Warrant

WARRANT was founded in 1983 by Erik Turner and Jerry Dixon when they were just 19 and 16 years old, respectively. Four years later, they were joined by Jani Lane, Steven Sweet, and Joey Allen in 1987. This line-up would go on to land a recording contract with Columbia Records (Sony) and ruled the airwaves and MTV in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Over the course of their career, WARRANT has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, with the song “Cherry Pie” taking on a pop culture life of its own, being featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials.  Landing in 1989 with all the subtlety of a meteorite, the Hollywood, CA based band quickly rose through the ranks of the local Sunset Strip scene to multiplatinum selling, chart-topping levels of success. The band first came into the national spotlight with their debut album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich. This album produced the radio and MTV hits “Down Boys,” “Sometimes She Cries,” and “Heaven”, which became truly inescapable. “Heaven” soared to gold sales and the album eventually sold over 3 million copies. The band toured the globe in support of the album, performing 262 shows and closed the year with a platinum selling home video release. Their sophomore album Cherry Pie was released in September 1990 and launched Warrant into the stratosphere. The album, which spawned the massive MTV & radio hits “Cherry Pie,” “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and “I Saw Red”, went on to sell 3 million copies in the U.S. as well as achieving platinum success in Canada and Australia. The band hit the road hard again and played 200 shows, finishing the tour headlining outdoor sheds all over America and ended up being one of the top grossing touring acts of 1991. With those two massively successful commercial records, the band became known for their catchy anthems and songwriting skills. Said skills were on display on the band’s third album, Dog Eat Dog which went on to achieve gold sales despite the fact it came in the midst of “grunge” mania, when Warrant and their L.A. brethren had been pushed to the side by the major labels in favor of the latest trend in rock. WARRANT's signature style of rock music is to craft catchy songs, yet retain the melodic side. This remains the band's signature sound today. WARRANT has always been successful in carrying the torch. In September 2008, Robert Mason replaced Jani Lane (R.I.P.) as lead vocalist joining the other four original members of Warrant: Jerry Dixon, Steven Sweet, Joey Allen, and Erik Turner. In 2011, this line-up released Rockaholic on Frontiers Music srl. Produced by the Grammy award winning Keith Olsen, it as met with critical and fan acclaim, landing in the Top 25 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. In 2017, the band, with the same line-up, returned with Louder Harder Faster, which landed in the Top 20, Top 30, and Top 100 on Billboard’s Independent, Current Rock, and Top Current Albums charts, respectively. This year, the band also recorded a cover of Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink” which has been named the official song of the Professional Bull Riding Association. The band continues to tour constantly, playing to fans all over the U.S.  Keep up with the band’s latest news at WarrantRocks.com!

Christmas Wizard

Sara Evans

Strength, versatility and a spunky sense of adventure are qualities more often associated with literary heroines than successful country singers, but then there's nothing typical about Sara Evans. Whether dominating country radio airwaves with one of her many hit singles or attracting a new legion of fans with her spirited turn on "Dancing with the Stars," Evans' drive, talent and determination have placed her in an elite class of artists who transcend musical genres to become a household name. Her musical accomplishments are celebrated with the release of "Sara Evans-Greatest Hits." The 14-song collection features 10 of Evans' signature songs as well as four inspired new songs, worthy of taking their place alongside such modern classics as "No Place That Far," "A Real Fine Place to Start," and "Born to Fly." Indeed, Evans was on her way to becoming one of the most successful female artists of her generation--a compelling, heart-in-the-throat heir to Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. She's won numerous accolades, among them the Academy of Country Music's Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association's Video of the Year for "Born to Fly". She was named 2006 Female Vocalist of the Year in the R&R Reader's Poll and has been celebrated as one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People." Evans has earned numerous #1 hits, two of which she co-wrote, including "Born to Fly," "No Place That Far," "Suds In The Bucket" and "A Real Fine Place to Start," which spent two weeks at the top of the country charts. Of the five albums Evans has released, her sophomore set, "No Place That Far," has been certified gold; 2001's "Born to Fly" is double-platinum and 2003's "Restless" and 2005's "Real Fine Place" are both platinum. Releasing a Greatest Hits package generally signals the close of one chapter in an artist's career and the beginning of a new one. It is often a time for introspection and taking a hard look at the factors that contributed to those hits. Evans humbly credits her success to "luck, the kindness of country radio, and a good record label." Obviously, there's been so much more involved. Sara Evans is a vibrant, talented woman with a distinctive voice and an innate ability to relate to her audience. She's a songwriter, a mother of three, and a master at multi-tasking, but above all, she's real. It's that honesty and integrity that resonate throughout her music. "I'm just really grateful for what I have. I want my life to mean something and I want to make music that matters."

The BoDeans

With countless tunes you know from the first note, rip-roaring gigs you can count on, and a whole lot of energy you’ll take home with you, BoDeans continue to contribute to the American songbook as a tried-and true institution. Founded and led by original frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann, the band’s catalog consists of generational anthems such as “Good Things,” You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” and “Closer To Free,” just to name a few. However, they still reflect the soul and spirit of the modern American experience on their fourteenth full-length offering, 4 The Last Time. “The music of BoDeans has defined much of my life,” muses Kurt. “I consider myself fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy. I wanted to creatively do something positive for the world instead of just taking from it. So, this is what I’ve chosen to do with my life. The music was always about the blue-collar dream of a better life, and it still is.” BoDeans emerged out of Waukesha, WI in 1986 with the seminal debut, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, produced by T Bone Burnett. Following Outside Looking In [1987], Home [1989], and Black and White [1991],< i>Go Slow Down [1993] yielded “Closer To Free,” which famously served as the theme song for the smash hit television series Party of Five. With a sought-after discography, their music landed hundreds of television and film placements. Meanwhile, they transformed into a proven live phenomenon by supporting the likes of U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Pretenders, and David Bowie in addition to gracing the bills of Farm Aid, Summerfest, and ACL. Speaking to the group’s legacy, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame permanently entrenched BoDeans in the Midwest Artists exhibit. Most recently, 2017’s Thirteen arrived to widespread acclaim from The Chicago Tribune and Glide Magazine who spotlighted the music’s “understated grace—an attribute that no doubt fuels the steadfast approach Kurt Neumann has employed of his thirty-plus years as a ‘BoDean’.” Along the way, NETFLIX’s The Ranch also utilized over 70 tunes from Kurt, and he launched his own podcast Staring At The World. In the midst of the Global Pandemic, he wrote and recorded what would become 4 The Last Time. in his Austin, TX studio. “We have a classic guitar-driven midwestern rock pop sound,” he goes on. “I wanted to make sure there was still some music out there with guitars on it. I feel like I’m getting better at this in my fifties. So, there are a lot of those big rock songs we’ve done for years. I got that vibe down on this record.” Fittingly, BoDeans kick this chapter off with the high-energy anthem “Ya Gotta Go Crazy.” It charges forward with roots-y countrified swagger punctuated by an unshakable chant and hummable guitar solo. “When Spring came in Wisconsin, everyone rolled their windows down and turned the radio up,” he recalls. “The music sounded so good. This is meant to be one of those songs that makes you crank the volume and have some fun. In light of difficult times when you’re dealing with depression or challenges, sometimes you’ve got to go out and do some shit that seems a little crazy.” Then, there’s “A Little More Time.” The stomping groove gives way to another anthemic refrain as he pleads, “Come on baby won’t you give me just a little more time.” “On the day Tom Petty died, I was really sad,” he admits. “I’ve always been astounded by how good he was— from the time I discovered him at 15 until now. This is my little nod to Tom and The Heartbreakers for what they gave me.” On “I’m A Mess,” he examines the two lives of a career musician. “I’ve done this for 35 years,” he says. “As you get older, you start a family. When you’re on the traveling circus, you feel really disconnected from your life at home. You’re a mess without the other half of your life.” “Anyone But You” unfolds as a poignant love song over dreamy piano. Meanwhile, the title track “4 The Last Time” captures the breaking point of a relationship through an emotionally charged vocal originally popularized through an early incarnation of the tune on The Ranch. “Anyone But You” unfolds as a poignant love song over dreamy piano. Meanwhile, the title track “4 The Last Time” captures the breaking point of a relationship through an emotionally charged vocal originally popularized through an early incarnation of the tune on The Ranch. The opener “Loved” importantly doubles as a mission statement. With its robust guitars and wild solo, it culminates on a promise to his kids, “You’re gonna know you were loved.” “It wasn’t until later I found out my mom sent me to the ER when I was two-years-old for getting fingerprints on the dining room table,” he sighs. “I was just surviving as a kid. I have children, and I want them to know how much I love them and how much they mean to me. I didn’t get that from my parents. It’s a message to my kids that I’m going to make sure they know how important they are.” In the end, BoDeans make an impact through such honesty. “For the next year, I’m going to be showing up in towns everywhere and trying to bring people together a little more,” he leaves off. “Come to a BoDeans gig, sing along, and forget about everything else. That’s why I play nowadays. I’d like to keep pushing that message as long as I can.”

The Association