Congratulations to... Les Kerr, Sam Cooper, Amy Allen and Debbie Mathis Watts

Congratulations to...

Singer-songwriter Les Kerr, who will perform at the event "Trip to the Islands", an arts benefit supporting VSA Tennessee on March 20 at Lexus of Nashville, 2010 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. in Nashville. Learn more: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/caribbean-adventure-vsas-annual-masquerade-tickets-15492858557

Singer-songwriter Sam Cooper, who never fails to amaze with how many performances he has. Join Sam at Bobby's Idle Hour on Music Row every Wednesday from noon-5 p.m. for his "Sam's Jams" (and of course all over town at other venues).

Singer-songwriter Amy Allen, who is on a mission trip for the Global Village Education Foundation in Kenya, Africa. Learn more about this amazing outreach for education at http://globalvillageeducationfoundation.org/ .

Playwright/actor/musician Debbie Mathis Watts, who (along with Tom Dolan) had two full houses at the Renaissance Center this past weekend for the play, "The Ryman Diaries". More shows are coming up soon at the downtown Nashville Public Library. Learn more about the play: http://wattsd2.wix.com/rymandiaries

'Tunesmithing' to Celebrate Americana Music Festival on Sept. 16

     NASHVILLE -- The monthly "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will celebrate the Americana Music Festival by spotlighting five professional Americana performing songwriters from 7-9:30 p.m. Sept. 16 (Tuesday) at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. (near Music Row).

Chris Beall

     Taking the stage for 25-minute performances will be Amy Allen (Top-15 singles “Someday Is Today” and “Josie Rae”), Chris Beall (the new album “The Gin Mill Hymns”), Mary Beth Cross (the new album “Beyond Good and Evil”), Suzahn Fiering (presented the “Honored Friend Award” by Paul McCartney), and Brian Ashley Jones (new CD “Out of the City”).

Amy Allen

     Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicists Chuck Whiting and Scott Johnson will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound.

     "It's going to be a terrific show featuring some of the nation's most accomplished Americana singer-songwriters," said Chuck Whiting, founder of 'Tunesmithing'. All of the performers have performed extensively, with substantial radio airplay. The show will be a great way to help kick off the Americana Music Festival."

     "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books. "Tunesmithing" was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels.

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Mary Beth Cross

Suzahn Fiering

Brian Ashley Jones

Amy Allen to Perform at 'First Night Alexandria' in Washington, D.C., Area on Dec. 31

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2014) – Country-blues-Americana artist Amy Allen will celebrate her top-15 single, "Josie Rae", with several major performances, including "First Night Alexandria" in the Washington, D.C., area on Dec. 31.

            Allen will receive exposure in Nashville during the Americana Music Festival on Sept. 16 with a spotlight performance at the "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase near Music Row. The artist will headline a similar show in Independence, Va., on Sept. 12 as part of the "Reaching Your Dream" arts weekend. Other stops include El Dorado, Ark.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Roanoke, Va.; and Fredericksburg, Va.

Amy Allen performs at W.O. Smith School

            "I'm really looking forward to performing at 'Tunesmithing" and other events in Tennessee and Virginia this fall, and next spring" said Allen, whose "Someday Is Today" has generated two hit singles on terrestrial and Internet radio.

            Allen's "Josie Rae" single reached number 15 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart (just below Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry) and number 23 on RMR's Top 50 Country Chart. The song continues to air on radio stations around the world, including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the United States by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The song is the second single from her "Someday Is Today" CD. The album reached number 38 on RMR's Top 50 Country Album Chart and number 2 on the RMR Arkansas Album Chart. The first single, "Someday Is Today", hit the Top 15 on the STS Main Country Chart.

            Allen's concerts feature various songs from her albums "Someday Is Today" and "Night Vision", as well as classic covers in blues, country, pop, rock and Americana. View her latest performances on video at www.TheAmyAllen.com/music/video/.

            "Response to 'Josie Rae' and my other songs has been wonderful," the former Warner Music studio singer added. "My latest single expresses a mother's love for a daughter. The song prompts tearful reactions from mothers of all ages everywhere I perform. It's a reflection of what I've experienced raising my children."

            The "Someday Is Today" CD features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The artist describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, and Patsy Cline. The online retailer iTunes named the album "New and Noteworthy" shortly after it was released. "Josie Rae" and other selections from the album can be heard at www.TheAmyAllen.com/music/ and purchased from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someday-is-today/id710800873?ign-mpt=uo%3D4.

            In the song "Josie Rae", the singer-songwriter writes: "You make my world such a wonderful place to stay... Thanks for making everyday for me Mother's Day." Allen penned the song for her daughter, drawing inspiration from the unforgettable, life-changing experiences mothers have while raising children.

            According to a reviewer for Skope Magazine, the artist has an "irresistible, bubbly personality backed by powerful vocals that evoke real emotion. She sings loud and proud in the song "Josie Rae" about her daughter. When she is describing her [daughter's] smile, you can't help but grin ear-to-ear yourself."

            "I have had the pleasure of hosting inspirational singer-songwriter Amy Allen on more than one occasion," said Sean O'Shea, music director for the 400-member Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. "Her melodies are memorable and her lyrics are poignant and all delivered in an energetic and relatable performance. Further, Amy is an absolutely pleasure to work with -- showing respect and caring for all who surround her. Off stage, Amy is an inspiring parent and caring human being."

            Allen recently performed to full houses at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and the Co-Creators Coffeehouse (at CSLN) and The Row in Nashville. Upcoming performances include "Tunesmithing" at the Aloft Hotel West End in Nashville (Sept. 16); the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn. (Sept. 19); The 1908 Courthouse in Independence, Va. (Sept. 12); "First Night Alexandria" at the historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Va. (Dec. 31); and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., on April 24, 2015.

            Produced and recorded in Nashville by Denny Martin Productions, "Someday Is Today" offers heartfelt ballads, mid-tempo crowd pleasers, and rock-accented dance numbers. Allen is joined by an all-star cast of Nashville session musicians, including guitarist Scott Neubert, background vocalists Jaimee Paul and Vickie Carrico, electric guitarist Jason Roller, and keyboardist Steve Peffer.

            The "Someday Is Today" CD is available through major online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. The singles "Someday Is Today", "Josie Rae", and "Cryin' Time" are available for download at iTunes. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams.

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the singer-songwriter said.

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions, Whiting Publicity and Promotions, Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            To book Allen for an upcoming event, call (615) 423-9857 or (870) 918-4403; send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

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Amy Allen Receives Four-Star Review from French Publication

     Congratulations to... country/blues/Americana artist Amy Allen, who has received a four-star review in the French publication, Routes du rock. Reviewer Gérard Desmeroux wrote the following about Amy's latest CD, "Someday Is Today":

     "Amy Allen comes from Eldorado (Arkansas) where she began to sing as a child in the local church. Today she's relocated in Nashville after travelling and singing everywhere, including the White House and the Ryman Auditorium … and some shows in Kenya. Amy has a really beautiful voice and she sings with assurance. By dint of singing different styles of music, it's difficult to define exactly her today work; a little bit country, a little bit Americana. It's probably easier to say that today she's a pop singer with country influences. We also must note her skills as a songwriter and she's penned the 11 songs for this CD, "Someday is today", which is her second album only. This record is notable for Amy's voice and thought the instrumental support is varied, it keeps the right place and the good level. The keyboards are present on "Cryin' Time" and especially on a very exciting "Gotta Find JT". Amy sings "Tail Shaker" and "Thought of Being Alone" with all her energy and so, brings the audience to her Rock side. With "Abbey Lane", the album includes a tribute to the Beatles. We've found here a genuine singer whose Pop style is really pleasant." -- G.D.

     You can hear songs from "Someday Is Today" at Amy's website: http://www.TheAmyAllen.com . Amy is represented by Whiting Publicity and Music City Artist Management. Booking inquiries: (615) 423-9857 or Arts@WhitingPublicity.com

Amy Allen performs in Nashville

Insights on PR: Write and Edit with Accuracy and Clarity (to Leave a Lasting Good Impression)

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

(Editor's Note: I will be co-leading the "Reaching Your Dream" artist career-building/publicity workshop and vision sharing with Amy Allen in Nashville on July 26. Please join us! Learn more at www.ReachingYourDream.net.)

            NASHVILLE - In this mad, rushed, fast-changing world, it's essential to make your point quickly and write in clear, easy-to-read fashion. Otherwise, the news media (or readers in general) will likely pass on your story. They don't have time for verbal mishmash (unless you happen to be a big star).

Chuck Whiting leads his PR workshop

            Here are a few writing and editing tips for those of you who understand the importance of "words" on the road to success.

            * Remember that the "words" you write are a reflection of who you are. A well-written press release or biography can open the door for publishing deals, song cuts and concert bookings. A poorly written item can leave a lasting poor impression.

            * "Accuracy" is the chief goal of any writer. Exaggeration (or hype) can hurt your reputation. Base your story on proven facts, and use words with exact meanings.

            * Your story needs to be "clear" from start to finish. Use simple words, write short sentences, and keep paragraphs to three sentences or less. Use strong transitions to weave related or unrelated thoughts into a well-organized story. Otherwise, the reader will lose interest and stop reading.

            * Write press releases and biographies in third person (using "he" or "she"). First person is sometimes used for blogs, editorials and letters. "Modesty" with confidence is important in this business.

            * Get to the point quickly by answering the questions "who", "what" (your hook), "when" and "where" in your first sentence (the "lead paragraph"). Use subsequent paragraphs to answer the questions "why" and "how".

            * Make sentences easier to read by starting with a noun, followed by a descriptive action verb. Starting with an "independent clause" (rather than a "dependent clause") will reduce the number of commas, making for a better flow.

            * Write to meet the needs of your audience. A Tweet cannot exceed 140 characters. A calendar item should range from 100 to 250 words. A press release or story of any length should follow the inverted-pyramid structure (presenting information from most important to least important). Think "brevity", but be sure to answer "all" of the essential questions a reporter might ask.

            * Follow the media writing rules in the Associated Press Stylebook (to meet the needs of print journalists).

            * Demonstrate perfect grammar, punctuation and spelling. Check and double-check everything in your dictionary. Don't depend on a software program like Microsoft Word to catch misspellings. Laziness can result in embarrassment.

            * Add life to your stories and biographies with "direct quotations". They give you the opportunity to express your thoughts creatively in your own words.

            * Use a font that is easy to read such as Times or Times Roman (12 point). Helvetica and Verdana are often used. (Avoid Comic Sans.)

            * Double-space "printed" materials (for easy editing). Double-space between paragraphs for "online" copy (for easy reading).

            * Indent all paragraphs in "printed" materials and "online" whenever possible.

            *  Include contact information such as name, e-mail address, company name and telephone number.

            Remember to write and edit your words wisely. If you follow these tips, you stand a better chance of landing a story (or a lasting good impression).

            Chuck Whiting founded Whiting Publicity and Promotions in 1993 to provide exposure for artists and the organizations that support them. He is a former newspaper reporter, the author/co-writer of the book/song “The Littlest Star”, editor of Music City Arts Update, and host of the songwriters show “Tunesmithing”. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College. Join Chuck at the "Reaching Your Dream" artist career-building/publicity seminar and artist vision sharing in Nashville on July 26. To learn more, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

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'Reaching Your Dream' Artist Career/Publicity Workshop to Occur in Nashville on July 26

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2014) -- Artists of all kinds can receive invaluable insights on the professional steps needed to achieve success by attending the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. July 26 (Saturday) at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in West Nashville.

            The career and publicity training workshop will be led by country/blues/pop artist Amy Allen and award-winning publicist/educator/composer/author Chuck Whiting. Attendees will learn how to write and distribute press releases; develop a one-of-a-kind hook; believe in their talents; plan creative events; develop stage presence; form a team of experts; develop, manufacture, market and sell original products; obtain copyrights; and build Internet exposure.

Amy Allen

            Allen and Whiting will lead artists through the career-building and publicity process step by step with hands-on instructions, examples and feedback. Artist Q&A spotlights (case studies) will feature insights from Nashville filmmaker/visual artist Robyn Morshead, singer/songwriter/musician Sean O'Shea, and author/speaker/edu-tainer/edu-preneur Debbie Watts.

            Attendees will participate in an artist vision-sharing event called "Arts on the Row" from 7-9 p.m. Saturday. The first 15 professionals to sign up for the workshop will enjoy a complimentary tour and demonstrations at a local media operation on July 25 (Friday). They also will have the opportunity to receive complimentary writing and editing critiques during a brainstorming lunch on July 27 (Sunday).

            Tuition for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop is $95 (registration by July 20) and $120 (registration after July 20). Participation in the "Arts on the Row" artist vision-sharing event, media tour, and critiques/Q&A sessions are included with registration. Meals are not included. Discounts are available for couples, company-sponsored groups, and non-profit organizations. Artist scholarships are available.

            For more information or to register for the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, call (615) 423-9857 or (888) 80-SHINE, send an email inquiry to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com, or visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

            "I hear many fellow artists say how overwhelmed they are with the multi-tasking involved in the career-building process," said Allen, who has collaborated with Whiting on product development, performances and publicity for her "Someday Is Today" CD project. "Overcoming self-doubt to believe in yourself can be a huge struggle. And many artists don't realize how important it is to establish a professional self-image. It's very important to develop a one-of-a-kind persona, top-notch marketing tools, and a great team. We also need to protect our intellectual property rights in a fast-changing digital world. Achieving success is a combination of heart and business."

            Allen recently landed two Top-15 country hits from her latest album, “Someday Is Today”. Amy has performed at venues ranging from the White House to the Ryman Auditorium, opening for stars such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn. She has overcome a major health-related challenge to become successful in the arts. Learn more about Amy Allen at www.TheAmyAllen.com.

            A former newspaper reporter, Whiting founded Whiting Publicity and Promotions in Music City in 1993 to provide exposure for artists and the organizations that support them. He is the author/co-writer of the book/song “The Littlest Star”, editor of Music City Arts Update, and host of the songwriters show “Tunesmithing”. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College. Learn more about Chuck Whiting at www.WhitingPublicity.com.

Chuck Whiting

            "Our goal will be for each musician, author, actor or visual artist to have a career-changing hook, game plan, or press release in hand by the end of the weekend," said Whiting, who is completing a new CD of instrumentals and vocal tunes for release in 2014. "We will be available to provide feedback during a follow-up brainstorming lunch on Sunday."

            For more information about the "Reaching Your Dream" workshop, visit www.ReachingYourDream.net.

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Amy Allen's Single 'Josie Rae' Climbs Music Row Country Breakout Chart

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

           NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 2014) – Country-blues-Americana artist Amy Allen's new single, "Josie Rae", continues to climb the Music Row Country Breakout Chart, hitting number 101 on April 17.

            Allen also learned that the single is climbing other charts, reaching number 12 on Roots Music Report's Top 50 Pop Country Song Chart (just below Luke Bryan, Big & Rich, and The Band Perry) and number 44 on RMR's Top 50 Country Chart. "Josie Rae" is airing on hundreds of terrestrial and online radio stations around the world.

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the United States by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The song is the second single from her "Someday Is Today" CD.

            "Response to 'Josie Rae' and other songs from the CD has been wonderful," said Allen, who will launch her "Blue Ridge Mountains" tour later this year. "My new single expresses a mother's love for a daughter. The song prompts tearful reactions from mothers of all ages everywhere I perform. It's a reflection of what I've experienced raising my children."

            The "Someday Is Today" CD features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The artist describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, and Patsy Cline. The online retailer iTunes named the album "New and Noteworthy" shortly after it was released. "Josie Rae" and other selections from the album can be heard at http://www.TheAmyAllen.com and purchased from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someday-is-today/id710800873?ign-mpt=uo%3D4.

            In the song "Josie Rae", the singer-songwriter writes: "You make my world such a wonderful place to stay... Thanks for making everyday for me Mother's Day." Allen penned the song for her daughter, drawing inspiration from the unforgettable, life-changing experiences mothers have while raising children.

           

          According to a reviewer for Skope Magazine, the artist has an "irresistible, bubbly personality backed by powerful vocals that evoke real emotion. She sings loud and proud in the song "Josie Rae" about her daughter. When she is describing her [daughter's] smile, you can't help but grin ear-to-ear yourself."

            Produced and recorded in Nashville by Denny Martin Productions, "Someday Is Today" offers heartfelt ballads, mid-tempo crowd pleasers, and rock-accented dance numbers. Allen is joined by an all-star cast of Nashville session musicians, including guitarist Scott Neubert, background vocalists Jaimee Paul and Vickie Carrico, electric guitarist Jason Roller, and keyboardist Steve Peffer. The album, which retails for $15 (USD) and $9.99 (USD) for digital sales at iTunes, is distributed by Wormwood Records.

            "I produce a lot of artists in my studio, and Amy is truly an original," said Denny Martin, who co-wrote her bluesy ballad, "Cryin' Time". "Her natural-given voice is stunning in its clarity and expressiveness. Her sense of humor and joyful personality come through in her writing and her singing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know her, to write with her, and to produce her. The world is about to hear what I've been hearing for more than two years."

            Allen recently performed to full houses at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and the Co-Creators Coffeehouse and The Row in Nashville. Upcoming performances include the Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City, Tenn., on Sept. 19 and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., on Sept. 26. The artist is available to perform at concert venues, arts centers, nightclubs, art galleries, hotels, casinos, festivals, assisted living centers, and churches.

            The "Someday Is Today" CD is available through major online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. The singles "Someday Is Today", "Josie Rae", and "Cryin' Time" are available for download at iTunes. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams.

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the former Warner Music Nashville studio singer said. "My voice is the voice of someone who has been down many different roads, including motherhood."

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions, Whiting Publicity and Promotions, and Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            For more information about the CD or booking Allen for an upcoming event, call (870) 918-4403, send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit www.TheAmyAllen.com. Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

Photos: Amy Allen Rocks Nashville With Mix of Country, Pop, Americana and Blues

          Blues-accented country/pop/Americana artist Amy Allen took the stage in Nashville on Feb. 7, performing a mix of originals and classic hits with an all-star band. Tony Pratt was on hand to snap unforgettable moments from the concert.

Amy Allen to Join All-Star Band for Nashville Concert on Feb. 7

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2014) – Blues-accented country/pop/Americana singer-songwriter Amy Allen will take the stage for a special "Someday Is Today" concert from 8:30-10 p.m. Feb. 7 (Friday) at the CoCreators Coffeehouse at the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville, 6705 Charlotte Pike in Nashville.

            Opening for Allen from 7:30-8:15 p.m. will be singer-songwriters Taylor Giese, Chris 'Freight Train' Floyd, and Denny Martin. The artist will be joined onstage at 8:30 p.m. by an all-star cast of Nashville musicians, including Joel Atkins, Lance Hoppen, Max Niederle, Sean O'Shea, Rick Perry, J.Karen Thomas, Jody Lopez-Robinson, Susan Shann, and Mike Wagel. Admission is free; donations support the non-profit Global Village Education Foundation through the Just Give Movement.

            Allen is celebrating the recent release of her second album, "Someday Is Today". The title track from the project recently hit number 15 on the STS Main Country Chart.  "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, was released to radio nationally on Jan. 6.

            Hoppen is the co-founder of the legendary rock/pop band Orleans, and Thomas has starred in movies and TV shows, including ABC-TV's "Nashville". O'Shea serves as the music director for the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville. Other musicians on the bill have performed extensively at venues and recording studios across the country.

            "It's an honor to perform with some of Nashville's most successful musicians," said Allen, who will perform in various cities during 2014, including a Blue Ridge Mountains tour in late September. "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing. My voice is the voice of someone who has been down many different roads."

            Allen's surprising success follows a long break from the music industry. In the late 1990s, she landed a recording contract and opened for acts such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn -- even performing at The White House and the Ryman Auditorium. Health-related issues and the decision to become a mother prompted her to leave Nashville for her hometown of El Dorado, Ark. Her family recently encouraged her to write, sing and record again.

            To learn more about Amy Allen, visit http://www.TheAmyAllen.com. For information about her upcoming concert, visit http://www.CoCreatorsCoffeehouse.org.

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Amy Allen's New Single 'Josie Rae' Celebrates Motherhood

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 2014) – Country-pop-Americana artist Amy Allen is releasing the second single from her highly successful new album, "Someday Is Today".

            "Josie Rae", a mid-tempo country/pop song about motherhood, is being promoted to radio stations across the nation by Nashville-based Bill Wence Promotions. The first single (the album's title track) recently hit number 15 on the STS Main Country Chart. Selections from the "Someday Is Today" CD continue to air on country and Americana radio stations around the world.

Amy Allen

            Allen's surprising success follows a long break from the music industry. In the late 1990s, she landed a recording contract and opened for acts such as John Conlee, Patty Loveless, and Brooks & Dunn -- even performing at The White House and the Ryman Auditorium. Health-related issues and the decision to become a mother prompted her to leave Nashville for her hometown of El Dorado, Ark. Her family recently encouraged her to write, sing and record again. She returned to Music City to record the album in 2012 and 2013.

            "Response to 'Josie Rae' and other songs from the CD has been wonderful," said Allen, who will perform a concert in Nashville in early February. "My new single expresses a mother's love for a daughter. The song prompts tearful reactions from mothers of all ages everywhere I perform. It's a reflection of what I've experienced raising my children."

            The "Someday Is Today" CD features 11 original songs inspired by real-life experiences. The artist describes her sound as a versatile mix of blues-accented country, pop and Americana with hints of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Elton John, and Patsy Cline. The online retailer iTunes named the album "New and Noteworthy" shortly after it was released.

            In the song "Josie Rae", the singer-songwriter writes: "You make my world such a wonderful place to stay... Thanks for making everyday for me Mother's Day." Allen penned the song for her daughter, drawing inspiration from the unforgettable, life-changing experiences mothers have while raising children.

            According to a reviewer for Skope Magazine, the artist has an "irresistible, bubbly personality backed by powerful vocals that evoke real emotion. She sings loud and proud in the song "Josie Rae" about her daughter. When she is describing her [daughter's] smile, you can't help but grin ear-to-ear yourself."

            Produced and recorded in Nashville by Denny Martin Productions, "Someday Is Today" offers heartfelt ballads, mid-tempo crowd pleasers, and rock-accented dance numbers. Allen is joined by an all-star cast of Nashville session musicians, including guitarist Scott Neubert, background vocalists Jaimee Paul and Vickie Carrico, electric guitarist Jason Roller, and keyboardist Steve Peffer. The album, which retails for $15 (USD) and $9.99 (USD) for digital sales at iTunes, is distributed by Wormwood Records.

            "I produce a lot of artists in my studio, and Amy is truly an original," said Denny Martin, who co-wrote her bluesy ballad, "Cryin' Time". "Her natural-given voice is stunning in its clarity and expressiveness. Her sense of humor and joyful personality come through in her writing and her singing. I consider myself extremely fortunate to know her, to write with her, and to produce her. The world is about to hear what I've been hearing for more than two years."

            Allen recently performed to full houses at the South Arkansas Arts Center in El Dorado, Ark., and The Row in Nashville. Upcoming performances include the Center for Spiritual Living Nashville (Feb. 2 and Feb. 7) and the Songwriters Showcase in Fredericksburg, Va., on Sept. 26. The artist is available to perform at concert venues, arts centers, nightclubs, art galleries, hotels, casinos, festivals, assisted living centers, and churches.

            The "Someday Is Today" CD is available through major online retailers such as Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby. The singles "Someday Is Today", "Josie Rae", and "Cryin' Time" are available for download at iTunes. A portion of the proceeds from album and concert ticket sales will benefit local non-profit charities that provide the support and resources people need to discover their dreams. "Josie Rae" and other selections from the album can be heard at http://www.TheAmyAllen.com and purchased from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/someday-is-today/id710800873?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 .

            "Every note I sing or every note or chord I strum is given with all of the love I have for the song I am performing," the former Warner Music Nashville studio singer said. "My voice is the voice of someone who has been down many different roads, including motherhood."

            Allen is represented in the United States by Bill Wence Promotions, Whiting Publicity and Promotions, and Music City Artist Management, and in Europe by Hemifran.

            For more information about the CD or booking Allen for an upcoming event, call (870) 918-4403, send an email message to info@TheAmyAllen.com, or mail correspondence to Wormwood Records, 736 Bodenhamer Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. To learn more about the artist, visit http://www.TheAmyAllen.com . Media and management-related inquiries may be directed to Arts@WhitingPublicity.com or by calling (615) 423-9857.

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'Tunesmithing' to Feature Amy Allen, Lisa Aschmann and M Callahan on Dec. 17

     NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2013) -- The monthly "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase will spotlight seven professional and emerging songwriters from 8-10:30 p.m. Dec. 17 (Tuesday) at The Row Kitchen & Pub, 110 Lyle Ave. (near Music Row).

Amy Allen

     Taking the stage for the "Professional Songwriters Segment" at 8 p.m. will be country/pop/Americana artist Amy Allen (the Top 15 country hit "Someday Is Today"), songwriter/singer/author Lisa Aschmann (cuts by Art Garfunkel, Diamond Rio and many others), and the country-pop singer/songwriter/actor M Callahan (lead role in "One Kiss Cafe" at the Country Music Hall of Fame). 

     The "Emerging Songwriters Segment" at 9:30 p.m. will feature Mark Burke, Taylor Giese, Lexi Larsen, Erin McLendon and Jordyn Pepper.

M Callahan

     Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Publicists Chuck Whiting and Scott Johnson will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions, Music City Arts Update, and Shine Time Records and Books.

Lisa Aschmann

     "Tunesmithing" was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for tunesmiths at all levels. 

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

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