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Cali Tucker Celebrating Her New Song, "Last Name"

Cali Tucker's new song will be released at the end of March. Based on the title, I initially had my own ideas about what the song would be about. Given that Cali recently announced her engagement, it seemed logical to assume the song might relate to that. Furthermore, as a member of the Tucker family—the daughter of LaCosta Tucker and the niece of Tanya Tucker—I expected the song to reflect those connections.


To my surprise, Last Name is not about any of these personal milestones or people. Instead, it explores the heartache of not having family members you can rely on when making important life decisions. The song focuses on giving your dreams full attention and learning to advocate for yourself when you feel alone. It’s about moving forward despite having been let down by those you trusted and ultimately finding success and fulfillment in your own outcomes. Cali explained that many people can relate to this scenario, "those who are not supported by who they feel like you should be by, that you can do it, rise above it, whatever you want to do and be, you can do it." Cali said she is grateful to have supportive family and friends but is aware not everyone has that.


Cali Tucker - photo by Fred Morledge
Cali Tucker - photo by Fred Morledge

Partial lyrics to Last Name


"You couldn’t bear to see me

Standing on my own

If you thought that I would give up

You were wrong

Oh the lights in your eyes were making you blind

So you turned your back on me every time

Don’t worry I can make all alone


If you're so afraid of what I can do

Then I wouldn’t stick around if I were you

Cause I’m about to change the game

and forget we share the same last name

You can’t press rewind

Go back in time

Be there when I really needed you

I’ll give the credit where its due

and none of it will go to you"



Cali Tucker's Country Courture video won Best Video at LA Film Awards, and IMDB Certified Oniros Awards' Grand Jury Prize in New York. Cali is nominated for 5 awards at the Las Vegas Video Music Awards and an award at the Simi Music Video Fest, among others.





It was great to chat with you again, Cali Tucker, I hope you thoroughly enjoyed your vacation! Talk again soon, In A Country Minute







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
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, 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.

keep up to date with Rick Zachary on


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.









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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