Creigh Riepe Band
Creigh Riepe is an upcoming singer, songwriter, and musician from Charlotte Court House, Virginia and has been producing country music from a young age. His music has been featured on numerous radio stations and he has won awards including Best Original Selection at the 2007 CMA Music Festival Rising Star contest and first place in the 2009 Dierks Bentley MySpace vocal competition. In the fall of 2011, Creigh was featured on a nationwide ABC talent search and competed in the semi-finals round at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. He is an ASCAP writer and hopes to pursue an active career as a songwriter and music producer. His band members are fellow students at Belmont University in Nashville.
Click here to see Creigh on ABC: Youtube
Official Facebook: Facebook Link
Madison Station
Although its origin began in 2010, Madison Station is a “new” group in name only- several of its members are certainly known by the fans of Country Music and are proven Country hitmakers. Formed by brothers Craig and Todd Anderson formerly of Heartland (“I Loved Her First”), the group includes longtime collaborator and ex- Heartland bassist Keith West, Lead Guitarist Chris Eldridge, and rising star Lance Horton on Lead Vocals.
Official Website: Facebook Link
Eric Paslay
Texas native Eric Paslay is well on his way to a long and steady career in the country music industry. The 28-year-old’s debut single, ‘Never Really Wanted,’ hit radio airwaves in April, but Paslay has been heard loud and clear for the past several months, as he is a co-writer on Jake Owen‘s Top 10 hit ‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night.’ His new single, “If the Fish Don’t Bite” is currently headed up the charts.
Official Website: www.ericpaslay.com
Sunny Sweeney
A brassy country singer whose retro style garnered comparisons to singers like Natalie Maines and Kasey Chambers, Sunny Sweeney grew up in Longview, Texas. She managed to grab the attention of various music critics in the Austin area, and in 2005, the Austin Music Pundits named Sweeney one of the city's most notable local acts. She landed a record deal with Big Machine soon after that, and her debut, Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame, was released in 2007. In 2010 she released the single, "From a Table Away" as both a single and a video; it hit the number 10 spot on the U.S. Country chart. In May of 2011, "From a Table Away," became the highest charting Billboard debut single from a female country artist in four years. "Staying's Worse Than Leaving," which was also accompanied by a video was the second pre-release single. Her full-length debut for the label Republic Nashville, entitled Concrete, was released on August 23 of that same year.
Official Facebook: Facebook Link
Josh Thompson
Josh Thompson, working-class country has found its most authentic spokesman in a generation. A compelling singer, he is an artist whose songwriting reflects both the gritty realities of blue-collar life and the beer-fueled release of the Friday-night honky-tonk. Thompson’s Columbia Nashville debut, Way Out Here, and it shows Thompson’s personal journey through the landscape of the people whose love and loss, living and dying have fueled the best of country music. At its core are "who I am" songs that define the salt-of-the-earth characters whose concerns Josh knows and relates so well with songs like "Name In This Town"; "I've Always Been Me" ; "You Ain't Seen Country Yet" and "Way Out Here," the album's title cut, takes the listener as far back into backwoods life as it's possible to go. At bottom is his heartfelt love for his peers - the working men and women who have always been drawn to the kind of music he makes. And that means those working men and women have the kind of champion whose talent and empathy come by all too infrequently. It makes the release of Way Out Here worth celebrating.
Official Website: www.joshthompsonofficial.com
Justin Moore
Justin has been singing since he was 2, growing up singing gospel songs in church and listening to nothing but Country music. A student of the genre, Justin can literally sing thousands of Country songs, from old to new, word-for-word and melody-perfect. Since bursting onto the Country music scene, Justin has been lauded as Billboard's "New Country Artist of 2009" and received nominations for the 2010 CMT Music Awards "Nationwide On Your Side" Award for emerging artists as well as Music Row Magazine's Breakthrough Artist of 2010. Justin became the only new Country artist last year to earn #1 single status (for his hometown anthem "Small Town USA"). The success of "Small Town USA" made the Arkansas native the first solo artist to have a song from his/her debut album go to #1 since Taylor Swift's "Our Song" in December 2007. The hit has sold over a half million downloads to-date.
Official Website: www.bigmachinemusic.com/artist/Justin_Moore
Gary Allan
"I ain't really happy," sings Gary Allan on "Get Off on the Pain," the down-home masterstroke that begins and provides the name for his new MCA Nashville collection, "until the sky starts driving rain." Unhesitatingly frank, mercilessly guitar-crazed, it's the rocked-out country confession of a smart guy drawn to what the rest of the world calls wrong roads and long shots, or complains of as aching bones and stubbornness, or - as Allan sings in a spectacular stretch of drawn-out soulful vowels - underestimates as dark horses. And as the California-born superstar releases his eighth studio album, it's about the most Gary Allan piece anyone could imagine. Get Off on the Pain, Allan's eighth album, shows no signs of musical fatigue and, moreover, promises an undeniable future. Songs like the atmospheric "We Fly by Night," the indestructible title track, and the dramatically cascading, deliberate "I Think I Had Enough" consolidate the strengths of previous Gary Allan music. Allan always has developed and continues to refine his own tattooed power and finesse.
Official Website: www.garyallan.com
Brandon Green
With a list of TV engagements under his belt, including a stint on Season 7 of American Idol and Season 2 of CMT's hit show, Can You Duet. He's also the winner of Guitar Center's "Your Next Record With Keith Urban." Mississippi native Brandon Green is an ambitious performer and songwriter based in Nashville, TN. Born in a small town in Mississippi, called Lucedale, near Mobile, AL, his diverse influences help him craft high-energy songs that are in-tune with today's popular country styles, and his humility helps him remain true to his roots. Green caught the attention of Keith Urban and the fans with his song "Love Lovin' You" and landed an unprecedented opportunity to record with Grammy award winner and producer, Dann Huff. Huff has produced acts such as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Amy Grant, Megadeth, and Faith Hill. Brandon also had Keith Urban play on his single, an opening spot on Urban's 2012 "Get Closer World Tour", and endorsement deals from Gibson, D'addario, and Planet Waves.
Official Website: www.brandongreenmusic.net
Dustin Kahlil Band
DKB is an Indie Rock band from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, comprised of vocalist, guitarist & keyboardist, Dustin Kahlil, bassist Jason Milliken, drummer John Quave and guitarist Steve Mills. Kahlil's writing and vocal approach has been compared to such artists as Joy Division, Jeff Buckley, and The Killers; and the band's sound has been described as polished and mainstream. Their live show is intellectual and unforgettable!
Official Website: www.dustinkahlilband.com/
Alexa Carter
Alexa keeps an eye on the past, while moving forward. She finds harmony between classic country storytelling and modern pop magnetism. She's also struck a balance between raw integrity and mainstream palatability. Recently, she did a duet with Staind singer Aaron Lewis on the re-record of "Tangled Up in You" from his debut solo EP, Town Line. She’s a Mississippi Gulf Coast girl on the move in the music business.
Official Website: www.alexacarter.net/music/
Robert Fortune Band
Rock music, in its purest form, is what Robert Fortune is all about. Robert's band is composed of drummer Garrett Whitlock, and Zach O'Rourke on bass. Robert's mentor and family friend, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, gave him his first guitar and at the age of 13 and sent him on the way to his 'fortune' with all the right moves and the right musical background. Born in Memphis, TN and raised outside of New Orleans, LA, Robert was bred in the path of the Blues.
Official Website: www.robertfortune.com/
Rehab
It is all in name, but in fact, the name is relevant to the original members as they met in a rehab facility overcoming addictions to drugs and alcohol. It was here their love of music resonated and they became known quickly as the southern hip-hoppers taking Georgia by storm. REHAB didn't miss a beat with the melodic flavor and hard core rap with their first release, "To Whom It May Consume." After a strong US tour with such acts as Linkin Park, a new direction set forth. In 2008, Universal Records signed REHAB and immediately re-released "Graffiti the World" and a non-stop tour and date with Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker. A CMT Music Awards nomination for Wide Open Country Video of the Year for the multi- platinum selling single "The Bartender Song," as well as a spot on Rolling Stone magazine's "Hot List." With over 2 million downloads, mix it up with REHAB, and you have a winner.
Official Website: www.rehabmusic.com
Vanilla Ice
In 1989, Ice signed up with SBK records and released his first LP, "Hooked", which contained the single "Play that Funky Music" that was sent to radio stations to play. In 1990, a local DJ decided to turn over the "Play that Funky Music" record and play what was on the other side. That single was "Ice Ice Baby", which sampled "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie. "Ice Ice Baby" was a huge success, and radio stations everywhere received requests to play that song. Ice re-released "Hooked" as "To The Extreme", which contained "Ice Ice Baby", and it sold over 15 million copies and holds the record for the highest selling rap record ever. "Ice Ice Baby" was on the number #1 spot for 16 weeks, and so was "To The Extreme More recently, he has had his biggest mainstream resurgence, hosting the series "The Vanilla Ice Project" (2010), and recording a debut single with Jedward, "Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)", a mash-up of the two songs. He will also be returning to film in the Adam Sandler comedy Donny's Boy (2012). At the 2011 Gathering of the Juggalos, it was announced that Vanilla Ice had signed to Psychopathic Records.
Official Website: www.vanillaice.com
Hinder
Hinder is an American rock band from Oklahoma that was formed in 2001 by drummer Cody Hanson, guitarist Joe Garvey, and singer Austin Winkler. The band was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2007.
Official Website: www.hindermusic.com
Nelly
When Nelly first debuted nationally in summer 2000 it quickly became apparent that he was an exceptional artist, a rapper with truly universal appeal. Nelly hails from St. Louis, a Midwestern that certainly informed his rapping style, which was as much country as urban, and his dialect as well, which was, similarly, as much Southern drawl as Midwestern twang. never shying away from a pop-rap approach, embracing a singalong vocal style that make his hooks incredibly catchy, Nelly has become and artist capable of crossing all boundaries, from the Dirty South to the TRL crowd and everything in between. With a string of hits ranging from “Country Grammar”, “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” this Grammy award winning rapper/song writer has gone on to find success in developing his own clothing lines, to landing movie roles and is poised to continue his musical domination with the release of a new album entitled “5.0”.
Official Website: www.nelly.net
Lindsey Lee
Lindsey Lee is from Hattiesburg but now lives and performs on the circuit in Nashville. She is best known for her soulful, passionate and unique voice but, Lindsey is also a great songwriter. She recently completed a Word Tour with Miley Cyrus as Miley's backup singer and her new single "Broken Heart Card" is now available on ITunes.
Official Facebook: Facebook Link
Together Tomorrow
Together Tomorrow has strived to create music everyone can fall in love with. With energetic live shows, honest lyrics, and catchy melodies Together Tomorrow has been winning over the hearts of listeners everywhere. With a little over a year of existence the band has already played some of the largest clubs in America and opened for major acts such as “Hoobastank” and "Papa Roach".
Official Facebook: Facebook Link
Glenn Chandler Project
The Glenn Chandler Project is a fusion of acoustic guitar/piano/rock/ pop and melodic vocals fluctuating with highs and lows. They efficiently execute a sound of polished modern music with a whole lot of edge written into the storytelling lyrics. Glenn Chandler's ability to implement his vocals as a primary instrument in the songs creates a sound that instantaneously makes it a voice for his identity. Up-tempo, tales of love and love lost; everyone can relate to the words and music. Glen is originally from Jacksonville, Fl and now lives in Hattiesburg, MS.
Official Facebook: Facebook Link
Brian Fuente
Very rarely can a vocalist take the stage in a crowded venue and immediately grab the attention of the entire room. Brian Fuente is a frontman that can do just that. His voice is rich, at times gritty and he sings his songs with passion and conviction. The singer/songwriter hails from Ridgeland, a small town in Mississippi just outside the capital. He picked up a guitar at age 9. Self-taught, he started writing music early and began showing off his guitar skills to the public along with school mates in various bands. In 2007, he found his way to Nashville hoping to be seen and heard by the industry. He gained an increasingly loyal audience within the area but was itching to show the world what he was all about and in the summer of 2011, the singer auditioned for the hit TV reality competition The Voice. With that in the works, he started focusing on music full time. Brian is currently working on his solo project, writing and recording with Nashville's finest, poised and ready to take on the world. Fresh off his appearance on this season's The Voice, we are happy to have Brian at the Gulfport Music Festival.
Official Website: www.brianfuente.com
Gym Class Heros
The group formed when Travie McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley in high school and decided to form a band. In 2006, the group released thegold-selling album As Cruel as School Children. Since that release, the band's single "Cupid's Chokehold" reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Official Website: www.gymclassheroes.com/
Cobra Starship
Cobra Starship is an American synthpop band created by former Midtown bassist and lead vocalist Gabe Saporta in 2003 in New York City. After writing and recording the band's debut album While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets as a solo project, Saporta enlisted guitarist Ryland Blackinton, bassist Alex Suarez, drummer Nate Novarro, and keytarist Elisa Schwartz, all of whom provide backing vocals. The group released its debut album, While the City Sleeps, We Rule the Streets in 2006, which contained the single "Snakes on a Plane (Bring It)". In 2007, ¡Viva la Cobra! was released, which served as the band's first record featuring the complete lineup. The band's fourth studio album, Night Shades was released August 29, 2011 featuring the first single "You Make Me Feel...".
Official Website: www.cobrastarship.com
Maroon 5
Maroon 5 comes out on top by winning the 2012 People's Choice award winner for Favorite Band. Before Maroon 5 had Moves Like Jagger they were known as the grunge band Kara's Flowers, featuring the now famous line up of guitarist-singer Adam Levine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bassist Mickey Maddin and drummer Ryan Dusick. They signed a record deal back when they were still in high school. Their first album failed in sales and Kara's Flowers disbanded it while they attended college. They soon reunited, this time calling themselves Maroon 5 and adopting a poppier, more R&B-inflected sound, and adding guitarist James Valentine. In 2002 they issued their debut, Songs About Jane, finding success thanks to the single "Harder to Breathe" . More singles followed, including "This Love", "She Will Be Loved", "Sunday Morning" and their latest hit "Moves like Jagger".
Official Website: www.maroon5.com
