Since the release of her 2020 debut album, “Never Say Never,” Pittsburgh’s Ashley Puckett has enjoyed enormous success, spring-boarding her onto the international country music radar. Her album has racked up an incredible 450K+ Spotify streams. Her single, “Bulletproof” reached #1 on the New Music Weekly AM/FM radio chart, also reaching #1 on the international iTunes sales charts. Two more singles also reached the Top 10 radio and sales charts, while ushering in a 2022 International Singer Songwriter Association (ISSA) Award for US Female Emerging Artist.
I’m a writer from the heart of real life and real events. Most things I’ve personally been through myself, or have had some heavy inspiration behind a song. I like to stick with traditional country, which is what fits my tone and my personality. If I don’t feel something, I don’t sing it or perform the work. I just try to be myself and that’s what makes it work.
What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
I get inspiration all the time. Good and bad. Mostly good. I’m influenced by real life at any given time. I’ve had a lot of inspiration from many artists such as LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, Carole King, and so many others. And it is a god send to be able to say that everyone in my life is a supporter and I’m truly grateful for that.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
I guess I knew from a very young age, but that’s the innocence talking – so I thought – until I was out of high school.
When I realized that music just became more and more a part of my life without even trying, I knew it was my destiny.
Ashley Puckett’s inspiration
What type of music do you listen to?
As a listener, I am all over the place. I enjoy listening to Old and new Country, a little Pop here and there. I’m a little bit of a closet Latin fan, and love the Miami Vibes and Caribbean flares, too. My mood with music changes all the time. So it really just depends on what I’m feelin.
Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
That’s a great question! I’m sure there’s a few, but one that comes to mind is Creed Fisher. I think what he’s accomplished on his own as an artist and just a great human being, not changing himself and making a career as he did is a huge accomplishment and just blows my mind. But to us artists trying to still become part of that bigger spotlight,
I really look up to Creed Fisher and other artists similar because it gives a lot of hope that being yourself and doing what you love will mean enough to the right people, and that’s the only reason we do this anyway is to make a difference and share what we love.
How do you prepare for your performances?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes, I’ll have a drink or two and just hang out the day off, trying to not put too much pressure on myself which just makes the nerves go crazy. But practicing a run through that day and leading up to it usually is what works. I usually have to just psych myself out a bit and just remind myself it’s going to be fun and another memorable night.
Getting some inspiration from Ashley Puckett
I’m a writer from the heart of real life and real events
What do you enjoy besides music?
I love travel and exploration. I enjoy skydiving, bungee jumping, and also relaxing and watching movies. Occasionally I have time for some of my favorite series TV shows like Skinwalker Ranch, which was the latest on my top favorites!
Wow! So what is Success to you?
Success to me is being in a state of feeling accomplished but with goals still in mind. My success is always having something to work toward, and having somewhat of a proven path of achievement along the way.
What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
I wish there was a “music business roadmap” of some sorts. Haha. It’s just very important to know that it’s not black and white. There’s so many ups, downs, highs, lows. And you just have to keep going and celebrate the little things as they come because that’s what builds a successful artist.
What is next for Ashley Puckett?
Any upcoming projects?
Yes! I do still have an upcoming single up my sleeve that I am very excited about. It’s been about a year and a half since I wrote it and it’s been a very special one to me.
Where will find it when it’s out… and all of your music?
Any popular outlets! Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, YouTube, etc.
Lynch is a multi-award winning artist who has seen success on both domestic and international radio charts, and has appeared in major publications like Billboard Magazine, Taste of Country, and The Boot. He has collaborated with popular artists such as Ronnie McDowell and Leona Williams, as well as Grammy award-winning singer Rhonda Vincent. His current single, “Current Conditions” follows Lynch’s Top 20 Cashbox and Top 5 Christian Voice single “Thankful, Grateful and Blessed”, and is taken from his latest album “Radio Friend.” That album has enjoyed 3 international iTunes chart Top 25 hits.
Richard Lynch is a man of few words but a musician of much love in his craft and the sharing of a profound passion in true and heartfelt traditional country. 1 In Music e-met this traditional Country music artist.
The sound of Richard Lynch
I keep my music grounded in heartfelt traditional country.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Richard Lynch [RL]: I keep my music grounded in heartfelt traditional country.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
RL: My Dad originally the interest in music, I was influenced by the sounds of Conway Twitty and Keith Whitley. My Wife completely supports me unconditionally.
1 In Music: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
RL: When I was about 8 years old and my Dad got me on stage at a concert he was opening for Porter Wagoner, and I knew I wanted to do that music business.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
Richard Lynch [RL]: Jimmy Fortune, he is incredible and doesn’t get enough National Mainstream exposure
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
Richard Lynch [RL]: I tune my guitar.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
I wish I had been told to continually write songs and not quit
1 In Music: What are you are passionate about, besides music?
RL: I love my farm.
What is next for Richard Lynch?
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
Richard Lynch [RL]:
[Success to me is] Seeing the songs I have written come to life
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
Yes, I am working on another album of songs I have written. And we are putting together an album called Richard Lynch Pulling Up the Covers of my favorite cover songs.
1 In Music: Best wishes with it! And finally, where do we find your music?
“I’m an independent artist born in Lebanon and raised in France. After ending my professional basketball career, I decided to follow my true path and moved to Los Angeles to start my music career. My influence comes from the 90’s and my goal is to create music to connect and inspire people. I learned to explore music on my own, such an amazing and tumultuous road. My writing channels into past and present experiences and future desires with a splash of imagination.”
The Sound Of Jen Ash: From France and Lebannon with love (in music)
my goal is to create music to connect and inspire people
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
I have an interesting background and I usually do not follow rules . I do what feels right and I let my creativity lead. I write most often about past or present experiences, which makes my stories unique and real. I also have an accent. Coming from Lebanon and growing up in France makes you sound different than everyone. I used to hate it but now I embrace it, and I’m very proud of my origins.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
Perrie Bettshelped me to get started. He believed in me from day one and took the time to teach me the process of making music and I am forever grateful for him.
1 In Music: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
I was 24 when I realized that I was gifted with a beautiful voice. I’ve always dreamt of being on stage since I was a child but I could never imagine that I could do it.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
Snoh Aalegra, I really love her 90s R&B music and the reality of her lyrics, her natural look and simplicity.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
I try to visualize the outcome and how I want the performance to be, even though it is usually out of my control. So, I try to be conformable with the uncomfortable.
I usually have a lot to do when it comes to promotion and organizing rehearsals and getting the band together. Once it is done, I focus on what music I wanna share with the audience, what the message is. I’m never really prepared but I try to visualize the outcome and how I want the performance to be, even though it is usually out of my control. So, I try to be conformable with the uncomfortable. The audience makes every performance different and it is hard to prepare for that. You just need to embrace the unknown and be open to receive what the people want to give you that day.
Benefitting from a little inspiration and wisdom from Jen Ash
We are artists and our duty is to be a part of the community through our Art. We are here to share our gifts.
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
I started acting a year and a half ago and I really enjoy it. I also like attraction parks like Universal Studios and Disneyland. I love fantasy movies as well; they just take me to another world and have something magical.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
[Success to me] Is doing what I love full time without having a side job to pay the bills and have fun doing it !!. It is so much bigger than us. We are artists and our duty is to be a part of the community through our Art. We are here to share our gifts.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
To stay authentic and to be prepared for a long journey with ups and down. It is a lot of hard work a lot of perseverance and discipline, a lot of soul searching and trying to figure out who you are as an artist and embracing it.
What is next for Jen Ash?
Any upcoming projects?
I’m always working on new music. It’s a never ending story. Hopefully, more music videos and I’m looking forward to getting back on stage. Playing in front of people is one of my favorite thing.
Thank you Jen Ash! Where can we find your music?
Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube… All the music platforms and of course, my website!
The Ivors Academy Honours: The Ivors Academy’s New Award
The Ivors Academy, the UK’s leading music creators’ organization, is pleased to announce the launch of the Ivors Academy Honours. The Ivors Academy Awards are the UK’s most prestigious music awards and this new award recognizes exceptional service in the UK music industry. The award is a revival of the Academy’s Gold Badge Awards, which were last presented in 2019. The Ivors Academy recognizing excellence in songwriting and composing, and the Ivors Academy Honours are awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the UK music industry.
The reception for the Ivor’s Academy Honours 2023
The Ivors Academy Honours will be presented at a reception on September 20th at Tanners Warehouse in London. Acclaimed songwriter and Ivors Academy Fellow Joan Armatrading will present the awards to the recipients. The reception on September 20th will also feature a performance by Joan Armatrading.
The first recipients of the Ivors Academy Honours
The first recipients of the Ivors Academy Honours are Kevin Brennan MP, Carla Marie Williams, Crispin Hunt, and Rupert Hine. These individuals have made significant contributions to the UK music industry in a variety of ways. have been recognized by the Ivors Academy, which awarded them an Ivors Academy Honour in 2023. Let’s find out more about each of these music champions. The Ivors Academy was founded in 1956 and has been championning the rights and interests of music creators since. The Ivors Academy is proud to launch the Ivors Academy Honours. In 2023, its first year, it is proud to recognize the outstanding contributions of Brennan, Williams, Hunt and Hine to the UK music industry and state:
We hope that this award will inspire others to continue to make a positive difference in the music industry.
The Ivors Academy Honours Kevin Brennan MP – Who is Kevin Brennan MP?
Music creators’ champion in Parliament
Kevin Brennan MP has been a long-time champion of music creators in Parliament. He has worked to improve their rights and protections, including through his work on the Copyright (Rights and Remuneration of Musicians) Bill. This bill, which was introduced in 2021, aims to ensure that musicians are fairly compensated for their work on streaming platforms. He has supported music education and training.
Advocate for DEI in the music industry
Brennan has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry. He has spoken out against discrimination and harassment in the industry, and he has worked to promote opportunities for women and people from minority groups.
Musician
In addition to his work in Parliament, Brennan is also a musician himself. He is a member of the parliamentary rock band MP4, and he has written and recorded several songs. He has raised awareness of the challenges facing the music industry, such as piracy and streaming royalties. He has promoted the UK music industry overseas.
The Ivors Academy Honours Carla Marie Williams – Who is Carla Marie Williams?
Grammy-award winning songwriter of iconic hots
Carla Marie Williams is a Grammy-award winning songwriter. Williams has written songs for some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Craig David. Some song include Beyoncé’s “Freedom”, Naughty Boy’s “Runnin'” and Britney Spears’s “Private Show”.
CEO and Founder of Inspirational organisation GIR (Girls I Rate)
In 2016, Williams founded Girls I Rate, a movement designed to help nurture, inspire, and champion young women creatives and helping to empower young women in the music industry. GIR today provides educational, mentoring and networking opportunities to over 5,000 members looking to build their dream careers in the creative sector.
DEI advocate
Williams is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the music industry. She has spoken out against discrimination and harassment in the industry. She has worked to promote opportunities for women and people from minority groups and to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.
More Music contributions
Carla Marie Williams is a music industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in radio, publishing, and management. Williams has also worked as a radio presenter and DJ, and as a manager for up-and-coming artists, helping to develop their careers and achieve their dreams.
The Ivors Academy Honours Rupert Hine – Who is Rupert Hine?
Rupert Hine is a Grammy-nominated, trailblazing producer, songwriter, and musician. Hine has worked internationally with some of the biggest names in music, including Kate Bush, Tina Turner, Noa (aka Achinoam Nini) (Israeli and international musician), The Pretenders, The Fixx, Howard Jones, and Rush.
International Grammy-nominated, trailblazing producer
Rupert Hine was a versatile producer who worked with a wide range of artists, from pop stars to rock bands. He was able to bring out the best in each artist and create unique and memorable music. Some of his most notable works include:
Tina Turner’s album Private Dancer (1984), which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Howard Jones’s album Human’s Lib (1984), which reached number one in the UK and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
The Fixx’s album Reach the Beach (1983), which reached number five in the UK and sold over 2 million copies worldwide.
Rush’s album Signals (1982), which reached number three in the US and sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
Stevie Nicks’s album The Wild Heart (1983), which reached number five in the US and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Pioneer and advocate for music creators and their right
Rupert Hine was a founding member of the British Record Producers’ Guild (the frontrunner of the MPG). As a member of the Music Producers Guild and the Ivors Academy, he was a passionate advocate for music creators and their rights and worked hard to improve the conditions for music creators.
Rupert Hine was also a pioneer in the use of technology in music production. In fact, he was one of the first producers to use MIDI, which revolutionized the way music was made.
Talented songwriter
He was a talented songwriter who wrote some of the biggest hits of the 1980s, including “Better Be Good to Me” by Tina Turner and “Human’s Lib” by Howard Jones.
Rupert Hine was a true pioneer in the music industry. He was a visionary producer, songwriter, and musician who helped to shape the sound of popular music in the 1980s and beyond. His work continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.
The Ivors Academy Honours Crispin Hunt – Who is Crispin Hunt?
Seasoned Musician
Crispin Hunt is a songwriter, producer, and music industry campaigner. He has made significant contributions to the UK music industry and the music industry in general. This seasoned musician began his career as the lead singer of the Britpop band Longpigs. The band had some chart success in the mid-1990s, and they supported bands like Echobelly, Supergrass, and Radiohead on tours. After the band broke up, Hunt went into politics, working as a Parliamentary Researcher and Campaign Coordinator for six years.
Famed songwriter and Producer
Crispin Hunt is a talented songwriter and a skilled producer who has written songs and worked for some of the biggest names in music. In 2005, Hunt returned to the music industry after his siz years in politics, and began working as a songwriter and producer. He has worked with a wide range of artists, including Jake Bugg, Florence and The Machine, Lana Del Rey, Ellie Goulding, and Luke Sital-Singh. He has also been a vocal advocate for music creators and their rights. Some of his most notable works include:
Jake Bugg’s album On My One (2012), which reached number one in the UK and sold over 1 million copies worldwide.
Florence and The Machine’s album Lungs (2009), which reached number one in the UK and sold over 2 million copies worldwide.
Lana Del Rey’s album Born to Die (2012), which reached number two in the US and sold over 10 million copies worldwide.
Ellie Goulding’s album Halcyon (2012), which reached number one in the UK and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Luke Sital-Singh’s album True Love (2016), which reached number 20 in the UK and sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Ardent campaigner for the rights of music creators
Hunt is a member of the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), a non-profit organization that campaigns for the rights of music creators. He is also a member of the PRS for Music, the UK’s collecting society for music copyright. He is a respected figure in the music industry who is known for his integrity and his commitment to helping music creators succeed. His work has had a positive impact on the music industry, and he is a true champion of music and its creators.
Conclusion
With thier new award, the Ivors Academy Honours, The Ivors Academy honours the work of 4 people whose contributions had a positive impact in the music industry in the UK and beyond. Kevin Brennan has helped to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated for their work, and to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry. Carla Marie Williams has written hits for some of the biggest names in music, and has helped to make the industry more diverse and inclusive. promote new music and new artists, working to level the music industry’s playing field for young women and minorities in her tireless advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the music industry. Rupert Hine helped to make music more innovative and accessible, and ensure that music creators were fairly compensated for their work. He was a true visionary who left a lasting legacy on the music industry in the UK and beyond. Crispin Hunt has helped to make music more accessible and enjoyable, and to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated for their work as a tireless advocate for music creators and their rights. Everyone of these music veterans is indeed a true champion for music and music creators.
John Dorsch grew up in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario, Canada. At a young age he studied trumpet and accordion. At the age of 12 he began playing guitar. He became very good at learning notes, solos and songs by ear using pennies to slow down vinyl records. John is also retired police officer and father of 3 children. John Dorsch continued performing in bands during span of his 31 year career as a police officer. John now performs in a fingerstyle pop/rock acoustic duet singing lead. His focus is now on his song-writing blending acoustic fingerstyle guitar and electric guitar.
The Sound of John Dorsch
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
John Dorsch [JD]: My music is diverse drawing on my many musical elements and influences. However, my music seems to fit best in the category of, “Inspirational Pop Rock”. Instrumentally, I blend acoustic and fingerstyle guitar approaches with electric guitar, pop, blues and rock band ideas. Vocally, I gravitate to strong melodies and harmonies. My lyrics are filled with positive messages and hope. I am striving for originality in my modern compositions melodies and musical arrangements without adhering to a singular genre. I write my music to be moving, memorable and joyous.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
JD: I saw the Great Tommy Emmanuel live for the first time in Quebec City in 2012 accompanied by Frank Vignolo and Vinny Raniolo in an acoustic “Gypsy Jazz” band format. I was playing in a Gypsy Jazz band performing Django Reinhardt standards at the time. I was so inspired by Tommy Emmanuel’s playing and meeting him for the first time after his show. He was so encouraging, humble and such a gentleman. I bought his instructional videos and delved deeply into his intense fingerstyle playing and I have performed many of his songs. His playing inspires and touches me on a spiritual level. I have attended two of his guitar camps and had several conversations with him. His guidance and influence has profoundly shaped my playing.
My wife Dani Baribeau is my rock and main supporter. She helps produce my music and performs with me. She is amazing.
1 In Music: When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
JD: I am not sure that ever really happened, LOL! All of a sudden I found myself doing just that. In 2020 my bands all evaporated and there was no place to perform. It seemed like a great idea at the time to finally record and get right down in to song writing. For me I built my studio at home in 2020. 2021 I recorded my entire ELEVATiON album myself and played nearly all the instruments, electric, bass and acoustic guitars, and vocals. It was instense creativity and I loved it. The whole process was all encompassing, and rewarding. Then it came time to mix and master it in 2022/2023 and put it out. Now there is no going back, only more new music to come. I am very thankful to have this experience.
John Dorsch’s inspirations
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
John Dorsch [JD]: All kinds, Pop, Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, the great guitar innovators like Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Django Reinhardt, Tommy Emmanuel, you name it, just about anything that catches my ear with a melody.
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
JD:John Mayer is a wealth of great song writing, technique, individuality, vocal style, improvisation, mostly known in guitar circles.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
JD: Rehearsals! leading up to the day of performance. Vocal warm up and 4 or 5 songs on the day of a show. I meditate and practise yoga to keep my mind calm and free of anxiety. I like to have things run on idle most of the time, having a repertoire near ready. My new ELEVATiON Album took much more preparation for live performance. The songs are deep on technique and it took a month to draft up the arrangements for all 15 of the songs for my live acoustic “Coffee-house” fingerstyle performance in a duet with my wife Dani Baribeau. She sings in harmony with me and plays a djembe and percussion. It took another month to work them to performance level. I eat, sleep and exercise regularly and take care of my body.
Getting inspired by John Dorsch
Speed is a product of accuracy
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
John Dorsch [JD]: I like traveling to different countries and experiencing new cultures. My wife and I have been wintering away to new places the last few years. The new experiences are inspiring and feed my music and soul.
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
JD: My idea of success is being proud of my works, such as my new album ELEVATiON. It was a labour of love. I feel great joy in the completion of the album that took 2 years to make. Being able to actually write my own music in my own style is important to me. I have always wanted to be myself and attain a level of mastery over playing, performing and composing. I feel that I have reached a level in music I feel good about. I want my music to reach to people and move them.
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
JD:
Rely on yourself not others. Just about everyone lets you down at one time or another, fails to come through, or says they will do something and just don’t ever do what they say.
It’s like people tell you what they wish would happen but then never really commit to it. I can only rely on myself to finish things. That is why I played most of the parts on ELEVATiON. Go easy on yourself especially when learning new ideas, techniques or songs. Speed is a product of accuracy. Quality takes time and be patient, practise accuracy and slowly at first or you will be practising making mistakes. Learning anything new always feels awkward and uncomfortable. I learned that this feeling is perfectly normal, and disappears after a short time of practise. You develop muscle memory just like lyric memory, audible memory and visual memory. Talent is one thing – one’s ability to learn. But, on top of that you must have a never ending dedication and commitment to learning the musical craft, and the other aspects such as record producing, marketing, performing, song writing etc. The whole music industry topic was far deeper than I first thought. Dive in and don’t be afraid.
What is next for John Dorsch?
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
John Dorsch [JD]: I have a raft of new song ideas and lyrics I will be working over the fall and winter, hopefully shaping up another album.
1 In music: Thank you! Don’t leave us without any idea where to find your music!
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