Jack Ingram Photo Courtesy of Big Machine Records.
Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!
Q: Why does Jack Ingram never win any of the fan-voted competitions on GAC? I have talked with other Jack Ingram fans and we just can't understand this, as we vote our little hearts out. Do you think that this is because he is a relatively new country singer as opposed to some of the other country singers that usually win the Top 20 or Top 50 video countdowns?
(Bev, Masaryktown, FL)
A: Bev, there are a few reasons why Jack Ingram isn't a household name yet. Although Jack has been around for some years, mostly on the Texas-Oklahoma Southwest circuit, he didn't break out nationally until just the last couple of years. And, while he's had success on the road and the charts, he has yet to string together big No. 1 songs and release a monster album. It's those events that get a performer the kind of massive exposure an artist needs to be a top vote-getter at GAC.
Q: Phil Vassar had a single out not too long ago, "This is My Life." I absolutely loved it but I barely heard it anywhere. Now he has another single out, "Love is a Beautiful Thing." While both are good, I don't see any results from those singles. Where's the CD that will have them both on it (I'm assuming) and why would he release a single so far ahead before the CD is actually released?
(Alex, Waukesha, WI)
A: Alex, Phil Vassar is still in a transitional period from one record company to his new one, Universal South. That always causes a bit of lost ground and demands a rebuilding phase. Phil's first two singles for Universal Records Nashville haven't broken out at radio yet, but don't count him out. When it gets closer to the March 11 release date of his new album, Prayer of a Common Man, they'll stage a promotional effort that should get him back to prominence. Also, the normal time to release the first single from a new album is 6 weeks, to give the song time to help album sales. When the first single doesn't perform well, they often delay the release of the album while they release the second, and hopefully stronger single.
Q: Is it true that Shania Twain has a new album coming out on May 13, 2008?
(Chucky, Aberdeen, MD)
A: Chucky, I get this a lot, but can't confirm any release date for new Shania Twain music this year. Her label tells me not to believe any rumors regarding a Shania release until you hear about it on the radio, read it as confirmed on her website, or in the news at GACTV.com. When the label gets word from Shania that she'll be releasing new music, they plan on making a lot of noise about it.
Q: I know and understand that a treatment (or synopsis, in other words) for a country music video is generally made up by the video's director or, in some cases, the artist. But I was wondering if there has ever been any country video in which the treatment has actually been suggested by a fan?
(Zack, Newark, OH)
A: Offhand, I don't know of any video treatments from fans that ended up becoming the video for any major artists. I wouldn't be surprised if an idea for a video came from a fan somewhere along the way, but turning that into a treatment, script and storyboard, etc., is usually reserved for professionals. Also, planning videos is usually something that happens even before a song is released as a single to radio, so fan input is even more unlikely.
Q: Who was the singer who sang the song "I Do?" He was around a few years back. I loved his music but haven't heard from him in awhile. I believe his first name was Paul.
(Bryan, Weston, MO)
A: Bryan, you're thinking of Canadian Paul Brandt, who scored a memorable wedding song Top 5 hit with "I Do" back in 1996.
Q: Do you know if Kellie Pickler has some sort of mailing address or a fan club e-mail? I've been searching around the internet with no luck, and I'm hoping maybe you'll have some information for me. I want to tell Kellie that, not only is she a superb singer with a genuine heart, but her songwriting skills touch and inspire.
(Stephanie, Chicago, IL)
A: Stephanie, there are a number of ways to contact Kellie Pickler, from her record company address to her website message and chat board. Just check in with kelliepickler.com, and check out all things Kellie.
Q: Is it possible to reach Billy Ray Cyrus to ask about getting tickets to his daughter's concerts for my two grandchildren and to ask other things regarding the "Hannah Montana" TV show's hiring of background children? My granddaughter is somewhat shy but she and her brother have been doing some backgrounds for various movies when called upon. I believe that if I could get my granddaughter Evelyn (Evie) on the "Hannah Montana" show as a background kid, it would boost her self esteem by a mile!(Joyce, Laguna Woods, CA)
A: Joyce, you may have noticed, there are millions of fans trying to do just what you ask thanks to the popularity of Billy Ray Cyrus' amazing daughter, Miley. One lady recently wrote a letter for her 6 year-old daughter that told a lie that her father had been recently killed in Iraq, just to win some tickets to a Miley concert. Plus, since the "Hanna Montana" series is so popular there are agents of professional child actors beating down the doors of the producer to get their kids on the show. Even if Billy Ray could open a door for you, your granddaughter would likely have to audition, an experience that could be more painful than reassuring for her. Best thing for you and a painfully shy child is to try singing, music and/or dancing lessons so she can gain confidence about performing that way. It worked for my daughter, hopefully it will for your grandchild.
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