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Justin McGurk
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"Justin McGurk Singer/Songwriter" Justin McGurk,singer / song writer from Kildress, Co.Tyrone, Northern Ireland, has just returned from NASHVILLE, TENNESEE, where he performed at the biggest ever music fest which took place from the 9th –12 th of June. High profile artists such as Kenny Rodgers, Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson and Keith Urban {to mention but a few} all performed during this Country music extravaganza. Justin and band member Rory Madden, who make up the popular duo “THE BOOGIE MEN” shared the river front stage in Nashville with some of their all time favourite performers, when they played a live 30 minute show on June 12th to thousands of country music lovers who had travelled from all over the world. Justin earned his place in Nashville when he beat off stiff competition from all over Ireland to win 1st place in the “Search for a new country star.” The contest was held in the TF Royal Hotel in Castlebar in March of this year. He performed a flawless rendition of the Colin Rae hit “Love Me,” which he has added to his new album entitled “Girl like you.” Since recording the “Love me” single, it has proven to be a big hit with listeners across Ireland and England . Music and record shops all over the country have been inundated with requests, asking when they will be able to get hold of the new album. Justin was delighted to learn that, whilst being interviewed by Downtown Radio's Robert Skates, his song “Love me” was the most requested song at the nationwide station during the entire month of June. BBC Radio Ulster’s George Jones is also a fan since he interviewed Justin on his daily radio programme prior to the Nashville trip. The station's listeners enjoyed the informal chat and live performance to such an extent, that Justin has been invited to feature on the show once again (27th July). Local stations Q101.2 and Mid fm also feature Justin's music regularly. Whilst in Nashville, record company executives who attended the Global Artists showcase were very impressed with Justin's original material. It was described by many as having a very “commercial sound.” In fact, during the performance the crowd began to sing along to the popular “Girl like you,” a song that has a certain “catchy” quality not unlike that associated with the Beach boys! The backing band who accompanied the lads in Nashville was Pam Tillis' band and they really did put on quite a show when they jammed with the two Tyrone men. The band coordinator is the renowned Mark Moffatt who has produced songs for the likes of Leeann Rymes and Tim McGraw. Naturally Justin couldn't believe his luck to be working alongside so many acclaimed professionals, as well as being given the chance to perform on the big stage in front of all the top promoters and record companies. However, he proved he could “mix it” with all the big hitters! This was surely the start of greater things to come for the Tyrone man. In addition, it has recently been confirmed that Justin will support American artist Hal Ketchum on his Ulster Tour in September of this year. Hal, who had a world wide hit with “Past the Point of Rescue” and who has sold over 4 million albums, will play The Millennium Forum in Derry on 14th September, The Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on 19th September and The Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown on 20 th September. Things are certainly progressing for Justin and he is definitely moving in the right circles! He has already been approached by a number of agents who are keen to put a tour together and hit the road! This is something to which he will have to give serious thought, but he promises to honour any engagements already in his diary. Justin has already been invited back to Nashville by his PR company, Aristo Media in January 2006 in order to co-write some material for a third album. The launch of the current album is scheduled for Wednesday 31st August in The Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown. This album was, in fact, re-mastered in Nashville and is available in the shops now. I had the opportunity to catch up with Justin not so long ago in The Greenvale Hotel at a Launch night lovely Person and a great voice ©2007KathleenBarclay All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2007 by Sean Green All rights reserved
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