Highway South Records artist David Shelby continues his momentum to
stake his claim as a masterful instrumentalist, composer and rocker in
the country music format with his latest radio release “Moonshine,” the
second single from his debut CD project entitled RUST BELT COWBOY.
Written by F.J.Turner (and co-produced by Shelby, Turner and Chris
Virzi) the cut lends insight to Shelby’s playful character in lyrics and
reinforces his serious talents as a producer and songcrafter. The track
opens with a “We Will Rock You” heartbeat rhythm and offers an extended
invitation to a backwoods party “lit”–by the light of the moon and the
liquid courage that remains at the bottom of a mason jar. Referencing
“good time country that rocks n’ rolls” from today’s Top 40 to classic
honky-tonk tunes, this up-tempo redneck rumble is fueled by standout
lead guitar licks that set the tone for this “spirited” outdoor shindig.
A standout among the seven tracks featured on Shelby’s RUST BELT
COWBOY (August 2013), “Moonshine” also made an impressive showing at
release as one of the “most added” tunes (in company alongside Keith
Urban, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band and Dierks Bentley) entering the
Music Row charts at No. 76 and has since enjoyed sound and steady growth
(now at No. 66 on the charts). The single is available via PlayMP3
(9/23/13).
Shelby entered into the country music scene as official with his
debut single release, “Kick A Little Dirt Around;” the tune (and
corresponding line dance) made an impression on folks across the country
and the pond. (“…Dirt…” sat in the No. 1 slot of the UK’s HOTDISC Top
40 for seven consecutive weeks.)
Shelby has performed before sold-out crowds at some of the world’s
largest venues (including DTE Energy Concert Venue and First Midwest
Bank Amphitheatre–formerly The World Music Theater–in Chicago); as a
member of the brass section on trumpet, he’s toured internationally with
award-winning recording artists such as The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The
Turtles, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Stevie Wonder and Davy
Jones (The Monkees); and shared the same center stages as Styx,
Foreigner and, most recently, Hank Williams, Jr. He recently signed with
Artists Entertainment Nashville for booking/tour representation and has
been tapped to record a specialty holiday song (written by the
legendary rock guitar deity Dick Wagner) to be featured on the
compilation entitled A MICHIGAN CHRISTMAS OF HOPE (to benefit No Child
Forgotten and The Holy Cross Children’s Services and anticipated just in
time for Christmas).
A scholar of music and a well-rounded instrumentalist, David’s songs
reflect his admiration for Nashville and the history of country music,
the evolution of rock ‘n roll, and the rhythm and grooves that shout:
“Detroit!” His current single is a creative meld of a brand new
country sound destined to settle into “Nashville” territory.
