NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Indie recording artist, Joe Hermes (OTM Productions), one of the hottest new entertainers in the rock country scene, will introduce his new single, “Baptized By The South.”* Showcasing Hermes’ signature gritty vocals backed by southern rock and lead-footed rock n’ roll instrumentation, the track will be available worldwide via all major digital retail and streaming platforms on Friday, March 22, 2024. (Presale/pre-save event begins March 8, 2024. Distribution by Ed Gertler/ Digital Streaming Services.)
Co-written with, and produced by, Dale Oliver (Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington, LOCASH, Sawyer Brown, Blackhawk), the down-to-earth, heavy-hitting, raucous original, “Baptized By The South” is a laudable nod to southern values and revelations. Biblical motifs and evocative lyrics backed by the singer’s patriotic convictions and divine devotion capture blood-stained souls cleansed in holy water characteristic only to where the Spanish Moss grow. Swampy production rivaled by Hermes’ rugged vocals rev the track fueled by swaggering western banjo and dynamic drums that stare down wailing slide guitar throughout.
"While this song is not intended to be political in any light, I hope it serves as a ‘wake-up’ to renew our belief that good, hard-working people with a deep love for God, family and country still exist,” introduced the Illinois native, Joe Hermes. “I find the southern culture, and pride, to be refreshing and a bit nostalgic. If some folks from the big cities could spend a little time in the rural south, they’d experience what genuine ‘southern hospitality’ is and what ‘Baptized By The South’ truly means.”
FRIDAY NIGHTS IS FOR CRUISING TOWN
WITH THE MUSIC CRANKED UP LOUD
AND SATURDAYS AND FOOTBALL GAMES
SIPPING COLD ONES ON THE COUCH
HUNTIN’ AND FISHIN’ IT’S A WAY OF LIFE
LIVIN’ OFF THIS LAND
FAMILY TIME, WALKIN’ THE LINE
SUNDAY MORNINGS WE JOIN HANDS
BAPTIZED BY THE SOUTH
CHURCH BELLS RING OUT
SINS OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS
WASHED IN THE SHINE IN THE HOLY WATER
BAPTIZED BY THE SOUTH
ROOTS GROW WAY DOWN
WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE PROUD
STILL KNEEL AND PRAY
AND THANK GOD FOR EVERY DAY
BAPTIZED BY THE SOUTH
“Joe and I wrote the song following his radio tour that took him through the lower Southeast. He was moved by the culture, people and beauty of the South,” added producer Dave Oliver. “Being from Kentucky, it’s a way of life for me. For Joe, I think being welcomed was a breath of fresh air. Joe performs the song with the grit and heart that paints the perfect picture of the character, values and people of the South.”
The new release keeps the momentum of his current single, “Skyfall,” AT COUNTRY RADIO NOW; “Baptized By The South” is the lead single as the launch of his 2024 waterfall series and the first introduction to his full-length recording product due in Fall 2024. Joe will participate in Country Radio Seminar in February.
TRACK INFO
Label: OTM Productions
Written by Joe Hermes/Dale Oliver
Produced by Dale Oliver
Distribution: Ed Gertler/Digital Retail Services
Presale/Pre-save Event: 3/8/24
Digital/Streaming Release: 3/22/24
Run Time: 3:12
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ABOUT
Joe Hermes (h•e•r•m•i•s•s), one of the hottest new acts in the Rock Country scene, is a bonafide ‘battle-tested’ entertainer. Dedicated to his pursuit and driven by his commitment to his faith, family and belief in working for the American Dream, the Illinois native beams with pride he stands behind.
The good-hearted, fun-loving former defensive lineman packs a big punch with edgy vocal textures and hard-hitting musical storylines (both intimate and boldly straight-up) that sift between the angel and devil as a stand-out signature. His raucous sound and high-energy stage performances (self-described as “gunpowder country”) originate from his earliest influences (Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Pantera and Bon Jovi). Hermes strings together intense, soulful vocals, with raw, honest lyrics and his “Heart of Illinois” roots sound to rev a captivating listening experience.
With the encouragement and lending hand of renowned music producer Buddy Hyatt (TOTO, George Jones, Lee Greenwood, Mickey Gilley, Tracy Lawrence), Joe recorded the EP titled SOULS WITH STONES to make his official introduction in 2020. Unintimidated by the adversity and challenges of both the music industry and the COVID shutdown, Hermes pointed his concentration toward songwriting working alongside Grammy-award-winning songwriter/producer/manager Dale Oliver. In 2023, Joe released his full-length CD,
ROCKIN’ A COUNTRY TOWN co-produced with Oliver (Carrie Underwood, Billy Currington, LOCASH, Sawyer Brown, Blackhawk) behind the board. The project spotlights, original tunes penned alongside Oliver, Dan Couch (Kip Moore/Cody Johnson) and Big Vinny Hickerson (of the trio Trailor Choir) including “Stronger Than Whiskey,” “Skyfall'' and “Used To Be Me” which landed at No. 46 on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart.
Reinforcing his conviction, dedication and talents, Hermes garnered early welcome and support from country radio, country music fans and his peers. In three short years, he’s shared the stage with some of the biggest names in country music entertainment [including David Nail, Ward Davis, Craig Campbell, Kolby Cooper, Myron Elkins and Kinsey Rose (The Voice) among others]. Establishing a foothold in the Rock ‘n Roll arena, Hermes has opened for Uncle Kracker, Black Stone Cherry, Head East, Jackyl and Lita Ford.
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