Reviews

March 21, 2008
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Jonny Bulford is from Orlando, Florida. I have been working with John for a long time, since he was 16. He is 22 now. He is one of the most talented young people I have ever met, plays guitar as well as a session player here, writes way beyond his young years and is an incredible singer. We did a full CD and producing this guy was fun. Every major record label in Nashville loves the CD we did and has had Johnny in to perform live, one huge label has had him in their offices 3 different times. We are getting closer and closer to getting him his big record deal. The song I posted is one John wrote himself called, One Of ThoseThings. I think this is one of my best productions in a while because of the way the song is constructed allowed myself, John and the musicians to really get some great and unique sounds. You have to check this one out. Charlie Craig

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Johnny Bulford: The next big 'Southern Thing'

BY MIKE NUNEZ
FOR FLORIDA TODAY

Johnny Bulford is a fast-rising country music sensation hailing from nearby Orlando.

With a rich, soulful voice and a penchant for writing fun, relevant and lyrically important songs, it's only a matter of time before the world finds out what local audiences have known for years. Bulford is one of the country's greatest undiscovered talents.

During his relatively young career, Bulford has already opened for national headliners such as Collin Raye, the Warren Brothers, Josh Turner, Trick Pony, Emerson Drive, Chris Cagle, Diamond Rio, Tracy Lawrence and Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night. He was also a finalist in the 2003 Colgate Country Showdown, and came back to win the Florida title the following year.

I spoke with Bulford about his latest CD, his outlook on the music scene and his songwriting. So let's Shake, Rattle & Know: Johnny Bulford.

SRK: How difficult is it to make it as a country artist in Central Florida?

Bulford: The Central Florida market is not very big, so it can be difficult to find your market here. The scene is dominated by deejays and rock music, so it's a lot harder to find places to play outside of fairgrounds and such. If you are good enough though, there is a lot less competition in country music. There are only a handful of artists doing original country music compared to rock 'n' roll, so if you find good places to play, the work can be pretty steady.

SRK: How do you feel your music has grown during the past few years?

Bulford: I think songwriting grows just like a person's speech does. The more words you hear and are exposed to, the more prolific you can be in your songwriting. As you grow, you have a better understanding of the world, and you see things from different views and experience different things in life. So I would have to say my songwriting is more mature than it was at first. My music and style hasn't changed very much, but the lyrics have grown considerably more mature.

SRK: As a singer/songwriter, what topics do you typically draw from for your songs?

Bulford: It seems I draw on a lot of the things you typically hear about in country music; mostly about love and that sort of thing. I really seem to write about things that I am drawn to or (am) even asked to write about. I hear people say things like, "There really aren't any songs about . . .," so I write about whatever that may be. I try and write for myself and also for my audience. I like to talk to people, find out what they like and go from there.

SRK: Are there any subjects you consider off-limits for a song?

Bulford: I won't do any cursing in a song. I think the closest I come is I say the word "hell" once in a song. I won't sing about anything dirty or sexual in nature, and no songs about drugs. I just won't sing about anything I won't do myself.

SRK: What's the most difficult part about being an unsigned artist?

Bulford: I guess just trying to decide what to do. I work 30 hours a week doing construction. I go to UCF, I have a girlfriend, and then there's my music. It's tough to give each the attention they deserve and not spread myself too thin. I have to always have a backup plan in case music doesn't work out. I guess fear drives me to do so much. I think getting signed to a record deal would provide me with some sense of certainty and confirm what I am doing musically.

SRK: Who are some of your musical influences?

Bulford: First and foremost was my grandfather, LeRoy Davis. He was a great jazz player who played everything and passed it down to the family. Then there were artists like Garth Brooks who inspired me. I saw Garth when I was a chubby little 14-year-old boy at the old TD Waterhouse, and I remember thinking, "Here is this slightly overweight singer who was just a regular looking guy and all the girls were going crazy for him. I thought that was pretty cool, so I learned to play guitar and fashioned my style after him. I also was influenced by greats like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, Elton John and James Taylor. I like anything with a great melody and a good story.

SRK: What can you tell me about your latest CD, "What Happens Here Stays Here"?

Bulford: It's a little more upbeat then my previous CD. The song, "Southern Thing," shows more of the diversity in my sound. The song, "Don't be Afraid," is another great song. It's a great CD when you have some traveling to do and just want to kick back and enjoy some fun music.

SRK: You have been performing as a solo artist. But do you also have a full band for larger shows?

Bulford: We do have a full band for the bigger shows. We have Alex Gross on drums, Robert Chipley on lead guitar, Michael Spoonhour on bass and Scott Dowdy on rhythm guitar.

SRK: What would you want people who are unfamiliar with your music to know about you as an artist?

Bulford: I am not the type who makes fun of people for selling out. I am not self-absorbed or believe that being a musician is some higher calling. I want to be able to use my music to help people. I had a rough childhood and music helped get me through. I hope my experiences and music helps the next little chubby kid who can't get a girl to kiss him.

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"awesome totally awesome johnny has a great sound thats why you hear him on my station lexcountry www.lexingtonbroadcasting.com and www.lexrock.com
peace,
steve"

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Hey Rhonda and Johnny,
By the way...WOW! Nice sound. Makes me want to go grab a shot and a cool one and listen to this a few more times. Of course, I'm partial to country music....my relatives on my mom's side grew up about 4 miles from the Ozarks. Good stuff! Phil Peretz
President/Founder
Indie Artists Alliance

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NEW ARTIST FEATURE: JOHNNY BULFORD
By Janelle Landauer | www.countrymusiconline.net

Southern Thing | Review:

Indie artist/songwriter Johnny Bulford has a new album available, entitled, "Southern Thing." Bulford's song called "With You" first captured my attention after it was introduced to me on a trip to Nashville. After listening to the whole album, my attention hasn't swayed that much at all.

The title track, "Southern Thing," would be a very popular song for southern folks in the spring and summer. The song just fits as one of those great road trip songs with the rockin' up-beat tune.

I'm confused as to why "See You Later, Alligator" is on the album. No matter how much of a great beat it has, I just can't see a song saying "see you later alligator, after while crocodile" ever making it in the industry. It may fly more than I think, but I'm skeptical on this song for radio success purposes. "Scream" is the track with the most ability based on lyrical and beat combination that every album needs. The intensity of the guitars shines through yet doesn't overpower the entire song.

"In My Hands (Granny's Song)" is the one single that I think defines an artist. "In My Hands" is the best written, classically performed and overall a true standout. Contemporary Christian music has increased drastically over the past couple years and this song would fit right in. In the country genre, I'm sure you'd catch more flack than praise for a Christian single but Bulford deserves high respect with this one. The piano solo of "Amazing Grace" at the end of the song is another timeless addition to an already mastered effort.

The production doesn't seem to be at the highest quality level yet, but the main factor to realize is that Bulford can sing and write well. With a little more production time, Bulford could be competing among the best of the best. Bulford's voice is uniquely crafted and it comes across as one of his most apparent assets.

Top picks: "With You," "Scream," "In My Hands (Granny's Song)," and "Southern Thing."

To find out more about Johnny Bulford, visit his official site at johnnybulford.com

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*SLINGA’S FEEL GOOD MUSIC ARTIST’S CD REVIEW*

*JOHNNY BULFORD* (USA)

~This gifted singer/songwriter born in Orlando Florida in 1985 with the passionate rich voice has written all 7 songs on this 2004 self titled CD. Great music you will want, grab your ‘mouse’ and check this out www.johnnybulford.com http://www.slinga.com/

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Hey I just got the CD "Southern Thing" in the mail today, and immediately put it in my CD player. I had just heard snippets of That Day, and decided to order the CD from CDbaby. Holy Cow! I love it! So far I'm addicted!!!! I love every song. :) Just Like Us(?) made me cry. .. and I think Related to the Wrong People has to be written about my dad's family!Anyways, I just wanted to say thank you for the great CD, it will be #1 in my car now. I'll definitely reccomend it to all my friends and family.

Jessica
(Sarasota, Florida)

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The Chip Martin Critique:

"How Could I Not"

Here is a song- and a singer deserving of major-league treatment!

A tender, expressive lyric beautifully rendered by just the right vocal- and even though accompanied by only guitar, the song works wonderfully. Truly the mark of a great song is one that entertains without the need for lush production, and this one delivers. Melody and lyrics dance about with passion and conviction- and the dynamics of the performance indicate a seasoned talent ready for a major audience!

Chip Marin, BMI is a Gold Record Writer for Indie Islands eMagazine www.indieislands.com

Chip’s Website is www.chipsongs.com

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THE SCENE – JUNE 25TH, 2006
The Johnny Bulford Band
2006-06-28
Article Written by: Dan Lang

This week on “The Scene”, we featured Wonderful Johnson from Naples, and The Johnny Bulford Band from Orlando. For the first time ever, the show was streamed live on the web at both www.whog.fm and www.blacksheepradio.net after being available to only Volusia and Flagler counties for two years. With WHOG upgrading their website to include live streaming, and Black Sheep Radio's participation as a major sponsor of the show, people from all over the world are now able to listen in.

The show opened at 9:00PM at Finnegan's Beachside Pub in Flagler Beach with The Johnny Bulford Band taking the stage. John is an extremely talented singer/songwriter in the Country genre. Though he recently turned 21, John exhumes maturity in his musical and personal approach. The band performed songs heard earlier on the radio program such as "Related To The Wrong People", "Scream", "Southern Thing" and "Just Like Us". The Johnny Bulford Band features John's sister Alicia on backing vocals. Alicia is a talented solo performer in her own right. She recently was named a finalist in the Colgate Country Showdown, and performs on her own around Central Florida. Rounding out the rest of the band was Rebecca Gaskins on Bass Guitar, Alex Gross on Drums, and Robert Chipley on Lead Guitar. Not performing on Sunday night, but very much a part of the Johnny Bulford Band is Dave LeGrande. John has such a great singing voice and writes such beautiful songs. This was the first time that we had seen the whole band play. John had played our show last year, but performed acoustically. Though a big fan of acoustic music, I think the audience at Finnegans appreciated seeing the entire band perform. The band has a big show at Orlando's Hard Rock Live on July 22nd with Sandstone. You can contact the Bulford camp for tickets at www.myspace.com/johnbulford, or check them out at www.newcountrystar.com. John is up for Favorite New Male Vocalist at the site, so drop by and vote for him.

See the article here. http://www.whatshappeningdaytona.com/music/article/267

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Out of Orlando 's bloated music scene packed with Nu Metal and Emo/Screamo bands comes a breath of fresh country air in the form of Johnny Bulford.

Though only 22 years of age, Johnny has taken the Central Florida country music scene by storm, and already has quite a resume to his credit. Johnny was a finalist in the Colgate Country Showdown in 2004, and he won the state level in 2005. Most recently, Johnny was voted best new mail artist at New Country Star ( www.newcountrystar.com ).

It would be easy to list all of Johnny's past accomplishments and honors, but as a member of the Central Florida music media, I am most impressed with Johnny's humility and professionalism .

If you are familiar with the process in Nashville , you know that most songwriters supply the more marketable artists with their material, while staying in the background. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict that Johnny Bulford will not become one of those songwriters. He is charismatic, dynamic, and has one of the best singing voices in any genre on our Scene today.

Johnny has a way of grabbing his audience and touching their hearts with songs that are very personal and profound. Another song that stood out was one called “Related to the Wrong People”. The song gets up and personal about some of Johnny's family members' bad habits and poor life choices. The song is both accurate and hilarious. While speaking to Johnny after his set, he told me that the song has already attracted some serious attention by artists in Nashville , but Johnny didn't want to disclose details until they were final.

Johnny Bulford was born on June 19 th , 1985 , in Orlando , Florida . He was a very active athlete early in his childhood, playing both baseball and football competitively until a football injury side lined him. Unable to continue his football career, Johnny turned to music. His Granny bought him his first guitar and before long he was performing at weddings including his cousin's, where he played Clint Black's “When I Said I Do”. Johnny was now hooked on performing. He continued to play at weddings and other local events, and even played at his High School's Homecoming dance.

In March of 2003 at age 17, Johnny was introduced to a man named Charlie Craig in Nashville . Charlie is an accomplished songwriter who has written for artists like Alan Jackson and Travis Tritt. Charlie Craig would become Johnny's inspiration to becoming a songwriter in Nashville . Also in 2003, Johnny began to enter talent contests in his area. Each time he has been entered, he has placed in the top five, one time finishing as the number one artist. In 2004, Johnny co-wrote the songs “Now” and “The Day After Yesterday” with Nashville veteran Larry Bastain. Larry is famous for having written “Unanswered Prayers” and “Rodeo” among others for Garth Brooks.

To say that Johnny Bulford has a bright future as a singer/songwriter would be quite an understatement. Johnny's association with Charlie Craig, and others in Nashville will prove to be quite valuable in the future, but I feel that John's true future will be as a performer on his own terms.

--- Dan Lang

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"What Happens Here Stays Here" Reviews from CD Baby

*****I love every song on this CD. I listen to it every day.
Reviewer: Janet Palm
I love all of the songs on this CD. I can't wait to see Johnny in person tonight at the Square Grooper in Jupiter, FL. He's great.
*****Awesome CD!
Reviewer: Nancy Hill
Every song on the CD is awesome! You will find yourself playing it over and over! Every one of my friends and family bought one after listening to it!
*****Johnny's got the goods!
Reviewer: Ray Fontenault
My word this young indie artist has got MAJOR talent. Awesome voice, great songs and a personality to boot! The best country CD I've bought this year. Ray Fontenault, DoRay Music Promotions

"Southern Thing" Reviews

*****great song it is a southern thang
Reviewer: florida cracker
besides garth brooks is one of the best cds i have ever heard especially its a southern thing
***** RISING STARS: Johnny Bulford
Reviewer: New York Times ( click for website )
This CD and Artist will be the next big thing in Country Music. Limitless Vocal and Guitar Talent is the reason this rising star will make it.
***** My son likes it!
Reviewer: Renee McMann
I love this CD, all the songs are great! When I played Southern Thing with my son in the room I told him a little secret about Johnny. He was excited because he thought the person singing was Alan Jackson! I think that says alot about Johnny's music!
***** Wow! Wonderful, great,This guy is going places.
Reviewer: Yvonne Tirey Porter
Love the stories it tells
***** Lots of wisdom and talent for a young lad
Reviewer: Wade Liles
Typical JB fashion. Loads of talent and a whole bunch of wisdom in the lyrics for such a young lad. A great performer with some wonderful returns from the recording studio...
****** Rising Talent
Reviewer: Jeffrey
Witty, Down-home and poignant, Johnny excels in the grasping the details that elude emotional description. An absolute delight to which to listen.
***** Sounds like a verteran recording artists rather than a newcomer.
Reviewer: Jerry Rollins
Johnny's voice is so rich and easy to listen to that all of the songs sound great. Then add to his voice the fact that he writes his own songs and he will go far in the music business. Jerry Rollins
***** Fantastic CD
Reviewer: Eric B.
This is one of the best CD I have heard in recent years. I look forward to hearing more.
***** great
Reviewer: kelly
this is so great you can go big
***** Absolutely Fantstic Music!
Reviewer: John Mondelli
This CD is truy FANTASTC! Johnny is incredibly tallented and his music is powerful, moving and fun! His voice is superb and his songs really come from the heart. It's rare that a country artist catches my attention sice rock is my thing, but this CD is very well done and sounds like a country-rock fusion that is truly captivating, riveting and full of amazing music!
***** Johnny ROCKS !!
Reviewer: Melanie Lokey-Rollman
Make room for that CMA award Johnny cuz it's coming !! This CD is FABULOUS and I speak not only for myself but for everyone who has been lucky enough to ride with me in my car and hear it (it's all I play)!! From young to old, they all agree - AWESOME MUSIC!!! Cant wait for the next one !!
***** Talent well beyond his years! Just Amazing!
Reviewer: Melyssa
From the moment I heard it the first time I just knew it would be a hit! I think the different sounds in each song make it possible to appeal to a larger range of people! I love every song on the CD but if I had to pick 1 favorite I would have to say 'Sail Away With Me'...it's just so beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes everytime. I think with this CD Johnny Bulford has got GOLD!!!

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What Happens Here Stays Here

Johnny Bulford

3 1/2 (out of 5)

Singer/songwriter Johnny Bulford has a sound and style all his own. His latest CD, What Happens Here Stays Here , has an artistic feel to it. While still in a pop country vein, at no time do the songs feel formulaic.

Johnny has a distinctive voice that sets him apart from many of the artists currently in country music. However, his vocal range is not employed enough on this CD, which leads to the limitation of this collection of songs. Most of the songs on the CD are very similar. Adding a few more songs that showcase Johnny's vocal depth and range (like "Whose Bed Am I Sleeping In Tonight") would have made this a stronger CD. That being said, there are still some excellent songs on the CD.

The title track is a wonderfully breezy number about reckless abandon and not worrying about the consequences. It would be hard to get tired of this song. "How Could I Not" could be one of the great love songs of all time. This ballad has perfect pacing and talks about how he had no choice in falling in love with his girl. This song will definitely have the girls swooning! "When I Make It" is a song sung by a hopeful dreamer who is just waiting for his chance to play the Opry. Almost certainly autobiographical, people can relate to this song, regardless of their passions, because it inspires hope to reach for your dreams. "Whose Bed Am I Sleeping In Tonight" is totally different from any of the other songs on the CD and that's a good thing. As stated before, this song shows off Johnny's vocal abilities and range and also has a neat 70's funk feel to it. Lyrics and music make this a fun and entertaining song.

In all, What Happens Here Stays Here , is a good album. None of the songs on the CD are bad, however, collectively, they lose a little strength because they're all very similar. A more varied approach would have made this a stronger album. However, this is still a good album and I would recommend you pick it up. There are some great songs here you don't want to miss!

You can download the CD at

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Singer Songwriter Johnny Bulford gave an incredible 45 minute performance at the Marriott in Nashville on June 8 th . For a few of us, it was the first time to see Johnny Bulford perform, and his songs were delivered with pure perfection. His songs? Yes, this 22 year old from Orlando , Florida writes all his own music. Lyrics that sound like he's lived well beyond his 22 years. Songs like “How Could I Not.” which could possibly be one of the most touching unheard love songs of the decade, tenderly flows “how could I be here with you without endlessly, hopelessly, helplessly, totally, loving you with all that I've got.” From ballads, to fun upbeat songs like his current single, “What Happens Here Stays Here,” and “I'm Related to the Wrong People” which most anyone can “relate” to, all sound as if they were written by a seasoned veteran, and could stand alongside any top notch work out of Nashville today. The exceptional songwriting then performed by Bulford himself, with his powerful yet tender melodic voice uncomparable to many on the charts right now, make for an unforgettable experience. Our suggestion, catch a Johnny Bulford show if you can, and most definitely check out the music. You will be hooked. Visit www.johnnybulford.com for more information or check him out in the New Country Star Directory.

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