J. Marc Bailey has had an interesting ride so far. He first appeared on these pages back in February of this year when we featured his single “Once a Cowboy.” The song was one of many highlights from a remarkably productive and successful year for the Country crooner. 2020 saw a dozen singles from the Nashville, Tennessee songwriter. The tremendous output marked a comeback of sorts for Bailey and it is a wave he is still riding high. 

In the early 2000’s Marc launched the first phase of his music career. He had a hit record and was rubbing shoulders on stage with the likes of Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and many more. Then he took a step back from center stage and lived life. He worked behind the scenes in the music business and spent quality time with his family. The spotlight eventually beckoned him back. However, with 15 more years under his belt he had learned a few lessons about music and life. 

That’s where “Unbroken” comes in. Marc’s latest single is one with origins in those early years. However, like the singer himself, the song has grown deeper roots and taken on a wiser view of the world. Lyrically “Unbroken” takes a look back at the storms the singer has weathered over time, and looks ahead to the unknown with a learned resolve. It’s a song about getting older, but not about getting old. It’s about appreciating the ride and taking a little pride in making it this far. Marc explains that in its original incarnation the song came from a place of angry defiance. But now, there is more nuance to his message. 

"For me this final version of the song is more about how we all stray from the correct path, I have lost my way plenty of times but in the end it’s about fighting back, loving without limits, trying hard to do what’s right, standing strong and coming out the other side… UNBROKEN”.  - J. Marc Bailey 

Musically “Unbroken” is a warm organic Nashville mix. Over a mellow bass, drum and acoustic guitar rhythm track Marc trades lines with a smooth lap steel, melodic mandolin and some really slick Country/Blues electric guitar. At the heart of the tune is the cool confidence of Bailey’s classic Country tenor delivering the wisdom of a man with a long road behind him and plenty more ahead. 

“Unbroken” is at radio now and picking up spins across the nation. Call your favorite Country station and request “Unbroken” by J. Marc Bailey.

by Bob Smith 
April 27, 2021

February 14th, 2021 - 15 years after the first attempt at this song, "Unbroken"

This song has taken me a very long time to work through and feel alright with releasing. Even up to last Wednesday, as I was on the phone with a close friend who helped with this first acoustic cut and who was telling me I was crazy to even second guess putting it out, I was very unsure about how I finally felt letting it go. It was originally part of an unreleased project that I recorded immediately after the "Just To Hang Around" album clear back in 2005.

I was going through a lot at that point in my life with the overall feeling basically being let hell rage and everything and everyone pile on... I will stand Unbroken, even have the tattoo to show for it.

Time has tempered and tamed that feeling and helped put things in a better perspective. For me this final version of the song is more about how we all stray from the correct path, I have lost my way plenty of times but in the end it's about fighting back, loving without limits, trying hard to do what's right, standing strong and coming out the other side... UNBROKEN".

I hope you enjoy this first listen of the songwriter's version, a full recording is in the works.

God Bless,

J.

January 2021 - Singer J. Marc Bailey recently announced the release of an outstanding new single: “I Can’t Stop You.” 

This particular song was actually set for release to radio in March 2020. With the world coming to a grinding halt due to COVID-19 it has made life pretty tough for people in general and it’s certainly been a major downer for musicians and artists with many of them unable to perform or get their music out there. However, J. Marc managed to stay active writing and recording and now decided to release this song this year with it being the follow up single to “Once A Cowboy,” which is also available on the vast majority of digital streaming platforms, to great critical and public acclaim. 

The song begins with a mellow introduction. The acoustic guitar has a bright, heavenly sound, which lets you feel the strumming attack of the pick, but without giving the part any harshness whatsoever. The sound is so balanced and direct, with a robust low end, but at the same time, a lot of string attack. This is really the kind of acoustic guitar sound that you want from a country-rock album! At the same time, the beautiful lead melody features a creamy overdriven sound, with some nice bends that almost remind the audience of a lap steel guitar, but with a bluesier touch. In addition to that, the drumbeat is steady, serving as the backbone to the song, and giving the track a more natural and powerful feel, with a bit of a pop-rock twist. 

J. Marc is a talented vocalist who knows how to express himself to the fullest. His style makes me think of artists as diverse as Keith Urban, as well as Slaid Cleaves, Brad Paisley, just to name a few of his peers in modern country music. 

This song could almost be defined as a “power ballad.” It has some truly amazing bridges that take the vibe to a more intimate place, but the choruses are really huge, almost aiming for that stadium-sized vibe that you would expect from an arena rock band. The electric guitar, in particular, brings a lot of size to the hooks, with big suspended chords, matching the drums as they become more intense, with some nice cymbal washes and flourishes. 

All in all, this song is an amazing piece of modern country, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to any fan of this genre and beyond. The song clocks in at slightly under the 4-minute mark, and in doing so, it feels like a perfectly executed composition. Every part is performed with mastery and with passion, highlighting the perfect balance between technical chops and emotional delivery. This is yet another fantastic addition to J. Marc’s songbook, and it could serve as an amazing introduction to him as an artist, especially if you are not familiar with his music. 

To conclude, it is safe to say that J. Marc definitely managed to set the bar higher with this release and achieve something quite special. “I Can’t Stop You” comes across as a very personal song, which feels like a perfect demonstration of J. Marc’s heartfelt and genuine personality. As an artist, he strikes me as the kind of performer who is often on the lookout for ways to innovate his sound, settling for nothing but the absolute best in terms of quality, on a quest to further redefine his feel and tone. 

Technically speaking, the recording, mixing, and mastering of this song are absolutely flawless, and as a studio geek myself, I always like to focus on this particular aspect when I am listening to new music. Sure, production is not everything, but to me, an artist who creates well-produced songs as J. Marc does is kind of an assurance of quality and credibility. “I Can’t Stop You” would have probably sounded amazing as a rough demo recorded from a phone, but the fact that the track features such a layered and nicely polished (but never “over-polished”) production goes a long way in showing how seriously J. Marc takes his music and his listeners. The production craft on this release, the quality, and the clarity of the recording definitely adds to the listening experience, giving the track a lot of depth and dimension. It almost feels like you are right there in the music when you listen to it on a good set of speakers or with your favorite headphones! 

As always, let the music speak for itself! Do not miss out on “I Can’t Stop You” and other excellent releases from this talented recording artist. Click here to stream it on your favorite platform. 

-L.L. 

www.thebandcampdiaries.com

I'm really looking forward to a Tennessee Christmas this year :) 2020 has been a crazy year for all of us but I sure hope everyone finds some love and peace during the holidays.

Some years back we recorded a Christmas album of some of my favorite songs along with a couple originals. Just wanted to offer it as a free download here from the website. For anyone that would prefer a YouTube playlist for the album click here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

J.

When the decision was made to re-record this song and add it to the album last minute I was both hesitant and excited. This song really means a lot to me, it was one that I had hoped would have been released as a follow up single to "Just To Hang Around" years ago and it holds a lot of bitter sweet memories. I wrote it together with my brother and one of his friends and it's always been a favorite of mine to perform live. 

I love this new take on the song, the slower pace and open arrangement allows space for the lyric and emotion. It will be available for download and streaming soon but you can hear it in it's entirety here before the official release just click on the following YouTube link.

https://youtu.be/pS_oL-p2UnA

I've also attached an acoustic songwriter's cut of the song which won't be available anywhere else.

Sending love and wishing everyone safety and peace.

J. 

I love this song!  My good friend and fellow artist, Jeneen Teranna wrote it and when she sent it to me and asked if I'd be interested in doing it as a duet I was blown away. The idea for doing a duet together came last August when I had a show at a venue called "Rider's In The Country" just outside Ashboro, NC. It was the annual Conquer Entertainment after party and we had Abby Kasch from the previous season of The Voice there performing as well. The night before the show some of our mutual friends were hanging out and Jeneen and I started jammin' out some acoustic songs together, I always knew she was an amazing lead vocalist but I was so impressed with how effortless she made it seem to nail harmonies almost instantly singing together with me. After just a couple songs I asked if she wanted to come do the show with me the following night, needless to say it was an awesome experience and we had a great time on stage. Since then we have been able to perform together at several songwriter nights in Nashville as well as track this duet at Soundstage Studios and work on getting it ready for release. Here is the YouTube video as well as a link to a free download of the Pre-Release Mix which I know you are gonna love :)

YouTube: https://youtu.be/L-flBIklkJw

Download: www.jmarcbailey.com/love

Check out more from Jeneen on her website at www.JeneenTerrana.com

Best Wishes Everyone!

J.

"Welcome To The LIfe" was one of my favorite songs to play live, it was originally released on the "Just To Hang Around" album. Together with Buddy Hyatt both playing keys and producing the song, James Mitchell and Austin Crum tearing it up on guitars along with the rest of the crew including Zach Allen doing the engineering it was picked for a re-release on the new EP! I wrote it together with Chris Russo and Scott Naylor a couple of the best guys I've ever had the pleasure of working with. A free Download is available for the next 24 hours by just clicking HERE.

Check out the video from the LIVE Tracking Session at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville with the following YouTube Link:

https://youtu.be/m1ueypFr5HA

Peace out!

J.

"Deepest Blue" is the latest song to be finished, get the first listen right here!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great 2019 and has some fond memories of the year. I'm so looking forward to 2020 and I really hope this coming year will be something special. I wanted to announce that we have decided on "I Can't Stop You" from the upcoming EP as the radio single, it's being schedule for official release late January / Early February! We have been working on two versions of the song and are not sure which one will be chosen for the release but I thought it would be cool to give a preview of one of the two. This mix features Pat Buchanan on slide guitar, Brent Mason on the tele, and Buddy Hyatt on keys. I hope you enjoy!

Best Wishes to Everyone For an Amazing 2020!

J.

This song has gone through so many changes and versions as it's evolved. I've had a lot of people reach out and let me know that they relate to it. I'm excited to share one of two final cuts with this one featuring Pat Buchanan on the slide guitar and Brent Mason on the electric. Click the link below to listen on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/pytmtsBu8vU

Hope you enjoy!

J.