Maybe you can’t catch lightning in a bottle, but throughout the past several weeks and numerous rounds of listener voting, Lightning 100 has made efforts to do just that with local musical talent with its Music City Mayhem project. Despite the cloudy conditions in the local live music scene, the radio station’s annual contest has brought some bright hopes to the atmosphere (albeit with a few necessary prize changes).
Traditionally, the winner would receive a coveted spot to perform on Lightning 100’s Live on the Green music series. This time around, one of the final 32 local artists chosen from over 300 initial submissions can look forward to a 2021 performance at LOTG instead of immediate Public Square Park gratification. They’ll also have their song spun in regular rotation on 100.1.
Murfreesboro’s own Ridenour Rehearsal Studios offered three free hours of rehearsal time to anyone who submitted to this year’s contest (call 615-956-7413 to book rehearsal time). The only catch seems to be that bands taking advantage of the offer must show a contest-specific flyer to claim their free rehearsal time. Ridenour encourages their space to be used for video and photography purposes too.
Among other winnings, including a trophy, a live concert broadcast and audio recording from co-sponsors Nashville Sunday Night and 3rd & Lindsley, the grand prize winner gets to celebrate with eight full hours of rehearsal time at Ridenour’s live music venue, The Alley, to put to use however they see fit.
“So there’s really nothing music-related that can’t be done at this facility?” asked a Lightning DJ.
“Absolutely right,” replied Shane Hunt, Ridenour manager. “We’ll find a way. Although our rooms are fully equipped, we’ll help you load in your stuff if you want to bring in your own amp and equipment. Our grand prize is eight hours in The Alley—you can do music videos, you can record, you can rehearse in there.”
The prize is a $600 value.
Ultimately, self-described “sunshine funk” artist Fulton Lee brought the light to emerge as the contest winner in a last-round battle with esteemed up-and-comer Taylor Noelle.
“I can’t believe it’s real!” Lee said upon winning the contest. “No amount of words could ever describe the amount of shock, overwhelm, emotion and gratitude I have. I watched people treat this competition like their own careers were at stake. People that won’t be affected by our victory at all were putting so much time and energy into helping us! I’m just floored by that. From the absolute bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you to fans of this music, or acquaintances, childhood friends, followers on social media, and thank you to the many many people who don’t even know me or anyone on the Fulton Lee crew who took the time to vote!”
Fulton Lee has also played several live events at Murfreesboro’s Kirkwood House.
“My manager, Garret Hayes, went to MTSU and was also the creator and booking manager for the Kirkwood House. That’s how we met,” Lee said. “I love the Murfreesboro music community!”
He adds that he and his band plan to shoot a video at Ridenour with their time there.
For more on Fulton Lee visit instagram.com/fultonleemusic.
Live on the Green 2020 (rebranded as “Live on My Green” for this go-round) is set to be a radio-only rendition including performances, interviews and previously unheard content airing on Labor Day weekend. Look for a live concert experience to return in 2021. See liveonthegreen.com for more.
