NASHVILLE, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Lotos Nile Media) - Mississippi born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rob Blackledge releases his debut album, Inside These Walls, today,
September 15th, through One Revolution Entertainment (ORE). With national attention from a song placement on the hit reality TV show Ruby, the chart success of a song he co-wrote with country stars Love and Theft, and inclusion in the Next BIG Nashville showcase, this debut release heralds the arrival of an up and coming musician with a natural ability, an engaging audience rapport and a bright future.
Poised to join the world of professional athletes as an accomplished baseball player with scholarship offers and interest from the Marlins, Braves, and Astros, among others, Rob Blackledge decided instead to have his voice heard and his music shared. After graduating high school, Blackledge chose a school in Music City to nurture and polish his raw songwriting talents. Whether on guitar or piano, Blackledge's fresh Southern voice shines and his lyrics dig deep, especially evidenced on the ten tracks featured on his ORE debut Inside These Walls.
An affirmation of his talent, he used a Belmont school talent performance as a jumping off point to help him land a spot on the road with Dave Barnes, an accomplished Nashville-based independent artist. On tour with Barnes, Blackledge traveled around the country in his car, playing about 100 shows in 2006 while developing his undeniable stage presence and building a loyal fanbase. This grassroots venture served as training for Blackledge and he returned to Nashville with a clear sense of purpose.
In 2008, Rob co-wrote the song "Runaway" with rising country stars and friends, Love and Theft. "Runaway," on Love and Theft's World Wide Open album released through Lyric Street imprint Carolwood Records, currently sits at number 17 on the Billboard Country Chart and has been moving up steadily since its debut in March. Rob's skillful songwriting eventually caught the ears of One Revolution Entertainment executives and led to his recording deal. Partnering with Love and Theft's producer Jeff Coplan for Inside These Walls, Blackledge's established relationship facilitated the creation of his own brand of pop which evolved out of his many diverse musical influences.
From the radio-friendly pop lament 'Should've Known Better' to the emotionally driven 'Worth Taking,' Blackledge shows off his innate sense of melody, passionate vocals and musicianship. 'Sweet, Sweet Lady' finds the artist invoking his Mississippi blues influences, while 'Granola Girl' is a tender ode to his bride to be, wrapped in the sultry blanket of a simple, yet effective reggae groove. With the socially conscious ballad 'Our World,' Blackledge implores listeners to create a collective movement towards compassion for all that surrounds us. The song 'Everything' was featured on the September 6th season finale of the Style Network's hit reality show Ruby.
Next month, Blackledge will take part in the 4th Annual Next BIG Nashville Music Festival. Next BIG Nashville runs October 6th through 10th and showcases Music City's freshest new talent, solidifying Blackledge's emerging significance in Nashville's music scene.
With Inside These Walls, Rob Blackledge introduces himself as an exciting new artist on the music landscape; from the Deep South to Music City, Blackledge honors all the musicians he has grown to love while staying true to his genuine talent as a young artist. Nurtured by a dynamic environment, wonderful collaborators and a contemporary entertainment business model, this record will be the first of many for this bright new artist.
