Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Will Hoge

2013 One to Watch: Rose Falcon

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:13:39 +0000

Last year, we introduced a new annual feature on Keepin’ it Country – Ones to Watch. Our predictions were pretty spot on last year, with Dustin Lynch and JT Hodges quickly becoming popular with country music fans. This year it’s time for a little love for the ladies – and our first 2013 One to Watch: Rose Falcon.

Rose, a singer-songwriter signed to Show Dog Universal, is the writer behind Country Strong’s hauntingly beautiful “Give Into Me,” and has been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. Rose, a songwriter just like her father, has been praised by the legendary Bon Jovi as a “true artist” and “an old soul in the voice of a beautiful young lady.” She recently released her single “If Love Had A Heart” to country radio, and she’s definitely one to watch out for in 2013.

In a country music world where males dominate airplay and it’s hard for a new female to break out, Rose is one you will be cheering for. With her talented writing and pretty vocals, she has what it takes to hold her own at country radio.

Check out her EPK below then read our exclusive interview with Rose. Get to know her before she takes over country – which she will:

For fans who aren’t quite familiar with you yet, how would you describe your sound?

My sound is fairly organic in terms of production-wise. I’m not a fan of production tricks, my songs are very lyrically driven and from the heart, and I don’t want the production to ever be distracting.

What attracted you to country music?

I think that country music is based on the truth and storytelling. I’m just a natural story teller and I have an obsession with the truth (laughs). I love documentary films and reading people’s biographies. I like to have conversations with people, and ones that really dig into what their truth is. Sometimes I wonder why people even bother with fiction since we all have such interesting stories as human beings.

Where do you find your inspiration from for your writing? Are they really all true stories?

Yes. I’d say 99% of the time, I might embellish here and there, but for the most part my songs are about feelings that I’ve experienced and things that my friends have experienced, or that I’ve just observed.

What is it like to have a song that you wrote with your father on a movie soundtrack?

Actually, it was probably one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced – to sit in the theater with him and see the song being performed on a big screen. He raised me; my mother passed away when I was four years old. It’s one thing to be successful at something, but to enjoy a success with someone you love so much and after you’ve shared so many hardships is really an incredible feeling.

You just released your brand new EP, can you share a little bit about it?

There’s a song that is my favorite song so-far that I’ve recorded on it, one of which being the single I have out right now “If Love Had A Heart.” I really love all the songs, there’s only six so I didn’t put anything on there that I didn’t like. There’s one called “Like Crazy,” and it’s just a statement about love saying that “I’m not perfect, but it’s these imperfections that make me who I am.” When it comes to love I’m kind of an all-or-nothing kind of girl. This song is about how I heard about what you said about your last girlfriend, you said she was absolutely crazy, and looking back she wasn’t worth a damn… so it makes me wonder what you’re going to say about me. It’s like that thing where you know guys always say their ex-girlfriend was crazy, and its just a common thing. So it makes me wonder what they’re going to say about me (laughs), I’m really crazy.

Anyway, there’s a song called “Carry Me Home,” and it’s a little different from my other songs. It’s a love song, but it’s not really a love song between a man and a woman, its a statement of faith. It’s about having faith even in life’s darkest days, you know? I’m really psyched about this EP.

Have you had a chance to hear your single on the radio yet?

I was so excited, I posted a video on my Facebook of me hearing it for the first time on The Highway. It was really cool, but kind of weird. A lot of times I’ll get in the car and it might be playing, and it gives me motivation to keep doing what I’m doing when I do hear it.

You had a pop music deal when you were younger with Columbia. Do you feel like there’s a big difference between pop and country music?

At this point, well, it depends what you’re calling pop music. I would say that the format maybe ten years ago was a lot like what country music is like now. I feel like my format as a pop artist changed, and it became a lot of hip-hop and r&b, and that artists like Sheryl Crow or Jewel got pushed out of the format. Now I feel like they’d be more put into the country format instead of the pop category. I miss Alanis Morissette and Fiona Apple.

You’ve been very active on Twitter with your fans. Is that important to you?

Yeah, it’s really important to me because I don’t take for granted that people may like my music. I make music regardless, it’s from my heart and really something close to me. The fact that somebody gets it and gets my message surprises me every time, and I’m so thankful. I want to let fans know that it means a lot to me that they’re taking their time to take a look at my song and download it. Every time they play it, that’s three minutes out of their day (laughs) so I appreciate it more than they know.

Do you have any touring plans yet for the year?

I don’t, actually. I’ve been still focusing on writing for my full-length album and promoting my single that we have out right now and the EP, but I am anticipating some shows this Summer. I just don’t have any details on them yet.

So, you are going to be releasing a full length album?

Well (laughs) that’s my plan! You never really know in this business what is coming next. Maybe the world is kind of revolving around EPs right now, I don’t really know. I’d love to release an album in its entirety.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you about the industry?

I would say just that if you want to be an artist or a songwriter, or something that involves the art, you can’t have a plan B. I strongly believe that because this is such a hard business to be in, and if you have a back-up plan then most likely you will end up taking it. I just believe that if this is what you really want to do, then go out and do it. I’ve had other jobs to make money when I was younger, I’ve had a lot of shitty jobs, but I could never get into another career that would distract me from my main focus.

Is there a song out on the radio that you wish you wrote?

My friend Eric Paslay wrote a song called “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” with Will Hoge, and it was nominated for a GRAMMY this year, and I’m really psyched for him. I love Eric and Will, and I’m just such a big fan of both of them. I heard that song on the radio again this morning and I really listened to the lyrics. It’s just an incredible song, so yes, I wish I wrote that song.

You signed to Show Dog in 2011, but have you been able to sit back and reflect on everything – or has it all been a blur?

I take time to reflect and meditate and be thankful. A lot of time when I’m driving down Music Row in Nashville, I just look around and I’m like “this is crazy, my dreams are coming true!”. I’m a part of this great community in Nashville, and I’m doing what I love. I just feel blessed.

Is there any chance for a music video for If Love Had A Heart?

Yeah, we actually recorded one in January with Travis TV. We have two videos – one for If Love Had A Heart, and one for Like Crazy. I think they’re going to be awesome.

Since you sound just like me on your official notes, (she doesn’t use a bio), and you can’t sit still… how do you keep busy on your tour bus?

(laughs) I’m going to write songs, I’m going to work. It’s so loud and there’s so much noise when you’re moving. Sometimes I’ll watch movies, or play on the computer and answer Tweets and stuff. Honestly when you’re on a bus you just sleep, then wake up and you’re at the place where you’re supposed to be.

What was it like touring with Gary Allan?

Ooh. We just had a great time and his band is so much fun. I actually had went through a break-up during the Throwdown tour and it was really hard one me, and they really got me through it. They just love to have fun, and I kind of needed a vacation from my problems so I just kind of hung out and had a good time (laughs).

If you could tour with anyone, who would it be?

I love Miranda Lambert. If I could do a little girl power tour, I would love to tour with Faith. She’s out in Vegas but she’s just an icon, she’s incredible. I’d love to tour with Gary Allan again. He really sings songs that are real and that I can relate to.

Could you share a little bit about your single, If Love Had A Heart?

If Love Had A Heart is a song that’s wishing that love was a little more kind with my heart. I’ve been through quite a few break-ups, and it’s not about one specific break-up, just my experience with love in general and being hurt. I kind of wanted to just make a statement saying that I’ve been there, and I know that most people have had a broken heart. The response has been overwhelming with girls tweeting out the lyrics “if love had a heart then it wouldn’t break mine.” I feel so blessed that people are relating to my lyrics and music.

—–

Connect with Rose by:
@rosefalcon
facebook.com/RoseFalconOfficial
rosefalcon.com

PHOTO: Will Hoge vists Academy of Country Music

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:49:17 +0000

The Academy of Country Music welcomed singer-songwriter and first time ACM nominee Will Hoge to the office while he was in Los Angeles last week. While at the Academy he performed “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” a song which earned Hoge his first ACM nomination as composer in the Song of the Year category. The most recent chart topping Eli Young Band single will compete in both Song of the Year and Single of the Year categories at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 7, 2013.

Check out the picture of Will’s visit below:

Jordan Powell, Relationship Music; Tiffany Moon, ACM EVP/Managing Director; Will Hoge; Bob Romeo, ACM CEO

Exclusive Interview: Meet Will Hoge

Nicole Piering — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 18:16:37 +0000

If you don’t know the name Will Hoge yet, it’s time for us to help change that. He’s been making music for well over a decade and has garnered an impressive fan base on the merits of his often-independent releases. He’s appeared on stage at the Grand Ole Opry alongside Vince Gill, performed on GAC’s flood relief program “Music City Keep On Playin,” and has opened for the likes of Needtobreathe, Sugarland, and the Civil Wars.

However, Hoge is also the man behind the Eli Young Band‘s #1, and now Grammy-nominated, Even If It Breaks Your Heart. That track is now nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and we want to send our congrats to Will and the Eli Young Band! Read on for more about Will, his influences, his experiences in the industry and his opinion on Taylor Swift!

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you became a singer/songwriter? And how would you describe your ‘sound’?

WH: I really just fell into it when I realized I hated school. I’d say its a mix of rock n roll and country influences.

KIC: When you’re writing songs, from where do you draw your inspiration?
WH: Just everyday real life experiences mostly

KIC: Do you prefer writing alone or with someone else?
WH: Whichever one gets the song written

KIC: Do you always write songs with the intention that you’ll release them, or do you ever write with other artists in mind?
WH: For a long time it was just for me. Over the last year or so I’ve been lucky enough to try writing for other folks too. I find it very freeing as a writer.

KIC: People may not know that you’re the man behind Eli Young Band’s ”Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” What’s the story behind that song and how did the Eli Young Band wind up recording it and taking it to number one?
WH: I wrote that with my friend Eric Paslay. It was for my album ‘The Wreckage’. It was really this story of my life growing up and falling in love with music. I released it as a single and absolutely NOTHING happened with it. I shouldn’t say nothing because EYB heard it and cut it. That’s led to far more success for me as an artist and songwriter and far more success for that song than I could’ve ever imagined.

KIC: We read about how you celebrated “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” hitting #1 (hint to our readers: He put a self-congratulating banner on his front lawn.) What’s the story behind that and where can we get one?
WH: That’s a one of a kind sign. It now resides in my shed. I’d joked with my wife and manager that since I didn’t (at that time) have a publishing deal that I should congratulate myself like all the big music row folks do. We laughed. Then they made the damn sign and put it up. It was really funny how much of a reaction it got.

KIC: What was it like performing at the CMA’s this year?
WH: Surreal. I’m so flattered that the EYB guys asked me to do it. I’m very lucky to count those fellas as friends.

KIC: You’ve performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry, shared the stage with Vince Gill, appeared on CMT…but what has been the biggest “pinch me”moment of your career so far?
WH: First night at the Opry with Vince is way way up there. The CMA nomination for sure. It’s been a crazy year on the whole

KIC: You’ve toured with everyone from Shinedown to Needtobreathe to the Civil Wars to ZZ Top to Sugarland. How does playing with such diverse artists affect your style on-stage? Who have you learned the most from?
WH: One of the things I love most about what I do is that I don’t change hardly at all between any of those artists. And I’m proud that what I do translates to that broad a spectrum of people. We’ve been fortunate to learn from all of them but I think the Shinedown folks really taught us the most. They went so above and beyond to make sure their fans got the experience they deserved. They were so giving of their time. Just really really inspirational.

KIC: If you could put together your dream tour starring yourself and two other artists, who would join you on the road?
WH: Man that’s too tough to answer.

KIC: Over the years, you’ve been an artist who’s toured many albums and songs to develop quite the grassroots following. How has your fan base grown and diversified over the years?
WH: It’s incredible to watch. I’m so fortunate that these people have stuck with me and they seem to grow and change right along with me. It’s great to see 50 year olds and teenagers side by side at a show. I hope that that as well as the country fan/rock fan keeps mixing as well.

KIC: You released “Modern American Protest Music” on September 18th and on your website, you admit that it’s a different type of record for you. What was your goal with that project?
WH: Really just to get the songs heard. Part of that ‘announcement’ as well as simply the title of the album is to let folks know what they’re getting into. It’s a batch of socio-political themed songs and I didn’t want anyone coming into thinking it was just another record about love and girls and cars etc. it’s a bit of a challenging record to the listener but I think it’s something I needed to get out of my head to make way for more songs and the next album

KIC: If you could define your career by only ONE song you’ve ever written, what song would you choose?
WH: Even If It Breaks Your Heart

Lightning round:

All-time Favorite Country Song: This changes by the minute. But right this second lets say ‘The Grand Tour’ by George Jones
Guilty Pleasure: Don’t really have any guilt about any of my pleasures
Favorite Food: Italian
Writing or Performing: Yes please
Last song you listened to: ‘Bad Ol Days’. It’s mine from the new album I’m finishing as we speak
Would you rather be rich or famous: Neither. I’ll take healthy and happy.
You can have dinner with anyone, dead or alive. Who do you pick?: Martin Luther King Jr
Taylor Swift, yay or nay?: Big big yay

Will Hoge’s “Modern American Protest Music” is available now. For more info, you can visit his official website at www.willhoge.com or follow him on Twitter.

Eli Young Band Are First To Get CMA Medals

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:34:01 +0000

Rising star group Eli Young Band were the first artists to receive the brand new CMA Medallion this week. The new Olympics-styled medal replaces the former CMA plaque for writing or performing a number one country song, and was awarded to the group in celebration of their newest chart topper “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” The party was a standing room only event at the Country Music Association offices on Music Row as supporters and friends of the group overwhelmingly came out to share the love.

Yesterday’s presentation of the new CMA medals was made by BMI’s Jody Williams, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Cal IV Entertainment’s Danielle Hill, Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen, Avenue Bank’s Ron Cox, CMA’s Brandi Simms and CRS’ Bill Mayne.

“Thank you for believing in us and believing in this song,” said Mike Eli. “We fell in love with the song not because we saw, or had any foresight, or thought it was a No. 1. We just loved this song.”

The song was especially personal to writers Eric Paslay and Will Hoge. Will spoke about writing the song together:

“It was so personal for Ericand I, we thought it would never connect because it was so personal. Eli Young took it and truly made it an anthem.”

Congratulations to Eli Young Band! Check out the picture below of the group getting their medals:

Click the image to see it full-sized.

VIDEO: Dierks Bentley Rocks Record Store Day

Ted Efron — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:28:24 +0000

Dierks Bentley has an affinity for the old-school albums. We’re talking vinyl records. The format is far from the most popular these days, but it’s still big with Bentley.

The country superstar demonstrated his respect for records on Saturday by taking part in Record Store Day. He celebrated the fifth annual event with an in-store performance at Easy Street Records in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood.

Fittingly, the show took place in the store’s vinyl section, where dozens of people packed in between the displays of old-school discs. If they glanced down from the stage the fans found themselves faced with a diverse array of album artwork with artists ranging from Eddy Arnold to Warren Zevon.

Leading up to Record Store Day, Bentley had said that he wishes the country crowd put more value into vinyl.

“Record Store Day is such a great event that has hardly had any attention in country music,” said Bentley. “Some of the coolest exclusive product comes out on this day at indy retailers, and I wanted country fans to be able to get in on the action. I may have a few surprise special guests up my sleeve too. I’m really excited to take over Easy Street for an hour that afternoon…Seattle is such a great music town.”

Bentley backed up his words about having a few surprises by tapping the local talent pool. He brought out guitarist Mike McCready from Seattle’s legendary Pearl Jam, who joined him for a country version of Pearl Jam’s “Just Breathe.” (See the fan-shot video below)

A second surprise came when singer Star Anna joined Bentley and McCready for a performance of The Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers.”

Later that night Bentley, along with the Eli Young Band and Will Hoge, continued his “Country & Cold Cans Tour” at Comcast Arena in Everett, WA. The tour now heads back East. For future dates visit Dierks’ official website HERE

DVR ALERT: Will Hoge To Make Jimmy Kimmel Debut

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:53:48 +0000

Nashville rocker Will Hoge is getting ready for his debut appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live tomorrow night. He’ll be performing his latest single from his seventh studio album “NUMBER SEVEN,” “Too Old To Die Young” on Tuesday night’s program. Catch the episode tomorrow night at 11 pm CST / 12 am EST on ABC.

Will is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl village on January 29th in Indianapolis. He’ll head to the historic Ryman Auditorium after his performance to share the night with Dierks Bentley on February 2nd, 2012.

Will Hoge Debuts New Music Video

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:28:54 +0000

Nashville singer-songwriter Will Hoge finally debuted his music video for “When I Get My Wings” on CMT yesterday. His seventh studio album “Number Seven” will be released on September 27th. The song was inspired by a newspaper obituary he read about a 50-year old marriage. He wanted to reflect that in his music video, which shows the story of love from its beginning until the end when the spouse passes away.

“The song started life as a bluegrass song, but it just wasn’t working,” says Hoge. “On the last day of recording, I wasn’t willing to give up on it. I sat in the studio and rethought the whole song and that led me to the Stax sound. After that, the song took on a whole new life. It’s really cool that CMT wants to get behind this video, I’m so appreciative of their support.”

To watch the music video, click HERE to go to CMT’s website. Make sure you let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

Will is kicking off his “When I Get My Wings 2011 Tour” on September 24th in Athens, Georgia. Joining Will his 30-city tour is indie pop-rockers Locklsey, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, James Dunn, Brighton, and Nic Cowen.

Will Hoge Announces Fall Headlining Tour

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:17:47 +0000

Will Hoge will be getting his wings this fall when he heads out on his first headlining tour across America. His 30-date “When I Get My Wings 2011 Tour” will kick off September 24th in Athens, Georgia. He’ll be joined by special guests indie pop rockers Locksley, with Jaron And The Long Road To Love, James Dunn, Brighton, Nic Cowan and Aunt Martha joining him on select dates. Will will release his brand new studio album “Number Seven” on September 27th, just after the start of the tour.

“Being on the road is like second nature to me, and me and the guys in the band are so ready to start this fall tour,” says Hoge. “I’ve spent years building relationships with fans all over the country, and they have been so supportive and loyal. Some fans come up and tell me they’ve been to like 50 shows, and it just blows my mind.”

For a full list of tour dates click the “read more” button.

WHEN I GET MY WINGS 2011 Tour Dates:

9/24        Athens, GA                 40 Watt Club
9/25        Birmingham, AL          Vulcan Park
9/28        Virginia Beach, VA      Diesel Rock ‘N’ Country Bar
9/29        Charlotte, NC              Visulite Theater
9/30        Atlanta, GA                  Vinyl
10/1        Raleigh, NC                 Lincoln Theatre
10/5        Urbana, IL                   The Canopy Club
10/6        Milwaukee, WI             Shank Hall
10/7        Ames, IA                      The Maintenance Shop
10/8        Iowa City, IA                 The Mill
10/20      Chattanooga, TN          Rhythm & Brews
10/21       Nashville, TN               Tin Roof
10/22       Little Rock, AR             Stickyz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack
11/1         Indianapolis, IN             Radio Radio
11/2         Madison, WI                  Majestic Theatre
11/3         Chicago, IL                    Double Door
11/4         St. Louis, MO                Off Broadway
11/6         Kansas City, MO           Knuckleheads
11/9         Philadelphia, PA            World Café Live
11/10       New York, NY                HighLine Ballroom
11/11       Somerville, MA              Johnny D’s
11/12       Baltimore, MD               The 8×10 Club
11/13       Vienna, VA                     Jammin’ Java
11/16       Cleveland, OH               Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
11/17       Columbus, OH               The Basement
11/18       Newport, KY                   The Southgate House
11/19       Roanoke, VA                  Kirk Avenue Music
11/26       Nashville, TN                 3rd & Lindsley
12/1         Houston, TX                  Fitzgeralds
12/2         Dallas, TX                      Prophet Bar
12/3         Austin, TX                      Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre

Will Hoge to Release “Number Seven” on September 27th

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:34:59 +0000

Nashville singer-songwriter Will Hoge is getting ready to release his seventh studio album this September. Appropriately titled “Number Seven,” he’s planning on showcasing his mix of blues and country with this effort. This album is the follow-up to 2009′s “The Wreckage” which was named “triumphant” by the BBC. The road warrior is currently planning headlining tour dates this Fall in support of the new record.

“When I Get My Wings,” the first single from “Number Seven,” is the final cut on the album due out September 27th. For the full track listing click the “read more” tag.

NUMBER SEVEN track list:

1. Fools Gonna Fly
2. Too Old To Die Young
3. Goddamn California
4. American Dream
5. Gone
6. The Illegal Line
7. Silver Chain
8. Nothing To Lose
9. No Man’s Land
10. Trying To Be A Man
11. When I Get My Wings

Will Hoge to Release "Number Seven" on September 27th

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:34:59 +0000

“When I Get My Wings,” the first single from “Number Seven,” is the final cut on the album due out September 27th. For the full track listing click the “read more” tag.

NUMBER SEVEN track list: