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Adam nominated for 5 LoneStarMusic Awards

Posted on: February 1st, 2012

We are very proud to announce that Adam was nominated for 5 LoneStarMusic Awards. The award show will be held April 1st at the Texas Music Theatre in San Marcos, TX.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!

Album Of The Year
Adam Hood – “The Shape Of Things”
Cody Canada & The Departed – “This Is Indian Land”
Hayes Carll – “KMAG YOYO”
Jason Boland & The Stragglers – “Rancho Alto”
Stoney LaRue – “Velvet”
Various Artists – “This One’s For Him: A Tribute To Guy Clark”
Whiskey Myers – “Firewater”

Best Americana/Roots-Rock Album
Cody Canada & The Departed – “This Is Indian Land”
Damn Quails – “Down The Hatch”
Folk Family Revival – “Unfolding”
Hayes Carll – “KMAG YOYO”
Jason Isbell – “Here We Rest”
Reckless Kelly – “Good Luck & True Love”
Whiskey Myers – “Firewater”

Best Country Album
Jason Boland & The Stragglers – “Rancho Alto”
Kevin Fowler – “Chippin’ Away”
Kyle Park – “Make Or Break Me”
Pistol Annies – “Hell On Heels”
Stoney LaRue – “Velvet”
Sunny Sweeney – “Concrete”
Weldon Henson – “One Heart’s Gone”

Best Singer-Sonwriter/Folk Album
Adam Hood – “The Shape Of Things”
Drew Kennedy – “Fresh Water In The Salton Sea”
Lucinda Williams – “Blessed”
Mike Ethan Messick – “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”
Robert Eark Keen – “Ready For Confetti”
Robyn Ludwick – “Out Of The Blues”
Various Artists – “This One’s For Him: A Tribute To Guy Clark”

Song Of The Year
Adam Hood – “Flame & Gasoline”
Cody Canada & The Departed – “Skyline Radio”
Hayes Carll – “Another Like You”
Hayes Carll – “KMAG YOYO”
Jason Isbell – “Codeine”
Reckless Kelly – “Good Luck & True Love”
Whiskey Myers – “Ballad Of A Southern Man”

Best Male Vocal
Adam Hood – “The Shape Of Things”
Cody Johnson Band – “A Different Day”
Jason Isbell – “Here We Rest”
John David Kent – “John David Kent”
Kyle Park – “Make Or Break Me”
Mike McClure Band – “50 Billion”
Stoney LaRue – “Velvet”

Best Female Vocal
Amanda Shires – “Carrying Lightning”
Bri Bagwell – “Banned From Santa Fe”
Gillian Welch – “The Harrow & The Harvest”
Lucinda Williams – “Blessed”
Miranda Lambert – “Four The Record”
Robyn Ludwick – “Out Of The Blues”
Sunny Sweeney – “Concrete”

Best Live Act
Bob Schneider
Dirty River Boys
Hayes Carll
Kevin Fowler
Reckless Kelly
Turnpike Troubadours
Whiskey Myers

Emerging Artist Of The Year
Damn Quails – “Down The Hatch”
Dirty River Boys – “Train Station EP”
Folk Family Revival – “Unfolding”
John David Kent – “John David Kent”
Robert Ellis – “Photographs”
Ryan Beaver – “Constant”
Whiskey Myers – “Firewater”

Musician Of The Year
Charlie Shafter-Charlie Shafter
Cody Braun-Reckless Kelly
Cody Tate-Whiskey Myers
Corby Schaub – Multiple Artists
David Abeyta – Reckless Kelly
Gary Clark Jr. – Gary Clark Jr.
Lloyd Maines – Multiple Artists

Songwriter Of The Year
Adam Hood – “The Shape Of Things”
Drew Kennedy – “Fresh Water In The Salton Sea”
Hayes Carll – “KMAG YOYO”
Jason Isbell – “Here We Rest”
Owen Temple – “Mountain Home”
Ryan Beaver – “Constant”
Will Hoge – “Number 7″

Best Album Artwork
Damn Quails – “Down The Hatch”
Hayes Carll – “KMAG YOYO”
Jason Boland & The Stragglers – “Rancho Alto”
Mike Ethan Messick – “The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday”
Mike McClure Band – “50 Billion”
Reckless Kelly – “Good Luck & True Love”
Whiskey Myers – “Firewater”

Best Live Music Venue
Cheatham Street Warehouse – San Marcos, TX
Firehouse Saloon – Houston, TX
Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
Gruene Hall – New Braunfels, TX
Luckenbach Dancehall – Luckenbach, TX
Texas Music Theater – San Marcos, TX
Whitewater Amphitheater – New Braunfels, TX

The Shape of Authenticity

Posted on: February 1st, 2012

{Brad’s Corner} February 2012: The Shape of Authenticity

Posted by Brad Beheler on Wed, February 01, 2012

Authentic and genuine are two words that get thrown around quite a bit in regard to Texas Music. Rightfully so in my opinion. What many of us love so much about our kind of music, OKOM, is that it (most of the time) comes from a very real place.

Many of the lyrics written by our favorite artists come from a very deep place within their life experiences and soul. Whether that’s a rowdy recounting of a particular night out or a more somber reflection on their lot in life. Even when fictional characters are involved and the song is written entirely in the 3rd person, their are elements of the artist bubbling just underneath. As Randy Rogers once said…”that’s a true story I made up all by myself.”

When Adam Hood talks about being broke during a long, cold winter in Nashville and running out of money while chasing his dreams you can tell he’s lived every single syllable. That type of reality based songwriting draws listeners in. There’s a reason guys like Hood, Sean McConnell and Will Hoge have connected to Texas audiences in a way many artists from within the state borders never have or could.

Believability.

If you want to sing about floating the river, at least make it sound like it’s something you truly enjoy and not just a half-baked idea you had to capitalize on something that came before you.

Townes Van Zandt wrote from the point of view of a drunken lunatic because that’s essentially what he was. The reason he’s still so revered is because he was so damned true to himself.

Pre-famous Ryan Bingham wrote about being a desperate troubadour caught somewhere between hell and redemption, and his vocals matched every word to the point you felt like you yourself were on that same exact journey.

When Evan Felker talks about awkwardly running into his old girlfriend at the grocery store in the Turnpike Troubadours “7&7″, you can relate even though he made the story up. You feel his despair and live every second of that awkward moment with him.

The reason people are responding in growing numbers to these types of artists is because in the ever expanding and fractured music climate of 2012, people are seeking true connections.

For a decade, pop and rock music has continued to get more plastic and software driven. There’s always been a rebellious attitude toward that around Texas, but it’s a movement that’s growing. Fans want something that they can hold onto and claim as their own.

Texas/Red Dirt music fans are savvy. They listen to Brandon Rhyder sing about the backroads of this county and immediately connect because they’ve driven the same type of routes in their own county.

Casey Donahew is as popular right now as Pat Green was in 1999 because he appeals to the teenage party crowd. He doesn’t live in a double wide and his best friend isn’t really a tractor tech named Junior, but there are plenty of his fans that can relate to that lifestyle and therefore respond to it.

Even bad music can be authentic. If it comes from a real place and not simply with visions of a cash register ringing. There’s a reason rootsy acts like Lincoln Durham, Jason Eady and The Damn Quails are some of the most buzzed about acts right now. They adhere to the definition of authenticity: of undisputed origin. There is no gray area or marketing plan. The music speaks for itself and people are responding.

Without a genuine base to your art, you’re just a fad. Fads come and go. Truth lasts forever. There’s a reason people still go back to Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. They never burnt up the charts or bigtimed around on tourbuses to play at tiny bars, but they’ve outlasted the influence of many of their contemporaries.

Why?

Authenticity.

The shape of authenticity is in good hands as we move forward in 2012. True artists will stand the test of time. Despite the over-saturated playing field now, in 30-40 years when music historians look back on this scene, there will only be a handful of names recounted. Think of all the records released each year. Who will make the history defining cut? Time will tell in a very genuine and authentic manner.

Click here for article on Galleywinter

Adam Hood @ Schotzis

Posted on: February 1st, 2012

Maroon Weekly
Adam Hood @ Schotzis

FEBRUARY 1, 2012

By Morgan Brown

You may have never heard of Adam Hood if it wasn’t for a broken-down car one night in Gruene, Texas. After country star Miranda Lambert and her mother had some malfunctions with their vehicle, they decided to go have a beer and a sandwich at Tavern on the Gruene where Hood was performing that night. Lambert, who was impressed with Hood’s music, introduced herself after the show. After handshakes and small talk, Hood handed Lambert some of his CDs, and just a few weeks later she called and invited him to open a string of shows for her. Of course, he accepted her offer.

In recent years, Hood has garnered a lot of attention from fans and even other musicians. Some of his songs have been recorded by country music artists such as LeAnn Womack and Eli Young Band. With 5 albums out and just off the Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Tour, Adam Hood seems to be headed in the right direction, including College Station, where he’ll be plugging in and performing.
A new tour set to begin here in Texas, Hood is bringing his new record The Shape of Things into town. With a blend of soul and country, the new album released in October has received good reviews and even better crowd approval.

Click here for article

The Boston Globe

Posted on: January 22nd, 2012

12 musical acts to listen for in 2012

JANUARY 22, 2012

ADAM HOOD

This Alabama-spawned roots-rock and country singer-songwriter raised his profile considerably after a chance encounter with Miranda Lambert led to Hood opening some shows for her. Willie Nelson also took a shine to Hood and included the former land-surveyor on his Country Throwdown tour. Several artists have covered his songs, including David Nail, who tackles “Grandpa’s Farm’’ (a tune Hood co-wrote) on his latest release, “The Sound of a Million Dreams.’’ Check out Hood’s own version on his late 2011 album, “The Shape of Things.’’ [SR]

Click here for all 12 and pictures

{Through The Glass} Amberlynn Fett Benefit

Posted on: January 21st, 2012

Amberlyn Fett was a truly amazing and inspirational young lady. Through her courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis, she taught us all invaluable lessons about life and the proper way to live it. Her infectious personality and love for music will never be forgotten. It was with great passion and a true sense of love that many of the musicians she had impacted with her journey came together this past Monday night to celebrate her life and raise money for a great cause. What transpired in that room on Monday was magical. It was one of those things you just had to be there for. But, if you weren’t lucky enough to go, our girl Jalys Mabry was on the scene and her pictures tell a remarkable story.

Click here to see pictures of the performers.

All Access Texas

Posted on: January 16th, 2012

Happy 2012, Y’all!
Posted on January 16, 2012

What’s up? Hope the New Year has been as good for you as it’s been for us here at All Access Texas!

We had a full, but fun, load last week as we caught up with Kevin Fowler before his show at Graham Central Station in Longview. I tell ya, considering his undying love for hunting and the outdoors, you’d think that wrangling up a tiny little mouse would be kid stuff.

A mouse, you ask? That’s just the beginning. Can’t wait for you to see that interview.

Then we hit the road and met up with Adam Hood at Charlie’s BackYard Bar in Marshall… and it was so damn cold, our souls could feel it.

But they have this heater mounted the entire length of the patio… and son, it put out some SERIOUS heat! So hot you could feel your hair burn… well, if you have hair.

Adam was awesome! He shared some interesting stories from the road that shocked the hell out of us… and that’s pretty tough to do.

Be sure to check out our interviews with Kevin and Adam that will be posted soon. And keep checking in for the latest in hot Texas Music News.

“We’ll See You on the Road!”

EF

Click here

The Examiner

Posted on: January 16th, 2012

10 Questions with Adam Hood

Thomas McAleer, Austin Local Music Examiner
January 16, 2012

Adam Hood is once again heading to Texas for another tour. While a resident of Opelika Alabama, Hood is also one of the most popular songwriters in Texas. His songs are covered by many Texas bands and songwriters, and he has a legion of fans in the state. His tour this time brings him to Cheatham Street Warehouse on Jan. 20. Hood’s career has really taken off due to two chance meetings. While performing at a club in Little Rock, Arkansas in 2004, Adam received his first big break when he had a chance encounter with producer Pete Anderson. Adam spent the next two years making trips to the West Coast to write the material for what would become the album, A Different Groove, produced by Anderson and released in March of 2007.

After releasing A Different Groove, Tavern on the Gruene in Gruene, TX was the site of a second big break. Adam was appearing on Ray Wiley Hubbard’s weekly radio show on KNBT. Miranda Lambert and her mother were driving through town when their car broke down. While they sorted out their transportation problems, they caught most of Adam’s set. Miranda was impressed. She introduced herself to Adam, later asking him to open a string of shows. One of these shows was at Joe’s Bar in Chicago, where she introduced him to her producer, Carnival Music partner Frank Liddell, who signed Adam as writer to Carnival Music Publishing and to their record label as an artist.

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The Shape of Things, released in October 2011, is a collection of new material that Adam has been writing and recording over the past couple of years during breaks in his touring schedule. The album contains eleven songs penned or co-penned by Adam. Earlier in 2011, he appeared on Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown tour. A self-titled EP was released in May 2011 to coincide with the tour. In advance of his upcoming Texas tour, Adam answered 10 questions for me.

Who are your songwriting influences?

John Hiatt is probably my biggest influence and has been since I was 16. I’ve always been a big Delbert McClinton fan but I pull more from his style that I do his lyrics. Steve Earl, Lightning Hopkins, Ian Moore, Willis Alan Ramsey, The Wood Brothers, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones have all impacted me and shaped my writing style.

Where was your first public performance?

First United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama. I was 15 and it was for a 3 day youth group event that traveled to 3 churches. For some reason I was asked to put a band together for all three nights. The first night, there were 4 of us. By the third night, there was a horn section.

What was the first record or cd you purchased with your own money?

The first was Van Halen “1984”. The second was Stevie Ray Vaughn “In Step”.

What was the first live concert you attended?

I attended Atlanta Fest at Six Flags. Jeff Moore was there, Steven Curtis Chapman and a few other Christian bands. As you can tell, I started my musical career in church.

Which venue would you most like to play that you haven’t yet/ and which is your favorite venue to play?

The Gorge in California and any Fillmore that would have me.

Gruene Hall is my all time favorite place to play, no question.

What is the best career advice you’ve been given, and by whom?

Frank Liddell said once that the most successful songwriters that he knows are the ones that were the most persistent. Everything takes time and the tuff part about this business is being patient enough to give it the time that it takes.

Who are you listening to now?

Thanks to my daughter, I listen to more Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift than I’d like to admit. She got the new Miranda Lambert album for Christmas and since then it has become the most listened to CD in my truck. Drew Kennedy gave me his book and CD the last time I was in Texas and I can truly say that both are incredible. Stoney LaRue “Velvet” is on constant rotation. I haven’t moved past Keith Gattis “Big City Blues” in over a year.

What is your best story about life on the road?

I spent the summer of 2011 on the road with Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown. I collected a few stories on that tour that I will never divulge, however, we did go through border patrol is South Texas. It’s strange feeling to wake up with someone screaming “Are you a US citizen” at you while you are sleeping in your bunk.

What recordings are available to the public and where can they be purchased?

“21 to Enter”, “6th Street”, “Different Groove”, “Adam Hood EP”, and “The Shape of Things” are all available on my web site www.adamhood.com. They can also be purchased from Lone Star Music and iTunes or Amazon.

When and where are you playing next?

I start a Texas run on January 13th to January 21st. I’m playing a birthday party in Marshall at Charlie’s Backyard Bar, Nacodoches at Frank’s, San Marcos at Cheatham Street, and Alvarado at The Silver Star.

Click here

Best In Texas

Posted on: January 13th, 2012

This was in the January issue of Best in Texas.

Click here for full page.

Recommended Roadtrip- Galleywinter

Posted on: January 12th, 2012

{Recommended Roadtrip} January 13
Posted by Galleywinter on Thu, January 12, 2012 ·

By all accounts, including those of our own, 2012 MusicFest in Steamboat was perhaps the best yet. One of the most notable omissions from the Steamboat lineup this year was Adam Hood. Hood had a monster finish to 2011 and is starting out his 2012 touring with a Texas run that kicks off in Marshall at a joint called Charlie’s Backyard Bar. Some of the shows on this run will be full band, but this one is pure, acoustic gold Adam Hood. The man, his voice, his songs and his stories. Hood will perform two complete acoustic sets Friday night in Marshall. This is the type of show Hood paid dues with for years in Alabama and throughout the south. There are finer listening environments to be sure, but seeing Hood in this element will give you a true appreciation for his immense talent. If you’re within three hours we suggest you make this show.

Adam Hood @ Charlie’s Backyard Bar-Marshall, TX-9PM-January 13, 2012.

Click here

Adam Drake On Air

Posted on: January 9th, 2012

WTF? When did 2012 get here?!
Posted: January 7, 2012

Damn, and I was doing so well with posting about once a week. Then “life” happened. Had to start doing more baby stuff (healthy baby boy born 11/11/11 BTW) and I just plain ran out of time (or forgot) to update this ol blog thingy.

SO my goal is to not fall behind on posting stuff on here. Whether it’s just something small and random OR something meaningful and uplifting… like how to make the perfect PB&J (PB on both pieces of bread is the key.)

Figure I’ll kick off the new year with my thoughts on the best Texas/Red Dirt CD’s of 2011. There were a lot of great ones and I know I’ll upset someone if I leave them out, if so, my apologies.

The only one I’ll give a number to is what I believe was the absolute best album of the year. To me, it just didn’t get any better than Whiskey Myers “Firewater.”….
……….
The rest of my list will just go in alphabetical order of albums I strongly suggest you get if you haven’t already.

Adam Hood – The Shape of Things

Brandon Rhyder – Live At Billy Bobs Texas
Casey Donahew Band – Double Wide Dream
Foster & Lloyd – It’s Already Tomorrow
Granger Smith – Poets & Prisoners
Jason Boland & The Stragglers – Rancho Alto
John David Kent – John David Kent
Kevin Fowler – Chippin’ Away
Kyle Park – Make or Break Me
Reckless Kelly – Good Luck & True Love
Rosehill – White Lines & Stars
Ryan Beaver – Constant
Zack Walther – Into The Fray
I know there are a ton of other CD’s that came out and if I didn’t list one, it doesn’t mean I didn’t like it, this just happened to be my favorites of the favorites of the year. They each have something special and unique about them that set them apart from other things. Give them a listen and get ready for a great 2012 with Roger Creager, Pat Green, and many others ready to release CD’s this year!

Click here to continue reading

Ballou Battle – Adam Hood vs. Bo Phillips Band

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012

Go Vote Now!!
Ballou Battle – Adam Hood vs. Bo Phillips Band.

KVET’s Chris Mosser’s Roadhouse

Posted on: January 2nd, 2012

Next up, I give you Austin 98.1 KVET’s Chris Mosser’s Roadhouse Top 50 Played Songs of 2011:

1 – Josh Abbott Band w/Kacey Musgraves “Oh Tonight”
2 – Eli Young Band “Crazy Girl”
3 – Pat Green “Austin”
4 – Kevin Fowler “Hell Yeah I Like Beer”
5 – Adam Hood “Flame And Gasoline”
6 – Kevin Fowler “Girl In A Truck”
7 – Ryan Turner “Sweet Time”
8 – Whiskey Myers “Ballad of a Southern Man”
9 – Robert Earl Keen “I Gotta Go”
10 – Reckless Kelly “Good Luck and True Love”
11 – Whiskey Myers “Broken Window Serenade”
12 – Cory Morrow “Lead Me On”
13 – Sunny Sweeney “Staying’s Worse Than Leaving”
14 – Brandon Rhyder “In The Country”
15 – Kevin Fowler “That Girl”
16 – Josh Abbott Band w/Pat Green “My Texas”
17 – Thieving Birds “Hey Leigh”
18 – Sam Riggs Band “Osceola County”
19 – Thieving Birds “Stuck In Memphis”
20 – Kyle Park “Make Or Break Me”
21 – Stoney LaRue “Look At Me Fly”
22 – Casey Donahew Band “Double Wide Dream”
23 – Stoney LaRue “Velvet”
24 – Ryan Beaver “For Awhile”
25 – Ryan Beaver “Hate”
26 – John David Kent “Back To The Country”
27 – Miranda Lambert “Heart Like Mine”
28 – Wade Bowen “Saturday Night”
29 – Sean McConnell “Lie Baby Lie”
30 – Cody Canada and The Departed “The Ballad of Rosalie”
31 – Ryan Beaver “Beale Street”
32 – Hayes Carll “KMAG YOYO”
33 – Jason Boland and the Stragglers “Mary Ellen’s Greenhouse”
34 – Mockingbird Sun “That Girl Tonight”
35 – Band of Heathens “Gris Gris Satchel”
36 – Eleven Hundred Springs “This Ain’t The First Time”
37 – Randy Rogers Band “Interstate”
38 – Band of Heathens “Polaroid”
39 – Jarrod Birmingham “Pure Blue Heartache”
40 – Aaron Watson “Fast Cars Slow Kisses”
41 – Turnpike Troubadours “7&7″
42 – Hayes Carll “Stomp and Holler”
43 – Max Stalling “Long Way To Get”
44 – Turnpike Troubadours “Long Hot Summer Days”
45 – Reckless Kelly “I Never Liked St. Valentine”
46 – Cory Morrow “Brand New Me”
47 – Jake Kellen “If Love Was a Road”
48 – Hudson Moore “Cloudy Day”
49 – Six Market Blvd. “Man Alive”
50 – Kyle Bennett “Here In This Town”

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Gruene With Envy TOP 10 of 2011

Posted on: December 30th, 2011

TOP 10 SONGS OF 2011

Ok, here it is. These are the top 10 songs we played on GWE Radio during 2011. Let me know what you like and don’t like.

10 7 & 7 – Turnpike Troubadours

9 Interstate – Randy Rogers Band

8 Austin – Pat Green

7 Ballad Of A Southern Man – Whiskey Myers

6 From A Table Away – Sunny Sweeney

5 Girl In A Truck – Kevin Fowlewr

4 Flame & Gasoline – Adam Hood

3 Oh Tonight – Josh Abbott Band

2 Crazy Girl – Eli Young Band

1 Here In This Town – Kyle Bennett

Click here for GWE site

The Boot

Posted on: December 30th, 2011

Adam Hood Thanks Miranda Lambert for Career Jump-Start

Posted Dec 30th 2011 by Gayle Thompson

Adam Hood has come along way from playing small clubs near his hometown of Opelika, Ala. Now his audiences are in the thousands, as he shares the stage with artists like Pat Green, Leon Russell and Willie Nelson. The singer-songwriter credits one person — Miranda Lambert — and a providential stroke of good luck, with kick-starting his career.

“I was playing a show in New Braunfels, Texas, at a place called Tavern on the Gruene,” he recalls to Billboard. “It was a Tuesday night thing they do with Ray Wylie Hubbard — he does a songwriter’s show, and they broadcast it on the Americana station down there. I was playing there. I was told by Miranda’s mom that their car broke down that night, so instead of getting it fixed and driving on , they said, ‘Let’s give it a night, go get a place to stay and have a drink.’ They walked in, and we were playing. I finished my set up, and she came up and introduced herself to me. I gave her the CDs that I had out then. A few weeks later, she and her mom both called and said they couldn’t stop listening to the record. They invited me to play her birthday party in Chicago.”

The former part-time flower deliveryman acknowledges he may not be in the situation he is now, writing for Carnival Records (headed by Miranda’s producer, Frank Liddell), with his debut album released in October, if not for the ‘Baggage Claim’ singer’s belief in him.

“I owe her the world,” says Adam. “We toured together for a while, and anytime something would happen with a support act, they would call and ask if I could do a couple of shows, and I would get to open for her, by myself. It’s been really nice. They’ve been as big of cheerleaders as anyone in the business.”

Adam’s new album, ‘The Shape of Things,’ hit shelves earlier this year, but the tunesmith still has plenty of goals for the new year. “Touring, writing,” he reveals. “Things are really going well for me right now. I’m getting good cuts. I’m happy, and I’m just going to try to keep life balanced and make sure that I have a job when 2013 rolls around.”

Adam will return to his home state to play a show tonight (December 30) in Dothan, followed by a New Year’s Day show in Oklahoma and a series of shows in Texas. See his tour schedule here.

For article, click here

Billboard Magazine Article

Posted on: December 29th, 2011

615 Spotlight: Adam Hood Owes You One, Miranda Lambert

by Chuck Dauphin, Nashville | December 28, 2011

The critics have been buzzing over the past few months, and with good reason, about the music of Adam Hood. The Alabama native has been receiving a lot of attention due to his musically diverse album “The Shape Of Things.” Hood said that this is the type of attention he likes.

“I can’t explain how good that makes me feel,” said Hood. “This is the second studio album that I’ve released, and probably the fifth album in a chain. Going through it, you always want to be true to yourself and your music, art, and craft. You also want to be true to the people that come out and see you, and you never know what is going to happen. I never know if people are going to say ‘This album is terrible.’ So, anytime I can get a good pat on the back, I’ll take it.”

“Flame and Gasoline”
Hood was recently in Music City filming a new music video. He was quick to share the details with Billboard.com.

“Today’s shoot was for the second single from the record, ‘Hell Of A Fight.’ The premise of the video was to kind of take my struggle and my fight and intermingle it with footage of a girl who is a waitress, and we also used a guy who was at Home Depot, and a guy who worked in a garage — struggles that we all go through, to be honest with you with the fight of just trying to make a buck, and trying to support your family. We just tried to show the struggle of what we all go through.”

Hood’s fortunes took a giant leap upward after Miranda Lambert caught his show. “I was playing a show in New Braunfels, TX at a place called Tavern On The Gruene,” he recalls. “It was a Tuesday night thing they do with Ray Wylie Hubbard, and he does a songwriter’s show, and they broadcast it on the Americana station down there. I was playing there. I was told by Miranda’s mom that their car broke down that night, so instead of getting it fixed and driving on , they said ‘Let’s give it a night, go get a place to stay, and have a drink.’ They walked in, and we were playing. I finished my set up, and she came up and introduced herself to me. I gave her the CD’s that I had out then. A few weeks later, she and her mom both called, and said they couldn’t stop listening to the record. They invited me to play her birthday party in Chicago.”

That exposure led to even more good things. “Then, I started going on the road with her, and she introduced me to Frank Liddell, who with Carnival Music, put out the record, and I’ve been writing for him the past four years. So, I owe her the world. We toured together for a while, and anytime something would happen with a support act, they would call and ask if I could do a couple of shows, and I would get to open for her – by myself. It’s been really nice. They’ve been as big of cheerleaders as anyone in the business.”

Hood says that Carnival and Liddell have been great fits for what he does as a writer. “As far as how the structure of how things in Nashville works, it seems like a writers’ town or business town rather than a live music town. There’s plenty of live music, but the majority of the people on Music Row are in publishing companies or in administrative positions. For someone like me, I’m a little bit left of center when it comes to writing songs. I write for myself, and I don’t know if I could write for anyone else. I’ve always asked Frank ‘What do you expect from me? I want to be a company man, and do what you want me to do.’ He said ‘Write good songs.’ So, I go in there everyday with that one thing in mind. That’s all they have ever expected from me, and it’s never been a bad relationship. I couldn’t ask for better. I don’t know if I could survive in Nashville without Carnival Music.”

Besides having success with the new single, what would Hood would love to see in his future for 2012? “Touring, writing. Things are really going well for me right now. I’m getting good cuts. I’m happy, and I’m just going to try to keep life balanced, and make sure that I have a job when 2013 rolls around.”

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