Nashville, TN (Top40 Charts/ Nashville Publicity Group) - Rising country star
Jessica Ridley has signed with EMG/Universal and will release her debut album "Fit to be Tied" on
September 20th. Ridley has also signed an exclusive long-term management agreement with Nashville-based Fused Management, home to Sheldon Reynolds (Earth Wind & Fire) and Vail Johnson (Kenny G).
'We're excited to expand our roster with such a young, spirited, international talent in the country market,' says Fused Management's Ricky B. Rogers. 'We look forward to capitalizing on numerous opportunities in the coming year to introduce this dynamic singer to the world.'
Ridley's voice may be unfamiliar to country music fans, but she's assembled a creative team that will excite even the casual music fan. "Fit to be Tied" includes a collection of songs Ridley co-wrote with an all-star list of writers that includes former Chicago frontman Bill Champlin, Jeff Silvey (George Strait), Billy Simon (Mark Wills) and James Dean Hicks (Kenny Chesney, Jessica Simpson). The album's production credits is also a who's who list that includes Billy Simon, Michael Lee, Don Somerville and Chris Omartian, whose recent production work with artists like Pink and Hilary Duff have earned him national attention.
'I collaborated with guys from both country music and the rock and pop worlds, which resulted in some unique facets being brought to the project,' states Ridley. 'I like to vary it up and bring different flavors to the table. I grew up listening to Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill and Reba McEntire - but these days, I love everyone from Miranda Lambert and Alison Krauss to Sheryl Crow. So the sound is drawing from a variety of influences.'
While "Fit to be Tied" easily bridges the gap between classic and current country, it's the lead single 'Flaming Red' that is currently turning heads. Co-written by GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Bob Carlisle (best known for his No 1 smash hit 'Butterfly Kisses'), the song and upcoming music video are destined to be fan favorites.
'It really speaks to me and I hope it will, to women everywhere who feel like they're getting bogged down with their lengthy 'to do' lists,' Ridley explains. 'This upbeat, feel-good song is about taking a deep breath to just enjoy a break without feeling guilty before you go back to your every day reality. Investing time in yourself is so necessary to staying balanced.'
And staying balanced will be the biggest challenge Ridley faces with the launch of her debut album, international promotional opportunities and concert dates from coast to coast. But she's taking it all in stride, and enjoying every opportunity.
'I don't want to set any boundaries and hopefully this record will be the catalyst to an enduring career,' she summarizes. 'As far as goals go, I look forward to playing on the Grand Ole Opry stage someday, and opening for an artist I've admired and respected for a long time - how's that for starters?'
