SDC NEWS ONE

Friday, March 14, 2025

Carol Chaney - (When You Fall In Love) Everything's A Waltz

 

ARTWORK - Carol Chaney
Carol Chaney - (When You Fall In Love) Everything's A Waltz

Peggy Gilchrist - Under Burdekin Skies

 

ARTWORK - Peggy Gilchrist
Peggy Gilchrist - Under Burdekin Skies

Clint Bradley - The Lightning Ride

 

ARTWORK - Clint Bradley

THE LIGHTNING RIDE

Clint Bradley

 

This single is a heartfelt reflection on the author’s lifelong journey with Western music. He recalls a defining moment from childhood when he first heard Marty Robbins’ Gunfighter Ballads, a sound that immediately captivated him and set him on the path to becoming a musician. At around 9 or 10 years old, he learned the chords to Running Gun and later discovered artists like the “Sons of the Pioneers” and "Gene Autry”. Growing up in The New Forest in England, surrounded by woods, heathlands, and secret beaches, only deepened his fascination with Western folklore, cowboy culture, and storytelling. If he wasn’t listening to Western music, he was watching Western movies or reading novels about the frontier, completely immersed in the genre.

 

By 1992, he experienced a pivotal “Now or Never” moment and set out on a journey with no clear plan other than to sing, play, write, and travel. Along the way, he discovered the acoustic scene and developed a deeper appreciation for the craft of songwriting. Between 1993 and 1994, he spent time in the U.S., sitting in with different bands and performing at open mic nights. When he returned to England in 1995, he had a collection of songs from his travels and worked to secure a record deal, eventually signing with M&G (BMG) Records in 1996.

 

His long-held dream of creating a purely Western album finally came true with Riding After Midnight in 2014. The overwhelmingly positive response proved that audiences could still connect with traditional Western music, regardless of where they lived. In 2019, he released his second Western album, Soul of the West, this time choosing to showcase more of his own songwriting. The album reflected not only his love for the genre but also the environment around him and the complexities of life, blending moments of joy with deeper, sometimes darker, themes. He believed that music should be honest, unfiltered, and reflective of one’s true experiences.

 

Now, in 2025, he is preparing his third Western album, reaffirming his belief in the power of music to transcend geography. Though he never lived on the American prairie, his passion for Western music remains unwavering, proving that music speaks to the soul regardless of where one comes from.


Clint Bradley - The Lightning Ride

SPIRIT BUFFALO - Carol Markstrom

 

ARTWORK - Carol Markstrom

SPIRIT BUFFALO

Carol Markstrom

 

“…where American folk music washes gently against Americana.”

 

That’s how Country Music People Magazine describes Carol Markstrom’s music. From the U.S. to Europe and Alaska, her clear, emotion-filled vocals and evocative storytelling captivate audiences. Blending Folk, Americana, and Western Roots, her songs transport listeners through time, place, and history. Her ballads range from whimsical to bittersweet, often inspired by the beauty of landscapes.

 

Carol’s music has been featured in films and played by DJs worldwide. She has given interviews across the U.S., Europe, and South Africa, further expanding her reach.

With four previous albums—three award-winning—Carol is excited to introduce her fifth, Seekers. This collection of 12 original songs delves into Native American culture and history. As a former university professor specialising in Native American Studies, Carol’s experiences living and researching on reservations have profoundly shaped her songwriting.

 

Each of her albums has explored these themes, but Seekers brings together her finest work—many re-recorded alongside new compositions. Native American musicians and co-writers contributed to the project, with final mixing by Merel Bregante at Cribworks Digital Audio in Texas and mastering by Jerry Tubb at Terra Nova in Austin.

 

Her latest single, “Spirit Buffalo,” carries a mystical quality while telling a powerful historical story:

 

"The song explores the deep connection between buffalo and the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, and the devastation that followed Western expansion. It begins with someone encountering ‘Spirit Buffalo’ while driving across South Dakota, then shifts to the buffalo’s perspective.”

 

"Indigenous peoples relied on the buffalo for survival, reflected in their oral traditions and ceremonies. Tragically, millions were slaughtered during Western expansion—nearly to extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have since rebounded."

Carol Markstrom - Spirit Buffalo

BROKEN PIECES - Dawn Rix

 

ARTWORK - Dawn Rix

BROKEN PIECES

Dawn Rix

 

Dawn Renae Rix is a natural-born entertainer whose powerful voice and magnetic stage presence set her apart in the world of country music. A native of West Virginia, she has been captivating audiences since the age of five, astonishing listeners with “the big voice coming from such a little girl.” Now, as an accomplished award-winning singer-songwriter, published author, salon owner, stylist/MUA, mentor, and advocate, Dawn continues to leave her mark on the industry and beyond.

 

Her commitment to giving back is just as strong as her passion for music. She actively supports St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Musicians on Call, and Autism Awareness, a cause especially dear to her as a mother and advocate for individuals with special needs. Through her work, she strives to uplift and inspire, using her platform to bring awareness and support to important causes.

 

Throughout the Tri-State area, Dawn has earned the nickname "Little Miss Dynamite" for her explosive performances. A regular on stage with her band, she has taken her talent to Music City, recording her fifth album in Nashville. Her hard work and dedication have earned her international recognition and numerous awards, including:

  • 2023 Who’s Hoo of Country Music Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2023 ISSA Song of the Year Silver (Worlds Collide)
  • World Songwriting Award & ISSA Song of the Year (Tennessee Miles)
  • 2022 Red Carpet Awards (Holland) – Christmas Song & Vocal Event Winner
  • WSA Gospel Song of the Year (Bent Not Broken)
  • 2021 JMA Social Impact Song of the Year
  • Hustler Awards Top 10 and Country Genre Winner

Her growing list of accolades reflects her dedication to both her artistry and her fans. In a major career milestone, Dawn recently signed an artist and publishing deal with Emanant Music, a Nashville/Atlanta-based label. As she continues to carve her path in the industry, Dawn remains true to her roots, sharing her authentic brand of country music—just doing what comes naturally.


Dawn Rix - Broken Pieces

ANGELYNE- Ron Christopher

 

ARTWORK - Ron Christopher

ANGELYNE

Ron Christopher

Ron Christopher is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and guitarist, renowned for his distinctive voice and masterful fusion of Americana, country, western swing, and rockabilly. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, he has called Los Angeles home since 1976, crafting a unique sound influenced by the legendary Marty Robbins.

 

Since 2008, Ron has released five albums of original music, including Silver Screen Heroes and Other Legends, Into the West, Borderline Career, Outside the Fence, and No Place Left to Go. His 2016 album Into the West earned Album of the Year from the Academy of Western Artists, and in 2017, he was nominated for Best Male Vocalist.

 

A gifted storyteller, Ron’s songs capture vivid narratives that have resonated with audiences at renowned venues like the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and the Autry National Centre. His song Line in the Sand, from Outside the Fence, was honoured as Western Song of the Year by the Academy of Western Artists in 2018. He continued his success in 2019 with the release of three singles: My Beautiful Lady, Soiled Dove, and Tequila Texas Night.

 

In February 2020, Ron released No Place Left to Go, a dynamic mix of cowboy, country, and Americana. The album received high praise in The Western Way Magazine’s Best of the West Review. His later singles, including Down the Rio Grande (2021) and Dust of Los Angeles (2022), further showcase his talent for honouring classic Western traditions while adding his signature style.

 

Ron’s seamless blend of traditional and contemporary Western influences solidifies his place as a leading voice in the Americana and Western music scene.

Ron Christopher - Angelyne