In this Artist Spotlight we take a focus on a Nashville songwriter who's no stranger to Music City.  Florida native singer and songwriter Kirstie Kraus has teamed up with writer Scott Southworth to bring to life a new single titled "Beaches Be Crazy" which dropped March 1st on all music platforms.  

Beaches Be Crazy is a catchy tune that is about letting loose and having fun. The song idea was brought into the writing room by Kirstie’s co-writer Scott Southworth and he told her he actually had the idea for a while, but was just waiting for the right person for it. This will be Kirstie’s first release of 2024 after coming off releasing two duets last year “Who Am I Gonna Love” with UK artist Thomas Kavanagh and “Tide Down” with trop rock artist Mark Mulch.  “Last year I was able to do two duets and now I feel very grateful to release something new and exciting for 2024” - Kirstie Kraus

The song lists a series of destination places where there are beautiful beaches and fun activities for all ages from the budding spring break goers and up! Beaches Be Crazy incorporates sounds of a mariachi band and rhythmic beats that makes it hard not to move to. The cover art photo of Kirstie in a pinata onesie was taken in Key West in 2022 for the annual Parrothead Meeting of the Minds Festival.

“I am a beach girl all the way, I was born in Florida and all my family vacations growing up were going to the beach! Some of my best memories are by the water, watching the sunset. The beach has always been my place of serenity!” - Kirstie Kraus

Beaches Be Crazy will be released on March 1st 2024 in digital and Atmos.

Additionally with the new release on the horizon, last week Kirstie Kraus announced her UK tour "Get Out from Under My Rock" with shows slated in London, Manchester, Bridgewater and others during March and April.  She will then return to the U.S. continuing shows throughout the summer.  If you are wondering....yes, she will be performing near some of the beaches!  Click below to visit her official website and tour information at https://www.kirstiekraus.com/ to find a show near you.  And while you wait for the release this Friday, be sure to listen to WFMC Jams throughout the week to hear "Beaches Be Crazy"

WFMC Jams had a chance to sit down with Chance Peña at the 2023 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Saturday afternoon.  Chance who grew up in Texas, found his interest in music at a very early age of four when he discovered his dad's guitar and would eventually a few years later started playing in church.

Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez

Chance was 15 years old when his interest turned mainly to music and had the opportunity to perform on "The Voice".  Taking the experience from competing with other artists and the experience from performing on the show, he favored the idea to become a musician despite the general conceived fallacies of the music industry.  As a result, Chance embraces music with all the challenges that come with it and the hard work involved while staying true to being himself.  As a result he has released many successful singles including "High's and Lows" "Bleeding Out" and "In  My Room" earlier this year.  On July 21st, Chance will be releasing the EP "Lovers to Strangers" which will include "In My Room."   The single already has over 100+ million plays on Spotify.

For the full audio interview with Chance Peña below to learn more about the members and how music has become a passion:

After Bonnaroo, Chance will hit the road and continue his tour into the United Kingdom for several shows.

For additional tour information and details on his upcoming album in the future, be sure to check out Chance Peña official website and follow his social media.

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival returned to Manchester, TN is located on a 700+ acre farm providing attendees one of the most unique experiences in the country allowing four plus days of live non-stop music across many large stages. In addition to all the fun offered in Centaroo, the festival has taken great strides each year to build "Outeroo" a camping area accommodating many thousands of people feature packed with uniquely themed plazas, smaller stages for exclusive and intimate performances,

Saturday's headliners included Odesza, along with many artists performing across multiple stages. WFMC Jams was onsite for its fifth year providing coverage, interviews, and photography of independent artists. 

Bonnaroo makes magic and memories with friends.  Check out the vibe by viewing atmosphere shots of Saturday throughout the day.

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival returned to Manchester, TN is located on a 700+ acre farm providing attendees one of the most unique experiences in the country allowing four plus days of live non-stop music across many large stages.  In addition to all the fun offered in Centaroo, the festival has taken great strides each year to build "Outeroo" a camping area accommodating many thousands of people feature packed with uniquely themed plazas, smaller stages for exclusive and intimate performances, 

WFMC Jams was onsite for its fifth year providing coverage, interviews, and photography of independent and upcoming artists.