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Biographies

Stepheni Elli Biography

Aug 7, 2010

When you have a dream rooted so deeply within your soul, you have no choice to pursue it, if only to see where it takes you. As you actively begin seizing opportunities that cross your path, the bigger picture of what achieving your dreams might mean comes into focus and things start coming together. This is exactly what is happening for STEPHENI ELLI, who set her sights on a music career as a toddler growing up along the San Joaquin River in Antioch, California. “My first influences were Karen Carpenter and Richie Valens. I would watch La Bamba and The Karen Carpenter Story daily, and they made me believe in my dreams from the time I was two years old.”

Long before she could even comprehend the lyrics Karen and Richie sang, Stepheni’s young soul understood that music held an undeniable power to inspire and empower people. Watching her older brother only fueled an already-strong yearning for that one day when she would create her own music. “My older brother sang and played all kinds of instruments, and I really admired him for that.” Through the years, Stepheni would also grow to love the music of Johnny Mathis, LeAnn Rimes, Will Smith, TLC, and Shania Twain. As she began singing herself, she says, “I would try my best to sound like them, and they really gave me goals for developing my own sound and style.”

As Stepheni began exploring her vocal abilities, formal voice lessons were – for a short time – her nemesis. “My mom tried for years to get me into voice lessons.” Though she didn’t care for them, Stepheni knew she had to take them in order to reach the standard set by her mentor at the time: LeAnn Rimes. She admits, “Man, it was so hard to keep to that discipline and learn!” But, learn she did, and years later, she still finds herself taking lessons every now and then. “I even taught voice for a while.”

When she was ten years old, Stepheni’s brother and mother encouraged her to begin playing cello “to help me sing on key better.” From there, Stepheni grew her repertoire to include joining the school choir, playing guitar and writing songs – all at fifteen years of age. “My mom always told me I'd have to write my own songs to make it as a singer.” During a shopping trip to Wal-Mart, Stepheni experienced an epiphany, which culminated in writing her very first song. “While hanging with my friend who worked there, I had a break through! I grabbed the first thing in sight that I could write on and wrote my first song. It happened just like that!” Convinced she had more songs to write, Stepheni worked hard to hone her new craft. By the age of seventeen, Stepheni had put together a band and was booking herself shows at local fairs and festivals.

Despite her love for her home state, Stepheni knew she had to move to Nashville, Tennessee in order to extend her network. Armed with lofty dreams and an appetite for tackling challenges, she made that move in August of 2004 and enrolled at Belmont University to study Music Business. Being in the heart of Music City, Stepheni thrived as she took to learning the complete business of the music industry. Preceding her graduation from Belmont, she accepted internships at Carnival Music and Blacktop Music Group. She says, “[Interning at both companies] were experiences that really took me to the next level in seeing how music success is done.” Stepheni adds, “Then, working at Outback Concerts and Great American Country allowed me to get into the business side.”

Those experiences became a solid foundation as Stepheni began work on her debut album. “When putting this album together, I considered cutting a lot of outside songs that I didn't write. I was pitched a lot of songs, but I didn't feel the connection to those songs.” She adds, “I wanted this album to represent me up to this point in my life, and the way I saw best doing that was to record my own songs. So, aside from the two outside songs I did cut, I decided to cut mostly my own songs on this album.”

Now complete, Stepheni is excited to share her musical diary with fans. Whether she is singing about a first-time relationship in “Somethin’ Somethin’” or a maturing one in “Let’s Do It Again,” surrendering to the power of love in “Have Mercy on Me Moonlight,” or finding deep fulfillment in “He Settles My Soul,” respective emotions are laid wide open on the table for all to feel. She hopes her listeners will see pieces of themselves in each song. “I would love for my music to spark emotions indicative of a certain stage in their life, whether it be remembering or going through something, or what they're about to go through. I hope fans can feel my music and relate to the lyrics.” With a lifetime of musical influences, it can be difficult to pinpoint any one single entertainer who was most influential. “People have compared me to Jewel, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow and Joan Baez.” This strikes as a bit of an irony for Stepheni, seeing as “I never listened to any of those artists growing up.”

Even before the release of her self-titled album, Stepheni has already celebrated several memorable career milestones. They include becoming the flagship artist on the newly-formed River Dawn Records, participating in CMA Music Festival for the very first time as an artist this past summer and being invited as a special guest entertainer at the 2010 Animal Rights National Conference. She has opened shows for major label artists including Buddy Jewell, Chris Young, Trent Willmon, Mark Wills, Wade Hayes, Erika Jo. When she isn’t touring, Stepheni continues to work for some of the biggest music industry companies on Music Row.

In conjunction with her album release, Stepheni will embark on a radio promotion tour to visit with and introduce her music to program directors across the country. Once released, will be available in all digital outlets, including iTunes, Scattertunes, and Amazon.com.

In addition to devoting time to her musical endeavors, Stepheni practices compassion to all living things and is active in supporting several charities. She says, “I think I get a lot of my compassion from my mom. My mom has always helped people as well as animals and she has always been very loving toward others. Being raised by her definitely taught me what it's like to have compassion and empathy towards others.” Stepheni was recently invited to perform during a fundraising event coordinated by Brooks and Dunn’s drummer, which raised money for the cure of Huntington’s disease. Stepheni has also trained and run in the Country Music Half Marathon with country superstars Diamond Rio for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and she has worked with the Country Music Association. Already an active volunteer, event coordinator and radio spokesperson for various animal charities in the US, Stepheni plans to continue to service her time as her music career progresses.

With the whole world at this young woman’s fingertips, Stepheni is more than ready to take listeners on a journey through exploring her music and her world – and she hopes you will come along and enjoy this exciting ride with her!

Tammy Cochran Biography

Jun 10, 2009

It's been said that the love between a mother and her child is one of the only relationships rendered truly unconditional. Though TAMMY COCHRAN's journey into mommy-hood was a difficult one, ridden with much controversy, the end result is also one of the sweetest joys she has ever experienced. It was through those tumultuous years that a sparkling gem was born! "Half the World Away (Shawn's Song)" is not only a touching ballad that holds a very special place in Tammy's heart; it is also the heart of her fourth album titled 30 Something and Single.

Prior to writing "Half the World Away," Tammy had begun what would become a grueling and drawn out process as she tried to adopt a child from Guatemala. Not long after setting her heart on bringing home a little girl, Tammy found herself being thrown in the middle of a controversial tug-of-war, during which she was repeatedly lied to about her case. "I had been told that I was in and out of family court, PGN, and for over nine months waiting on a DNA test. The truth ended up being that my dossier hadn't even been translated into Spanish, and nothing had been done on my case." The truth was eventually uncovered, resulting in the Florida-based adoption facilitator who was assigned to handle Tammy's case being found guilty on charges for harboring an illegal alien child and sentenced to a year in prison. Charges were filed during Tammy's adoption, which prompted her to change facilitators and lawyers. "I was just one of several victims of this facilitator. Unknown to me, she used an attorney that was banned by the U.S. Embassy. I sent my money to who I thought was a lawyer. Instead, it ended up being the housekeeper of the lawyer." In an effort to contain the situation, Tammy recalls, "Just weeks away from bringing Shawn home, I was threatened that my adoption would stop if I went public with my story."

Though understandably disappointed after witnessing her first effort turn into a fiasco, Tammy began seeking another avenue to pursue a second adoption. Through her own research, she found many of her questions being answered by GuatAdopt, a non-profit organization run by adoptive parents who give moral support and their knowledge about the adoption process. GuatAdopt also organizes several fund raising efforts to help the children of Guatemala. "GuatAdopt is a God send to me. I found them accidentally online and made contact with them. I had been worried about my adoption process and just needed some answers and encouragement. They are wonderful people who care about the children of Guatemala, as they are adoptive parents themselves." The assistance that GuatAdopt offered her was the key Tammy needed in order to free herself of a fruitless goose chase. "They told me how to inquire at the Embassy. I did so and there was NO record of me in the system! I found this funny, since I had supposedly been in and out of family court." Her second go-around, fortunately, went much more smoothly. Since coming home to Tennessee in 2007, Shawn Alan Cochran (named for the memory of Tammy's two brothers) is a healthy growing 3-year-old boy.

Written during a time when she wasn't sure her adoption would go through, Tammy shares, "This song is so personal to me. I wrote this song while I waiting for my son to come home to me from Guatemala. The adoption took two years to complete when it should have only taken about 10 months." She continues, "I guess I've always poured my heart and feelings into my music as a form of therapy, and this song is the product of what I was feeling at the time." Both extremes of the emotional roller coaster she endured during the lengthy process are represented in "Half the World Away," through which Tammy was able to recount the turmoil in her life while still capturing the joy that comes with welcoming a new child into the family!

Just as "Angels in Waiting" pulled on emotional heartstrings, "Half the World Away" will likely become a fan favorite as well. Though, be assured that there are also plenty of light-hearted tunes included on 30 Something and Single! "I love to write songs. Whether they are serious songs of funny songs, I believe there is a place for both. I hope people listening to this album will see and hear my desire to become even a better songwriter." Tammy is especially excited to share the new album because this is perhaps her most personal project to date. "I am so excited about this album, because it's all me. By that, I mean that I got to chose which songs went on the album and how they were produced. It was great to make the album that is 100% me without any external influences."

Even in the planning stages of creating 30 Something and Single, Tammy had one particular favorite she wanted to include from the getgo. That song is "Stand By Your Man," a country classic written by Tammy Wynette that would later become her signature song. The song takes Tammy back to her childhood years when she looked to Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Janie Fricke, and others for musical inspiration. "In a way, I believe as a child listening to all these strong women of country music taught me not only how to sing, but how to sing with emotion." It was during those years growing up in northeastern Ohio that Tammy began nurturing her love for music and singing. "I have always had an interest in music and singing. I don't remember a time when I didn't sing." Both of her brothers were very musical, as well as her mom, who played piano. The endless stream of music in her home played a large part in Tammy's ultimate decision to pursue her dreams of becoming a recording artist and entertainer. "My parents loved country music and it was always on the radio or record player."

Tammy and her family moved to Nashville after her graduation so that she could pursue her music career. In 2001, Tammy enjoyed her first Top 10 single, "Angels in Waiting." The inspirational ballad was written as a tribute to her two older brothers, both of who succumbed to Cystic Fibrosis early in their lives. Though not initially intended to be a single release to radio, the song touched many hearts and continues to resonate with fans to this day. Other hit singles ("I Cry" and "Like Happened") followed from her self-titled debut album and Life Happened, respectively. The few years that followed found Tammy gradually transitioning from being an artist who held a major label record deal to becoming an independent artist. In 2007, she released Where I Am. Having now released two albums independently, Tammy candidly shares her perspective on the matter. "I believe there are good and bad things to being an indie artist. The positives are that you get to be yourself and create music that you believe in and feel passionate about." On the flip side are financial limitations. "The bad thing is there usually isn't extra money needed to do the promotion like the major labels. Because of that, sometimes you miss out on great opportunities."

Financial restraints aside, Tammy isn't exactly in a hurry to secure another major record label deal. "My ultimate goal is to keep making music I can be proud of. I absolutely love my job! Who could ask for more?"

Memarie Gayle Biography

Jun 6, 2009

“Music is the universal language… that’s why I love it! Along with love, music is our taste of heaven on earth.” – Memarie Gayle

Born and bred in the rural town of Baskin, Louisiana, MEMARIE GAYLE grew up in an environment richly infused with music which served as an ideal avenue for her to explore and expand her musical horizons. “My dad is a producer and a songwriter. My mom sang on the Louisiana Hayride when I was a kid. She still sings in church at times but now has a career as a nurse.”

Memarie (pronounced “memory”) has been singing since she learned how to talk and knew early on that music was the soundtrack by which she would live her life. The ardent music fan soaked in all types of music which eventually led her to discover and polish a style that would become all her own. Her parents entered the budding performer into numerous talent shows and festivals, and she was playing in their band by the time she was eight years old! Memarie remembers, “From the first time they let me sing on stage with their band, I was hooked! I knew in that moment that the stage was where I felt the most like myself. I was home.”

It would be impossible to name every artist who has ever influenced Memarie, as they range anywhere from Keith Whitley and George Strait to Kelly Clarkson and Nickelback – and just about everything in between. Memarie admits, “My musical taste is all over the board. I love almost every genre of music.” Her distinctively compelling blues-tinged country voice is a direct effect from having grown up to the sounds of artists like Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker, Johnny Cash, The Judds, Bonnie Raitt, and Sheryl Crow.

Memarie penned her first song when she was just ten years old and soon learned that putting emotions onto paper served well as effective therapy sessions. “It has always been easier to express my emotions through writing songs. It’s kind of crazy how I can write a song about something so close to my heart but telling someone face to face how I feel is so excruciatingly painful.” She quickly took to mastering the guitar, taking occasional pointers from her father. “He would show a chord here and there and I would work on it. I took lessons one time for about a month but that’s it.”

Having already decided she wanted to be a singer early on, it was the movie Coal Miner's Daughter that set really the gears into motion for Memarie to realize her dreams! “I watched that movie so many times during my childhood years! It had a huge effect on me! I related to Loretta Lynn so much because I came from a small town and from a family that was not exactly blessed with financial abundance. It really motivated me and made my dreams seem within reach.” Memarie had the privilege of meeting Loretta in person several years ago backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Loretta’s gracious demeanor is something that continues to resonate with Memarie. “I was working for Make-A-Wish Foundation and had brought a young girl to see her. Loretta was so sweet and spent lots of time talking to her before she went on stage. It was great to know she was exactly the nice person I knew she would be. She was very down to earth, which is how every artist should remain no matter how much success you gain.”

Determined to pursue music full-time, Memarie followed her heart all the way to Nashville to record her debut album. In 2004, she released that album, which included two R&R Top 40 singles and a #1 Christian Country hit. Another song, “I Know You By Heart,” was included in an episode of the MTV television show, “Made.” Prior to finishing her own debut project, Memarie had two song of her songs cut by Ken Mellons as well as a co-write performed by the legendary George Jones, John Anderson, and Ken Mellons. A seasoned performer herself, Memarie has earned opportunities to open for or share the stage with the likes of Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Jason Aldean, Rodney Adkins, Sawyer Brown, Tracy Lawrence, Josh Turner, Billy Ray Cyrus, among others.

Success can be sweet, though more often than not it is short-lived, bringing with it a hefty price for the artist to pay. Memarie has taken lessons from this fact of life as she moves forward toward a fresh direction with her music. “I have learned to go with my gut instinct. You can’t worry so much about where the music fits in if you want to keep your artistic integrity. You should just make music that you love. As long as I am doing that, I am happy. I am working toward that now.” Though change has been anything but easy, Memarie maintains a positive outlook as she delves into new musical adventures. “After I left my previous record label, I have found myself on a journey both personally and as an artist. I have a vision and I am anxious to see it come to life.”

Her self-titled EP featuring six brand new songs is just one of the products of Memarie’s newfound focal point. ”I am trying to be more vulnerable with myself and my music, and I am excited to cut myself free of the restraints others have put on me and that I have put on myself also.” The deeply personal project provided a much-needed outlet for Memarie to deal with the emotions that came with recent tumultuous times. She divulges, “When I wrote these songs, I was going through major changes in my life. I was in a whirlwind of change like I have never experienced before, and these songs are all over the board emotionally. These are all songs I wrote or co-wrote within a 4-month period, and they really represent where I was at that time in my life. There is a piece of me in every song.”

One song included is especially meaningful because it depicts a new attitude Memarie has adapted into practice. “I wrote a song about a year ago called ‘Fearless.’ I really think I wrote this song to propel me to living my life that way. Every time I sing that song, I get to live in that moment for three minutes and really feel what it is like to be completely fearless.” She contends, “Our thoughts are very powerful. Sometimes we have to step away from our immediate life and remember where we have been and also look forward to where we are going.”

As a songwriter, Memarie says she wants people to relate to her song. “That is the most important thing to me. We are all human and we all have similar experiences and emotions. I have been blessed to be able to put those emotions into songs and express what we all feel at some point in our lives through music.”

Though she resides in Tennessee, Memarie’s Louisiana upbringing still remains the core of who she is both personally and musically. “It has everything to do with who I am today. The roots I have there will never leave me. Growing up in a small town with all of my family surrounding me is something that I am so thankful for. My family instilled values in me that still hold, fast even in this crazy world today.”

Still a kid at heart, when she’s not working on music, there’s a good chance you’ll catch Memarie at the checkout line of the local grocery store buying herself cell phone gum! “I really love to act like a kid every chance I get. I have a hard time resisting the crazy candy in the grocery line. You know the candy on the shelves that are short so the kids pick it up and beg their moms to buy it? I buy it for myself!”

Priorities may have shifted, but the one thing that has never changed for Memarie is the big picture. “That’s simple. My ultimate goal is to make a living in music.”

Look for Memarie as one of the Top 20 contestants in Season 2 of Can You Duet. The premiere episode is set to air June 20, 2009 on CMT.

Derek Joseph Biography

May 22, 2009

Born and raised in the rural farming community of Phelps, New York, DEREK JOSEPH had an 8-track by the time he was four years old. "I've always loved music and was always listening to it! Remembering the lyrics to each song always came easy to me." His parents encouraged their young son to further his love for music, and he began taking piano lessons at the age of eight. He soon took a liking to drums and started lessons on the instrument until he discovered his voice – and that’s when Derek’s true musical journey began! From there, he moved on to performing with several successful local bands around town.

Music has no doubt been an integral part throughout Derek’s life. In fact, he hails from a musical family. "My mother always played piano when I was growing up; she was very good at it. She was also a good singer. My brother was a drummer and my sister played the flute. My dad didn't play any instruments until he turned 57 when he started playing guitar."

Growing up, one artist who truly impressed the budding musician was country music superstar, Garth Brooks. "I really loved how Garth took country performance from just standing and singing to running around and being animated on stage. He really gave a show and was entertaining!" Derek is also a self-proclaimed "huge" Brad Paisley fan, and he is equally as much so a fan of Jason Aldean. "The influence of my country style has come from mostly those three artists for sure." In addition to country music, Derek also loves classic rock and 80s hair band music, and according to him, there might not be as large a gap between those genres as people might think! "I think many of today’s new country listeners who relate to that type of music are switching over to country and finding that it has some undertones of that 70s-80s rock in many of its new artists coming up. This, of course, is growing the country fan base even bigger!"

Given his early appreciation for music, one might have guessed Derek would choose to pursue a career in music. He didn’t, however, actually start thinking about making music a full-time career until a few years ago. "I sang backup for many years, but I didn't have the courage to get out front and be lead singer until about six years ago." Thankfully, he has emerged from his shell and absolutely enjoys singing and performing these days!

Once Derek made the decision to give it a go as a solo artist, things fell into place very quickly for him! "I was playing locally and it seemed that more and more people were coming up to me after my shows and saying that I belong in Nashville. At first, I took that with a grain of salt. But after a few months, I decided to try and see if maybe I had a chance." As it turns out, Derek was rewarded with a welcoming reception from Nashville. "It seemed like the stars aligned just right with things happening very fast and then, I had a recording contract!" That contract opportunity came from Nashville-based Little House Records. The label helped Derek record and release his debut single, "No Cool Way," which quickly found its way up the Music Row Breakout Chart, hitting the Top 75 within a few weeks; the single is still climbing and very seriously eyeing the Top 40! Now in the process of finishing his debut album, Derek has utilized a basic gauge when choosing songs for the project. "I like well-written music with great lyrics that tell some sort of story," he says, "not just words fit to a melody or some basic melody built around words." He’ll know he achieved his goal for the album when he has ten solid songs where any one of them could be released as a single. "My whole goal for my album is to not have any ‘filler’ songs. That’s giving people their money’s worth. I don't want to put only two great songs on there that people want to listen to; I want ten solid songs that make people take notice."

Being that he secured a recording contract pretty quickly and is enjoying success with "No Cool Way" right out of the chute, the fact of realizing how much goes on behind the scenes has been a big learning curve for Derek. He recaps some of the things he’s learned so far. "Once you sign a record deal, the hard work has just begun. You don't simply record a song and send it to radio for them to spin. The promotion of a single as a new artist is never ending. I have five of Nashville’s top promoters promoting my single, plus a friend from New York. In addition, I make calls and follow up calls to thank the ones who are playing it. I've learned that every little bit helps and how valuable airtime is, so I've come to really appreciate every station that takes time in their extremely valuable programming time to play my song. Also, just because you have a song on the radio doesn't mean the gigs are going to roll in or that booking agents are going to be knocking down your door! There's just so much to know and learn about the music business, it's mind boggling!"

Derek is also working on honing his songwriting skills. He will be the first to tell you that although he has written some songs, he doesn’t yet consider himself a pro at it. "I tend to write about things very near and dear to me in my personal life. I like songs that tell stories, ones that give you a mental picture of what I'm singing about."

Having learned a few things from his predecessors – including Garth, Brad, and Jason – Derek has refined his own stage show to be a high energy, up-tempo party! "Anyone who knows me can tell you I'm not a very serious guy! I like to have fun on stage, and I want my fans to have fun too! I want to make sure people come away from my shows feeling like they got their money’s worth, and they want to come back again and again." Though he prefers singing ballads, he makes sure to include many high-energy songs in his set lists that make the audience want to get out of your seat and dance! Derek describes his own musical style as being country southern rock. "I love traditional country, but I love contemporary country and southern rock as well. I am equally comfortable singing in any of those three styles, so I try to mix them and give people what they want to hear!" One thing he is not interested in is making "cookie cutter" music. "I want to stay true to myself and the music I create."

Since his debut release, Derek has gradually transitioned from holding a 9-to-5 day job to making a full-time career out of his music. Part of that transitional process includes leaving his home state of New York and moving to Music City. "The plan is to continue to get my music career rolling, but it isn't cheap. Everything takes money, and it's hard as a new artist to line up enough gigs to call it making a living. Booking agents don't want to sign you unless you've already had some road success, have a steady stream of gigs, or have a big name already working, so a lot of times it is frustrating." Then again, Derek realizes, "If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. I'm at a point where I want it so bad, it drives me crazy!"

If you asked Derek whether he ever thought he’d really get this far, his answer is ‘no.’ Realizing that success can be fleeting in the music business, Derek is even more grateful for the success that he has already enjoyed. He admits, "I want it so bad, but so do so many other artists. There's no rhyme or reason as to who gets noticed and who doesn't. For some, it’s talent; for others, it’s luck of the draw; and for others still, it’s as simple as being at the right place at the right time. I thank my lucky stars that I have been fortunate enough to find a record label willing to take a chance on me, that believe in me and my voice, and that thinks people will want to hear my music. So far, so good! I couldn't ask for more."

His early success has only motivated him to continue learning about the music business and creating music that he and his fans can be proud of! "EVERYTHING about what I do is about trying to be top-notch. From the music we play, to the songs we select for my album, to the quality of shirt we produce for the fans to purchase, I never want someone to feel they got short-changed!" Derek believes this philosophy also extends toward the people who are buying his music, and therefore makes sure to let each of his fans know how much he truly appreciates their support. "People tell me I'm a very likeable person and that my personality alone is going to take me a long way. I love meeting and talking to my fans! It's not unusual for my wife and I to go out to dinner with fans or hang out with them. Like everyone else, we like to have fun. I take time with every fan that wants to talk to me." His approachability coupled with the type of live show he gives has helped tremendously in gaining supporters as quickly as he has.

As far as the future is concerned, Derek would eventually like to be invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage as well as be one of the artists featured on the Nightly Stage at a future CMA Music Festival event!

And, what if the music career doesn’t pan out? Derek could very well take up a career in martial arts! He holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and tries to enjoy the hobby as much as time allows. "I used to train six days a week but wasn't able to do it after a back surgery. By the time I was able to begin practicing again, my music had taken off!"

Perhaps that is the way it’s meant to be. As long as he continues to create tiptop quality projects for his fans, we should be hearing a LOT more from Derek Joseph in the coming years!

Nick & Noah Murray Biography

Feb 10, 2009

NICK & NOAH MURRAY have the distinction of being the largest set of twins born in the state of Nebraska (the third largest in the United States). They entered the world collectively weighing an astounding 18 pounds and 9 ounces, with Noah emerging first and weighing 9lbs, 3oz. Not to be outdone, Nick was born 30 seconds later weighing in at 9lbs, 6oz.

Each now standing a dignified 6’ 3”, these blonde-haired, blue eyed twins did everything together growing up. Now, they are pursuing their music dreams together!

Nick shares, “My grandmother always told me that ‘if you find a job that you love, you’ll never work a day in your life!’ That particular saying has stuck with me in everything that I do. I was never happy at my various jobs and career choices, but singing always made me feel good about who I was and what I did.” Noah adds, “A music career has always been a dream of mine, but only recently was I given the opportunity to pursue my dream. When we heard about the American Country Idol contest, Nick and I jumped on the chance to show everyone what the Murray boys were born to do!”

Mischievous as they were growing up, their mother found a way to expend their excessive energy early in their lives: by drawing their attention toward music. She was a singer herself who, according to Noah, “could’ve pursued a music career if it weren’t for her having Nick and me.” He remembers, “Our aunt, uncle, and cousins were performing about every weekend; Nick and I were their biggest fans.” In other words, music was inherent in their blood, and it wasn’t long before Noah and Nick began honing their stage presence through live performances. At the age 5, they took the stage for the very first time singing “Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” Nick says, “We were lucky enough to always have positive reinforcement and people around telling us we were good enough.”

Nick & Noah’s breakout moment was playing to a packed house during the Omaha, Nebraska stop of American Country Idol, where they competed against some of the greatest talent in the Midwest. The twins brought the crowd to their feet and went on to win the show! Later this year, they will host the remaining local competitions for American Country Idol, as well as the National Finals to be held in Branson, Missouri. They earned the gig after a representative from American Country Idol caught their performance. Noah remembers, “He had enjoyed our performance and the way we got the crowd involved. He wanted to know if they could visit with us about hosting Idol on a national level.”

Naming the most influential figures throughout musical history is one area in which these twins differ slightly. Together, they soaked in the sounds of Hank Williams Jr., Toby Keith, and Bob Seger. Nick names Jeff Healy and Jerry Reed among his personal favorites. “Neither of them had a voice that was angelic but they both were amazing on stage and to their fans. They were AMAZING songwriters and had faith in everything they did in a personal setting.” Among the most influential entertainers to Noah were Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins, Garth Brooks, Chris LeDoux, Big and Rich, Brad Paisley, in addition to CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special. “I admired these people and groups and as I grew older, I look upon them on how I can better my career while never forgetting where I come from.”

With a multitude of influences to draw from, Nick and Noah’s own musical style can be best described as outgoing, loud, fun, and country! Fire, explosions, and laughter are just a few of the elements you might expect at any given show. Nick says, “Everything we do we put in 110%. It is never boring doing anything with us, and that’s the way our shows will always be. We jump around, we slide on our feet and knees, we interact and have loads of FUN!”

“Fun” is the operative key concept here, and the brothers do everything in their power to “always have the crowd on their feet, involved, and wanting more!” Noah promises, “We will put on a show that draws everyone in; we’re very addicting. Our shows will never be repetitively the same; each one will be its own performance.” Nick says together, they intend “to corner the market as a duo and come up with new and inventive ways to make Noah and I the best duo act on tour. We want everyone to be in the mindset that they want to tour with us because we have explosive personalities and AMAZING SHOW!”

The fact that they are twins is just one of the qualities that makes this duo stand out. Noah says, “Among all the promising performers that are out right now, Nick and I bring that uniqueness to everything. We are not shy. Both of us are very energetic and love to have a good time!” Nick agrees. “Being a twin helps! We are so outgoing and love pleasing the crowd and it helps that there is always two of us there to do exactly that!”

No matter the setting – whether it was at school events, weddings, or parties – Nick and Noah have always gotten crowds going. But, it was during the American Country Idol competition that convinced the twins to move forward in pursuing a career as country music recording artists and entertainers.

Noah shares how their complementary personalities lend to the music they produce. “Nick always has been the ‘ladies man’ and I’ve always been seen as the more hardcore of the two. In our music and our performances, Nick will be the one to slow things down or get the ladies involved, while I’ll have the crowd at their feet with the more upbeat songs. Yet the both of us love to perform and be in front of a crowd, so our shows will no doubt be a huge performance!”

Music is not the only area in which these twins have excelled. Nick holds a marketing and advertising degree and Noah holds a degree in structural engineering. Noah owns and operates Cyclone Custom Choppers in Collins, Iowa, and has had a hand in building many one-of-a-kind Custom Choppers that have been featured in The Easy Ride magazine. Nick was director of operations for the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he oversaw marketing and advertising for the complex, in addition to sports and entertainment events. Nick is also an avid knee boarder and wake boarder. He was locally sponsored in the knee boarding sport and has tried his hand at advancing to the finals in various competitions.

The values of an honest day’s work were instilled as each contributed to working on a farm in Glenwood, Iowa, for many years. Noah puts their humble upbringing into perspective. “We did not come from a rich family, but rather were raised by a single mother who gave up her dreams to make sure we had everything we needed.”

Their country roots continue to run deep to this day and should serve them well as they continue to charge forward in making a mark their in country music history. Simply put, Noah and Nick Murray are good ol’ country boys who are not afraid to have a good time, but through it all, will never forget where they came from.