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Sunday, 8 August, 2010 11:11 AM
CMA New Artist Spotlight: 'Due
West'
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Photo
by Tony Baker
Due
West |
| By
Bob Doerschuk |
| ©
2010 CMA Close Up News Service |
The trio Due West —
Tim Gates, Brad Hull and Matt Lopez — radiates enthusiasm
through its robust harmonies and rock-solid song craft. Even the
slow waltz “When the Smoke Clears,” written by Lopez
and Don Rollins, addresses the issue of infidelity with a lead vocal
that impresses through the drama of its delivery as much as its
immersion in the lyric. Their first single, “I Get That All
the Time,” by Lopez, John Bettis and Jason Deere, touches
on similar topics, but the positive spin of the chorus transforms
the narrative into a celebration of making the right, if less tempting,
choices. (The album includes only one cover, a foot-stomping take
on Craig Wiseman’s and Brad Crisler’s “County
Fair.”)
Born in Sheridan, Wyo.,
Lopez moved to Arizona, where he and Thatcher, Ariz., native Hull
became friends. In 2003, they relocated to Nashville, where Hull
began his studies at Belmont University. Attending a party together,
they met and started singing with Richfield, Utah, native Tim Gates;
just like that, the seeds of Due West took root. They clicked from
the start — so well, in fact, that they were inspired to document
their union with “Due West,” written by Gates, Hull,
Lopez, Jason Deere and Sonia Deere, a mini-autobiographical tune
with a sing-along exit chorus, rousing melody and breezy beat, all
of which reflect their camaraderie onstage and gratitude at having
been brought together as friends and colleagues.
After making their bow
at a VFW gig, the threesome charted a course that began with a residency
at the Alabama Grill, where Gates happened to work as a manager.
When a development deal with RCA Nashville terminated in the wake
of the Sony/BMG merger, Due West took full control of its fortunes,
booking shows as far off as Australia and recording their self-titled
debut album for upcoming release on their own imprint, Bigger Than
Me. Produced by Jason Deere and released in April, Due West testifies
that persistence, patience, friendship and talent can better the
odds for every artist with plenty to offer.
IN
THEIR OWN WORDS Q&A
SONG
YOU’D LOVE TO COVER
HULL: “‘I’ll Be Over You,’ by Toto.”
GATES:
“‘Drive,’ by The Cars.”
LOPEZ:
“‘6 8 12,’ by Brian McKnight.”
CD
IN YOUR STEREO
GATES: “20 Greatest Hits, by Don Williams.”
HULL:
“Twang, by George Strait.”
LOPEZ:
“Revolution, by Miranda Lambert.”
FAVORITE
FOOD ON THE ROAD
LOPEZ: “Fresh salmon and sushi.”
GATES:
“Health shakes (I carry a blender in my suitcase).”
HULL:
“Ice cream and peanut butter M&Ms.”
WHAT
YOU’D BE IF NOT AN ARTIST
LOPEZ: “A hit songwriter/producer.”
GATES:
“A social worker helping people with disabilities get jobs.”
HULL:
“Depressed.”
On
the Web: www.DueWest.com
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