Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Derek Scholl's Official Webiste) -- Derek Sholl's radio single 'But It Was,' co-written and produced by hit songwriter Tim Johnson, is now impacting major reporting country radio stations across the nation. Beginning today, Sholl takes a break from his extensive radio tour to attend Country
Radio Broadcasters' CRS-40 in Nashville for media interviews and to make a special appearance tomorrow night at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge being filmed by Y'all Wire, the music video site dedicated to country music.
Tim Johnson, one of Nashville's most prolific and successful songwriters, believes Sholl can take 'But It Was' to the top, which speaks volumes since Johnson is fresh off writing Jimmy Wayne's two week #1 smash, 'Do You Believe Me Now.' His stock as a Music Row hit maker is higher than ever, yet Johnson has a special feeling about Sholl.
'As a songwriter,' Johnson says, 'I always want my best songs to go to the artists with the best chance of having a hit. I can honestly say that 'But It Was' is one of the best songs in my catalog. Even so, once in a while an artist comes along with the voice and the artistic vision to make even the most seasoned writer want to take a chance on him. Derek is that kind of artist.'
The initial buzz at radio is very strong, eliciting an enthusiastic response from listeners and programmers alike. Jess Wright, the Program Director at WFRE-FM in Frederick, MD proclaimed, 'It's a GREAT record. What we have here is passion!' Newman, Music Director at WRBT in Harrisburg, commented, 'This song is a smash!'
It has been quite a journey that has brought the Californian to the brink of stardom. After a promising professional baseball career was cut short by injuries, Sholl turned back to his first love music, packed his guitar and headed for the casinos of Las Vegas, where he spent three years perfecting his act in front of some of the toughest audiences in the world. Word of Sholl's energetic shows eventually made its way down the Vegas strip to the Mirage, where Jay Leno was searching for the perfect opening act for his regular appearances. Sholl was soon sharing the stage with the late night TV icon, who remains a friend and devoted fan of the singer.
Tim Johnson understands the enormous possibilities inherent when talent meets a great resum?. 'As a producer, I only want to work with artists who have all the qualities it takes to make it in this highly competitive business,' he says. 'Derek has the experience and vocal talent to rival any new artist on the country music landscape. He has paid his dues, and he can deliver what is on tape, in any 'live' setting. In this day and age of technological vocals, I think that means something.'
It's taken several years and countless gigs, but Sholl's country music career has been both a steady climb and a trial by fire. While he's managed to keep the injuries to a minimum, the athlete in Sholl is bound and determined to give 110 percent night after night -- delivering a riveting and energetic live show whether he's playing a huge festival or gigging in a Texas honky tonk.
"I take a lot of pride in our live stage show," Sholl says. "What I'm doing up there is not an act. On a big stage or in a small bar, it's high energy and it'sexactly who I am."
Sholl performs at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge located on Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville on Thursday, March 5 at 10:30 p.m.
For additional information, please visit www.dereksholl.com.
