NICKI GILLIS STILL HOTDISC NUMBER 1

KATIE RHODES
The Manchester lass has been a regular on the British country music scene for a long time and with music running through the veins of her large Irish family it was no surprise that she was going to make music her life. But it wasn't until she filled in on a Blue Orchid gig that she decided to go solo in 2006 and the last four years has been a story of success after success with a packed diary. She is a born entertainer and comes alive in a live situation. Her big break was touring all over Europe with Heather Myles and this has led to her being booked to appear at a number of major festivals in the UK this year. Her new single is a power ballad called "Somebody's Angel."

MICHAEL PETERSON
Michael first came to the attention of the country music industry when he was recognised by Billboard magazine as the top selling new male artist and top new airplay artist in 1997-1998 with five consecutive Top 20 hits. Since then he has enjoyed great success with a massive following and his latest album, "Baby I'm Sticking With You", includes some of his greatest work ever. This is a man who has definitely got better with age! His latest single is "Why Didn't You Think Of This Before?" and it's going to be another success for the man from

DOUG ADKINS
Doug grew up in Montana, USA, and as well as a lover of country music is a very keen sportsman too, having played basketball, baseball and golf to a high standard. But when he was given a guitar for his 18th birthday things took off. He's now penned over 200 songs but 40 of them were lost when his hard drive crashed without a back-up! Ouch! He consoled himself by saying, "they weren't my best 40 songs anyway!" But he does back them up these days! His latest offering is a very traditional country story song called "Bismarck North Dakota" and the musicians playing on the track read like a who's who of the cream of country music.

TOM LAVERTY
Irish singer Tom is excited about his new DVD which is just out and also his album, "Stars" which features the new single, "One Red Rose", written by John Prine. The album includes tracks he has written himself as well as one from Scottish writer Alex Birnie. Tom's been on the road since the 1960s so he knows his way around. In the past he appeared on "Opportunity Knocks". He was also on Ulster TV when he was portrayed as the "Singing Teacher". His pupils set him up a treat but it gave him more fame! His musical highlight was appearing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

SUZANNE EDWARDS
Canadian Suzanne is a prolific singer-songwriter who has co-written with such heavyweights in the business as Ron Miller, Craig Karp and Earl Clark. Now based in California she is extremely excited about her latest offering, a single called "Window Shoppin'" which many say is her most commercial track to date. Never ashamed to raunch things up a bit with suggestive lyrics which paint a picture, Suzanne is enjoying some substantial airplay throughout Europe and Australia right now and her fan base is certainly growing.

JOHANNA HEMARA
Never heard of Johanna before? Well that is going to change very quickly! The Australian is the latest recipient of the Frank Ifield International Spur Award which recognises new talent and champions their success for the future. Her new album "Starting Over" has gone straight into the Australian Top 30 and features the debut UK single which is the title track. She is a city girl but loves her country. She wrote half her new album herself so she is a young lady with a lot to say.

THE OTHERS THIS MONTH
Tim McKay, the British singer who has been given a huge hand by Up Country magazine's Rob and Mal Davis, releases his debut single for radio for the first time on Hotdisc. "Baby Makin' Music" is a great play on words and he delivers it well. It's always exciting when Hotdisc delivers new talent and this month there are three brand new names for the European audiences to get their teeth into including Jamie Delko from Australia, Elijah Gilbert (USA) and Glenn Reid who hails from Canada. Excellent British duo McKenZie follow up their "Ice Road trackers" single with arguably their best track to date, "I Can't Sleep" form their debut album. Hotdisc favourites Ronnie Baker and Jefferson Ross have new tracks out too and there's a host of digitally remastered country classics for DJs to get their teeth into as well as writer Byron Hill's own account of how the David Slater hit song "I'm Still Your Fool" came about. The song is also included along with others from the likes of Slim Whitman, Dan Seals, Mel McDaniel, Anne Murray and David Allan Coe. We also have the first of a 12 month series featuring the very best oldies from the 40s and 50s courtesy of Jasmine Records beginning with a rare gem from Stu Davis.