ClayBank’s debut album on Rural Rhythm Records titled “PLAYING HARD TO FORGET “, released on September 30th, debuted this week at #8 on the Billboard Top 10 Bluegrass Album Chart. ClayBank hit the ground running in 2016 starting in February by winning 3rd place at the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music) National Band Championship, in March taking grand prize at the band competition at RenoFest (an event honoring the late and legendary musician, Don Reno), signing with the Andrea Roberts Agency in April and with Rural Rhythm Records in May.
ClayBank’s current single “Up On Claybank” has appeared on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart multiple times reaching #6 and is being received enthusiastically by bluegrass radio. Written by band members Zack Arnold and Jacob Greer, “Up On Claybank” captures the culture and charm of growing up in this rural community. The single features the lead vocal of Zack Arnold who has been turning a lot of heads in the Bluegrass world.
ClayBank was a big hit at the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) World of Bluegrass last month in Raleigh, NC performing at a special showcase/CD release celebration during the WOB festivities. In addition, this past Tuesday night ClayBank played to a full-capacity and very enthusiastic crowd at the Harvest House Performing Arts Center in Boone, NC.
Produced by Steve Gulley and ClayBank, PLAYING HARD TO FORGET delivers the drive, high energy and beautiful harmonies that fans have been experiencing at ClayBank’s live shows and can now be enjoyed on their debut album on Rural Rhythm Records.
ClayBank members contributed three original songs to the album,“Foot Of The Phoenix”,“Daddy Would Sing” and the first single“Up On Claybank”. The band also reached out to some of the top songwriters for songs on their debut album including; Becky Buller (“How I Love You”), Milan Miller and James Ellis(“Playing Hard To Forget”, “A Little Bit Of You”), Randall Hylton (“It Almost Feels Like Love”), Eli Johnston and Kevin McKinnon (“Demise of Handsome Molly”), as well as Dennis Linde, Stephen Paul Phillips, Lee Black, Kenna Turner West, and Jay Don Johnson.
“PLAYING HARD TO FORGET” can be downloaded by D.J.’s at AirPlay Direct and is available now on iTunes, Amazon and wherever Bluegrass music is sold.
For more information about ClayBank or to find out where you can see them live go to www.claybankbluegrass.com.
