For Sonya Isaacs, her ultimate reason for wanting a solo career in
country music comes down to her outlook on life. "I realize
life is short," she says. "That's why I sometimes wear a
little hourglass on a chain around my neck. It reminds me that
life is short and you can only have an impact on so many people
each day. This is an opportunity for me to reach so many people
with my music. I feel that opportunity has just knocked on my door
and I've opened it." Sonya walked through that door bearing
gifts -- 12 uniquely wonderful songs on a superb debut country
album from a bluegrass / gospel star that sounds like she was born
to sing country music.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, on March 6, 1973, Trent grew up on a ranch near Afton without a television and only one radio station. His mother bought him his first guitar at age 16 and, soaking up the West Texas music scene, he soon began sitting in with local favorites like the Maines Brothers Band and Jody Nix. At college, he quickly learned to play the upright bass and began touring the South with a bluegrass band, then moved to Nashville to pursue a songwriting career.
He was the first writer signed to the staff of Sea Gayle Music, an EMI co-publishing company started by Chris Dubois, Frank Rogers and Brad Paisley. Trent released the single "Beer Man" in early
2004 and his self-titled debut album later that year, a wonderful
collection of true-to-life songs that match his engaging,
regular-guy persona.
Raised in Bethel Acres, OK, Wade Hayes grew up around country music. His father Don was a professional musician who played bars and honky tonks across Oklahoma. An inspired Wade developed a distinctive style at an early age. With his 1995 debut album
Old Enough to Know Better, an immediate hit, and its title track a No. 1 single, The Academy of Country Music nominated him for Top New Male Vocalist of the Year for 1995.
All of Wade's gifts are showcased in high relief - the powerful
voice, capable both of tenderness and rowdy spirit, the
high-quality song selection, the top-notch standard of
musicianship on his latest album, Highways and Heartaches
Pinmonkey boasts a heady blend of country and Americana styles:
traditional Southern gospel, Appalachian folk, Carter Family
harmonizing, Muscle Shoals pop-soul, and even traces of '70s rock.
The band independently released its debut album, Speak No Evil,
in early 2002.
With a new CD, a new label on board, and the tour book quickly
filling up, the boys in Pinmonkey know that they are on their way
back to a better road. When Back Porch Records first heard BIG
SHINY CARS, they immediately made an offer and PINMONKEY responded
without much hesitation.
