Taylor Hicks talks about Paul Finebaum tune, ‘State Plate’ renewal, Joe Cocker covers … and yes, his new album – “I did his show in December,” Hicks says. “Paul and his producers asked me if I would be interested in writing a theme song. It’s something I never thought I’d be doing, but the music fell right in line, with the lyrics and the story. ESPN, Paul’s team and I all kind of bounced ideas off each other. Having known Paul as long as I do, I know what his listeners like and what his show is all about.” – Read more at AL.com
David Cook Songwriting Update
Cassadee Pope tells us about the week that has forever changed her life – “It’s been surreal,” Cassadee told Rare Country hours after she received her third piece of good news this week. “I’ve wanted all of these things for so long. I mean, I’ve dreamed of going to the Grammys and wearing an awesome dress and I’ve dreamed of getting engaged. Heck, I even have a new puppy. It’s just been a phenomenal time both in my [personal] life and professionally.” – Read more at Rare Country
Danielle Bradbery Inspired By Friendship with Thomas Rhett – “I mean, learning in this gap of time of doing writing and meeting new people and meeting new writers and getting as much inspiration as I can; I know music is just a little all over the place now, which I personally don’t mind. I love listening to all different types of music and that’s just me. I like to put a little bit of what I like to listen to, which is a little bit of R&B and my heart is always country. So I’m like, urban country. I’ve been just writing down things that I hear during the day. There’s just so much that’s in one day here in Nashville that is inspiration that I can bring into the studio. Being friends with Thomas Rhett, he’ll even give me a little bit of advice. So I have it all around. Hopefully, it’ll be good,” she said to Sounds Like Nashville in an recent interview. – Read more at Sounds Like Nashville
Milwaukee native Danny Gokey grows with new album – Gokey has since been nominated for six GMA Dove Awards, including Song of the Year in 2015 and Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year last year. But last month’s follow-up, “Rise,” is a more cohesive and sleeker album, its songs closely aligned with the arena-packing stylings of TobyMac. It, too, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart.”I hope the album is an anthemic soundtrack for people’s lives,” Gokey said. “I wanted to make it sonically big, and make you dance.” – Read more at Journal Sentinel
Chris Colfer to Star in Sci-Fi TV Drama ‘Indigo’ – The Golden Globe-winning Glee grad is teaming with Sonar Entertainment to develop sci-fi drama Indigo, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The project, which Colfer created as a starring vehicle for himself, explores the mysterious world of Indigo children — those who are misdiagnosed but wildly believed to possess extraordinary paranormal abilities — and the dark forces working to exploit their powers. Colfer will pen the script for the potential pilot and is expected to direct it as well. Keith Quinn and Colfer’s manager Rob Weisbach will executive produce alongside the actor. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
