Exit/In – Kelly Shea Cunningham

Patrick Droney Is The Sound Of This Generation

It’s been a while since I’ve been able to find an EP & artist that inspires me. Patrick Droney’s debut EP has been the best thing that could have happened to my past weekend. I’ve been excited about music, but never this excited for what’s to come for this artist. Every single track is such a memorizing sound that it’s addicting. You know the phrase “if you see beauty in something, don’t wait for others to agree?” Well damn, this EP is completely flawless.

Especially his track “Brooklyn,” my mouth dropped when I first heard this. This is a monster of a song. He completely nailed the New York vibe and made me feel something I haven’t felt about music in a long time. Droney has a powerhouse of a voice and nobody could pull off this track but him. It has over 60,000 loops on Spotify and will probably have too many to count by the end of this week, (I keep checking because I’m intrigued and a tad obsessed).

His other tracks: “Stand and Deliver,” “Ruined,” “Always Been the End of the World,” and “High Hope” are just as mesmerizing. It’s a mix between old school and new. Seriously, this EP is the real deal. I give it a little time before the world recognizes his talent. It’s refreshing to hear something that you can believe every lyric & melody just by a few listens. Droney is the sound of this generation. A big thank you to him for showing me what I needed to feel when I didn’t even know it myself. Make sure you give his EP a listen, it’ll be an experience you won’t regret.

Devin Dawson Sells Out Exit/In

Concert Review

Devin Dawson’s soldout show last night should be the talk of the town. Devin’s album “Dark Horse” dropped in January and at least almost every song has been stuck in my head for the past three months. He played his entire album head to toe and as much as I love his recorded album, it doesn’t do him justice. His stage presence and unique voice is something special I think everyone needs to admire.

If you first listen to his album from not knowing who he is at all, you’ll probably question the sounds throughout the entire tracks. It even took me awhile to get used to it. But when music grows on you, it’s a beautiful thing. Especially his track “Secondhand Hurt;” I was sold right when he started playing it. Like I said, studio version doesn’t do him justice. Take a listen for yourself.

Next, let’s just talk about the track “Dark Horse.” I remember hearing this track long before it came out and kept tweeting the crap out of him to release it. He says this track is his whole heart but I think he jumped into mine and stole the words right out of who I am along with him. This song is the most truthful sound out in country music right now. There’s something so mysterious about it, yet so safe and relatable. The lyrics are pure and you know exactly what kind of artist he is and hopes to become. This track hits close to home for me.

Not to sound high and mighty or anything but Devin’s in my Artists To Watch 2018 article, and damn was I right. His talent and honestly is exactly what the music industry needs. I have never felt more inspired and excited leaving a show. Devin Dawson is the real deal and I can’t wait for the world to finally acknowledge it. My heart bleeds for country music, and artists like Devin is exactly why.

You can purchase “Dark Horse” here. Make sure you check out his future tour dates, too!

Keith Urban Pop-Up Show: Graffiti U Tour Announcement

Concert Review

Wednesday afternoon I was sitting in class just going through a normal day, then my mom called me and informed me that Keith Urban announced a pop-up show at Exit/In here in Nashville. Usually, I’m aware of these things but I am extremely sick and was ready curl up in my bed. But what did I do instead? Leave right after my class 4 hours before doors open to stand outside in the freezing cold for Keith. Yes, I think I have bronchitis.

Right when we were able to get in, we ran up to the front. What else would you expect from me? He came out and sang a few bangers, then announced his tour Graffiti U, with his superstar opener Kelsea Ballerini. Of course, Kelsea came out and sang a couple songs. However, Keith played some of his new songs off his new record Graffiti U, and damn are they good. Lucky for you my partial OCD of recording every little thing came in handy last night.

One of the first songs he sang off the new record, “Texas Time”, hit all the states, including New York (that’s me). It’s a fun, different take on Texas and I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it at all. I’ll admit, I was ready to get a cowboy hat on and start line-dancing. I don’t even know how to line dance. Take a listen.

The next song Keith sang “Same Heart”, is a representation of who he is today. It’s pure, genuine, and a song every artist should be able to listen to and take notes. This one is definitely going to be people’s new favorite.

Finally, the song that blew me away was “Parallel Lines”. I was hoping and thinking this is going to be his new single because this could be the wedding hit of 2018, and after today I was right. Not only that, but this is a different vibe from Keith, and I’m digging it.

At the end of his show, he starting talking to us about how playing these small venues and all showing up for the same reason makes us all “one”. Not you, me, or anyone else, we’re all one. Music is what brings people together through good and bad, and he reminds us of that. Keith’s gratitude and humbleness has been so powerful over the years. He is one of the best artists and entertainers of all time, and there’s no doubt his new record Graffiti U will be another success for him. Thanks for the free concert Keith, you’re my broke-college-wallet hero.