An evening request reminder, and a change of seasons...

This new promo shot's floating around--many thanks to the kind pixie who popped it into our inbox! Bucky Covington, from the photoshoot for his upcoming second album. (Photo credit: Lyric Street Records)

Labor Day's almost over--and no matter where you live and what the weather's like, there's a feeling of change in the air. What's in store for the rest of the year? Bucky Covington's concert schedule is jam-packed, of course (get out to a show if you can!) and as of post-time, his second album is slated for a November 3rd release.

Seasons change, and so do ways of supporting our favorite performers. So far, in the course of watching Bucky go from Idol semi-finalist to Nashville recording artist, we've voted by phone, bought Idol tour concert tickets, started websites, MySpaces and blogs, and shared lots of positive reviews by good old word-of-mouth. And naturally, we've done the perennial, bedrock Active Fan Big Three: buy the album, go to the shows, request the singles on radio. What's next?


Thanks to our generous friend Lacypony for this great concert shot! Bucky Covington (with Ducky Medlock at left) charmed the crowd in Bremerton, WA last week; click the image to see when they'll be headed your way.

I've always maintained that besides the essentials of talent, charm and terrific music, all the elements of a new artist's support system--label, radio, management, fans--need to be in harmony for the best results. But with both radio and the music industry changing so fast, it looks like the definition of "active fan" might be changing soon as well, in order to sustain that harmony. From here, it's hard to see what shape that'll take, but it's easy to see how much love, affection and support there is out there for hardworking Bucky and his excellent band. (So here's a big thank you to you!)

Whether you've been enjoying him for a while now, or you just saw him for the first time in concert last week, there's no doubt that Bucky's nearly three solid years of touring everywhere from CMA Fest's LP Field to intimate country clubs has made a huge impression on his growing legion of fans. Recessions, consolidations, conservative playlists, chart storms and industry shakeups aside, the one thing that remains constant is the fact that when an artist can touch you live and leave you wanting more, he or she has got an asset that can only become increasingly valuable year by year--an asset that changing times can't take away. (Yeah, you and I knew that Bucky had it way back in the day, but it's sure nice to watch his reputation as a must-see live performer grow and grow...)

And of course, it's always fantastic to hear Bucky on the radio, too! "I Want My Life Back" is an amazing song, live and on your speakers--give your local country DJ a call, or contact your favorite syndicated host or hostess:

Lia: 1-800-577-7LIA
The Big Time w/Whitney Allen: 1-877-494-4863
After MidNite: 1-800-722-6483
CMT Radio Live w/Cody Alan: 1-866-877-4CMT
2nd Shift w/Alan Kabel: 1-888-96NIGHT
GAC Nights: 1-866-942-GAC1

Enjoy your holiday evening!