Back in 2007, Al Shephard volunteered his time and equipment to a local music venue as sound and lighting engineer. After hearing the amazing talent that appeared on that stage, he knew he had to do more.

In 2008, Hottrax Entertainment started as a radio production company. Al created a radio program strictly for unsigned artists on a local AM station called "Bennington Rocks". As time went on, this show expanded to 2 hours and added country to the existing pop/rock format. But he wanted to do more, so he founded a 24/7 internet radio station devoted to only unsigned talent named "You Space Radio".

As time went on, some unsigned country artists began asking him for help to jumpstart their careers. Never being one to turn down a challenge, he quickly started networking with lyricists, songwriters, record labels, and other artists (becoming a Country lyricist himself in the process).

Al created a new Country music show called "Country Dreams", devoted to the independent/unsigned country artists that radio usually neglects. Along with co-host Ronnie Lee Hurst, a singer-songwriter himself, this show quickly developed a following, and after only 10 episodes, expanded from a one-hour to a two-hour format. This show is currently syndicated internationally, being heard on 13 stations, including Austria and Australia.

In 2011, Al continued to help new Country artists by forming the Independent Country Music Association (ICMA), as a place that they can get together and form friendships, learn from each other, and discuss new ways of promoting themselves. He also began putting his many industry contacts to good use by managing and promoting up-and-coming talented artists.

Please check out Mary Jo and Harold Ford & the Cash Band for some great Country music. Also check out all the artists that have appeared on Country Dreams HERE.

You can email Al at al@hottraxentertainment.com, call 802-753-7880, or Skype: countrydreamsradioshow.