KISS Country's Rising Star Showcase Shines Spotlight On New Star
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – KISS Country Radio calls their monthly free concert, held at Jimbos Sandbar in Hollywood, the Rising Star Showcase. It's a waterside concert where country music fans can get a first look and listen to up and comers in the country music world.
It's a breath of fresh air, literally, from the usual boring conference rooms. And for the new artists, the shows work!
"Last year we had The Swon Brothers from 'The Voice.' We had The Brothers Osbourne. So we like to say this is your first chance and only chance to see these artists for free," said TC Conlon, KISS Country's Music Director.
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On stage one evening recently was 25-year-old singer/songwriter Rainey Qualley.
Raised in North Carolina, Rainey is the middle child of actress Andy MacDowell and musician Paul Qualley.
They are high profile parents who kept Rainey and her siblings far away from the temptations of Hollywood.
"My parents have really been supportive for my siblings and I to pursue whatever it is that will make us happy," said Rainey.
Rainey has acted in TV and movies, but it's the music that warms her soul.
Her role models began in childhood.
"I grew up in North Carolina mostly, so I was always surrounded by country music, bluegrass and that Appalachian sound. So I've always really loved particularly older country music, like Johnny Cash, Patsy Klein and Dolly Parton. The big treat every summer is we would get to go to Dollywood so she has a special place in my heart," she said giggling.
"Me and Johnny Cash" is the first single off Rainey's new album "Turn Down the Lights" that drops in June. She recently opened for Willie Nelson. Right now it's all about making appearances and getting her music out there.
"It's been a lot of work, but I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to do it. So I couldn't be happier," said Rainey.
Rainey turned heads and made headlines recently appearing in short scene in Mad Men wearing a fur coat and nothing else for Don Draper eyes only. It's clear, beauty runs in the family.
"It was just one scene, so it was not a big deal, but people really liked it I guess," she said shyly.
But Rainey's tune is music and she has clear plan ahead for the future.
"I would love to be able open for someone on tour, with someone that I hopefully like and then eventually have my own headline tour and sell out arenas and make lots of fans!" she said.
Rainey's CD "Turn Down the Lights" drops in music stores on June 2nd, 2015.
For more info on Rainey Qually you can visit her site at www.raineyqualley.com.
For more information on KISS FM you can go to wkis.cbslocal.com.
