miss You” is featured on the new Hearts Across Texas compilation album. Plus, his version of Waylon Jennings’ “Bob Wills is Still the King” is on The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Vol. II. Both albums are available now.

Jack Ingram Goes “Bowling” and Rocks “Religiously”

Ted Efron — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:01:43 +0000

The 2011 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas is spicing up its pre-game party with a big shot of Jack — Jack Ingram, that is.

The Texas-born singer/songwriter headlines TexFest, the bowl game’s official pre-game party, this Saturday morning at Houston’s Reliant Stadium. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Ingram, who was raised in the area.

Ingram won the 2008 Academy of Country Music award for “Best New Male Vocalist,” even though folks who know country music knew there was nothing “new” about him. At the time of the award, he’d already put in more than a decade of time on the road, earning a loyal following along the way. What the award did do, however, was prove that Ingram had finally broken through with commercial success that finally matched his artistry.

The “Barefoot and Crazy” singer recently broke free from his contract with Big Machine Records. Free from the label, Ingram says he’s invigorated and looking forward instead of looking back. If you need proof of that, look no further than his new song “Religiously”. It’s a love song, but it’s not a direct or sappy one. “It just feels like it comes from a place of strength, ” says Ingram. “Instead of hoping for love, it’s kinda demanding it.” You can hear “Religiously” by clicking here.

Ingram says he’s working on a new record, and if this song is any indication, fans will definitely be back for more Jack.

KILT Announces “Ten Man Jam” Lineup

Tia — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:08:08 +0000

CBS Radio Country KILT/HOUSTON released the lineup for their 12th annual “Ten Man Jam”.

Performers include Darius Rucker, Alan Jackson, Clay Walker, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Eric Church, Gary Allan, Thompson Square, Jack Ingram, The Jane Dear Girls, Kevin Fowler, Josh Abbot Band, and more.

The event will take place on Wednesday, December 7th at the Verizon Wireless Theatre in Houston. Tickets are not on sale and must be won through KILT.

Jack Ingram to perform national anthem for Dallas Mavericks

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:18:34 +0000

Pegasus News is reporting that Texan rebel Jack Ingram will perform the Star Spangled Banner at Game 3 of the NBA play-offs in Dallas, Texas. The “Barefoot & Crazy” singer will welcome the team back to the American Airlines Center.

Ingram has been releasing acoustic performances to his Youtube channel every Monday. His last album was Big Dreams & High Hopes in 2009.

Kelly Clarkson has confirmed on her Twitter that she will perform the anthem at Game 4. She grew up just outside Fort Worth and has performed for the NBA playoffs in the past.