Glenn Stewart - Around Again (Rupaul Cover)

Covers. They're either amazing or horrible. There's generally no grey area. What makes a successful cover in my eyes is the reinvention of the song. Take something that is established and give it a new life and that's exactly what country artist, Glenn Stewart has done and I'm not gonna lie.... I think I almost appreciate this version of the song more than the original. This is a cover of a Rupaul song and I think what he's done is give this a layer of emotion that makes it more than a dance song. It's his inflection and it's the arrangement. It's the emphasis on certain words and how it's got a whole new vibe. I really dig this track and I'm moderately upset that it's taken me this long to find it and get into it.

The passion that Glenn is delivering his performance is amazing. He's fully committed to this song and he's giving you everything you need. It's very cool to see just how into it is, that's a sure sign that he's doing what he loves and he's not half-assing it. I will look more into his music and see what all he has to offer. I am going to bet if his originals are as good as this cover, I am going to have a new favorite independent country artist on my hands.

Lauren Ray - Don't Feel Love

It seems Lauren's trip to Nashville last year yielded serious results.  In one of her first public posts since that trip, it's clear to hear how Music City USA rubbed off on her.  Her vocals harken to the golden age of country referencing Tammy and Loretta and some of the modern masters as well; Faith and Martina.  This woman's voice is like velvet and can take on so many characteristics from all of the influences around her.  This song is antithesis of a love song; it's a self empowerment song that so many of us can take a lesson from.  You don't have to be attached to someone in order to be powerful.  You don't have to rely on someone to achieve your goals and dreams.  Draw on your inner strength and you can achieve all you need to.

Drake Jensen - Scars

In what may be one of the most important videos, I've seen in a long time; Canadian country artist Drake Jensen aims to educate in his new single, "Scars".  Filled with haunting images and statistics that drive straight to the core of you, the song is a testament to all those boys and girls that are bullied on a daily basis at school.  Statistics that show how LGBT youth are more prone to suicide based on violence and how revenge is more of a retaliation than anything else really stick with you long after you've finished the video.  The general demographic that listens to country music are typically in a lower socioeconomic bracket than their less rural counterparts so hopefully with an open mind, this video can touch and education many of the people that don't necessarily have access to these facts and figures.

I am proud of Drake and what he's done for country music.  He lives his life without compromise and if you don't like who he is or the message he brings with him, you are more than welcome to tune out, however - you're preconceived notions may get shattered if you let him.  I am glad that there is a strong representation of gay masculinity in the music industry and I am even prouder that he isn't an Abercrombie model.  It puts a face on the gay man that the average individual doesn't necessarily get to see on a regular basis and shows people that you don't have to change anything about yourself to be who you need to be.  And for that, I thank him,

I'm going to go sit in the corner now and finish sorting out my emotions after that powerful message.

Drake on the Web
http://www.drakejensen.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drakejensenmusic
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/drake-jensen/id437518744
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/drakejensenmusic
Twitter: @drakejensen

Wayne Meyer - Folsom Prison Blues

Supporting local musicians isn't just good for the local art scene, it's also good for the soul.  When you run across a musician that has talent, it's your responsibility as someone that isn't a dickhead to help foster their talent by going to shows and buying their merchandise and sharing their videos on all the social media outlets you can.  As a blogger, I have the ability to go one step further.  I can talk about it in my little corner of the verse and spread the message further.  Wayne Meyer is an aspiring musician from Evansville, Indiana and he is good.  I don't mean like karaoke bar good, I mean like good enough that a record label should go...."Hey, Wayne Meyer, here's a contract and a huge sign on bonus because you're gonna be huge one day".  He's released an album of cover songs and if his take on Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" is any indication, it's gonna be the best $10 you've spent in a long time.  Take a listen to this cover and then buy his shit.  You won't regret it.

Contact him at facebook.com/ccievansville or wayne81m@yahoo.com to purchase your copy of his album!