Jaron Lowenstein Offers a Prayer for Your Ex
If you have fans, you have everything. Yes, record labels and money and relationships help but this is a story about how the fans matter the most. Take this guy, Jaron Lowenstein. Never heard of him? Me neither, until I heard some radio people talking (OK, Facebooking) about his new song, "Pray for You," saying listeners were going crazy for it in Detroit, burning up request lines in Cleveland, sending floods of e-mails to a few Wisconsin stations and so on. When I finally heard the song, it all became crystal clear. And it doesn't hurt that Lowenstein is smokin' hot, sings with an earnest voice, has a top-notch band and writes unexpected lyrics about praying that "your brakes go out, your birthday comes and nobody calls, all your dreams never come true."
It's catchy, funny, bouncy and even slick enough to go up against the other guys that rule the air. And its message has a twist to make it a sure thing. As for the song's edgier sound, Lowenstein told me in no uncertain terms, "I didn't go country. Country went pop." (Lowenstein and his twin Evan's pop band, Evan and Jaron, yielded a 2000 pop hit, "Crazy for This Girl.")
But the big lesson here is what Lowenstein doesn't have. He hasn't relied on anything but fan's ears. "This is not about me saying f--- you to labels. In 2009, if your fans are not your friends, you are out of business. I say let the audience decide. I'm letting this happen organically," he said. So while this lesson in viral marketing has proven that you don't always need the Nashville machine behind you, you do need two things: a phenomenal breakthrough song and listeners passionate enough to pull it onto the radio.
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Alice says:
He looks like a very young Christopher Reeves
Sara says:
I love Jaron!!! He’s amazing!!!
Gracie says:
This is just the beginning of the awesomeness :D
Jackie L says:
Jaron gets it, the labels dont.
In 2009 fans are wanting more from their favourite artists, they’re demanding that disclaimers are put on concert tickets if the artist intends to lip sync, they’re walking out of live gigs if it sounds just like the cd they just purchased.
The fans want more and Jaron gives it to them and because of that, his fans go to bat for him.
ps: The song is kick-as*
Mellissa says:
I heard this last night on a “Future File” play on WMZQ in DC and loved it immediately. I see Jaron’s been around for a while but I think we are going to see him become a huge star!!
Dan R says:
By far the best song that has come out this year and probably the next few! Can’t wait to hear more of his music.
I say everyone that listens to country let’s just bombard our stations with requests! I don’t think we can get sick of it and it’s better than listening to Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood every 5-10 minutes!
Marianna says:
Love this song! And haven’t we all felt this way about someone? I was fortunate enough to see Jaron perform this (and all his other great songs) live in LA, and it was awesome, so I’m glad other people are discovering the awesomeness!
Leah says:
I admire Jaron for putting together such a grass roots promotion through Twitter & Facebook. The song is absolutely hilarious, well done and very listenable - vs all that vapid crap on the radio these days. But quality work doesn’t surprise me - coming from one of the Lowenstein brothers. Both of them are seriously talented and accomplished at whatever they set their mind to!
Ashley says:
Jaron rocks, as does this song. :)
Rebecca B. says:
This song’s lyrics portray this songwriter’s quick wit and great sense of humor. Clever makes a comeback! All intelligence is not lost. Clean, crisp and all around great vocals, too. This is one of those songs that will play on a loop in your head all day! I already can’t stop singing it after only hearing it a few times! Also, don’t get revenge, GET THIS SONG!!!
Rebecca B. says:
I can only imagine this video!!! That, for sure, will be very visual and amazing as well.
Elizabeth says:
Hey Pals out there I was just wantin to post on here that this is a great song, and it has a true and powerful meaning too. Love it Jaron Cant wait to see whats next :)
Matthew Grant says:
awesome song. great voice. refreshing for country radio!
M says:
This song is GENIUS. If CMT picked it up, it’d be an instant hit. Praying for a video!
jen says:
this is an AWESOME song and should be played on country stations!!
Jennie says:
This week has been horrible for my 13 yr old daughter and many of her friends largely because of one interfering hurtful mom. While I know I should pray for her, these are similar to the ones I wanted to pray. Thanks for the laugh!!!! Love it … the singing isn’t bad either. Look forward to more.
Courtney says:
Got the album, it’s great. Even better than Pray For You is the song after it, titled That’s Beautiful to Me. It’s an all around great album, not to mention the good looks :D
Haley says:
Jaron is cute. i have his album. it’s amazing. his voice is like angel’s Did i mention cute?