New Discovery Mainstream Spotlight:
Bobby Kane

“Last Call” is a hit on the IMN Mainstream Chart and Bobby Kane is a featured artist on our syndicated radio show. Find out more about the man behind the song right here, right now.

Born of the New York City streets, Bobby Kane has been surrounded by music all his life. He would jump at the chance to play his aunt's piano or the one at his parent's church. He would take any chance offered to play around with his uncle's guitar. "I would listen to my mother sing around the house and mimic the sound or even harmonize with her from another room, recalls Bobby." I began writing songs at age six. They sucked, but I never took it serious until about grade 6 when I wrote the song called ‘Home.’”

Later, at the age of 16, he would write a song called "Phoenix" after the death of my first girlfriend. “I don't write a song just to write a song. I have to have lived the song first before I ever put pen to paper. Then again, I have written an entire song on the palm of my hand and all down my arm with a marker.”

Holy Cross High school brought about a whole new dynamic for Bobby with the introduction of basic music theory. It began with learning trombone and quickly progressed to him taking first chair for trombone, baritone horn and tuba.

“There's nothing wrong being self taught,” acknowledges Bobby. “In 1992, I began playing guitar for St. Stephens A.M.E. church after being a part of the Youth Choir and their main choir. I was the only Buddhist in the church and that made for some fun times,” he smiles.

Bobby became the front man for a band called Stereo Orphans and after lots of shows and rave reviews, unfortunately the band is no more. But Bobby Kane is going strong.

"I need to get back to where I belong," he said. "I don't need a lot of fancy cars and a giant house. I don't need any of those things. I just want to touch hearts again. There's nothing more beautiful than sharing what you've lived with someone that may have gone through something like it and all parties involved realize that they're not alone in this crazy world. There's a love there that can't be found anywhere else. That's what I'm all about. This life isn't easy but nothing that's worth doing ever is. Being able to share that love with a room or hall full of like-minded people makes it all worth while."

“Last Call” is zooming up the Independent Music Network’s Mainstream Chart. The song is taken from the album “Incarus (Songs of a Fallen Angel).” Don’t sleep on this CD.

Go to www.bobbykanemusic.com or www.myspace.com/Incaruskane for more information about this extremely talented and amazing man. He’s our IMN Mainstream New Discovery Spotlight Artist.

New Discovery Country Spotlight:

Justin Grant

The legions of country music fans wondering where real country has gone need to look no further than Justin Grant. From the red dirt roads of his hometown of Uvalde, Texas, Justin has crisscrossed the USA performing in clubs and at fairs up to six nights a week, often five sets a night. The influence of rich, traditional country music set the standard for Justin's passion for performing.

In this "American Idol" age, the age of instant celebrity, Justin Grant is doing what his musical heroes Waylon Jennings, Earl Thomas Connelly, Brad Paisley, Pete Anderson, and many more have done. He has spent the last ten years traveling and playing in many different venues making a name for himself. The years of lugging equipment to small clubs from Georgia to Montana, of selling his horses because music held priority, of saying goodbye to relationships torn by his weeklong travels only solidified his dedication.

Justin earned his journeyman's license in the electrical field in 2003 and has been working hard to support his passion. Every dime he has earned has gone to producing his CDs, paying for photo shoots, and the costs of trying to get that platinum record on the wall. Justin believes that singing from a workingman's perspective fits his core belief that country music should be a true reflection of common people and their simple lives. "I have been referred to as an old soul and my love of the country and simple things in life are amplifiers of that trait," says Justin.

This shows in Justin's music as well as showing his overwhelming respect for everyday people who through their lives leave a lasting impression on those around them. Justin's role as the troubadour for the common man was destined almost from the start.

Justin started playing the piano in the 6th grade. Later moved to Saxophone in Junior High, sang in Choir through High School where his sophomore music teacher (Mrs. McKracken) told him: "If I ever find out you quit singing I will hunt you down!" Then began playing guitar around the age of 21 and loves it the most. Currently studying the fiddle and banjo.

And by the way Mrs. McKracken, if you are reading this, go to www.indepentmentmusicnetwork.com. Then go to the Country Charts, find “Drink More Beer” by Justin Grant and you will see that there is no need to hunt him down. Justin Grant has not quit singing. In fact, like you, his fans will never let him!

For information of Justin Grant, go to the following websites:
www.justingrantmusic.com
www.myspace.com/justingrant07
www.cdbaby.com/cd/grantjustin

Just The Facts On The Artist Who Make Our Shows
The Man At The Top: Earl Wear

It seems that when Earl Wear releases a song and it goes to # 1 on IMN’s Country Chart. Currently, “She Calls Everybody Honey” is sitting at the top slot, so we thought we better give you some facts about this #1 man, EARL WEAR.

Name: Earl Wayland Wear

Birth Place: Fairbanks, AK

Hometown: Rathdrum, ID

Describe Your Personality:
I am very driven, optimistic and social. I also believe I’m a genuine person and a hard worker and that I am in charge of my future.

Name 1 Thing You Would Like to Change About Yourself:
There is nothing I would like to completely change, so much, (still trying to work with what God gave me, I guess). But there are MANY things I think I need to improve on. The list goes on and on! I feel like I’m always a work in progress.

Prized Possession:
My kids, although not possessions, are my greatest source of pride.

What Person in History Would You Like to Meet?
I would love to meet Abraham Lincoln. He was wise beyond his years and a great President. I appreciate “big picture” people.

Name 1 Living Person You Would Like to Have Dinner With:
Just one? Heck, another long list to choose from. I would like to sit down and chat with Garth Brooks. He just seems like a great guy with a lot of good experiences to share. If Clint Eastwood showed up and joined us, I wouldn’t be offended.

Favorite Artist:
I admire Alan Jackson, as an artist and as a person.

Pets:
I have two dogs (Heelers) that are great.

Dream Vacation:
I’ve never taken a vacation, so narrowing it down to one place is hard. Fortunately, I get to see much of America on a regular basis! I would like to visit the Greek Islands someday though.

Dream Car:
There is no question that my dream car is a 1967 Shelby Fastback 428 Cobra Jet.

Favorite Movie:
I like a lot of different kinds of movies, but “Open Range” is a favorite.

Favorite TV Show:
“My Name is Earl” (ha ha!). No, I like just about anything on the Discovery Channel!

Favorite Place on Earth:
I love Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Tetons are amazing.

Personally, Who Inspired You?
My folks have always been so supportive and they taught me the value of perseverance. They have been my greatest inspiration.

Who Inspired You Professionally?
I’m inspired by many of the greats: Marty Robbins, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Chris LeDoux, Johnny Cash, George Strait, Joe Diffie.

What Makes You Happy?
I am happiest while working hard at what I love (music) and actually seeing the payoff. A big part of that payoff is the great people I get to meet and the appreciation they show for what I do. I’ve heard that if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. Being a full time touring musician isn’t the easiest career path, but as far as I’m concerned, it is the most rewarding!

What Makes You Sad?
I am saddened by the poverty we still have in this great country. I’d like to be in a position someday to help people who can’t help themselves or who just need a boost or a break!

What Do You Worry About Most?
The health and well being of my family is always my biggest concern.

Pet Peeve:
Politics! Period.

Day or Night Person:
Interestingly enough, I am more of a day person. I work in a job that often requires late nights, so I have learned to be both.

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
I see myself playing sold out shows across the country!

What Do You Want to Accomplish in Your Music Career?
As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Desi Hickman Knows That
“Country Girls Rock The World”

Meet Desi Hickman from Carl Junction, MO. This 18-year-old college student from Kansas State University is rockin’ country music and the world for that matter with a true hit song, “Country Girls Rock The World.”

“I've been singing since I was about 10, maybe a little younger,” acknowledges Desi, who is also rockin’ the Independent Music Networks Country Chart and is featured on the syndicated radio show, rockin’ radio around the country. “I love it, its' truly my passion. Music is what I live for each day. I sing country because deep down that's all I am --- a small town country girl. Everything I sing about relates to my country roots.”

Desi admits she has made demos of different types of music, but she always comes back to Country and she knows that is where she belongs. She also writes her own songs, but has a little help from the best partner in the world, her Dad.

“My Dad and I write music together, we have about a total of 11 songs right now, and currently we are working with some musicians in Nashville,” says Desi who lists Miranda Lambert, LeAnn Rimes and Sara Evans among her favorite singers. “This is my dream and passion, and I will do everything I can to make it happen. I also sing the National Anthem at many events. I've sang at the NAIA finals, a couple of Springfield Cardinals Baseball Games, the National YMCA Gymnastic Meet, semi-pro football games, and of course a country girl has to sing at rodeos.”

Check out Desi and her music at www.myspace.com/desihickman.