For country music newcomer Jake McVey, Anything Is Possible is more than just the title of his second and latest independently released CD; it's a mantra to live by.
In fact, according to the singer-songwriter who sold all he owned to buy a bus, hit the road and never look back, failure simply isn't an option in his grand plan and commitment to country music.
"It' a lot of work," confirmed the brunet performer via his artist biography, "but it always does pay off as long as you have heart behind the wheel."
Country Music Newcomer Scores with Hot-Country Video
That said, if anything, McVey has amply illustrated that his heart's at home on the road and making music, and in doing so, he abandoned a secure career behind music's big stage in favor of an unpredictable, sometimes scary, but always exhilarating career as a performer.
In turn, his new 10-song offering on the artist's own Purple Cow label has managed to open career doors for the brunet singer, thanks to the national success of its music video in honor of the album's latest single, Carry On, which recently hit the No. 3 position on Country Music Television's Pure Country 12-Pack, a top-12 video program that showcases country fans' favorite music clips. (At this writing the video's held firm in the countdown for nine weeks and counting.)
Jake McVey Gives New Life to 'Carry On' Country Song
Although some of the genre's enthusiasts may be familiar with the Carry On track courtesy of Tim McGraw, who cut the song in 1999 on his A Place in the Sun CD, McVey takes his turn with the tune with aplomb. Penned by Mark Collie, Hillary Kanter and Even Stevens, Carry On gains new wings and radio-single status via McVey's own youth-infused interpretation, and in the process, a new crop of country fans have discovered the once-dusty but worthwhile number.
Singled out as one of last year's top-10 tour acts by Billboard magazine, McVey has pounded hard and heavy on the heels of country stardom, especially as of late, logging some 300 performances in 2009, including opening for headliner Martina McBride in front of a 22,000-member audience. But be it on the arena stage or a sawdust dance floor, McVey's mission remains the same.
"I love to entertain, that’s my drug," said the Iowa-reared songster in his artist biography. "I love people, the more the better. I don’t really get butterflies anymore. It’s just great to entertain and do what you love to do."
Singer's New Album Features Top-notch Country Songwriters
Produced by J. Gary Smith, the Anything Is Possible album features a stable of solid Nashville songsmithing talent, including not only the aforementioned Collie, but also songwrtier-artists such as Sherrie Austin, John Rich and "Big Kenny" Alphin, the latter two of whom penned the CD's I Pray for You track, which tackles the plight of a downtrodden but optimistic lover who's doing the only thing he can to bring his lost love back once more.
Maybe's All I Got, inked by McVey, producer Smith and Neal Ford, is among the CD's most promising numbers. Perhaps because he helped pen it, the one-time professional guitar builder embodies the lyrics and the song's pushing-forward attitude better than most any other cut on the album. Either way, it's a track that would be right at home on today's radio playlists sandwiched in between, say, hits by country's Dierks Bentley and Kenny Chesney.
I Wanna Live Like That is another standout on McVey's latest record, with its easy, inviting groove and upbeat lyrics that espouse the joys of simple living, including doing right and giving back to others. Granted, the message may sound a tad candy-coated, but it's an infectious number that listeners will find themselves humming even after the first listen, if not hitting the "repeat" button on the music player to hear it once more.
New Single Set for Release to Country Radio in May 2010
As for the follow-up to Carry On, per the singer's camp, the blues-tinged Redlined and Wasted is slated as the next radio-ready single from the Anything Is Possible CD. Set for release May 14, 2010, radio promotion for the Bryan Fogle-penned single will get under way June 1.
With diverse influences that run the gamut, from Ray Charles and Stevie Ray Vaughn to Brad Paisley, the Academy of Country Music’s reigning Top Male Vocalist, McVey manages to blend the music of those who inspire him with his own upbeat country style.
In turn, on Anything Is Possible, the jean-clad McVey inches closer to country's big time with purpose and clarity. Armed with his own talent and and unafraid to call on some of country music's finest tunesmiths, count on McVey to possess the long-term conviction that it takes to get the job done.
Lisa L. Rollins - Texas native Lisa L. Rollins, Ph.D., is an award-winning feature writer, interviewer and journalism educator.
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