Halfway To Hazard Has Been Made Whole

After A Multi-Year Hiatus Paved with Personal Struggle and Conviction,

The Duo is Back Together and Poised for a Fresh Start

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 31, 2015) – In a revealing new video, David Tolliver and Chad Warrix of country music duo Halfway To Hazard come clean about the painful past that caused their split and multi-year career hiatus, as they stood on the ledge of becoming one of country music’s brightest new stars. In an exclusive report by Country Weekly, David and Chad reveal the emotional backstory that put their career on hold, and how they plan to give their dream in the music spotlight another shot in 2015. Tolliver said, “You get the record deal, you get the single on the radio and you’re on the biggest tour of the summer… what can go wrong?” Watch here.

In 2007, Halfway to Hazard found itself on top of the world with hit song “Daisy,” and an opening slot on one of the hottest tours of the year: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul Tour. Immediately launched into the hot beams of the spotlight at an unstoppable pace, they found themselves out on the Live Your Voice Tour with Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean shortly after. Yet the undeniable pressures of life on the road eventually got the best of the duo, and spawned a personal trial that ultimately tore them apart.

Following Tolliver’s professional rehabilitation, admission of faults and personal healing, came a liberating newfound forgiveness between the two long-time friends. Today, they are ready to turn the page and get back to doing what they do best – making music. With the supportive backing of their peers and long-time supporters like Keith Anderson, Lee Brice, Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser and more, Tolliver and Warrix are proud to announce that they are officially back together, and ready to bring long-awaited new music to their diehard fans.

“I still feel like we still have some gas left in the tank and we can do this. We’ve got our heads on right and we’re pointing towards the same direction like we were early on,” said Warrix. “It feels different this time,” Tolliver added. “It feels like it’s a fresh start.... It’s time to start back up again.”

Currently wrapping up a show in Las Vegas, NV, they will return to Music City to perform at Douglas Corner on March 31 at 6 p.m., before kicking off a summer-long tour in an effort to bring the fan-favorite songs and high-energy stage presence that originally won the hearts of so many to various markets across the country. In the coming months, catch them on their solo tour, sharing the stage with Montgomery Gentry, and on soon-to-be-announced dates with Craig Wayne Boyd.

Full list of dates here:  Halfway To Hazard On Tour

Additionally, on April 10, Halfway to Hazard will receive a Humanitarian Award at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum 2015 Induction Ceremony for their charitable contributions surpassing one million dollars donated to charities in their home state of Kentucky. They will also volunteer as waiters in the annual ”Waiting for Wishes” charity event in Nashville, Tenn.

In 2014, Tolliver celebrated songwriting cuts from Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann and Brantley Gilbert, and Warrix spent the first part of the year on tour with Craig Morgan in support of his solo project. In 2013, McGraw recorded the duo’s self penned and performed “Die By My Own Hand.” They will commence working on a new album in the coming weeks.

Stay up-to-date on all that’s to come from Halfway to Hazard in 2015 by visiting their official website: halfwaytohazard.com, and following them on Twitter and Facebook.

NiXa Country - a place to eXist

eXist

[ig-zist] /ɪgˈzɪst/ 

 

verb (used without object) 

 

* to have actual being; be:

"The artist exists, whether you like it or not.

 

* to continue to be or live:

"Belief in music still exists."

Do you have any recommendations of artists that need to be heard?  We are looking for any artist that is promoting a new single to radio.  Maybe they have been on FM radio before or maybe they should be, just let us know.  We will contact them about becoming part of NIXA Country.
 

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Sony Nashville CEO talks importance of country radio

 

Nate Rau, nrau@tennessean.com 11:51 a.m. CST February 25, 2015

 

If you're not on country radio, you don't exist.

That's what Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Gary Overton tells his staff several times a day when game planning how to promote one of the label group's artists. In this age of dueling streaming strategies and creative delivery models, Overton said country radio is still the straw that stirs the drink.

Overton explained that philosophy as a scene-setter for the arrival of hundreds of country radio programmers and executives in Nashville this week for the annual Country Radio Seminar.

Overton talked with The Tennessean's music business reporter Nate Rau about the importance of CRS, country radio's essential value in turning an artist into a superstar, Sony's slate of new artists and more.

~   ~   ~

What's your opinion on the state of country radio and health of country radio?

You can ask people in the building, and I can be quoted several times a day, "If you're not on country radio, you don't exist." Again I can't think of one star, much less superstar in country music, who wasn't broken by country radio. It's just a fact. That's where the active audience is. That's where they go to listen to it. People talk about, "It's a media act. It's a groundswell. We're going to build it virally." That's all nice, but I defy you to tell me one act that made it big without country radio. And they're great partners. To me, I think country radio as a format is very healthy. You can look at their numbers, their ratings. ... Now if you look at the personal people meter, and the Mscores, the metrics that work, it shows how strong country is in all the markets out there. We're very fortunate and we work very hard to keep our relationship with everyone in country radio. And there's 164 monitored stations that make up the charts, but I think there are almost 2,000 full-time country stations. That's the biggest radio genre there is besides news and talk. We work very hard with our relationship and they're very forward-thinking folks in radio.

How do you project an artist's radio play, if country radio is so important?

The first thing is you have to be aware of what radio is playing. Because pretty much I believe radio plays things their listeners want to hear. That's their business. So we try to stay very much on top of not just what we're giving them to play, but what is the music mix? What are they playing? What type of musical style, what type of production of music? Male, female? So that's part of our thought process to say, "This is the first single, second single, third single." Also, this is where it's divergent interests. Radio is about listenership, because if they have (that), their ratings go up and they can sell more expensive advertising. Just being on the radio in and of itself is not a goal for us because we have to sell. So you could have a single that goes up the charts and does very well at radio, but we don't make money at that. We have to sell. We need a single that goes up the charts and that people decide they want to go buy it. Whether it's an album, which would be great, or over the last x-number of years it's become more track-driven, and now even digital track sales have gone down because even our format is going to streaming. We pick singles to say, "If we truly only have one shot, what would I want the world to hear of Cam, if that's how they're going to judge her?"

But if you're just discovering .. any of the artists you mentioned, you might not hear that one song when you hear them. You can project that if you pull the right song through that filter, it will do well on radio?

You also have to (answer) again, "Is this a great artist? Is this a great singer? Is this a great songwriter?" In some cases we do a development situation. People say majors don't do development anymore. And I just smile and nod and say, "Yeah, whatever," because I'm not real big at telling my competition what we're up to. But (Columbia Nashville artist) Tyler Farr (who is now touring with Jason Aldean) was in a development situation here for almost two years. We made an inexpensive EP and then an LP with him. He was out on tour with Colt Ford. Colt really liked him and he was actually part of the band and found out what a great singer he was. So he said, "Why don't you come out and start singing the verses, which are sung?" Then next thing you know Colt is saying, "Hey, why don't you open for me?" He was doing that program for us I believe it was almost for two years until we said, "Alright, it's time. He's been out in front of these people. His voice is exactly right. He's been writing and finding great songs…. It's time to take him out there." That was the development thing. The far other side is a Chase Rice or a Logan Mize, who already worked a single and had some reaction. Then there's the ones they bring in songs that are close, but we know between them writing and us together finding songs, we can find the right songs. It's different in every case what you're looking for. At the end of the day, when we go out to radio, we have to have all those pieces.

Read Full Article HERE
 

Halfway to Hazard Announces Fresh Start to Overcome Painful Past

The duo shares emotional story behind their stalled career and their fresh start.

Country Weekly | Tammy Ragusa | Published: Mar 19, 2015

Their story would read like a fairy tale, if there had been a happy ending.

David Tolliver and Chad Warrix—Halfway to Hazard—went from playing a local Nashville nightclub to being discovered by one of the hottest producers in country music to having a single at radio (“Daisy”) and securing the opening slot on one of country’s hottest tours—Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Soul2Soul 2007 tour.

But the road can be hard, especially for a new act experiencing the first flicker of fame, and, as David says, “It’ll weigh on you after a while.” But still, the musical magic they made was undeniable, and even though Chad released a solo music video and David turned his focus to writing, there were still plenty of fans, including Lee Brice, Troy Gentry and Keith Anderson, who had faith that the boys from Kentucky would find their way back.

In a new video, David and Chad begin telling the painful and emotional back story of what caused the band's decline and how they are hoping to overcome the past to take another swing at success and get their much-deserved happy ending.

Read Full Article HERE

NiXa Xperience: Chris Janson

Chris Janson

Dave and Buster's - Nashville - April 18, 2013

Photo Credit: JMK Photography



".. By now everyone and anyone is familiar with the single and Janson is becoming a new country artist that has captured the buzz of the industry and fans alike in a big big way.

 

To continue bringing his music to his growing fan base, Chris Janson hooked up with Nashville radio station WSIX “The Big 98” and Dave & Busters at Opry Mills to bring his music to the fans for free and he more than delivered.

 

From the start of his hour plus long acoustic set, Janson showed just how appreciative he was of his recent success when he said, “I have always wanted to be played on country music radio and it such an honor and privilege to be on it.” .." - Jeffrey Kurtis

 

NiXa Xperience: NiXa Country, JMK Photography, and Todays Country Magazine, attended the show on April 18, 2013 at Dave and Buster's.

Our Background Story:  Chris Janson is known to us as a songwriter (including "Truck Yeah" with our friends LoCash Cowboys) and an artist with years of performances at Tootsies in Nashville.  Nixa Country has been playing "Til A Woman Comes Along" and the new single “Better I Don’t”.

SEE SHOW PHOTOS here: JMK Photography
 

READ SHOW REVIEW here: Todays Country Magazine

 

NiXa Xperience: Chuck Wicks

Chuck Wicks

"Rough" Album Release Party
Dave and Buster's  - Nashville - April 11, 2013

 

Photo Credit: @JMK Photography
 

".. 2013 looks to be the start of putting Chuck Wicks back onto the country music landscape as he has released his new EP Rough, and what better way to do it then to host an album release party in Music City itself as he took the stage at Dave & Busters Opry Mills sponsored by WSIX to give his fans a taste of the new and a few of the hits they already love. .." - Jeffrey Kurtis

NiXa Xperience: NiXa Country, JMK Photography, and Todays Country Magazine, attended the Chuck Wicks Album Release Party for #Rough on April 11, 2013 at Dave and Buster's.

Our Background Story:  Chuck is one of our listener favorites.  When we heard he was releasing a new album, with single "Salt Life" to be released to radio soon, we were excited to be able to attend the release party.  Chuck played songs from the album along with his most popular songs to date.  There were a lot of excited die-hard fans in the audience as well.  And, as promised, Chuck stayed to meet, greet, and sign CD's for everyone.  Check the links below to buy your CD, and LIKE Chuck on facebook.

Chuck Wicks Facebook Posts:
** Thursday, April 11:  DOWNLOAD THE NEW EP HERE!!! AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT TONIGHTS RELEASE PARTY FOR FREE AT Dave & Buster's Nashville WITH THE The Big 98 WSIX !! I WILL MEET EVERYONE TONIGHT AFTER THE SHOW!! SHOWTIME is 7:30pm!!
** Wednesday, April 10:  The response has been so AMAZING... I just signed 250 More Physical copies of the NEW EP for you if you want one!! Just go http://chuckwicks.com/ to get yours!!

READ SHOW REVIEW here:  Todays Country Magazine

SEE SHOW PHOTOS here:  JMK Photography

Casey James NEWS: Returns to American Idol - etc

Casey Returns To American Idol Casey will be returning to FOX's American Idol to debut his new single 'The Good Life' on Thursday, April 4th (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape delayed). Also performing on the show is Idol winner Carrie Underwood. "This is a dream come true," said Casey. "To be returning to the show as an artist, to sing and play music that I wrote, co-produced and poured myself into, it doesn't get any better for me! I think 'The Good Life' is such a fitting song too." Follow Casey on Twitter and use hashtag #CaseyIdol to be a part of the American Idol conversation. Also, follow Casey on Facebook for the American Idol Countdown Contest and updates before and after the show!

New Merchandise Store Launches A brand new merchandise store has launched, along with many new Casey James items. Need a "Good Life" t-shirt or a long sleeve Casey James shirt? We've got you covered! Check out the new store here and use coupon code 15OFF to receive 15% off your total order this week! Come See Casey On The Road American Idol is not the only place you will be able to see Casey James this spring! Check out all the tour dates here to see when he is near you. Even better, attend the show as a VIP! The VIP experience includes a pre-show performance and Meet & Greet with Casey. You'll also get to take home an autographed, limited edition poster and exclusive VIP laminate.

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION FOR ERIK BLUMENFELD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEMORIAL CELEBRATION FOR SPIN DOCTORS MUSIC GROUP'S ERIK BLUMENFELD To be Held in the Country Music Association Atrium on April 1, 2013 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 28, 2013) – The memorial service and celebration of the life of Erik Blumenfeld, Director of New Business Development at Spin Doctors Music Group and Founder/ CEO of OT Entertainment, who suddenly passed away on March 20 at the age of 30, will be held in the Country Music Association atrium on April 1, 2013. The service will begin at 6:00 p.m.. Pete Wilson, Pastor of Cross Point Community Church, will be directing the service with radio personality Billy Block commentating and several special guest performances. A small reception catered by Rooster's BBQ with a few of his favorite food and beverages, including Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Lemonade and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, will follow the service. As an active member of the community and an avid member or several music industry groups, including SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development), SOLID made a $25,000 contribution to Big Brothers/ Big Sisters in his name. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the OT Entertainment Foundation or the MusiCares Foundation. Friends and colleagues can upload their favorite photos with Blumenfeld for the slide show at the ceremony on the OT Entertainment facebook page. A scholarship fund and foundation to continue Blumenfeld's passion for helping up-and-coming music industry entrepreneurs and artists achieve their dreams is also being created in his memory. More information about the foundation and scholarship will be revealed at the memorial celebration. Sponsors who helped make this celebration ceremony possible include: CMA, SOLID, WMBA, The Entrepreneur Center, Rooster BBQ, Richland Golf Course, Diamond Dave and Lone Star PR. Boiler Plate for OT Entertainment Foundation: The OT Entertainment Foundation was created as a non-profit organization in honor of Erik Blumenfeld, who suddenly passed away at the young age of 30 on March 20th, 2013. In his short life, he left behind a legacy that will live forever. He was truly a man who knew how to "Pay it forward" in every aspect of his life. Our mission is to continue his success as an entrepreneur in the music industry to help hard working artists get to the next level of their careers by connecting them with mentors to teach them how to expand their business and to spread their music to the world. About MusiCares: MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. About SOLID: The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) is a non-profit organization comprised of developing music business professionals dedicated to improving the future success of the music industry. Members of SOLID come from all areas of the music business community, therefore contributing to the diversity, productivity and integrity of the group. As a dynamic organization rooted firmly in Nashville, we are continually adapting to meet the changing needs of our membership, working tirelessly to fulfill SOLID’s mission of helping others, teaching others, and leading others. Today, SOLID currently boasts 98 active members and is proud to have recently attracted its largest incoming class on record. About WMBA: The Women’s Music Business Association is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to fostering opportunities for women within the music industry through education, networking, industry involvement, community service and organizational fellowship. About The Entrepreneur Center: The Entrepreneur Center connects Entrepreneurs with Investors, Mentors and the Critical Resources they need to accelerate the launch of startup businesses. Boiler Plate for CMA: More than 11,000 music industry professionals and companies around the globe are members of the Country Music Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, the organization's objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around the world. CMA brings Country Music to the world, not only through its three signature events, CMA Music Festival, CMA Country Christmas and the CMA Awards, but through working every day throughout the year to promote the genre, its artists and its community with initiatives and events with the sole purpose of advancing Country Music. ###

For More Information Contact: Lone Star PR Heather Blankenship www.LoneStarPRonline.com Heather@lonestarpronline.com 281-989-0864