(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.”
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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
"Rinny," that is correct, it's my first album ever but I do have an acoustic one coming shortly too but that has all different songs on it than the "Rinny" album," said a very enthusiastic Amber West as her debut album "Rinny" is releasing on Friday January 23.
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Join Asbury Park Theater Company as they celebrate Joe Cocker's groundbreaking live album and tour, Mad Dogs & Englishmen, on Saturday, February 14, 2026 on the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre stage at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. The show, previously announced as a two-night event at Ocean Grove's Jersey Shore Arts Center, makes a sudden surprise move to the Basie due to special demand and limitations for audience and production at the OG venue. An exciting move for the growing and evolving theater company, this is the first time Remember Jones will bring this show to the Basie stage.
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- It's time for the annual Light of Day shows! A time when Asbury Park comes alive with music throughout the city -- everything from singer-songwriter to rock & blues to cover bands and tribute acts. It's a great time to check out new artists, see your favorites, and experience new venues. In addition to Asbury Park, there are shows at City Winery in NYC, John & Peter's in New Hope, Outpost in the Burbs, and Bob's Birthday Bash in Red Bank.
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