John Michael Montgomery forms own label
Monday, November 5, 2007 – John Michael Montgomery formed his own label, he announced Monday. The first project to be released on Stringtown Records will be Montgomery 's tenth studio album.
Montgomery cites the "appeal of creative control, success of Indie labels and the ability to nurture country music's future artists" as reasons for starting Stringtown Record, according to his web site.
"I have always been intrigued with the production side of this business, and I want to give others an opportunity like I've had. Every aspect of my career has prepared me for this new venture."
Montgomery will return to the studio this fall with producer Byron Gallimore to create a flagship album for the label. The two worked together before co-producing John Michael Montgomery's 2004 album, "Letters From Home."
Following the completion of his new album, Montgomery will look to sign other artists.
Overseeing daily operations for Stringtown Records will be Shelia Shipley Biddy as president. "With everything Shelia has achieved in the music business, I trust her and believe that she will help make Stringtown a success. I've been impressed with her for a long time and after meeting her, knew she was the one to head up my label. Her record speaks for itself."
The Hallmark Direction Company staff will provide management, business management and publicity for the label. The radio promotion team and distribution arm are still being finalized.
Stringtown Records was named after a small community in Mercer County , Ky. , near Montgomery 's home. "The town has all the necessities a guy like me would ever want - a place to fix your truck, a few other amenities and neighbors to help ya out if ya need it. That's how I'd like my label to be - a nice community with people who care about what they're doing. As I traveled back and forth to my farm, it always crossed my mind that it would be a great name if I ever started my own label."
More news for John Michael Montgomery
CD reviews for John Michael Montgomery
Time Flies
Since his debut in 1992, John Michael Montgomery built a solid career on a foundation of power ballads and uptempo humorous songs. Forming his own label could have offered an opportunity to break that mold. Instead, this is, for the most part, the same album he's put out in the past.
There are the requisite good ol' boy humor songs, none with the charm of Sold (The Grundy Country Auction Incident). There's also a string of indistinguishable ballads that don't approach the bar »»» |
Mr. Snowman
A decade after his debut hit, "Life's a Dance," John Michael Montgomery releases his first Christmas album, which is also his first co-producing effort. The 10-song disc contains 7 holiday classics and 3 new tunes. Montgomery does well with "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and the instrumental solos, from guitar to fiddle to steel guitar, are solid.
On the other hand, Montgomery's voice and phrasing aren't a good fit for the big-band arrangement of "Winter Wonderland." He sounds like he's »»» |
The Very Best of John Michael Montgomery
John Michael Montgomery was a product of the hat act scene of the '90s. The line dancing craze where a number of telegenic singers put out albums and maybe had a hit was in full swing. But most of them did not last (remember David Kerr?) given their lack of talent in flavor-of-the-month times.
Montgomery managed to forge a much longer career than just about any of them. He has benefited from a pretty decent baritone, though hardly spectacular, but probably moreso from choosing good songs. »»» |
Editorial: American Idol's Carrie Underwood can sing –
If anyone saw the Super Bowl – what a great great game that was – they would have heard American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood sing the National Anthem. Underwood did with her voice what Kelly Clarkson did last week with her written words – give it to Scott Borchetta, the head of Big Machine Records,, who tried defending Taylor Swift by knocking American Idol performers. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
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