Rick Zachary's debut song 'Small Town Saturday Night'

Small Town Saturday Night is the debut single from newcomer Rick Zachary. Small Town Saturday Night is a nostalgic song that looks back at events and memorable times in his hometown of Ransomville, New York. Growing up in a rural town close to the Canadian border, life was hanging out with friends, listening to music, and discovering ways for Rick and his friends to entertain themselves.

single cover for Small Town Saturday Night courtesy of Brickshore Media

Small Town Saturday Night Chorus

“We were kids, runnin’ them back roads

Living wild seein’ where the night goes

Staying up till the sun on the weekend

Never wanting the party to end

Country music, blaring on the radio

Johnny Cash, Hank Jr and George Jones

Getting buzzed, having fun, feeling all right

Living it up like a Small Town Saturday Night”

Small Town Saturday Night was written by Rick Zachary and produced by SEGNO Records' President Steve Dillon and Jack Gavin, the studio owner and drummer. Rick wrote the song in 45 minutes while humming the melody and recalling memorable moments of small town life. Rick's friends from his hometown liked reminiscing about the stories they also recalled through the lyrics.

Rick Zachary, courtesy of Brickshore Media

Rick Zachary acquired guitar skills through the exploration of instructional materials available on YouTube. Following a traumatic incident in which a drunk driver collided with his stationary vehicle while waiting at a stoplight, causing a spinal fracture, he delved more deeply into both playing and composing music. Fortunately, Rick’s commitment to fitness significantly facilitated his recovery and healing process. Rick's music career began after a friend requested him to sing at a bar. He performed Virginia by Whiskey Myers, and his friend urged him to participate in an open mic night at a different local venue. Steve Dillon attended the event and heard Rick sing on stage, prompting their introduction.

Some of the artist influences for Rick Zachary are 90s rock bands, but also stellar artists like Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton. Rick was particularly impressed by Cody Johnson's approach to interacting with fans, including his genuine personality and stage presence. Chris Stapleton's What Are You Listening To was the first song Rick heard that made him an instant fan and turned his attention to song writing and listening to country music.

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Look for Rick's next single Not Tonight, coming later this month.

It was great to 'meet' you Rick Zachary and chat with you for a while or as I like to say, In A Country Minute.

Jay Valor Debuts single 'World On Fire'

Jay Valor is best described as a country artist with a hint of rock who began his music career in an unconventional way. I've always found the stories behind songs and artists fascinating, and Jay's story is no exception. Before discussing his unique start in music, let's first explore his latest release.

Jay Valor's single World on Fire, released on Valentine's Day, tells the story of how a couple's passionate chemistry keeps them trapped even if it's a toxic relationship. The verses illustrate how both parties share the blame from each other's perspectives, leaving them to "wonder whether they are lovesick or a complete disaster," explained Jay, who went on to say how this song is for anyone who "fought for love and the love you can't escape". Jay Valor is a solo writer and also produced World on Fire. He admires musicians like Sara Bareilles, Chris Stapleton, and Kip Moore for their authenticity, songwriting skills, and engaging stage presence. Kip Moore's debut album, "Up All Night," is Jay's all-time favorite for its incredible production quality, lyrics, and inspiring sound. The Beatles was his first experience connecting with lyrics and he hopes to have listeners connect with his songs even a fraction of that connection and it is an accomplishment.

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his journey into music. Jay and his father came across a karate class, which prompted them to seek more information about the program. As a result, Jay began karate training at the age of four. As he got older, he expanded his training to include mixed martial arts, envisioning a future career in the sport that involved cage fighting and fans wearing T-shirts with his face on them.

Jay attended a small Christian school where, during high school, the school was putting on a theater production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Participation was mandatory, and the teacher warned that students who did not participate would face Saturday school and their parents would incur a fine. Jay listened to the songs and decided to audition for what he thought would be a small role. To his surprise, despite having no theater or singing experience, he was cast as the lead role of Charlie Brown. This experience ignited his passion for the stage, and he went on to perform in more musicals.

In high school, a group of friends formed a band and invited Jay to sing lead. By the end of high school, he chose to pursue music instead of MMA fighting, a decision that has led him to a successful career. Click the buttons below to catch up with his socials.

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It was a pleasure getting the story of World on Fire. Thank you so much for your time, summed up -In A Country Minute

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Leavin' Page Town self titled EP release

Cindy and Tony Haedt, better known as Leavin’ Page Town (formerly known as Dram Shop Country), recently released their self-titled EP, paying homage to their hometown of Page Township, a small town in central Minnesota. As you might expect, they travel across the country to perform music, likely partially (if not entirely) to escape the harsh Minnesota winters. Can you blame them? As a fellow Minnesotan, I certainly don’t.

This winter, they made their way to warmer climates, ultimately ending their tour in South Padre, Texas. On their journey south, they performed at several writer’s rounds in Nashville, including the Live Oak and the Stillery, before arriving in South Padre, where they will continue to play shows during their visit. They are currently seeking locations around Austin, Texas, to schedule a few more performances before returning to Minnesota later this Spring.

Before embarking on their snowbird lifestyle, they finalized their EP with the multi-talented Greg Huberty, who produced the Leavin’ Page Town EP and also provided the album artwork photography. The cover features the Page Town Hall as its backdrop. Upon its completion, Leavin' Page Town held a sold-out celebratory two-day release party in November at Stones Throw Golf Course.

Leavin' Page Town cover art - photo by Greg Huberty

The Leavin' Page Town 5-song EP combines stories of life, love, loss, and hope through the ups and downs. It features a variety of musical styles, including a ballad and a fun, sassy girlfriend song. Cindy takes the lead on Tattoos and Chivalry with harmonies from Christine Passig, Liz Bernhardt, and Niki Koski. A story of nostalgia and life's adventures, Tony leads on I've Been That Guy, also telling the story of losing his mom at a young age, with the lyric line "Too damn young to say goodbye", Tony explained the vulnerability of the song as "Growing from your past and looking back at how you’ve grown, it's hard to put yourself out there for an audience to hear but it makes a better connection." The debut single Ride or Die lands 2nd on the EP and is complete with a music video.

Leavin' Page Town, I was so glad to catch up with you at Nordic Brewing. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey, In a Country Minute!

Leavin' Page Town is adding to their tour dates consistently with a few of their upcoming Minnesota dates listed below

Lakes Jam June 26-28, time slot TBA

Sampaguita in Aitkin , Mn May 4

find more https://leavinpagetown.com/shows