Heartland
Of only a handful of country artists whose debut single went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts, Heartland was the talk of the country world.
One of the most exciting developments of the summer of 2012 is that the band who brought millions of fans “I Loved Her First” will be back at radio with a powerhouse new sound, a legendary producer, and the addition of a star who’s no stranger to the top of the charts himself.
New member Chad Austin, brings his talents as a vocalist and both guitarist and pianist to Heartland, joining vocalist Jason Albert and vocalist/fiddler/guitarist Charles Crawford in a new musical dream team.
“I’m thrilled to death to be on board with Jason and Charles,” Chad says. “Every time we play `I Loved Her First’ on stage, it’s amazing. The people know all the words.”
Early this summer, Heartland releases their new single, “The Sound A Dream Makes”, a song that will prove to be timeless for years to come.
Now these three veteran stars have joined forces for the first time in the new-look Heartland, and they get to work with one of country’s most gifted producers.
They are currently working in the studio with James Stroud, the legendary country producer whose credits include producing over 131 No. 1 singles and albums that have sold more than 90 Million copies for artists including Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, and Chris Young.
“Everything James Stroud does in the studio, both vocally and instrumentally, sounds like it should be on the radio,” Jason says. Program directors at several hundred country stations all over the US would agree. They’ve been playing Stroud records for decades.
Heartland’s fresh new sound and approach utilize all three members – Albert, Crawford, and Austin – as lead vocalists at different times.
“These guys are all great vocalists. I sang every song the first time around,” Albert, whose lead vocal on `I Loved Her First’ helped make Heartland an instant radio hit, says from his home in Alabama.
“In our band, there’s also a focus on the harmonies,” Charles says.
“Now we’ll be dividing it up,” Jason continues. “Being able to do harmonies with guys who can sing like this is amazing.”
Established as a major drawing card with concert audiences, Heartland’s tour schedule has taken them from coast to coast. The success of their debut single immediately put them on the road taking Heartland’s live music to tens of thousands of country music fans.
Heartland has brought several timely new wrinkles to a sound that country radio and fans already love, and is preparing to add some exciting new chapters to the history of country’s premier bands.
