Durban-based country pop duo Connecting Stars has taken the American country world by storm after smashing into the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts at number 30 with their single Stuck, just days before they set off to play several dates across America. At the same time, the music video is being released with an exclusive premiere on Tasteofcountry.com – one of the biggest country music website in the States. The single, taken from their debut self-titled album Connecting Stars, to be released on August 26th, is the group’s first attempt at capturing the American market and it’s been a massive success for this home-grown talented act.
Having just signed a record deal with American label Morada Music, the duo is amazed to have been received with such gusto by the American market. Marshall Blonstein, music industry veteran and president of Morada Music is quoted as having stated, “We are very selective in the artists we take on but Connecting Stars is very special. The music speaks for itself.” Martin and Cheryl Engel, who collectively make up the duo Connecting Stars, have had extensive careers in the music industry as producers, songwriters and performers. No stranger to the American music climate, Martin cut his teeth on touring in the States as the bassist for 90’s supergroup Tree63, whilst producing several other acts through his own studio.
Connecting Stars’ debut album was produced by Brent Quinton and long time musical peer and friend of the band, John Ellis – also from Tree63 fame. Quinton and Ellis also played a variety of the instruments on the record and helped them create the country-tinged pop masterpiece that has been likened to acts such as Lady Antebellum.
The confirmed American tour dates:
16 August – Rockwood Music Hall – New York
19th August – showcase in Nashville
21st August – Room 5 Lounge, Hollywood
23rd August – LeStats, San Diego.
Connecting Stars is set to be one of the countries biggest musical exports in 2014. The first single in South Africa, entitled Pieces, will be released to radio in August 2014. Watch this space.
