Danny Gokey – Life On Ya – Nolas Rochester – VIDEO

He’s cute. He looks very comfortable doing his thing.

I agree, iluvai. Danny does look cute and comfortable. He also looks very happy these days, and why not? He seems to be having a really good start on his career.

This is yet another song off of his album that I really like. It’s an uptempo, fun song, but yet it still showcases Danny’s vocals!

I’m happy to hear about the new dates that Danny has scheduled with Sugarland, and I’m hoping that they will come to my neck of the woods. It’s very exciting that Danny has this great opportunity to showcase his talent!

I’m also happy that Danny has been invited back to sing at the Grand Ole Opry once again, and so soon, at that. He’s singing on a Saturday this time. I sure wish I could go!

Thanks for posting, mj!

Thanks mj. Lots of good news!

I love seeing his confidence when he performs now. I think that the AI tour, and even more so the hard slog cross-country radio tour is kind of a crucible by fire. He is coming along nicely. And iluvai is right, he is so cute! I love Danny, he’s doing great.

I really like this performance. He’s not straining which is a common problem for him. And he’s not screaming. This song and Tiny Life are my favorites so far and I can see them as possible singles.

That’s a nice sized crowd. And opening for Sugarland is a pretty awesome gig. I’m not into country but if I was, they’d be my favorite group. I love their lead singer. If they were coming to NYC, I’d be tempted to buy tickets but country acts rarely play here.

I was given free tickets to the Brad Paisley concert at MSG which was kind of fun. Really enjoyed Dierks Bentley.

Life At Ya. First, I have to say, I love the title. And it’s another great performance by Danny. Also, congrats to Danny for debuting at #8 with his My Best Days Are Ahead of Me video on the CMT countdown. And it was just announced that he will be touring with Sugarland.

Danny’s performance on Life At Ya is another example how he stays true to himself. This is who he is as an artist. He has been working really hard to establish his own identity – outside of the AI bubble. Great news about the tour. And Brian Mansfield just announced that Danny will be performing at the Grand Old Opry on Mar 13. This is a huge compliment – since he was only there last month. I could not be more happy with the support that Danny has gotten from 19E and RCA Nashville.

Great performance and I LOVE this song!

If Sugarland and Danny come to Kansas City I will have to make sure I get tickets.

Danny does look very happy and much more confident on stage.

Touring w/ sugarland is an amazing get for Danny. So do we know amy of the other S8 idol tours?

Danny is also advertised to be with Sugarland when they hit the Philadelphia/Camden NJ area, May 15th I think? Hope to go to that one. Jake Owen is the other act that night.

Was happy to see that Danny jumped into the CMT Pure countdown at #8. One spot above Keith Urban, one of my favorites, but sometimes we have to make those sacrifices, lol

That was a big crowd for Danny at that club Nola’s. I’d seen another pic and this video where you can see a lot of people came out for Danny (believe he was the only act there). Ran across another pic yesterday, and there’s actually a second level to that venue which also looked crowded and there were even peeps lining the stairway going up to it.

A Pennsylvania country station posted this video from Danny’s visit a couple of days ago. It’s basically a sampler of a number of Danny’s new songs plus a bit of WHTM from AI. Gives a good feel for what he’s doing.

http://www.wgty.com/gokey.wmv

Thanks for posting MJ!

I will NOT listen to this song because I am one who likes to be surprised when the album comes out, but its killing me because it sounds like its really fun and the lyrics are good. Some say they have a little double-entendre going on, but not sure if Danny could be so naughty =)
I’m glad the remaining songs appear to be upbeat, fun (Mark Bright recorded the emotional songs with Danny first).

JP fan, I know the tour is coming somewhere to New York, but I don’t know the geography of NY! Tiny Life is my favorite also; but then, I haven’t listened to the studio of IWNSGB because I am “saving” it also.
Sugarland is certainly huge for Danny; lots of young fans, which he will need to have longevity in country genre. I hope he is with them for most or all of the 55 city tour; so far his name is the one that has been steady and they are rotating the others- Luke Bryan, Jake Owens and Hough.

Looks like another great song on Danny’s album. Things are really falling into place nicely for him. He has been working extremely hard and I am glad to see that things are paying off for him. It is not easy to break into the country genre but Danny and his label are doing everything possible to make that happen. I love Sugarland and am just thrilled that Danny will be opening for them. That is a huge score as they are a big name in country music. I am really looking forward to his album on March 2d – all of the songs I have heard are fantastic.

I am really looking forward to his album on March 2d – all of the songs I have heard are fantastic.

monte, I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the songs on Danny’s album. I never like all of the songs on an album, even with artists I love, and I certainly never have with an idol’s first album. But I really do like all of the songs on Danny’s album, some more than others, for sure. But this is really shaping up to be a great album.

I noticed in one interview recently, that Danny said that he had picked out one of the songs back in August. Either Danny mispoke with regard to the month, or he was listening to and helping to choose these songs back on tour before he was actually signed. I know that every time I saw him he had earbuds in and was taking them out as he was coming up to sign autographs and take pics with fans. If Danny picked out these songs, he sure picked out some winners, imo.

I also read today that Danny moved up to 40 on the mediabase chart, up two spots from last week! Go Danny!

It’ll be interesting to see how Danny does. His single sales have been anemic and MBD is moving up the country chart slowly. However, that’s a good sized crowd especially if he was the main act. And I don’t think Sugarland would have him as an opener if they didn’t think he’d pull some fans.

Don’t know enough about country to know how he’s progressing. I think the NY gig isn’t in the city. Sitting through a whole night of unfamiliar country songs would be tough for me though.

Quite a coup to get the Sugarland gig. If the label is patient and the material is right (haven’t listened to any of it), I think Danny could do well. Country is a forgiving genre in some ways. The hip, cool thing gotta be of the moment right now thing doesn’t matter quite as much. The stigma of coming off a reality tv show doesn’t matter as much. There is still a “he’s not a real country singer” camp in country, but it’s not so dominant that he couldn’t make his way. I definitely think this was a smart route to try if he didn’t want to go strictly contemporary Christian music.

I also get the sense in country that you can score a couple modest hits, say charting in the 20s and 30s with your first album and not get dropped. And nothing gets the Nashville set on your side like hitting the streets and working your butt off and being persistent. And humble, hopefully.

Actually JPfan, Danny’s move up the chart is about on target for a new artist on the Country chart, it basically very good for most new songs on that chart. According to Billboard the song has been charting for 8 weeks while Gretchen Wilsons song that is right above it has been on for 14 weeks. It typically can take a song months to reach the top 20 unless you name is Taylor or Carrie .

This tour with Sugarland should be a great match for Danny as Jennifer Nettles is known to do alot of crossover so the acts will attract a wide mixture of attendees.

From listening to Danny on these radio tours it seems the DJs love what they are hearing and seem very excited for him, so I see that as a good sign.

As for the single sales, I think this all links back to moving up the charts, and that Country artist not named above or ones that have been around for a long time just don’t sell alot. It’s hard sometimes to seperate the pop sales from the country sales but they really are two different worlds.

Don’t know enough about country to know how he’s progressing.

I have never followed country either, except for a couple Carrie and Dixie Chicks on my IPOD. But have been listening to those in the know, lol, since Danny. Actually kind of like Sugarland; they have a rock twist.

Danny’s single sales are not as high (they are on par with Allisons, even though she has had national publicity) as the top 2 or established artists, but I think that is to be expected since he is a new artist and has not received all the national PR they have. And country singles (except for the breakout hits) sell less than pop. You can easily see that on the iTunes chart.

I guess country charts move very slowly; the statistics have been interesting; the average country song takes 20 weeks to peak. Not sure if thats from release or sale, but he is at either 9 or 6 weeks if that is the case. And despite the conventional view it is difficult to crack the country genre (can you say Kristi Lee or Jessica Simpson?).

By all buzz so far, Nashville is pretty happy with him, the DJS love him (not just to be polite- they keep tweeting about him after his visits and saying they think he will be big) and he is already back at the Opry.
I think his label is definitely trying to build a foundation for the long haul instead of making a big splash, and I am very happy about that.
Danny himself said he expects to start slow and build his way.

I’m hoping he keeps building.

I noticed in one interview recently, that Danny said that he had picked out one of the songs back in August. Either Danny mispoke with regard to the month, or he was listening to and helping to choose these songs back on tour before he was actually signed.

I believe he was picking out some songs in August although in the recent interview he said it took a lot of time and thought to pick all of the songs for the album so they’d be meaningful and a good representation for himself. He said something about already choosing a few songs in an interview around the time his record deal was publicly announced. [ If what was on his SHF website is accurate, the date of his deal was actually August 20th, they just waited to announce it until early September for some reason. I guess that was to give Danny fans more practice in waiting ]

The Canandaigua (sp?) date is outside Rochester NY, not too far probably from that Nola’s club where the Life On Ya video was taken. Camden NJ is May 15th, and Hartford CT on May 23rd. Danny is listed for all three of those.

There doesn’t seem to be any pattern on how news is coming out. Some dates are being released through marketing of the country “megaticket” packages (megaticket.com), and a few were being posted yesterday at Sugarland’s FB including the listed supporting acts. The full list of Sugarland tour locations has been published, but not that many dates. http://www.musicrow.com/2010/02/sugarland-preps-%e2%80%9cthe-incredible-machine%e2%80%9d-tour/

Looks like they will also be at Saratoga and Cooperstown NY, haven’t seen if Danny will be at those. There will probably be a press release coming about Danny being on the tour, but we haven’t seen that. Would be nice if it would give the dates for his appearances, if it’s not all of them. Til then, will keep practicing patience. Patience, patience. lol.

With regard to the mediabase chart, I should have specified that while he is at 40 right now, we will have to wait to find out if he is still there on the published chart. I am not very chart savvy, but I sure am hoping that Danny will officially have a Top 40 song soon!

Ok it won’t let me edit to add so i’ll make a new post to comment on a new post while i was typing mine.

I don’t think there is any stigma in Country for having “only” top 20 hits as that is as high as a lot of songs get. The Country charts move so slow that a song can be on the chart for 25 weeks before it gets to that point.

Unlike Top 40 a song can stay on the Country chart forever I think as long as it gains spins and audience impressions, but it’s recurrent rules are a bear. As for Country artist losing their contracts it does seem to happen as often as the Pop genre. I was looking through some of the Country album charts for 2009 and albums by some of the “superstars” of the genre have sold lesss than 200000 copies and they were released in September.

Another Sugarland date now being promoted for May in Idaho. Danny will be there, with Julianne Hough.

http://www.98kqfc.com/ConcertCalendar.asp?artistid=65971

Although the cast of supporting acts does vary, it’s seeming at least in the April through June timeframe Danny will be there more often than not. Latest date I’ve seen for the whole tour is into October, it’s a long one.

Thanks Steph for keeping people posted on what’s going on with Danny.
I would love to go to a Sugarland/Danny concert, this would be a real treat.

Sony must have a lot of confidence in Danny to hook him up with Sugarland.

Thanks Steph for keeping people posted on what’s going on with Danny.

There’s three feet of snow piled up outside my front door at the moment, and it’s still coming. Not much else to do today

Danny’s performance on Life At Ya is another example how he stays true to himself. This is who he is as an artist. He has been working really hard to establish his own identity – outside of the AI bubble. Great news about the tour. And Brian Mansfield just announced that Danny will be performing at the Grand Old Opry on Mar 13. This is a huge compliment – since he was only there last month. I could not be more happy with the support that Danny has gotten from 19E and RCA Nashville.

Agreed. I’m so pleased to have read that Danny has been packing out the venues, with 250 or so attendants at a recent concert. So glad for him to appear so soon again at the Opry and getting to go with Sugarland on tour. Go Danny!

And opening for Sugarland is a pretty awesome gig. I’m not into country but if I was, they’d be my favorite group. I love their lead singer. If they were coming to NYC, I’d be tempted to buy tickets but country acts rarely play here.

Sugarland played New York City just this past October. They were opening for Keith Urban. They were also supposed to play Mohegan Sun at the beginning of the Escape Together Tour with Keith but Sugarland canceled and Keith brought in all these special guests including Little Big Town and Jamey Johnson. That was awesome.

As for why they’re having Danny on the tour it could be they’re hoping for some AI related ticket sales. It’s weird because their album sales are great and they’ve got such a great live reputation but for some reason Sugarland’s ticket sales are inconsistent. I don’t think it’s that great a match for Danny to be on tour with Sugarland – they’re a LOT edgier than he is. But it’s a GREAT opportunity for Danny to learn.

As for the single it’s doing OK but not great. It is obviously going to need more label promotion to take off because it isn’t doing it on its own and it is getting passed up by other singles without passing up other bulleted singles on its own (other than Craig Morgan’s single which it may pass this week, it’s been a little back and forth between them). I’ve seen the Forecaster/Callout numbers on Danny’s song and they aren’t very good whether he’s being compared to new songs only (he’s midpack on the Forecaster chart) or the top 40 songs on the radio (he’s dead last on the Callout chart). I’d give a link but it’s access by password only.

The feedback numbers should improve as time goes on. Usually videos help. But I think they explain why MBDAAOM hasn’t taken off on its own already.

In my ongoing quest to give Danny’s music a chance I listened to Life On Ya. This is the 1st song on Danny’s album that qualifies as pop country instead of adult contemporary/blue eyed soul! It’s very Rascal Flatts so it’s not my thing but at least it’s on the more tolerable side of Rascal Flatts.

Wow, it looks like I will be able to see Danny in concert if it works with my schedule. I never would have guessed he would be coming close enough to my area for me to see him. Then there’s the added bonus of Sugarland to tempt me further. Cool!

“There’s three feet of snow piled up outside my front door at the moment, and it’s still coming. Not much else to do .”

I thank my lucky stars for the Internet everyday. We get lots of days like that in Northern British Columbia – so I love reading Danny updates.
Just so you know!

monte, I have been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the songs on Danny’s album. I never like all of the songs on an album, even with artists I love, and I certainly never have with an idol’s first album. But I really do like all of the songs on Danny’s album, some more than others, for sure. But this is really shaping up to be a great album.

Danny really sounds good here. I do think he has the potenntial to have some success. He really has a terrific voice.

When I hear Danny sing like this, I get why the judges were pushing so hard for him. They knew his potential. I think people get upset that some contestants get “pimped” but they question is why are they being “pimped?” Is it because they are the better singers? I mean what other reason would there to be to pimp them?

I mean what other reason would there to be to pimp them?

Because they’re considered commercial and/or they think it’ll be easy to market them and/or they believe it’s beneficial to the show to keep them on.

Edit: I don’t know what the reasoning was behind their Danny pimping but with my comment I was thinking more of the pimping of people like Carmen and Constantine.

Because they’re considered commercial and/or they think it’ll be easy to market them and/or they believe it’s beneficial to the show to keep them on.

I was a casual viewer of AI until around S7. But have the judges ever pimped the weakest singer? Maybe they do? Now of course, if you have a few singers who are equally talented vocally, then I can see them going to the next criteria, which is being marketable.

I agree however, that it could be a piimpfest early on because they want the most colorful and interesting performers to say on, but I do believe around top 5, the focus gets down to vocals and marketability.

I think Danny has both vocals and marketability. Allison has the vocals, but she is a tough one to market because of her age seems to work against her old soul singing. Adam, to me is like Danny, he has both things going for him. I’m on the fence about Kris because I don’t think he is the best vocalist, but he does have talent and could go in the John Mayer direction.

First off, I have always loved Danny’s rich, smoky, bluesy voice. I think that will serve him well. The guy can sing, no question there what so ever. Danny also has a larger than life stage persona. And the reviews he got during the Idol tour, consistently acknowledge his ability for connecting and engaging audiences – the hard to please NY critics all praised him. And Danny is also a self-professed competitor. He is who he is. He has never been known to be a sock puppet. And it is often the people that are controversial that are successful. And I think these are the attributes that 19 recognized in Danny early on. It was well known that they wanted him in the Final 2. Simon Fuller and company waited 8 years before they signed a male Idol to a major Country label. And Danny is the first 3rd place finisher to record with 19.

I was a casual viewer of AI until around S7. But have the judges ever pimped the weakest singer? Maybe they do? Now of course, if you have a few singers who are equally talented vocally, then I can see them going to the next criteria, which is being marketable.

My opinion only: S2 was a pimpfest beyond the top 5: Clay and Kim usually had a harder time with the judges while Ruben was slobbered all over for some weak performances. I think Josh Gracin and his story was pimped over Kim Locke and Trenyce too. Now Josh Gracin and his story turned out to be the 3rd most successful contestant from that season so maybe there was something to that. Josh was one who changed my mind after the show with his music. I did not like him during the season but he got some very good country songs and he did a good job delivering them, resulting in a very successful debut album.

I’d say Kat Mcphee was pimped over Elliott Yamin in S5 too. Once Chris went out 4th they wanted her in the finals over Elliott because it was clear Clive was not interested in signing Elliott (that’s some good foresight there Clive!).

And Danny is the first 3rd place finisher to record with 19.

I don’t think it’s significant that Danny’s the first 3rd place contestant to be record with 19. I mean would Danny fans consider him being signed any less significant if Danny had finished 4th and gotten signed to a record deal with 19?

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t believe there’s a 3rd place curse. Elliott Yamin sure did awesome for himself.

I think Danny was signed because they believe he’s marketable. He has a solid voice but based on the 2 studio recordings of his new material I don’t think that’s translating too well. But the bigger challenge for Danny is to work on his delivery of the lyrics. That’s where even weak voiced country singers have to distinguish themselves and if his phrasing stays pop/blue-eyed soul and doesn’t improve in the storytelling aspect, I think he’ll struggle in country music.

It seems to me Danny’s roll out is going pretty well. His album comes out in March, yes? And here he is laying the groundwork for his album. Plus he’s got an awesome tour lined up. From what I have read, it sounds like his single is showing positive movement on the country charts.

Danny is actually doing quite well for a new artist. He continues to gain spins, and his debut My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me – has been holding steady on the charts. I do see them rolling the national promotions as they get closer to Mar 2 (the album’s release) and continuing after that. Danny will also have his comeback performance on Season 9 – and that will give him a huge platform. And the tour will also be a great way to attract new fans (as well as make money for the record label). None of the Idols can just rely on the AI fan base. And Danny definitely has been working hard to carve out his own identity and immersed himself in the Country music culture.

Windmills while I’m sure we all appreciate you views on Country music, I ‘ve gotto say you constant bringing up of a password protected site causes me concern. As MJ has noted previously that she prefers that statistics be actually sourced I am the same. It’s not that I doubt your veracity but if I can’t see it, I don’t consider it fact.

BTW I’m glad you are finding music of Dannys’ you are now finding tolerable, we may convert you yet .

I also believe Danny will be successful because he is different from the common country singer. I believe a DJ from one of his stops stated while theere were good singers in the genre that he felt Danny was a great vocalist becuse he could make you feel the lyrics. I hope he never becomes like the rest because then he’d no longer be Danny.

As for why they’re having Danny on the tour it could be they’re hoping for some AI related ticket sales. It’s weird because their album sales are great and they’ve got such a great live reputation but for some reason Sugarland’s ticket sales are inconsistent. I don’t think it’s that great a match for Danny to be on tour with Sugarland – they’re a LOT edgier than he is. But it’s a GREAT opportunity for Danny to learn.

I don’t find Sugarland all that edgy, unless you meant that they are more into the country rock side? If they think Danny can help their ticket sales, good for Danny. In just watching fan reactions as the news gets out, to the degree people are commenting I’m seeing a handful of complainers. But many more fans of Sugarland who know Danny from AI & seem quite excited that Danny will be there. Also many fans of Danny like Jennifer Nettles and Sugarland, so it’s a win for them also.

I do think this will be a good learning experience for Danny. He did very well on the AI tour in bigger arenas than this is likely to be for Sugarland, so I think he has every chance to do well on the “Incredible Machine” tour.

Was watching GAC, they just had a segment talking about Danny’s MBD video on their On the Streets show and played it on air.

The country DJs seem to be fairly positive about My Best Days. Where they get most excited seems to be with Danny’s emotional ballads, though — particularly Tiny Life (Jeffrey Steele song) and the newer one I Will Not Say Good-bye (unknown writers). Sometime down the road, have to think one of the ballads will become the second single.

It will be interesting what Danny chooses to sing when he gets on AI9. Someone asked him last week and he just said “a song from the album” vs. saying it would be his single. MBD would be the obvious choice, but wouldn’t amaze me if they switched it up and did one of the power ballads. Would love to see those with a full band, so far we’ve only seen with the acoustic backup.

Sorry for the typos but it’s hard to edit when the post keeps moving.

*MJ is that normal ?*

But the bigger challenge for Danny is to work on his delivery of the lyrics. That’s where even weak voiced country singers have to distinguish themselves and if his phrasing stays pop/blue-eyed soul and doesn’t improve in the storytelling aspect, I think he’ll struggle in country music.

I think Danny will do well in the crossover market. It made me think of a band I hadn’t listened to in a long time, the Rave Ups. These guys moved from Pittsburg to LA and had some success in the mid 1980s. Their big claim to fame was that Molly Ringwald hand picked them for the movie “Pretty in Pink.” I used to see them at the Palomino in North Hollywood all of the time as they played there a lot. There were considered the beginning of the wave of country crossover. They were new wave, but not really, they were country/folk but not really.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfdcbZxzKWc

What I find interesting about both Danny and Adam is that they are throwing the rule books out in regards to fitting into a particular genre and instead, they are making music that fits their personalities. I think that is why we are getting some really good stuff from these guys as they are staying true to who they are.

I think Danny was signed because they believe he’s marketable

I guess my perspective is that there was a lot of talk at the time that Danny wasn’t marketable! “What genre, only sang gospel, no experience”, etc, etc. I believe they signed him (and the judges pimped him) because they saw huge potential and talent there that was very raw and no experience; in other words, LOTS of room to grow. To be fair, I think he was also pimped because he was a colorful personality and made good TV.

From what I have read, it sounds like his single is showing positive movement on the country charts.

It is; very slow and sure, which I think is good. He needs to pay his dues, because he is a newbie. And I think it will pay off in the long run, when Nashville sees how hard he is willing to work; and how much he is willing to give back (all his charity and promo work). And even if it doesn’t become top 20; a lot of artists have their breakout single with their second or third, not their very first.

I also believe Danny will be successful because he is different from the common country singer.

This. He brings something fresh. “Do I” was good by Luke Bryan, but the new single?? I can’t imagine even traditionalist don’t get tired of hearing about beer, corn, getting girls drunk and frisky.
Danny’s lyrics/songs are not all traditional country (but some are- Tiny Life, and this song is more lyrically rich) but IMO, this is a good thing and there is demand for this at this point in Country history.

Personally I’ve always liked the judges’ contributions on the show. Even when I don’t agree with them, I’m interested to hear what they have to say. Don’t usually see it as “pimping” if they praise someone. They’re there to give their opinion. Viewers can use it or not as they see fit. And I always try to remember, they are listening to it live and seeing the performer close-up, where we’re watching through the filter of a tv screen and lesser audio quality. Danny in person is really pretty amazing sounding, I’m not surprised that they were very struck by that and said so. Assume the same is true for some of the other singers whose voices are particularly strong or memorable, and would make a strong impression in person.

I’ve enjoyed listening to some of the country DJs. They don’t just mention Danny’s vocal abilities and power, though that comes up. They relate to Danny himself pretty well, and I particularly liked that one last week who made a point of talking with Danny about how he “connects” and “communicates” with his singing. I don’t think they’ve perceived much problem in Danny’s ability to delivery lyrics. Especially not in the most important way, which is putting across the heart of the songs.

certain1: You make a good point. Here’s the link to where I’m seeing the feedback on Danny’s single: Radio Feedback.

Here’s some context that might be useful (or not LOL). Kellie also came out of AI, was also signed by 19/Sony Nashville (albeit earlier than Danny), and was also not signed by 19 Management.

Her debut single was a song called Red High Heels. It debuted at #48 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart its first full week out. In its 8th week on the chart (which I believe was also when Kellie’s album came out), RHH was up to #37 although it did flounder for a couple of weeks before picking up steam again and eventually peaking at #15 about 4 months after it was released.

Its early Billboard chart run went 48-46-41-41-38-37-39*-37

* means still bulleted although that was because of a panel change

Kellie’s debut CD Small Town Girl debuted at #9 on the charts with 79k sold. Sales wise Kellie had the advantage of releasing an album about 6 months after being voted off AI.

So airplay wise he’s a little behind where Kellie was at a comparable time and it’ll take a little longer for him to make the top 40. But he’ll be there by the time his album comes out.

Overall I’d say his rollout is going OK. Not spectacularly amazing because people aren’t blown away by the lead single and the feedback and downloads show it. But not disastrous either. There’s a lot of miles to cover before we’ll really know how it goes.

I don’t find Sugarland all that edgy, unless you meant that they are more into the country rock side?

I meant edgy in the sense of musical innovation and the content of their songs.

I think Danny will do well in the crossover market.

Like I’ve said before Sony Nashville isn’t very active in the crossover market and if that hasn’t changed with Carrie (although that seems to be her choice), it’s highly unlikely it’ll change with Danny.

Windmills; thanks for those statistics. They are reassuring. I don’t see Danny’s as being much different, actually. Especially since I think he has a rougher row to hoe, being of a non country background and singing non-traditional country songs.

Danny’s has actually made more ground; if you consider he debuted at #55 and moved up to #41, vs Kellie #48, moving to #37 at the same point in time. But, not a huge difference, I conceed. Kellie is doing well for herself. I would be very happy if Danny would make it to #15 at 4 months out!

I don’t know if Undercooked meant RCA will market Danny as crossover; but I agree with them that Danny will attract a lot of fans that aren’t necessarily country fans.

Like I’ve said before Sony Nashville isn’t very active in the crossover market and if that hasn’t changed with Carrie (although that seems to be her choice), it’s highly unlikely it’ll change with Danny.

I think Danny would have an interest in the crossover market and he may push it. I don’t see Carrie as a crossover artist at all. She, to me is country all the way. Ditto with Kellie Pickler, which is why I suspect her album and single shot up pretty quickly. She is this generation’s Mini Pearl.

Danny is not country, but does sing inspiration songs, which seems to be what Sony Nashville is looking for. Perhaps they will try something different with him

In fact, perhaps many country artists would like to do more crossover. That is the only explanation I can come up with Garth Brooks adopting his alter ego Chris Gains.

I don’t know if Undercooked meant RCA will market Danny as crossover; but I agree with them that Danny will attract a lot of fans that aren’t necessarily country fans.

I really wasn’t talking about Danny’s label promoting him as a crossover, but I guess they would have some say in it. But rather, I was saying that I could see Danny appealing to non-country music fans. And at the end of the day, I don’t think his label would care who bought his records but rather they just want people to buy them.

Interesting. I love Sugarland, but I wouldn’t really consider them terribly innovative. (Creative, sure.) And I haven’t found the content of their songs to be pushing the envelope, by either rock or country standards.

They just seem really good at what they do, and high-energy acts like that go a long way to sell their performances and songs for me. Compared to Danny, there are some things I like about both Jennifer and Danny in their vocals (big, powerful, somewhat raw sounding). Danny’s lyrics are probably never going to be “edgy” unless you count the fact that some peeps get really upset by a message song with religious references and find that to be offensive or controversial. (Whole different meaning to “edgy.”)

Danny’s really focused on very elemental topics so far. It’s not the coolest way to go, but a lot of people relate to those core emotions and values and want to hear them in their music. Nashville is a good fit for someone with those interests just as much as for those who love to sing about beer and tractors, lol.

Indigobunting, you should bookmark this video so you can watch it after the album comes out. You would like it, it’s a really good performance, and he looks happy and relaxed.

Thank you Josie! Great idea. I will do that. Its taking a lot of willpower not to view this song, as well as the studio version of I Will Not Say GoodBye!

March 2 can’t come fast enough, lol.

Thanks Windmills for the source.

Personally I’ve always liked the judges’ contributions on the show. Even when I don’t agree with them, I’m interested to hear what they have to say. Don’t usually see it as “pimping” if they praise someone. They’re there to give their opinion. Viewers can use it or not as they see fit. And I always try to remember, they are listening to it live and seeing the performer close-up, where we’re watching through the filter of a tv screen and lesser audio quality.

This is exactly how I feel too! I’m happy for Danny! I hope he has much success.

I just watched the video (probably should have done that first), and found myself happily smiling. Danny looks like he is having a wonderful time.

Good for Danny. Sugarland is one of my favorite country acts, and it is kind of a traditional thing in country music, basically to “apprentice” by opening for established acts. It’s definitely a good sign for him getting accepted by country, and a great way to gain some new fans.

This is another strong vocal performance from Danny. He sounded good in this song. I am definitely looking forward to his album coming out March 2.

Speaking of Danny having fun

Video posted of Danny singing another of his new songs Be Somebody, from a date earlier this week in PA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvjWF6P-LMs

Thanks Steph.

http://www.countrymusicontour.com/sugarland-concert-tour-tickets/

Looks like Danny might be opening for J. Hough (sic) and Hough for Sugarland on a few of their shows. Keith Urban seems to be with them for a majority of their shows, if I read it correctly. Nice exposure for Danny.

Not positive what event that Harrisburg PA video is from. Danny’s been hopping around so much, and even worse to keep track of since he got to ride that private jet Seems like a nice crowd. One of the day-time appearances in PA reportedly had some 200+ peeps show up, not sure if this could have been it.

Re the tour — that site may be a little mixed up. Sugarland just put out a press release about headlining their own 2010 tour.

http://www.roughstock.com/blog/sugarland-s-to-headline-new-tour-the-incredible-machine-

The press release doesn’t give who the supporting acts are, but the ads at the venues and radio stations are mentioning Danny, Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, Julianne Hough, and Vonda Shepard in various combinations. So far, Danny has been mentioned as appearing at all the dates where any supporting acts have been identified, except the ones with Vonda I think.

I think their tour with Keith was last year, when Jennifer had the voice issues and couldn’t make all the dates?

http://www.theboot.com/2009/05/07/keith-urban-tour-starts-without-sugarland/

http://countrymusic.about.com/od/tourschedules/a/EscapeTogether.htm

See mj’s added the video for the last song that surfaced, Get Away. I heard it yesterday. Can’t really make out much of the lyrics from that particular video but sure seems like they were having a great time with it at that club.

By my tally that means of the eight songs we’ve had a look at, there are three ballads (It’s Only, Tiny Life, I Will Not Say Goodbye) and five that are mid/uptempo (My Best Days, I Still Believe, Be Somebody, Get Away, and Life on Ya).

“Sugarland 2010 Concert Tour Info:
Sugarland Details:
Sugarland duo Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles have recently announced that they will be joining country music superstar Keith Urban for 30 of his 2010 summer concert tour dates! Sugarland and Keith Urban will be joined by other top country music acts such as Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bently, Glen Campbell and The Zac Brown Band.

Find Sugarland tickets, 2010 tour concert dates and more information here!”

It stated 30 of Keith Urban’s 2010 Summer concert tour … doesn’t read as last year. Hopefully CMT has gotten it correct. I saw Danny’s dates on another site showing May 7th and 8th and two in June? It didn’t indicate he would be doing the entire tour. Either way, Sugarland is terrific and has a large fanbase. I’m not a country music fan, but I love Sugarland and Keith Urban. They aren’t too country for my taste.

A little confusion on tours. That CMT site interestingly enough said 2009-10 tour info; so it does appear to be older.

Sugarland has announced their own headliner “Incredible Machine Tour”, with 55 stops, although dates are not firmed up.
Danny is being advertised for 5 of those stops at this stage so far; although his band said they start touring in April (all 5 stops advertised for ticket sales so far are in May and June).

He has not made an official announcement yet so the full tour schedule is yet to be seen. Does seem like they switch around those opening country acts a lot; Luke Bryan, Jake Owen, and Julianne Hough have all
been special guests with Danny.

Hard to judge “Get Away” in the video, but seems like it has a definite rock influence. Should be a fun one to do on tour.

Steph, interesting that only 3 so far of Danny’s songs are ballads- I know many have expected an album full of ballads. I know #9 is also a “fun, sweet, love song” according to Brian Mansfield. I’m glad Danny’s album has such a good variety of songs as far as emotion and tempo on it.

That site with the Keith Urban reference seems to be a ticket-selling site. Is it tied to CMT? CMT.com has a tour section but I get nothing on Sugarland yet there (http://www.cmt.com/music/tours/search.jhtml?&_requestid=200614). Just seems to me that site mentioning Keith has a mix of 2009 and 2010 news. There are probably a lot of sites that don’t have the full 2010 info set up yet, esp as the dates and roster of artists may not be fixed.

Sugarland’s FB ( http://www.facebook.com/sugarland?v=wall ) is referring to the “Incredible Machine” headlining tour for 2010.
I guess we’ll see in time but I haven’t seen any recent mention of Sugarland with Keith Urban in 2010 (there have been quite a few country news / blog writeups about their tour plans in the past week). Has Keith announced tour plans anywhere?

If it turns out that Sugarland does have some 2010 dates with Keith Urban, that’s all good too. They should definitely bring Danny with them. We know Keith just loves Danny, after all

If it turns out that Sugarland does have some 2010 dates with Keith Urban, that’s all good too. They should definitely bring Danny with them. We know Keith just loves Danny, after all

Lol, true- Danny was Keith’s favorite, so maybe he’d get Danny in there too! If only.
Don’t even put that thought in my head Steph- would love to see Danny with Keith also! But I will take Sugarland <3

Always worth a watch, lol. About one minute in where Keith talks about AI and Danny when he’s at a red carpet event with Nicole. I don’t always like Nicole but she looks so cute talking about Danny here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlaI92-VF1s

Oops, too late to edit my earlier post.

There are actually 7 dates confirmed w/Danny and Sugarland so far:

Idaho
Utah
upstate NY
Sioux Falls
Colorado Springs
Philadelphia
Hartford

Absolutely cannot wait for his album to drop. It is going to be so good!

Danny’s life seems to be going so well. The private jet says it all. They are treating him right, because they know they have a star on their hands, and are building a firm relationship of mutual profitability.