New Artist Spotlight: Kevin Maines
By Amanda Eckard
Louisiana native Kevin Maines is out to give Country Music fans a taste of the variety the music genre has to offer. His debut album offers traditional Country songs, power ballads and everything in between.
Maines grew up listening to Merle Haggard, Travis Tritt, Richard Marx and Steve Perry fronting the rock band Journey. To make ends meet, he worked on offshore oilrigs off the coasts of Louisiana and Texas.
At 18, Maines entered the True Value Country Music Showdown in Louisiana. He won the local and state rounds.
Maines developed a loyal following throughout his home state and East Texas, opening for Toby Keith, John Conlee and others. He honed his craft as a staff songwriter with Nashville's Fine Line Music Group.
Living in Nashville with his wife and three children, Maines performed on demos and wrote songs, leading to a recording contract with Fine Line Records.
Maines' debut album, What I Am, produced by Jack Hargrove and Vicki Rickles, was released last summer and features singles, "We Don't Have a Prayer" and "What I Am."
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
If you could go back in time what era would you visit? "It would have to be my childhood because it was filled with lots of laughter and there weren't any bills."
What song do you wish you had written? "Any song that ever gave me the chills. But, if I had to name one, it would be 'Anymore' by Travis Tritt."
Do you have a lucky charm? "I guess that would be my guitar because lots of good things have come from it."
Who is your dream duet partner and why? "Martina McBride because of her vocal power and range. And, because she's real pretty, but don't tell my wife I said that."
What does Country Music mean to you? "I think Country Music is real. It's about life's ups and downs. Heck man, it's an American tradition."
On the Web: www.kevinmaines.com
© 2005 CMA Close Up News Service
March 08, 2005
© John Albani
