Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 07/06/2021

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- Union County-based country band Southpaw has had a string of successes since launching their debut album “Unhitched” in February. Their self-produced album peaked at #3 on Amazon’s Hot New Country Releases chart, they’ve gained radio play around the world, and now they are a national finalist in the Jack Daniel's Battle of the Bar Bands, sponsored by iHeartRadio.

Just 46 bands nationwide were chosen for the competition. One national winner will receive a $10,000 check and an opportunity to perform on an iHeartRadio stage. Voting is open to fans until 11:59pm on July 25, the same day Southpaw will take the stage at the NJ Festival of Ballooning, which also features headliners Styx and Barenaked Ladies.

“We’re really excited to be in the running for this honor, especially with all the extra hard work it took to produce and release ‘Unhitched’ in the headwinds of the COVID pandemic,” said lead singer Christine Radlmann. 

Southpaw’s early success is a testament to the pluckiness of the New Jersey trio, who draw on an unusually wide range of skills beyond music, including broadcast production, videography, film editing, web site design, and social media marketing, to carve their own path in country music from the heart of New Jersey.

“Most people don’t think of country music when they hear New Jersey. But early country never would have happened if not for Victor Records in Camden signing Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter family,” said Southpaw guitarist Colin McConnell. Added keyboardist Sean Garnhart, “Country music is really about what’s in the heart, not where you’re from, and that’s why it’s so popular all over the world.”

---

Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info

---

Southpaw gained entry to the Jack Daniel's Battle of the Bar Bands with their intoxicating honky tonk country single, “Ain’t As Easy As You Drink I Am.” Said Radlmann, “Let’s just say it’s a tongue-in-cheek homage to every guy who ever got a little too confident when drinking at the local watering hole.”

Southpaw is presently starting its first tour and producing its second music video, which follows a video for their single “Within You” that quickly gained 15,000 views on social media.

Formed in 2018, Southpaw is a collaboration of three Union County, New Jersey musicians with distinctly different acclaimed creative careers—published poet and literary editor Christine Radlmann, Emmy-winning sound designer Sean Garnhart, and award-winning advertising professional Colin McConnell.  

PHOTO: (left to right) Sean Garnhart, Christine Radlmann, and Colin McConnell

---

Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info

 

MORE NEWS

Showboat Resorts Garden Pier hosts RE-WIND 69' Music Festival

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- The inaugural RE-WIND 69' Music Festival at Showboat Resorts Garden Pier takes place August 14-16, 2026 - the anniversary weekend of the original Woodstock 1969 festival. This is a spectacular revival of a moment in American history when music united generations, healed communities, and sparked cultural change. For three unforgettable days, Atlantic City becomes a living time capsule, bringing the spirit of Woodstock and 1969 back to life through world-class recreations of the now legendary musical performances by a dynamic mix of New Jersey musicians along with national and international touring acts.

---

Americana Music Association to Honor Robert Plant with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards

---

Prudential Center presents Reggae stars Beres Hammond and Beenie Man on August 20th

---

Ruidosa Fest at Lincoln Center Returned to New York for its Largest Edition Yet

---

The Newton Theatre presents Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives on August 12th

The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads

---

News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates