iTunes PRE-SALE on "Think About That" is on!

$5 Off on iTunes Pre-Sale link to Chance McKinney's Think About That: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/think-about-that/id641836235

We, here at Chance McKinney Music, are excited to announce the long-awaited release of "Think About That".  Chance's sophomore effort (the follow-up album to CMT Award Winning, "Be Real") has already received thousands of positive reviews from fans who have picked up a physical copy at "live" shows which came out May 2nd during the CD Release Series throughout Washington State.

Of the 11 tracks on the CD, 3 were written by Chance McKinney (and co-write, Kevin Ray Lawson).  The other 8 were submitted by multi-platinum writers Frank Myers (12 #1's on Chris Young, Lonestar, John Michael Montgomery), Craig Wiseman (17 #1's on Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Brooks and Dunn), Brett James (11 #1's on Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Gary Allan, Jason Aldean), David Lee, David Frasier, James LeBlanc, Craig Boyd, Bobby Pinson, Brad Crisler and more.

"It was 11 of the top 500 songs pitched for this project, including the songs I written or co-written on" says McKinney.  "See, I wasn't bull-headed enough to think all my stuff was going to be better than everything out there so I put a majority of the decision-making process in Kevin Ray Lawson's (Producer) hands.  When he came back to me with his Top 20 and we compared it to my Top 20... There were 13 songs in common.  And in those 13, I was nothin' short of amazed to find 3 of mine!  From that point on, it was a 2-man brawl to narrow it down to 11 and get the album cut.  But, after we both got out of the hospital with my severe hangnail and a bruise to Kevin's shin, we got it done."

McKinney goes on to say "I realistically never thought it'd get finished.  There's so much to the process, especially when done right.  And all the while, we're testing songs at 'live' shows to get audience reaction to make sure we were on the right track.  I guess it all came to a head (emotionally) for me when I finished a show in Wenatchee, WA and I sat down to sign some stuff for the first little girl in line.  When I held the CD, and told her, it was the first time I'd held (or signed it, for that matter) the Think About That CD... we both began to cry."

"I've gone through things nobody should have to go through or know about in the music industry to make sure I honor those (my fans, former students and family) who put me in this position just 3 years ago with the CMT Win.  I truly hope Think About That is a step in the direction they want to see me go."

It's now a matter of setting the Music Industry on its ear with a strong showing at iTunes.  How many of you are still with us here at Chance McKinney Music?

iTunes Pre-Sale link to Chance McKinney's Think About That: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/think-about-that/id641836235

Track Listing & Writer Credits Below:

A little time to reflect...

I'd like to take this opportunity to share a little background on my musical journey today.  Yesterday, a very talented, passionate and influential figure passed away after a two year battle with colon/liver cancer.  I would be remiss if I didn't take a little time to tell you how Tim played a significant roll in my life over the past 7 years.

In 2006, I went to an NSAI Song Camp trying to improve my songwriting ability and further my music career inch by inch.  As I sat in a class doing a writing exercise, Tim (the instructor) and James Dean Hicks (co-instructor) threw out the phrase "Give Up The Ghost" and had each person outline their approach as to what would guide their direction in writing that song.

After several replies from others of religion, death, rhymes of coast and most, I raised my hand.  Being the twisted individual I am, I had a completely different take and wanted to see how far off-base I was.  Tim calls on me after a series of eye-rolling suggestions.  I launch in on how "funny" it would be to encourage those on the verge of kickin' the bucket to actually do so!  Give up the ghost... get a move on... get out of the way... I threw out a couple examples of old jv football players still talkin' glory days in bar, old crotchety folks who were bitter and angry, etc.

Most of the class was taken aback, but Tim just kept eggin' me on.  "So you think we should just write a "get it over with" song and send it to radio eh?"  I said "sure, why not?!"  He was just about to answer when James Dean Hicks jumps in and says... "I can write that song."  Tim just smiled and said "so can I."

After class, Tim made his way over and struck up a little conversation.  He found out I was in a group up in Seattle at the time and working with Becky Brenner (at CBS).  He invited me over to his publishing house (Giantslayer) and introduced me to Rory Lee Feek (his partner).  They ended up connecting me with Adam Olsen (Creative Director) who pitched me song after song of amazing work.  That lead to a whole different dimension of my career and a good, solid, 1/2 hour tangent if I let it go further on this topic.  Let's get back to Tim.

The next couple days I'd see him various places on the Row and each time, he'd make a point to come over and say "hi" or try and run me off the road in his big, white truck.  He invited me out to the Bluebird Cafe for his show one of those nights with JDH, Anthony Smith and Frank Myers.  There, he introduced me to 2 more people who would influence my career.  Anthony, and especially Frank, have been great resources and confidants with whom I still stay in contact this day.

Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to pay respect to a #1 songwriter who had no business in pulling me under his wing, but did.  Tim Johnson may not be a household name, but his songs are and I intend to not forget his part in the line of dominos I call my career.

Please include me as part of your continued "legacy" of music left behind.  I will forever be indebted to you TJ.

Sincerely,

Chance McKinney

Songwriter Tim Johnson passed away yesterday, Oct. 21, following a battle with cancer. He was 52 and died at home. The established member of Nashville’s music community had more than 100 major label cuts to his credit, with some of his biggest hits including Diamond Rio’s “God Only Cries” and Jimmy Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now.” His talent extended to the studio, where he produced artists including Blaine Larsen. Among Johnson’s more recent cuts is “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” written with Jon Wolfe and James Dean Hicks, and recorded by Joe Nichols for his 2011 album release.

The respected songwriter was active with NSAI, where he served on its Song Camp faculty and was a longtime board member. He also assisted the organization with its legislative work in Washington, D.C. Friends say he was a champion of songs and songwriters, and always encouraged aspiring writers.

In 2007 Johnson teamed with Rory Feek and Jeff Skillen to establish the Song Trust, which had success with “Bring Him Home Santa,” a song about fathers who serve in the military.

Friends and supporters rallied around Johnson following his diagnosis with colon and liver cancer about two years ago. In February 2011 Phil Vassar, Joey+Rory, Chuck Cannon, Chuck Jones, Joe West, and Wynn Varble performed at a fundraiser for Johnson at the Bluebird Café.

Growing up in Noti, Oregon, one of Johnson’s early songwriting influences was Mickey Newbury.

Johnson is survived by his wife and two children. We here at CHANCE MCKINNEY MUSIC extend sincere condolences to his loved ones.

ACM Award Results

We here at Chance McKinney Music would like to be the first to congratulate this year's Academy of Country Music Award Winners Entertainer of the Year Taylor Swift

Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert

Male Vocalist of the Year Blake Shelton

Vocal Group of the Year Lady Antebellum

Vocal Duo of the Year Thompson Square

New Artist of the Year Scotty McCreery

Album of the Year Four the Record — Miranda Lambert (RCA)

Song of the Year “Crazy Girl” — Eli Young Band

Single Record of the Year “Don’t You Wanna Stay” — Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson

Vocal Event of the Year “Don’t You Wanna Stay” — Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson

Video of the Year “Red Solo Cup” — Toby Keith

2012 Concert Announcements

Those of you who follow Chance on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ChanceMcKinneyMusic) and Twitter (@ChanceMcKinney) got a quick glance at some of the shows on tap for the Summer of 2012.  Here at www.ChanceMcKinney.com we'd like to confirm those shows and throw out a couple teasers of more on the way.  For now, we're happy to announce Chance will be performing all over the West with Darius Rucker, Ronnie Dunn, Mark Chestnutt and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.  Stay tuned for details on Pre-Sale tickets and potential giveaways as the concerts draw near.

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It's like Colt Ford knew... "Every CHANCE I Get"

 

In a year of touring throughout the West with the likes of Dierks Bentley, Dwight Yoakam, Mark Chesnutt, Alan Jackson, David Nail, Gloriana, Sunny Sweeney, Phil Vassar, Steve Azar, John Rich, Sebastian Bach, Eden's Edge and Kenny Rogers... what better way to finish off 2011 than a December run with Hick-Hop artist COLT FORD.

It's as if Colt Ford knew we'd be hangin' together.  His latest CD release "Every CHANCE I Get" hit shelves this past May and has been on an iTunes tear ever since!  The CD itself has featured artists on it including Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Nappy Roots, Nic Cowan, Josh Thompson, Trent Tomlinson,  Craig Morgan and Charlie Daniels.  It's an All-Star event... not just a CD.

About two weeks ago I got a call from my agent at William Morris Endeavors who said the Country Rapper Colt Ford was comin' through the Pacific Northwest in mid-December.  Now, Colt and I aren't on the same roster (he's on Buddy Lee Attractions), but sometimes when acts fit together (or they think it'd be mutually beneficial) they put together deals on the fly like this.  Needless to say, when Barrett asked if I'd be interested in doin' shows with Colt Ford, I was grinnin' ear to ear.

As of right now, the "dates and states" stand at:

Thursday - 12.08.11 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Rail Event Center

Friday - 12.16.11 - Springfield, OR - Whiskey River Ranch

Saturday - 12.17.11 - Portland, OR - The Ponderosa

Sunday - 12.18.11 - Spokane, WA - The Knitting Factory

Ticket links are available at http://www.ChanceMcKinney.com/tour.html for those who want to catch Colt n' Chance out on the road... in the middle of December... workin' hard through the holiday season... tryin' to bring quality entertainment... weathering the Pacific Northwest storms, poor road conditions, cold nights... (yeah, I'm milkin' it at this point.)

A quick "thank you" to all of those who've made this dream a reality since the CMT win almost 2 years ago... I really appreciate all you've done (and continue to do) for me!

CM

P.S.  There will be more details on:

http://www.twitter.com/ChanceMcKinney

and

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chance-McKinney/160688966444