Claim2fame

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award-Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to singer-songwriter and vocal coach Laura Cavacece.   Laura Cavacece Singer, Songwriter, Performer, NFL and NHL Anthem Performer, Producer, Actress, Rated one of Canada’s Top Vocal Coaches and Performance Mentors, Founder of Canada’s Largest Vocal Competition- Hidden Talent Canada. Laura was born on June 2nd, 1989 in Toronto, ONT. She has achieved more success than any other up and coming unsigned recording artist from Ontario, Canada. Her vocal talent was discovered at the early age of three. At the age of five, Laura was put into piano lessons but quickly chased after her bigger dream which was to sing. At age twelve, she won a factor grant of $2,000 to record her first 2 song demo CD. She co-wrote two original songs and recorded them right away to complete her 2 song demo package. At this point, Laura was invited by Jeff Healey himself to perform live with him on his stage at his very own HEALEY’S Bar, Toronto. It was not long after that EMI RECORDS and UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA had Artist Development deals to offer Laura and her Music career. At the time, Laura’s parents acted as her management and agreed that it was too early to set her off into the “industry world and lifestyle” at such a young age. All offers were declined. In the summer of 2006, Laura won a radio competition, 107.5 Kool FM Idol with a grand prize package of a 2 song recording deal. The prize consisted of $1,500 worth of studio time, professional photo shoot and 8 weeks of airplay on Barrie, Ont sponsored station, 107.5 Kool FM. For Barrie, ONT 2007 New Years Eve countdown, Laura had the privilege of rocking the stage, performing two songs in front of 10,000 people at Barrie’s City Hall. Televised on 2 channels, internationally. In 2007, Laura graduated from the Independent Music Production program at Seneca College@York University in Toronto. In the summer of 2009, Laura landed and the role and starred as Sharpay Evans in Bird Entertainments, High School Musical 2 on Stage! She performed for 8 weeks at Lester B. Pearson Theater in Brampton, Ont. LAURA’S MUSIC CAREER TOOK A HUGE LEAP in 2009! She won an NFL Anthem contest on Toronto’s Breakfast Television winning the Grand Prize of singing the National Anthem at the Rogers Center in front of a sold-out NFL game when the Buffalo Bills took on the New York Jets. It was not long after that the NFL and Buffalo Bills Entertainment management reached out to Laura again to invite her back on the field and request her to sing the Anthem once again for the Buffalo Bills, only this time IN Buffalo, New York. This took place in Sept 2012, then again in Oct 2013/2014. She is now on the Roster for an annual Anthem performance for NFL teams as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlie’s Hockey Team. Laura has worked with an endless amount of successful International and Canadian recording artists such as Barenaked Ladies, Karl Wolf, Jeff Healey, Bryan Adams, Craig Smart and more. Being a vocal coach for many years and an inspiration to many young and old aspiring artists out there; In early 2011, Laura sought to create a platform for all other aspiring talent called Hidden Talent Canada. A singing competition like no other, based solely on the artist’s vocal ability and open to all ages. Laura takes the role as Founder/Executive Producer/ Main judge in Hidden Talent Canada as it’s currently in its 8th season. The organization is growing tremendously popular as each day passes being labeled now as “Canada’s Premier Vocal Competition.”

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood Scott from Lady Antebellum. Lady Antebellum Lady Antebellum blend contemporary country with soulful '60s R&B into an infectious brew that relies on the trio's rich harmonies and impeccable instrumental skills. The trio was formed in 2006 by Charles Kelley (brother of singer/songwriter Josh Kelley), Hillary Scott (daughter of Grammy-winning country artist Linda Davis), and Dave Haywood, and soon graduated from dive bars to the Grand Ole Opry. Their 2009 single "Need You Now" became the first of many hits to reach not just the country Top Ten but the pop Top Ten as well. The group formed when Scott met Kelley and Haywood in Nashville, and after a few months of performing around the area, they signed with Capitol Nashville in 2007. Lady Antebellum's first single, "Love Don't Live Here," peaked at number three on the country charts. A self-titled debut album followed in April 2008, featuring production from Victoria Shaw and Paul Worley and stocked with more country hits (including the chart-topping single "I Run to You," which also enjoyed crossover success as a Top 40 pop hit). Lady A has sold over 18 million records and have released their new album Heart Break—their sixth release and first new music since 2014’s 747—the multi-platinum-selling group mapped out a liberating approach. It’s not as if they were slacking during the hiatus (Kelley released the Grammy-nominated The Driver, Scott won two Grammys for her faith-based project Love Remains, and Haywood produced and wrote with several developing acts), but they always knew they would get back to making Lady A music. The question was how. “We knew we wanted to take that break to be with our families and chase some new creative paths,” says Haywood. “But even during that time, I remember Charles saying ‘Guys, let’s figure out how to use this time as a way to really dig into this next record, make time to do nothing but create music together. How do we come at it in a totally different way?’“ So the trio embarked on a new mission—setting aside time to put themselves in new surroundings, and concentrate on writing and exploring musical possibilities with no distractions. They rented a house in Florida, living and working under the same roof, and when the experiment proved successful, they set up a second retreat in Southern California. [jwplayer f2pe8CM1-l7EWbzYK] “The goal was to give each other our undivided attention,” says Scott. “Being in a new space meant we could really free our minds to focus solely on our art. We took some of our favorite writers and some writers we hadn’t worked with before to a new inspiring backdrop, where we were able to just write and soak up the process.” Even more crucially, along the way, the members of Lady Antebellum were able to dive into their relationship as friends. “We’d wake up and Dave would have cooked breakfast and it was amazing,” says Kelley. “Making drinks and staying up talking until 3 in the morning—we hadn’t gotten to do that in forever.” “Being together every day, living in a house together, that was the special ingredient this time,” says Haywood, while Scott adds, “We’ve always been close, but we got to reconnect even deeper into our friendships, and that was really priceless.”  

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Ashley McBryde. One of Rollingstone's Top 10 New Country Artists to Watch this year about writing music even when you're having a bad day. Ashley McBryde Dubbed as one of Rolling Stone’s “Artists You Need To Know," citing she's "an Arkansas red-clay badass, with the swagger of Hank Jr. and the songwriting of Miranda Lambert," McBryde fearlessly lays it all on the line, and it's that honest all-in approach that has led to NPR critic Ann Powers to ask if McBryde could be "among the first post-Stapleton country stars?" McBryde's album will showcase an artistic vision that will prove her to be one of the genre's keenest working storytellers, bringing unwavering honesty back into a pop-preoccupied genre. Pulling tales from every corner of her human experience, McBryde sings with fire and fury, laughing and swigging that brown stuff along the way. McBryde was raised in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. At three, she'd secretly pluck her father's guitar like an upright bass, and after about the 17th time being caught, her father bought her a guitar of her own. When she was twelve, she played her parents and grandparents her very first composition. It was at Arkansas State when, while a member of the marching band, McBryde finally started sharing her voice with others, and finally moved to Nashville in 2007 where steadily worked a circuit of dive bars, biker hangouts, and colorful joints fighting to have her songs heard. Her first EP, the self-released 2016 Jalopies and Expensive Guitars was just a taste of what McBryde can do, and, on her full-length debut, she will meld her songwriting chops with the vision of producer Jay Joyce, peppering her tales with a touch of guitar-driven rock fury. McBryde isn’t afraid to tell the truth, get raw and real and use the spirits of country, folk and rock when it serves her greater purpose. And that's to tell the stories that shake us, make us and tell us a little more about what it's like to be human. Website: http://www.ashleymcbryde.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleymcbryde/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymcbryde/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshleyMcBryde A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega [jwplayer vaFV9nIq-l7EWbzYK]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to music superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill about choosing songs to sing, touring tips and how they stay fit for their life and careers.   [caption id="attachment_6839" align="alignnone" width="300"] Tim McGraw & Faith Hill[/caption] Faith Hill Faith Hill was born on September 21, 1967, in Jackson, Mississippi. "Wild One," the first single from her 1993 debut album, reached No. 1 on the country music chart. She's won Grammy Awards for Best Country Album and Best Country Female Vocal Performance. She married Tim McGraw in 1996 and they performed together on the Soul2Soul Tour, the highest grossing country music tour ever. Tim McGraw Born on May 1, 1967 (though some sources say 1966), in Delhi, Louisiana, Tim McGraw was one of the most popular "Young Country" stars to emerge in the 1990s. After the release of his second album in 1994, McGraw quickly began to top charts and pack arenas. With his high-pitched, rather growly voice, he became known for his ability to stir up a range of emotions with everything from jumping dance tunes to heartfelt ballads. As he remarked to David Zimmerman in USA Today, "There's a lot of people who can pick up a guitar and sing you a great song, but there's very few people that can tell you how they feel. That's the main purpose of acting or doing an opera or painting or anything. It's to tell somebody how you feel and more importantly, tell them how they feel." How They Met 1996 saw the successful Spontaneous Combustion tour, which featured country singer Faith Hill as the opening act. By the end of the tour, McGraw's personal life was sizzling as well, and he asked Hill, to marry him. They were on tour at the time in Montana, and he popped the question in his dressing room, which was housed in a trailer. He later reminisced about the event in an interview with People magazine: "She said, 'I can't believe you're asking me to marry you in a trailer house,' and I said, 'Well, we're country singers, what do you expect?'" Hill later accepted McGraw's proposal by writing "yes" on a mirror in his trailer while he was on stage, and the couple married on October 6, 1996. Their first daughter, Gracie, was born in 1997, second daughter, Maggie, was born the following year, and youngest daughter Audrey was born in 2001. Tim McGraw has also branched out into acting. He appeared in the 2004 feature film Black Cloud directed by Rick Schroder and the 2006 family drama Flicka. In a supporting role, McGraw also worked with Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner in 2007's The Kingdom. Taking on a sports drama, he starred opposite Sandra Bullock in The Blind Side (2009). McGraw played a character closer to his real-life in Country Strong (2010) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. More recently McGraw starred in the movie The Shack. Together Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are country music royalty and the new benchmark for successful celebrity relationships. Learn more about the Soul2Soul tour and Showtime special here. Speak To A Girl Video [jwplayer CRHQSR5k-l7EWbzYK]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Canadian Country Artist Codie Prevost about the challenges independent artists face and the commitment it takes to be successful Codie Prevost Codie is a four-time Canadian Country Music Association nominee and six- time Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s “Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year” award winner Codie Prevost, learned at an early age that hard work and perseverance would lead to good things. Since starting his career he has shared the stage with some of country music’s top performers including Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Joe Nichols, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, and Neal McCoy. He’s toured internationally having performed tours in France, U.S.A., and his most recent tours to Australia, which included performances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Plantation Music Festival, and the Gympie Music Muster. Prevost’s last album “All Kinds Of Crazy” received “Country Recording Of The Year” at the 2014 Western Canadian Music Awards and was nominated for “Album Of The Year” at the 2014 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Prevost is set to launch his 5th studio album entitled “Radio” this fall. The album was produced by award winning producer Jeff Johnson (George Canyon, Wes Mack) and Jesse Weiman. “You Won’t Sleep Tonight” is the lead off single from the upcoming album. Listen on iTunes! [jwplayer 3WDhVjdN-l7EWbzYK]  

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Invictus Entertainment Group Founder Jim Cressman about what it takes to break into the music industry Jim Cressman [caption id="attachment_6604" align="alignleft" width="300"] Jim Cressman and Carrie Underwood[/caption] Jim Cressman is the owner and president of multiple award winning concert promoting firm, artist agency and music management firm - Invictus Entertainment Group, www.iegroup.ca. Cressman is also the president of Big Star Recordings a record label jointly ventured with Universal Music Group Canada. Invictus Entertainment Group is the premier catalyst for merging arts, culture and commerce. A collective of elite experts in the entertainment industry offering an extensive spectrum of services. With over 700 promoted and produced shows yearly, Invictus has forged solid, reliable relationships. These relationships include agencies, management companies, artists and buildings. Invictus boasts the most extensive secondary and tertiary market touring alliance, greatly expanding the North American market base for international touring. Started in 2011, by Jim Cressman, with the vision to form a one of a kind artist services company - dedicated to facilitating the unconquerable artistic spirit. His past had prepared him for this moment, at 16 he convinced a radio station to allow him to do an on-air shift, later a stint in pro boxing, and by 30 he had convinced the top promoter in Canada to partner with him. Never being one to succumb to a challenge, Cressman developed his 360 model with fervor and evolved his portfolio further by leading Invictus Entertainment into Pollstar’s Top 100 Promoters in the World list. [jwplayer klbI7mR7-l7EWbzYK]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Dierks Bentley about touring, fans and his start in the business. Dierks Bentley Dierks Bentley released his self-titled debut album in 2003, and the album's single, "What Was I Thinkin'?" topped the country charts. His 2005 effort, Modern Day Drifter, also went platinum. Bentley became the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry when he was inducted on October 1, 2005m and that year, he won the CMA Horizon Award. His first DVD, The Dierks Bentley Experience, was filmed in 2006. Inheriting a love of music from his father, Bentley picked up his first instrument, an electric guitar, at age 13. After graduating from a prestigious East Coast prep school and attending Vanderbilt University, Bentley dropped out of college to pursue a career in music. Discouraged by the Nashville music scene, Bentley turned to bluegrass to help define his own sound. He worked for a time at The Nashville Network and played at local parties and bars before releasing his self-titled debut album for Capitol Nashville in 2003. The album's single, "What Was I Thinkin'?" topped the country charts. His 2005 effort, Modern Day Drifter, was also certified platinum. Bentley became the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry when he was inducted on October 1, 2005. That year, he won the CMA Horizon Award. His first DVD, The Dierks Bentley Experience, was filmed in 2006 in Denver, Colorado. In 2009, Bentley released another hit album, Feel That Fire. He had two number one hits from the recording: the title track and "Sideways." His musical style has been compared to such country legends as Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. Bentley's career continued to thrive with 2010's Up on the Ridge, his bluegrass-influenced album. With 2012's Home, he returned to a more contemporary country sound. Bentley played with Florida Georgia Line and Mike Eli as the Cadillac Three for the 2013 single "The South." In 2014, Bentley released Riser, which has garnered a lot of critical attention as well as several award nominations. The album is perhaps his most melancholy and contemplative work to date. For the song "Here on Earth," Bentley drew from his recent loss of his father as well as the Sandy Hook school shooting tragedy. Bentley’s current album is Black. Discover more at Dierks.com. [jwplayer XxD0Snzn-l7EWbzYK]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to American Idol Vocal Coach Peisha McPhee about vocal techniques artists can use and working on Disney’s Moana as vocal coach for star Auli’i Cravalho’s. Peisha McPhee [caption id="attachment_6386" align="alignleft" width="286"] Peisha McPhee with student Auli’i Cravalho’s (Moana)[/caption] Peisha McPhee is in a class of her own. As an internationally renowned singer & vocal coach, Peisha has guided the performance of thousands of singers over the past three decades. Peisha has helped launch the careers of some of the most famous singers in modern music. She is also proud that her own daughters Katharine McPhee and Adriana McPhee have acquired their own success. Katharine is an actress, recording artist and current star of the CBS series Scorpion. Adriana is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and performance coach. Most recently, Peisha was the premiere American Idol vocal coach, training the show’s contestants and eventual winners for four seasons. Peisha was responsible for helping contestants deliver their optimum performance onstage and in front of an international TV audience. She currently coaches from her own studio in Los Angeles, for Broadway Theater Project, and Master Classes around the world. Throughout her career, Peisha has worked with some of music’s top producers and songwriters, including Jimmy Iovine (Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Gwen Stefani, U2) Harvey Mason, Jr. (Aretha Franklin, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Hudson), Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyonce), Tricky Stewart (Rihanna, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Justin Beiber, Ciara, Mary J. Blige), and Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Elton John, John Mayer) among others. Peisha McPhee knows the business from both sides. Peisha’s success as a performer has made her one of the most sought-after vocal coaches in the industry. [arve url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cPAbx5kgCJo" /]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas.

Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas.

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Claim2Fame Original Song winner Katie Francis Katie Francis Katie is a country singer from Toronto. She won First Place in Claim2Fame's Original Song contest for her song, Katie won, $5000 Dollars in cash and a personal training session with American Idol Associate Music Producer Michael Orland. Michael has mentored every American Idol contestant from Kelly Clarkson to Carrie Underwood and has appeared on Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood and The Ellen Show. Katie also won a vocal training session with American Idol Vocal Coach Peisha McPhee, Peisha has worked with some of music’s top producers and songwriters, including Jimmy Iovine (Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Gwen Stefani, U2), Tricky Stewart (Rihanna, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Justin Beiber) and trained her own daughters Adriana and Katharine McPhee. Katie's prize package also included a private mentoring session with Andy Curran General Manager of Label services-A&R for ole and media training with Hall of Fame Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. [arve url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CqHHlqyaNdU"/]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to singer songwriter and Grammy winner Maren Morris about her debut single, growing up in Texas and her advice for new artists. Maren Morris Columbia Nashville artist Maren Morris took home a GRAMMY Awards at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. At barely twenty, she moved to Nashville, leaving behind a resume that boasted three hits on the Texas Music Chart: and while many arrive in town with a dream of their name in lights, resting on the marquees of the biggest and brightest venues, Morris simply wanted to work on her songwriting craft. And it’s not that she didn’t have aspirations as a performer – Morris had actually already logged years doing just that. But being a celebrity wasn’t the goal – spending her days and nights in the writing room, working with as many cowriters as possible and composing hundreds of songs, was. And though she’d only play the occasional local gig at first, she still managed to build an audience based on her sheer talent, honest lyrics and a completely magnetic presence. Small shows led to big opening gigs: for Little Big Town, Sam Hunt, Loretta Lynn and Chris Stapleton. As a working songwriter she scored cuts quickly, for artists like Tim McGraw and Kelly Clarkson. And she started shaping a community of likeminded friends leading a new charge in the country climate: the Brothers Osborne, Kacey Musgraves, Lucie Silvas. “It feels like a modern-day Chelsea Hotel,” she says of her very close, very talented pals. They became a tight knit circle dead-set on helping each other evolve into unique, game-changing artists. It wasn’t an easy process, but it was a brave one, full of soul-searching and soul-bearing moments that lead her to HERO – an album dedicated to pushing boundaries both in music and in her own heart, finding that place where melodies can be both deliciously joyous and thoughtfully reflective all at once. “HERO is all about a journey,” she says. “A lot of these songs came from a place of honesty and redemption. I looked very carefully at my own life, and that itself feels very heroic.” Sometimes it’s ok to be your own hero – and with HERO, it seems Morris is finally the girl who gets the glory. Purchase Maren's music here. [arve url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ouWQ25O-Mcg" title="Maren Morris - My Church"/]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. (Co-Host of syndicated the Cliff and Sharon radio show) Cliff talks to Barrett Baber from The Voice about surviving a plane crash, getting a 4 chair turn on the show and what he learned from Blake Shelton. Barrett Baber NBC’s The Voice finalist Barrett Baber gave millions of viewers one of the most memorable introductions to a true artist and entertainer the show has ever seen. With commanding performance energy, Barrett owned the stage from round 1, and his unique, soulful country sound stood out among the entire show as something truly special. Blake Shelton says, “Barrett sounds like no one else on country radio. He can be a superstar in Country music.” Also winner of the national CBS Grammy Gig of a Lifetime in 2014, Barrett continues to deliver, wowing fans as well as the music industry. An Arkansas native, Barrett’s inspiration for singing and creating music started with frequent visits to Memphis TN, only a few miles from his hometown in Marion, Arkansas. Beale Street and the corners of downtown Memphis were his first exposure to the street performers and artists steeped in Blues, R&B, Country and Rock. These real life experiences gave Barrett Baber the influences and inspiration that shines through his music today. From Sam Cooke to Levon Helm, you can hear the past blazing through Barrett’s tone, all wrapped in a fresh style delivered by one of the Southeast’s hottest artists. *This interview was courtesy of the syndicated radio show: Cliff and Sharon [arve url=""]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. (Co-Host of syndicated Cliff and Sharon radio show) Cliff talks to American Idol winner Trent Harmon about winning the final season. How he almost gave up on music the night before qualifying for AI, his first single and advice for young artists hoping for a career in music. TRENT HARMON Trent holds the reigning title as American Idol. The Season XV victor originally hails from East Mississippi and immersed himself in music from an early age. From singing “Amazing Grace” with his family to starring in various musicals in college, Trent credits life on his family’s farm as a major influence on his music career. Less than one week after taking the title during the final season of American Idol, Trent entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, earning him a “hot shot debut” with coronation song “Falling," which was written by Idol judge Keith Urban along with celebrated songwriters Dallas Davidson and Brett James. Already in the studio, the 25-year-old musician is eager to begin recording his self-described “Country-soul” album and recently released his debut single “There’s A Girl” on FOX & Friends’ Summer Concert Series. Critics raved week-after-week following each of Trent’s “vocally gifted” (LA Times) performances as he covered hits by Justin Timberlake, Sia, Parson James, Percy Sledge and more. For the latest updates, follow Trent on Twitter. This interview was courtesy of the syndicated radio show: Cliff and Sharon [arve url="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LyGIk7dnn3Y"] *Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Miranda Lambert Scholarship winner Anna Vaus about the win, songwriting, tips for new artists and bumping into Steven Tyler at the grocery store.  ANNA VAUS Anna is a songwriter from San Diego, California. She grew up under the wing of Grammy-winning-artist, Steve Vaus (who she calls "dad") and has opened for country superstars Hunter Hayes, Lonestar, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Womack, Phil Vassar and more! In November of 2015, she was invited to play in Belmont University’s ASCAP Writer’s Night and also made her Bluebird Cafe debut in February 2016. Most recently, Anna was chosen as the first recipient of the 'Miranda Lambert Women Creators Fund' at Belmont University. However, no matter who she plays with or where she plays... For Anna, it's always first and foremost: about the song. [iframe id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rntci_SgOQo"] Miranda Lambert [caption id="attachment_2258" align="alignleft" width="150"] Image courtesy of People Magazine[/caption] Miranda knows how difficult being a woman in the music industry can be, which is why she established a scholarship to help aspiring female songwriters and music business majors succeed. This year marks the first recipient for that award, and it went to Anna Vaus a junior at Belmont University. The 80 applicants who applied for the scholarship were asked to submit an online application as well as an original song, which judges reviewed. They sent along their top six picks to Lambert, who decided the winner. [iframe id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zTlaRu_Wsl4"]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Michael about what young artists can learn from Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and other Idol contestants.  MICHAEL ORLAND Michael was the Pianist, Arranger and Associate Musical Director for the hit FOX-TV series AMERICAN IDOL its entire run (14 seasons). Michael has appeared on OPRAH, ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and a record number of appearances on THE ELLEN SHOW. At the end of every IDOL season, Michael also accompanies the top 3 contestants to New York for appearances on REGIS & KELLY, CBS EARLY SHOW, and concerts on the plaza for THE TODAY SHOW. He has collaborated with music industry giants such as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Diane Warren, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Jennifer Lopez, and Tony Bennett all as a result of American Idol. He also served as a pianist/coach for the successful summer series AMERICA’S GOT TALENT (Seasons 1 & 2) and a few seasons back AMERICAN JUNIORS and has Associate Produced two hit singles (GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. and WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE) for Sites and resources discussed on this Podcast: American Idol Associate Producer, Michael Orland Michael Great resource: The Artist's Way American Vocal Coach Peisha McPhee Claim2Fame's 25K Giveaway.

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM & CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks with music veteran Jill Snell about how to find and work with an Artist Management company. JILL SNELL Jill is part of Claim2Fame's Advisory Board, her experience includes more than 15 years working for major labels (Island/MCA/A&M/BMG) Jill also co-founded a new independent record company called The Orange Record Label (distributed by Universal). Jill also spent 11 years at BMG dedicated to marketing both an international roster (Including all of RCA New York, UK and Nashville, Arista and BNA Nashville) and the award-winning roster of Canadian artists that included Paul Brandt, Tebey, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Prairie Oyster, Michelle Wright, Charlie Major, The Wilkinsons and Aaron Lines. In August 2008, Jill and long time colleague Ron Kitchener kicked off Road Angel Entertainment, an independent marketing and promotion services company catering primarily to the country music industry. Sites and resources discussed on this Podcast: Artist Management deals When do you need to hire a manager, record tracker etc. How do you know who to trust in the music industry Tebey Video: Jealous Of The Sun [iframe id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rsQtbWqUOMU"]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM and CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks with Iconic Media Producer Spencer Proffer about working with Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner and projects that have earned, Grammy, Academy and Clive Davis. SPENCER PROFFER Spencer Proffer is considered a leader in entertainment, pioneering media integrations before it was fashionable. For example, he produced the Tina Turner Acid Queen album in conjunction with The Who’s movie Tommy, this allowed Tina to become one of the first successful R&B artists to jump genres with a rock album. Long before music and visual marriages became as prevalent as they are today (not counting, of course, music videos, Broadway, etc.), he developed an early computer-animated laser show that played countrywide in planetariums that was centered around “Children Of The Sun,” a song he co-wrote and produced with pop-rocker Billy Thorpe. Proffer continued amassing an impressive list of musical credits all while still in his 20s. He went on to serve as a producer or executive or co-executive producer on many films and TV movies such as Gods And Monsters, Shake Rattle & Roll, Robbie Robertson: Going Home and a dozen other titles. He introduced the world to Quiet Riot, and supervised and produced music for over 100 productions, many of which earned Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards. We are proud to have Spencer on our Advisory Board. Discussed on this episode Tina Turner Quiet Riot Stevie Wonder John Coltrane Documentary The "I Hope You Dance" project and documentary I Hope You Dance, The Power Of Song [iframe id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xEzvuLm_aP0"]

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM and CCMA Award Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to Paul Brandt about his musical journey and his most important tips for young artists PAUL BRANDT Paul is the most awarded male Canadian Country Music artist in history. Since his million-selling debut album “Calm Before The Storm”, Paul has become one of Canada's most successful singer songwriters. Paul Brandt launched his career by entering the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Stampede. Paul credits these contests as events that altered the course of his life. Label executives began to take notice, and by the age of 21, Paul had been signed to a seven-album deal with Warner/Reprise Records Nashville, alongside label-mates Faith Hill, Randy Travis, and more. By 1996, Paul had become the first Canadian male country artist to reach the Billboard Top Ten in the US since Hank Snow in 1974, and a string of number one hits and gold and platinum albums have followed. Along with his wife Liz and their two children Joseph and Lily, Paul is committed using his music as a platform to create a positive impact on the lives of people in communities around the world through the charitable Build It Forward Foundation he has established. Paul and his family are also active with a number of international organizations close to their hearts. Discussed On This Episode Changes in the Music Industry Song writing inspiration Advice for artists beginning their career.

The Claim2Fame Podcast is a resource for artists Every episode features successful artists and industry experts sharing compelling stories and valuable knowledge about the music industry hosted by CMA, ACM and CCMA Winning Broadcaster Cliff Dumas. Cliff talks to MDM Recordings President Mike Denney about what artist need to know to score a record deal? MIKE DENNEY Mike is President of MDM Recordings Inc., an independent recording company located in Toronto. Mike is a 25 year veteran of the music industry, he believes that being passionate and success-driven about music (or anything that you do) supersedes wanting a large pay check and material advances. “I have always been very driven to succeed. Years ago it was material things, now, it’s a passion for what I do.” MDM Recordings was founded in 2008 and has evolved from one man’s passionate vision, to an award winning, global operation with presence in North America and Australia. A Toronto based Canadian country music label, distributor and artist management company; MDM offers independent artists the resources required for successful professional development in all aspects of their respective careers. MDM is proudly distributed through Universal Music Canada. We're proud to have Mike as part of our Advisory Board! Discussed on this episode: The Independent Music Industry What young artists have to do to get noticed. What social music sites do you need to be on?