More Videos It’s a long road from Tucson, AZ., to the streets of Music Row in Nashville, TN., but Cory Batten made that journey seem quick. Batten has consistently proven himself as both a songwriter and performer, scoring cuts as a writer/co writer on artists such as Crystal Shawanda (You Can Let Go,) Chris Young (Getting You Home and That Makes Me), Blaine Larsen, (I Don’t Know What She Said), Julie Roberts and Andy Griggs, (If You Had Called Yesterday), Brooks & Dunn (Down By the River)), and Rhonda Vincent (Is the Grass Any Bluer). All of this was accomplished in just a few short years with a lot of hard work and determined spirit. Only months after moving to Nashville, Cory Batten’s talent attracted the powerhouse executives with DreamWorks Publishing. He was signed to the company, but was dropped after only one year. Cory thought his career in Nashville might be over and made the decision to move back to his home in Tucson, Arizona … But just eight months later, he found himself with his truck packed, and heading back to Nashville. Batten had learned from his father, who served in the Armed Forces as an Air Force Mechanic, quitting was not an option. Batten's mother, who was a personal trainer, taught him that persistence is the key to success. The journey, however, wasn’t non-eventful. On his way back to Nashville, Batten was stopped twice by state police, and was given two warnings for speeding. He states, “You gotta drive fast when you’re chasin' a dream.†Within a month he was back on track with a second publishing contract with a new and aggressive firm, I Want to Hold Your Songs Publishing, putting Cory Batten back into the industry full force. Under the guidance of publisher, Kent Blazy, he proved both his worth as a songwriter... and his strong determination to finish what he started. Cory Batten’s story only begins here. As a songwriter he has the musical gift of a country John Mayer, writing songs that get strait to the heart of humanity. Check the CD player in Cory’s truck and you’ll hear songs ranging from John Legend to Colbie Caillat to Garth Brooks. Cory’s live show blends Arizona style country with a rockin’ edge. “Most people I grew up with listened to country, but didn’t have a traditional southern accent. My music follows suit to that sound; unquestionably country… but with a popish edge. “I like to gear my live show to be a “rockin’ edgy rollercoaster for the heart,†describes Batten. My fans know I’m a sensitive type guy, my break-ups with my girlfriends seem to show up as the backdrops for my songwriting, so, I always play those tender emotional ballads for balance.†A true Renaissance man, Cory Batten is a man of many talents. He’s proficient at playing both guitar and piano. As a singer he’s mastered a four octave vocal range. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology. Athletic since high school, he was on a second place championship relay swimming team, took up cycling in college and rode in the El Tour De Tucson, a 111 mile bike race, twice. Cycling is still a passion, and he competes in local races whenever his schedule allows.Since making his way to Nashville, Cory Batten recently signed a management contract with Nashville based company EMC (Entertainment Management Company, LLC.), attracted the ear of Grammy™ nominated Nashville music producer Brett Beavers (Dierks Bentley) and has attracted fans worldwide via the internet with myspace and You Tube exposure.
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