I Have A Dream by Kurtis Reminds Us What America is All About

In the tradition of Charlie Daniels, the band known as Kurtis explodes on the scene with the straight forward, plainly country song , I Have A Dream.

A gutsy, no punches pulled song that is touching many a red, white, and blue heart.   Simplistically written, with an unmistakably country sound and perfect harmonizing vocals, it is one that gets you tapping your foot, clapping your hands and saying hell yeah.  I Have a Dream’s message is simple,  America needs to take care of America.

I Have a Dream by Kurtis

In a phone interview with Shawn Rhem (lead Guitar/vocals),  Shawn shared his thoughts on the song.  “This song was came to be after hearing so many other songs like Shutting Detroit Down and Red, White, and Pink Slip Blues.  I was talking to Eric,  who helped me write it,  and said,  ‘those songs are great, but they are missing the chance to inspire people.  We need to do that. ’  It took us six months to get it right but I think the message is clear.”

Kurtis , whom consists of Brian Curtis, Shawn Rhem, Luckey, John Rodrig, and Bill Gregory are out of Nashville, TN and are currently in the Tennessee state finals for the Colgate Country Showdown, Americas Largest Country Music Competition.  With a true country/southern rock flavor that shines in their songs such as In the Right Now and Tattoo, one can be sure to be hearing a lot more about this band.

I asked Shawn,  “do you see music as playing a vital role in changing peoples view of the happenings in the country?”  “I would like to see it,” Shawn said, “but I have gotten mixed reactions from the music industry about I Have a Dream.  They love it but are afraid of it, often cautioning us about making a political statement.  I applaud artist like John Rich, Charlie Daniels, Trace Adkins and others that are not afraid to take a stand for what they believe in, we just don’t have the resources to do it the way they can.  We are playing this song live, and the fans really love it, but radio play would be awesome.”

In sharing how I Have a Dream came to be, Shawn remembers hitting a roadblock in writing. “We had some gigs in Japan, and on the flight, Eric and I decided, to pass the time, we would get back to work writing the bridge to the song.  As we flew over the Rockies, the sight was beautiful. With that backdrop, the bridge just flowed out.”

I also had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Curtis, (lead Vocals), who echoed Shawn’s take of the song. “I Have a Dream is inspirational and the response is phenomenal.  What really touches us all is when we play it live, the number of Military personnel that come up to us and say ‘Wow! I really loved that song!’ Many ask if we would do a USO tour and if we were ever given the opportunity, we sure would.”

When asked his view point on whether music played a role in today’s political environment, Brian quickly said “Yes. Music reaches people.  I view music as a reflection of what is happening today. Right now. Whether on a personal level or global, music is like a journal of life.  With I Have A Dream, we are reflecting where America is at, not by grandstanding, but rather reminding people where we came from.”  “Do you think it is working?” I asked.   Brian replied “Yes it is! We have been contacted by many people about the song.”  Kurtis is in the studio now working on a full studio version of I Have a Dream that in Brian’s words will “blow your mind”. The acoustic version will still be available even after the studio version is released.

I asked Shawn “In closing, if you could address congress or the President today, what is the one thing you would say?” “It is time to listen to the people!” said Shawn. “But more importantly I would tell the American People to use their voice, go vote.  Research the hot button issues of today like health care and immigration for example.  Develop your own opinions, party lines aside and get out to the polls.  Let your voice be heard.  Remember that our government works for us, that is what the founders of this great country intended.”

Members of Congress, Mr. President, and the American people, I have a song I think you need to hear.

For more information on Kurtis, please visit:

http://www.kurtismusik.com/

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