• NEXT THING YOU KNOW, JORDAN DAVIS PICKS UP THE AWARD FOR SONG OF THE YEAR.

    Jordan Davis won Song of the Year for his multi-week No. 1 “Next Thing You Know.” Written by Jordan with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne, “Next Thing You Know” was his third consecutive multi-week No. 1 off of his PLATINUM-certified sophomore album, Bluebird Days.

    This was Jordan’s first TWO ACM Awards with an Artist and Songwriter credit on “Next Thing You Know.”

    https://twitter.com/ACMawards/status/1791263370932359566

    https://twitter.com/ACMawards/status/1791261324262936871

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about writing "Next Thing You Know."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (writing Next Thing You Know) OC: …song is today. :59
    “There’s a saying that says ‘raising kids – the days are long, the years are short,’ and that’s what this song is to me. I kind of came in wanting to write something like that, you know kind of a slow down time song, and Greylan had this idea. The idea initially was about going to a bar or going somewhere and meeting somebody and then just the progression of a relationship. I kind of hijacked the title and said, ‘Hey man. I love that title, but we’re going to write it in the sense of having kids, watching ‘em grow up and hopefully becoming a grandparent, you know? Chase McGill and Josh Osborne both have kiddos, and I think they kind of grabbed on it. Greylan, hats off to him. He’s the single kid of the group, so he was like, ‘Man, I’ll go there. I don’t know how much input I can be able to say in this, but I’ll go there with you.’ I mean, he’s a great writer, and it was fun to kind of see the title that he threw out evolve into what the song is today.”

     

     

     

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS EARNS MULTI-WEEK #1 WITH SIXTH CAREER CHART-TOPPING HIT, “NEXT THING YOU KNOW.”

    Jordan Davis continues to dominate the country scene with his sixth career No. 1 single and 3rd multi-week career No. 1 with “Next Thing You Know” on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. Written by Davis with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne, “Next Thing You Know” earns Davis a second week at No. 1 and his third consecutive multi-week No. 1 off of his GOLD-certified sophomore album, Bluebird Days.  His previous two singles from Bluebird Days – “What My World Spins Around” and “Buy Dirt” ft. Luke Bryan – were 3-week and 2-week  No. 1s, respectively. The full 17-track album, Bluebird Days, is available here.

    Released in February 2023, Bluebird Days earned rave reviews and continues to resonate with industry and fans. Featured by The Tennessean, American Songwriter, and more, Bluebird Days earned critical acclaim with Billboard noting “Davis soars on ‘Bluebird Days’” and Entertainment Focus echoing, “Jordan Davis comes of age on new album ‘Bluebird Days’ and shows the world the type of mature, meaningful and melodic songwriter he is.”

    Davis is one of only 5 artists to spend multiple weeks at #1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck radio charts in 2023 and earns his fastest rising single to date with “Next Thing You Know.” “Next Thing You Know” follows Davis’ Platinum-selling multi-week #1 “What My World Spins Around” as well as his 2022 CMA Song of the Year winning hit, the 2X Platinum Multi-week #1 single “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan).

    This year, Davis has tallied multiple awards nominations and wins, including his first ACM Male Vocalist of the Year nomination. He was a finalist for Top Country Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards and earned a nomination for Musical Event of the Year at the 55th CMA Awards, as well as nominations for Music Event, Single, and Song of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards, and American Music Award and iHeart Award nominations. He is the reigning winner for (2022) CMA Song of Year and earned a win for NSAI Song of the Year . His upcoming headlining tour, the DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR, follows his direct support slots this year opening for Luke Combs and Dierks Bentley as well as performances on TODAY, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, ACMs, and more. Davis is scheduled to kick off his headlining run of the DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR in Atlanta this summer, including stops in Nashville, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and more. For tickets and additional information, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

     

    “Next Thing You Know” Lyrics:

    Swear that you’re staying single next thing you know

    You meet a girl at a bar and next thing you know

    You get her laughin’, its two a.m.

    You’re tellin your buddies three months in

    That she ain’t moving in but next thing you know

    There’s a Uhaul trailer next thing you know

    Your old apartment is y’all’s new place

    There goes the carpet but the deer head stays

     

    Next thing you know saving money like never before

    Just to spend it all at a jewelry store

    Getting down on one knee on her momma’s porch Just pray she don’t say no

    Next thing you know your best man gives a half drunk speech

    And your sunburn on a honeymoon beach

    And your left hand is getting used to that ring

    There the next two or three years ago

    Next thing you know

     

    Weren’t really trying next thing you know

    There’s a test on the counter next thing you know

    She’s standing there crying nodding her head yes

    Your half excited half scared to death

    Cause next thing you know

    You’re wearing scrubs and a funny white hat

    And the doctor’s sayin how you doing there dad and

    Nobody’s ever called you that

    And you take the drive home slow

    Next thing you know its first steps, first date, first car

    Its 11:01 wondering where they are

    You sayin’ that USC’s too far

    Its amazing how fast seventeen years go

    Next thing you know, Next thing you know

     

    Next thing you know you get to know your wife again

    And you’re more in love than you’ve ever been

    With a lot of years of remember whens and still some down the road

    ‘Cause next thing you know you got a yard full of your kids’ kids

    And you take them to church, teach em to fish and ya

    Tell them stories every chance you get

    ‘Bout how fast this life down here can go

    Next thing you know, Next thing you know

     

    DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR Dates:

    Thu Aug 31, 2023 | Atlanta | Roxy

    Fri Sep 1, 2023 | Nashville | Ascend

    Thu Sep 7, 2023 | Columbus | Kemba Live! Outdoor

    Fri Sep 8, 2023 | Sandwich | Sandwich Fair

    Sat Sep 9, 2023 | Green Bay | Resch Center

    Fri Sep 15, 2023 | Des Moines | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park

    Sat Sep 16, 2023 | Kansas City | The Midland Theatre

    Thu Sep 21, 2023 | Columbia | Township Auditorium

    Fri Sep 22, 2023 | Baltimore | Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

    Sat Sep 23, 2023 | Mashantucket            | The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino

    Thu Sep 28, 2023 | Omaha | Liberty First Credit Union Arena

    Fri Sep 29, 2023 | OKC | The Criterion

    Sat Sep 30, 2023 | St. Louis | The Factory

    Thu Oct 5, 2023 | Philadelphia | The Met

    Fri Oct 6, 2023  | NYC | Terminal 5

    Sat Oct 7, 2023 | Boston | Roadrunner

    Thu Oct 19, 2023 | Mesa | Mesa Ampitheatre

    Fri Oct 20, 2023 | Bakersfield | Mechanics Bank Arena

    Sat Oct 21, 2023 | Las Vegas | The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about writing his two-week No. 1 smash, "Next Thing You Know."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (writing Next Thing You Know) OC: …song is today. :59
    “There’s a saying that says ‘raising kids – the days are long, the years are short,’ and that’s what this song is to me. I kind of came in wanting to write something like that, you know kind of a slow down time song, and Greylan had this idea. The idea initially was about going to a bar or going somewhere and meeting somebody and then just the progression of a relationship. I kind of hijacked the title and said, ‘Hey man. I love that title, but we’re going to write it in the sense of having kids, watching ‘em grow up and hopefully becoming a grandparent, you know? Chase McGill and Josh Osborne both have kiddos, and I think they kind of grabbed on it. Greylan, hats off to him. He’s the single kid of the group, so he was like, ‘Man, I’ll go there. I don’t know how much input I can be able to say in this, but I’ll go there with you.’ I mean, he’s a great writer, and it was fun to kind of see the title that he threw out evolve into what the song is today.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS SCORES SIXTH NO. 1 WITH “NEXT THING YOU KNOW”…AND IT’S STILL GOING STRONG.

    Jordan Davis has hit the top of the Mediabase Country chart with his latest smash “Next Thing You Know,” his sixth No. 1.

    The Louisiana native wrote the chart topper with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne, and he says he noticed a big reaction soon after the song’s release. “I think even early on, a month or two into releasing it, fans were kind of chanting for it,” recalls Jordan. “I still remember the first night we played it live on the Luke Combs’ tour, I mean immediately all the cell phones come up. That’s a pretty good sign that you have something. I never thought there’d be a song that I would have circled and ready to get to as much as I am when we have ‘Buy Dirt’ at the end of the set, but now this has been a really cool, kind of middle point of the set that we get to, and then you add in the videos that you see on Tik Tok or Instagram of just the way people really kind of grabbed onto this song and put their story to it. ‘Cause you know it is, it’s the progression of life and I think it means even more to me as a dad, and it’s cool to see that connecting with a bunch of parents out there.”

    Jordan says it’s been fun watching the rise of “Next Thing You Know” on the country charts. “I’d be lying to say I don’t watch the charts,” he says. “I do keep up with where my songs are at. This one has been one of the quicker moving ones, actually the fastest moving song I’ve ever put out. It’s been cool to watch the rise of it, so I definitely paid a little more attention to this one without being nervous at looking. It’s almost kind of like, you get to open (the chart) up every week and be like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s still moving good.’ I’ve tried to slow down, tried to like not pay too much attention to it, but this one is definitely one that’s been fun to track.”

    After a couple of festival dates in early July, the father of three (his wife Kristen just had their third child) re-joins Dierks Bentley on his Gravel & Gold Tour July 8th in Chicago.

    Audio / Jordan Davis says the reaction from the crowd when he performed "Next Thing You Know" right after its release was huge.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (NTYK reaction) OC: …bunch of parents out there. :51
    “I think even early on, a month or two into releasing it, fans were kind of chanting for it. I mean, I still remember the first night we played it live on the Luke Combs’ tour, I mean immediately all the cell phones come up. That’s a pretty good sign that you have something. I never thought there’d be a song that I would have circled and ready to get to as much as I am when we have ‘Buy Dirt’ at the end of the set, but now this has been a really cool, kind of middle point of the set that we get to, and then you add in the videos that you see on Tik Tok or Instagram of just the way people really kind of grabbed onto this song and put their story to it. ‘Cause you know it is, it’s the progression of life and I think it means even more to me as a dad, and it’s cool to see that connecting with a bunch of parents out there.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis says it's been fun to watch the rise of his latest No. 1 single, "Next Thing You Know," on the charts.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (NTYK watching charts) OC: …to track. :31
    “I’d be lying to say I don’t watch the charts. I do keep up with where my songs are at. This one has been one of the quicker moving ones, actually the fastest moving song I’ve ever put out. It’s been cool to watch the rise of it, so I definitely paid a little more attention to this one without being nervous at looking. It’s almost kind of like, you get to open (the chart) up every week and be like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s still moving good.’ I’ve tried to slow down, tried to like not pay too much attention to it, but this one is definitely one that’s been fun to track.”

    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “NEXT THING YOU KNOW.”

    Jordan Davis releases the official music video for his latest hit “Next Thing You Know.” The video, directed by Running Bear, follows one family’s emotional life story as told by Davis’ heartfelt lyrics. Davis, who wrote the song with Chase McGill, Greylan James, and Josh Osborne, brings his own family in for a cameo in the touching video.

     

     

    “Next Thing You Know” has already garnered over 375 million streams and is Top 5 and climbing on country radio airplay charts. Fans have adopted the song as their own life’s soundtrack with a viral TikTok and Instagram trend showing reactions to life milestones including graduations, wedding proposals, pregnancy announcements, anniversaries, and everything in between. “Next Thing You Know” is featured on Davis’ critically acclaimed Bluebird Days album, which also includes his multi-week No. 1 “What My World Spins Around” and award-winning collaboration with Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt.”

    Davis hits the road on his Damn Good Time Tour kicking off in August with guest openers Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle BradberyFlatland Calvary, Greylan James, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith, and Georgia Webster.

  • “NEXT THING YOU KNOW” BABY THREE IS COMING FOR JORDAN DAVIS AND HIS WIFE KRISTEN.

    Jordan Davis and his wife Kristen are acting out some of the actions of his new single, “Next Thing You Know,” for the…third time. The couple, who married in 2017, revealed on socials that they’re expecting their third child in June. The new addition will join big sister Eloise (2019) and Locklan (2021).

    Jordan tells us they’re really excited to meet their third child, but they’re waiting to find out whether it will be a girl or boy. “We got another one coming in June,” he says. “I gotta figure out how to not have kids in the summer because I’m usually pretty busy. I don’t know what I was thinking then but, you know I’m so excited. There truly is no greater joy in the world than welcoming a baby, and we don’t know what it is. We’re gonna wait and find out, but (we’re) really excited come June to be bringing home a baby brother or a baby sister to Lock and Eloise. So far Kristen’s been great. Everything looks healthy, you know, we’re just continuing to pray for a safe delivery and looking forward to meeting the little fella or little girl here soon. I’m pumped.”

    Jordan just released his brand new album, Bluebird Days, this past Friday (February 17th).

    He’ll wrap up his Canadian tour this weekend with shows in Montreal on Friday (February 24th) and Ottawa on Saturday (February 25th).

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about getting ready to be a father of three children.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Third Baby). OC: …I’m pumped. :47
    “We pushed the limits once more. We got another one coming in June. I gotta figure out how to not have kids in the summer because I’m usually pretty busy. I don’t know what I was thinking then but, you know I’m so excited. There truly is no greater joy in the world than welcoming a baby, and we don’t know what it is. We’re gonna wait and find out, but (we’re) really excited come June to be bringing home a baby brother or a baby sister to Lock and Eloise. So far Kristen’s been great. Everything looks healthy, you know, we’re just continuing to pray for a safe delivery and looking forward to meeting the little fella or little girl here soon. I’m pumped.”

    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES HIS BRAND NEW SINGLE, “NEXT THING YOU KNOW.”

    Jordan Davis has released his new single, “Next Thing You Know,” as the follow-up to his recent two-week No. 1 single, “What My World Spins Around.” The Louisiana native wrote the tune with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne, and one of the interesting facts about the song is it doesn’t have a chorus.

    “There’s no chorus to this song,” says Jordan. “And I think it’s really cool that all we do is repeat ‘Next Thing You Know’ throughout it, but when you’re trying to write songs for a, a job, not putting a chorus on it is a fast way to get it thrown into the garbage can, and I think that makes me more proud of this song in that this is what we wanted to do with it and we just wanted to be as honest as possible in how fast life goes. I remember leaving, telling somebody like when they were like, ‘Did you write today?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’ They said, ‘Did you get anything good?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we wrote a song that doesn’t even have a chorus.’ And I got the look of like, ‘Well, we’ll probably never hear that one,’ and little did I know it would connect with a whole lotta people.”

    You swear that you’re stayin’ single
    Next thing you know
    You meet a girl at a bar
    And next thing you know
    You get her laughin’
    It’s 2 AM
    You’re telling your buddies
    3 months in that

    She ain’t movin’ in
    Next thing you know
    There’s a U-Haul trailer
    Next thing you know
    Your old apartment
    Is y’all’s new place
    There goes the carpet, but
    The deer head stays

    Next thing you know
    You’re savin’ money like never before, just to
    Spend it all at a jewelry store, gettin’
    Down on one knee on her mama’s porch
    Just prayin’ she don’t say no
    Next thing you know
    Your best man gives a half-drunk speech and you’re
    Sunburnt on a honeymoon beach and your
    Left hand’s gettin’ used to that ring
    There the next two or three years go
    Next thing you know

    You weren’t really tryin’
    Next thing you know
    There’s a test on the counter
    Next thing you know
    She’s standin’ there cryin’
    Noddin’ her head yes
    You’re half excited
    Half scared to death

    ‘Cause next thing you
    You’re wearing scrubs and a funny white hat and the
    Doctor’s sayin’, how you doin’ there dad and
    Nobody’s ever called you that and
    You take that drive home slow
    Next thing you know
    It’s first steps, first dates, first car, it’s
    11:01 wonderin’ where they are
    Sayin’ that USC’s too far
    It’s amazing how fast 17 years go
    Next thing you know
    Next thing you know

    Next thing you know
    You get to know your wife again and you’re
    More in love than you’ve ever been with a
    Lot of years of remember when’s
    And still some down the road
    ‘Cause next thing you know
    You got a yard full of your kid’s kids and ya
    Take ’em to church, teach ’em to fish, and ya
    Tell ’em stories every chance you get
    About how fast this life down here can go
    Next thing you know
    Next thing you know

     

    After a few dates in the States over this past weekend, Jordan is set to head north of the border beginning with a show in Vancouver on February 9th.

     

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about his new single, "Next Thing You Know."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Next Thing You Know) OC: …whole lotta people. :47
    “You know, there’s no chorus to this song. And I think it’s really cool that all we do is repeat ‘Next Thing You Know’ throughout it, but when you’re trying to write songs for a, a job, not putting a chorus on it is a fast way to get it thrown into the garbage can, and I think that makes me more proud of this song in that this is what we wanted to do with it and we just wanted to be as honest as possible in how fast life goes. I remember leaving, telling somebody like when they were like, ‘Did you write today?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’ They said, ‘Did you get anything good?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we wrote a song that doesn’t even have a chorus.’ And I got the look of like, ‘Well, we’ll probably never hear that one,’ and little did I know it would connect with a whole lotta people.”

    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Next Thing You Know) 1

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Next Thing You Know) 2

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Next Thing You Know) 3

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  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES NEW TRACK “NEXT THING YOU KNOW.”

    Jordan Davis continues to rack up streams and engage his fans with his latest music. The chart-topping entertainer’s new single, “What My World Spins Around,” has garnered more than 50 MILLION streams since hitting country radio airwaves in June. Written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd and produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Davis performed the hit on NBC’s TODAY this week (8/9). Watch the performance here.

    Today, Davis shared his new track “Next Thing You Know” as a continuation of releases from his highly anticipated upcoming album. Written by Davis, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne, and Greylan James, “Next Thing You Know” is available everywhere here.

    “Next Thing You Know” follows his current single “What My World Spins Around” and is the latest glimpse at new music from Davis, who, with his 2X Platinum-Certified single “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan), topped the Country radio airplay charts for two weeks and amassed more than 626 MILLION global streams. “Buy Dirt” tallied multiple awards nominations as a finalist for Top Country Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the 55th  CMA Awards, and for Music Event, Single, and Song of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards. Davis delivered high-profile performances of the song on both The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Read the story behind “Buy Dirt” here.

    In addition to releasing new music, Davis is set to headline back-to-back nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium this fall (9/27 and 9/28) for the first time, and will join Luke Combs as direct support on The Middle of Somewhere Tour through December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tour.

    “Next Thing You Know” Lyrics:

     

    Swear that you’re staying single next thing you know

    You meet a girl at a bar and next thing you know

    You get her laughin’, its two a.m.

    You’re tellin your buddies three months in

    That she ain’t moving in but next thing you know

    There’s a Uhaul trailer next thing you know

    Your old apartment is y’all’s new place

    There goes the carpet but the deer head stays

     

    Next thing you know saving money like never before

    Just to spend it all at a jewelry store

    Getting down on one knee on her momma’s porch Just pray she don’t say no

    Next thing you know your best man gives a half drunk speech

    And your sunburn on a honeymoon beach

    And your left hand is getting used to that ring

    There the next two or three years ago

    Next thing you know

     

    Weren’t really trying next thing you know

    There’s a test on the counter next thing you know

    She’s standing there crying nodding her head yes

    Your half excited half scared to death

    Cause next thing you know

    You’re wearing scrubs and a funny white hat

    And the doctor’s sayin how you doing there dad and

    Nobody’s ever called you that

    And you take the drive home slow

    Next thing you know its first steps, first date, first car

    Its 11:01 wondering where they are

    You sayin’ that USC’s too far

    Its amazing how fast seventeen years go

    Next thing you know, Next thing you know

     

    Next thing you know you get to know your wife again

    And you’re more in love than you’ve ever been

    With a lot of years of remember whens and still some down the road

    ‘Cause next thing you know you got a yard full of your kids’ kids

    And you take them to church, teach em to fish and ya

    Tell them stories every chance you get

    ‘Bout how fast this life down here can go

    Next thing you know, Next thing you know

     

     

    About Jordan Davis:
    A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Jordan Davis recently scored his fourth No. 1 hit, “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan) from his 2021 EP, co-writing every track on the eight-song project apart from the John Prine-inspired “Blow Up Your TV.” Davis previously notched three consecutive No. 1 hits: Platinum-Certified “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot,” Double Platinum-Certified “Singles You Up” and Platinum-Certified “Take It From Me,” each featured on his Gold-Certified debut album, Home State. Awarded Best New Country Artist at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, he is a two-time nominee for ACM New Male Artist of the Year and was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018. Davis has amassed 3.5 BILLION streams worldwide and appeared on Ellen, Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, TODAY and more. He has previously toured with artists including Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion, Jake Owen and Kip Moore.

     

    Video /

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  • MICKEY GUYTON RELEASES NEW SONG — A DUET WITH KANE BROWN — “NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU.”

    Today, Four-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Mickey Guyton releases her new single “Nothing Compares To You” featuring Multi-Platinum-selling star Kane Brown. Mickey’s and Kane’s voices create a lush blend perfectly suited for this sentimental and tender love song written by Tyler Hubbard, Bebe Rexha and Jordan Schmidt, and produced by Hubbard and Schmidt. “Nothing Compares To You” impacts country radio August 7th.

    https://twitter.com/MickeyGuyton/status/1679711527127973889

    “This song said everything I needed to about my relationship with my husband and really spoke to me the moment I heard it,” shares Mickey. “Having been a fan of Kane’s from the beginning, I felt this was the perfect song for us to do together. I’m so thankful Tyler, Bebe, and Jordan trusted us with this beautiful song!”

    Listen to “Nothing Compares To You” HERE

    “Nothing Compares To You” is the first radio single this year from the 2022 TIME Magazine Breakout Artist of the Year. Mickey released songs “I Still Pray,” “How You Love Someone,” and “Somethin’ Bout You” last year following her breakout, Grammy-nominated debut album Remember Her Name. Mickey also joins the legendary Shania Twain next week for several dates on the Queen Of Me Tour including stops in Kansas City, The Woodlands, New Orleans, and Mickey’s hometown, Dallas.

     



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  • PARKER MCCOLLUM RECEIVES RIAA GOLD CERTIFICATION FOR HIT SINGLE “HANDLE ON YOU.”

    Parker McCollum‘s meteoric rise continues with the RIAA Gold certification of his current hit single, “Handle On You.” The track is his fastest growing single (in both digital streams and on the radio chart,) surpassing 120 million global streams and is currently in the Top 5 and climbing at Country radio. Yesterday, McCollum was presented with a plaque by UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe and RIAA’s Jackie Jones to commemorate the accomplishment.

    “Another Gold record – what an awesome thing to be able to say! I can’t thank the fans enough for always showing up. Y’all keep this whole thing going and I couldn’t do it without you.” – Parker McCollum

    “Parker McCollum is a redefining, culture shaping artist,” shares Mabe. “At a time when star power is being undervalued and streaming metrics are crowned king, Parker proves that you can have, and be, both. Parker is a very important artist for the future of country music and we are beyond blessed that he is helping define our next era of country music at Universal Music Group Nashville.” – Cindy Mabe (President, UMG Nashville)

    “The RIAA is excited to share in this incredible accomplishment with Parker, his team and everyone at UMG Nashville. RIAA certifications are earned solely based on what the fans are choosing to listen to. Seeing this song get certified so quickly is a true testament to the impact Parker has on his fans.” – Jackie Jones (SVP, Artist & Industry Relations, RIAA)

    Tune-in this Thursday, March 30th to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on NBC as McCollum makes his debut on the show, performing “Handle On You.” The track is the lead single from his forthcoming album, Never Enough, out May 12th and available to pre-order here.
    About Parker McCollum:
    Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Parker McCollum is following up his breakout major label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy, with his forthcoming studio album, Never Enough, out May 12 (MCA Nashville). McCollum earned his first-ever No. 1 hit with his double-Platinum certified debut single, “Pretty Heart,” and his follow-up Platinum certified single, “To Be Loved By You,” also hit No. 1 on the charts. “To Be Loved By You” was the only debut single to ship to radio and peak at No. 1 in 2020.

    McCollum has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Rolling Stone, Billboard, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA, and more with American Songwriter noting, “The Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.” MusicRow listed McCollum as their 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year and Apple also included him as one of their all-genre “Up Next Artists” Class of 2021. A dedicated road warrior, McCollum made his debut at the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2021 and he already sells out venues across the country (over 40 sold out shows nationwide in 2021) including record-breaking crowds in Dallas (20,000), The Woodlands (16,500), Austin (7500+), Lubbock (7700+), Jackson, MS (5000+), Kearney, NE (3000+), Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, and three nights at Fort Worth’s iconic Billy Bob’s Texas. In March 2022, McCollum made his debut at RODEOHOUSTON to a sold-out crowd with over 73,000 tickets sold, returning to perform at the Opening Day celebration in 2023. He recently made a dream come true with his first-ever Austin City Limits performance, kicking off their 2023 season. In 2022, McCollum earned his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year, took home “Breakthrough Video of the Year” (a fully fan-voted honor) at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, and scored his first-ever nomination in the New Artist of the Year category at the 56th CMA Awards.

    For more information, visit ParkerMcCollum.com

     

    Audio / Parker McCollum talks about his latest Gold single, "Handle On You."

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    Parker McCollum (Handle On You) OC: …song’s about. :53
    “‘Handle On You’ is a song I wrote with my buddy Monty Criswell before Hallie and I were back together, and I was really going through it and I was drinking quite a bit and staying up all night trying to write sad country songs. I wasn’t really writing anything at the time and woke up real late one day and Monty came over and he had this title called ‘Handle On You,’ and I said, ‘Man, I’ve kind of been trying to get a handle on her,’ and I was really kind of living that at the time. It’s a super honest song, and it really means a lot to me when I listen to it and think back on that time on what I was going through. You know, I was drinking to try to get out of a bad spot which is never gonna work, but I don’t regret it at all because we wrote ‘Handle On You’ from literally living exactly what that song’s about.”

    Audio / LINER Parker McCollum (Handle On You) 2

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  • KASSI ASHTON RELEASES NEW SONG “DRIVE YOU OUT OF MY MIND.”

    Kassi Ashton releases brand new track, “Drive You Out of My Mind,” today. Written by Ashton with Travis Wood and Todd Clark, “Drive You Out of My Mind,” serves as the Missouri-native’s next country radio single hitting the airwaves March 13th.

    “When nothing else works, I hit the gas,” says Ashton. “I feel like I can breathe when the windows are down, and my main character soundtrack is turned up. Put this song at the top of your playlist the next time you need to get lost.”

    Listen to “Drive You Out of My Mind” HERE

    Ashton is set to make her debut on the Grand Ole Opry March 15th. The widely acclaimed singer/songwriter known for her free spirit and her rich, soulful voice, is also currently on the No Bad Vibes Tour with Old Dominion. Upcoming dates include Kennewick, WA; West Palm Beach, FL; Key West, FL; and Bangor, ME. For more information, visit www.KassiAshton.com.

    Drive You Out of My Mind

    I cried, I tried
    I’ve been about as “mama’s broken heart” as I can be
    These small talk, slow down, one road in and out
    Walls are closing in on me

    This town ain’t big enough for breakin’ up
    I’m ‘bout to leave it in a cloud of dust
    You’re everywhere and I can’t take it
    Chevy wild horses offto the races

    Until I hit the city limits, ‘til I hit the state line
    ‘Til I reach a coast or a ghost town a thousand miles out
    Keep this needle hittin’ ninety ‘til your memory can’t find me anyhow
    Keep the pedal down

    ‘Til I see some taillights that don’t make me think of you
    ‘Til I’m pulled over on the shoulder by some flashin’ blue lights
    ‘Til this heart forgets to break, I don’t care if it takes me all night
    I’m gonna drive you outta my mind

    I did hot mess, new dress
    Leanin’ on the whiskey but it just won’t do it
    And somethin’ ‘bout this driver’s side dried my eyes
    Got me thinkin’ maybe I should just keep movin’

    Until I hit the city limits, ‘til I hit the state line
    ‘Til I reach a coast or a ghost town a thousand miles out
    Keep this needle hittin’ ninety ‘til your memory can’t find me anyhow
    Keep the pedal down

    ‘Til I see some taillights that don’t make me think of you
    ‘Til I’m pulled over on the shoulder by some flashin’ blue lights
    ‘Til this heart forgets to break, I don’t care if it takes me all night
    I’m gonna drive you outta my mind
    I’m gonna drive you outta my mind

    This town ain’t big enough for breakin’ up
    I’m ‘bout to leave it in a cloud of dust
    You’re everywhere and I can’t take it
    Chevy wild horses off to the races

    Until I hit the city limits, ‘til I hit the state line
    ‘Til I reach a coast or a ghost town a thousand miles out
    Keep this needle hittin’ ninety ‘til your memory can’t find me anyhow
    Keep the pedal down

    ‘Til I see some taillights that don’t make me think of you
    ‘Til I’m pulled over on the shoulder by some flashin’ blue lights
    ‘Til this heart forgets to break, I don’t care if it takes me all night
    I’m gonna drive you outta my mind
    I’m gonna drive you outta my mind
    Drive you
    I’m gonna drive you outta my mind

     

    Audio / Kassi Ashton says sometimes the only way to work out problems is to drive, which led to her new single "Drive You Out Of My Mind."

    Download

    Kassi Ashton (Drive You Out Of My Mind) OC: …and go. :19
    “I think everybody knows what it feels like to know that driving with no destination in mind is a lot of times the only way to work through something in your head. When you can’t find any other solution, you just need to get in, turn the ignition and go.”

    Audio / LINER Kassi Ashton (Drive You Out Of My Mind) 1

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    Audio / LINER Kassi Ashton (Drive You Out Of My Mind) 2

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    Audio / LINER Kassi Ashton (Drive You Out Of My Mind) 3

    Download

    Audio / LINER Kassi Ashton (Drive You Out Of My Mind) 4

    Download

    Audio / LINER Kassi Ashton (Drive You Out Of My Mind) 5

    Download
  • VINCE GILL CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIT ALBUM, NEXT BIG THING.

    This week marks the 20th anniversary of Vince Gill’s hit album, Next Big Thing, his 11th album for MCA Nashville, which released on February 11th, 2003. To mark the occasion, the music video from one of the album’s singles, “Someday,” was remastered in HD, and the video made its broadcast premiere on CMT, CMT Music and ViacomCBS Times Square Billboards.

    Next Big Thing was a collection of songs that I’m really proud of as a songwriter,” say Gill. “It was also the first record of my own I ever produced, and I was pleased to discover the process was still the same—great musicians, great engineers—all with a common goal, to serve a song. Adds Gill, “I was honored to have written ‘Someday’ with a dear old friend, Richard Marx, one of the most talented guys I’ve ever known.”

    WATCH REMASTERED VIDEO FOR “SOMEDAY.”

     

    The second single from Gill’s self-produced album, “Someday,” was written by Gill and Richard Marx. It reached the Top 30 on the R&R Top Country Top 50 chart.

    Gill’s performance on Next Big Thing earned Gill his 8th Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male for the album’s lead single, “Next Big Thing.” The album, on which Gill produced himself for the very first time, has garnered 11M global streams. Gill wrote or co-wrote all of the album’s 17-songs, and then he put together a stellar line-up of musicians, working them into a live band in the studio. The all-star band included such players as NRBQ guitarist Al Anderson, drummer Chad Cromwell, fiddle player Stuart Duncan, steel guitar player John Hughey, guitarists Mac McAnally and Dean Parks, piano-player Pete Wasner, bassist Willie Weeks, slide guitarist Tom Britt, harmonica/accordion player Jim Hoke and saxophonists Jim Horn and Kirk Whalum. Among the vocalists who guest on the record are wife Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Lee Ann Womack, Bekka Bramlett, Dawn Sears, Leslie Satcher and Michael McDonald.

    About Vince Gill:
    One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s (CMA) Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. Since then, Gill has won 17 additional CMA Awards, 22 Grammy Awards, and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. In 1991, Gill was invited to become a member of The Grand Ole Opry, and in 2007 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. In 2012 he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A gifted songwriter, Gill’s compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and was awarded the prestigious BMI Icon award in 2014. Throughout his career he has released 20 albums, sold over 30 million albums, and charted 45 singles. Always considering himself a musician above all else, Gill has over the years been a part of some iconic bands including Pure Prairie League, The Notorious Cherry Bombs, and The Time Jumpers. In 2022, Gill was inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame.  In 2017 Vince was asked to join the Eagles on the road and continues to be a part of that historic band’s tour.

  • JORDAN DAVIS HAD TIME TO MAKE SURE HIS NEW ALBUM WAS “RIGHT” BEFORE RELEASING IT NEXT WEEK.

    Jordan Davis has been working hard on his brand new album, Bluebird Days, and he says he’s grateful for the time he had to work on it and didn’t have to rush getting it out into the marketplace.

    “The making of Bluebird Days was definitely a little weird in that half of it was recorded during COVID, you know, which gave us more time to get things right, but at the same time made things tough to get musicians in to play,” says Jordan. “It was weird in the recording process of I, but I think the good thing is that it gave us a lot of extra time to make sure the songs were right, gave us time to write more, we didn’t feel as rushed, and you know this is the sophomore album for me so, this was a big one and I wanted it to be special, and I knew what I wanted to do with it. So, I was really happy that we did have a little bit of extra time to make sure that this one felt right.”

    The album, available everywhere February 17th, will include Jordan’s multi-week, 2x Platinum No. 1 single, “Buy Dirt,” which earned Davis his first Song of the Year win last Fall at the 2022 CMA Awards.  The collection will also include his most recent multi-week chart-topper, “What My World Spins Around,” as well as his brand new single, “Next Thing You Know.”

    Jordan is north of the border for a string of shows in Canada. Tonight (February 9th), he performs in Vancouver, followed by shows in Edmonton on Saturday (February 11th) and Calgary on Sunday (February 12th).

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis made part of his new record, Bluebird Days, during the global pandemic, but he says it gave him time to make the record he wanted to make.

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    Jordan Davis (making Bluebird Days) OC: …felt right. :45
    “The making of Bluebird Days was definitely a little weird in that half of it was recorded during COVID, you know, which gave us more time to get things right, but at the same time made things tough to get musicians in to play. It was weird in the recording process of I, but I think the good thing is that it gave us a lot of extra time to make sure the songs were right, gave us time to write more, we didn’t feel as rushed, and you know this is the sophomore album for me so, this was a big one and I wanted it to be special, and I knew what I wanted to do with it. So, I was really happy that we did have a little bit of extra time to make sure that this one felt right.”

    Video /

    View
  • REBA McENTIRE WILL PUBLISH A LIFESTYLE BOOK FOR RELEASE NEXT YEAR.

    Global superstar Reba McEntire has joined forces with Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, for a forthcoming lifestyle book for release in the fall of 2023. The full-color book will feature personal stories, food and cocktail recipes, and lifestyle tips that range from hosting to packing a suitcase. Each chapter will be centered on a theme from her iconic songs including grit, family legacy, being curious, and prioritizing the things that matter most.

    Reba remarked, “I’m so excited to partner with the Harper Celebrate team to create my first lifestyle book where I will share stories, behind the scenes photos, some of my favorite recipes and life lessons I’ve learned over the years. I know my fans are going to love it!”

    “Reba is universally beloved for her talent, humor, and unapologetic authenticity,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher, Harper Celebrate. “This book will offer readers a seat at Reba’s table as she shares her hard-earned wisdom on what it means to live a good life. And let me assure you, there will be a lot of fun had along the way.”

    She previously co-wrote a 1994 memoir titled Reba: My Story with Tom Carter and also authored a second biography, Comfort From a Country Quilt, in 1999. In February, she released her latest album My Chains Are Gone, a collection of classic hymns and gospel songs.

     

  • THE STAGE IS SET FOR THE 57TH ACM AWARDS, TAKING PLACE NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 7TH).

    The 57th Academy of Country Music Awards take place next Monday (March 7th) and several of your favorite country artists are preparing to take center stage.

    Chris Stapleton earned nods in the categories for Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Single of the Year (“You Should Probably Leave”) – nominated as artist + producer and Video of the Year for “I Bet You Think About Me” with Taylor Swift.

    Carrie Underwood is nominated for four awards this year, including Entertainer of the Year, Single of the Year (“If I Didn’t Love You”), Video of the Year (“If I Didn’t Love You”) and Music Event of the Year (“If I Didn’t Love You”). She is a 45-time nominee and 15-time winner, including three Entertainer of the Year Awards (the only female artist in history to win this award three times).

    Jordan Davis is nominated for Single of the Year (“Buy Dirt”), Song of the Year (“Buy Dirt”) – nominated as artist + songwriter, Music Event of the Year (“Buy Dirt”), along with Luke Bryan.

    Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan is up for three nominations with Jordan Davis for Single of the Year (“Buy Dirt”), Song of the Year (“Buy Dirt”) and Music Event of the Year (“Buy Dirt”).

    Eric Church is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, while the members of Little Big Town are up for Group of the Year.

    The reigning CMA Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne, as well as Maddie & Tae are up for Duo of the Year.

    Parker McCollum is up for New Male Artist of the Year, while Priscilla Block is nominated for New Female Artist of the Year.

    The two-hour show, featuring more than 20 performances, will stream live without commercial interruption and is hosted by icon Dolly Parton and co-hosted by reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett and reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen.

    The 57th Annual ACM Awards will be streamed live from Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium March 7th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on Amazon Prime.

    Artist nominee list below.

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

    • Eric Church
    • Luke Combs
    • Miranda Lambert
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Carrie Underwood

    FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Gabby Barrett
    • Miranda Lambert
    • Ashley McBryde
    • Maren Morris
    • Carly Pearce

    MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Jimmie Allen
    • Luke Combs
    • Thomas Rhett
    • Chris Stapleton 
    • Morgan Wallen

     DUO OF THE YEAR

    • Brooks & Dunn
    • Brothers Osborne
    • Dan + Shay
    • LOCASH
    • Maddie & Tae

    GROUP OF THE YEAR

    • Lady A
    • Little Big Town
    • Midland
    • Old Dominion
    • The Cadillac Three

    NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 

    • Tenille Arts
    • Priscilla Block
    • Lily Rose
    • Caitlyn Smith
    • Lainey Wilson

    NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 

    • HARDY
    • Walker Hayes
    • Ryan Hurd
    • Parker McCollum
    • Elvie Shane

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    • 29: Written in Stone – Carly Pearce

    Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Jimmy Robbins, Tony Brown

    Record Company-Label: Big Machine Records

    • Country Again: Side A – Thomas Rhett

    Producers: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure, Matt Dragstrem

    Record Company-Label: Big Machine Label Group

    • Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen

    Producer: Joey Moi, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Matt Dragstrem, Dave Cohen

    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records

    • Famous Friends – Chris Young

    Producer: Mark Holman, Corey Crowder, Chris Young, Chris DeStefano

    Record Company-Label: RCA Records Nashville

    • The Marfa Tapes – Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall

    Producers: Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, Jon Randall

    Record Company-Label: Vanner Records / RCA Records Nashville

     

    SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    • Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan 

    Producer: Paul DiGiovanni

    Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

    • Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown

    Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young

    Record Company-Label: RCA Records Nashville

    • Fancy Like – Walker Hayes

    Producers: Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Joe Thibodeau

    Record Company-Label: Monument Records

    • If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood

    Producers: Michael Knox

    Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records; Macon Music, LLC; BBR Music Group, BMG

    • You Should Probably Leave – Chris Stapleton

    Producer: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton

    Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville

     

    SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

    • 7 Summers – Morgan Wallen

    Songwriters: Morgan Wallen, Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally

    Publishers: Big Loud Mountain, Bo Wallace Publishing, Smackborne Music, Sony/ATV Accent, Smackstreet Music, Tempo Investments, Warner Geo Met Ric Music

    • Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan

    Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins

    Publishers: Anthem Music Publishing II, Bentprop Pub, Big Blue Nation Music, Combustion Five, Jentown, Jordan Davis Music, Smackwork Music, Smack Blue, Kobalt Music Group Music, Universal Music Corporation, WC Music Corp

    • Fancy Like – Walker Hayes

    Songwriters: Cameron Bartolini, Josh Jenkins, Shane Stevens, Walker Hayes

    Publishers: Songs of SMACK, Rarespark Media Group, Smackworks Music, Smack Blue, Kobalt Music Group, Holy Graffiti Music, Purplebeatz, WC Music Corp

    • Knowing You – Kenny Chesney

    Songwriters: Adam James, Brett James, Kat Higgins

    Publishers: 3 Ring Circus, BMG Platinum Songs, Pompano Run Music, Songs of Brett, WC Music Corp

    • Things A Man Oughta Know – Lainey Wilson

    Songwriters: Jason Nix, Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson

    Publishers: Sony/ATV Accent, Sony/ATV Countryside, Spirit Two Nashville, Super Big Music

     

    VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

    • Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home) – Elle King and Miranda Lambert

    Producers: Angie Lorenz, Wes Edwards, James Stratakis

    Directors: Alexa Kinigopoulos, Stephen Kinigopoulos

    • Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown

    Producer: Jennifer Ansell

    Director: Peter Zavadil

    • I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) – Taylor Swift featuring Chris Stapleton

    Producers: Jil Hardin, Blake Lively, Kathy Palmer, Austin Swift

    Director: Blake Lively

    • If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood

    Producers: Christen Pinkston, Wesley Stebbins-Perry

    Director: Shaun Silva

    • Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde

    Producer: Ryan Byrd

    Director: Alexa Campbell

    SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR*(Off Camera Award)

    • Jesse Frasure
    • Nicolle Galyon
    • Ashley Gorley
    • Michael Hardy
    • Josh Osborne

    MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    • Buy Dirt – Jordan Davis featuring Luke Bryan 

    Producer: Paul DiGiovanni

    Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

    • Famous Friends – Chris Young and Kane Brown

    Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young

    Record Company-Label: RCA Records Nashville

    • half of my hometown – Kelsea Ballerini featuring Kenny Chesney

    Producers: Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins, Kelsea Ballerini

    Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment

    • If I Didn’t Love You – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood

    Producer: Michael Knox

    Record Company-Label: Broken Bow Records; Macon Music, LLC; BBR Music Group, BMG

    • Never Wanted To Be That Girl – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde

    Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne

    Record Company-Label: Big Machine Label Group, Warner Music Nashville


    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about her ACM nomination for Entertainer of the Year.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Entertainer of the Year nomination) OC: …what happens. :49
    “Of course, it’s an honor to be nominated for Entertainer of the Year, you know. I feel like I’m so blessed to have so many facets of my job and things that I do, obviously performing live on stage, but there’s about a million other irons that we’ve always got in the fire that we’re always working on and we’re always busy. It kind of encapsulates all of that and being recognized for all the things going on is always a good thing. You never know what’s going to happen, because obviously there’s been many, many other artists that have just been crushing it and putting on great shows and doing all the things. There’s only a select handful that get nominated and it’s obviously very exciting and we’ll see what happens.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood and Jason Aldean have wanted to find a song to do together, but when “If I Didn’t Love You” came along, they knew it was the perfect fit.

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    Carrie Underwood (IIDLY perfect fit) OC: …the perfect fit. :30
    “Jason asked if I would sing ‘If I Didn’t Love You’ with him. I knew I liked the song, and Jason and I have actually been kind of trying to do things together over the years. We’ve sang together before, but we’ve never officially recorded anything together. It just kind of felt like this could be our moment. I felt like it was a little bit of an unexpected duet to other people, but I feel like I kinda always knew at some point I’d probably sing with him officially, and this just seemed like, the stars were aligning and it just seemed like it was going to be the perfect fit.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood on the announcement of ACM nominations.

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    Carrie Underwood (ACM nominations announcement) OC: …like that. :30
    “I love that they announce nominations for the ACMs in the morning because the night before you kind of know that they’re gonna come out. Usually, I forget by the time morning actually gets there, and then I wake up and start going about my day, and then I’ll get a text at some point that says, ‘Congratulations,’ and say what I’m nominated for, so it’s just super ‘Oh yeah! Omigosh! Yay!’ I knew they were coming, but they always surprise me, and I always feel just super honored and excited when I get good news like that.”

    Audio / Eric Church talks about what kind of energy he receives when he performs for the audience.

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    Eric Church (performing energy) OC: …type of crowd. :43
    “I think, for me, every night I try to empty the tank. There’s always that energy floating around.  It’s a palpable thing. It’s up to me to start that exchange and get the crowd to give it back to me and then watch it build on itself, and just to have that experience. I mean, we have one night here in whatever city we are in, whether it’s Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Monday. We got this night, I’m not going to see you for a while and you’re not going to see me for a while, you know? And I love being able to capitalize on that moment and trying to live in that moment and get as much energy exchanged between myself and the crowd as we can. I love that! That’s my favorite part of what we do. I love being around people…I’m very passionate about my music and I love people who are passionate about the music too, and I love playing a show for that type of crowd.”

    Audio / Backstage at a previous awards show, Chris Stapleton says he's always grateful to win awards.

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    Chris Stapleton (grateful for awards) OC: …grateful for the moment. :30
    “Well I’ll take ’em home with me I guess once they send ’em Yeah I guess you have to at some point, but it still is a very… I’m thankful for it and it’s very nice and there’s a lot of great people doing a lot of great things making a lot of great music and working really hard and so when you get this kind of a thing going, I don’t think anybody deserves it. It’s a lot of luck and a lot of stars lining up so, I’m grateful for the moment.”

    Audio / Chris Stapleton is the reigning CMA Male Vocalist, and he says it's special every time you win that award.

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    Chris Stapleton (CMA Male Vocalist 2021) OC: …for that. :17
    “It’s special every time you win something, and I do like, I feel like when you win that award people are appreciating your talent as a singer. And so, I do partially pride myself on being a pretty good one, so it’s nice to be recognized for that.”

    Audio / Little Big Town talk about cheering on their fellow nominees.

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    LBT (Group nomination) OC: …yeah. :12
    “That’s the coolest thing. Yeah. We’re all friends and we all root for each other and cheer each other on, and we love the music they’re making. And we just celebrate, man. We’re, we’re fans. Yeah.”

    Audio / Maddie & Tae say a nomination means the world to them.

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    Maddie & Tae (Duo nomination) OC: …super fun. :24
    “Having that nomination was like, oh wow, our peers do still feel like we’re doing something special and do still believe in us and that was a really nice spirit-lifter where we were like, ‘Oh my gosh. We are doing something right and we’re making music that people are enjoying,’ and that was just a huge, huge compliment. And we’re nominated with some of favorite people in the industry, so super fun.”

    Audio / Parker McCollum talks about his ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year.

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    Parker McCollum (ACM Nomination reaction) OC: …paying off. :35
    “You know, it’s really just crazy to be at a point in my life, in my career, where I can say things like I’m nominated for an ACM Award. I mean, I’ve watched those awards since I was a little kid and watched so many of my heroes win awards on that show and they play your song and you walk up and you accept an award, and it’s something I’ve thought about for a long, long, long time. So, to even be a consideration for an award, to even be a nominee, is just such an honor. It’s kind of a pinch-me moment of man, maybe what I’m doing is working out and paying off.”

    Audio / Priscilla Block is thrilled about her first ACM Nomination (for New Female Artist of the Year).

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    Priscilla Block (ACM 2022 reaction) OC: …so excited. :15
    “I am just blown away. I feel like I just keep crying. I don’t even know how this happened, but I’m so honored. This is probably one of the biggest moments of my life! I’m so excited!”

  • PARKER MCCOLLUM ANNOUNCED AS APPLE MUSIC UP NEXT ARTIST.

     

    Apple Music today announced Texas singer/songwriter Parker McCollum as the latest addition to its Up Next program, Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.

    Parker McCollum began building a following in his native Texas with 2015’s The Limestone Kid. The album track “Meet You in The Middle” became a hit on Texas’ regional radio chart, but it was the album’s widely-acclaimed follow-up, Probably Wrong, that helped Parker find national success. Bridging the gap between Texas’ homegrown music scene and Nashville’s country-industry headquarters, Parker’s songwriting earned him a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville in May 2018 and a recording deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in June 2019. In 2020, Parker released Hollywood Gold, the highest-selling debut country EP of 2020, which includes debut No.1 hit single “Pretty Heart,” and was certified Platinum, as well as playlisted across Apple Music top tier playlists, Today’s Country, and Don’t Mess With Texas. Parker followed with his 2021 major label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy, which was the top Country album in 17 countries on Apple Music, including the US, since its release. Earlier this summer, Parker played his first sold-out show at the Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion to a crowd of 20K fans and this fall he played the famed Woodlands (The Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion) in Woodlands, TX, to a sold out crowd which broke attendance records for the venue.

    “All I ever wanted was a real shot in country music. To be an Apple Music Up Next artist is an incredible honor and it means so much to me to have a platform like Apple believe in me,” says Parker McCollum. “I always try to keep my head down and earn every little thing so to have this spotlight for a little while is nice. I do not take it for granted. Now back to work. Mad love.”

    “Gritty, believable, and absolutely made for the spotlight, “said Apple Music Country host Kelleigh Bannen. “Parker McCollum is one of those rare artists who has been able to translate serious regional fame into mainstream success without compromising his core artistic identity.”

    In his Up Next film out today, Parker McCollum shares his journey working on a Texas ranch for his granddad, who got him into artists like George Strait, picking up a guitar because of his older brother, and telling his dad he was going to sign a major record deal one day. Parker tells Apple Music, “I wanted to do it the hard way. I really wanted to earn it. I didn’t want anybody to be able to say anybody bought me anything,” and talks about how he put a band together, recorded music, and toured on his own before getting an offer from every major label in town. He also talks about the rise of his song ‘Pretty Heart,’ the world shutting down two weeks after the song went to radio, and how the pandemic helped him lead a healthier lifestyle.

    Additional Up Next campaign moments include a Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on November 23rd, and a sit down interview with Apple Music Country’s Kelleigh Bannen, where he discusses his Gold Chain Cowboy album, being inspired by Pat Green, playing the Ryman, and the one song that defines him.

    Watch the Apple Music Parker McCollum Up Next film HERE

    Check out his Apple Music Country interview with Kelleigh Bannen HERE

    Stream the Gold Chain Cowboy album today and add the Apple Music Up Next Playlist into your listening rotation.

  • GET TO KNOW JON LANGSTON, PART FIVE.

    Jon Langston is putting his stamp on country music with his latest song, “Now You Know,” as well as having fans sing every word to every song he plays during his shows – it’s quite amazing. So, with his song “Now You Know,” we’re illuminating different aspects of Jon in order for you to get to know him a little bit better.

    As you may know by now, Jon is signed to Luke Bryan‘s label 32 Bridge Entertainment, which is under UMG’s EMI Nashville. Jon was brought to town by songwriter (and a member of the Peach Pickers) Rhett Akins. Luke kept hearing great things about Jon and says he felt the need to sign him and put him on his Farm Tour, which Jon says was a “dream come true.”

    “Luke Bryan has been a good buddy of mine,” says Jon. “We met a couple of years ago when he invited me out on his Farm Tour to open up, and it was pretty cool from the year before being out in the crowd watching the show and the next year being  on that stage — it was incredible. It was a dream come true.”

    “Now You Know” more about Jon Langston. We’ll be back with more tidbits about the Georgia native in the coming weeks.

    Audio / Jon Langston (Luke Bryan)

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    Jon Langston (Luke Bryan) OC: …come true. :18
    “Luke Bryan has been a good buddy of mine. We met a couple of years ago when he invited me out on his Farm Tour to open up, and it was pretty cool from the year before being out in the crowd watching the show and the next year being  on that stage — it was incredible. It was a dream come true.”

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  • BROTHERS OSBORNE WILL PERFORM DURING A SPECIAL FRYEDAYS EVENT AT THE ZAPPOS HEADQUARTERS IN LAS VEGAS NEXT MONTH.

    While in Las Vegas for the 53rd Annual ACM Awards, EMI Nashville’s Brothers Osborne is set to perform at a special FRYEDAYS event as part of their ongoing partnership with the authentic and timeless lifestyle brand Frye. The event will be held downtown at the Zappos Headquarters on Friday, April 13 at 4pm PT. Fans can enter for a chance to win tickets by going to brothersosborne.com. Additionally, fans at home will be able to watch a live stream of the event at Zappos.com/brothersosborne and thefryecompany.com

     

    The Maryland natives are nominated again for “Vocal Duo of the Year” as well as “Music Video of the Year” for their Top 10 rowdy hit “It Ain’t My Fault” at the upcoming 53rd ACM Awards.  In 2017, the singer/songwriter siblings added their name to the record books as the only duo besides Brooks & Dunn to win both ACM “Vocal Duo of the Year” and ACM “New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year” Awards in the same year.

     

    Brothers Osborne recently released their new single “Shoot Me Straight” off their upcoming sophomore album Port Saint Joe available April 20. Critics are praising the “epic rocker” (Rolling Stone) with industry critic Bob Lefsetz noting, “Brothers Osborne could single-handedly bring back the art of guitar.” To view in-studio video footage of “Shoot Me Straight” click HERE.

     

    Last month, Frye announced their most recent Hometown Pride campaign featuring the GRAMMY-nominated duo. The partnership includes in-store activations such as exclusive “first listen” events for Brothers Osborne’s music and vinyl copies of the new album Port Saint Joe will be sold in select Frye stores starting April 20th.  As original craftsmen, The Frye Company continues its tradition of honoring makers and valuing community – connecting quality and craft to the music that is so deeply rooted in the brand’s history.  The brand’s music series, FRYEDAYS, is a homegrown original program that features intimate live performances from established and emerging artists.

     

    As one of the largest online retailers well known for their award-winning customer service, Zappos is a longtime supporter of downtown Las Vegas. Since moving its          headquarters to Las Vegas in 2004, Zappos has championed countless initiatives, events and partnerships to help revitalize downtown and the surrounding area. At its heart, Zappos is a customer service company constantly seeking new ways to give back and provide a service to communities across the country, especially in their hometown of downtown Las Vegas.

     

    Brothers Osborne recently announced their first headlining UK tour set to launch May 4 in Dublin, Ireland with additional stops in Belfast, London, Manchester, Glasgow and more. The duo will then join Dierks Bentley on the “Mountain High Tour” kicking off May 17 in Columbia, MD. Tickets and additional information can be found at www.brothersosborne.com

     

    ABOUT THE FRYE COMPANY

    In 1863, John A. Frye opened the doors to his very first store, paving the way for

    countless generations of artisans. As the original craftsmen of American footwear, Frye

    continues to honor a passion for creating iconic styles using the finest leathers. Rooted

    in tradition, Frye was originally inspired by our everyday American heroes over the

    decades. Cavalry infantrymen. World War II soldiers. Fighter pilots. Factory workers.

    Word of Frye’s uncompromising quality and reputation spread. Frye has since become

    an American icon, worn by the courageous and the cool, from John Lennon to Jackie O.

     

    About Zappos

    Established in 1999, Zappos.com has quickly become a leading destination in online apparel and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection. Zappos currently showcases millions of products from over 1,000 clothing and shoe brands. Zappos is also proud to be rated ELITE by STELLAService and was named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, one of only 40 companies so named in the U.S. More information about the customer service philosophy, unique culture and job openings can be found at http://about.zappos.com. More information about Zappos Insights, and its business membership program can be found at zapposinsights.com. Zappos.com, Inc. is a subsidiary of (AMZN) Amazon.com, Inc.

     

    For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit: www.BrothersOsborne.com

     

    Fans can purchase a unique Record Store Day version of the new album Port Saint Joe HERE

  • JORDAN DAVIS OVERWHELMED BY HOW HIS DEBUT SONG, ‘SINGLES YOU UP,’ IS AFFECTING PEOPLE.

    Jordan Davis is experiencing his first Top 5 record with his debut song, “Singles You Up.” He says seeing how the song affects people is the main reason he writes and makes music.

    “Obviously, country radio has been great in playing it and to see it where it’s at on the charts as a debut song, you know it’s kinda crazy you know to think that it’s doing what it’s doing,” says Jordan. “To see people’s reaction when we start playing that song, you know that’s why we do it. That’s why you write songs for people to hear ‘em, for people to feel something. That’s one that people have fun when they hear that song, you know when we play it in the live show. When I see people’s reaction to it on Twitter or Instagram, that’s why you write music — to make somebody feel something. And if they feel happy when they sing it, it’s pretty awesome. So, it’s one that I’m happy to be a part of.”

    “Singles You Up” is the first release from his debut album, Home State, which will be available next Friday (March 23rd).

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about how his debut song, “Singles You Up,” has changed his life.

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    Jordan Davis (debut song has changed his life) OC: …a part of. :47
    “Obviously, country radio has been great in playing it and to see it where it’s at on the charts as a debut song, you know it’s kinda crazy you know to think that it’s doing what it’s doing. I’ll be honest with you as one of the last songs, it actually was the last song that we wrote for this record. To see people’s reaction when we start playing that song, you know that’s why we do it. That’s why you write songs for people to hear ‘em, for people to feel something. That’s one that people have fun when they hear that song, you know when we play it in the live show. When I see people’s reaction to it on Twitter or Instagram, that’s why you write music — to make somebody feel something. And if they feel happy when they sing it, it’s pretty awesome. So, it’s one that I’m happy to be a part of.”

    Video / Jordan Davis Singles You Up video

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  • LADY ANTEBELLUM’S YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR CONCERT SPECIAL AIRS ON THE AUDIENCE NETWORK NEXT FRIDAY.

    On Friday, November 24, AT&T* AUDIENCE Network will present the broadcast premiere of a special concert and documentary event with seven-time GRAMMY award-winning trio Lady Antebellum via DIRECTV Ch 239, AT&T U-verse Ch 1114 and streaming on-demand through DIRECTV NOW. The two-hour show, titled “Lady Antebellum: YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR” starts live at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT and gives viewers full access to personal interviews and a never-before-seen televised concert packed with their biggest chart-topping hits and new favorites. The show was recorded live at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena–on the last official North American stop of the tour, which spanned over 60 shows this year and coincided with the release of their sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Nashville) (HERE).

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    Throughout their North American leg, “fans were happy to know it was like no time has passed” (Omaha World-Herald) before the trio wrapped Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone‘s “must-see summer tour” in September. Concluding with dates overseas, the tour was dubbed “one of the best nights of mainstream Nashville music that the UK’s seen” (The Digital Fix) as “they put on a polished show for a rapturous crowd in London,” (The Guardian).

    “Being on stage and feeling that high from your fans at a show is one of our favorite parts of what we do,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “Their energy is crazy, so capturing it for something like this is always really fun to share. And, we shot it in our hometown of Nashville, which makes it extra sweet!”

    2017 has been another landmark year for platinum-selling trio Lady Antebellum–Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. The group is nominated  for CMA “Album of the Year” and “Vocal Group of the Year” following more than 18 million album units sold, nine No. 1 hits, ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including seven GRAMMY awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice AwardsUsing their “renewed energy” (People), the group hit the road this summer on their YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR featuring special guests Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young, as they introduced fans to “a fresh twist with the addition of a live horn section” (CMT) into a set already packed with mega-hits. 
    The new single and title-track Heart Break–an empowering call of independence– was co-written by the trio and the track provides “a bedrock for the entire record” (Paste) as “Scott takes satisfaction in feminine independence” (NPR) with “a touch of darkness and a clever play on words” (Rolling Stone). With eleven songs penned by Lady A, HEART BREAK (Capitol Nashville), the “buoyant album” (Entertainment Weekly) earned the group their fifth No. 1 debut position on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, immediately skyrocketed to the Top 10 on all-genre iTunes charts in 15 countries around the world and the new collection landed on multiple mid-year “best of lists” including Rolling Stone, The Tennessean and Taste of Country.

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  • DARIUS RUCKER’S ‘IF I TOLD YOU’ WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE TO RELEASE AS HIS NEW SINGLE.

    Darius Rucker has never recorded a song like “If I Told You,” the first single from his upcoming album, due out next year. Working with producer Ross Copperman (Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldredge), Darius says he’s having so much fun recording different stuff.

    “I’ve never sung anything like ‘If I Told You’ before, and the whole album is like that are songs that I don’t know if I’d ever done. And it’s been fun. It’s been amazing. We’re so excited that we have singles and we have great album tracks. I mean, it’s gonna be fun puttin’ this one out.”

    He says of all the songs he has recorded for the new album, “If I Told You” was the perfect first single. “Every time everybody hears it, they go, everybody that makes these decisions all went, ‘Wow! That’s a great song. Great production on it. It’s what we’ve been looking for,” says Darius. “It was really, the cream just rises to the top, and that one just rose to the top of the songs that we cut already.”

    Darius is also featured on “Forever Country,” a star-studded song celebrating the CMA Awards 50th Anniversary.

    Audio / Darius Rucker said his new album, featuring his latest single “If I Told You,” has been so much fun to record.

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    Darius Rucker (If I Told You) 3 OC: …putting this one out. :23
    “You know, this whole new project. I’m working with Ross Copperman, and we’re having fun just doing some different stuff. I’ve never sung anything like ‘If I Told You’ before, and the whole album is like that are songs that I don’t know if I’d ever done. And it’s been fun. It’s been amazing. We’re so excited that we have singles and we have great album tracks. I mean, it’s gonna be fun puttin’ this one out.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker said “If I Told You” was the right and perfect song to release as the first single from his forthcoming album.

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    Darius Rucker (If I Told You) 4 OC: …cut already. :17
    “‘If I Told You’ was easy to pick as the first single, because every time everybody hears it, they go, everybody that makes these decisions all went, ‘Wow! That’s a great song. Great production on it. It’s what we’ve been looking for.’ It was really, the cream just rises to the top, and that one just rose to the top of the songs that we cut already.”

  • KIP MOORE ANNOUNCES ‘YOUNG LOVE’ AS HIS NEW SINGLE. (PRESS RELEASE)

    Nashville, TN – Oct. 21, 2013- PLATINUM-selling artist Kip Moore announced “Young Love” as the lead single from the follow up to his MCA debut, UP ALL NIGHT.  It follows three consecutive No. one hits and was written by Moore and longtime friends Dan Couch (“Hey Pretty Girl,” “Somethin’ Bout A Truck”) and Weston Davis.  With a building tempo and powerful instrumentation, the song captures the passionate and all consuming emotions of a first love.  Fans can unlock a special preview of the track by visiting http://younglove.kipmoore.net/.

    “Being able to write songs with a couple of your best friends and then actually have some success with it is something every up and coming songwriter dreams about, and I have a hard time believing that we’ve achieved that sometimes.  Beyond being friends, Dan and Weston are two of the most talented guys I know, and we always push each other to be better,” said Moore.  “This song is about being in love so much that the rest of the world doesn’t matter, it is just about those two people.  Especially being young, everyone else might not take it as seriously as you are feeling it.  I think most people have been there and we wanted to tell that story.”

    For a press preview of “Young Love,” click here.

    Last year, Moore shot out of the gate with the best selling debut country album of 2012, UP ALL NIGHT, which spawned the PLATINUM, two week chart-topping hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” followed by two more No. one singles, “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty Girl.”  Moore has relentlessly toured the country coast to coast this year with Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert and Toby Keith amid selling out his own headlining shows, often in just minutes.  Up next for Moore is the 47th Annual CMA Awards airing live Wed., Nov. 6 at 8:00P CT on ABC where he is nominated for “New Artist of the Year.”  Moore will kick off his own headlining dates for the BURN THE WHOLE WORLD DOWN Tour kicking off Nov. 15 in Jacksonville, FL and going through Dec. 14.  In January, he will join Lady Antebellum for their TAKE ME DOWNTOWN TOUR.  For a full list of tour dates and more information, visit www.kipmoore.net. 

  • KACEY MUSGRAVES: Who Knows What Will Come ‘Round’ Next! (AUDIO)


    To say that Kacey Musgraves is having a great year may be an understatement – it seems like every week brings something new and different for her! Take the coming few weeks for example – this weekend, she’ll perform for fans in Nashville as part of the Zac Brown Band’s Southern Ground Music and Food Festival…next month, she’s been asked by Katy Perry to be part of a major Los Angeles concert that will serve as a fundraiser for young women who’re facing breast cancer…and a couple weeks after that, she’ll walk into the CMA Awards as one of the night’s leading nominees! And this is on top of touring the country all year opening shows for folks like Kenny Chesney and Little Big Town! “It’s really hard for me to pick one thing that has been just ‘the’ highlight,” Kacey admits. “It’s really all unbelievable, and I’m thankful for every bit of it.”

    Kacey Musgraves admits she’s having an amazing year filled with unforgettable moments. (:22)
    “It’s really hard for me to pick one thing that has been just ‘the’ highlight. I feel like sometimes that I get stuck trying to be thankful for the thing that happened to me, you know, a month or two ago, let alone this week! It’s really all unbelievable, and I’m thankful for every bit of it. I mean, I’ve gotten to – just at the very simplest – travel the world and see so many different kinds of people and places.”

  • DAVID NAIL KNEW THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL ABOUT HIS WIFE THE MOMENT HE MET HER. (AUDIO)

    David Nail says the first time he saw his wife, Catherine, he noticed there was something special about her. “She was just different,” says David.When you go to the same places and see the same people, when somebody new walks in the door, you notice them. I knew that was pretty obvious that she wasn’t from around the Nashville area. We had mutual friends, and so the next day, I kinda forced my way over to that house and was just really being silly. Found out she had a boyfriend, so I really didn’t think anything about it…and a couple hours later, they were getting ready to go back to Memphis where she’s from, and I heard her tell a friend, ‘He’s so funny. I just wish we could throw him up in our suitcase and take him home.’ I kinda took that as my invitation, so I kinda manipulated the situation to where I could get in contact with her and just kinda maintain contact, so if the boyfriend, if he ever messed up, I could step in…which I did, and once I stepped in, I made sure I kept her close.”

    David is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest single, “Whatever She’s Got.” It’s the first single from David’s forthcoming album, due early next year.

    Audio / David Nail (how he met his wife)

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    AUDIO: David Nail explains how he met his wife.

    David Nail (how he met his wife) OC: …kept her close. :57
    “She was just different. I know that’s such a vague answer. But when you go to the same places and see the same people, when somebody new walks in the door, you notice them. I knew that was pretty obvious that she wasn’t from around the Nashville area. We had mutual friends, and so the next day, I kinda forced my way over to that house and was just really being silly. Found out she had a boyfriend, so I really didn’t think anything about it, just was trying to kind of make everybody laugh and be really lighthearted. And a couple hours later, they were getting ready to go back to Memphis where she’s from, and I heard her tell a friend, ‘He’s so funny. I just wish we could throw him up in our suitcase and take him home.’ I kinda took that as my invitation, so I kinda manipulated the situation to where I could get in contact with her and just kinda maintain contact, so if the boyfriend, if he ever messed up, I could step in…which I did, and once I stepped in, I made sure I kept her close.”

  • ALAN JACKSON WILL RE-RELEASE ‘PRECIOUS MEMORIES’ NEXT WEEK! (AUDIO)

    Alan Jackson will re-release his 2006 gospel album, Precious Memories, on Tuesday, March 27th. He originally recorded the album for his mother and his wife’s mother, who had been pleading for him to put together an entire gospel collection. What prompted him to finally do it was when he recorded a song for the funeral of Denise’s father. “I went in with just a piano and sang it, just real quick for this service, and it was ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.’ That recording’s on the album. We used that same one. We didn’t rerecord it, so it’s the one we did for his funeral,” Alan recalls. “So, anyway, after they heard that, her mother, Denise and my mother and everybody was on me then to do a whole album, so finally I ran in [the studio] and just kind of threw this thing together.”

    Precious Memories includes many gospel favorites, such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Softly and Tenderly,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art.”

    At the time of the album’s release, GAC-TV broadcast a special concert from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The one-hour special, which features personal interviews with Alan, his wife and mother, will re-air beginning Sunday at 8pm ET and running through March 28th at 10am ET.

    The country superstar is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest hit, “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore.”

    AUDIO: During the time he first released Precious Memories, Alan Jackson explains why he put together a gospel album.

    AJ (Precious Memories) OC: …together. :55

    “My mom had probably been asking me to record this had to be [laughs] ever since I started making records, probably early ‘90s, I guess. I don’t remember. But every now and then, you know, ‘I wish you’d make a gospel album.’ And so, and I wanted to do a gospel album. I love that music and just looking for an opportunity or just making myself do it, I guess. But what motivated me was my wife’s father passed away, and Denise asked me to record a song for his funeral. I went in with just a piano and sang it, just real quick for this service, and it was ‘Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.’ That recording’s on the album. We used that same one. We didn’t rerecord it, so it’s the one we did for his funeral. So, anyway, after they heard that, her mother, Denise and my mother and everybody was on me then to do a whole album, so finally I ran in [the studio] and just kind of threw this thing together.”

  • ALAN JACKSON SHARES MEMORIES AND THOUGHTS ON THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF 9/11, AND DISCUSSES HIS SONG, “WHERE WERE YOU (WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED TURNING).”

    On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever with the devastating attacks on both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” embodied the thoughts and feelings of millions in the wake of the events that took place 10 years ago.

    The chorus and melody of “Where Were You…” came to Jackson in the middle of the night several weeks after the 9/11 tragedies. He awoke…sang the words into a recorder and wrote down key elements of the chorus…and completed the lyrics and verses later that same day. Initially reluctant to record the song, he was convinced by family and friends to share it with the world and debuted “Where Were You…” live on national television in early November at the 35th annual CMA Awards.

    “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” embodied the thoughts and feelings of millions in the wake of the 2001 events. Written by Jackson, the song was called “…one of the most touching, powerful songs to come after the tragedies” by USA Today and dubbed “a reflective hymn that Americans will be listening to well into the second half of this century” by Salon.com. The New York Times singled out “Where Were You…” as “one of his finest songs,” and Billboard noted “a multitude of songs have been written and recorded in the wake of September 11, but none captures the myriad emotions unleashed by the terrorist attacks on an unsuspecting nation more perfectly than Jackson’s eloquent ballad.” The song went on to be honored with a Grammy, CMA and ACM Awards.

    This year, as part of the national observance of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, Jackson will perform “Where Were You…” at Washington National Cathedral on the evening of Sunday, September 11 as part of an event that will also include remarks by President Barack Obama.

    Audio / AJ (Where Were You) 1

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    Audio / AJ (Where Were You) 2

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    Audio / AJ (Where Were You) 3

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    AUDIO: Alan Jackson explains why he feels “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” still resonates with music fans in concert ten years after the events of September 11, 2001.

    AJ (Where Were You) 1 OC: …big changes. :50

    “At the time, it was very meaningful to people and I felt really good about contributing something. And then I thought it would just fade away and then we’d ease it out of the show, but now I see people out there that I feel like are waiting for that song, you know? I think it’s more than just the 9-11 connection. I mean, the real hook in it is quotes right out of the Bible anyway. And still, at night, it’s one of my biggest songs in the show. It’s hard to follow it, but I see so many that are holding up them lighters and are glad to hear it, and I think are moved by it and glad I did it. And I heard so many stories back during that time when it was happening. People said, ‘Oh, they quit their jobs, and they changed their lifestyles and started going to church and found somebody to marry!’ It was just like all these things that affected…those were big changes!”

     

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson describes how the events of September 11, 2001 impacted him…and talks about writing “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” a few weeks later.

    AJ (Where Were You) 2 OC: …same feelings. 1:33

    “Well, I don’t know – I think I was probably like most people that were impacted with that day and the months that followed. You know, everybody was glued to the news and television and I think it really affected a lot of people – their perspective on their lives and their jobs and their families and where they were and what they were wanting to do and how they looked at things. And I guess…I mean, that’s what I was thinking, too. And I just pretty much visualized a lot of those scenes and stories I’d heard and seen on television or heard people talk about. The song came out of nowhere in the middle of the night – the chorus did. Just a gift. And I got up and scribbled it down and put the melody down so I wouldn’t forget it, and then the next day I started piecing all those verses together that were the thoughts I’d had or visuals I’d had, and…that was about it. I think it was just really…I had so many people tell me that there’s always a line or something in there that they did, whether it was go to church or pick up their Bible or go see their mother or watch a sunset – I mean, just a lot of things in there people told me that they had actually done those things, so…I guess I was like everybody else, just feeling those same feelings.”

     

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson recalls sharing “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” with all of us for the first time live on national television during the 35th Annual CMA Awards.

    AJ (Where Were You) 3 OC: …meant something. :56)

    “It was a tough performance for me. You know, just the whole idea of releasing that song was a little bit tough. I wasn’t sure I wanted to put that out, but everybody convinced me that it was the thing to do…and in retrospect, I agree with that. But, you know, I hadn’t really sung the song much, first of all. It was just in the studio, basically, and when I wrote it…so it’s hard to go out there and sing something new anyway, and just the topic made it nerve-wracking, too. You know, I didn’t think about what was going to happen or anything  –  we just sang it. And I just remember, other than being relieved that I got through it, I just felt very proud that it seemed to cause a reaction in people…and I was proud that I got to do it, and that it seemed like it meant something. 

     

  • TYLER HUBBARD RELEASES NEW SINGLE, “PARK.”

    Tyler Hubbard has released his new single, “Park,” the follow-up to his third solo No. 1 “Back Then Right Now.” The song, which he co-wrote with Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Canaan Smith, is from his latest album, Strong.

    “Park” actually reminded Tyler of a real-life incident that occurred when he was a teenager.

    “I literally didn’t think of it until about halfway through the song, and I had a flashback to being 15 and riding around, and my girlfriend was 16,” recalls Tyler. “She had a Toyota Camry, and I remember us riding around and we had a little tradition where we would find a parking lot and stop on the way, usually on the way home from church we would stop somewhere and kill a little time in the parking lot, if you will. And so, yeah, we were coming home and we pulled off into this, actually another church parking lot, a lot of churches in small town Georgia, apparently. But, anyways, we pulled off into the parking lot and we were sitting there making out and next thing you know, there’s blue lights behind me. Man, I was kind of nervous and the cop comes up and he kind of makes a bigger deal than it should’ve been. I was only about a mile from my house, so he ended up escorting us home, walking me to the door, making a scene about it with my dad and saying you know, ‘Caught these two down here in this parking lot.’ So, my dad had to make a scene about it too, so he grounded me for about a month. At 15 years old, when you’re grounded for a month, especially from your girlfriend, I was like, ‘Wait, I can’t…’ She was my ride at that point. So, yeah, I was out of commission and lesson learned. I should’ve just went home and sat in the driveway and made out. But, so yeah, I had a nostalgic memory attached to this song. Every time I sing this song, I think about it.” (laughs)

    Tyler has a few more dates on Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour, and then he’ll headline some fairs and festivals throughout the summer, followed by his headlining Strong World Tour kicking off September 6th in Indianapolis.

    Audio / Tyler Hubbard recalls a nostalgic memory attached to his song, “Park.”

    Download

    Tyler Hubbard (Park) OC: …about it. (laughs) 1:23
    “I literally didn’t think of it until about halfway through the song, and I had a flashback to being 15 and riding around, and my girlfriend was 16. She had a Toyota Camry, and I remember us riding around and we had a little tradition where we would find a parking lot and stop on the way, usually on the way home from church we would stop somewhere and kill a little time in the parking lot, if you will. And so, yeah, we were coming home and we pulled off into this, actually another church parking lot, a lot of churches in small town Georgia, apparently. But, anyways, we pulled off into the parking lot and we were sitting there making out and next thing you know, there’s blue lights behind me. Man, I was kind of nervous and the cop comes up and he kind of makes a bigger deal than it should’ve been. I was only about a mile from my house, so he ended up escorting us home, walking me to the door, making a scene about it with my dad and saying you know, ‘Caught these two down here in this parking lot.’ So, my dad had to make a scene about it too, so he grounded me for about a month. At 15 years old, when you’re grounded for a month, especially from your girlfriend, I was like, ‘Wait, I can’t…’ She was my ride at that point. So, yeah, I was out of commission and lesson learned. I should’ve just went home and sat in the driveway and made out. But, so yeah, I had a nostalgic memory attached to this song. Every time I sing this song, I think about it.” (laughs)

     

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  • ACM AWARDS 2024 PREVIEW

    The 59th Annual ACM Awards will take place Thursday (May 11th) with a star-studded cast of nominees, performers and presenters.

    Presenters include Jordan Davis (who has four nominations), as well as Little Big Town, Alabama, BRELAND, Tyler Cameron, Sara Evans, Carin León, Ashley McBryde, Dion and Rozene Pride, Noah Reid, Richard Sherman, Charissa Thompson, Randy Travis and Clay Walker

    Previously announced performers include Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum, host Reba McEntire, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Kane Brown and Jason Aldean. Post Malone, Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan, Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will also perform.

    The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Chris Stapleton has five nods, including one for Entertainer of the Year, as well as his ninth consecutive nomination for Male Artist of the Year, an award he’s won three times in the past. Chris is also up for Album of the Year (Higher – Artist & Producer nominations) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

    Morgane Stapleton receives her first nomination as a producer on her husband Chris Stapleton’s album Higher. 

    Jordan Davis earns four nominations, including Single of the Year (“Next Thing You Know”), Song of the Year (“Next Thing You Know” – Artist & Songwriter nominations) and Visual Media of the Year (“Next Thing You Know”).

    Parker McCollum is nominated for a pair of awards, including Single of the Year and Visual Media of the Year for “Burn It Down.”

    Brothers Osborne’s nomination for Duo of the Year marks their 17th ACM nomination and the tenth year in a row being nominated for ACM Duo of the Year, an award the pair has brought home four times, including last year.

    Kacey Musgraves’ two nominations this year brings her total nominations count to 27, including eight nominations for Female Artist of the Year. She won the award in 2018, the same year she won Album of the Year for Golden Hour. She is nominated for Female Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year (“I Remember Everything” w/ Zach Bryan).

    Little Big Town receives its 18th nomination for Group of the Year, which ties the group for the all-time record of 18 nominations for Group of the Year held by Alabama. Little Big Town has been nominated in the category every year since 2005, with the exception of 2011.

    Maddie & Tae are nominated for Duo of the Year, along with Brothers Osborne and The War And Treaty.

    Kassi Ashton and Kylie Morgan have earned their first ACM nomination, which is for New Female Artist of the Year.

    Eric Church is nominated for Music Event of the Year for “Man Made A Bar,” along with Morgan Wallen.

    The ACM Country Kickoff at The Star features performances from nearly every ACM New Artist nominee this year, including Kassi Ashton, Kylie Morgan, Ashley CookeHannah EllisKameron Marlowe, Megan MoroneyNeon UnionRestless RoadDylan ScottConner SmithNate Smith, and Tigirlily Gold. More artists are set to hit the Carhartt Stage in Frisco on Tuesday (May 14th) and Wednesday (May 15th), including Chayce BeckhamAnnie Bosko, Tyler BradenTiera KennedyJenna PauletteAlana SpringsteenMatt Stell, and more.

    There will also be special performances on Tuesday (May 14th) night starting at 8pm CT for Live From the ACM Awards: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration, where the New Artists of the Year category winners for the ACM Awards will be revealed. Country Heat Weekly Podcast hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson will emcee the show, which will air live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

    Another event leading up to Thursday night’s (May 16th) ACM Awards, Parker McCollum will serve as the headliner for the ACM Lifting Lives LIVE, presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, the tentpole fundraising event of ACM Awards Week, which brings together artists, industry members, and fans for an all-star concert. The event will take place on the golfing green at Topgolf The Colony on May 15th.

    In its second year in Texas, Parker McCollum and Friends: ACM Lifting Lives LIVE, which will also feature performances by Jordan Davis, among others, will raise money and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives, which works to improve lives through the power of music with a specific focus on health-related initiatives that use music therapy as a way of healing.

    The 59th Annual ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will stream live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 16th at 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT on Prime Video.  You can also catch the official red carpet coverage on Prime Video, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch and P, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch and Amazon Live, starting at 7pm ET/6pm CT/4pm PT.

    https://twitter.com/reba/status/1789765727764808074

     

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

    • Kane Brown
    • Luke Combs
    • Jelly Roll
    • Cody Johnson
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen
    • Lainey Wilson

    FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Kelsea Ballerini
    • Ashley McBryde
    • Megan Moroney
    • Kacey Musgraves
    • Lainey Wilson

    MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Luke Combs
    • Jelly Roll
    • Cody Johnson
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen

     DUO OF THE YEAR

    • Brooks & Dunn
    • Brothers Osborne 
    • Dan + Shay
    • Maddie & Tae 
    • The War And Treaty

    GROUP OF THE YEAR

    • Flatland Cavalry
    • Lady A
    • Little Big Town 
    • Old Dominion
    • Zac Brown Band

    NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Kassi Ashton
    • Ashley Cooke
    • Hannah Ellis
    • Kylie Morgan 
    • Megan Moroney

    NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • ERNEST
    • Kameron Marlowe
    • Dylan Scott
    • Conner Smith
    • Nate Smith

    NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

    • Neon Union
    • Restless Road
    • Tigirlily Gold

     

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs
    Producer: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs
    Record Company-Label: River House Artists / Columbia Nashville

     Higher – Chris Stapleton
    Producer: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton
    Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville

    Leather – Cody Johnson
    Producers: Trent Willmon
    Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville LLC

    One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
    Producers: Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records / Mercury Records

    Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) – Kelsea Ballerini
    Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
    Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment

    SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    Burn It Down – Parker McCollum
    Producer: Jon Randall

    Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

    Fast Car – Luke Combs
    Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
    Record Company-Label: River House Artists / Columbia Nashville

    Last Night – Morgan Wallen
    Producer: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome
    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records / Mercury Records

    Need A Favor – Jelly Roll
    Producer: Austin Nivarel
    Record Company-Label: Stoney Creek Records / BMG Nashville


    Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
    Producer: Paul DiGiovanni

    Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

     

    SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

    Fast Car – Luke Combs
    Songwriters: Tracy Chapman
    Publishers: Purple Rabbit

    Heart Like A Truck – Lainey Wilson
    Songwriters: Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson
    Publishers: Sony / ATV Countryside; Songs of Riser House; Songs of Wild Cat Well Music

    Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
    Songwriters: Chase McGill, Greylan James, Jordan Davis, Josh Osborne

    Publishers: Family Farm Songs; Hold On Can I Get A Number 1 Music; Songs of Universal Inc.

    The Painter – Cody Johnson
    Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
    Publishers: Big Music Machine; BMG Platinum Songs US; Nashblonde Music; Pompano Run Music; Songs for Ellie May; Sony / ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Group; Well That Was Awkward Music

    Tennessee Orange – Megan Moroney
    Songwriters: Ben Williams, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins
    Publishers: 33 Creative; Bone Bone Creative; Sony / ATV Tree Publishing

    MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    Can’t Break Up Now – Old Dominion, Megan Moroney
    Producers: Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Ross Copperman, Kristian Bush
    Record Company-Label: Three Up Three Down, LLC / Columbia Nashville


    Different ‘Round Here – Riley Green (Ft. Luke Combs)
    Producer: Dann Huff
    Record Company-Label: BMLG Records

     

    I Remember Everything – Zach Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
    Producer: Zach Bryan
    Record Company-Label: Belting Bronco Records / Warner Records, Inc

     

    Man Made A Bar – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)
    Producer: Joey Moi
    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Mercury Records / Republic Records

     

    Save Me – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson)
    Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
    Record Company-Label: Stoney Creek Records / BMG Nashville

     

    VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

    Burn It Down – Parker McCollum
    Producers: Christen Pinkston &Wesley Stebbins-Perry

    Director: Dustin Haney

    Human – Cody Johnson
    Producer: Christen Pinkston &Wesley Stebbins-Perry
    Director: Dustin Haney

    In Your Love – Tyler Childers
    Producer: Kacie Barton, Whitney Wolanin, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thorton, Silas House
    Director: Bryan Schlam

    Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
    Producer: Jamie Stratakis

    Director: Running Bear (Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone)

    Tennessee Orange – Megan Moroney
    Producer: Lauren Starr, Saul Levitz, Laura Burhenn
    Director: Jason Lester

    ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

    • Zach Bryan
    • ERNEST
    • HARDY
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen

     

    Audio / ACM reigning Entertainer of the Year Chris Stapleton talks about his nominated Album of the Year, Higher.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (Higher album) OC: …on this record. :56
    “One thing that’s probably notable about the record to me is it’s the first one that we’ve put out that doesn’t contain a cover, so there’s no covers on this record. So, in that way, I guess you could say it should be more intrinsically whatever we do. So, there’s definitely some exploration of the edges of what that is, and certainly some moments of stretching out vocally and trying to see what that is. There’s some different stuff on this record, I think, and I think it’s really great. I think it’s something that people will enjoy. I think there’s something on it for everybody, which is kind of always my goal. If you’re a kind of a hardcore traditional country person, there’s a song on there for that somewhere. If you leaned into more of the R&B side of what we do, there’s stuff on there for that. If you like the rock side of things that we do, there’s stuff on there for that. And there’s some really great songs on here. I’m excited about the songs on this record.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis has four nominations going into Thursday night's ACM Awards, and he talked about the morning the nominations came out.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (2024) OC: …shakes out. :32
    “So, when I actually found out that I was nominated, I was driving to rehearsals and I totally forgot that the nominations were coming out that morning, and I looked down and I had 18 text messages, and I was like, ‘Oh, I must’ve gotten nominated.’ (laughs) So, I wasn’t expecting it, I really wasn’t. I mean, I love that song to death. There’s a lot of amazing songs out this year, so I truly just started calling people and saying thank you and already looking forward to being down in Dallas and seeing how this thing shakes out.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about being nominated for one of his songs at the ACM Awards.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (awards nominations) OC: …a song acknowledged. :38
    “Nominations are truly wins. I don’t think any of us really do it for awards. They’re definitely special, but yeah, to be acknowledged by the ACMs for having a song up for Song of the Year, to me, I just go back to watching the ACMs with my family and seeing that award every year and now here I am for a chance to be up there, and I don’t know. It’s just kind of full circle. So, for me, it shows how special country music is, these award shows, but also too, it makes you feel like you’re doing something right enough to get a song acknowledged.”

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about his ACM-nominated song, "What My World Spins Around."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (WMWSA song) OC: …any faster. :47
    “It’s special because of what the song means to me. A lot of the messages, a lot of the comments I get on this are that there’s a spot for everybody on this – married, unmarried, engaged, grandparent, expecting a baby for the first time – there’s a spot for you in it. I’m hoping, that in all honesty, I think where I wrote the song from was you know being a touring musician and being gone for half the year and even in four years of having a kid, I’ve already missed a lot of stuff. I hope that that slows down, or at least I’m able to kinda really cherish some of the moments that I’m at home. So, aybe that’s it. Maybe it’s just seeing people slow down a little bit and realize that time’s moving fast and we don’t need to make it move any faster.”

    Audio / BACKSTAGE AT LAST YEAR'S ACM AWARDS, BROTHERS OSBORNE'S JOHN OSBORNE SAYS AWARDS REMINDS HIM OF THE JOURNEY HE AND HIS BROTHER TJ OSBORNE HAVE TAKEN IN COUNTRY MUSIC.

    Download

    Brothers Osborne (ACM 2023 win) OC: …very grateful for that. :52
    JOHN: “You know, it’s absolutely crazy. I mean, the best way for us to stay grounded is when it happens…it’s a blur on stage. You know, you have an idea of what you’re going to say, it never comes out right. And then, I walked backstage, and we get a million texts from friends, my wife, from family and stuff like that, and it reminds you constantly of where you came from and the journey that you took. There will be a day where we won’t even be nominated, and that’s okay. The reality is nothing is permanent, and we’re fortunately in a position now where we can kind of swim and bask in the glory of something, and that being this country music community has lifted us on their shoulders for years now, and we’d be nothing without them and I’m very grateful for that.”

    Audio / PARKER MCCOLLUM TALKS ABOUT SHOOTING THE VIDEO FOR "BURN IT DOWN."

    Download

    Parker McCollum (Burn It Down video) OC: …turned out great. :38
    “Man, the video was pretty easy, actually. I talked to Dustin, the director, and I was like, ‘Man, I feel like wherever we are, we’re just blowing stuff up and so let’s go blow some stuff up and burn it down.’ And he had a great vision out there in New Mexico. We were in the desert, I mean, the desert, desert. You couldn’t, it was like the ocean, but sand; the middle of the ocean but sand. And it was actually really cold in the morning, then it got really hot at night and then the smoke and the fire and they’re wanting me to walk through it over and over, take after take after take. I’m walking through like this chemical burning black smoke. I’m like this is really risking it for a music video, but it turned out great.”

    Audio / Maddie & Tae talk about their Duo of the Year nomination.

    Download

    Maddie & Tae (Duo nomination) OC: (MADDIE) …super fun. :24
    “Having that nomination was like, ‘Oh, wow, our peers still feel like we’re doing something special and do still believe in us.’ And that was like a really nice like spirit lifter where we were like, ‘Omigosh. We are doing something right, and we’re making music that people are enjoying,’ and that was just a huge, huge compliment. And we’re nominated with some of our favorite people in the industry, so super fun.”

    Audio / The members of Little Big Town talk about winning their very first award at the ACMs.

    Download

    LBT (ACM first award) OC: (KAREN) …so much fun. :24
    JIMI: “The ACM Awards – is that the first?” KAREN: “The first award we ever won? Yeah. We won New Vocal Group. (KIMBERLY: “Yup.”) I can’t even remember what year that was.” KIMBERLY: “I was pregnant. It was 2007.” KAREN: “That’s right. That’s right ‘cause you bounced all the way up. We were like, don’t go into labor.” (LAUGHS) KIMBERLY: “That was our first award ever!” KAREN: “Very special, and this awards show is always like so much fun.”

    Audio / WHEN LAST YEAR'S ACM NOMINATIONS WERE ANNOUNCED, MICHAEL AND TANYA (pr. TONYA) TROTTER OF THE WAR AND TREATY TALK ABOUT THEIR FIRST ACM NOMINATION FOR DUO OF THE YEAR.

    Download

    The War and Treaty (ACM 2023 nomination) OC: (Tanya) …country music. 1:13
    “Hey everybody! I’m Tanya, and I’m Michael, and we’re The War and Treaty. (Michael) This morning, April 13th, we woke up and to be able to see Bobby Bones do the nominations for the ACMS ad get to the category of Duo of the Year, and we were just callin’ ‘em out. We were like, ‘Brooks & Dunn,’ ‘Dan + Shay,’ and we were like ‘Brothers Osborne,’ Brothers Osborne, yes! Dan + Shay, Dan + Shay, and we was like, ‘Yes.’ We were like, ‘Maddie & Tae,’ we was like ‘Yes,’ and then time slowed down. They were like The War and Treaty. And honestly, we burst into tears, we screamed, we yelled, we high-fived, we hugged our manager, Christina. In our minds then traveled back in time and forward. We traveled to Charly Pride, DeFord Bailey and Ray Charles, and we were like, ‘I hope they’re seeing this wherever they are, and I hope they’re dancing and high-fiving as well. Thank you, ACMs.” TANYA: “Thank you so much to the ACMs and everybody who’s nominated and all of our peers in country music.”

    Audio / An emotional Kylie Morgan is blown away by her ACM nomination for New Female Artist of the Year at this year's ACM Awards.

    Download

    Kylie Morgan (ACM 2024 reaction) OC: …so excited. :19
    “I truly still can’t believe that this is actually happening. I’ve been watching the ACMs since I was a little girl, just watching all of my heroes win awards and walk down the red carpet. And the fact that I am now one of those people just absolutely blows my mind and I’m just so thankful and so excited.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS SCORES HIS 7TH NO. 1 HIT WITH “TUCSON TOO LATE.”

    Jordan Davis has hit the top of the Billboard and Country Aircheck country charts with his latest hit, “Tucson Too Late.” The Louisiana native wrote the tune with his brother Jacob Davis and brothers Josh and Matt Jenkins, the same dream team behind “Buy Dirt.”

    “I’ve said this, you know, before, I was a big (Keith) Whitley fan, and ‘Miami My Amy’ was always a song that I thought was done so cool, and it’s just a cool way to write a song. So, this was us trying to hopefully live up to something like that. But, yeah, definitely different than anything I’ve ever put out before, and it’s been cool to see a song that is different than ‘World Spins’ and ‘Take It’ and ‘Singles’ and kind of the more uptempo singles I’ve had, to see this one do well too is awesome.”

    In between dates on his own headlining Damn Good Time Tour, he’s also direct support for Luke Combs on several of his stadium dates. Next up for Jordan is the ACM Lifting Lives show with Parker McCollum on Wednesday (May 15th).

    At this year’s ACM Awards on Thursday (May 16th), Jordan has four nominations including Single of the Year (“Next Thing You Know”), Song of the Year (“Next Thing You Know” – Artist & Songwriter nominations) and Visual Media of the Year (“Next Thing You Know”). Catch the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards on Amazon Prime beginning at 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT.

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis says it's really cool to see a song like "Tucson Too Late" do as well as his previous singles.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late Keith Whitley) OC: …is awesome. :29
    “I’ve said this, you know, before, I was a big (Keith) Whitley fan, and ‘Miami My Amy’ was always a song that I thought was done so cool, and it’s just a cool way to write a song. So, this was us trying to hopefully live up to something like that. But, yeah, definitely different than anything I’ve ever put out before, and it’s been cool to see a song that is different than ‘World Spins’ and ‘Take It’ and ‘Singles’ and kind of the more uptempo singles I’ve had, to see this one do well too is awesome.”

    Video /

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  • ACM NOMINATIONS 2024: Chris, Brothers Osborne, Eric, Jordan, Parker, Maddie & Tae, Little Big Town, Kacey, Kassi,Kylie and more

    The nominations for the 59th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced today (April 9th), and Universal Music Group has several nominated artists.

    The reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Chris Stapleton has five nods, including one for Entertainer of the Year, as well as his ninth consecutive nomination for Male Artist of the Year, an award he’s won three times in the past. Chris is also up for Album of the Year (Higher – Artist & Producer nominations) and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

    Morgane Stapleton receives her first nomination as a producer on her husband Chris Stapleton’s album Higher. 

    Jordan Davis earns four nominations, including Single of the Year (“Next Thing You Know”), Song of the Year (“Next Thing You Know” – Artist & Songwriter nominations) and Visual Media of the Year (“Next Thing You Know”).

     

    Brothers Osborne’s nomination for Duo of the Year marks their 17th ACM nomination and the tenth year in a row being nominated for ACM Duo of the Year, an award the pair has brought home four times, including last year.

    Kacey Musgraves’ two nominations this year brings her total nominations count to 27, including eight nominations for Female Artist of the Year. She won the award in 2018, the same year she won Album of the Year for Golden Hour. She is nominatied for Female Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year (“I Remember Everything” w/ Zach Bryan).

    2022’s New Male Artist of the Year Parker McCollum received two nominations for Single of the Year (“Burn It Down”) and Visual Media of the Year (“Burn It Down”).

    https://twitter.com/ParkerMcCollum/status/1777721612227260593

     

    Little Big Town receives its 18th nomination for Group of the Year, which ties the group for the all-time record of 18 nominations for Group of the Year held by Alabama. Little Big Town has been nominated in the category every year since 2005, with the exception of 2011.

    Maddie & Tae are nominated for Duo of the Year, along with Brothers Osborne and The War And Treaty.

    https://twitter.com/MaddieandTae/status/1777711532987621883

     

    Kassi Ashton and Kylie Morgan have earned their first ACM nomination, which is for New Female Artist of the Year.

     

    https://twitter.com/KassiAshton/status/1777701763279163456

     

    https://twitter.com/kyliemorgan/status/1777774399719985276

    Eric Church is nominated for Music Event of the Year for “Man Made A Bar,” along with Morgan Wallen.

    The 59th Annual ACM Awards will stream live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 16th at 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PDT on Prime Video.  You can also catch offical red carpet coverage on Prime Video, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch and P, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch and Amazon Live, starting at 7 p.m. EDT/6 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. PDT.

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

    • Kane Brown
    • Luke Combs
    • Jelly Roll
    • Cody Johnson
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen
    • Lainey Wilson

    FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Kelsea Ballerini
    • Ashley McBryde
    • Megan Moroney
    • Kacey Musgraves
    • Lainey Wilson

    MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Luke Combs
    • Jelly Roll
    • Cody Johnson
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen

     DUO OF THE YEAR

    • Brooks & Dunn
    • Brothers Osborne 
    • Dan + Shay
    • Maddie & Tae 
    • The War And Treaty

    GROUP OF THE YEAR

    • Flatland Cavalry
    • Lady A
    • Little Big Town 
    • Old Dominion
    • Zac Brown Band

    NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • Kassi Ashton
    • Ashley Cooke
    • Hannah Ellis
    • Kylie Morgan 
    • Megan Moroney

    NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

    • ERNEST
    • Kameron Marlowe
    • Dylan Scott
    • Conner Smith
    • Nate Smith

    NEW DUO OR GROUP OF THE YEAR

    • Neon Union
    • Restless Road
    • Tigirlily Gold

     

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs
    Producer: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs
    Record Company-Label: River House Artists / Columbia Nashville

     Higher – Chris Stapleton
    Producer: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton
    Record Company-Label: Mercury Nashville

    Leather – Cody Johnson
    Producers: Trent Willmon
    Record Company-Label: CoJo Music LLC / Warner Music Nashville LLC

    One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen
    Producers: Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records / Mercury Records

    Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) – Kelsea Ballerini
    Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym
    Record Company-Label: Black River Entertainment

    SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    Burn It Down – Parker McCollum
    Producer: Jon Randall

    Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

    Fast Car – Luke Combs
    Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
    Record Company-Label: River House Artists / Columbia Nashville

    Last Night – Morgan Wallen
    Producer: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome
    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Republic Records / Mercury Records

    Need A Favor – Jelly Roll
    Producer: Austin Nivarel
    Record Company-Label: Stoney Creek Records / BMG Nashville


    Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
    Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
    Record Company-Label: MCA Nashville

     

    SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

    Fast Car – Luke Combs
    Songwriters: Tracy Chapman
    Publishers: Purple Rabbit


    Heart Like A Truck – Lainey Wilson
    Songwriters: Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson
    Publishers: Sony / ATV Countryside; Songs of Riser House; Songs of Wild Cat Well Music

     

    Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
    Songwriters: Chase McGill, Greylan James, Jordan Davis, Josh Osborne

    Publishers: Family Farm Songs; Hold On Can I Get A Number 1 Music; Songs of Universal Inc.

     

    The Painter – Cody Johnson
    Songwriters: Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, Ryan Larkins
    Publishers: Big Music Machine; BMG Platinum Songs US; Nashblonde Music; Pompano Run Music; Songs for Ellie May; Sony / ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Group; Well That Was Awkward Music

     

    Tennessee Orange – Megan Moroney
    Songwriters: Ben Williams, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins
    Publishers: 33 Creative; Bone Bone Creative; Sony / ATV Tree Publishing

     

    MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]

    Can’t Break Up Now – Old Dominion, Megan Moroney
    Producers: Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Whit Sellers, Ross Copperman, Kristian Bush
    Record Company-Label: Three Up Three Down, LLC / Columbia Nashville


    Different ‘Round Here – Riley Green (Ft. Luke Combs)
    Producer: Dann Huff
    Record Company-Label: BMLG Records

     

    I Remember Everything – Zach Bryan (feat. Kacey Musgraves)
    Producer: Zach Bryan
    Record Company-Label: Belting Bronco Records / Warner Records, Inc

     

    Man Made A Bar – Morgan Wallen (feat. Eric Church)
    Producer: Joey Moi
    Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records / Mercury Records / Republic Records

     

    Save Me – Jelly Roll (with Lainey Wilson)
    Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
    Record Company-Label: Stoney Creek Records / BMG Nashville

     

    VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

    Burn It Down – Parker McCollum
    Producers: Christen Pinkston &Wesley Stebbins-Perry

    Director: Dustin Haney

     

    Human – Cody Johnson
    Producer: Christen Pinkston &Wesley Stebbins-Perry
    Director: Dustin Haney

    In Your Love – Tyler Childers
    Producer: Kacie Barton, Whitney Wolanin, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thorton, Silas House
    Director: Bryan Schlam


    Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
    Producer: Jamie Stratakis

    Director: Running Bear (Stephen Kinigopoulos, Alexa Stone)


    Tennessee Orang
    e – Megan Moroney
    Producer: Lauren Starr, Saul Levitz, Laura Burhenn
    Director: Jason Lester

    ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

    • Zach Bryan
    • ERNEST
    • HARDY
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen

     

    Audio / CHRIS STAPLETON SAYS HIS NEW ALBUM HIGHER HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (Higher album) OC: …on this record. :56
    “One thing that’s probably notable about the record to me is it’s the first one that we’ve put out that doesn’t contain a cover, so there’s no covers on this record. So, in that way, I guess you could say it should be more intrinsically whatever we do. So, there’s definitely some exploration of the edges of what that is, and certainly some moments of stretching out vocally and trying to see what that is. There’s some different stuff on this record, I think, and I think it’s really great. I think it’s something that people will enjoy. I think there’s something on it for everybody, which is kind of always my goal. If you’re a kind of a hardcore traditional country person, there’s a song on there for that somewhere. If you leaned into more of the R&B side of what we do, there’s stuff on there for that. If you like the rock side of things that we do, there’s stuff on there for that. And there’s some really great songs on here. I’m excited about the songs on this record.”

    Audio / At last year's ACM Awards, CHRIS STAPLETON SAYS HE'S HUMBLED BY THE PEOPLE WHO VOTED HIM ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR.

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    Chris Stapleton (ACM 2023 win) OC: …take it. :13
    “I’m humbled by it and feel very thankful to the people that voted for me for it and think I’m deserving of that, but I’ll take it. I’ll take it.”

    Audio / JORDAN DAVIS TALKS ABOUT HIS ACM NOMINATED SONG, "NEXT THING YOU KNOW."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Next Thing You Know) OC: …whole lotta people. :47
    “You know, there’s no chorus to this song. And I think it’s really cool that all we do is repeat ‘Next Thing You Know’ throughout it, but when you’re trying to write songs for a, a job, not putting a chorus on it is a fast way to get it thrown into the garbage can, and I think that makes me more proud of this song in that this is what we wanted to do with it and we just wanted to be as honest as possible in how fast life goes. I remember leaving, telling somebody like when they were like, ‘Did you write today?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’ They said, ‘Did you get anything good?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we wrote a song that doesn’t even have a chorus.’ And I got the look of like, ‘Well, we’ll probably never hear that one,’ and little did I know it would connect with a whole lotta people.”

    Audio / Parker McCollum talks about shooting the video for "Burn It Down."

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    Parker McCollum (Burn It Down video) OC: …turned out great. :38
    “Man, the video was pretty easy, actually. I talked to Dustin, the director, and I was like, ‘Man, I feel like wherever we are, we’re just blowing stuff up and so let’s go blow some stuff up and burn it down.’ And he had a great vision out there in New Mexico. We were in the desert, I mean, the desert, desert. You couldn’t, it was like the ocean, but sand; the middle of the ocean but sand. And it was actually really cold in the morning, then it got really hot at night and then the smoke and the fire and they’re wanting me to walk through it over and over, take after take after take. I’m walking through like this chemical burning black smoke. I’m like this is really risking it for a music video, but it turned out great.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS AND NEEDTOBREATHE TO HEADLINE SPECIAL OUTDOOR TAPING OF “CMT CROSSROADS” AT UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN’S UT TOWER.

     Jordan Davis and NEEDTOBREATHE will team up for a special outdoor taping of the series “CMT Crossroads” ahead of the 2024 CMT MUSIC AWARDS, where they will also collaborate LIVE for a first-time performance on Sunday, April 7th (8:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) on CBS  and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.*

    JORDAN DAVIS
    The multi-platinum, award winning singer-songwriter will make his CMTMA main stage debut, looking to take home his first CMT belt buckles for the heartfelt “Next Thing You Know” video, which earned him 2 nominations in “Male Video of the Year” and the coveted “Video of the Year” category.

    NEEDTOBREATHE
    The GRAMMY®-nominated, multi-platinum rock band returns to the CMTMA stage for the first time since their mesmerizing performance of “I Wanna Remember” with Carrie Underwood in 2021.

    “CMT Crossroads: NEEDTOBREATHE + Jordan Davis” will film in front of a LIVE audience at UT Austin on Friday, April 5th, giving fans a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be a part of CMT’s longest-running music series.

      • All fans must register in advance to attend the “CMT Crossroads” taping here.
      • PLEASE NOTE, no walk-ups are permitted. Only guests who have pre-registered and receive the appropriate tickets/credentials needed for each individual event will be allowed entry. Event is subject to capacity.

    Previously announced performers include Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll,  Kelsea Ballerini and Lainey Wilson.

    Additional performers, presenters and details about the 2024 CMT MUSIC AWARDS on CBS will be announced soon.

  • CMT MUSIC AWARDS 2024:

    The nominations for the 2024 CMT Music Awards have been announced, and Universal Music Group Nashville is represented in nearly every category with nods for Anne Wilson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire and The War And Treaty (check out the complete list of nominees below).

    The fan-voted award show, hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, will air live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Sunday, April 7th at 7pm CT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. Performers, presenters and additional details about the show will be announced soon.

    2024 CMT Music Awards Nominees:

    VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Top six nominees from the first round of voting, will be announced on April 1. The final three nominees, from the second round of voting, will be announced on show day (April 7). Final voting will be determined via social media and announced as the final category during the live show.
    Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
    Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
    Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
    Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
    Darius Rucker – “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
    Hardy – “Truck Bed”
    Jason Aldean – “Let Your Boys Be Country”
    Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
    Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
    Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
    Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)”
    Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
    Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You”
    Parmalee – “Gonna Love You”
    Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
    Zach Bryan – “Nine Ball”

    FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist.
    Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
    Gabby Barrett – “Glory Days”
    Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
    Kelsea Ballerini – “Penthouse”
    Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
    Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty”
    Reba McEntire – “Seven Minutes In Heaven”

    MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist.
    Bailey Zimmerman – “Religiously”
    Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
    Hardy – “Truck Bed”
    Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
    Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
    Luke Combs – “Fast Car (Official Live Video)”
    Morgan Wallen “Last Night (One Record At A Time Sessions)”

    DUO/GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists.
    Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
    Dan + Shay – “Save Me The Trouble”
    Old Dominion – “Memory Lane”
    Parmalee – “Girl In Mine”
    The War And Treaty – “Have You A Heart”
    Tigirlily Gold – “Shoot Tequila”

    COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists.
    Carly Pearce feat. Chris Stapleton – “We Don’t Fight Anymore”
    Ella Langley feat. Koe Wetzel – “That’s Why We Fight”
    Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan – “Cowboys and Plowboys”
    Justin Moore & Priscilla Block – “You, Me, And Whiskey”
    Lukas Nelson + Promise of the Real (POTR) feat. Lainey Wilson – “More Than Friends”
    Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You”
    Old Dominion & Megan Moroney – “Can’t Break Up Now”

    BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR, presented by Walt Disney World
    Best video from a female artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist.
    Anne Wilson – “Rain In The Rearview”
    Ashley Cooke – “Your Place”
    Brittney Spencer – “Bigger Than The Song”
    Tigirlily Gold – “Shoot Tequila”

    BREAKTHROUGH MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR, presented by Walt Disney World
    Best video from a male artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist.
    Chayce Beckham – “23”
    Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
    Warren Zeiders – “Pretty Little Poison”
    Zach Bryan – “Oklahoma Smokeshow”

    CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
    Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo).
    Amber Riley – “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” (from CMT Smashing Glass)
    Bret Michaels & Chris Janson – “Nothing But A Good Time” (from CMT Crossroads)
    Carrie Underwood – “Hate My Heart” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
    Cody Johnson – “Human” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
    Dierks Bentley – “Drunk On A Plane” (from CMT Storytellers)
    Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
    Hozier & Maren Morris – “Take Me To Church” (from CMT Crossroads)
    Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
    Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
    The War And Treaty – “On My Own” (from CMT Smashing Glass)

    CMT DIGITAL-FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
    Musical performance from a production, series or livestream created for CMT digital / social channels; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo).
    Chase Rice – “Goodnight Nancy” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
    Dylan Scott – “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley Cover)” (from “CMT Digital Campfire Sessions”)
    Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty” (from “CMT Digital Campfire Sessions”)
    Nate Smith – “Whiskey On You” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
    Scotty McCreery – “It Matters To Her” (from CMT Stages)
    Stephen Wilson Jr. – “Year to Be Young 1994” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
    The Castellows – “I Know It Will Never End” (from CMT Studio Sessions)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    https://twitter.com/warandtreaty/status/1767920192661701009

     

     

     

    Audio / Darius Rucker talks about the video for "Fires Don't Start Themselves," in which he plays a detective hot on the trail of a young couple whose passionate love is setting their town ablaze, both literally and figuratively.

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    Darius Rucker (Fires Don’t Start Themselves video) OC: …happy about that. :46
    “I love acting. I love… It’s a lot of fun. And the actors you get to act with are so giving and make it so easy for you and fun and everything. But that video, when they told me I wasn’t going to do any performance, I was so happy, because that’s so the cliché (for) the video. You have other people acting and then you do the performance. But when they told me I was going to play a detective, I put on my inner Stabler, because I’m such a Law and Order and CSI fan, so I put on my inner Stabler and went out and did it. And the girl I worked with, she was so fun; she was so funny. And you know that donut scene, when I see it, there’s no words and it still makes me laugh every time I see it. But yeah, that was a lot of fun and I’d love to do a lot more of that, but, you know, we’ll see if it comes. If it comes, I’ll take it. If not, I’ll keep doing this music thing. I’ll be happy about that.”

    Audio / REBA MCENTIRE TALKS ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR "SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN."

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    Reba McEntire (music video for Seven Minutes In Heaven) OC: …it still hurts. 1:08
    “I picked out the lady to play mama, Eleanor. She did a great job. And she was a sweetheart to get to work with. That is exactly what I thought it would look like if I went to heaven and it was, you know, with the smoke coming in and out, made it look really heavenly. And I thought it would be something familiar, something that you’d feel comfortable with. God thinks of everything. And so, to walk up to the booth, and the next time I walk up and mama’s there and I put my arms on her shoulders, Eleanor’s hands were very similar to mama’s when she was young. So that got me to, they kept saying, ‘Okay, let’s do it again. I said, ‘Okay, let’s take a little break here. Get in here to redo my makeup. Because I would, I just bawled. And Eleanor was sitting across from me at the booth, and she’d see me crying. She’d try to reach for a napkin out of the napkin dispenser on the table. And I’d say, ‘Eleanor, that’s okay. It’s part of the video.’ ‘You don’t want to wipe?’ I said, ‘I’m good. I’m good.’ But she was just like a mother, you know, and they’re trying to make sure everything was all right. It was healing. It was healing for me to do that video and kind of like get it out because it still hurts.”

    Audio / JORDAN DAVIS TALKS ABOUT WRITING HIS TWO-WEEK NO. 1 SMASH, "NEXT THING YOU KNOW."

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    Jordan Davis (writing Next Thing You Know) OC: …song is today. :59
    “There’s a saying that says ‘raising kids – the days are long, the years are short,’ and that’s what this song is to me. I kind of came in wanting to write something like that, you know kind of a slow down time song, and Greylan had this idea. The idea initially was about going to a bar or going somewhere and meeting somebody and then just the progression of a relationship. I kind of hijacked the title and said, ‘Hey man. I love that title, but we’re going to write it in the sense of having kids, watching ‘em grow up and hopefully becoming a grandparent, you know? Chase McGill and Josh Osborne both have kiddos, and I think they kind of grabbed on it. Greylan, hats off to him. He’s the single kid of the group, so he was like, ‘Man, I’ll go there. I don’t know how much input I can be able to say in this, but I’ll go there with you.’ I mean, he’s a great writer, and it was fun to kind of see the title that he threw out evolve into what the song is today.”

    Audio / ON THE SET OF THE FILMING OF HER NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR "RAIN IN THE REARVIEW," ANNE WILSON EXPLAINS THE CONCEPT BEHIND IT.

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    Anne Wilson (BTS RITR video) 2 OC: …in this video. :37
    “So, I love this music video so much. We were working through the idea and concept behind it. It was really about portraying three different versions of myself – the happy version, which is the healed version; the driver, which is kind of plowing through everything and then the one that is sad and kind of looking on the past and reflecting what has come before. And I love the reminder in this music video and getting to work with T.K. McKamy on this treatment of how can we take this song and dive deeper into what it means? And I think in life we all go through different seasons where we’re either fully healed, we’re still looking back and struggling with depression and anxiety from the past or we’re driving in the seat and we’re going ahead for what’s to come. So, I love that we got to portray all three of those in this video.”

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  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES NEW SONG “GOOD NEWS SOLD.”

    Jordan Davis has released the new track, “Good News Sold.” Written by Jacob Davis, Cole Taylor, and Jordan Rowe, “Good News Sold” follows Davis’ current hit, “Tucson Too Late.” Reflective of Davis’ ability to capture and perfectly crystallize real-life snapshots, Country Now notes the “Louisiana native has become known for building a catalog of songs about real-life experiences that connect with listeners…from falling in love to starting a family and overcoming challenges to discovering happiness in everyday moments.”

    Sharing his inspiration for cutting the song, Davis shares, “I think at times there is no shortage of very heavy headlines locally and globally, and it’s hard sometimes to not get lost in that and spiral into being overwhelmed by them. But when you go home and hear your kid laugh or see someone go out of their way to help a stranger, these acts aren’t being highlighted in the same way but they very much exist.” Adding, “This was sort of that reminder to me when I heard it, and I hope will be for other people, of what’s good in the world and that there is good in the world. It’s a reminder that there are good people, acts of kindness, moments of pay it forward, moments of light and joy.”

    Davis has earned six No. 1 hits from his Platinum-selling debut album Home State and his current GOLD-selling album, Bluebird Days. Bluebird Days has earned three multi-week No. 1 singles “Buy Dirt” (4x Platinum), “What My World Spins Around” (2x Platinum), and “Next Thing You Know”(2x Platinum) as well as his current top 15 hit at country radio, “Tucson Too Late.”

    In addition to numerous award show nominations including Billboard, AMA, iHeart, ACM and CMA award nominations Davis was nominated for CMA Song of the Year for two consecutive years (2022 & 2023) and a first time ACM Male Vocalist of the Year nomination (2023). Additionally, Davis earned a NSAI and CMA Song of the Year win for “Buy Dirt” (2022) and was selected as ASCAP Songwriter Entertainer of the Year (2023).

    His current radio single “Tucson Too Late” reunites the award-winning writing team of “Buy Dirt,” Jordan and Jacob Davis, and fellow brothers Matt and Josh Jenkins. Davis just wrapped his sold-out international run of his DAMN GOOD TIME Arena tour and next returns to headline in U.S. and Canada for additional tour dates in April. For a full list of tour dates and more information, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR DATES:

    4/11/24 Moline, IL Vibrant Arena
    4/12/24 Minneapolis, MN The Armory
    4/18/24 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center Arena
    4/19/24 Youngstown, OH The Covelli Centre
    4/25/24 Allentown, PA PPL Center
    4/26/24 Albany, NY MVP Arena
    5/2/24 Charlotte, NC Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
    5/3/24 Wilmington, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
    5/31/24 San Diego, CA Gallagher Square at Petco Park
    6/7/24 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre
    6/14/24 Tahoe, NV Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
    6/20/24 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
    6/21/2024 Seattle, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle
    6/22/24 Airway Heights, WA Northern Quest Amphitheater
    6/23/24 Missoula, MT University of Montana – Adams Center
    7/18/24 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
    7/19/24 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
    7/25/24 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
    7/26/24 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum
    7/31/24 Indianapolis, IN TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
    8/1/24 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
    8/2/24 Toledo, OH The Huntington Center
    8/8/24 Springfield, MO Great Southern Bank Arena
    8/9/24 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    8/16/24 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
    8/17/24 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf Amphitheater
    9/5/2024 Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion
    9/6/24 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
    9/7/24 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
    10/2/24 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
    10/4/24 Toronto, ON Coca Cola Coliseum
    10/5/24 Kingston, ON Leon’s Centre
    10/6/24 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre
    10/8/24 Laval, QC Place Bell
    10/11/24 Moncton, NB Avenir Centre
    10/12/24 Halifax, NS Scotiabank Centre
    10/17/24 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
    10/18/24 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
    10/19/24 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
    10/20/24 Abbottsford, BC Abbotsford Centre

     

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about his song, "Good News Sold."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Good News Sold) OC: …in the future. :25
    “‘Good News Sold’ was a song that came to me a couple of years ago, I think, kind of at a time where every time I turned the TV on or opened my phone, it was bad news, something I didn’t want to read or see. And I honestly think that there’s great news out there every day, and unfortunately, we just have to dig a little deeper to find it. ‘Good News Sold’ is my hope that good news will turn around here in the future.”

    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Good News Sold) 1

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Good News Sold) 2

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Good News Sold) 3

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  • NEWS AND NOTES: Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Sam Hunt, Brothers Osborne, Travis Denning

    Jordan Davis has released an acoustic version of his latest hit single, “Tucson Too Late.” The Louisiana native co-wrote the follow-up to his previous multi-week No. 1 “Next Thing You Know” with his brother Jacob Davis and brothers Josh and Matt Jenkins, the same dream team behind “Buy Dirt.”

    Middle Tennessee, including Nashville and the surrounding areas, received several inches of snow Sunday night through Monday, and many of your favorite country stars (with their children and furbabies) enjoyed the snowstorm. Sam Hunt, who looked like he stepped out of the pages of a magazine, posted a photo of him and his daughter Lucy outside, while Jon Pardi, wife Summer (who is pregnant with their second daughter), daughter Presley and Jon’s father, along with the dogs enjoyed the snow after their flight to Mexico for Luke Bryan‘s annual Crash My Playa event was postponed. Carrie Underwood posted in her IG stories a photo of son Jacob looking out the window at the snow, as well as a photo of making sourdough cinnamon snowflakes. Maddie & Tae‘s Maddie Font posted photos of both her and husband Jonah with baby son Forrest looking out the window at the huge snowfall on her IG story.

    Brothers Osborne will perform during the iHeartCountry Festival on May 4th in Austin, Texas. Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Ashley McBryde and many others will also perform. Tickets to the public go on sale January 26th at 1pm ET at Ticketmaster.

    Travis Denning and Kip Moore will join HARDY on his upcoming Quit!! Tour, kicking off May 30th in Rogers, Arkansas. Ella Langley and Stephen Wilson, Jr. will also be on the bill.

     

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS IS HAVING A HECK OF A CMA WEEK ALREADY; NAMED ASCAP COUNTRY MUSIC SONGWRITER/ARTIST OF THE YEAR.

    Jordan Davis was named Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year at Monday night’s ASCAP Awards in Nashville, having scored two multi-week No. 1 hits this year with “Next Thing You Know” and “What My World Spins Around.”

    The Louisiana native also performed on two national television shows on Monday (November 6th), including Live With Kelly and Mark where he performed his current single, “Tucson Too Late.”

    WATCH HERE

    He also performed his huge smash, “Next Thing You Know” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday night (November 6th).

    WATCH HERE

    Jordan is nominated for three CMA Awards, including Single, Song and Music Video of the Year for “Next Thing You Know.”

    The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and NFL great Peyton Manning, will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday (November 8th) at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

  • CMA AWARDS 2023

    The 57th Annual CMA Awards take place on Wednesday (November 8th), and UMG Nashville will be represented in many of the night’s categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Group, Duo, Single, Song, Music Video, Musical Event and New Artist.

    With three nominations, Chris Stapleton, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, returns to both Entertainer and Male Vocalist categories, marking his seventh Entertainer nod and ninth Male Vocalist nomination. He is also up for Musical Event with Carly Pearce on the song “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Chris has 34 career nominations.

    Jordan Davis is nominated for Single, Song and Music Video of the Year for his multi-week No. 1 smash, “Next Thing You Know.” The song, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was written by Jordan, Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne.

    Carrie Underwood is once again nominated for Entertainer of the Year, while Parker McCollum is up for New Artist of the Year.

    Last year, Brothers Osborne picked up their fifth CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year and are once again nominated in the category.

    Brothers’ John Osborne is also nominated as producer AND Mix Engineer of Ashley McBryde’s album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville. 

    Maddie & Tae return to the Vocal Duo of the Year category, while The War And Treaty earn their first CMA nod in the category.

    Little Big Town earns their 18th nomination in the Vocal Group Of The Year category, which they’ve taken home six times. This is their 32nd CMA nomination overall.

    CMA PERFORMERS INCLUDE:
    Luke Bryan – a medley of his hits, including “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “One Margarita,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),”
    Chris Stapleton — performing his latest single “White Horse”)
    Jordan Davis – multi-week No. 1 smash “Next Thing You Know”
    Little Big Town will join newly-minted Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker on her iconic hit “Delta Dawn.”
    Alan Jackson – the 16-time CMA Award winner will perform during a tribute to recently passed singer-songwriter icon Jimmy Buffett. The tribute will also feature Kenny Chesney, longtime Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band.
    The War And Treaty, first-time nominee this year for Vocal Duo of the Year, will perform their song “That’s How Love Is Made.”

    Other artists who will take the stage to perform include previously announced performers — Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Tanya Tucker, K. Michelle,  Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Post Malone, Ashley McBryde and Morgan Wallen.

    CMA PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

    Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Nate Bargatze, Bill Anderson, Paula Abdul, Chris Young, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Hailey Whitters, Craig Morgan, Lady A, Brian Kelley, Tony award-nominated actor currently starring in the hit Broadway musical “Shucked,” Kevin Cahoon, Emmy and Tony award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, singer, author and producer, Cynthia Erivo, 2023 World Series MVP, Corey Seager and “The Golden Bachelor,” Gerry Turner.

    The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and NFL great Peyton Manning, will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 8th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on Hulu.

     

    CMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

    Entertainer of The Year:

    • Luke Combs
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Carrie Underwood
    • Morgan Wallen
    • Lainey Wilson

    Female Vocalist of the Year:

    • Kelsea Ballerini
    • Miranda Lambert
    • Ashley McBryde
    • Carly Pearce
    • Lainey Wilson

    Male Vocalist of the Year:

    • Luke Combs
    • Jelly Roll
    • Cody Johnson
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen

    Vocal Group of the Year:

    • Lady A
    • Little Big Town  
    • Midland
    • Old Dominion
    • Zac Brown Band

    Vocal Duo Of The Year:

    • Brooks & Dunn
    • Brothers Osborne  
    • Dan + Shay
    • Maddie & Tae
    • The War And Treaty

    Single of the Year:

    • “Fast Car”; Luke Combs; Producer: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathon Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
    • “Heart Like A Truck”; Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
    • “Need A Favor”; Jelly Roll; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
    • “Next Thing You Know”; Jordan Davis; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells; Mix Engineer: Joey Moi

    Album of the Year:

    • Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville; Producers: John Osborne, John Peets; Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne
    • Bell Bottom Country; Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
    • Gettin’ Old; Luke Combs; Producers Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
    • One Thing At A Time; Morgan Wallen Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
    • Rolling Up the Welcome Mat; Kelsea Ballerini Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym

    Song of the Year:

    • “Fast Car”; Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
    • “Heart Like A Truck”; Songwriters: Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
    • “Next Thing You Know”  Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
    • “Tennessee Orange”; Songwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt

    Musical Event Of The Year:

    • “Save Me”; Jelly Roll w/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
    • “She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)” Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Zach Crowell
    • “Thank God”; Kane Brown w/Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
    • “We Don’t Fight Anymore”; Carly Pearce f/Chris Stapleton; Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce

    New Artist of the Year:

    • Zach Bryan
    • Jelly Roll
    • Parker McCollum
    • Megan Moroney
    • Hailey Whitters

    Musician of the Year:

    • Jenee Fleenor
    • Paul Franklin
    • Rob McNelley
    • Derek Wells
    • Charlie Worsham

    Music Video of the Year

    • “Light On In The Kitchen”; Ashley McBryde; Director: Reid Long
    • “Memory Lane”; Old Dominion; Directors: Mason Allen, Nicki Fletcher
    • “Need A Favor”; Jelly Roll; Director: Patrick Tohill
    • “Next Thing You Know”; Jordan Davis; Director: Running Bear
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Director: Justin Clough

     

     

    Audio / LUKE BRYAN TALKS ABOUT CO-HOSTING THE CMA AWARDS WITH PEYTON MANNING FOR A SECOND YEAR.

    Download

    Luke Bryan (co-hosting with Peyton for second time) OC: …great night. :48
    “I thought we did a great job together. I think he is a crazy – no pun intended – he’s a crazy pro-preparer and he knows his brand; I know my brand. He’s a little drier humor, and I’m a little more slapstick, I guess, maybe that’s the way to say it. So, I think the partnership of he and I and when we wrapped after the show, all the producers, everybody was raving, and obviously the ratings were great, and the show was great. And I think we just gotta take what Peyton and I learned from last year and build upon it and make a great show. And like I said, I knew we did a good job when they were trying to lock me and Peyton down that night for the following year. So, it was a great night, and we were excited about it. So, it’s gonna be another great night.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan talks about co-hosting the CMA Awards with Peyton Manning.

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    Luke Bryan (co-hosting CMAs with Peyton) OC: …stress away. :50
    “The thing about co-hosting with Peyton is all gloves are off. We can cut up with one another, have a little fun, roast each other a little bit, but it takes a little pressure off during the night – even if I’ve got a performance, then Peyton can do one of the segments while I get a little more time to get ready for the performance and coming back in and out. But the bottom line is it’s gonna be a fun thing to share with Peyton, it’s gonna be fun to be backstage, kind of toasting right before we go out and he’s a pro and hopefully I’m a pro at this point. I still try to be a kid about all this, but I do have to take it serious now and then. But, yeah, I think having someone else to share some of the duties takes a little bit of the stress of it all being all on me, takes a little bit of the stress away.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan talks about hosting this year’s CMA Awards.

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    Luke Bryan (hosting the CMA Awards) OC: …chance to do. :31
    “To be a representative of the music that I love, to be someone to carry on a tradition and to be the host and conduct this show with elegance, class, humor, reverence, to really make the show an example of country music and to represent the show to the best of my ability to the people watching at home is a big task and it’s something I’m so honored to have the chance to do.”

    Audio / Chris Stapleton, who is up for three CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, says he’s always grateful for the moment of recognition.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (grateful for awards) OC: …grateful for the moment. :30
    “Well I’ll take ’em home with me I guess once they send ’em. Yeah, I guess you have to at some point, but it still is a very… I’m thankful for it and it’s very nice and there’s a lot of great people doing a lot of great things making a lot of great music and working really hard and so when you get this kind of a thing going, I don’t think anybody deserves it. It’s a lot of luck and a lot of stars lining up so, I’m grateful for the moment.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood is honored to be nominated for CMA Entertainer of the Year.

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    Carrie Underwood (CMA Entertainer nod) OC: …that category. :47
    “It is, I mean, obviously such an honor to be nominated in Entertainer of the Year. Obviously, that’s such a tough category to be in, ‘cause there’s just so, I don’t even want to call it competition, there’s just so many hard-working artists out there that are just you know pouring themselves and their time and their energy and their love and their artistry into what they do. You know, obviously just to even be in the final category is just absolutely amazing and hopefully, above all, we can all just remember that it’s a celebration of a great year in country music and in our careers as artists, so we’ll just see what happens, but definitely excited to be in that category.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis is nominated for three CMA Awards including Single, Song and Music Video of the Year.

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    Jordan Davis (CMA 2023 reaction) OC: …home an award. :28
    “So, when I found out about my nominations for ‘Next Thing You Know,’ I was on the road. It was early. My buddy woke me up and gave me the news. I mean, I was shocked. I did not expect to be up for three CMAs. This song has just really taken on a life of its own. I’m super grateful and humbled to have three nominations at the CMA—biggest night in Country Music, and really excited to be a part of it and pumped to see if this song can bring home an award.”

    Audio / Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne talks about the pair’s nomination for Duo of the Year.

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    Brothers Osborne (CMA Awards) OC: …awesome family. :49
    JOHN: “The Duo category can go any which way. I mean, you look at us, comparatively speaking, we’re kind of maybe somewhere in the middle in terms of the numbers and I don’t know (laughs) what it is. I don’t really know why we’re holding these up here and it’s super rad and I’m definitely going to be putting this on my mantle. I think one of the most amazing pieces of advice I was ever given was to work hard and be nice to people, and I think that’s why we have these. We work really hard, and we try to be respectful to everyone around us. And one of the things that I love about the country music genre is that it’s a family and we’re all really, really close. We’re all a bunch of misfits thrown together. We’re all a little different, but we love one another and respect one another. I’m just honored for the both of us to be a part of this awesome family.”

    Audio / Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne talks about his CMA nomination for Producer and Mix Engineer for Album of the Year for Ashley McBryde’s Lindeville.

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    Brothers Osborne (John’s nomination with Ashley McBryde) OC: …means the world. :55
    “It means the world, you know. We didn’t know when making that album if it would do anything, and for it to have been nominated, well it was nominated for a Grammy for Country Album as well. It’s awesome. I mean, we worked really, really, really hard on that, and we were doing it at a time where we were also working, so I spread myself way too thin, but I love, I love going out and playing our shows, I love writing our songs, but I love everything. I cannot make enough music. I I’ve always been like that since I was a kid. And then to get recognized for it is amazing. You don’t ever make it, that’s not your intended purpose. Your intended purpose is to make something that you love and are proud of, but to have the industry show their love, it means the world too. It’s just I love, just as much as touring and playing shows, I love getting in the studio and tinkering as well, and I wish there were more hours in the day to do both more. I just cannot get enough of it, so it’s certainly a high honor. It means the world.”

    Audio / LITTLE BIG TOWN’S KIMBERLY SCHLAPMAN SAYS SHE VIVIDLY REMEMBERS WINNING THEIR FIRST CMA AWARD IN 2012.

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    LBT (1st CMA Award) OC: …person there. :42
    “I remember almost everything about winning our first CMA Award. I remember being on the stage, our name is called, we’d been waiting a long, long time for that one. I think we made fools of ourselves pretty much because we were so crazy excited. I remember most vividly as we were standing up there, all of our friends in Nashville standing up on the floor giving us a round of applause, and I think that’s one of the most humble moments we’ve had in the band, ‘cause so many people have cheered us on for so many years and it was like, the whole town of Nashville was part of that award, not just us, but we shared that with every single person there.”

    Audio / Maddie & Tae's Taylor Kerr talks about awards nominations.

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    Maddie & Tae (Awards nominations) OC: …makes sense. :49
    “Nominations are so cool, whether it’s fan-voted or industry-voted. I think the weight it carries for Maddie and I is just like validation. I think when you’re head-down working on something and (it’s) kind of hard to look at it from a broad perspective and kind of see what other people are seeing. So, whenever you get a pat on the back with a nomination, it’ just like hey, you know, we’re doing something notable. We’re doing something that people are noticing and appreciating. So, we must be doing something right, and it definitely feels good. It doesn’t carry the weight of make or break, because we’ve had to sort of let that go, ‘cause obviously, we would love to win, but if that doesn’t happen for us, we know we’re still meant to be where we are, if that makes sense.”

     

    Audio / The War And Treaty (CMA 2023 reaction) OC: (MICHAEL) …This is crazy. :24 NOTE: quick cutoff at the end

    Download

    TANYA: “I can’t believe you got up and you gave me the phone (Michael laughs). The first thing you did, you passed me the phone and I started crying.” MICHAEL: “Text messages from everyone. Like to think, Oh My God, this is our first CMA nomination.” TANYA: “That’s insane.” MICHAEL: “WE.ARE.NOMINATED.FOR.A.CMA.” TANYA LAUGHS: “That’s crazy.” MICHAEL: “Are you serious?” TANYA: “I mean, all I can say is thank you to the fans and everybody. Thank you so much.” MICHAEL: “This is crazy.”

    Audio / CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Parker McCollum says he’s truly humbled and grateful for his success.

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    Parker McCollum (grateful for his success) OC: …part of it all. :48
    “You know, not really like giddy about it or anything, but you know I’d just be flying home or something and be like damn, not bad for a kid from Conroe, Texas and no college degree and told everybody he was moving to Austin to be a country singer. Everybody looked at him like he had two heads. It’s certainly humbling and trying to be intentionally grateful. You know, I’m just incredibly blessed and done more and made more and been more places than I ever thought I would by 30 years old. So, it’s crazy, and you know truly the biggest thing for me is making my family proud and that’s a pretty cool feeling to see like how like they can’t believe it.  It’s crazy.  And that really is like the dopest part of it all.”

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS, ALAN JACKSON AND THE WAR AND TREATY ADDED TO THE LIST OF PERFORMERS AT THIS YEAR’S CMA AWARDS.

    Jordan Davis, Alan Jackson and The War And Treaty have been added to the list of performers at next week’s CMA Awards. Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Post Malone, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen and Zac Brown Band will also perform.

    Jordan, who is nominated for Single, Song and Music Video of the Year for “Next Thing You Know,” will perform the multi-week No. 1 smash. The song, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was written by Jordan, Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne.

    https://twitter.com/JordanCWDavis/status/1719694526917616053

    16-time CMA Award winner Alan Jackson will perform during a tribute to recently passed singer-songwriter icon Jimmy Buffett. The tribute will also feature Kenny Chesney, longtime Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band.

    The War And Treaty, first-time nominee this year for Vocal Duo of the Year, will perform their song “That’s How Love Is Made.”

    Previously announced performers include Luke Bryan, who will perform a medley of his hits, including “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “One Margarita,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” Chris Stapleton (performing his latest single “White Horse”), Little Big Town will join newly-minted Country Music Hall of Famer Tanya Tucker on her iconic hit “Delta Dawn.” Other previously announced performers include Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Tanya Tucker and K. Michelle.

    Presenters for “The 57th Annual CMA Awards” will be announced in the coming days.

    The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and NFL great Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 8th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on HULU.

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about “Next Thing You Know.”

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    Jordan Davis (Next Thing You Know) OC: …whole lotta people. :46
    “You know, there’s no chorus to this song. And I think it’s really cool that all we do is repeat ‘Next Thing You Know’ throughout it, but when you’re trying to write songs for a, a job, not putting a chorus on it is a fast way to get it thrown into the garbage can, and I think that makes me more proud of this song in that this is what we wanted to do with it and we just wanted to be as honest as possible in how fast life goes. I remember leaving, telling somebody like when they were like, ‘Did you write today?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah.’ They said, ‘Did you get anything good?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, we wrote a song that doesn’t even have a chorus.’ And I got the look of like, ‘Well, we’ll probably never hear that one,’ and little did I know it would connect with a whole lotta people.”

     

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Jordan Davis, Chris Stapleton, Anne Wilson, The War And Treaty, Eric Church

    In addition to performing on next week’s CMA Awards, Jordan Davis is scheduled to perform his latest smash “Tucson Too Late” on ABC’s Live With Kelly & Mark on Monday (November 6th), as well as his multi-week No. 1 “Next Thing You Know” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.

    Chris Stapleton is featured in a cover story for GQ Hype, and the article is also featured inside GQ. He talks about his upcoming album, Higher, which comes out next Friday (November 10th), as well as myriad of other things, including songwriting, his meteoric rise to normally unattainable heights, his office/rehearsal space, collecting instruments and more. He also filmed the GQ Essentials 10 video, which are 10 Things Chris Stapleton Can’t Live Without. A few of those things are a kitchen table chair he took from his parents’ house when he left for Nashville years ago, the 1979 Jeep Cherokee his wife Morgane bought him in Phoenix (and the same Jeep he wrote “Traveller” in on the way home), his late father’s knife collection, his vintage Charlie 1 Horse straw hat and much more.

     

    Anne Wilson is featured in the new K-Love Live from Red Rocks concert event, which can only be seen in movie theaters nationwide on November 6th and 7th. Filmed at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado, the special concert film features live performances, behind-the-scenes content, plus exclusive interviews with Anne, as well as some of today’s top-charting Christian artists, including MercyMe, Zach Williams, Jeremy Camp, We the Kingdom, CAIN, Blessing Offor and Hope Darst. Anne is currently making her way up the country charts with “Rain In The Rearview.”

    https://twitter.com/Annewilsonmusic/status/1719491954814099829

     

    The War And Treaty will sing the national anthem prior to the Detroit Lions 84th annual Thanksgiving Day Classic matchup against the Green Bay Packers on November 23rd. The traditional Thanksgiving Day game and festivities will air on FOX at 12:30pm ET.

    Eric Church is set to headline the Pepsi Rock the South music festival in Cullman, Alabama next year. Jelly Roll and Hardy will also headline different nights. The three-day event, which will take place July 18th-20th, 2024, will also feature performances by Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Nelly, Oliver Anthony and more.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • MULTI-PLATINUM, 3X CMA NOMINEE JORDAN DAVIS EXTENDS HIS DAMN GOOD TIME HEADLINING TOUR WITH DATES ACROSS THE US, CANADA, AND EUROPE.

    Multi-Platinum, CMA award-winning artist and current reigning CMA Song of the Year winner Jordan Davis today announced the extension of his sold-out DAMN GOOD TIME Tour, adding several additional dates across the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. Davis will kick off the tour February 2nd in Copenhagen, Denmark and visit several markets including Amsterdam, London, and Belfast, before returning to tour the US and Canada beginning in April. The announcement was made on the heels of his sold-out headlining dates this weekend in Philadelphia (10/5) and New York (10/6) as well as two sold out dates in Boston (10/7, 10/8). Tickets will be available through his fan club, The Parish, on Wednesday, October 11th before general on-sale via his website on Friday, October 13th, 10am local time. Having cemented himself at the “pinnacle of country music’s mainstream” (The Tennessean), Davis is currently nominated for 3 CMA Awards including a back-to-back nomination for Song the Year.

    https://twitter.com/JordanCWDavis/status/1711396251147603993

     

    Earlier this year Davis shared in his American Songwriter Cover story, “It has been an amazing feeling to watch the way this new music has reached fans, and we’ve been seeing that out on the road in the live shows. Our fans knew every lyric to ‘Next Thing You Know’ even before it was a single, and to watch the sold-out venues get bigger and bigger….I’m just so grateful everyone has been so supportive,” adding, “The big thing for me was to show my growth. Growth in shows, growth in the songwriting, growth in the topics we’re touching on. I really wanted to show how I’ve changed as an artist and a songwriter, for the better.”

    That growth has been reflected in his sold-out tour dates and upcoming European headlining run- where he will bring the DAMN GOOD TIME tour to Europe as a headliner for the first time and continue playing his largest venues to date, as well as in his second GOLD-certified album, Bluebird Days, which recently celebrated its third consecutive #1 single off the album with “Next Thing You Know.” Featured by The Tennessean, Billboard, and more, Bluebird Days debuted to rave reviews, with  Billboard noting “Davis soars on ‘Bluebird Days’” and Entertainment Focus echoing, “Jordan Davis comes of age on new album ‘Bluebird Days’ and shows the world the type of mature, meaningful and melodic songwriter he is.” In addition to his 3X Platinum hit “Buy Dirt”-which garnered numerous accolades including Song of the Year at the CMA and NSAI awards and Billboard, AMA, iHeart and ACM award nominations, Jordan co-wrote most of the 17 tracks on the album, including the highly personal hits “What My World Spins Around” and “Next Thing You Know,” with critics taking notice of his lyrical ability and “the way he summarizes life, love, family,” notes Taste of Country,”..anyone …can be excused for feeling a bit breathless by the time he finishes what we’re going to predict will be the 2023 CMA winner for Song of the Year.”

    To sign up for The Parish, Jordan Davis’ official fan club, for first access to tickets at www.theparish.club.  For a full list of tour dates and ticket sales information, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    Already Announced DAMN GOOD TIME Tour Dates:

    Thu Oct 19, 2023 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre
    Fri Oct 20, 2023 Bakersfield, CA Mechanics Bank Arena
    Sat Oct 21, 2023 Las Vegas, NV The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

    EXTENDED DAMN GOOD TIME Tour Dates:

    2/2/24 Copenhagen, Denmark DR Studie 2
    2/3/24 Oslo, Norway Rockefeller Music Hall
    2/4/24 Stockholm, Sweden Nalen
    2/6/24 Hamburg, Germany Gruenspn
    2/8/23 Zurich, Switzerland Kaufleuten
    2/9/24 Cologne, Germany Kantine
    2/11/24 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg Max
    2/13/24 London, England Forum
    2/14/24 Cambridge, England Corn Exchange
    2/16/24 Birmingham, England O2 Institute Birmingham
    2/17/24 Bristol, England Academy
    2/18/24 Manchester, England Ritz
    2/20/24 Glasgow, Scotland Academy
    2/21/24 Belfast, Northern Ireland Ulster Hall
    4/11/24 Moline, IL Vibrant Arena
    4/12/24 Minneapolis, MN The Armory
    4/18/24 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center Arena
    4/19/24 Youngstown, OH The Covelli Centre
    4/25/24 Allentown, PA PPL Center
    4/26/24 Albany, NY MVP Arena
    5/2/24 Charlotte, NC Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
    5/3/24 Wilmington, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
    5/31/24 San Diego, CA Gallagher Square at Petco Park
    6/6/24 Missoula, MT University of Montana – Adams Center
    6/7/24 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre
    **6/14/24 Tahoe, NV Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
    6/20/24 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
    +6/21/2024 Seattle, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle
    6/22/24 Airway Heights, WA Northern Quest Amphitheater
    7/18/24 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
    7/19/24 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
    7/25/24 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
    7/26/24 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum
    7/31/24 Indianapolis, IN TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
    8/1/24 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
    8/2/24 Toledo, OH The Huntington Center
    8/8/24 Springfield, MO Great Southern Bank Arena
    8/9/24 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    8/16/24 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
    8/17/24 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf Amphitheater
    *9/5/2024 Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion
    9/6/24 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
    9/7/24 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
    10/2/24 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
    10/4/24 Toronto, ON Coca Cola Coliseum
    10/5/24 Kingston, ON Leon’s Centre
    10/6/24 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre
    10/8/24 Laval, QC Place Bell
    10/11/24 Moncton, NB Avenir Centre
    10/12/24 Halifax, NS Scotiabank Centre
    10/17/24 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
    10/18/24 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
    10/19/24 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
    10/20/24 Abbottsford, BC Abbotsford Centre

    *Tickets for Boston will go on sale starting Friday, October 20 at 10 AM local time at www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    + Tickets for Seattle will go on sale starting November 10th at 10 AM local time at www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    **Not a Live Nation date.

     

    The full 17 track album, Bluebird Days, is available here.

  • CMA NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN REVEALED; CHRIS STAPLETON AND JORDAN DAVIS GARNER 3 NODS EACH.

    The nominees for “The 57th Annual CMA Awards” have been announced. Lainey Wilson leads the list with nine nominations. Chris Stapleton and Jordan Davis have three apiece.

    Chris, the reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year,  returns to both Entertainer and Male Vocalist categories, marking his seventh Entertainer nod and ninth Male Vocalist nomination. He is also up for Musical Event with Carly Pearce on the song “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Chris has 34 career nominations.

    Jordan is nominated for Single, Song and Music Video of the Year for his multi-week No. 1 smash, “Next Thing You Know.” The song, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was written by Jordan, Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne.

     

     

    Carrie Underwood is once again nominated for Entertainer of the Year, while Parker McCollum is up for New Artist of the Year.

    Brothers Osborne and Maddie & Tae return to the Duo of the Year category, while The War And Treaty earn their first CMA nod in the category. Brothers’ John Osborne is also nominated as producer AND Mix Engineer of Ashley McBryde’s album, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville. 

     

    Little Big Town earns their 18th nomination in the Vocal Group Of The Year category, which they’ve taken home six times. This is their 32nd CMA nomination overall.

     

    Entertainer of The Year:

    • Luke Combs
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Carrie Underwood
    • Morgan Wallen
    • Lainey Wilson

    Female Vocalist of the Year:

    • Kelsea Ballerini
    • Miranda Lambert
    • Ashley McBryde
    • Carly Pearce
    • Lainey Wilson

    Male Vocalist of the Year:

    • Luke Combs
    • Jelly Roll
    • Cody Johnson
    • Chris Stapleton
    • Morgan Wallen

    Vocal Group of the Year:

    • Lady A
    • Little Big Town  
    • Midland
    • Old Dominion
    • Zac Brown Band

    Vocal Duo Of The Year:

    • Brooks & Dunn
    • Brothers Osborne  
    • Dan + Shay
    • Maddie & Tae
    • The War And Treaty

    Single of the Year:

    • “Fast Car”; Luke Combs; Producer: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathon Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
    • “Heart Like A Truck”; Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
    • “Need A Favor”; Jelly Roll; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
    • “Next Thing You Know”; Jordan Davis; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells; Mix Engineer: Joey Moi

    Album of the Year:

    • Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville; Producers: John Osborne, John Peets; Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne
    • Bell Bottom Country; Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
    • Gettin’ Old; Luke Combs; Producers Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
    • One Thing At A Time; Morgan Wallen Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
    • Rolling Up the Welcome Mat; Kelsea Ballerini Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym

    Song of the Year:

    • “Fast Car”; Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
    • “Heart Like A Truck”; Songwriters: Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
    • “Next Thing You Know”; Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
    • “Tennessee Orange”; Songwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt

    Musical Event Of The Year:

    • “Save Me”; Jelly Roll w/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
    • “She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)” Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Zach Crowell
    • “Thank God”; Kane Brown w/Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Producers: Hardy, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
    • “We Don’t Fight Anymore”; Carly Pearce f/Chris Stapleton; Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce

    New Artist of the Year:

    • Zach Bryan
    • Jelly Roll
    • Parker McCollum
    • Megan Moroney
    • Hailey Whitters

    Musician of the Year:

    • Jenee Fleenor
    • Paul Franklin
    • Rob McNelley
    • Derek Wells
    • Charlie Worsham

    Music Video of the Year

    • “Light On In The Kitchen”; Ashley McBryde; Director: Reid Long
    • “Memory Lane”; Old Dominion; Directors: Mason Allen, Nicki Fletcher
    • “Need A Favor”; Jelly Roll; Director: Patrick Tohill
    • “Next Thing You Know”; Jordan Davis; Director: Running Bear
    • “Wait In The Truck”; Hardy f/Lainey Wilson; Director: Justin Clough

     

    The 57th CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 8th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC.

     

    Audio / JORDAN DAVIS TALKS ABOUT WRITING HIS TWO-WEEK NO. 1 SMASH, "NEXT THING YOU KNOW."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (writing Next Thing You Know) OC: …song is today. :59
    “There’s a saying that says ‘raising kids – the days are long, the years are short,’ and that’s what this song is to me. I kind of came in wanting to write something like that, you know kind of a slow down time song, and Greylan had this idea. The idea initially was about going to a bar or going somewhere and meeting somebody and then just the progression of a relationship. I kind of hijacked the title and said, ‘Hey man. I love that title, but we’re going to write it in the sense of having kids, watching ‘em grow up and hopefully becoming a grandparent, you know? Chase McGill and Josh Osborne both have kiddos, and I think they kind of grabbed on it. Greylan, hats off to him. He’s the single kid of the group, so he was like, ‘Man, I’ll go there. I don’t know how much input I can be able to say in this, but I’ll go there with you.’ I mean, he’s a great writer, and it was fun to kind of see the title that he threw out evolve into what the song is today.”

    Audio / CHRIS STAPLETON SAYS HE’S ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR THE MOMENT OF RECOGNITION.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (grateful for awards) OC: …grateful for the moment. :30
    “Well I’ll take ’em home with me I guess once they send ’em Yeah I guess you have to at some point, but it still is a very… I’m thankful for it and it’s very nice and there’s a lot of great people doing a lot of great things making a lot of great music and working really hard and so when you get this kind of a thing going, I don’t think anybody deserves it. It’s a lot of luck and a lot of stars lining up so, I’m grateful for the moment.”

    Audio / Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty react to their first CMA nomination.

    Download

    The War And Treaty (CMA 2023 reaction) OC: (MICHAEL) …This is crazy. :24 NOTE: quick cutoff at the end

    TANYA: “I can’t believe you got up and you gave me the phone (Michael laughs). The first thing you did, you passed me the phone and I started crying.” MICHAEL: “Text messages from everyone. Like to think, Oh My God, this is our first CMA nomination.” TANYA: “That’s insane.” MICHAEL: “WE.ARE.NOMINATED.FOR.A.CMA.” TANYA LAUGHS: “That’s crazy.” MICHAEL: “Are you serious?” TANYA: “I mean, all I can say is thank you to the fans and everybody. Thank you so much.” MICHAEL: “This is crazy.”

    Audio / From backstage at last year's CMA Awards, Brothers Osborne are giddy after winning the Duo of the Year Award.

    Download

    Brothers Osborne (CMA Award) OC: …awesome family. :49
    JOHN: “The Duo category can go any which way. I mean, you look at us, comparatively speaking, we’re kind of maybe somewhere in the middle in terms of the numbers. I don’t know what it is (laughs), I don’t know why we’re holding these up here, but it’s super rad and I’m definitely going to put this on my mantel. You know, I think one of the most amazing pieces of advice I was ever given was to work hard and be nice to people, and I think that’s why we have these. We work really hard and we try to be respectful to everyone around us. And one of the things I love about the country music genre is it’s family and we’re all really, really close. We’re all a bunch of misfits thrown together. We’re all a little different, but we love one another and respect one another, and I’m just honored for the both of us to be part of this awesome family.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT HER CMA ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATION.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (CMA Entertainer nod) OC: …that category. :47
    “It is, I mean, obviously such an honor to be nominated in Entertainer of the Year. Obviously, that’s such a tough category to be in, ‘cause there’s just so, I don’t even want to call it competition, there’s just so many hard working artists out there that are just you know pouring themselves and their time and their energy and their love and their artistry into what they do. You know, obviously just to even be in the final category is just absolutely amazing and hopefully, above all, we can all just remember that it’s a celebration of a great year in country music and in our careers as artists, so we’ll just see what happens, but definitely excited to be in that category.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS LAUNCHES THE DAMN GOOD TIME HEADLINING ARENA TOUR WITH SOLD-OUT DATES IN ATLANTA AND NASHVILLE.

    Multi-Platinum, CMA Award-winning entertainer Jordan Davis successfully launched his arena headlining DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR over Labor Day weekend to rave reviews, first with a sold-out show at The Roxy in Atlanta (Aug. 31st), then at Nashville’s riverfront venue Ascend Amphitheater (Sept. 1st). Of Friday evening’s show, The Tennessean raved, “The hour-and-a-half set was the perfect mix of Davis’ ballads, sing-a-long hits and even some choice cover tunes played for a crowd that stayed on its feet the entire show and for certain had a damn good time,” adding “Davis proved that he earned his spot as a headlining act in Country music and solidified his status as a country superstar with his electrifying performance that flawlessly showcased his versatility.” The tour continues with dates this Friday in Columbus, Ohio before heading onto to the remaining shows including sold-out venues in Kansas City, MO (Sept. 16), Philadelphia (Oct. 5), New York (Oct. 6), Boston (Oct. 7), and Las Vegas (Oct. 21). Tour openers include Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradberry, Flatland Calvary, Greylan James, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith, and Georgia Webster.

    Pictured: Jordan Davis and UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe celebrating 5 Billion career streams backstage in Nashville during Davis’ sold-out Ascend Amphitheater show (Sept. 1, 2023)
    Photo Credit: Caleb Cockrell

    At the show, Davis was surprised by UMG Nashville Chair & CEO Cindy Mabe with a commemorative plaque celebrating his more than 5 Billion career streams since first breaking out onto the scene with his RIAA Gold-certified debut album Home State. The Louisiana native has continued to earn his place in country music stardom, with The Tennessean noting his “extraordinary consistency at the pinnacle of country music’s mainstream,” as well as his “comparisons…to Keith Whitley.” With the February 2023 launch of his Gold-certified sophomore album Bluebird Days, Davis has now earned six career No. 1s, including the 2x Platinum-selling hit “Singles You Up,” Platinum hits “Take It From Me,” and “Slow Dance in A Parking Lot,” as well as the multi-week No. 1 singles “Buy Dirt” (2x Platinum), “What My World Spins Around” (Gold) and “Next Thing You Know” (Platinum). He has also earned a Top 5 Platinum hit with “Almost Maybes” and is upcoming direct support for Luke Combs’ 2024 stadium tour.

    Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and written by Davis, Josh Osborne, Chase McGill, and GreyLan James, Davis’ latest multi-week No. 1, “Next Thing You Know,” marks the biggest hit of the singer/songwriters’ career to date and continues to earn acclaim, with critics noting “It’s not just the lyrics …it’s the way he summarizes life, love, family ….so anyone …can be excused for feeling a bit breathless by the time he finishes what we’re going to predict will be the 2023 CMA winner for Song of the Year” (Taste of Country). He recently launched his follow up single to “Next Thing You Know,” “Tucson Too Late,” after debuting it earlier this year on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Davis shared with Billboard the song is “the type of song that I grew up on,” noting part of the inspiration behind the song was to capture the tone of the Keith Whitley hit, “Miami, My Amy.” The “terrific” (Billboard) “Tucson Too Late” once again reunites Davis, his brother Jacob Davis, and Matt and Josh Jenkins–the four songwriters from his current reigning CMA Song of the Year hit, “Buy Dirt.” Click HERE to watch the music video for “Tucson Too Late.” For more details on Jordan’s latest music and tour dates, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

     

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS READY TO HAVE A “DAMN GOOD TIME” ON TOUR.

    Jordan Davis is set to kick off his DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR on Thursday (August 31st) in Atlanta. He then heads to Nashville on Friday (September 1st) and follows with stops in such cities as Columbus, Green Bay, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston before wrapping in Las Vegas on October 21st.

    The Louisiana native and father of three says it’s pretty surreal having his own headline tour with most of the dates already sold-out.

    ”This fall [headlining] tour is something that we’ve been, I mean, we’ve been planning it for a long time. It truly feels like two years ago we were in a van, pulling into 500-person bars and crossing our fingers that it was gonna look full enough to post a photo on social media. Like, I still remember those days, to where now, we’re sold out in the majority of the venues and starting to kind of make the jump into arenas. It’s something I just didn’t really, I don’t know. As a guy who moved to town to write songs, I never really saw that in my future.”

    Tour openers include Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradberry, Flatland Calvary, Greylan James, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith and Georgia Webster.

    Jordan recently wrapped his time with Dierks Bentley on the Gravel & Gold Tour and after his fall headlining tour, he’ll hit the road again with Luke Combs.

    DAMN GOOD TIME Tour Dates:

    Thu Aug 31, 2023 Atlanta Roxy
    Fri Sep 1, 2023 Nashville Ascend
    Thu Sep 7, 2023 Columbus Kemba Live! Outdoor
    Fri Sep 8, 2023 Sandwich Sandwich Fair
    Sat Sep 9, 2023 Green Bay Resch Center
    Fri Sep 15, 2023 Des Moines Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
    Sat Sep 16, 2023 Kansas City The Midland Theatre
    Thu Sep 21, 2023 Columbia Township Auditorium
    Fri Sep 22, 2023 Baltimore Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
    Sat Sep 23, 2023 Mashantucket The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
    Thu Sep 28, 2023 Omaha Liberty First Credit Union Arena
    Fri Sep 29, 2023 OKC The Criterion
    Sat Sep 30, 2023 St. Louis The Factory
    Thu Oct 5, 2023 Philadelphia The Met
    Fri Oct 6, 2023 NYC Terminal 5
    Sat Oct 7, 2023 Boston Roadrunner
    Thu Oct 19, 2023 Mesa Mesa Ampitheatre
    Fri Oct 20, 2023 Bakersfield Mechanics Bank Arena
    Sat Oct 21, 2023 Las Vegas The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

    Jordan just released his brand new single, “Tucson Too Late,” the follow-up to his recent multi-week No. 1, “Next Thing You Know.”

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis says he can't believe he's at the point of selling out venues on his own headlining tour.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Damn Good Time Tour) OC: …my future. :34
    ”This fall [headlining] tour is something that we’ve been, I mean, we’ve been planning it for a long time. It truly feels like two years ago we were in a van, pulling into 500-person bars and crossing our fingers that it was gonna look full enough to post a photo on social media. Like, I still remember those days, to where now, we’re sold out in the majority of the venues and starting to kind of make the jump into arenas. It’s something I just didn’t really, I don’t know. As a guy who moved to town to write songs, I never really saw that in my future.”

    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS BALANCING LIFE AND CAREER WITH THREE CHILDREN.

    Jordan Davis is living out his recent multi-week No. 1 song, “Next Thing You Know.” He says now being the father of three children really amplified the idea for “Next Thing You Know,” which he co-wrote with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne.

    “Life’s pretty crazy right now, especially in like where we’re at in the touring season. I mean, it’s just like the throes of touring, so it’s like you’re gone from home 100+ dates, most of the time 150, and that’s half the year you don’t get to see the kiddos,” says Jordan. “And I think too, even my son who’s about to turn two, they change so much in this era, in that first year of life, you know and now the second. You leave for a week, you come back and he’s got five new words. It just changes so quick, and you can’t get those moments back. Baby number three kind of heightened the antennas for an idea like ‘Next Thing You Know,’ my kids are gonna be 18 and going to college.”

    Jordan and his wife Kristen, who were married in 2017, are the proud parents of Eloise (3 1/2), Locklan (almost 2) and two-month old Elijah.

    In other news, Jordan just released his new single “Tucson Too Late” from his Bluebird Days album and will kick off his headlining Damn Good Time Tour on August 31st in Atlanta. His opening acts on select dates include Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradberry, Flatland Calvary, Greylan James, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith and Georgia Webster.

     

    Audio / At his recent No. 1 party for "Next Thing You Know," Jordan Davis said welcoming his third child really heightened the idea for the song.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (baby 3 NTYK) OC: …to college. :44
    “Life’s pretty crazy right now, especially in like where we’re at in the touring season. I mean, it’s just like the throes of touring, so it’s like you’re gone from home 100+ dates, most of the time 150, and that’s half the year you don’t get to see the kiddos. And I think too, even my son who’s about to turn two, they change so much in this era, in that first year of life, you know and now the second. You leave for a week, you come back and he’s got five new words. It just changes so quick, and you can’t get those moments back. Baby number three kind of heightened the antennas for an idea like ‘Next Thing You Know,’ my kids are gonna be 18 and going to college.”

    Video /

    View

    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “TUCSON TOO LATE.”

    Jordan Davis released the official music video for his new single, “Tucson Too Late.” The Louisiana native co-wrote the follow-up to his recent multi-week No. 1 “Next Thing You Know” with his brother Jacob Davis and brothers Josh and Matt Jenkins, the same dream team behind “Buy Dirt.”

     

    He says of the song inspired by Keith Whitley’s “Miami, My Amy,” “I really like the way we kept this very simple, we let the lyrics speak, we tried to really just kinda make the listener feel the kinda worry that this guy was going through trying to get this girl back, and I think Paul (DiGiovanni) absolutely nailed the production on it in letting the vocals speak and letting the lyrics shine. And I think too, like it’s something that I’ve never done. I don’t think I’ve ever released a song that is as maybe traditional as this one. You know, stuff like this is what I grew up on. Being able to have a song like this out that has this kinda feel, I don’t know, for me it’s fun.”

    Click HERE for audio and liners.

    Jordan will perform his new single when he performs in in Salt Lake City on Friday (August 11th) and in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday (August 12th) on Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold Tour.

    Jordan is set to kick off his own headlining Damn Good Time Tour August 31st in Atlanta, Georgia.

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES HIS NEW SINGLE, “TUCSON TOO LATE.”

    Jordan Davis has released his new single, “Tucson Too Late,” the follow-up to his multi-week No. 1 smash, “Next Thing You Know.” Jordan co-wrote the song with his brother Jacob Davis and brothers Josh and Matt Jenkins, the same dream team behind “Buy Dirt.”

    “I remember talking about (Keith Whitley’s) ‘Miami, My Amy,’ you know how that song just grabs you, and as you can tell, out of that conversation came ‘Tuscon Too Late,'” he recalls. “I really like the way we kept this very simple, we let the lyrics speak, we tried to really just kinda make the listener feel the kinda worry that this guy was going through trying to get this girl back, and I think Paul (DiGiovanni) absolutely nailed the production on it in letting the vocals speak and letting the lyrics shine. And I think too, like it’s something that I’ve never done. I don’t think I’ve ever released a song that is as maybe traditional as this one. You know, stuff like this is what I grew up on. Being able to have a song like this out that has this kinda feel, I don’t know, for me it’s fun. I’m pretty fired up about ‘Tucson Too Late.’”

    Jordan is set to release the official music video for “Tucson Too Late” at 1pm ET/Noon CT on Thursday (August 10th).

    https://twitter.com/JordanCWDavis/status/1689405329845460992

     

    The Louisiana native will perform his new single when he performs in Boise, Idaho tonight (August 10th), in Salt Lake City on Friday (August 11th) and in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday (August 12th) on Dierks Bentley’s Gravel & Gold Tour.

    Jordan is set to kick off his own headlining Damn Good Time Tour August 31st in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about his new single, "Tucson Too Late."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) OC: …Too Late.” 1:11

    “So, ‘Tucson Too Late,’ another song I wrote with Jacob, Matt, and Josh, the ‘Buy Dirt’ squad. I write more with them more than I write with anybody. I think it’s cool for us, every time we get together it like, what can we do, what have we not done, what is something that we can try to write today that’ll challenge us that’s different? And I remember talking about (Keith Whitley’s) ‘Miami, My Amy,’ you know how that song just grabs you, and as you can tell, out of that conversation came ‘Tuscon Too Late.’ I really like the way we kept this very simple, we let the lyrics speak, we tried to really just kinda make the listener feel the kinda worry that this guy was going through trying to get this girl back, and I think Paul absolutely nailed the production on it in letting the vocals speak and letting the lyrics shine. And I think too, like it’s something that I’ve never done. I don’t think I’ve ever released a song that is as maybe traditional as this one. You know, stuff like this is what I grew up on. Being able to have a song like this out that has this kinda feel, I don’t know, for me it’s fun. I’m pretty fired up about ‘Tucson Too Late.’”

    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) 1

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) 2

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) 3

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) 4

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) 5

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    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Tucson Too Late) 6

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  • NEWS AND NOTES: Keith Urban, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Davis, Carrie Underwood

    Keith Urban has been announced as one of the newest inductees into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with Kix Brooks, Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy and Rafe Van Hoy. Keith will enter the Hall of Fame as Contemporary Songwriter/Artist. All five newly-minted members will be formally inducted during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Music City Center.

    Tyler Hubbard is featured on CMT Hot 20 Countdown this weekend. You can watch it on both Saturday (August 5th) and Sunday (August 6th) at 9am ET/8am CT on CMT.

     

    Jordan Davis is featured on CMT Summer Sessions on Friday (August 4th). He performs several of his hits, including his recent multi-week No. 1 hit, “Next Thing You Know.” The show premieres Friday at 9pm ET/8pm CT on CMT.

     

    Carrie Underwood is featured on the cover of Gold Buckle magazine. Inside the magazine dedicated to the western lifestyle and professional rodeo, the superstar talks about faith, family and her residency in Las Vegas.

     

     

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS AND HIS WIFE KRISTEN WELCOME THEIR THIRD CHILD, SON ELIJAH PATRICK.

    Jordan Davis and his wife Kristen welcomed their third child earlier this week. Elijah Patrick Davis, weighing in at 10 lbs., 1 oz., and measuring 22 inches long, joins big sister Eloise (3 1/2 years old) and big brother Locklan (21 months old).

    The Louisiana native and now father of three posted the news to his socials on Thursday (June 15th), writing, “God is good! My son Elijah Patrick is in the world…His momma did incredible in getting him here and we hope to get him home to his brother and sister soon.”

     

    Early last week, Jordan told us he was excited and nervous about baby No. 3.  “I think you’re kind of all the emotions – excited and scared, nervous,” says Jordan. “I think the thing I’m looking most forward to is there’s no love like a new baby, and so being able to hold – we don’t know what it is yet – so being able to hold him or her for the first time is always pretty special. It is crazy just the personalities that you see right off the bat, and it was such a difference between my son and daughter. You know, for me, it’s just exciting to get to see them who they’re going to become. We’re here to guide ‘em and love ‘em, but you want, it’s a fun ride to get to see them grow up. I am. I’m excited to meet the new one and bring ‘em home and let big sister…you know now Eloise can actually, she knows what’s going on. She knows we’re getting a new baby, and I know she’s excited, so I’m ready to see her face when the baby comes home.”

    Jordan is closing in on the top of the country charts with his latest smash, “Next Thing You Know.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis says he was excited about the arrival of baby No. 3.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Baby No. 3) OC: …comes home. 1:03
    “Yeah, I think you’re kind of all the emotions – excited and scared, nervous. I think the thing I’m looking most forward to is there’s no love like a new baby, and so being able to hold – we don’t know what it is yet – so being able to hold him or her for the first time is always pretty special. It is crazy just the personalities that you see right off the bat, and it was such a difference between my son and daughter. You know, for me, it’s just exciting to get to see them who they’re going to become. We’re here to guide ‘em and love ‘em, but you want, it’s a fun ride to get to see them grow up. I am. I’m excited to meet the new one and bring ‘em home and let big sister…you know now Eloise can actually, she knows what’s going on. She knows we’re getting a new baby, and I know she’s excited, so I’m ready to see her face when the baby comes home.”

     

  • JORDAN DAVIS PRAISES DIERKS BENTLEY AND HIS GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR.

    Jordan Davis  hit the road with Dierks Bentley on the Gravel & Gold Tour last week, and he couldn’t be happier to be able to watch Dierks and his band every night.

    “Dierks does such a great job of not making a tour feel like a tour in the best way. We’re all away from home, but Dierks makes everybody comfortable and goes out of his way to make sure that everybody’s having fun,” says Jordan. “But with that being said, it is a music tour, and I am a huge Dierks Bentley fan, always have been since ‘What Was I Thinkin’.’ So, to be able to sit side stage and honestly say that of the times that I’ve played with Dierks, I don’t think I’ve missed a second of the show, just because it’s a master class, man. The band’s phenomenal, Dierks on stage, his interaction, the way he allows his personality to come through his music, as a fairly new artist, you can learn a lot from guys like that. So, that’s truly what I’m really looking forward to getting to see, grabbing a beer and watching those guys go to work every night. It’s gonna be pretty special.”

    After a break for this week’s CMA Fest in Nashville, the Gravel & Gold Tour returns to the road June 16th in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Jordan is closing in on the top of the country charts with his latest smash, “Next Thing You Know.”

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis says he's looking forward to watching Dierks Bentley put on a "Master Class" every night on tour.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Dierks tour) 1 OC: …pretty special. 1:07
    “You know every tour stop is, in the grand scheme of things, I play for an hour, Dierks plays for an hour and a half, so it’s not a ton of time actually working. I’m most looking forward to hanging with Dierks, hanging with his crew, hanging with his band guys. Dierks does such a great job of not making a tour feel like a tour in the best way. We’re all away from home, but Dierks makes everybody comfortable and goes out of his way to make sure that everybody’s having fun. But with that being said, it is a music tour, and I am a huge Dierks Bentley fan, always have been since ‘What Was I Thinkin’.’ So, to be able to sit side stage and honestly say that of the times that I’ve played with Dierks, I don’t think I’ve missed a second of the show, just because it’s a master class, man. The band’s phenomenal, Dierks on stage, his interaction, the way he allows his personality to come through his music, as a fairly new artist, you can learn a lot from guys like that. So, that’s truly what I’m really looking forward to getting to see, grabbing a beer and watching those guys go to work every night. It’s gonna be pretty special.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS LOOKING FORWARD TO BABY NO. 3.

    Jordan Davis and his wife Kristen are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their third child. The couple, who married in 2017, revealed on socials back in February that they’re expecting their third child this month. The new addition will join big sister Eloise (2019) and Locklan (2021).

    Jordan says he’s excited for the arrival of his third child, and he and Kristen are waiting to see whether it will be a boy or a girl.

    “I think you’re kind of all the emotions – excited and scared, nervous,” says Jordan. “I think the thing I’m looking most forward to is there’s no love like a new baby, and so being able to hold – we don’t know what it is yet – so being able to hold him or her for the first time is always pretty special. It is crazy just the personalities that you see right off the bat, and it was such a difference between my son and daughter. You know, for me, it’s just exciting to get to see them who they’re going to become. We’re here to guide ‘em and love ‘em, but you want, it’s a fun ride to get to see them grow up. I am. I’m excited to meet the new one and bring ‘em home and let big sister…you know now Eloise can actually, she knows what’s going on. She knows we’re getting a new baby, and I know she’s excited, so I’m ready to see her face when the baby comes home.”

    The Louisiana native, who is racing up the country charts with his latest single, “Next Thing You Know,” joins Dierks Bentley on the Gravel & Gold Tour, which kicks off Thursday night (June 1st) in Toronto.

    Audio / Jordan Davis is excited for the arrival of his third child.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Baby No. 3) OC: …comes home. 1:03
    “Yeah, I think you’re kind of all the emotions – excited and scared, nervous. I think the thing I’m looking most forward to is there’s no love like a new baby, and so being able to hold – we don’t know what it is yet – so being able to hold him or her for the first time is always pretty special. It is crazy just the personalities that you see right off the bat, and it was such a difference between my son and daughter. You know, for me, it’s just exciting to get to see them who they’re going to become. We’re here to guide ‘em and love ‘em, but you want, it’s a fun ride to get to see them grow up. I am. I’m excited to meet the new one and bring ‘em home and let big sister…you know now Eloise can actually, she knows what’s going on. She knows we’re getting a new baby, and I know she’s excited, so I’m ready to see her face when the baby comes home.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS ALMOST COULDN’T BELIEVE HIS EARS WHEN HE FOUND OUT HE WAS NOMINATED FOR ACM MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR.

    Jordan Davis couldn’t have predicted his nomination for ACM Male Artist of the Year, since it has been four years since he was first nominated for the ACM New Artist of the Year. He’s been nominated for a few different awards in the last few years, including winning the CMA Song of the Year in 2022 for “Buy Dirt,” and he finally picks up a nod for Male Artist.

    “I haven’t been that shocked in a long time. Definitely the most shocked I’ve been since I started doing music,” says Jordan. “It was definitely shocked to see that I was in that category. I knew I made it through to the last round, but, honestly, I was, y’all see the other nominees in there, some heavy hitters. So, to hear my name first, it was pure shock. But now too, in 2019, I was up for New Artist, so I think it goes to show that I’ve got a great team and great fans, and two, we made some great music that is connecting with people. The awards are amazing, but to be nominated with those guys is a huge win for me.”

    Jordan is up against Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Kane Brown.

    The 58th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will stream live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on Amazon Prime Video May 11th at 8pm ET/7pm CT/5pm PT.

    Jordan is currently scaling the country charts with his latest single, “Next Thing You Know.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about his ACM nomination for Male Artist of the Year.

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    Jordan Davis (ACM 2023 Male nod) OC: …win for me. :49
    “I haven’t been that shocked in a long time. Definitely the most shocked I’ve been since I started doing music. It was definitely shocked to see that I was in that category. I knew I made it through to the last round, but, honestly, I was, y’all see the other nominees in there, some heavy hitters. So, to hear my name first, it was pure shock. But now too, in 2019, I was up for New Artist, so I think it goes to show that I’ve got a great team and great fans, and two, we made some great music that is connecting with people. The awards are amazing, but to be nominated with those guys is a huge win for me.”

  • BEFORE HE KICKS OFF HIS DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR, JORDAN DAVIS WILL TRAVEL OVER SOME GRAVEL & GOLD WITH DIERKS BENTLEY.

    Jordan Davis just announced his own headlining Damn Good Time Tour, which is set to kick off August 31st in Atlanta, Georgia, but before he does that, he’s set to hit the road with his pal Dierks Bentley this summer.

    He can’t wait to join Dierks and his band on the Gravel & Gold Tour. “When I grow up, I want to be Dierks Bentley. (laughs) I know I’ve made that joke before, but like I just love that guy to death,” says Jordan. “I feel like I know, not just Dierks, I know his band pretty well. Dan, his fiddle guy, I’ve known for longer than I’ve known Dierks. More importantly like, it’s a master class. That band is so good. Dierks is an entertainer to the unth degree and just really, really great people and this job gets tough and being on the road with really good people makes it a little bit easier. So, and it doesn’t suck that Dierks can fly a plane, so we can be home pretty quick if he’s got any open seats. Dierks, I’d love to hop in there with ya. I’ll even help you fly, if you need some help, you know? I’m kidding—you’re flying the whole way.”

    The 28-city trek, which will feature a rotating list of opening acts such as Elle King, Tracy Lawrence, Caylee Hammack, The Cadillac Three, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Caitlyn Smith and Hailey Whitters, among others, kicks off June 1st in Toronto, Ontario.

    GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR Dates:

    6/01 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    6/02 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    6/03 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

    6/04 – Madison, IL – NASCAR Cup Series Race

    6/16 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    6/17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    6/22 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion

    6/24 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    7/08 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    7/09 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    7/13 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

    7/14 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    7/15 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    7/21 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater

    7/27 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    7/28 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    7/29 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    8/03 – Corning, CA – Rolling Hills Casino

    8/04 – Lake Tahoe, NV – Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

    8/10 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater

    8/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre

    8/12 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

    8/17 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

    8/18 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    8/19 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena

    8/24 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    8/25 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    8/26 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

    Jordan is flying up the country charts with his latest single, “Next Thing You Know.”

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about hitting the road with Dierks Bentley later this summer.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (on the road with Dierks) OC: …the whole way. :47
    “When I grow up, I want to be Dierks Bentley. (laughs) I know I’ve made that joke before, but like I just love that guy to death. I feel like I know, not just Dierks, I know his band pretty well. Dan, his fiddle guy, I’ve known for longer than I’ve known Dierks. More importantly like, it’s a master class. That band is so good. Dierks is an entertainer to the unth degree and just really, really great people and this job gets tough and being on the road with really good people makes it a little bit easier. So, and it doesn’t suck that Dierks can fly a plane, so we can be home pretty quick if he’s got any open seats. Dierks, I’d love to hop in there with ya. I’ll even help you fly, if you need some help, you know? I’m kidding—you’re flying the whole way.”

    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS ANNOUNCES HIS DAMN GOOD TIME HEADLINING TOUR.

    Jordan Davis today announces his DAMN GOOD TIME TOUR, which kicks off this August (8/31) in Atlanta at the Roxy before heading to Nashville on Labor Day weekend (9/1), Philadelphia (10/5), New York (10/6) and Boston (10/7) before wrapping in Las Vegas in October (10/21). Tour openers include Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradberry, Flatland Calvary, Greylan James, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith and Georgia Webster.

     

     

    Sign up for The Parish, Jordan Davis’ official fan club, for first access to tickets at www.theparish.club. The Parish Gold presale starts Tuesday, April 11 at 10 AM local time and the digital membership presale begins Wednesday, April 12 at 10 AM local time. Public on sale for all shows is this Friday, April 14 at 10 AM local time.

    The Louisiana native is scaling the country charts with his latest single, “Next Thing You Know,” from his recent Bluebird Days album.

    For a full list of tour dates and ticket sales information, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    DAMN GOOD TIME Tour Dates:

    Thu Aug 31, 2023 Atlanta Roxy
    Fri Sep 1, 2023 Nashville Ascend
    Thu Sep 7, 2023 Columbus Kemba Live! Outdoor
    Fri Sep 8, 2023 Sandwich Sandwich Fair
    Sat Sep 9, 2023 Green Bay Resch Center
    Fri Sep 15, 2023 Des Moines Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
    Sat Sep 16, 2023 Kansas City The Midland Theatre
    Thu Sep 21, 2023 Columbia Township Auditorium
    Fri Sep 22, 2023 Baltimore Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena
    Sat Sep 23, 2023 Mashantucket The Premier Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
    Thu Sep 28, 2023 Omaha Liberty First Credit Union Arena
    Fri Sep 29, 2023 OKC The Criterion
    Sat Sep 30, 2023 St. Louis The Factory
    Thu Oct 5, 2023 Philadelphia The Met
    Fri Oct 6, 2023 NYC Terminal 5
    Sat Oct 7, 2023 Boston Roadrunner
    Thu Oct 19, 2023 Mesa Mesa Ampitheatre
    Fri Oct 20, 2023 Bakersfield Mechanics Bank Arena
    Sat Oct 21, 2023 Las Vegas The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

     

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Brothers Osborne, The War and Treaty, Luke Grimes, Boy Named Banjo, Jordan Davis, The War and Treaty, Boy Named Banjo

    Eric Church, Jon Pardi and Kip Moore are among the artists performing during the 2023 Frontier Nights during the Cheyenne Frontier Days. The week+-long event kicks off July 21st and will also feature performances by Old Dominion, Zach Bryan, Five Finger Death Punch, Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce and wrapping up with a show by Cody Johnson on July 29th. Tickets go on sale March 15th. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

    Brothers Osborne will perform at a benefit concert, “Love Rising,” to support Tennessee equal rights organizations on March 20th at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The show will also feature performances by Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow, Hayley Williams, Hozier, Amanda Shires, Joy Oladokun.

    Brothers Osborne’s TJ Osborne is being honored by the Human Rights Campaign with the Visibility Award at their 2023 Nashville Dinner on Saturday (March 11th). The award recognizes LBGTQ+ individuals who are living open and honest lives at home, at work and in their community.

    The War and Treaty, Luke Grimes and Boy Named Banjo have been tapped to perform at this year’s Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, taking place September 23rd-24th in Franklin, Tennessee. Zach Bryan and The Lumineers will headline the two-day event, with additional performances by Ashley McBryde, Hailey Whitters, Yola, The Black Crowes, Charlie Worsham, James Bay, Madeline Edwards, Margo Price, Tigirlily Gold and more. Tickets go on sale Thursday (March 9th) at 10am CT. For more information on tickets, click here.

     

     

    Jordan Davis performed his latest single, “Next Thing You Know,” on ABC’s Live With Kelly and Ryan last week.

     

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  • TRAVIS DENNING RELEASES NEW TRACK “STRAWBERRY WINE AND A CHEAP SIX PACK.”

    Travis Denning released a new song, “Strawberry Wine And A Cheap Six Pack.” Written by Denning, Thomas Archer, Jerry Flowers and Paul DiGiovanni, the track was co-produced by Jeremy Stover and Paul DiGiovanni. The song, which exudes a feeling of nostalgia, is a nod to the music of the mid-2000s which shaped Denning as a country artist. Denning will debut his new song when he performs at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, March 28th. Tickets available HERE.

    LISTEN TO “STRAWBERRY WINE AND A CHEAP SIX PACK” | HERE

    “I really wanted to write something like “Strawberry Wine and A Cheap Six Pack” to grab a nostalgic feeling on a lyrical and musical level,” said Denning. “When I was growing up and a teenager, I was listening to certain kind of music from an era that I really wanted to capture on this song. The song has a mid-2000s country music vibe and that’s something I’ve been chasing for a long time. I feel like this song was the first I’ve written that definitely hits that same feeling and energy of the music of my youth.”

    Added Denning, “I’m so excited for this song to be out, because it’s just the first of a lot of music to come.  The songs I’ve recorded this year are all very unique and very different, and they stand out from music that I’ve recorded in the past.”

    Denning will make his 16th appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, March 28. Not only is he touring throughout the spring and summer, but Denning is also currently in the studio working on new music. In addition to the new release, Denning has a cut on Morgan Wallen’s new album called, “Devil Don’t Know,” which he co-wrote with Jared Mullins and Ben Stennis.

    Lyrics to “Strawberry Wine And A Cheap Six Pack”

    Half past nine, I send you a text soon as that sun dropped

    Kill my headlights, pull up, pick you up out by the mailbox

    You’d lay the seat back and I’d find a place to go

    I’d play it cool, you’d play the radio

    Find a back road with a little magic on it

    Back when all we really wanted was

     

    A hand-me-down Tacoma with a dent in the side

    10 miles over that county line speed limit sign

    Black and mild smoke out on the wind

    Hot July moon, I swear that I can hear you singin’ again

    First taste of love, no, I couldn’t get enough

    Girl, that’s where I go when I go back

    Strawberry wine and a cheap six pack

     

    Half drunk kiss

    On a bank of river, under wished on stars

    Yeah, we jumped right in

    Set the night on fire with you in my arms

    All summer long you said, don’t let me go

    Leaves fell, we did too, next thing you know

    It’s all long gone but girl I swear

    Sometimes I’m right back there in

     

    A hand-me-down Tacoma with a dent in the side

    10 miles over that county line speed limit sign

    Black and mild smoke out on the wind

    Hot July moon, I swear that I can hear you singin’ again

    First taste of love, no, I couldn’t get enough

    Girl, that’s where I go when I go back

    Strawberry wine and a cheap six pack

     

    Don’t matter where I go, don’t matter where I’m at

    One sip of that song and girl I’m right back to

     

    A hand-me-down Tacoma with a dent in the side

    10 miles over that county line speed limit sign

    Black and mild smoke out on the wind

    Hot July moon, I swear that I can hear you singin’ again

    First taste of love, no, I couldn’t get enough

    Girl, that’s where I go when I go back

    Strawberry wine and a cheap six pack

    That’s where I go when I go back

    Strawberry wine and a cheap six pack


    Travis Denning Tour Dates

    3/4 Lufkin, TX Good for Country Concert 2023
    3/18 Columbia, SC St. Pat’s In Five Points
    3/24 Sioux City, IA Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
    3/25 Dubuque, IA Q Casino
    3/28 Nashville, TN Grand Ole Opry
    3/30 Foxborough, MA Six String Grill & Stage
    3/31 Uncasville, CT Wolf Den
    4/1 Horseheads, NY The L
    4/28 Greenville, SC The Foundry
    4/29 Farmville, NC Farmville NC Dogwood Festival
    5/5 Kannapolis, NC Jiggy with the Piggy BBQ Festival
    5/6 Pearl, MS Pearl Day Festival
    6/10 Goshen, CT Goshen Fairgrounds
    6/15 Saint-Agapit, Quebec Festival Country Lotbiniere 2023
    6/24 Cadott, WI Country Fest
    7/22 Beallsville, OH Outback Motorsports
    7/28 Arlington, NE Washington County Fair
    7/29 Lake Ozark, MO Sky Bar at the Encore
    8/6 Quincy, WA Watershed Festival
    8/13 Oro-Medonte, Ontario Boots And Hearts
    8/25 Aplington, IA Party at the Barn
    9/15 Laramie, WY University of Wyoming
    10/14 Macon, GA Mercer University
    Tickets Available HERE

     

     

    Audio / Travis Denning talks about his new song "Strawberry Wine And A Cheap Six Pack."

    Download

    Travis Denning (Strawberry Wine And A Cheap Six Pack) OC: …to play. :26
    “’Strawberry Wine And A Cheap Six Pack’ really is just trying to paint this nostalgic picture of a guy and a girl. You don’t really know if it ended well or ended bad, doesn’t really matter. It’s more about the good and the beauty and the romanticism of them just being free, kinda in that summer setting, and I think the music really reflects the song too. It’s kind of got that mid-2000s country nostalgia to it, and it’s a super fun one to play.”

    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (Strawberry Wine And A Cheap Six Pack)

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    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (SWAACSP) 2

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    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS GIVES ADVICE FOR PEOPLE WANTING TO ATTEND MARDI GRAS IN LOUISIANA.

    Jordan Davis grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and since he’s experienced Mardi Gras nearly every year of his life, he’s got a lot of advice for those who will attend for the first time in the future.

    “My main piece of advice is everybody needs to experience New Orleans at least once,” says Jordan. “Another piece is just pace yourself. It is pretty much a month-long party, so just pace yourself, try to stay hydrated that’s not alcohol, have a blast and catch a bunch of beads. Get a sign – that’s another piece of advice. If you’re really going after beads, get something that catches their eyes. Also, when it comes to making signs, best advice, make it a hoop, ‘cause if you have somebody on a float, if they have something to throw at, you’re gonna get a ton more beads.”

    Mardi Gras Day is Tuesday (February 21st). Also known as Fat Tuesday, it’s the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The most popular time to visit New Orleans is the extended weekend before Mardi Gras when you can catch parades, like Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, Rex and all of the festive celebrations throughout the whole city.

    The Louisiana native, who is making his way up the country charts with his latest smash, “Next Thing You Know,” just released his brand new album, Bluebird Days, on Friday (February 17th).

    Audio / JORDAN DAVIS GIVES SOME ADVICE ON ATTENDING MARDI GRAS FOR THE FIRST TIME.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Mardi Gras) OC: …ton more beads. :44
    “I have a lot advice on Mardi Gras. My main piece of advice is everybody needs to experience New Orleans at least once. Another piece is just pace yourself. It is pretty much a month-long party, so just pace yourself, try to stay hydrated that’s not alcohol, have a blast and catch a bunch of beads. Get a sign – that’s another piece of advice. If you’re really going after beads, get something that catches their eyes. Also, when it comes to making signs, best advice, make it a hoop, ‘cause if you have somebody on a float, if they have something to throw at, you’re gonna get a ton more beads.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis fondly recalls memories of Mardi Gras when he was a kid.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Mardi Gras memories) OC: …King Cake. :44
    “I mean, Mardi Gras growing up for me, that was like Christmas. We had just as much fun at Mardi Gras as we did come Christmas time. In Shreveport, the parade came right down my street. So, I remember my dad building a, on top of a ladder, he built a platform for me and my brother to sit up there and we were 12 feet above everybody, and we just had a bullseye. If you have a bullseye at a Mardi Gras parade, you are going to load up on beads. So, we had, every year we would come home with Moon Pies and beads and cups and everything under the sun. Mardi Gras is a special, it’s a special holiday for us, and we’re going to definitely eat our fair share of King Cake.”

  • JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES BLUEBIRD DAYS ALBUM TODAY TO RAVE REVIEWS.

    Jordan Davis today releases his highly anticipated new album, Bluebird Days. This week, Davis performed new song “Tucson Too Late” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! He also recently performed his current radio single, “Next Thing You Know” on NBC’s TODAY. He will also visit CBS’ The Talk on March 31st for a performance and interview about the release of his new album and recent milestones including his fifth career No. 1 at country radio, sold-out headlining dates across the US, and more.

    Featured by The Tennessean, American Songwriter, Billboard, and more, Bluebird Days debuted to early rave reviews, with  Billboard noting “Davis soars on ‘Bluebird Days’” and Entertainment Focus echoing, “Jordan Davis comes of age on new album ‘Bluebird Days’ and shows the world the type of mature, meaningful and melodic songwriter he is.” The 17-song album includes Davis’ recent multi-week No. 1 “What My World Spins Around,” and breakout hit, “Buy Dirt.” Written by Davis along with his brother, Jacob Davis, and brothers Matt and Josh Jenkins, the 2x Platinum hit “Buy Dirt” garnered numerous accolades including Song of the Year at the CMA and NSAI awards, as well as Billboard, AMA, iHeart and ACM award nominations and has more than 900 Million streams to date.

    Of the new album, Davis shared with American Songwriter:‘Buy Dirt’ [opened] this new lane of being able to connect with fans…I hope people can listen to my music and get something out of it the way that I did when I listened to a Kristofferson song or a Prine song… I hope that people can see that there is happiness in [this album] and even in some of the sadder songs, those sad songs helped get me to where I’m at now.”

    Davis also spoke with Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music Country, about the highly anticipated follow up to his RIAA Gold-certified debut album, Home State, as well as his appreciation for his past experiences and where he is in his life. “If there was a ‘Bluebird Day,’ that is a life, then I’m in it right now. It’s just a special time and I don’t forget how blessed I am to be in it.” The rest of Davis’ interview and full episode of Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music Country will be available today at 11am PT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET or anytime on-demand at apple.co/_TodaysCountry.

    Having solidified himself as one of the industry’s top singer/songwriters, 2022 marked a breakthrough year for Davis. In Bluebird Days, the award-winning singer and songwriter continues that momentum- allowing listeners to take a deeper look into his past and what has made him one of the most in-demand hitmakers in the industry through a combination of new tracks and fan-favorites. Bluebird Days is a “rich, deep, meaningful album” (Entertainment Focus) that digs deep into Davis’ personal experiences and offers a wide range of emotions, meditations, and memories, matched by his signature sound blending traditional and contemporary genres and styles. “It’s not just the lyrics…it’s the way he summarizes life, love, family,” notes Taste of Country.

    “I’ve settled into a really good headspace in writing songs, which is rooted in being honest—about past things that I’ve gone through, good or bad, and about some things that have kind of scared me about the future,” says Davis. “The big thing for me was to show my growth. Growth in shows, growth in the songwriting, growth in the topics we’re touching on. I really wanted to show how I’ve changed as an artist and a songwriter, for the better, than on my first album.”

    With Bluebird Days, Davis invites his fans to explore the vulnerable side of him, with songs like “Fishing Spot,” a homage to his late grandfather. The title track “Bluebird Days,” examines his life as a child of divorced parents, while “Short Fuse” allows the Shreveport, LA native to open up about a side of him that he keeps close to his chest. The spirit of those cloudless, sunny days and moments of lightheartedness and appreciation shine on songs like “Damn Good Time” and “One Beer in Front of the Other,” while “Tucson Too Late” reunites the award-winning team behind “Buy Dirt” and has earned comparisons of Davis to Keith Whitley (The Tennessean).

    Davis’ next single, “Next Thing You Know,” has already raised its hand as a fan-favorite, earning over 150 Million streams to date ahead of its official impact at country radio next week (2/21). The full 17 track album, Bluebird Days, is available HERE.

    Bluebird Days Track Listing:

    1. Damn Good Time (Jordan Davis, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill)
    2. Money Isn’t Real (Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson, Sarah Turner)
    3. Tucson Too Late (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
    4. What My World Spins Around (Jordan Davis, Matt Dragstrem, Ryan Hurd)
    5. Sunday Saints (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Benjy Davis)
    6. No Time Soon (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
    7. You’ve Got My Number (Jordan Davis, Jason Gantt, Josh Osborne)
    8. Next Thing You Know (Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne)
    9. Fishing Spot (Jordan Davis, Will Bundy, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson)
    10. One Beer In Front Of The Other (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)
    11. Bluebird Days (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Dorr, Chris LaCorte)
    12. Part Of It (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Matt McKinney, Jordan Walker)
    13. Short Fuse (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Thompson, Emily Weisband)
    14. Whiskey Weak (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Jamie Paulin)
    15. Midnight Crisis – Featuring Danielle Bradbery (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Derrick Southerland)
    16. What I Wouldn’t Do (Matt McVaney, Emily Reid, Travis Wood)
    17. Buy Dirt – Featuring Luke Bryan (Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)

    Produced by Paul DiGiovanni

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis made part of his new record, Bluebird Days, during the global pandemic, but he says it gave him time to make the record he wanted to make.

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    Jordan Davis (making Bluebird Days) OC: …felt right. :45
    “The making of Bluebird Days was definitely a little weird in that half of it was recorded during COVID, you know, which gave us more time to get things right, but at the same time made things tough to get musicians in to play. It was weird in the recording process of I, but I think the good thing is that it gave us a lot of extra time to make sure the songs were right, gave us time to write more, we didn’t feel as rushed, and you know this is the sophomore album for me so, this was a big one and I wanted it to be special, and I knew what I wanted to do with it. So, I was really happy that we did have a little bit of extra time to make sure that this one felt right.”

    Audio / Jordan Davis said coming off the road during the global pandemic really influenced his songwriting.

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    Jordan Davis (Pandemic Influence on Songs on Album) OC: …have been. 1:07
    “You know I think for coming off the road for a couple years, you kinda realize what’s important when music goes away. So, that kinda started this vein of songwriting that led to Buy Dirt, and then I think once I got in that I don’t see myself getting away from it. That felt so easy to write because I think it was real, I think it was honest, and I think for me as a songwriter that kinda opened up the door to what Bluebird Days would end up, what I didn’t know at the time, but I was making this album. Writing songs that kinda echoed that, not just what truly is important, which I think is what Buy Dirt touches on, but even some of the things I didn’t know I would ever write on, whether it be things with me that I’ve realized that I need to work on, or some things in my past that I never thought I’d write about that I have written about, but I think it comes down to being honest and being a little more real with my songwriting than I have been.”

    Audio / CUT 4: LINER Jordan Davis (in stores now)

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    Hey y’all, it’s Jordan Davis, …my new album, BLUEBIRD DAYS, is in stores now.

  • JORDAN DAVIS BLUEBIRD DAYS ALBUM AUDIO TOOLKIT

    Jordan Davis is set to release his new album, Bluebird Days, on Friday (February 17th). The collection contains 17 songs, including his previous multi-week No. 1 songs “Buy Dirt” (featuring Luke Bryan) and “What My World Spins Around,” as well his new single “Next Thing You Know,” the sultry “No Time Soon,” the memorable “Part Of It” and many more.

    Click HERE to download the Album Audio Toolkit, complete with liners and soundbites.

    Video /

    View

    Video /

    View
  • JORDAN DAVIS SET TO RELEASE HIS NEW ALBUM, BLUEBIRD DAYS, THIS WEEK.

    Jordan Davis will release his “Bluebird Days” album later this week, and he and producer Paul DiGiovanni discussed how they wanted to frame this album, even talking to the record’s co-writers about their ideas.

    “The main thing I wanted it to be is the most honest record or collection of songs that I’ve ever put out,” says Jordan. “So you get songs like ‘Short Fuse,’ ‘Bluebird Days,’ ‘Money Isn’t Real’, you know those kinda heavier songs, and then I also wanted this to be our big thing going into this with me and Paul and even telling some of my songwriters — it’s like, man, we want this to kinda be a past, present and how we’re going to live the rest of our life off of. The past being songs like ‘What I Wouldn’t Do,’ ‘Sunday Saints,’ ‘You Got My Number’ to kinda present songs–I would throw ‘Money Isn’t Real’ in there ‘What My World Spins Around,’ ‘Buy Dirt,’ ‘Next Thing You Know’ and then the future songs like ‘Part of It’ that are kind of like ‘Fishing Spot’ which is kind of about my grandpa, you know, how I spend time with him now. So those were kind of the tent poles of what I wanted it to be. You know I wanted it to be as creative as possible and throw together some type of story and tie that all into what I feel like ‘Bluebird Day’ — which is what I feel like is an ideal perfect day which is where I feel like I’m at in my personal life, my professional life — and then kinda tie it back to the song itself being a cautionary tale, it can go away really quick if you lose sight of some really important stuff. So, those are kind of what I wanted to do with this album.”

    The album, available everywhere on Friday (February 17th), will include Jordan’s multi-week, 2x Platinum No. 1 single, “Buy Dirt,” which earned the Louisiana native his first Song of the Year win last Fall at the 2022 CMA Awards.  The collection will also include his most recent multi-week chart-topper, “What My World Spins Around,” as well as his brand new single, “Next Thing You Know.”

    Bluebird Days Track List:

    1. Damn Good Time — Written by Jordan Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Chase McGill
    2. Money Isn’t Real — Written by Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson and Sarah Turner
    3. Tucson Too Late — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins
    4. What My World Spins Around — Written by Jordan Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd
    5. Sunday Saints — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis and Benjy Davis
    6. No Time Soon — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins
    7. You’ve Got My Number — Written by Jordan Davis, Jason Gantt and Josh Osborne
    8. Next Thing You Know — Written by Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne
    9. Fishing Spot — Written by Jordan Davis, Will Bundy, Josh Miller and Josh Thompson
    10. One Beer In Front Of The Other — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins
    11. Bluebird Days — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Dorr and Chris LaCorte
    12. Part Of It — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Matt McKinney and Jordan Walker
    13. Short Fuse — Written by Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Thompson and Emily Weisband
    14. Whiskey Weak — Written by Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni and Jamie Paulin
    15. Midnight Crisis (Featuring Danielle Bradbery) — Written by Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni and Derrick Southerland
    16. What I Wouldn’t Do — Written by Matt McVaney, Emily Reid and Travis Wood
    17. Buy Dirt (Featuring Luke Bryan) — Written by Jordan Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about the songs on this new Bluebird Days album.

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    Jordan Davis (songs on the album) OC: …with this album. 1:33
    “The main thing I wanted it to be is the most honest record or collection of songs that I’ve ever put out, so you get songs like ‘Short Fuse,’ ‘Bluebird Days,’ ‘Money Isn’t Real’, you know those kinda heavier songs and then I also wanted this to be our big thing going into this with me and Paul and even telling some of my songwriters it’s like, man, we want this to kinda be a past present, and how we’re going to live the rest of our life off of. The past being songs like ‘What I Wouldn’t Do,’ ‘Sunday Saints,’ ‘You Got My Number’ to kinda present songs–I would throw ‘Money Isn’t Real’ in there ‘What My World Spins Around,’ ‘Buy Dirt,’ ‘Next Thing You Know’ and then the future songs like ‘Part of It’ that are kind of like ‘Fishing Spot’ which is kind of about my grandpa, you know, how I spend time with him now. So those were kind of the tent poles of what I wanted it to be. You know I wanted it to be as creative as possible and throw together some type of story and tie that all into what I feel like ‘Bluebird Day’ — which is what I feel like is an ideal perfect day which is where I feel like I’m at in my personal life, my professional life — and then kinda tie it back to the song itself being a cautionary tale, it can go away really quick if you lose sight of some really important stuff. So, those are kind of what I wanted to do with this album.”

    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (in stores this week)

    Download
  • NEWS AND NOTES: Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Kylie Morgan, Darius Rucker

    Jordan Davis appeared on NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday (January 31st). He talked about how his family influences his songwriting and performed “Next Thing You Know” off his upcoming album “Bluebird Days” as part of the Citi Music Series (see performance and interview below).

    Kacey Musgraves will perform in tribute to the late Loretta Lynn on Sunday night’s (February 5th) Grammy Awards. She’ll sing the icon’s signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” during the In Memoriam segment. In addition to Kacey’s performance, Sheryl Crow, Mick Fleetwood and Bonnie Raitt will honor Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac. The Grammy Awards will air live on Sunday beginning at 8pm ET/7pm CT on CBS.

    https://twitter.com/KaceyMusgraves/status/1620929393446227973

     

    Keith Urban, who hosted the CMA Touring Awards earlier this week, has a pair of nominations for this year’s 2023 Shure Rolling Stone Australia Awards. He’s up for Best Single for “Brown Eyes Baby” and Rolling Stone Global Award. The awards will take place April 4th in Sydney, Australia.

    Dierks Bentley will perform prior to the 65th Daytona 500 race on February 19th at Daytona International Speedway. “I’m ready to get back to Daytona with all the biggest NASCAR fans,” says Dierks. “The energy there is unmatched and I know we will have a blast getting them ready for the race.”

    Kylie Morgan is enjoying her first award nomination at the AIMP Nashville Awards for 2023 Publisher’s Pick of the Year for her single, “If He Wanted To He Would.”

    https://twitter.com/kyliemorgan/status/1620804997872234504

    Darius Rucker was recently honored by Musicians On Call during its Millions of Moments celebration at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. The event celebrated the milestone of the organization performing for more than one million people in hospitals across the country since its founding in 1999. The sold-out crowd enjoyed performances by Jon Pardi, Sam Hunt, Charles Esten and The War and Treaty.

    Video /

  • JORDAN DAVIS CELEBRATES BLUEBIRD DAYS AT THE BLUEBIRD.

    Last week (1/19), Jordan Davis, who is celebrating his multi-week No. 1 single “What My World Spins Around,” hosted an intimate album preview event for his highly anticipated, second full-length album, Bluebird Days, at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. With not an empty seat in the house, the Louisiana native performed several new songs and gave insight into his new album ahead of its February 17 release. Following an intro by UMG Nashville Chairman & CEO Mike Dungan, Davis was joined on the stage by his bandmates and producer, Paul DiGiovanni, and shared personal stories about recording the album before performing several new tracks for the first time including “Damn Good Time,” “Money Isn’t Real,” “Tucson Too Late,” “Fishing Spot,” “One Beer In Front Of The Other,” “Bluebird Days,” “Short Fuse,” “No Time Soon,” and “What I Wouldn’t Do,” as well as his CMA song of the year award-winning song, “Buy Dirt,” fan favorite track  “Next Thing You Know,” and the current No. 1 song of the week, “What My World Spins Around.”

    On Friday, Davis also released “No Time Soon” in anticipation of Bluebird Days’ arrival next month, with Billboard featuring its release and MusicRow naming it the “Disc of the Day” noting, “this one’s going straight to the top with no stops.” Written by Davis with Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins, and Matt Jenkins, the song reunites the same pairing responsible for this year’s CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt.”

     

    Listen to “No Time Soon” HERE

     

    With more than 4 Billion career streams to date, Davis has solidified himself in the industry as one of the most in-demand artists and songwriters. Last year, Davis celebrated several touring milestones including back-to-back sold out nights headlining the Ryman Auditorium, which Music Row noted Davis “rises to stardom, shines on Ryman Stage” along with multiple national sold-out headlining dates, plus Davis joined Luke Combs for the Middle of Somewhere Tour. Breakout song “Buy Dirt” featuring Luke Bryan, garnered numerous accolades including wins for NSAI and CMA Song of the Year in addition to Billboard, AMA, iHeart and ACM award nominations and was one of the most streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022 with more than 780M global streams to date.

  • JORDAN DAVIS CELEBRATES FIFTH CAREER NO. 1 WITH “WHAT MY WORLD SPINS AROUND.”

    Multi-Platinum CMA award-winning artist/songwriter Jordan Davis earned his fifth career No. 1 single with his co-penned hit, “What My World Spins Around this week on the Billboard and MediaBase Country Airplay charts.

    “Huge thanks to my friends at country radio and [the MCA] promo team for believing in this song,” Jordan shared with Billboard. “When Ryan, Matt and I wrote this song, there was always that little feeling in the back of my mind that this one might be special. Pumped that it’s connected the way it has.”

    Written by Davis, Ryan Hurd and Matt Dragstrem, “What My World Spins Around” first premiered on the Today Show and was featured on the ACM Honors broadcast. “What My World Spins” around follows Davis’ 2x Platinum, multi-week No. 1 “Buy Dirt,” which he co-wrote along with his brother, Jacob Davis, and brothers Matt and Josh Jenkins; the same writing team behind Davis’ brand-new song “No Time Soon,” out this Friday, January 20th.

    In addition to “No Time Soon,” “What My World Spins Around,” and “Buy Dirt,” Davis’ highly anticipated upcoming full-length album Bluebird Days, features several recently released tracks including fan-favorites, “Next Thing You Know,” “Midnight Crisis” featuring Danielle Bradbery, “Part of It,” and more. Bluebird Days is available for pre-order now and is available everywhere Feb. 17.

    With more than 4 billion career streams to date, Davis has solidified himself in the industry as one of the most in-demand artists and songwriters. Last year, Davis celebrated several touring milestones including back-to-back sold out nights headlining the Ryman Auditorium, which Music Row noted Davis “rises to stardom, shines on Ryman Stage” along with multiple national sold-out headlining dates, plus Davis joined Luke Combs for the Middle of Somewhere Tour. Breakout song “Buy Dirt” featuring Luke Bryan, garnered numerous accolades including wins for NSAI and CMA Song of the Year in addition to Billboard, AMA, iHeart and ACM award nominations and was one of the most streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022 with more than 780M global streams to date.

    Next up, Davis heads to the West Coast for sold-out headlining dates in Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Anaheim before heading to perform at C2C in the UK/Europe and tour Australia as well as select dates for the international leg of Thomas Rhett’s Bring the Bar To You Tour.

  • CMA SONG OF THE YEAR WINNER JORDAN DAVIS ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM – BLUEBIRD DAYS.

    Multi-Platinum MCA Nashville hitmaker Jordan Davis today announced his highly anticipated new full-length album, Bluebird Days. The album, available everywhere February 17, will include Davis’ multi-week, 2x Platinum No. 1 single, “Buy Dirt,” which earned Davis his first Song of the Year win last week at the 2022 CMA Awards.  One of the most-streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022, “Buy Dirt” was co-written by Davis and his brother Jacob, along with Matt Jenkins and Josh Jenkins, and is currently also nominated for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards, airing November 20 on ABC. Davis shared the album cover and title with American Songwriter before joining Bobby Bones this morning to share the news of his upcoming album. Starting today, exclusive Bluebird Days packages are available for Davis’ fan club, The Parish, available HERE. General pre-order opens tomorrow via JordanDavisOfficial.com along with upgrade packages and autographed memorabilia.

    “It’s been an evolution, and not just from a songwriting standpoint,” Davis shared with American Songwriter about the process of creating Bluebird Days with Producer Paul DiGiovanni, who also produced his debut album, Home State. Adding, ““Everything matches the song…letting the song be a song and letting the lyrics lead it. Nothing feels forced. To me, it’s an album expressing exactly where I’m at right now.”

    “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan) about “faith, family, and friends” continues to resonate with fans on a global scale, topping the Country radio airplay charts for two weeks, amassing more than 735 Million global streams to date, and earning NSAI Song of the Year (2022). In addition to its 2022 CMA Song of the Year win, “Buy Dirt” has tallied multiple awards nominations including Top Country Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, Musical Event of the Year at the 55th CMA Awards, and for Music Event, Single, and Song of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards. Read the story behind the making of “Buy Dirt” here.

    In addition to “Buy Dirt,” Bluebird Days will feature several recently released tracks including fan-favorites, “Next Thing You Know,” “Midnight Crisis” featuring Danielle Bradbery, “Part of It,” and his current hit single, “What My World Spins Around,” which has amassed more than 145 Million streams since its release this Summer. Written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd and produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Davis first debuted the hit on NBC’s TODAY and will perform the song at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC (11/24) and during his headlining performance at Canada’s upcoming CFL Grey Cup Halftime Show (11/20).

    In addition to his current direct support slot on tour with Luke Combs through December, Davis has headlined sold-out venues coast to coast and played back-to-back sold out nights at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium this year, with Music Row noting, “Davis…rises to stardom, shines on Ryman Stage.”  He will next join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his Bring the Bar To You Tour. For more information on upcoming tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tour.

  • CMA SONG OF THE YEAR WINNER JORDAN DAVIS RELEASES NEW SONG – “PART OF IT.”

    Jordan Davis earned his first CMA Award Wednesday evening for his 2x Platinum, multi-week No. 1 hit single, “Buy Dirt.” One of the most streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022, the CMA Song of the Year was co-written by Davis and his brother Jacob, and Matt and Josh Jenkins. “Buy Dirt” is currently also nominated for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards, airing November 20th on ABC. 

    Today, Davis releases a next track, “Part of It,” as the latest preview of songs from his upcoming highly anticipated next album. Co-written by Davis, the song was also penned by fellow CMA Song of the Year recipient and brother Jacob Davis, and Jordan Walker and Matt McKinney. 

     

    Listen to “Part Of It” HERE

     

     

    “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan) about “faith, family, and friends” continues to resonate with fans on a global scale, topping the Country radio airplay charts for two weeks and amassing more than 730 Million global streams to date. “Buy Dirt” has tallied multiple awards nominations including Top Country Song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, Musical Event of the Year at the 55th CMA Awards, and for Music Event, Single, and Song of the Year at the 57th ACM Awards. One of the most played Country songs of 2021 and 2022, (ASCAP) the critically acclaimed hit won NSAI Song of the Year (2022) and CMA Song of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards. Read the story behind “Buy Dirt” here. As a follow up to “Buy Dirt,” Davis has released several new tracks including fan-favorites, “Next Thing You Know,” and “Midnight Crisis” featuring Danielle Bradberry, today’s “Part of It,” and his current single, “What My World Spins Around.”

     

    “What My World Spins Around” is currently #11 on MediaBase Country and #13 on the Billboard Country radio charts and has amassed more than 138 Million streams since its release in June. Written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem, and Ryan Hurd and produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Davis first debuted the hit on NBC’s TODAY and he will perform the song at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC (11/24) and during his headlining performance at Canada’s upcoming CFL Grey Cup Halftime Show (11/20).

     

     

    My mama talked her daddy into letting me take her out our junior year

    She was a hallway queen, outta my league and I smiled ear to ear

    Every night she was in my truck, young love did what it does and

    Daddy said, I know ya thought she was the one and it ain’t not fun, but, son, that’s part of it

    Sometimes you’re gonna hurt like hell and have some scars from it

    Leave ya with a story to tell

    Ya live and learn and good ones go

    You find out on down the road

    When ya lay it all out and get down to the heart of it

    Man, that’s just life and that’s all part of it

    Grandaddy cut his teeth, planted that seed across 80 acres of land

    He steady checked that gauge and prayed for rain like he knew the Big Man

    All the way ’til the day that he met Him, daddy read his will to the family

    I just about broke down when I found out he went and left me part of it

    Sometimes you’re gonna hurt like hell and have some scars from it

    Leave ya with a story to tell

    Ya live and learn and good ones go

    You find out on down the road

    When ya lay it all out and get down to the heart of it

    Man, that’s just life and that’s all part of it

    That’s all part of it

    Heartbreaks faded and I chased a dream up to Tennessee

    Met the love of my life, gave me two more and I don’t know who I’d be if they weren’t part of it

    Sometimes life takes care of itself and heals those scars from it

    Leave ya with a story to tell

    Ya live and learn and good ones go

    You find out on down the road

    When ya lay it all out and get down to the heart of it

    Man, that’s just life and that’s just part of it

    That’s all part of it

    It’s all part of it

    That’s just part of it

  • JORDAN DAVIS CELEBRATES “BUY DIRT” AND “SLOW DANCE IN A PARKING LOT.”

    Multi-Platinum MCA Nashville hitmaker Jordan Davis gathered with industry, family, and friends to celebrate two #1 hits, “Buy Dirt” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot,” Monday (10/3) at Tailgate Brewery in Nashville. View photos from the event here.

    Along with Luke Bryan and his fellow co-writers – his brother Jacob Davis, and brothers Matt and Josh Jenkins – Davis was honored with a plaque for the Double-Platinum, multi-week #1 “Buy Dirt.” Standing as one of the most-streamed country songs of 2021 and 2022, “Buy Dirt” has garnered 680 million streams to date, was recently named the NSAI Song of the Year, and is currently nominated for both Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the upcoming 56th Annual CMA Awards.

    Davis was also honored for “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot” along with Lonnie Fowler, who co-wrote the song inspired by Fowler’s first date with his wife. The track marked Davis’ third consecutive chart-topping hit from his debut album, Home State.

    Davis recently celebrated back-to-back sold out nights headlining Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium,  with MusicRow noting Davis “rises to stardom, shines on Ryman Stage.” His current single “What My World Spins Around” is climbing the country radio charts, tallying more than 96 million streams with high-profile performances on NBC’s TODAY and ACM Honors. Stacking more than 3.7 BILLION career streams to date, Davis recently released the latest preview of new music from his forthcoming album with the track “Midnight Crisis” ft. Danielle Bradberry.  Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and penned by Davis, DiGiovanni and Derrick Southerland, “Midnight Crisis” follows Davis’ fan-favorite song “Next Thing You Know.” Davis is on the road now with Luke Combs for his Middle of Somewhere Tour and will join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his Bring the Bar To You Tour.

  • MULTI-CMA NOMINEE JORDAN DAVIS WRAPS BACK-TO-BACK SOLD-OUT NIGHTS AT NASHVILLE’S FAMED RYMAN AUDITORIUM.

    Multi-Platinum MCA Nashville hitmaker Jordan Davis wrapped his headlining dates at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium last night, playing to a packed house of fans and industry during two back-to-back sold-out shows on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The shows marked the chart-topping singer/songwriter’s first headlining dates at the famed venue. The energy was palpable in the room as Davis shared his excitement over the evening, noting, “I moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 2012. I never dreamed this in a million years.” He added, “I moved to town to write songs because I love country music…  next thing you know, I’m standing at a sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium.” Each show featured special guests, with Danielle Bradberry surprising the crowd to perform their new duet, “Midnight Crisis,” at Tuesday night’s show and Seaforth joining Davis on stage for a song Wednesday evening. Photos from the shows are available HERE.

    Davis – who has garnered multiple CMA, ACM, CMT and iHeart nominations and has earned four #1’s on Country radio to date – is currently a multi-nominee at the upcoming 56th CMA Awards, with his chart-topping single, “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan), up for both Single of the Year and Song of the Year. One of the top 5 most-streamed songs of 2021, “Buy Dirt” recently won the NSAI Award for Song of the Year on the Ryman stage. As noted by MusicRow, Davis shared with the crowd at this week’s headlining show, “The coolest moment that I’ve ever had in music happened on this stage about a week ago. In Nashville, we have the NSAI Awards and this next song that my brother [Jacob Davis], Matt Jenkins, Josh Jenkins and myself wrote won the NSAI Song of the Year,” he said as the band started to play “Buy Dirt.” “I can’t tell y’all how special the day was when we sat down and wrote this song just south of Nashville,” he continued. “We wanted to write a song about the three most important things in our lives: our faith in Jesus Christ, our family, and our friends.”

    In addition to playing hits from his debut album Home State and Buy Dirt EP, Davis also performed new music, including his current single, “What My World Spins Around.” Since its TV debut on NBC’s TODAY and performance on ACM Honors, “What My World Spins Around” has garnered 90 million global streams and is currently climbing at Country Radio. Having amassed more than 3.7 BILLION career streams to date, Davis has been hard at work on his forthcoming album, recently releasing his latest preview of new music from the project with the track “Midnight Crisis” feat. Danielle Bradberry.  Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and penned by Davis, DiGiovanni and Derrick Southerland, “Midnight Crisis” follows Davis’ fan-favorite song “Next Thing You Know.” In addition to the sold-out Ryman shows and headlining dates across the country, Davis is currently on the road with Luke Combs for his Middle of Somewhere Tour and will join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his Bring the Bar To You Tour. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tour.

    About Jordan Davis:
    A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Jordan Davis recently scored his fourth No. 1 hit, Double-Platinum “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan) from his 2021 EP, co-writing every track on the eight-song project apart from the John Prine-inspired “Blow Up Your TV.” Davis previously notched three consecutive No. 1 hits: Platinum-Certified “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot,” Double Platinum-Certified “Singles You Up” and Platinum-Certified “Take It From Me,” each featured on his Gold-Certified debut album, Home State. Awarded Best New Country Artist at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, he is a two-time nominee for ACM New Male Artist of the Year and was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018. Davis has amassed 3.7 BILLION streams worldwide and appeared on Ellen, Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, TODAY and more. He has previously toured with artists including Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion and more.

  • LISTEN NOW: JORDAN DAVIS FEAT. DANIELLE BRADBERY – “MIDNIGHT CRISIS.”

    Jordan Davis is sharing his powerful collaboration with Danielle Bradbery, “Midnight Crisis,” out everywhere today. The song was penned by Davis alongside Paul DiGiovanni and Derrick Southerland, and produced by DiGiovanni.

    The track’s official music video also premiered today..

     

    “Midnight Crisis” follows recent releases from Davis including “Next Thing You Know” and his current single “What My World Spins Around,” climbing the country radio airplay charts now. His latest #1 smash “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan) is nominated for both Single of the Year and Song of the Year at the upcoming 56th CMA Awards.

    Davis will headline two sold out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium next week (9/27 and 9/28), and is currently on the road with Luke Combs for the Middle of Somewhere Tour through December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com/tour.

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about his new collaboration with Danielle Bradbery with "Midnight Crisis."

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Midnight Crisis) OC: …to hear it. :29
    “So, ‘Midnight Crisis’ was written by Derrick Southerland, myself and my producer Paul DiGiovanni, and I played a Veteran’s event a few years ago and Danielle was on the round and I was just absolutely blown away by her voice live. I’ve been a fan of her for a long time, and I knew that when we finished that song, it was something I wanted to get to Danielle to see if it’s something that she would want to sing with me. I’m very grateful she said yes, and really excited how it turned out, so pumped for y’all to hear it.”

    Audio / LINER Jordan Davis (Midnight Crisis)

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  • DARIUS RUCKER DECIDED TO RECORD ‘STRAIGHT TO HELL’ AFTER SPENDING SOME HANG TIME WITH LADY A’S CHARLES KELLEY.

    Darius Rucker has released his new single, “Straight to Hell,” a remake of the 1989 Drivin’ ‘N Cryin’ hit, featuring his famous friends Luke Bryan, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and Jason Aldean. Darius recorded the favorite bar singalong once Charles talked him into it, and he enlisted even more star power once he decided to take it into the studio when working on his new album, When Was the Last Time.

    “It came out in ’89 when I was just playing clubs with Hootie [& the Blowfish]. It was a big song to us. It was a big song to everybody around us. It was a big Southern song, and I always thought it was a country song,” says Darius from the set of the video for “Straight to Hell.”

    “I wanted to cut it and Charles told me I should cut it one day, and I just started calling my friends. I called Charles. I called Jason. I called Luke, and I said, ‘Hey man, I’m doing this song.’ They all loved the song, and we got to do a video for it.”

    “It was funny. We were sitting around one night — ‘cause we hang out all the time, we play a lot of golf — we were drinking and listening to Drivin’ ‘N Cryin’ and ‘Straight to Hell’ came on and I was like, ‘Dude, you could do ‘Straight to Hell,’ recalls Charles. “I was like, man, it kind of reminded me a little bit kind of the phenomenon of ‘Wagon Wheel,’ how big that song is. We had the crazy idea of like, ‘Dude you should do this.’ And he goes, ‘If I’m gonna sing it, you’ve got to be on it.’ And so the next thing you know, we start talking and he goes, ‘We need some other people.’ Literally, I think he reached out to Luke, and the next thing you know – I can’t remember how it all happened – but I think Jason was like, ‘Why didn’t you call me and ask me?’ And so all of a sudden, we have this little foursome, The Troublemakers as Darius likes to call it.”

    Darius will kick off his co-headline Summer Plays On Tour with Lady Antebellum July 19th in Toronto, Ontario.

    Audio / On the set of the video for “Straight to Hell,” Darius Rucker explains how the collaboration all came together.

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    Darius Rucker (STH) OC: …great day. :30
    “This is an old Drivin’ ‘N Cryin’ song. It came out in ’89 when I was just playing clubs with Hootie [& the Blowfish]. It was a big song to us. It was a big song to everybody around us. It was a big Southern song, and I always thought it was a country song. Drivin’ ‘N Cryin’ is a big rock band, and I always thought it was a country song. I wanted to cut it and Charles told me I should cut it one day, and I just started calling my friends. I called Charles. I called Jason. I called Luke, and I said, ‘Hey man, I’m doing this song.’ They all loved the song, and we got to do a video for it. This is really cool, man. It’s been a great day.”

    Audio / On the set of the video for “Straight to Hell,” Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum talks about how The Troublemakers got together for the song.

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    Charles Kelley (STH idea) OC: …call it. :58
    “It was funny. We were sitting around one night — ‘cause we hang out all the time, we play a lot of golf — we were drinking and listening to Drivin’ ‘N Cryin’ and ‘Straight to Hell’ came on and I was like, ‘Dude, you could do ‘Straight to Hell.’ I said, ‘It’s one of those songs that was such a big regional hit, kind of in the Southeast, you know. I went to the University of Georgia, and it was a huge bar band, cover band type of song. But like people like my wife, who went to Arizona State, never had heard of the song. I was like, man, it kind of reminded me a little bit kind of the phenomenon of ‘Wagon Wheel,’ how big that song is. We had the crazy idea of like, ‘Dude you should do this.’ And he goes, ‘If I’m gonna sing it, you’ve got to be on it.’ And so the next thing you know, we start talking and he goes, ‘We need some other people.’ Literally, I think he reached out to Luke, and the next thing you know – I can’t remember how it all happened – but I think Jason was like, ‘Why didn’t you call me and ask me?’ And so all of a sudden, we have this little foursome, The Troublemakers as Darius likes to call it.”

    Audio / On the set of the video for “Straight to Hell,” Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum says it’s “fitting” that the four of them finally do a song together.

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    Charles Kelley (STH idea) 2 OC: …together. :13
    “You know, we kinda started this whole thing. It’s really fun. I hope it leads to something else too. We’ve been laughing…we’ve been such close friends, the four of us, for so many years that I think it’s only fitting that we finally do a song together.”

    Audio / On the set of the video for “Straight to Hell,” Luke Bryan talks about taking part in the vocal collaboration with Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley.

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    Luke Bryan (STH idea) OC: …and Charles. :16
    “Darius called me up and asked me to be a part of this song. When I was in college, I’m Going ‘Straight to Hell’ was one of the biggest college anthems that there was, and I was honored to be a part of this with Darius and Jason and Charles.”

    Audio / LINER Darius Rucker (Straight to Hell) 1 1

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    Audio / LINER Darius Rucker (Straight to Hell) 2

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    Audio / LINER Darius Rucker (Straight to Hell) 3

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    Video / Straight to Hell video

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  • ALAN JACKSON ANNOUNCES YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION FOR 25 YEARS OF HITS. (PRESS RELEASE & AUDIO)

     

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 5, 2014)  Superstar Alan Jackson held a press conference this morning at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville to announce a year-long celebration of his 25th year in the music business.
     
    Gerry House, longtime Nashville radio personality and member of the Country DJ Hall of Fame, brought his trademark humor and wit to lead the press conference. After introducing Mike Dungan, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group (UMG) Nashville…John Huie, Partner of CAA (Creative Artists Agency) Nashville…and Kyle Young, Director of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum…House brought out the man of the hour to a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
     
    Jackson’s 25th anniversary celebration is a multi-faceted undertaking that will celebrate his countless – and ongoing – contributions to country music. Dungan, who first worked with Jackson at the start of his career, noted UMG Nashville’s continuing musical partnership with the venerable singer-songwriter, including new music in the coming months. Huie announced plans for a special 25-city, 25th anniversary tour by Jackson, slated to officially begin in 2015. And Young unveiled plans for a special 25th anniversary collaboration with Jackson that will include a Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit and Jackson’s participation as the Hall’s next Artist-in-Residence.
     
    On Friday, August 29, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will unveil a new exhibit highlighting Alan Jackson’s 25-year career. Additionally, he will be the museum’s next Artist-in-Residence, delivering a unique series of intimate performances later this year; dates and details will be released soon. Jackson is the first artist to be subject of a museum exhibit while serving as Artist-in-Residence. The new, expertly curated exhibit will give fans a deep and personal look into Jackson’s career and personal life, showcasing such things as awards, instruments, clothes and personal mementos, including many that will be easily recognized from his concerts, albums and music videos. The exhibit will include many never-before-seen treasures that are of special meaning to Jackson, all on display for the public to enjoy.
     
    Alan Jackson’s 25-year career has made him one of the most-recognizable faces in music – since signing his record deal in June 1989, he’s achieved heights that most people can only dream of. He has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling country artists of all-time…those albums have spawned more than 60 charted singles – more than 50 of them went on to become Top 10 hits and 35 of them climbed all the way to #1 (24 of them written or co-written by Jackson, an accomplishment that puts him on par with Paul McCartney, John Lennon and Merle Haggard among the select few artists to write and record that many of their own chart-topping songs). His music has earned him 18 ACM Awards, 16 CMA Awards, a pair of Grammys, induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, ASCAP’s Founders Award, and membership in the Grand Ole Opry – he has received more than 150 major music industry awards.
     
    But the numbers and the accolades only tell a portion of the story – over the last 25 years, Jackson has written and recorded songs that have captured people’s imagination and told their stories, as well as his own. He’s given us the carefree summer spirit of “Chattahoochee,” offered glimpses of his childhood in ”Where I Come From” and “Home,” shared his parents’ story through “Livin’ on Love,” led us onto the dance floor with “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” and “Good Time,” reflected on his own life and family in “Drive” and “Remember When,” and captured the confusion and pain of a stunned and wounded nation in “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Jackson’s music has touched and impacted the lives of people around the world, an accomplishment that can’t be measured, counted or calculated…and that may be the greatest success of his quarter-century career.
     
    Jackson’s concert performances have been an undeniably huge element of his 25-year career. He has played to millions of fans…and his tours take him coast-to-coast across the U.S. and Canada every year. He has thrilled crowds in such far-reaching corners of the globe as Scandinavia, Brazil and Australia, where his first visit in 2011 became the fastest-selling country tour in Australian history. Along the way, he’s shared the spotlight with such peers as George Strait, Jimmy Buffett and Brooks & Dunn…been joined onstage by such friends as Martina McBride and Lee Ann Womack…and his eye for new talent has given many country music fans their first exposure to such now-known names as Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, Sara Evans, Jake Owen, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young…as well as such rising stars as the Eli Young Band, Kip Moore, David Nail and Craig Campbell. He has played venues as small as CBGB’s…as large as the Astrodome…as revered as Carnegie Hall and the Ryman. Jackson’s prominence as a leading touring artist for more than two decades is among the factors that have made him a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year…and one of only five artists to achieve the honor that many times.
     
    Jackson’s announcement was attended by many fans visiting Nashville for the annual CMA Music Festival. Less than 12 hours earlier, Jackson thrilled – and surprised – festival-goers with an impromptu late-night show at a downtown Nashville honky-tonk, The Stage; his unexpected performance came just a couple hours after he was honored on live television at the CMT Music Awards with the program’s first-ever Impact Award.

    Audio / Alan Jackson (25-year career)

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    Following a Nashville press conference to announce a year-long upcoming celebration of his 25
    th anniversary in the music business, Alan Jackson spent a few minutes reflecting on his career…admitting that, in 1989, he could’ve never foreseen what the coming years would bring. (:45)
    “No, I couldn’t picture any of this at all! I used to think if you could have a hit or two and your career lasts three or four years, you’re very lucky. Get a record deal and have that happen. And that’s all I was aiming for, just [at] the first. It was like a ladder, you know – the first step was getting that record deal. And then if you could have a hit, you know, that’s the next one. But I never thought I’d have a career that lasts more than five years, because…when you looked at other artists, that was typically about how long most of ’em would come and go, you know, in the mainstream of country music. But…no, I couldn’t have dreamed any of this. No way. I didn’t know all this was possible. I didn’t even – I was so young and naïve, I guess, I didn’t really even imagine all this could happen.”
     

    Audio / Alan Jackson (career moments)

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    Following a Nashville press conference to announce a year-long upcoming celebration of his 25
    th anniversary in the music business, Alan Jackson talked about the many varied and cherished mementos his career has provided him…from industry trophies and plaques to gifts of appreciation from his fans. (:53)
    “In the beginning, you think, ‘Well, I won this award – you probably won’t win any more awards,’ and you just…the next thing you know, it just keeps coming and coming and coming. And I just…it’s overwhelming! You can’t even look at all of it! It’s just crazy. It just really is. It’s overwhelming for me to go look at it all. And I’ve gotten…from the Grammys, which is supposed to be the top of the awards – I always put the CMA above them, myself – all the way down to just little things that I’ve gotten at shows and towns and places. I’ve gotten everything from pieces of The Pentagon when it got hit…pieces of steel  from 9-11 and a fireman’s from New York and just…sheriff’s badges from every county in the country just about…and keys to cites and, I mean, just so many small and large honors that just keep on coming.”

     

  • GARY ALLAN’S ‘WHISKEY’ TAKES 8 YEARS TO GO 12 STEPS. (BILLBOARD ARTICLE)

    FROM BILLBOARD COUNTRY:

    When songwriter

    Cole Degges visited Gary Allan on his bus several months ago in Houston, he mostly intended to thank him for including “It Ain’t the Whiskey” on the album Set You Free. But he got an even better piece of feedback when Allan told him that “Whiskey” was planned as the third single.

    An elated Degges wasn’t sure how to react. “Can I hug you?” he asked. “No,” was Allan’s simple reply.

    The request was understandable. It’s been a long, hard road for both the song and Degges, who originally wrote the tune when he was working on the 2007 Columbia album

    Cole Deggs & the Lonesome (Degges’ name was intentionally misspelled at the time for ease of pronunciation). The Lonesome charted two titles on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs list, never exceeding No. 25, and disbanded shortly after. Degges eventually headed back to Texas when his mother developed cancer and rebooted his career on the red dirt scene.

    “Whiskey” wasn’t included on the Columbia album, and was lost in the shuffle as Degges bombarded the label with potential material.

    “I was writing so much at the time that I would take six new songs a week and play them for my A&R staff,” he recalls. “It was one of those songs that maybe didn’t quite fit in, didn’t go with what we were going with on the record. Then you wake up one morning and find out one of your favorite artists is cutting it.”

    “Whiskey” went through a metamorphosis to reach its end state. Degges traveled to Nashville’s Belle Meade neighborhood to write at the home of songwriter

    Jim Daddario (Collin Raye’s “Love Remains”), who shares a deep love of classic R&B with his frequent co-writer, Greg Barnhill (“Walkaway Joe,” “House of Love”). As the day unfolded, the three writers found themselves in a discussion about addiction and began considering how alcohol is actually a symptom for some underlying issue.

    “We all kind of agreed that the root of the problem, when they can fix that, would take care of a lot of stuff,” Barnhill says. “We used a girl as the catalyst for that, and we just started writing a song. It was the truth—it ain’t the whiskey that’s killing me, it’s the thing that’s causing it.”

    They used the opening line to identify a 12-step setting—”I stood there in the middle of the church of the broken people”—and basically worked from the first line to the last, the entire story taking shape with a surprising ease.

    “I was playing chords and rocking out on [Jim’s grand] piano, because that’s my main instrument,” Degges says. “Next thing you know, two hours later we have this song.”

    Barnhill was producing another act during that period, and when they had some extra time at the end of a session, he recorded a demo of the song that gave it hard edge. But Barnhill also changed a few words, a fact that gave Daddario some doubts about the song’s chances of getting recorded, though he kept it to himself.

    “It was one line,” Daddario says. “He changed something that was grammatically perfect to something that was more of an image.” His reaction was, Daddario says in retrospect, “just stupid.”

    The song laid around for several years until a new publisher decided to pitch it to the A&R department at Universal Music Group, which immediately identified it as a potential Gary Allan song.

    “Gary loved it, and he never stopped loving it for over three years,” Daddario says.

    “It’s so cutting, it’s so truthful,” Allan says. “It’s a rare song.”

    Allan had it on hold the entire three years, which essentially prevented the publishers from pitching it elsewhere. But it’s not like the song stayed in mothballs. Allan played it on acoustic guitar periodically in concert, and it always got a major response when he pulled it out.

    As Allan started working on

    Set You Free, he planned to produce “Whiskey” himself, but his manager, John Lytle, had already played the song for Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Little Big Town), who had been enlisted to direct a few tracks. Joyce brought it up during a song meeting, and Allan decided Joyce’s enthusiasm made him the right guy to produce it.

    “I knew it was something he’d been doing live,” Joyce says. “What I really wanted to get out of him was something he was living in, not just a song presented to him that he should learn.”

    Joyce also insisted Allan play the guitars on “Whiskey,” the first time he’s done that in the studio. It’s Allan playing that lonesome,

    Counting Crows-like acoustic guitar at the opening, and it’s also Allan playing the angst-filled solo, using a Big Muff pedal that was particularly popular among alt-rock acts during the 1990s.

    “I brought my guitars in, plugged in and turned it up as loud as it would go,” Allan says.

    “I created a monster, because he just started blazing,” Joyce says. “The walls were throbbing, and it went on for hours like that. I was toast for the rest of the day—couldn’t hear anything.”

    The guitars were just part of what made “Whiskey” work. Drummer

    Craig Wright adds some stuttered snare fills that lend a temporary awkwardness, perfect for a song about someone making an uneasy transition; Allan insisted on a pipe organ sound that fits the “church of the broken people” imagery; Russ Pahl layers eerie steel across the top; and Allan used beer and cigarettes throughout the session to guarantee all the grainy parts of his voice were working to full, appropriate effect.

    “There will be days when I come in and my voice is pretty, and there will be days I come in and I’m a little big haggard,” Allan says. “That’s on purpose because I think it’s cooler, especially on a song like that.”

    Degges’ mother bought

    Set You Free the day it was released and was able to hear Allan’s version of “Whiskey” before she died. Daddario ultimately decided the reworded second verse was an improvement, and—true to the game plan Allan laid out—MCA released “Whiskey” to radio through Play MPE on Sept. 3 as the album’s third single. It’s No. 52 in its second week on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, setting up the possibility that some radio listeners might take a cue from the song and begin looking beneath the surface to figure out what’s really driving their own behavior.

    “It’s not like we were trying to make a grand statement,” Barnhill says, “but we just so happened to make a statement, and it feels good to be a part of something that might help some people.”

  • ERIC CHURCH STEPS UP IN HOME STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA’S “DARKEST HOUR” (AUDIO)

    ERIC CHURCH STEPS UP IN HOME STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA’S “DARKEST HOUR” (AUDIO)

    BANNER ELK, N.C. – To provide immediate relief following the devastation of Hurricane Helene while also providing ongoing funds to support a more resilient future for North Carolina, Eric Church announces he is signing over all of his publishing royalties for his new song to the people of North Carolina. The song, Church’s first new solo release in over three years, is titled “Darkest Hour” and is now available everywhere. Listen HERE.

     

    Audio / Eric Church - "Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene)" Audio Intro

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    Eric Church – “Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene)” Audio Intro: “Hey everybody, it’s Eric Church. This is my song, Darkest Hour.”

    Audio / Eric Church - "Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene) Audio Story

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    Eric Church – “Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene) Audio Story: “The Darkest Hour isn’t just another song. It’s a story for the unsung heroes, the people who show up when the world’s falling apart. When the night’s at its blackest, this is for those who are holding the light, guiding the lost and pulling us through. It’s for the ones who are standing tall when we’re all low, reminding us that even in your darkest hour, there’s still a way forward.”

    Audio / Eric Church - "Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene): Thoughts On Devastation and Raising Awareness

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    Eric Church – “Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene): Thoughts On Devastation and Raising Awareness: “You know, the area affected by Hurricane Helene, the mountains of Western North Carolina, is an area that I spend half the year in now. I grew up there, but we spend four or five months there. And it’s just heartbreaking and devastating to see what’s happened there to people’s lives. There’s communities that are… literally just gone, where the waters came through or just catastrophic wind damage, water damage. And the community, I live in there in the summer, was greatly affected. And we had a lot of people there that their lives were affected. These are my neighbors, these are my friends, these are my community members and family members. And it’s just, it’s a devastating thing. And this song, Darkest Hour, was the best way I could think to try to help. We’ve been helping with boots on the ground stuff and trying to do stuff, but this is something that will live beyond just the immediate recovery. And this is a thing that’s, it’s gonna take a long time. This is not a quick thing to fix. And hopefully this song forever will be able to contribute to that. And if nothing else, raise awareness for what’s… what’s happening in the mountains there, as well as East Tennessee.”

    Audio / Eric Church - "Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene): ChiefCares.com Audio

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    Eric Church – “Darkest Hour (Redeeming Helene): ChiefCares.com Audio: “Hey this is Eric Church. I’m devastated by the hurricane destruction in the mountains of western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and other parts of the country. These are our family members. They’re our friends, they’re our neighbors, and they’re in dire need of help. If you’re able to help others in this time of need, you can find ways to donate today at ChiefCares.com.”

     

     

    “From Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, Upstate South Carolina, parts of Georgia and even Florida which took a direct hit, there are so many places that were impacted. Specifically in the area that I’m from, the mountains of Western North Carolina were devastated. There are places that are just biblically gone. These are our family members, they’re our friends, they’re our neighbors – and they’re in dire need of help,” reflects Church. “And I’ve been in the studio for a while, trying some different things and exploring creativity. I had this song that I’d written, and the line that struck me in light of the recent devastation was ‘I’ll come running,’ because there are a lot of people out there right now who are in their darkest hour and they need people to come running. We were going to wait to release music until next year, but it just didn’t feel right to wait with this song. Sometimes you give songs their moment and sometimes they find their own moment.

    “This song, ‘Darkest Hour,’ was the best way I could think to try to help. We’ve been helping with boots on the ground efforts, but this is something that will live beyond just the immediate recovery. This is not a quick thing to fix, so hopefully ‘Darkest Hour’ will be able to contribute to that for a long time to come. This song goes to my home, North Carolina, now and forever.”

    He continues, “‘Darkest Hour’ is a song dedicated to the unsung heroes, the people who show up when the world’s falling apart. This is for the folks who show up in the hardest times, offering a hand when it’s most needed, and standing tall when others can’t. Even in your darkest hour, they come running. When the night’s at its blackest, this is for those who are holding the light, guiding the lost and pulling us through. The message of the song specifically in this time is about Hurricane Helene and the people that need help, but in a broader view, it’s about any challenging times that we have in our life, which we’ll all have. And it’s always important to know that in your darkest hour, there are people that will come running, there are people that will help. And I think it’s also important to be one of the people that go running when other people need help.

    For additional audio content surrounding Eric Church’s new song “Darkest Hour (Helene Edit) click HERE.

     

    About Eric Church

    A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner (including the highest honor for Entertainer of the Year) and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fan base around the globe known as the Church Choir, plus a critically acclaimed catalog of music. He is currently working on new music as the follow up to his most recent chart-topping project, the Heart & Soul triple album, which featured the results of a marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day while sequestered in rural North Carolina. This followed his Gold-certified Desperate Man, which earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category) and prior releases including the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders(“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”), as well as 36 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified songs. Church is also a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, a co-owner of the iconic Field & Stream brand, has his own SiriusXM music channel, “Eric Church Outsiders Radio,” his own liquor offering, Whiskey JYPSI, and recently opened Chief’s, a six-story venue on Nashville’s famed lower Broadway.

     

    # # #

     

    Media Contacts for Eric Church:

    Ebie McFarland | Janet Buck

    Essential Broadcast Media, LLC

    ebie@ebmediapr.com | janet@ebmediapr.com

    Leigh Malleus | Jodi Dawes
    EMI Records Nashville
    leigh.malleus@umusic.com | jodi.dawes@umusic.com

    xx

    Video / Eric Church - "Darkest Hour (Helene Edit)" (AUDIO)

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  • WORLD PREMIERE: Assets To Support Release Of New Parker McCollum Single “What Kinda Man” (AUDIO)

    WORLD PREMIERE: Assets To Support Release of New Parker McCollum Single “What Kinda Man” (AUDIO)

    Parker McCollum is back with his next single to Country Radio, “What Kinda Man.” Below you’ll find audio assets to support the world premiere on Friday, September 13th.

    Impacting immediately! 

     

    AUDIO ASSETS BELOW:

    Audio / PM-WMK-Intro and Outro (AUDIO)

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    PM-WMK-Intro and Outro (AUDIO): “Hey, it’s Parker McCollum.”

    “What’s up? It’s Parker McCollum.”

    “Here’s my new song…”

    “…And this is my new single.”

    “…And this is the world premiere of my new song.”

    “This is my brand new song…”

    “That was my new song…”

    “What Kinda Man”

    Audio / PM-WMK-World Premiere Assets (AUDIO)

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    PM-WMK-World Premiere Assets (AUDIO):

    “And this is the world premiere of my new single…”

    “…And that was the world premiere of my new single…”

    “Be sure to tune in to the world premiere of my new single…”

    “Don’t miss the world premiere of my new single tomorrow morning…”

    “…at 9 a.m., at 8 a.m., at 7 a.m., at 6 a.m., at 5 a.m., at midnight.”

    “Stay tuned right here.”

    “Listen tomorrow…”

    “Listen this Friday…”

    “Listen today…”

    “Listen every hour to hear the world premiere of my new single…”

    “I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”

    “Thanks for listening.”

    “Keep listening all day to hear it again.”

    “And my new single is out now.”

    Audio / PM-WKM-About The Song (AUDIO)

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    PM-WKM-About The Song (AUDIO): “I was just making stuff up and wrote a song. And then, you know, typically when I do that, some very genuine thoughts and feelings will come out in the words that I’m just kind of freestylin’ and spitting out. And that’s kind of how I ended up with, forget the man that I am, what kind of man do you need? And kind of ran with that. And, you know, it’s every now and then I get lucky and I felt like I got lucky on this one and was able to have a song that felt fun, but wasn’t cheesy or cliche. That’s a tough thing for me to accomplish. So I really kind of fell in love with the song and was excited to cut it. And it’s pretty, it’s pretty honest. I mean, it’s pretty true. You know, Hallie Ray was that for me. She was, I was never going to get married, never going to have kids. And then I met her and, you know, it completely changed my mind on all of that. So I don’t think if, if I had not met her, I think I, I don’t think I ever would have done the deal. And so the song is kind of a unintentional way of explaining that.”

    //

    “Could not be more excited to share this new music with the world, especially this new single “What Kinda Man.” Lately, I’ve been coming back to this sound and the roots of where I started out. I think this new song is my way of revisiting that and creating something that feels like home to me and my fans. I hope the world loves it.” –Parker McCollum

    Be sure to tune in for the upcoming People’s Choice Country Awards where McCollum will take the iconic Grand Ole Opry House stage for the debut TV performance of “What Kinda Man,” and is nominated for “Cover Song of 2024” with his rendition of John Mayer’s “Perfectly Lonely.” The People’s Choice Country Awards air live from the Opry House on September 26th on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

    McCollum is currently nominated for “Song of the Year” at the upcoming 58th CMA Awards with his Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Burn It Down,” which he co-wrote alongside Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose.

    Fans can also hear McCollum featured on fellow Texan Miranda Lambert’s latest album, Postcards from Texas, for their beautifully melodic track, “Santa Fe,” which is also out today.

    An artist who prides himself on connecting with the fans who have avidly supported him and his music, McCollum is one of the top-touring acts in Country. His massively successful Burn It Down Tour will continue through the end of the year where fans can see him performing at venues across the U.S.

    For a full list of Parker’s upcoming tour dates and tickets, please visit parkermccollum.com.

    //

    ABOUT PARKER MCCOLLUM:

    Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Parker McCollum has reached the ranks of a bona fide Country music superstar by connecting with fans and critics alike through his relatable and authentic sound. His most recent album, Never Enough (released on May 12, 2023 via MCA Nashville), is a statement collection of music that cements his status as one of Country’s strongest new voices. Currently on his massive Burn It Down Tour throughout 2024, McCollum will be performing at some of the most iconic venues around the nation and appearing at Country music’s top music festivals. McCollum has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Rolling Stone, Billboard, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA, and more with American Songwriter noting, “The Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.” Music Row listed McCollum as their 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year and Apple also included him as one of their all-genre “Up Next Artists” Class of 2021. A dedicated road warrior, McCollum made his debut at the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2021 and has sold out major concert venues around the U.S. In March 2022, McCollum made his debut at RODEOHOUSTON to a sold-out crowd with over 73,000 tickets sold, returning to perform at the Opening Day celebration in 2023. He recently made a dream come true with his first-ever Austin City Limits performance, kicking off their 2023 season. In 2022, McCollum earned his first ACM Award for New Male Artist of the Year, took home “Breakthrough Video of the Year” (a fully fan-voted honor) at the 2022 CMT Music Awards and scored two back-to-back CMA Awards nominations (2022 & 2023) for New Artist of the Year. Recently, McCollum scored his second ACM Award for “Visual Media of the Year” for his explosive music video for Platinum hit “Burn It Down.” The hit single marks his fourth consecutive #1 – following his other chart toppers “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You,” and “Handle On You.” Next up, Parker is set to release some of the most impactful music of his career, with his foot-stomping, shoot-it-straight single, “What Kinda Man,” available on September 13th.

     

    //

    Video / Parker McCollum - "What Kinda Man" (Official Audio)

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  • EMERGING ARTIST VINCENT MASON SHARES HIS JOURNEY WITH LOVE AND HEARTBREAK IN HIS DEBUT EP CAN’T JUST BE ME.

    Announced earlier this week, Vincent Mason signed a record deal with Interscope Records/UMG Nashville/Music Soup and releases his debut EP Can’t Just Be Me available everywhere today. The six-song project includes previously released tracks “Hell is a Dance Floor”, “Livin’ Proof”, and “May Be.” Entirely penned and co-produced by Mason, the EP encapsulates his relatable journey to finding love and the fun he’s having along the way. Using emotionally vulnerable lyrics and catchy melodies, the Georgia native “is off to a commanding start to his career” (Country Central) and showcases the past few years of his life and the lessons he has learned thus far.

    Listen to Can’t Just Be Me EP HERE.

    “This EP is a great representation of everything that’s happened from when I first started writing songs up until now. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to co-produce for the first time alongside Brett Truitt,” Mason explains. “The music sounds exactly how I envisioned and I’m excited to mark this moment in time and have it to look back on one day.”

    “I’m so grateful to have Interscope, Universal Nashville, and Music Soup help bring our vision to life and keep building on what we’ve started,” Mason says of his recent signing. “I couldn’t feel better about the team around me and I’m excited to get to work.”

    His break-out single “Hell is a Dance Floor,” which has amassed over 17 million combined global streams, introduced his ability to use “soul-stirring lyrics and infectious energy” (All Country News). Mason was one of only 12 unsigned country artists to rack up over 1 million U.S. On-Demand first-week streams on a track since 2021.

    Mason toured alongside Ashley Cooke in 2023 and closed out the year with shows opening for Parker McCollum and Niko Moon. As he continues to share his music on stage, he will open for Miranda Lambert in July then Gavin Adcock on his entire fall leg tour. He is also on the bill for festivals this summer including CMA Fest. For full tour dates head to his website.

    Can’t Just Be Me Tracklist

    1. May Be (Vincent Mason, Jared Scott, and Brett Truitt)

     

    1. Hell is a Dance Floor (Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel)

     

    1. Livin’ Proof (Vincent Mason, Forrest Finn, Joe Whelan, and Brett Truitt)

     

    1. Take Too Much (Vincent Mason and Bobby Hambrick)

     

    1. Can’t Just Be Me (Vincent Mason)

     

    1. Really Don’t Love Me (Vincent Mason, Forrest Finn, and Jack Hummel)

     

    ABOUT VINCENT MASON:

    Growing up right outside of Atlanta in Roswell, Georgia, Vincent Mason was inspired early by movie soundtracks and how each song perfectly fit into the storyline. These core memories of listening to music as a child all led this rising artist to grab a guitar in college and start to realize his true potential.

     

    Fusing his influences like Parker McCollum and John Mayer, his southern country side blends perfectly with the singer-songwriter’s pop sensibilities – creating a fresh new sound that’s becoming incredibly popular in the genre. The 23-year-old taps into his life experiences to curate a narrative true to country storytelling. His latest release,  “Hell is a Dance Floor” has amassed over 17 million streams since its release at the end of February, making this his biggest breakout moment so far. The song has been supported by major editorial playlists including Spotify’s New Boots, Breakout Country, and Next From Nashville as well as Apple Music’s Country Risers and New In Country.

    Now growing his team, Vincent has recently inked deals with Interscope Records/UMG Nashville/Music Soup as well as a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing/Hang Your Hat Music.

    He toured alongside Ashley Cooke in 2023 and closed out the year with shows opening for Parker McCollum, Niko Moon, and Gavin Adcock – with much more to come in the summer months. He’s on the bill at Headwaters Country Jam as well as Redwest Festival.  With more music on the way, this passionate writer and artist sets out to stay true to his influences as well as his story to deliver a powerful message through his music to his growing audience.

  • GEORGE STRAIT RELEASES NEW SONG “MIA DOWN IN MIA” FROM HIGHLY ANTICIPATED COWBOYS AND DREAMERS.

    On the heels of sharing the news of his 31st studio album with fans during a sold-out show at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month, Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait debuts the first release from Cowboys And Dreamers with “MIA Down in MIA.” Listen to the song HERE and pre-save/pre-add Cowboys And Dreamers, set for release September 6th, HERE.

    Written by Adam Craig and Dean Dillion, and produced by Strait with Chuck Ainlay, “MIA Down in MIA” features the Texas native’s Ace in the Hole Band, including longtime fiddle player Gene Elder.

    “I’m dedicating this record to my longtime manager and friend Erv Woolsey and my longtime fiddle player and friend Gene Elders (a player on four of these tracks), who we lost on the same day, March 20, 2024, as well as my longtime friend and road manager Tom Foote, who we lost on April 29, 2024,” shares Strait. “I will never forget all of the good times we had together. May they rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    The follow-up to Honky Tonk Time Machine, Strait’s 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers will feature 13 new songs, including “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” featuring Chris Stapleton, which the pair debuted during the sold-out show at Lucas Oil Stadium on May 4, and his own rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.”

    The Texas Troubadour will continue his series of stadium shows next Saturday, May 25 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, followed by additional dates this summer in Charlotte, N.C.; East Rutherford, N.J.; College Station, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Detroit, Mich.; and Chicago, Ill., before supersizing his longstanding Strait to Vegas show with a December date at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the engagement.

     Cowboys And Dreamers Tracklist:

    (Songwriters in parentheses)

    1. Three Drinks Behind (Benjamin Gaither, Jeff Silvey and Kim Williams)
    2. Cowboys And Dreamers (Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait)
    3. To The Moon (Marty Brown and Steve Clark)
    4. MIA Down in MIA (Adam Craig and Dean Dillon)
    5. Wish I Could Say (Keith Gattis)
    6. Calling From The Car (Bobby Braddock)
    7. People Get Hurt Sometimes (Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey)
    8. Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame ft. Chris Stapleton (Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark and Timothy James)
    9. The Little Things (George Strait, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
    10. The Book (George Strait, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Bubba Strait)
    11. Rent (Guy Clark and Keith Gattis)
    12. Waymore’s Blues (Curtis Buck and Waylon Jennings)
    13. The Journey Of Your Life (Ronnie Bowman and Troy Jones)

     

    Strait’s 2024 Concert Calendar:
    5/25 Jack Trice Stadium  Ames, IA
    6/1  Bank of America Stadium  Charlotte, NC
    6/8  MetLife Stadium  East Rutherford, NJ
    6/15 Kyle Field  College Station, TX
    6/29 Rice-Eccles Stadium  Salt Lake City, UT
    7/13 Ford Field   Detroit, MI
    7/20 Soldier Field   Chicago, IL
    12/7 Allegiant Stadium  Las Vegas, NV

    For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit GeorgeStrait.com.

    “MIA Down in MIA” lyrics/credits available HERE.

  • GEORGE STRAIT ANNOUNCES TO INDY CROWD: “I BROKE DOWN AND DID ANOTHER RECORD.”

    From the moment George Strait stepped on stage at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium Saturday night (May 4th), it was clear he and the Ace in the Hole Band had missed performing for fans. “It’s so good to be back…man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long,” Strait said in greeting the sold-out crowd of 51,132 before teasing what was in store over the next two hours.

     

    “We got some new stuff, too, I’m gonna throw in throughout the night, because I broke down and did another record, and I’m gonna play a few of those for you tonight,” Strait shared two songs in, playing the first-of-three, “Three Drinks Behind,” from his forthcoming album while also revealing the new studio album will be titled Cowboys and Dreamers.

    It was a night of connection for all the cowboys and dreamers in the crowd, too. During “Check Yes or No” a couple got engaged while surrounding fans captured the moment, sharing in their celebration. And before “How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls,” Strait remarked, “I always like seeing some cowboys in the crowd because that means cowgirls are nearby.” Pausing briefly after to share that the next song was written by his longtime manager, Erv Woolsey, a cowboy himself who recently passed, Strait shared, “I miss you, Erv.”

    “We always like to do songs from our old heroes that have passed on and finally got this one down (recorded) and gonna do it now live, this is ‘Waymore’s Blues,’” he offered halfway through his 32-song set.

    Stapleton joined the Texan mid stride on “Pancho and Lefty,” staying onstage for “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing,” an album cut he penned for Strait’s Love Is Everything, and revealing their first-ever collaboration, “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame,” on Strait’s forthcoming album.

    Retired Lt. General Leroy Sisco introduced Retired US Army Private Issac Boshi in a poignant moment on stage presenting a new home to the hero noting it was his 113th home presentation with Strait via Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Homes 4 Wounded Heroes Program

    Saturday was Strait’s first show back after devastating losses to his touring family including his longtime manager, Woolsey, Ace in the Hole member Gene Elders and tour manager, Tom Foote, Strait took the opportunity to acknowledge their absence throughout the evening. “The last couple of months have been a tough time… music makes it all better. Thank you for coming out – we’ve had a great time tonight. This one is for Erv and Gene and Tom,” before concluding with a six-song encore.

    Strait’s 2024 Concert Calendar:
    5/4  Lucas Oil Stadium  Indianapolis, IN
    5/11 EverBank Stadium  Jacksonville, FL
    5/25 Jack Trice Stadium  Ames, IA
    6/1  Bank of America Stadium  Charlotte, NC
    6/8  MetLife Stadium  East Rutherford, NJ
    6/15 Kyle Field  College Station, TX
    6/29 Rice-Eccles Stadium  Salt Lake City, UT
    7/13 Ford Field   Detroit, MI
    7/20 Soldier Field   Chicago, IL
    12/7 Allegiant Stadium  Las Vegas, NV

    For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming dates, visit GeorgeStrait.com.

    About George Strait
    George Strait is the unambiguous King of Country Music, having sold more than 105 million albums and counting while earning more than 60 major entertainment industry awards as well as countless nominations and becoming the only act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades. With 33 different Platinum or multi-Platinum albums, he’s earned the third-most certifications of any artist in any genre, following only The Beatles and Elvis Presley, and with a total of 60, Strait has more No. 1 songs than any other artist in history (including Elvis).

    The Texas troubadour released 2019’s best-selling Country album, Honky Tonk Time Machine, on MCA Nashville, produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the album quickly became Strait’s record-extending 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album. Comprised of 12 original titles plus Strait’s version of the Johnny Paycheck classic “Old Violin,” Honky Tonk Time Machine marks an incredible 30th career studio album from the Country Music Hall of Fame member, who earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his single “The Weight of the Badge” from the project. For more information, visit GeorgeStrait.com.

     

    Audio / George Strait says he still loves making music.

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    George Strait (still enjoys making music) OC: …I’m gonna do. :
    “I still really enjoy singing, and that’s really who I am. I mean, I love to fish, and I love to do all these other things, but my love has been and still is country music and singing. So, you know, for as long as I can keep doing it, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

  • TYLER HUBBARD FEELS VERY STRONG ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM.

    Tyler Hubbard’s new album, Strong, drops on Friday (April 12th), and one word kept popping up while writing and recording the project.

    “It kind of came organically in a funny way where we kept referring to everything, well, that’s a strong take or that’s a strong mix or man, that’s a really strong song for this next album, or that’s a strong photo or whatever,” says the Georgia native. “And as we were trying to title this project, we just kept saying that and finally, I’m just like, ‘Guys, why don’t we just call it Strong? You know, it feels like it’s overall pretty strong project. I would confidently say that I’m proud of it, and I love the heart behind the actual song and I love the depth of the word strong, so let’s just roll with that and see where it goes.’ So, it felt right.”

    Tyler co-produced the project alongside Jordan Schmidt and wrote or co-wrote all 13 songs on the album, including his Top 5 hit, “Back Then Right Now.”

    Strong Tracklist:

    1. Wish You Would (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
    2. Park (Tyler Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Canaan Smith)
    3. A Lot With A Little (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Parker Welling)
    4. Night Like That (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
    5. Take Me Back (Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder and Chris LaCorte)
    6. Back Then Right Now (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia and Geoff Warburton)
    7. Vegas (Tyler Hubbard, Andy Albert and Jordan Schmidt)
    8. Turn (Tyler Hubbard, Casey Brown and Josh Miller)
    9. American Mellencamp (Tyler Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Jordan Schmidt)
    10. BNA (Tyler Hubbard, Chase McGill and Jordan Schmidt)
    11. Summer Talkin’ (Tyler Hubbard, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley)
    12. ‘73 Beetle (Tyler Hubbard)
    13. Strong (Tyler Hubbard, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Miller)

    Tyler is back on the road with Kane Brown on his In The Air Tour on Thursday (April 11th) in Kansas City, Missouri and on Friday (April 12th) in Rosemont, Illinois.

     

    Audio / Tyler Hubbard talks about titling his new album, Strong.

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    Tyler Hubbard (Strong title) OC: …it felt right. :31
    “As far as naming the album this, you know, it kind of came organically in a funny way where we kept referring to everything, well, that’s a strong take or that’s a strong mix or man, that’s a really strong song for this next album, or that’s a strong photo or whatever. And as we were trying to title this project, we just kept saying that and finally, I’m just like, ‘Guys, why don’t we just call it Strong? You know, it feels like it’s overall pretty strong project. I would confidently say that I’m proud of it, and I love the heart behind the actual song and I love the depth of the word strong, so let’s just roll with that and see where it goes.’ So, it felt right.”

    Audio / LINER Tyler Hubbard (available this week)

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  • LITTLE BIG TOWN ANNOUNCES TAKE ME HOME TOUR FOLLOWING STUNNING CMT MUSIC AWARDS PERFORMANCE OF “TAKE ME HOME” WITH TOURING SPECIAL GUEST SUGARLAND

    Celebrating their 25th anniversary as one of country music’s most successful groups, multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning four-piece Little Big Town – comprised of Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook – joined forces with longtime friends and collaborators Sugarland at last night’s CMT Music Awards to deliver a stunning world premiere performance of their new song “Take Me Home” – listen HERE. The two powerhouse groups are also set to embark on a U.S. tour titled Take Me Home Tour. See more details below.

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvJY7uhyZho

    Little Big Town and Sugarland’s rendition of “Take Me Home”, originally written and released by Phil Collins in 1985, gives the song a fresh new meaning but leaves us with a familiar longing.  The performance served as a monumental homecoming for the two country music giants as they last shared the CMTMA stage in 2008 for a rousing rendition of “Life In A Northern Town.”

    “Last night felt like a real homecoming for us and a full circle moment. When we toured with Sugarland last, we would all be backstage harmonizing different cover songs to try and surprise the audience every night.  There’s something about this song that feels so nostalgic of that time. It really is like coming home,” says Little Big Town. “The Take Me Home tour feels like a celebration of being a band for 25 years and we’re so excited to throw this party with our great friends Sugarland. We’ll both be playing all our biggest hits and then some. Can’t wait to see everyone!”

    Fans will hear the newly released single live this fall on the Take Me Home US tour, produced by Live Nation and Sandbox Live, with special guest Sugarland and support from The Castellows. Various ticket pre-sales for the Take Me Home Tour will run throughout the week, ahead of the general sale beginning on Friday, April 12th at 10am local time at www.littlebigtown.com. The fall trek kicks off on October 24th in Greenville, SC at Bon Secours Wellness Arena and runs through December 2024, with stops in Boston, Pittsburgh, Austin, and more, before concluding on December 13th at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The closing night is a special Nashville homecoming for the band as it’ll be their first show in town since 2017’s iconic sold-out 10-night residency at Ryman Auditorium.

    The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, interactive Little Big Town coffee book, limited edition and autographed tour poster & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com

    25 never looked so good! Much more to come from Little Big Town this year – stay tuned!

  • DALTON DOVER DELIVERS NEW SINGLE “BURY ME IN THIS BAR.”

    As he gears up to kick off his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour next week, Dalton Dover delivers his new single via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records with the rollicking “Bury Me In This Bar.”

    “This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever been a part of writing,” Dover shares. “We really wanted to capture the fun and energy of those ‘90s country bar anthems that you just can’t skip or resist singing along with when you hear it. I believe it’s one that would make my heroes proud, and we can’t wait to hear people sing it with us on the road.”

     

    Written by Dalton Dover, Dan Isbell, Jamie Davis and Benjy Davis, and produced by longtime collaborator Matt McVaney (McV), “Bury Me In This Bar” is laced with steel guitar and punctuated with hard rock hits amid the Georgia native’s dynamic vocals:

     

                Yeah, there’s one thing you can count on

                Ain’t no one getting out of

                This wake up, working, wild world alive

                Some folks prefer a casket

                Some get turned to ashes

                But I got other plans for when I die

     

                Oh, bury me in this bar

                Where the women and the whiskey ain’t too far

                Yeah, my soul is meant to belong

                Underneath that neon

                Smiling to the sound of a steel guitar

                I’ll rest in peace where all my people are

                Bury me in this bar

     

    Today’s release follows Take Me Home: Covers which showcases Dover’s roots and influences growing up in Georgia, with Billboard calling it a “well-curated, fresh take on a collection of classics,” as MusicRow lauds him as “one of our finest young country voices.”

    After wrapping up a string of shows supporting Larry Fleet, along with joining BRELAND & Friends at Ryman Auditorium earlier this week, Dover will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour next Friday, April 5 in Houston, Texas. Tickets are on sale now at DaltonDoverOfficial.com.

    Following his Nissan Stadium Platform Stage debut last summer, Dover is set to perform at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage at CMA Fest on June 9. For more information, visit CMAFest.com.

     

    Dalton Dover Tour Dates 

    April 5 // House of Blues – Bronze Peacock // Houston, TX

    April 6 // The Lot // Mansfield, TX

    April 13 // The Open Chord // Knoxville, TN

    April 19 // Kings Hall // Everett, WA

    April 20 // Coast City Country // Vancouver, Canada

    April 26 // Terminal South // Tifton, GA

    April 27 // Capitol Theatre // Macon, GA

    May 4 // Burr Park // Dalton, GA

    June 9 // CMA Fest // Nashville, TN

    June 20-22 // Country Jam // Mack, CO

    June 28 // Country Fest 2024 // Cadott, WI

    July 4 // I-105 Country Freedom Fest // Quarryville, PA

    Aug. 10 // Hollywood Outdoors* // Grantville, PA

    Aug. 15 // CMAC* // Canandaigua, NY

    Aug. 16 // Fallsview Casino Resort* // Niagara Falls, ON

    Aug. 17 // Lasso Festival // Montreal, QC

     

    *Supporting Sam Hunt

     “Bury Me In This Bar” lyrics and credits available for download HERE.

    About Dalton Dover:
    Lauded by MusicRowas a “master country talent,” Dalton Dover’s new single “Bury Me In This Bar” is available now via UMG Nashville/Mercury Records. Released earlier this year, Take Me Home: Covers showcases his roots and influences growing up in Georgia. His debut radio single “Giving Up On That” was the most-added track at Country Radio upon its debut with 60 first week adds and can be found on his EP Never Giving Up On That, featuring eight tracks including “Night To Go,” “Baby I Am,” “Hear About A Girl” and more. Named a 2024 Tidal Artist to Watch, Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023 Class, he will embark on his headlining Never Giving Up On That Tour in April 2024. Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut in December 2022, followed by his international debut in 2023 at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series and performances across four stages at CMA Fest, including the Nissan Stadium Platform stage. In addition to playing Luke Combs’ Whiskey Jam Bootleggers Tailgate Party, he’s supported Sam Hunt, Chase Rice, Parker McCollum, Larry Fleet and Priscilla Block. By the age of 16, Dover had picked up a guitar and started teaching himself to play, yet it was his grandfather who turned him on to country music and artists such as Keith Whitley, Rhett Akins, Joe Diffie and Steve Wariner. Performances at local bars soon followed along with sharing covers of some of his favorite songs on TikTok. It was there he caught the ear of producer Matt McV and A&R veteran and founder of Droptine, Jim Catino, who quickly signed Dover. His debut track “You Got a Small Town,” produced by McV, quickly garnered critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Country Now and Wide Open Country. With his debut and his follow-up “Baby I Am” earning notable playlisting, Dover was named a Spotify Hot Country 2022 Artist to Watch along with a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month and a nod for MusicRow’s 2022 Discovery Artist of the Year. For more information, visit DaltonDoverOfficial.com or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook.

    Audio / Dalton Dover talks about his new song, "Bury Me In This Bar."

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    Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) OC: …fun as we did. :43
    “‘Bury Me In This Bar,’ man, we wrote this song, and I grew up listening to artists like Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, Conway (Twitty). You know, as I grew up I started getting into Brooks & Dunn and Joe Diffie and Toby Keith. I mean the list just goes on and on. When we wrote ‘Bury Me In This Bar,’ I wanted to write a song that would make my ‘90s Country heroes proud and my Country Music heroes in general proud, and I feel like we’ve done that with ‘Bury Me In This Bar.’ It’s fun. If you’re in a bar, drinking a cold beer, you’re just hanging out with your friends and ‘Bury Me In This Bar’ comes on, you’re gonna vibe, and I would like to think y’all would love it just as much fun as we do. I hope that you know as you guys are listening and whatever you may be doing while you’re listening, you’re having as much fun as we did.”

    Audio / LINER Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) 1

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    Audio / LINER Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) 2

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    Audio / LINER Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) 3

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    Audio / LINER Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) 4

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    Audio / LINER Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) 5

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    Audio / LINER Dalton Dover (Bury Me In This Bar) 6

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  • KEITH URBAN JOINS NBC’S THE VOICE AS THE MEGA MENTOR THIS SEASON.

    Keith Urban is joining NBC’s The Voice as this season’s Mega Mentor. Beginning with next Monday’s (April 8th) episode, Keith will mentor the remaining artists who have made it through the battle rounds and get ready for the knockout rounds. Coaches Reba McEntire, John Legend, Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay will choose the inner from their team to advance to the playoffs before the live shows start.

    Keith spent a lot of his own time competiting in talent competitions on TV, even when he was just nine years old. While it was a bit of a brutal experience, it made him work even harder on his chosen craft.

    “I was on a few singing talent TV shows when I was a kid, a bunch of them actually,” Keith recalls. “The first one I did I was nine-years-old and my Mom and Dad got me on to a TV show called Pot of Gold. It was a singing competition show with three judges, one of whom was just a really unfiltered, unapologetic, vicious, scathing kind of judge. (laughs) This was a long time before Simon Cowell’s template. This guy had it nailed, and at nine-years-old I was subjected to this, and I got kind of crucified by this judge. It didn’t faze me, you know? And then I went on other shows after that, but my experience with all of those was really loving good feedback, constructive feedback, even if it was something I needed to work on. I remember the judge telling me to kindly learn how to sing in tune. (laughs) I’m like, ‘Okay?!’”

    Keith has been a coach on The Voice in Australia, a mentor on NBC’s The Voice here in the States and now a Mega Mentor. He also spent several years at the judges table for “American Idol.”  The best part of this kind of job for Keith is the mentoring — helping contestants figure out what they need to work on to get better…in a nice way.

    “Just getting good advice and honest advice was something I really loved and needed, so it was a no-brainer when I got asked to do it,” he says. “The first one I got asked to do was be a coach on The Voice in Australia on their first season, and I did it. I loved it. Then I did quite a few seasons of American Idol as a judge on American Idol and loved it. So, when The Voice here in the States asked me to come and be a mentor and now a Mega Mentor, whatever that means – I feel like a Transformer – I jumped at the opportunity, because the mentoring part I particularly love. I love that the most. I love being able to try and help an artist navigate some things they’ve got to work on and try and be constructive and helpful but also do it in a supportive way. Nobody wants to get humiliated in front of people, but you do need honest advice as well, so I love that opportunity.”

    Keith previously appeared on The Voice as an advisor to Blake Shelton during Season 15 and also served as a coach in the Australian version of the competition show for Seasons 1, 10 and 11.

    Keith recently released his new single, “Messed Up As Me,” and it’s currently closing in on Top 35 on the country charts.

     

    Audio / Keith Urban talks about going on talent competition shows when he was a kid.

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    Keith Urban (The Voice Mega Mentor) 1 OC: …I’m like, ‘Okay.’ :53
    “I was on a few singing talent TV shows when I was a kid, a bunch of them actually. The first one I did I was nine-years-old and my Mom and Dad got me on to a TV show called Pot of Gold. It was a singing competition show with three judges, one of whom was just a really unfiltered, unapologetic, vicious, scathing kind of judge. (laughs) This was a long time before Simon Cowell’s template. This guy had it nailed, and at nine-years-old I was subjected to this, and I got kind of crucified by this judge. It didn’t faze me, you know? And then I went on other shows after that, but my experience with all of those was really loving good feedback, constructive feedback, even if it was something I needed to work on. I remember the judge telling me to kindly learn how to sing in tune. (laughs) I’m like, ‘Okay?!’”

    Audio / Keith Urban talks about his love of mentoring younger talent in a nice, but honest way and why he jumped at the chance to be the Mega Mentor on NBC's The Voice this season.

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    Keith Urban (The Voice Mega Mentor) 2 OC: …that opportunity. :50
    “Just getting good advice and honest advice was something I really loved and needed, so it was a no-brainer when I got asked to do it. The first one I got asked to do was be a coach on The Voice in Australia on their first season, and I did it. I loved it. Then I did quite a few seasons of American Idol as a judge on American Idol and loved it. So, when The Voice here in the States asked me to come and be a mentor and now a Mega Mentor, whatever that means – I feel like a Transformer – I jumped at the opportunity, because the mentoring part I particularly love. I love that the most. I love being able to try and help an artist navigate some things they’ve got to work on and try and be constructive and helpful but also do it in a supportive way. Nobody wants to get humiliated in front of people, but you do need honest advice as well, so I love that opportunity.”

  • MICKEY GUYTON CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BY RELEASING FEMALE ANTHEM, “WOMAN.”

    Today, on International Women’s Day, Mickey Guyton is celebrating with all her ladies as she releases her new song, “Woman.” The four-time GRAMMY-nominated country queen is honoring women around the world with an ode to women’s empowerment. Written by Guyton with Victor Franco, Oliver Frid, Kameron Glasper and Tayla Parx, “Woman” is Guyton’s first release this year with more music expected in the coming months.

    “I loved the idea of writing a song that celebrates the power women have,” says Guyton. “Throughout history and even today, women have taken pain, setbacks, and doubt, and they turn that into inner strength, and they persevere to achieve incredible things. Releasing this on International Women’s Day seemed only fitting. We’re miracle workers, y’all!”

    Guyton set to perform at the Grand Ole Opry tonight. Fans can tune in on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels or tune in to the Opry’s radio home WSM at 7pm CT.

    About Mickey Guyton
    Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton “raises the rafters and distills emotion with impeccable clarity. Her high notes thrill, her nuance in storytelling captivates. A star for our times claims her place” (NPR). The four-time GRAMMY nominee and 2022 TIME Breakthrough Artist of the Year Guyton released songs “I Still Pray,” “How You Love Someone” and “Somethin’ Bout You” following her critically acclaimed 2021 debut album Remember Her Name.

    With Remember Her Name, Mickey made history as the first Black artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album. Title track “Remember Her Name” also landed Mickey with GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance. This follows Mickey’s groundbreaking GRAMMY nomination as the first-ever Black female solo artist to earn a nod in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance) for “Black Like Me” which she performed as part of the 2021 awards ceremony. “Black Like Me” was named one of the Top 10 all-genre songs of 2020 by NPR, Billboard and Associated Press. She also co-hosted the 56thAcademy of Country Music Awards on CBS along with Keith Urban and she was named CMT’s 2021 Breakout Artist of the Year. Audiences around the world watched Mickey deliver a powerful message of inclusivity and togetherness with her “awe-inspiring,” “soulful and soaring” national anthem at Super Bowl 56 in Los Angeles.

    Mickey and her music have been featured on the cover of Billboard and profiled in The New Yorker, The New York Times and Rolling Stone. Over the last year she has been featured in American Songwriter, BBC News, CBS This Morning, Ebony, Elle, Ellen, Entertainment Weekly, Essence, HITS, Sesame Street, SHERRI, The Jennifer Hudson Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Los Angeles Times, New York Magazine’s Vulture, PEOPLE, Pollstar, Sesame Street, TODAY Show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, USA Today, Variety, VIBE, The View, Vogue, The Washington Post and many more. Mickey is also a scout for Apple TV+ global music competition series “My Kind of Country” in search for country music’s next big star.

     

    Audio / Mickey Guyton talks about her new song, "Woman."

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    Mickey Guyton (Woman) OC: …little moment. :42
    “The idea actually came from Tayla (Parx). At the time there was so much going on online about what defined a woman, and there was so many interpretations and the whole internet was ablaze, and we thought it was so important to release a song called ‘Woman’ on International Women’s Day. It’s funny how we wrote it. Tayla was actually in her Tesla driving from New York to L.A., so we literally wrote this song while she was in, while her Tesla was driving to L.A. and it was just a special moment and the song just felt so powerful. We wrote it about two years ago maybe, and so it’s just so really cool to finally seeing it have a little moment.”

    Video /

    View
  • BREAKOUT COUNTRY HITMAKER JOSH ROSS ANNOUNCES NEW EP, COMPLICATED, AVAILABLE MARCH 29th.

    Today, breakout country singer-songwriter Josh Ross announces the forthcoming release of his anticipated EP, Complicated, arriving March 29. Produced by frequent collaborator Matt Geroux (“Trouble,” “Red Flags,” “On A Different Night”), Complicated is an eight-song collection representing the last couple years of Ross’ life, showcasing a next generation talent who pairs heart-on-his-sleeve storytelling with a modern country-rock edge.

    Reflecting on the project, Ross shares, “Finally! I’m stoked to announce a body of work that showcases lyrically who I am as a person, and me sonically as a creative. Like a lot of country fans, I listen to all types of music. I am drawn to different sounds and production depending on what the emotion of the song calls for, and I think that comes across in this EP. Complicated represents who I’m becoming as an artist, and I’m excited for y’all to hear it March 29th.”

    The EP is preceded with today’s release of his revealing piano ballad, “Matching Tattoos.” Laced with real-life detail, Ross co-wrote the track with Joe Fox, Mason Thornley, and Brad Rempel. “Matching Tattoos” follows his recent two-song pack “Single Again” and “Truck Girl” 

    PRE-SAVE COMPLICATED EP HERE

    Ross’ lyricism delivers an emotional honesty as he sings, “I wonder where you are now / Sometimes I still think of how / We said something bout forever / but what’s that mean at 22? / Cause all that lasted are some matching tattoos.”

    Of the track, Ross shares, “‘Matching Tattoos’ is very personal to me. It is a song that comes from a real experience I went through a few years ago. I wrote this song on the Nickelback tour this past year and I hope y’all can connect to the emotion of the song as much as I do.”

     

    Complicated marks only the beginning of what is set to be a banner year for Ross, who has been named an artist to watch by Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, MusicRow and more. He is currently on his sold-out headlining ‘The Trouble Tour’ across Canada, and supporting Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Religiously. The Tour.’ He will take the stage at high-profile festivals including Stagecoach and Country Thunder, and was recently tapped to join Luke Bryan’s ‘Mind Of A Country Boy Tour’ for select dates this summer. For tickets and a full list of tour dates, please visit www.joshrossmusic.com/#tour.

    With more than 307 million global streams, Ross continues to carve out his place in Country music on both sides of the border. 2023 was marked by “Trouble” hitting No. 1 on Canadian country radio while achieving Platinum certification and led to his ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ win at the Canadian Country Music Awards.  For the latest information and to learn how to join his fan club, The Roster, for first access to merch drops, new music and exclusive content, visit www.joshrossmusic.com.

     

  • DARIUS RUCKER HOPES FOR A GREAT GAME FOR THE SUPER BOWL; HE’S GOING TO PLAY IN A BOWL OF HIS OWN–THE MADDEN BOWL.

    As we all know, Darius Rucker is a HUGE football fan. His favorite team, the Miami Dolphins did a great job this year, but they weren’t able to make it to the Big Game this year (maybe next year). He says he’s not sure who’s going to take home a Super Bowl ring, but he hopes for a great game.

    “The Dolphins had a great year,” says Darius. “There was a minute that I thought we were going to the Super Bowl and it was very disappointing when we didn’t make it, but it’s gonna be another great year. The Chiefs and the 49ers are gonna be a great game. The funny thing is I don’t know who I think is going to win right now. The Chiefs have so much experience and have been there four out of the last six years and have done great things, but the 9ers are playing such great football also, so I don’t know who’s gonna win, but I hope for a great game.”

    Darius is also in Las Vegas to play in the Madden NFL Bowl on Friday (February 9th) along with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. He’ll also perform a late night set for NFL executives and participants, along with Green Day, Big Boi, BRELAND and Killer Mike.

    He says his strategy “is to play man-to-man defense and try to run the ball a little to try to slow the game down. You know, a lot of guys come on and just throw it around and that’s a great way to play, but I like to run it a little bit, see what happens and then maybe you can break something big. But I love Madden. It’s one of my favorite things. I’ve been playing since Madden 1, so it’s great to be playing the Madden Bowl again.”

    Darius is set to return to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on March 12th before he heads overseas for his European tour, which kicks off April 19th in Germany, followed by dates in Switzerland, Amsterdamn (Netherlands), the U.K. and Ireland.

    Audio / Darius Rucker isn't sure who is going to win the Super Bowl on Sunday, but he hopes for a great game between the Chiefs and the 49ers.

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    Darius Rucker (Super Bowl 2024) OC: …a great game. :24
    “Yeah, the Dolphins had a great year. There was a minute that I thought we were going to the Super Bowl and it was very disappointing when we didn’t make it, but it’s gonna be another great year. The Chiefs and the 49ers are gonna be a great game. The funny thing is I don’t know who I think is going to win right now. The Chiefs have so much experience and have been there four out of the last six years and have done great things, but the 9ers are playing such great football also, so I don’t know who’s gonna win, but I hope for a great game.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker reveals his strategy going into Friday night's (February 9th) Madden Bowl.

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    Darius Rucker (Madden Bowl 2024) OC: …Madden Bowl again. :22
    “My strategy is to play man-to-man defense and try to run the ball a little to try to slow the game down. You know, a lot of guys come on and just throw it around and that’s a great way to play, but I like to run it a little bit, see what happens and then maybe you can break something big. But I love Madden. It’s one of my favorite things. I’ve been playing since Madden 1, so it’s great to be playing the Madden Bowl again.”

  • ANNE WILSON ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, REBEL, AVAILABLE APRIL 19th NEW TRACK “GOD & COUNTRY” OUT TODAY.

    PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson announces her bold, genre-blending album REBEL, available April 19th. A co-writer on each of the album’s 16 tracks, Wilson teamed up with some of Music Row’s most in-demand songwriters for a revolutionary project firmly rooted in both Country and Christian music, produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith.

    PRE-ORDER: “REBEL”

    To offer a glimpse of the forthcoming album, Wilson releases a new song titled “God & Country” today. Co-penned with Jeff Pardo, Matthew West and Trannie Anderson, the track showcases both sides of Wilson as an artist and the faith-infused Country that defines REBEL. Her commanding vocals lead the way as she revisits the Kentucky roots that shaped her identity, from church pews and Sunday morning choirs, to mud tires and Friday night lights, Wilson shares what it’s like to grow up in the heart of the heartland. “I’ve got a good life down here, but a better one waiting up above me,” she boldly declares. Listen to “God & Country” here.

    “I can’t wait for everyone to hear these brand new songs on April 19,” shares Wilson. “I’ve been working so hard over the past 15 months to write these songs, record them and get them into the world! I was raised on two things: the love of God and the love of all things Country. That’s what fuels the music I make and that’s what you’ll hear more of on REBEL. I’m just so excited we are this close to releasing the record!”

    In addition to “God & Country” and her upcoming record, Wilson has been making waves with her current Country radio single, “Rain In The Rearview,” co-written with Matthew West, Jaren Johnston and Zach Kale. The transformative music video for the track exclusively debuted on CMT/Paramount Times Square billboards, CMT, CMT Music and CMT.com last Friday, just days after Wilson was revealed as a member of the coveted 2024 CMT Next Women of Country class. Meanwhile, “Strong” continues to stand firm at Christian radio – reaching the Top 15 at Billboard Christian Airplay and Mediabase Audience charts and climbing each week – marking two simultaneous radio singles for the “specially gifted” (The Tennessean) artist.

    Ever since embarking on her new journey in September with REBEL (The Beginning), praise has poured in for the groundbreaking new venture. MusicRow underscores her vocal prowess stating “she’s got the goods” while Billboard highlights her “ceiling-scraping vocal capabilities,” and Holler proclaims it “clearly outlines Wilson’s new Country-leaning mission statement.”

    Adding to her list of accolades, Wilson was also tapped as one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch 2024, further solidifying her rising status from Music Mayhem, Pandora and more. Wilson will continue to share her new music on the road as she captivates cities nationwide as direct support on Scotty McCreery’s Cab In A Solo Tour. Come summer, Wilson will grace the stages of both Country and Christian music’s most sought after festivals such as Tortuga Festival, Big As Texas Fest, Country Concert, Alive Music Festival and Kingdom Bound. For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

    ABOUT ANNE WILSON:
    One of Nashville’s most inspiring young trailblazers, Anne Wilson is a true “rebel” in modern music. The Lexington, Ky. native, known for her transcendent vocal and down-to-earth storytelling, recently released REBEL (The Beginning), a three-pack of songs fusing the heart of Contemporary Christian Music with the sound of Country, and allowing the emerging powerhouse to innovate as her career builds momentum. Co-produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, the project kicks off with two singles bridging Wilson’s sonic influences. The hurricane force encouragement of “Rain In The Rearview” stands as Wilson’s debut Country single, while the soaring ballad “Strong” will simultaneously aim to continue the success she has earned in Contemporary Christian. Taking the music world by storm, Wilson delivered her first public performance at 15, singing “What a Beautiful Name” at her brother’s funeral in a moving expression of faith which soon went viral. A few short years later, her 2021 debut single “My Jesus” became a PLATINUM-certified single and hit No.1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart. Since then, she has tallied more than 880 M global streams, made her Grand Ole Opry debut and scored a GRAMMY nomination for her 2022 debut album My Jesus. She continues to thrill live audiences, performing over 250 shows in the first two years of her career, and just wrapped her entirely sold-out headlining My Jesus Tour as she kicks off 2024 on the road with Scotty McCreery. There’s much more to come from this modern musical revolution as she prepares to unveil her genre-bending album REBEL on April 19. Approaching her craft with a purpose and conviction that sets her apart, she declares, “I am who I am — I’m Anne Wilson. I love God and that’s my everything, but I love Country music, too, and I can have a beautiful mix of both.”

     

    Audio / Anne Wilson talks about her song, "God & Country."

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    Anne Wilson (God & Country) OC: …God and Country. :47
    “‘God & Country’ is a song about what makes me me. Every house gets built on a foundation, and the more solid the foundation is, the longer that house is gonna stand. I think life is a lot like that too. I’m so thankful for the way my Mama and Daddy raised me. It taught the value of hard work, an appreciation for the simple things, a love for my country and an appreciation for the men and women who protect the freedoms that we all enjoy. Most of all, it taught me about a God who loves me. I can’t think of a stronger foundation than that. These days, I feel like I’m getting to reach a lot of new people with my music, so I wrote this song as a way of introducing myself. This is who I am, this is where I come from and this is the solid ground my life is built on – God and Country.”

    Audio / LINER Anne Wilson (preorder Rebel album)

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    “Hey y’all, it’s Anne Wilson. I have been waiting to share with y’all that you can preorder my new album, Rebel, right now.”

  • ANNE WILSON LEAVES THE “RAIN IN THE REARVIEW” IN PURSUIT OF CLEARER SKIES AHEAD.

    PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson has unveiled the music video for her debut Country single, “Rain In The Rearview,” exclusively on CMT/Paramount Times Square billboards, CMT, CMT Music and CMT.com.  The music video comes just days after she was revealed as a member of the coveted 2024 CMT Next Women of Country class.

     

    Directed by ACM Award-winner TK McKamy, the music video is a visual allegory for Anne’s journey. The video begins with Wilson driving in her car as rain begins to pour before the imagery takes a poignant turn, finding Wilson standing strong in the pouring rain – a powerful symbol of finding strength in the midst of challenges. The video comes to a close as Wilson drives into the unknown, taking a bold leap towards brighter days ahead.

    “​​The three versions of me and the perspectives of all three were so accurate to how my life has been,” Wilson shares with CMT. “We all go through different seasons and sometimes need the reminder that we can leave our past behind us.”

    “I love this music video so much. We were working through the idea and concept behind it. It was really about portraying three different versions of myself – the happy version, which is the healed version; the driver, which is kind of plowing through everything and then the one that is sad and kind of looking on the past and reflecting what has come before,” says the Kentucky native. “And I love the reminder in this music video and getting to work with T.K. McKamy on this treatment of how can we take this song and dive deeper into what it means? And I think in life we all go through different seasons where we’re either fully healed, we’re still looking back and struggling with depression and anxiety from the past or we’re driving in the seat and we’re going ahead for what’s to come. So, I love that we got to portray all three of those in this video.”

    Her sister, Elizabeth, is also in the video as her double. She tells CMT, “People have always said we look like twins, so it was a blast finally getting to pretend like we are! My sister is my stylist and best friend so having her a part of this was truly an honor.”

    The track, currently spinning at Country radio now, was penned by Wilson, Matthew West, Jaren Johnston and Zach Kale. Garnering praise from critics since its release in September, MusicRow notes that “vocally she’s got the goods” and Billboard cites the “acoustic coda showcases Wilson’s ceiling-scraping vocal capabilities.” Released as part of her bold new venture that fuses the Christian and Country genres, Holler noted that the new three-pack of songs, REBEL (The Beginning), “clearly outlines Wilson’s new country-leaning mission statement,” as two of the songs simultaneously make waves at Christian radio (“Strong”) and Country radio (“Rain In The Rearview”).

    As she charges into 2024 with momentum like never before, Wilson hits the stage tonight with Scotty McCreery for his Cab In A Solo Tour as direct support, marking her first-ever Country tour. The tour, promoted by Live Nation, will trek across the U.S. with stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston and more. Tickets are available for purchase at annewilsonofficial.com.

    Earlier this month, Wilson was tapped as one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch 2024, further cementing her position as one on the rise from CMT, Music Mayhem, Pandora and more. For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

     

    Audio / On the set of the music video for her single "Rain In The Rearview," Anne Wilson says she loved getting to work with her director and able to play different characters.

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    Anne Wilson (BTS RITR video) 1 OC: …behind the song. :17
    “I’m working with one of my favorite directors of all-time. It’s T.K. McKamy, and it’s been so fun to get to work on this video together so far. I love getting to create stories from songs and narratives and getting to portray different people in the video. I can’t wait for y’all to see this music video. I hope that it touches you and reminds you of the heart behind the song.”

    Audio / On the set of the filming of her new music video for "Rain In The Rearview," Anne Wilson explains the concept behind it.

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    Anne Wilson (BTS RITR video) 2 OC: …in this video. :37
    “So, I love this music video so much. We were working through the idea and concept behind it. It was really about portraying three different versions of myself – the happy version, which is the healed version; the driver, which is kind of plowing through everything and then the one that is sad and kind of looking on the past and reflecting what has come before. And I love the reminder in this music video and getting to work with T.K. McKamy on this treatment of how can we take this song and dive deeper into what it means? And I think in life we all go through different seasons where we’re either fully healed, we’re still looking back and struggling with depression and anxiety from the past or we’re driving in the seat and we’re going ahead for what’s to come. So, I love that we got to portray all three of those in this video.”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Anne Wilson, Dalton Dover, The War And Treaty, Luke Bryan, John Osborne

    Anne Wilson has been named to CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2024, and she says she’s “overwhelmed with gratitude to be a part of this year’s CMT Next Women of Country” and “It’s truly an honor that I don’t take lightly. My love for Country Music and the beautiful community of artists in it is immense.” The initiative, launched in 2013, helps promote new female country artists with support for their music and videos across multiple platforms, including CMT, CMT Music, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, cmt.com, the network’s socials, Billboards and more. The 2024 class also includes Denitia, Ella Langley, Emily Ann Roberts, HunterGirl, Karley Scott Collins, Kylie Frey, Lauren Watkins, Madeline Merlo, Mae Estes, Tanner Adell, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold and Twinnie.

     

    Dalton Dover and The War And Treaty will take part in BRELAND‘S third annual BRELAND & Friends concert, taking place at the Ryman Auditorium March 26th. Proceeds will benefit Middle Tennessee’s at-risk youth in partnership with the Oasis Center. Avery Anna, Caitlyn Smith, Chase Rice, Drake White, Josh Groban and Walker Hayes will also perform.

    Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi and others appear on CMT Hot 20 Countdown this weekend straight from Luke’s Crash My Playa event. Catch all the action this weekend — Saturday (January 27th) and Sunday (January 28th) beginning at 9am ET/8am CT.

    https://twitter.com/cmtHot20/status/1750307578347733325

     

     

    Brothers Osborne‘s John Osborne graces the cover of the new issue of Vintage Guitar magazine for a second time. He posted on Instagram: “If you know anything about me, it’s that I love old shit! Especially when it comes to guitars. There was a time when I had only one guitar and I never imagined I would be the custodian of numerous great vintage ones. I especially never thought I would get to grace the cover of vintage guitar magazine for the second time. Thank you, Becky Fluke (@bfluke) for making me look cooler than I am.”

     

  • BREAKOUT COUNTRY HITMAKER JOSH ROSS RELEASES TWO-SONG PACK “SINGLE AGAIN” AND “TRUCK GIRL,” OUT NOW.

    Breakout country singer-songwriter Josh Ross sets the tone for 2024 with the release of two compelling tracks, “Single Again” and “Truck Girl,” available today. Weaving his personal narrative into relatable lyrics, the songs showcase Ross’ own journey in life and music. Both tracks were produced by frequent collaborator, Matt Geroux, who produced Ross’ previous releases including “Trouble,” “Red Flags,” “First Taste of Gone,” and “On A Different Night.”

    Listen to “Single Again” and “Truck Girl” HERE

    “I wanted to kick off 2024 with two songs that I feel highlight the two different sides of me as a person,” shares Ross. “These songs are based on real-life situations I feel people can relate to as well as personal experiences I’ve had.”

    “Single Again” explores a specific moment in time, with Ross sharing a personal anecdote of an unexpected encounter. “‘Single Again’ leans into how timing can sometimes be everything. I ran into my high school crush at a bar and wanted to buy her a drink. She let me know she had a boyfriend and I remember saying ‘well let me know if you’re ever single again’.”

    “Truck Girl” delves into the intense feelings associated with a love lost. Ross reflects on the song, “’Truck Girl’ is about realizing and processing the raw emotion that comes from having that person you thought could be your forever, walk away for good.”

    These releases offer a glimpse into forthcoming music, and Ross is eager to connect with fans and bring his fresh sound both on and off stage, “I’m stoked to share these two songs with a promise for lots of new music this year.”

    Recently named one of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing artists for 2024, Ross will kick off his debut headline tour across Canada, THE TROUBLE TOUR, this weekend. After previously joining Bailey Zimmerman as special guest on a run of shows last year, Ross will support Zimmerman on RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR. and will perform at high-profile festivals including Stagecoach. For tickets and a full list of tour dates, please visit JoshRossMusic.com.

    2023 was marked by the release of his debut US radio single, “Trouble” his awaited Grand Ole Opry debut and winning the ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ award at the Canadian Country Music Awards. With more than 266 million streams worldwide, Ross continues to carve out his place in Country music on both sides of the border.

  • CHRISTMAS 2023: Carrie Underwood

    Christmas for Carrie Underwood hasn’t changed that much from when she was a young girl. She usually still gets together with her family, which includes her parents, two sisters and their families…as well as her own husband, Mike Fisher, and sons Isaiah and Jacob.

    Carrie says some of her Christmas traditions include a lot of traveling to visit her family and her husband Mike Fisher’s family…but also cooking and celebrating the season. “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family,” says Carrie. “I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    She continues: “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

    One of the traditions she enjoys with her own family is picking out a Christmas tree with her husband and two sons. “We were an artificial tree family growing up. It was easier, you know, but now in our own home, we do the real tree thing, and we kind of try to make that a little bit of a tradition. We go and we pick it out. The boys have some say in which one we get, and they feel some ownership and we all decorate it together and of course, have Christmas music playing in the house. I make cookies that were my husband’s grandmother that my kids call Gigi. It’s her recipe, her ginger snap cookies, and we make those and it’s super sweet. Isaiah loves makes Gigi’s cookies, because he still remembers her a little bit. So, it’s something special we get to do.”

    One of her favorite memories from childhood was singing Christmas carols for folks in nursing homes. “Christmas was always just about family,” she says. “One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Carrie released a special deluxe edition of her Christmas album, My Gift, in 2021, and she says there’s nothing like Christmas music that gets you in the spirit of the season. “There is no other like part of the year that gets its own music, like exclusively. When you think about it, like entire radio stations switch over to play Christmas music around Christmas time. So, I feel like it just puts you in the mood for Christmas. Christmas is something that everybody looks forward to and to have Christmas music start playing way before Christmas. It usually does because people just can’t wait to get there. It puts you in a mood. It changes your state of mind. It gets you ready for it and it just makes you feel a certain way.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS HER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS USUALLY INCLUDE COOKING AND TRAVELING, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, FAMILY.

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    Carrie Underwood (perfect Christmas) OC: …with family. :40
    “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family. I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD RECALLS MEMORIES OF PAST CHRISTMASES.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas memory) OC: …Christmas carols. :18
    “Christmas was always just about family. One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood says one of her family’s traditions is to go pick out a real Christmas tree and put it up together.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas trees) OC: …get to do. :43
    “We were an artificial tree family growing up. It was easier, you know, but now in our own home, we do the real tree thing, and we kind of try to make that a little bit of a tradition. We go and we pick it out. The boys have some say in which one we get, and they feel some ownership and we all decorate it together and of course, have Christmas music playing in the house. I make cookies that were my husband’s grandmother that my kids call Gigi. It’s her recipe, her ginger snap cookies, and we make those and it’s super sweet. Isaiah loves makes Gigi’s cookies, because he still remembers her a little bit. So, it’s something special we get to do.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood says she and her family wear matching Christmas PJs...even the dogs.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas PJs) OC: …tell you that.
    “For the past few years, we all get matching PJs. Either we get them or somebody else gifts them to us, and we all match – my husband, myself, my sons and our dogs. And getting my german shepherd into a Christmas sweater is no easy feat, I will tell you that.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT HER CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas traditions) OC: …time of year. :35
    “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

     

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  • CHRISTMAS 2023: Jon Pardi

    Jon Pardi and his wife Summer will enjoy their daughter Presley’s first Christmas, probably more than her since she’s only almost 10 months old.

    “My daughter will not know what the hell’s going on,” Jon says laughingly. “She’s gonna love the lights. She’s gonna try to eat everything, but it’ll be very magical for me and Summer. I think I’m most excited to pick out what she’s wearing, spending a little time, make her laugh, love making her laugh, and I think she’ll just, she’ll slowly learn to love Christmas, and I’m glad that I have an album now I can play it for her. So, I have full control of what Christmas music we’re listening to, ‘cause it’s my album. We’re just gonna listen to that, ‘cause it’s great!”

    Jon does like a good holiday movie. One of his favorite Christmas films is Bad Santa, starring Billy Bob Thornton, but for the PG crowd, it would have to be Elf.

    “Bad Santa’s pretty good,” he says. “But I have to say if you’re gonna watch it with little cousins, I would have to say Elf is pretty much probably one of the funniest Christmas movies to ever be that new and beat out all of the old Christmas movies. It is definitely up there.”

    He says, even though Elvis Presley is his favorite Christmas album (other than his own, of course), the song that gets him in the holiday spirit is the Eagles’ “Please Come Home For Christmas.” He even included his own version on his Christmas album, Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi.

    “When I hear the chime of the piano on ‘Please Come Home For Christmas,’ it puts me right at Christmastime,” he says. “I don’t know, maybe because that song has been in so many movies or it’s just such a special song; it’s a legendary Christmas song. The Eagles wrote it. They killed it, and I’m glad that I have a version of it. On mine, it sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s very different, but it’s the same feeling and it sounds the same, but it’s got this new special kind of rendition of it, and I’m real happy to have that ‘cause that definitely puts me in it’s December and it’s Christmastime.”

    Jon just released his first holiday album, the 12-track Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi, featuring “Beer For Santa,” “All I Want For Christmas is You,” “Please Come Home for Christmas” and “400 Horsepower Sleigh.”

    The California native is featured in the new holiday special, “CMA Country Christmas.” Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the holiday event will air December 14th at 8pm ET on ABC; next day on Hulu and Disney+.

    Audio / Jon Pardi talks about what he’s most excited for during his daughter Presley’s first Christmas.

    Download

    Jon Pardi (daughter’s first Christmas) OC: …it’s great! :32
    “My daughter will not know what the hell’s going on. (laughs) She’s gonna love the lights. She’s gonna try to eat everything, but it’ll be very magical for me and Summer. I think I’m most excited to pick out what she’s wearing, spending a little time, make her laugh, love making her laugh, and I think she’ll just, she’ll slowly learn to love Christmas, and I’m glad that I have an album now I can play it for her. So, I have full control of what Christmas music we’re listening to, ‘cause it’s my album. We’re just gonna listen to that, ‘cause it’s great!”

    Audio / JON PARDI SAYS IF YOU’RE AN ADULT, BAD SANTA, IS A GREAT HOLIDAY MOVIE, BUT IF YOU’RE A KID, ELF IS THE ONE TO BEAT.

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    Jon Pardi (favorite Christmas movie) OC: …up there. :15
    “Bad Santa’s pretty good. But I have to say if you’re gonna watch it with little cousins, I would have to say Elf is pretty much probably one of the funniest Christmas movies to ever be that new and beat out all of the old Christmas movies. It is definitely up there.”

    Audio / Jon Pardi says the song "Please Come Home For Christmas" gets him into the holiday spirit.

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    Jon Pardi (Please Come Home For Christmas gets him in the spirit) OC: …Christmastime. :40
    “When I hear the chime of the piano on ‘Please Come Home For Christmas,’ it puts me right at Christmastime. I don’t know, maybe because that song has been in so many movies or it’s just such a special song; it’s a legendary Christmas song. The Eagles wrote it. They killed it, and I’m glad that I have a version of it. On mine, it sticks out like a sore thumb. It’s very different, but it’s the same feeling and it sounds the same, but it’s got this new special kind of rendition of it, and I’m real happy to have that ‘cause that definitely puts me in it’s December and it’s Christmastime.”

    Audio / JON PARDI REVEALS ONE OF HIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY SONGS, WHICH HE DIDN'T RECORD FOR HIS NEW CHRISTMAS ALBUM.

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    Jon Pardi (favorite Christmas song…not on his Christmas album) OC: …around Christmastime.” :28
    “One of my favorite Christmas songs of all time is ‘Blue Christmas’ by Elvis, because Elvis’ Christmas record is one of my favorite Christmas records AND ‘Blue Christmas’ has been recorded so much, that’s why I didn’t record it. A lot of people were like, ‘Why didn’t you record ‘Blue Christmas?’ You love ‘Blue Christmas.’ I was like, ‘Well, everybody records ‘Blue Christmas.’ I was trying to make a new Christmas record that’s a little fresh, so that’s why I didn’t record ‘Blue Christmas.’ But it is literally one of my favorites. It reminds me of my grandmother around Christmastime.”

  • CHRIS STAPLETON’S NEW ALBUM, HIGHER, IS AVAILABLE NOW.

    Chris Stapleton’s highly anticipated new album Higher is available now via Mercury Nashville. Stream/purchase HERE.

    Additionally, Stapleton was nominated for three awards for the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards: Best Country Solo Performance (“White Horse”), Best Country Song (“White Horse”) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Carly Pearce). The awards ceremony will broadcast live on CBS from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena Sunday, February 4th at 8pm ET.

    Produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and Chris Stapleton, Higher was recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A and is already receiving widespread critical acclaim:

    “dazzling…the best evidence yet for the way one man’s voice has become synonymous with the very idea of a musical genre”— Rolling Stone

    “his leaps, quavers and evasions of the beat can be traced to Al Green. But Stapleton brings his own drama and grit to the style”—The New York Times

    “Stapleton’s enigmatic voice – known for its raw versatility, so anchored in his chosen musical genre with an unusual ability to transcend it – is as present as ever…No one is immune when Stapleton’s textured, bellowing ballads play”—Associated Press

    “finds Stapleton pairing an outlaw swagger with some heaven-scraping vocals”—Billboard

    “certainly suggests that Stapleton is leaning into his strengths as a cross-genre act”—Consequence

    “If you want to set the bar, start—as always—with Chris Stapleton”—Hits Daily Double

    “One of country’s modern vocal masters extends a streak of next-level artistry…his growling grace and understated charm remain in fine form over 14 tracks, as a future Hall of Famer climbs on”—Nashville Lifestyles

    “The consistency Chris Stapleton has with all of his releases is mind-blowing…This man does not miss”—Whiskey Riff

    In celebration of the release, Stapleton was featured on NBC’s “Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist” and recently spoke with GQ, who praises, “In an age rife with division, he’s maybe the only thing Americans all agree on…one of the most reliable hit makers in music.” Read the full GQ Hype cover story HERE.

    The release adds to yet another landmark year for Stapleton, who was named Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time at the 57th Annual CMA Awards earlier this week, breaking his own record for most wins ever in the category. Stapleton also performed twice during the live awards broadcast: his current single, “White Horse,” and “We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Carly Pearce.

    Known for his electric live performances, the 8x Grammy, 16x CMA and 15x ACM Award-winner will continue his “All-American Road Show” through next year including stops at San Diego’s Petco Park, Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium, Seattle’s T-Mobile Park, Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl (two nights), Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (two nights), Cleveland’s Blossom Music Center and Philadelphia’s Freedom Mortgage Pavilion among several others. See below for complete itinerary.

    Alongside Stapleton (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide electric guitar), the new album features Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine) and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).

    One of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians, in the past year Stapleton was named Entertainer of the Year at the 58th ACM Awards—resulting in a prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award. Additionally, in February, he performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVII and has collaborated in recent years with Adele, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, P!nk, Sheryl Crow, Santana and many more.

    The new album follows 2020’s acclaimed Starting Over, which went on to win three awards at the 67th Annual GRAMMYs: Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) in addition to earning Album of the Year honors at both the CMA and ACM Awards. Called a “a sure-footed masterpiece” by the Associated Press, the album landed on “Best of 2020” lists at NPR MusicRolling StoneBillboardEsquire, VultureThe Tennessean, and The New York Times, who declared, “Chris Stapleton’s roar isn’t designed to scare you off. It’s regal, an announcement of an alpha figure asserting his primacy…on this, his fourth album, the thrill is back.” Prior to Starting Over, Stapleton released a pair of Platinum-certified releases in 2017—From A Room: Volume 1 and From A Room: Volume 2—as well as his x5 Platinum breakthrough solo debut album in 2015, Traveller.

    In addition to their work as musicians, the Stapletons are founders of the Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund, which supports a variety of causes that are close to their heart.

    HIGHER TRACK LIST:

    1. What Am I Gonna Do
    2. South Dakota
    3. Trust
    4. It Takes A Woman
    5. The Fire
    6. Think I’m In Love With You
    7. Loving You On My Mind
    8. White Horse
    9. Higher
    10. The Bottom
    11. The Day I Die
    12. Crosswind
    13. Weight Of Your World
    14. Mountains Of My Mind

     

    CHRIS STAPLETON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:

    November 11—Tampa, FL—Walmart Presents: Heroes & Headliners – MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

    November 16—Lafayette, LA—Cajundome†

    November 17—Houston, TX—Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion†

    November 18—Corpus Christi, TX—American Bank Center Arena†

    March 1, 2024—Tempe, AZ—Extra Innings Festival

    March 2, 2024—San Diego, CA—Petco Park‡

    April 3, 2024—Winnipeg, MB—Canada Life Centre+

    April 4, 2024—Grand Forks, ND—Alerus Center+

    April 6, 2024—Minneapolis, MN—U.S. Bank Stadium^

    May 4, 2024—Indianapolis, IN—Lucas Oil Stadium#

    May 9, 2024—West Palm Beach, FL—iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre~

    May 11, 2024—Jacksonville, FL—Everbank Stadium#

    May 22, 2024—Rapid City, SD—The Monument** (SOLD OUT)

    May 24, 2024—Sioux Falls, SD—Denny Sanford PREMIER Center**

    May 25, 2024—Ames, IA—Jack Trice Stadium#

    May 31, 2024—Cleveland, OH—Blossom Music Center**

    June 1, 2024—Charlotte, NC—Bank of America Stadium#

    June 6, 2024—Philadelphia, PA—Freedom Mortgage Pavilion††

    June 7, 2024—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live††

    June 8, 2024—East Rutherford, NJ—MetLife Stadium#

    June 12, 2024—Kansas City, MO—T-Mobile Center‡‡

    June 26, 2024—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl++ (SOLD OUT)

    June 27, 2024—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl++

    June 29, 2024—Salt Lake City, UT—Rice-Eccles Stadium#

    July 11, 2024—Buffalo, NY—Darien Lake Amphitheater††

    July 12, 2024—Pittsburgh, PA—The Pavilion at Star Lake††

    July 13, 2024—Detroit, MI—Ford Field#

    July 18, 2024—Toledo, OH—Huntington Center††

    July 19, 2024—Columbus, OH—Schottenstein Center††

    July 20, 2024—Chicago, IL—Soldier Field#

    July 25, 2024—Nampa, ID—Ford Idaho Center Arena^^ (SOLD OUT)

    July 26, 2024—Portland, OR—RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater^^

    July 27, 2024—Seattle, WA—T-Mobile Park##

    August 1, 2024—Gilford, NH—BankNH Pavilion++

    August 2, 2024—Gilford, NH—BankNH Pavilion++ (SOLD OUT)

    August 3, 2024—Gilford, NH—BankNH Pavilion++

    August 9, 2024—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena~~

    August 10, 2024—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena~~

    August 21, 2024—Birmingham, AL—The Legacy Arena at the BJCC++

    August 22, 2024—Little Rock, AR—Simmons Bank Arena++

    October 16, 2024—Manchester, England—AO Arena++ (SOLD OUT)

    October 17, 2024—Glasgow, Scotland—OVO Hydro Arena++ (SOLD OUT)

    October 20, 2024—Dublin, Ireland—3Arena++ (SOLD OUT)

    October 22, 2024—Birmingham, England—Utilita Arena++ (SOLD OUT)

    October 23, 2024—London, England—The O2++ (SOLD OUT)

    December 7, 2024—Las Vegas, NV—Allegiant Stadium#

    †with special guest Nikki Lane

    ‡with special guests Turnpike Troubadours and Elle King

    +with special guests The War and Treaty and Allen Stone

    ^with special guests Lainey Wilson and Marcus King

    #George Strait and special guest Little Big Town

    ~with special guests Grace Potter and Nikki Lane

    **with special guests Marcus King and The War and Treaty

    ††with special guests Marcus King and Nikki Lane

    ‡‡with special guests Marcus King and Allen Stone

    ++with special guests Grace Potter and Allen Stone

    ^^with special guests Nikki Lane and Allen Stone

    ##with special guests Willie Nelson and Family and Sheryl Crow

    ~~with special guests Marty Stuart and Nikki Lane

     

    Audio / Chris Stapleton says his new album Higher has something for everyone.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (Higher album) OC: …on this record. :56
    “One thing that’s probably notable about the record to me is it’s the first one that we’ve put out that doesn’t contain a cover, so there’s no covers on this record. So, in that way, I guess you could say it should be more intrinsically whatever we do. So, there’s definitely some exploration of the edges of what that is, and certainly some moments of stretching out vocally and trying to see what that is. There’s some different stuff on this record, I think, and I think it’s really great. I think it’s something that people will enjoy. I think there’s something on it for everybody, which is kind of always my goal. If you’re a kind of a hardcore traditional country person, there’s a song on there for that somewhere. If you leaned into more of the R&B side of what we do, there’s stuff on there for that. If you like the rock side of things that we do, there’s stuff on there for that. And there’s some really great songs on here. I’m excited about the songs on this record.”

     

    Audio / LINER Chris Stapleton (Higher available now)

    Download

     

  • PRISCILLA BLOCK MAKES FEEL-GOOD BAD DECISIONS WITH LATEST RELEASE “HEY, JACK” AVAILABLE NOW.

    Platinum-selling recording artist, Priscilla Block, has been shutting down the bars on Broadway with fake names since she burst onto the Country music scene. Now, everyone’s favorite party starter is showcasing her evolution as an artist with her latest release, “Hey, Jack” (via UMG Nashville). The song, written by Priscilla Block, Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover and Dave Cohen, is a mid-tempo heartbreak that leaves Block desperately seeking a quick remedy in the mysterious Jack. A departure from her more carefree and angsty tracks, “Hey, Jack” proves Block is an artist without limitation and is poised for a lasting and impactful career.

    “This release is something that we’ve worked really hard on. From writing the song, to filming the video, to having my red carpet looks mimic different scenes from the video. It’s been such a creative time for me. This is the start of a new era and I couldn’t be more excited about it!”
    -Priscilla Block

     

     

    LISTEN:           “Hey, Jack”

    Block is also announcing upcoming show dates for the Hey Jack Tour, kicking off in San Diego, CA and continuing on throughout North America. She can also be seen next year performing during the C2C Music Festival in the United Kingdom and the CMC: Rocks Festival in Australia.

    Hey Jack Tour Dates:
    *Festival

    February 7, 2024 Moonshine Beach San Diego, CA
    February 8, 2024 Troubadour West Hollywood, CA
    February 9, 2024 Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace Bakersfield, CA
    February 10, 2024 The Fremont Theater San Luis Obispo, CA
    February 15, 2024 Showbox Seattle, WA
    February 16, 2024 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
    February 17, 2024 Knitting Factory Spokane, WA
    February 23, 2024 Tannahill Tavern & Music Hall Fort Worth, TX
    February 24, 2024 The Hall Little Rock, AR
    March 8 – 10, 2024 C2C: Country to Country Festival United Kingdom*
    March 15-17, 2024 CMC: Rocks Festival Willowbank, Australia*
    April 18, 2024 The Pageant Saint Louis, MO
    April 19, 2024 The Intersection Grand Rapids, MI
    April 20, 2024 Roxian Theatre McKees Rocks, PA
    April 25, 2024 The Paramount Huntington, NY
    April 26, 2024 Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA
    April 27, 2024 9:30 Club Washington, D.C.
    May 2, 2024 The Georgia Theatre Athens, GA
    May 3, 2024 The Windjammer Isle of Palms, SC
    May 4, 2024 The Ritz Raleigh, NC

     

    Audio / Priscilla Block talks about her new song, "Hey Jack."

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    Priscilla Block (Hey Jack) OC: …some whiskey. :25
    “’Hey Jack’ was such a fun song to write. I wrote it with Randy Montana, Jeremy Stover and Dave Cohen, and it was really cool writing from the perspective of you talking to a drink. I feel like a drink can be something that you lean on if you’re going through a great time or a hard time, and they get sides of you that a lot of people don’t. So, instead of calling an ex-boyfriend, you might call on some whiskey.”

    Audio / LINER Priscilla Block (Hey Jack) 1

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    Audio / LINER Priscilla Block (Hey Jack) 4

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  • TYLER HUBBARD MAKES THE MOST OF LIFE ON NEW SONG “A LOT WITH A LITTLE,” OUT NOW.

    Tyler Hubbard shares “A Lot With A Little,” an anthem for making the most out of small moments. Layered sonically with bright guitar riffs, piercing drums and a bit of gratitude, the song is out today via EMI Records Nashville and is part of Hubbard’s next full project, which will be released in 2024. 

    LISTEN TO “A LOT WITH A LITTLE” | HERE

    “A Lot With A Little” follows Hubbard’s wild-and-free radio single “Back Then Right Now” (9.8). Watch him perform the song on NBC’s TODAY Show, here.

    Hubbard wrapped his sold-out Canadian headlining tour last week, and he will serve as direct support on Kane Brown’s In The Air Tour in 2024, with shows in Los Angeles, Toronto, Houston, Atlanta and more.

    To stay up-to-date on all things Tyler Hubbard, visit tylerhubbardofficial.com.

     

    Tyler Hubbard On Tour:

    Fri., Mar. 15 – Sun., Mar. 17 | CMC Rocks Qld 2024 | Willowbank, AUS

    Thurs., Mar. 28 | John Paul Jones Arena | Charlottesville, VA^

    Fri., Mar. 29 | PPG Paints Arena | Pittsburgh, PA^

    Sat., Mar. 30 | Prudential Center | Newark, NJ^

    Thurs., Apr. 4 | Little Caesars Arena | Detroit, MI^

    Fri., Apr. 5 | ScotiaBank Arena | Toronto, ON, CA^

    Sat., Apr. 6 | Keybank Center | Buffalo, NY^

    Thurs., Apr. 11 | T-Mobile Center | Kansas City, MO^

    Fri., Apr. 12 | Allstate Arena | Rosemont, IL^

    Thurs., Apr. 18 | Wells Fargo Arena | Des Moines, IA^

    Fri., Apr. 19 | Target Center | Minneapolis, MN^

    Sat., Apr. 20 | Alerus Center | Grand Forks, ND^

    Fri., Apr. 26 | United Supermarkets Arena | Lubbock, TX^

    Sat., Apr. 27 | Toyota Center | Houston, TX^

    Sun., Apr. 28 | Moody Center | Austin, TX^

    Thurs., May 9 | Matthew Knight Arena | Eugene, OR^

    Fri., May 10 | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, CA^

    Sat., May 11 | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, CA^

    Fri., May 17 | Delta Center | Salt Lake City, UT^

    Sat., May 18 | T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, NV^

    Sun., May 19 | Boots In The Park | Tempe, AZ

    Thurs., May 30 | Amway Center | Orlando, FL^

    Fri., May 31 | Amalie Arena | Tampa, FL^

    Sat., Jun. 1 | Amalie Arena | Tampa, FL^

    Fri., Jun. 7 | PNC Arena | Raleigh, NC^

    Sat., Jun. 8 | State Farm Arena | Atlanta, GA^

    Sat. Jun. 29 | Lakes Jam 2024 | Brainerd, MN

    Sat., Aug. 24 | BMO Stadium | Los Angeles, CA^

     

    ^supporting Kane Brown

     

    Audio / LINER Tyler Hubbard (ALWAL)

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    Video /

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  • REBA McENTIRE TAKES FANS BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF THE EMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR “SEVEN MINUTES IN HEAVEN.”

    Reba McEntire‘s emotional and poignant video for her new song, “Seven Minutes In Heaven,” imagines what it would be like to be able to spend seven minutes in the afterlife with a special loved one, and for Reba, that would be her mother Jaqueline, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 93.

    In the video, she sits in a booth with a woman who resembles her mother from the back, and it was a pretty emotional day for the superstar. “I picked out the lady to play mama, Eleanor. She did a great job. And she was a sweetheart to get to work with,” says Reba. “That is exactly what I thought it would look like if I went to heaven and it was, you know, with the smoke coming in and out, made it look really heavenly. And I thought it would be something familiar, something that you’d feel comfortable with. God thinks of everything. And so, to walk up to the booth, and the next time I walk up and mama’s there and I put my arms on her shoulders, Eleanor’s hands were very similar to mama’s when she was young. So that got me to, they kept saying, ‘Okay, let’s do it again. I said, ‘Okay, let’s take a little break here. Get in here to redo my makeup. Because I would, I just bawled. And Eleanor was sitting across from me at the booth, and she’d see me crying. She’d try to reach for a napkin out of the napkin dispenser on the table. And I’d say, ‘Eleanor, that’s okay. It’s part of the video.’ ‘You don’t want to wipe?’ I said, ‘I’m good. I’m good.’ But she was just like a mother, you know, and they’re trying to make sure everything was all right. It was healing. It was healing for me to do that video and kind of like get it out because it still hurts.”

    “Seven Minutes in Heaven” comes off Reba’s Not That Fancy album, a companion to her book of the same title. The project also includes stripped down versions of “The Fear Of Being Alone,” “I’m A Survivor,” “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Fancy” and “Consider Me Gone,” among others.

    In other news, you can get a chance to livestream her sold-out Not That Fancy: An Evening with Reba & Friends event live from Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Sunday through Veeps.com. The special event will be hosted by her friend and Reba co-star Melissa Peterman and will feature personal stories from Reba from her new book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. The Country Music Hall of Famer will also perform several songs, including “Seven Minutes in Heaven.”

     

    Audio / Reba McEntire talks about the music video for "Seven Minutes In Heaven."

    Download

    Reba McEntire (music video for Seven Minutes In Heaven) OC: …it still hurts. 1:08
    “I picked out the lady to play mama, Eleanor. She did a great job. And she was a sweetheart to get to work with. That is exactly what I thought it would look like if I went to heaven and it was, you know, with the smoke coming in and out, made it look really heavenly. And I thought it would be something familiar, something that you’d feel comfortable with. God thinks of everything. And so, to walk up to the booth, and the next time I walk up and mama’s there and I put my arms on her shoulders, Eleanor’s hands were very similar to mama’s when she was young. So that got me to, they kept saying, ‘Okay, let’s do it again. I said, ‘Okay, let’s take a little break here. Get in here to redo my makeup. Because I would, I just bawled. And Eleanor was sitting across from me at the booth, and she’d see me crying. She’d try to reach for a napkin out of the napkin dispenser on the table. And I’d say, ‘Eleanor, that’s okay. It’s part of the video.’ ‘You don’t want to wipe?’ I said, ‘I’m good. I’m good.’ But she was just like a mother, you know, and they’re trying to make sure everything was all right. It was healing. It was healing for me to do that video and kind of like get it out because it still hurts.”

  • CATIE OFFERMAN LETS THE COWGIRL TAKE THE REINS IN NEW SONG “OK COWBOY.”

    MCA Nashville’s Catie Offerman released a new track today, “Ok Cowboy,” which is a song about the tables being turned, set in a bar with the woman taking the lead. Written by Offerman, Joe Clemmons, Matt Dragstrem and Adam James, the song was produced by Dann Huff. “Ok Cowboy” has been a crowd favorite in Offerman’s live shows and is one that the rising country star has been wanting to put out to the fans.

     

     “This has been one of my most favorite songs to play live this past year. The reaction from the crowds has been amazing and I’ve had so many people ask when it was going to come out that honestly, I’ve been dying to release it since the day we wrote it,” said Offerman. “So glad the time is here!  ‘OK Cowboy’ was a funny thing that me and my good friends would say to each other in a really high pitched, quirky voice. One day I said, dang that’s a song!  We sat down to write it and I was so excited to go into the studio to record it. I love the edge to this song because you know they say it’s the cowboy that rides away but that’s not always the case.”

    Lyrics

    That seat is open if you wanna sit down

    Looks like you in that Stetson might be gettin’ my next round

    Kinda love them boots and that outlaw smile

    That laid back blue jean cool thing is just my style

    The bar’s about the close

    You think you’d know how this goes

     

    Ok cowboy, I’ll let you kiss me

    Let you think you’re kinda wild, it’s my first rodeo

    Ok cowboy, I’ll sip your whiskey

    But it don’t burn like me, boy, just so you know

    I ain’t a stranger to a dust cloud heartbreak song

    If I ride away will you be ok cowboy

     

    Guess you ain’t scared, as you slide in closer

    Take my hand, tip the band, play something slower

    Give you one more song and if you prove me wrong, that’d be

     

    Ok cowboy, I’ll let you kiss me

    Let you think you’re kinda wild, it’s my first rodeo

    Ok cowboy, I’ll sip your whiskey

    But it don’t burn like me, boy, just so you know

    I ain’t a stranger to a dust cloud heartbreak song

    If I ride away will you be ok cowboy

    Ok Cowboy

     

    The bar’s about to close

    And you don’t want me to go

    Ok cowboy

     

    Ok cowboy, I’ll let you kiss me

    Let you think you’re kinda wild, it’s my first rodeo

    Ok cowboy, I won’t make you miss me

    At least for the night but just so you know

    I ain’t a stranger to a dust cloud heartbreak song

    If I ride away will you be ok cowboy

    Oh, Ok cowboy

     

    Offerman will continue to tour this fall/winter, performing at festivals and on several dates as support for George Strait and Parker McCollum. Tickets are available HERE.

     

    2023 and Spring 2024 Tour Dates:

     

    10/21 Richmond Hill, GA The 24th Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival
    10/27 Austin, TX Moody Center*
    10/28 The Woodlands, TX The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
    11/4 Surf City, NC Surf City Live
    11/10 Santa Fe, NM Lucchese Bootmaker
    11/11 Chino, CA Country Campout Weekend
    11/12 Cedar Park, TX HASE 101 Acoustic Christmas
    11/13 San Antonio, TX HJ97 Star Party
    11/14 Graham, TX Memorial Auditorium
    11/17 Dickies Arena Fort Worth, TX**
    11/18 Dickies Arena Fort Worth, TX**
    12/29 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center*
    12/30 Tulsa, OK BOK Center*
    12/31 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena*
    4/4 Abilene, TX Taylor county Coliseum*
    4/5 Edinburg, TX Bert Ogden Arena*
    4/11 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center*
    4/12 Lake Charles, LA Lake Charles Civic Center*
    4/13 Waco, TX Baylor Touchdown Alley*
    4/18 Roanoke, VA Berglund Center*
    4/19 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphitheater*
    5/2 Salina, KS Tony’s Pizza Event Center*
    5/3 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP*
    5/4 Columbia, MO Mizzou Arena*
    *support for Parker McCollum
    **support for George Strait b

     

    Audio / Catie Offerman talks about her new song, "Ok Cowboy."

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    Catie Offerman (Ok Cowboy) OC: …proud of it. :47
    “This song was so much fun just writing it, coming up with it. ‘Ok Cowboy’ was a funny phrase that me and a close friend of mine would always say to each other. We’d say, ‘Ok Cowboy,’ and we said that for a while, and at some point, I was like, ‘You know what? I actually think that’s a song.’ I took it to a couple of buddies of mine, and we sat down and wrote this song. I think the cool thing about it is the twist of it’s actually the girl kind of taking the ball in her hands and saying, ‘You gonna be ok if I leave you in the morning? I won’t leave you lonely tonight, but no promises on tomorrow. Like you gonna be ok, cowboy?’ And I think it’s just cool. It gives her that kind of like, I don’t know, edge, and that’s fun to me because you usually expect the guy to leave, but in this case, it’s kind of in the girl’s hands. So, I think that’s special. It’s fun, and I’m proud of it.”

    Audio / LINER Catie Offerman (Ok Cowboy out now)

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    Audio / LINER Catie Offerman (Ok Cowboy) 1

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  • KYLIE MORGAN GETS READY TO RELEASE HER DEBUT ALBUM.

    With over 400 million global streams, a CMT Music Awards nomination, and a successful headline tour already highlighting 2023, EMI Records Nashville singer-songwriter Kylie Morgan will release her debut album, Making It Up As I Go, on Friday (October 13th).

    She previously said in describing the collection, “This album is for the in-betweeners. The ones who pretend to have it all figured out but are still finding out where they want to go, who they want to be, and how to get there. Whether you’re a child who’s supposed to feel like a teenager, a teenager who’s supposed to feel like a grown up or a grown up that still feels like a child. We’re all just doing our best and I hope this is the soundtrack to your journey. Cause if we’re all being honest… we’re just makin’ it up as we go.”

    “I hope my fans take away a lot of things from this album,” says Kylie. “Continuing to release very honest and real songs, I feel like has made me find the group of fans that have, that I just felt so close to, and that’s what I’m continuing to do on this. It’s from perspectives that they haven’t heard. It’s about subject matters that I have talked about, but also from new perspectives AND about subject matters that I even haven’t addressed yet because I just now lived it in my life. So I hope they take away nothing but honesty, transparency, and I hope that they can find a piece of this album that relates to the chapter of the life that they’re in right now.”

    Kylie’s debut album follows the success of her bold breakout track “If He Wanted To He Would,” which is included on the project, along with recent releases “A Few Hearts Ago” and “Sugar Daddy.” The 12-song track list features two self-penned songs, plus co-writes alongside Music Row’s most promising songwriters. Kylie’s signature vulnerable storytelling combines with empowering anthems, for a refreshing relatability that meets fans right where they are, in any stage of life.

    Kylie Morgan’s Making It Up As I Go Track List:

    1. “Making It Up As I Go” (Kylie Morgan, KK Johnson, Jordan Minton) ^
    2. “Class Rings” (Kylie Morgan, Ben Foster and Jack Newsome) ~
    3. “Country Girl” (Kylie Morgan, Gabe Foust, Nate Kenyon and Lance Miller)
    4. “Sugar Daddy” (Kylie Morgan, James McNair and Seth Mosley) #
    5. “Ladies First” (Kylie Morgan, Ben Goldsmith, Josh Jenkins) >
    6. “Happy Ever After Me” (Kylie Morgan)
    7. “Bad Girlfriend” (Kylie Morgan, Emily Earle, Blake Hubbard, Jarrod Ingram) *
    8. “A Few Hearts Ago” (Kylie Morgan, Casey Brown, James McNair) <
    9. “Quarter Life Crisis” (Kylie Morgan)
    10. “If He Wanted To He Would” (Kylie Morgan, Zandi Holup, Ben Johnson)
    11. “Don’t Stay Gone Too Long” (Kylie Morgan, Nelly Joy, Jason Massey) %
    12. “Old Me” (Kylie Morgan, Megan Conner, Jeff Garrison) +

     Produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson

    *Produced by Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson and The 720

    ^Produced by KK Johnson

    ~Produced by Jack Newsome

    #Produced by Seth Mosley and Malcolm “X” O’Connor

    >Produced by Ben Goldsmith

    <Produced by Casey Brown

    %Produced by Jason Massey

    +Produced by Jeff Garrison

     

    She’s currently on the road with Old Dominion on the band’s No Bad Vibes Tour. Next stop is October 26th in Glendale, Arizona and running through December 15th in Nashville. Before that, she’ll hit the stage of the Grand Ole Opry on October 21st.

    For tickets and a full list of tour dates, visit https://www.kyliemorgan.com/tour/.

     

    Audio / Kylie Morgan hopes people will find honesty and songs that relate to their lives on her debut album, Making it Up As I Go.

    Download

    Kylie Morgan (what fans will go away with) OC: …in right now. :36
    “I hope my fans take away a lot of things from this album. Continuing to release very honest and real songs, I feel like has made me find the group of fans that have, that I just felt so close to, and that’s what I’m continuing to do on this. It’s from perspectives that they haven’t heard. It’s about subject matters that I have talked about, but also from new perspectives AND about subject matters that I even haven’t addressed yet because I just now lived it in my life. So I hope they take away nothing but honesty, transparency, and I hope that they can find a piece of this album that relates to the chapter of the life that they’re in right now.”

    Audio / LINER Kylie Morgan (available this week)

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  • KEITH URBAN’S INDUCTION INTO THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME IS “ONE OF THE HIGHEST HONORS” OF HIS CAREER.

    Next Wednesday (October 11th), Keith Urban will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, along with Kix Brooks, David Lee Murphy, Casey Beathard and Rafe Van Hoy, and he says it’s one of the biggest honors of his career.

    “Being invited into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is hands down one of the highest honors that’s ever happened to me,” says Keith. “I’ve always loved writing songs. I’ve always loved great songwriters, and so, you know, this is a songwriting town. I mean first the song always. The song is the very first thing. To be in this group, this incredible group of songwriters is a bit surreal. Honestly, it’s probably still sinking in.”

    Keith is thrilled to be inducted alongside many of his friends, especially Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, who was a champion of Keith’s in the early days of his Nashville career. “This particular group, this Class of ‘23 (laughs), I guess, is surreal. I know all of these guys; Casey Beathard is the only guy that I haven’t really met, but I’ve known David Lee Murphy for a long time, Rafe Van Hoy, Kix Brooks, of course,” he says. “Kix is like my brother from another mother. He was one of the first people in town to really get behind what I was doing. I had a band at the time called The Ranch and Kix came and saw us play in a tiny little club and invited us to go out and open some shows for Brooks & Dunn even before we ever had any music out. We had nothing on the radio. He was just a great believer of mine. So to be inducted in the same year that Kix is particularly sweet.”

    All five members will be formally inducted during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Music City Center.

    Keith’s Las Vegas residency returns to the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on November 1st and runs through November 18th.

    Audio / Keith Urban says being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is one of the biggest honors of his life.

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    Keith Urban (Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame high honor) OC: …sinking in. :29
    “Omigosh, I mean being invited into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is hands down one of the highest honors that’s ever happened to me. I’ve always loved writing songs. I’ve always loved great songwriters, and so, you know, this is a songwriting town. I mean first the song always. The song is the very first thing. To be in this group, this incredible group of songwriters is a bit surreal. Honestly, it’s probably still sinking in.”

    Audio / Keith Urban talks about being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame with this particular class.

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    Keith Urban (NSHOF Class of 2023) OC: …particularly sweet. :41
    “This particular group, this Class of ‘23 (laughs), I guess, is surreal. I know all of these guys; Casey Beathard is the only guy that I haven’t really met, but I’ve known David Lee Murphy for a long time, Rafe Van Hoy, Kix Brooks, of course. Kix is like my brother from another mother. He was one of the first people in town to really get behind what I was doing. I had a band at the time called The Ranch and Kix came and saw us play in a tiny little club and invited us to go out and open some shows for Brooks & Dunn even before we ever had any music out. We had nothing on the radio. He was just a great believer of mine. So to be inducted in the same year that Kix is particularly sweet.”

  • JOSH ROSS UNVEILS EMOTIONAL NEW SONG “AIN’T THE ONE” OUT TODAY.

    Breakout country singer-songwriter Josh Ross unveils his most vulnerable song to date, “Ain’t The One,” out today (September 29th). Josh co-wrote “Ain’t The One” with Taylor Phillips, Jaxson Free, and Jon Kraft, and the track was produced by his frequent collaborator, Matt Geroux.

     

    The track depicts the painful and relatable story of moving on from love. His honesty in the writing room was the key that unlocked the heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals, mixed with the captivating guitar melodies to create a country-rock sound.

    “My own relationships inspire my ideas,” says Josh. “I feel most comfortable just being honest in the writing room with what I want to say. One of the hardest things about being in a relationship is sometimes knowing that the person is better off without you and this song is all about that. ‘Ain’t The One’ is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written.”

    The track follows his current chart-climbing single, “Trouble,” plus recent releases “Red Flags” and “Ain’t Doin’ Jack.”

    Currently on the road with Nickelback for the 51-date GET ROLLIN’ TOUR along with Brantley Gilbert, he joins Bailey Zimmerman as support on RELIGIOUSLY. THE TOUR. in 2024 and will perform at Stagecoach next year. For tickets and a full list of tour dates, please visit JoshRossMusic.com.

    Tallying more than 186 million global streams, making his Grand Ole Opry debut this past summer, and taking home the ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ award at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards, Josh Ross continues to claim his place in country music.

     

    Audio / LINER Josh Ross (Ain't The One) 1

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  • ANNE WILSON UNVEILS A BOLD GENRE FUSION WITH REBEL (THE BEGINNING) THREE-PACK, AVAILABLE NOW.

    PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson boldly transcends musical boundaries with the release of her latest offering, REBEL (The Beginning). The transformative three-pack, available now, marks the start of her new chapter seamlessly blending the Country and Christian genres. Featured on today’s brand-new three-pack is the title track “REBEL,” Christian radio single “Strong” and forthcoming Country radio single “Rain In The Rearview.” Wilson will release dual singles at Christian and Country radio with impact dates of today, 9/29, and 10/9 respectively.

    LISTEN: REBEL (The Beginning)

    “I am beyond excited to send this new music out into the world,” shares Wilson. “These three songs felt like the perfect way to begin the next chapter of my musical journey. And I’ve got a lot more songs I’ve been writing, so this truly feels like the beginning of something special.”

    Kicking off the new chapter of music is the loud-and-proud title track “REBEL,” in tribute to the original counter-culture movement that finds Wilson taking an “against the grain” approach. Backing defiant, almost dangerous-feeling vocals with roaring guitars, pounding drums and a gospel spirit, she delivers an up-tempo country-rock stomp that showcases her unwavering spirit.

    Weary but never broken, Wilson lifts spirits with Christian radio single “Strong.” Released today with an all-new lyric video, the epic ballad leaves listeners feeling empowered to face whatever challenge comes next.

    With emotions gathering like a distant storm, Wilson belts her eyes-to-the-sky Country anthem, “Rain In The Rearview,” determined to leave the past behind and chase a fresh start. Matching the dark, intricate Country sound is Wilson’s hurricane-force vocal, set to impact radio waves on October 9th.

     

    REBEL (The Beginning) track list:

    1. “REBEL” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)
    2. “Strong” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Jeff Pardo)
    3. “Rain In The Rearview” (Anne Wilson, Matthew West, Zach Kale, Jaren Johnston)

    Wilson is taking her new music on the road as part of her first-ever headlining My Jesus Tour, accompanied by special guest Josh Baldwin. The 20-stop, sold-out tour kicked off last night (9/28) in Houston, Texas and is set to captivate audiences this fall in major cities nationwide including Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Chicago.

    Earlier this month, Wilson hit yet another milestone with her debut chart breaker “My Jesus” earning certified PLATINUM status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The celebrations continued as she made her debut Country award show performance at the 15th Annual ACM Honors at the historic Ryman Auditorium, joining Jordan Davis to perform “Buy Dirt.” Watch it here.

    She also secured another Dove Award nomination for her 2022 Christmas project, The Manger, recognized in the category of Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year at the upcoming 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The recent Dove recognition adds to her already impressive collection of Dove honors which includes 2022 wins for New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded song of the Year for “My Jesus.” For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

     

    Audio / Anne Wilson talks about the inspiration behind her debut country single, "Rain In The Rearview."

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    Anne Wilson (Rain In The Rearview) OC: …through it. :51
    “This is a song about moving forward; moving forward from grief; moving forward from heartbreak and from pain in our lives. There’s a bible verse that I love that talks about how ‘weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.’ I think sometimes we get so stuck in the storms we are in, and it can look so hopeless like it’s never going to end. I’ve been there. I felt that way when I lost my brother six years ago. I’ve shed my share of tears, and I still cry sometimes. I’ve had days when I wondered if I’d ever know joy again, but I’m learning how to keep moving forward; taking God’s hand and letting him take the wheel, and I’m learning there’s always a reason to wake up and face another day knowing that no matter what storm I’m facing this too shall pass. And someday when the rain from that storm I’ve faced is in my rearview, I’ll look back and smile because I’m stronger for it and because I know who got me through it.”

    Audio / LINER Anne Wilson (Rain In The Rearview) 1

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    Audio / LINER Anne Wilson (Rain In The Rearview) 2

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    Audio / LINER Anne Wilson (Rain In The Rearview) 3

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    Audio / LINER Anne Wilson (Rain In The Rearview) 4

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    Audio / LINER Anne Wilson (Rain In The Rearview) 5

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  • DARIUS RUCKER PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS “BIGGEST SUPPORTER” WITH HIS UPCOMING ALBUM.

    Darius Rucker will release his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, next Friday (October 6th); his first since 2017’s “When Was The Last Time.” He co-wrote 10 of the 14 tracks on the album with such prominent songwriters as Ed Sheeran, HARDY, John Osborne, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and many more.

    He named the new album after his mother, a nurse at Medical University of South Carolina and who raised him with his three sisters and two brothers. “I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success,” Darius explained during a recent “TODAY” interview. “She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”

    Coming up with the title for an album is often difficult for artists, but for Darius, the title came to him in the studio as sort of an epiphany when he was having a bad day.

    “She was my biggest supporter. You know, she was always in my corner, you know, back when I was a real young kid trying to get in the rock and roll and country and being told that wasn’t the music I was supposed to be listening to, she was my biggest supporter; my biggest ‘leave him alone person. Let him listen to what he wants to listen to,’” says Darius of his mom who passed away in 1992. “I remember when I told her I was dropping out of college to play in Hootie, and I thought she was going to kill me. I really thought she was going to kill me. And she didn’t. She said, ‘If that’s what you need to do…’ you know, because she always believed that I was going to make it probably a lot more than I did. And it was funny because I was in the studio having, and the only way I can explain it is, I was just having a bad day, a bad mental health day. And I sat down at one point, I just said to myself that really, at the end of the day, I’m just my Mama’s boy, and that was the day that’s when I decided to name it Carolyn’s boy. And that was an epiphany for me, and that helped a lot.”

    Darius tells us Carolyn’sBoy is probably his most personal album to date. “It’s probably the most personal I’ve ever written. So many things have been going on in the world and in my life in the past six years that I just kept writing songs about what was going on,” he says. “And once I decided to name it Carolyn’s Boy, the personal songs seemed to rise to the top of the heap. And so, (this is a) pretty personal record, but, you know, I love that. I love telling the truth.”


    Carolyn’s Boy
    Track List
    :

    1. Beers And Sunshine (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
    2. In This Together (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
    3. Never Been Over (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
    4. Fires Don’t Start Themselves (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
    5. Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
    6. 7 Days (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
    7. Same Beer Different Problem (Darius Rucker, Topher Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
    8. Sara (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
    9. Have A Good Time (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
    10. Sure Would Have Loved Her (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
    11. Southern Comfort (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
    12. 3am in Carolina (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
    13. Lift Me Up (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
    14. Stargazing (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)

    Fans can catch Darius on his Starting Fires Tour, and he’ll bring the new music to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina during his personally-curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival for a second year during his album release weekend (October 7th & 8th).

    Darius will be inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville on October 4th.

    Audio / Darius Rucker explains why he named his new album, Carolyn’s Boy.

    Download

    Darius Rucker (just Carolyn’s Boy) OC: …helped a lot. :53
    “She was my biggest supporter. You know, she was always in my corner, you know, back when I was a real young kid trying to get in the rock and roll and country and being told that wasn’t the music I was supposed to be listening to, she was my biggest supporter; my biggest ‘leave him alone person. Let him listen to what he wants to listen to.’ I remember when I told her I was dropping out of college to play in Hootie, and I thought she was going to kill me. I really thought she was going to kill me. And she didn’t. She said, ‘If that’s what you need to do…’ you know, because she always believed that I was going to make it probably a lot more than I did. And it was funny because I was in the studio having, and the only way I can explain it is, I was just having a bad day, a bad mental health day. And I sat down at one point, I just said to myself that really, at the end of the day, I’m just my Mama’s boy, and that was the day that’s when I decided to name it Carolyn’s boy. And that was an epiphany for me, and that helped a lot.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker says Carolyn’s Boy is a pretty personal record for him.

    Download

    Darius Rucker (Carolyn’s Boy personal album) OC: …the truth. :24
    “It’s probably the most personal I’ve ever written. So many things have been going on in the world and in my life in the past six years that I just kept writing songs about what was going on. And once I decided to name it Carolyn’s Boy, the personal songs seemed to rise to the top of the heap. And so, (this is a) pretty personal record, but, you know, I love that. I love telling the truth.”

    Video /

    View
  • ANNE WILSON’S “MY JESUS” EARNS RIAA PLATINUM CERTIFICATION.

    Photo ID (L-R): CCMG’s Josh Bailey, David Gutekunst, Brad O’Donnell, Anne Wilson, Hudson Plachy, Karrie Dawley, Kenny Rodgers |
    Photo credit: Anna Moos

    GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson was rendered speechless as her Capitol Christian Music Group team surprised her with a celebration to announce that her debut single “My Jesus” is now certified PLATINUM by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The “deeply personal breakout ballad” (Billboard) has continued to fuel Wilson’s unstoppable career as it notched over one million units sold and counting, with numerous awards and accolades to its name.

    Wilson’s momentous week extended to her debut performance at a Country award show during Monday night’s ACM Honors. She graced the historic Ryman stage alongside Jordan Davis to perform the double-Platinum, ACM Award-nominated No. 1 song, “Buy Dirt.”  Watch the performance here.

    “What a moment for the Lord, for my sweet brother Jacob, for my family, for the writers and producers, for Capitol Christian and for ALL who have walked this unexpected adventure,” shares Wilson. “To see what God has done out of the deepest pain is such a precious gift that He has given to all of us. GOD NEVER wastes our sorrows. He uses them in ways we cannot dream of. I can’t wait to hug my brother again and talk about all the things God has done. Jacob must be beaming in heaven right now sitting with ‘My Jesus.'”

    Called to her musical mission in the wake of tragedy, Wilson’s “My Jesus” – an empowering anthem of personal conviction wrapped in uplifting, roots-pop energy – served as her warm introduction to fans in early 2021. After going viral upon release, the single’s music video reached 7M views in its first week and 23M to date. The track hit No.1 on Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart, making her the first debut female Christian artist in chart history to reach No.1, and was nominated for a Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song. The single also went on to be named ASCAP’s 2022 Christian Music Awards Song of the Year, reaching Spotify’s Viral 50, the Shazam Top 200 and Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Trending charts. To date, the song has accumulated 360M streams and 180M TikTok views in addition to notching PLATINUM status.

    The follow-up to her introductory track was her now GRAMMY-nominated, 15-song debut album, My Jesus, which was released on April 22, 2022. As the biggest debut album by a CCMG artist in over 15 years, the “soul-touching record” (CMT) reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian & Gospel Albums and the Top 200 Christian and Gospel charts, topping her total global streams to over 722M.

    Wilson’s star continues to rise, she’ll embark on her first-ever headlining My Jesus Tour with special guest Josh Baldwin kicking off next Thursday. The nearly sold-out 20-stop tour begins on Sept. 28 in Houston, Texas and spans across the country with stops in major cities including Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Indianapolis and Chicago.

    Earlier this summer, Wilson released “Seventh of June,” a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to her beloved late brother Jacob. She also secured yet another Dove Award nomination for her 2022 Christmas project, The Manger, recognized in the category of Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year at the upcoming 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards, taking place at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 17 and airs on Friday, Oct. 20 (8:00 pm ET and 10:00 pm ET) on TBN and the TBN app. For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

  • MADDIE AND TAE WERE BLOWN AWAY THE FIRST TIME THEY HEARD “HEART THEY DIDN’T BREAK.”

    Maddie & Tae are sharing the brand-new track, “Heart They Didn’t Break,” which goes for adds on Monday (September 18th). The song’s lyrics tell a story of true friendship in times of heartbreak, as the pair take turns on lead vocals and weave in their signature harmonies. Written by Benjy Davis, Anna Vaus and Ryan Beaver, the song is produced by Corey Crowder.

    After hearing “Heart They Didn’t Break” for the first time, Tae knew the song fit them perfectly. “It did smack us right in the face the first time we heard it,” she recalls. “We were in like a pitch-meeting kind of style room, and they played it, and as soon as the hook hit – ‘friends that are there to fix the heart they didn’t break’ – Maddie and I looked at each other like, ‘Ohhhhh, that’s us! That’s you for me and that’s me for you! How have we not thought of this before?’ But at that time, we weren’t actively cutting. So, it was something that hit home for us, but didn’t go in the studio right away to cut it. But whenever we had started talking about songs for this next project and kind of what we were lacking, I texted our publisher and I was like, ‘What is that friendship song? I can’t remember the name. I just know it’s a friendship song and we need it.’ And then we went in the studio, and I was like, ‘How about I take the second verse?’ And it just kind of all happened so organically and meant to be, for sure.”

    Tae has been doing the media rounds herself, as her duo partner, Maddie Font, gave birth to son Forrest Henry on September 9th.

    The pair have notched another CMA Duo of the Year nomination, and they are set to perform at Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California in April 2024.

    Audio / Taylor Kerr of Maddie & Tae talks about hearing "the friendship song," "Heart They Didn't Break," for the first time.

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    Maddie & Tae (HTDB friendship song) OC: …to be, for sure. :
    TAE: “It did smack us right in the face the first time we heard it. We were in like a pitch-meeting kind of style room, and they played it, and as soon as the hook hit – ‘friends that are there to fix the heart they didn’t break’ – Maddie and I looked at each other like, ‘Ohhhhh, that’s us! That’s you for me and that’s me for you! How have we not thought of this before?’ But at that time, we weren’t actively cutting. So, it was something that hit home for us, but didn’t go in the studio right away to cut it. But whenever we had started talking about songs for this next project and kind of what we were lacking, I texted our publisher and I was like, ‘What is that friendship song? I can’t remember the name. I just know it’s a friendship song and we need it.’ And then we went in the studio, and I was like, ‘How about I take the second verse?’ And it just kind of all happened so organically and meant to be, for sure.”

    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (Heart They Didn't Break) 1

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    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (Heart They Didn't Break) 2

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    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (Heart They Didn't Break) 3

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    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (Heart They Didn't Break) 4

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    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (Heart They Didn't Break) 5

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    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (Heart They Didn't Break) 6

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  • LUKE BRYAN CELEBRATES 30 #1 SINGLES WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS.

    Pictured (L-R): Cindy Mabe/Chair & CEO, UMG Nashville, Luke Bryan, Kerri Edwards/KP Entertainment

    Country music superstar and five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan was honored today with a celebration for his career milestone of landing 30 #1 singles on country radio. Since his very first #1 single “Do I” landed atop of the charts in December 2009 to his thirtieth in December 2022 with “Country On” Luke has accumulated 56 total weeks at #1.

    The evening kicked off with performances and anecdotes by some of Luke’s closest friends much to his surprise in multiple ‘this is your life’ moments. Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood from Lady A performed “Do I” followed by Dierks Bentley, who went on a hilarious riff comparing their #1 tallies, and sang “Play It Again.” Up next was Marty Raybon of Shenandoah, a long-time musical hero to Luke, who performed “Fast.” The final surprise performer was good friend Jason Aldean who sang Luke’s “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.”

    After the guest performances Luke generously spent time to highlight many of the people who attended the party thanking them for their part in his career. He saw familiar faces in the crowd including dozens of songwriters who had written many of the 30 #1 hits, members of the industry including ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC representatives and more who all showed up to celebrate the success of one of country music’s most highly respected and likeable artists. Luke closed out the performances singing “Country On.” See photos here.

    During his career, Luke has amassed a total of 21.7 Billion global streams, 11.5 Million global album sales and 52 Million track sales worldwide. He is the most digital single RIAA certified country artist of all time with 83 Million units and 15.5M album certified units for a total of 98.5M. He was recently presented with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award in recognition of his standing as one of the most streamed artists in SoundExchange’s 20-year history.

    His headline concert tours have played sold-out shows for millions and millions of fans inclusive of nearly 40 stadium concerts, Farm Tours, Spring Break shows, and eight sold-out ‘Crash My Playa’ destination concert events. At Luke’s recent sold-out Bridgestone concert- his sixth consecutive- Billboard touted, the “key to his success as one of country music’s foremost ambassadors for more than a decade has been his long-perfected onstage blend of lovable goofball, sultry swagger and positive attitude.” This Thursday, Luke launches his 14th Farm Tour and resumes the “Country On Tour” on September 28th.

    Luke has won 50+ major music awards including five wins as Entertainer of the Year. Additional awards include six recognitions as a CMT Artist of the Year, NSAI Artist/Songwriter of the Year, the first-ever recipient of the ACM Album of the Decade Award for Crash My Party, seven CMT Music Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and four American Music Awards—as well as being named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 2010s, the Most Heard Artist of the Decade by Country Aircheck, and the Artist Humanitarian Recipient by the Country Radio Broadcasters.

    On November 8th, Luke and NFL superstar Peyton Manning will return to host “The 57th Annual CMA Awards” to be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena 8:00-11:00 PM/EST) on ABC. And in 2024, Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will return as celebrity judges for their seventh season on ABC’s American Idol.

     30 career #1 singles:  

    “Country On” – written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury 12-12-22

    “Buy Dirt” Jordan Davis Feat. Luke Bryan 1-24-22

     “Waves”- written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill 8-30-21

    “Down To One”- written by Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach and Kyle Fishman 3-1-21

    “One Margarita” – written by Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Thompson 7-6-21

    “What She Wants Tonight”- written by Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey and Jon Nite 3-31-20

    “Knockin’ Boots”- written by Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Jon Nite 9-9-19

    “What Makes You Country”- written by Luke, Dallas Davidson and Ashley Gorley 2-27-19

    “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset”- written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill 9-10-18

    “Most People Are Good”- written by David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear 3-26-18

    “Light It Up”- written by Luke Bryan, Brad Tursi 12-11-17

    “Fast”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird 4-3-17

    “Move”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Jay Clementi 11-7-16

    “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip 6-20-16

    “Home Alone Tonight”—Written by: Jody Stevens, Cole Taylor, Jaida Dreyer, Tommy Cecil 2-1-16

    “Strip It Down—Written by: Luke Bryan, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman 10-19-15

    “Kick The Dust Up”—Written by: Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley 8-3-15

    “I See You”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird 2-2-15

    “Roller Coaster”—Written by: Michael Carter, Cole Swindell 10-6-14

    “Play It Again”—Written by: Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley 5-19-14

    “Drink A Beer”—Written by: Jim Beavers, Chris Stapleton 2-3-14

    “That’s My Kind of Night”—Written by: Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley 10-21-13

    “Crash My Party”—Written by: Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley 7-1-13

    “Only Way I Know” Jason Aldean, Feat Luke Bryan   2-4-13

    “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens, Shane McAnally 11-5-12

    “Drunk On You”—Written by: Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear 6-4-12

    “I Don’t Want This Night To End”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip 1-16-12

    “Someone Else Calling You Baby”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens 2-13-11

    “Rain Is A Good Thing”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson 7-11-10

    “Do I”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley 12-13-09

     

    Audio / Luke Bryan says he's been thinking about this night for days.

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    Luke Bryan (30 No. 1 Party) OC: …this happen. :27

  • DARIUS RUCKER REVEALS CINEMATIC VIDEO FOR “FIRES DON’T START THEMSELVES.”

    Darius Rucker unveiled the official music video for his current single, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” with an exclusive CMT world premiere this morning across all platforms, including CMT, CMT Music, the CMT Equal Play channel on Pluto TV, CMT.com and Paramount billboards in Times Square. The cinematic video casts Rucker as a detective hot on the trail of a young couple whose passionate love is setting their town ablaze, both literally and figuratively.

    The song, praised by Billboard for Rucker’s “effective use of the impressive vocal control and power in his lower register,” is featured on his highly anticipated new album, Carolyn’s Boy, set for Oct. 6 release and named for his late mother as an “homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.” Preorder HERE.

     

    “It’s been six years… We had so much to write about, so I took my time, got with some great guys, got some great songs and I’m really excited for people to hear it,” Rucker shared from the “TODAY” Citi Concert Series stage on Friday (September 1st) as he offered a preview of the project with rousing performances of “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine” and recent release “Have A Good Time,” in addition to treating viewers to his Diamond-certified fan-favorite “Wagon Wheel,” one of the top five best-selling Country songs of all time.

    From there, Rucker also made a stop in Charlotte over the weekend to cheer on his beloved USC Gamecocks as the guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay, debuting his starring role on the show’s new theme song for the season, before performing the National Anthem and serving as an honorary captain for the USC vs. UNC coin toss. Fans across the country can celebrate the start of football season with year three of his Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics line, with an expansion to select NCAA teams for the first time, in addition to new NFL offerings and the debut of a full line of MLB apparel.

    Next, Rucker returns to the road on his Starting Fires Tour ahead of the album’s release next month, which will also be celebrated during the second year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival set for October 7th-8th in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to Rucker himself, fans will be treated to performances by Turnpike TroubadoursLainey WilsonBand of Horses and more. Limited tickets remain at RiverfrontRevival.com.

    For more information on all things Darius Rucker, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

    Carolyn’s Boy Track List:
    Lyrics & label copy available HERE (songwriters in parentheses)

    1. Beers And Sunshine (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
    2. In This Together (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
    3. Never Been Over (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
    4. Fires Don’t Start Themselves (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
    5. Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
    6. 7 Days (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
    7. Same Beer Different Problem (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
    8. Sara (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
    9. Have A Good Time (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
    10. Sure Would Have Loved Her (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
    11. Southern Comfort (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
    12. 3am in Carolina (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
    13. Lift Me Up (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
    14. Stargazing (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)
  • BOY NAMED BANJO ANNOUNCES MAJOR LABEL DEBUT ALBUM DUSK OUT SEPTEMBER 29 VIA MERCURY RECORDS NASHVILLE.

    Boy Named Banjo has announced their major label debut album Dusk, due out September 29 via Mercury Records Nashville. On Dusk, the Nashville-native group explores the full emotional spectrum of the rich, eclectic sound they’ve honed over the last decade. Along with the announcement, the band also shares their wistful new single “Lonely In This Town” which arrives with a music video that finds them on a reflective late-night car ride.

    PRE-ORDER DUSK | HERE

    “I’ve always felt like ‘Lonely In This Town’ is best enjoyed driving with the windows down in your car,” shares banjo player Barton Davies. “The music feels uplifting and euphoric with the three-part harmonies and steady groove, but then the lyrics come in and give the complete opposite vibe. It’s almost like you’re lonely but you’re happy about it. I love that duality in the song.”

    Produced by longtime collaborator Oscar Charles (Caroline Spence, Charlie Worsham), Dusk is an electrifying dose of lightning in a bottle over its nine tracks, running a gamut of late-night, fall-in-love party anthems and stripped-down meditations. Boy Named Banjo’s songwriting is as incisive as ever, artfully grappling with lust and longing, hope and heartbreak. Sonically, the band’s performances on the record are nothing short of exhilarating, blurring the lines between Music Row and Laurel Canyon with lush harmonies and bold cinematic arrangements. The end result is a masterfully crafted, larger-than-life major label debut from a group that continues to grow by leaps and bounds with every release.

    Widely beloved by loyal fans nationwide for their high-octane live shows, Boy Named Banjo will kick off their coast-to-coast Dusk Til Dawn Tour next month on September 14 in Atlanta – tickets can be found here and a full list of dates can be found below. Audiences will be treated to performances from their extensive catalog and new music from Dusk, in addition to their recent uplifting anthem “What Keeps Me Going” which earned praise from CMT, Holler, Taste of Country, Whiskey Riff and more. 2023 has already shaped up to be another banner year for the band following their Grand Ole Opry debut, a momentous milestone that was documented at People.

    Expertly melding an array of musical influences, the five-piece band is a fusion of contemporary country, Americana and folk-rock stacked on a foundation of bluegrass. Their self-released 2012 debut The Tanglewood Sessions helped earn the band a spot at Bonnaroo, while their 2014 follow-up, Long Story Short, led to festival slots everywhere from Hangout Fest to Dierks Bentley’s Seven Peaks. After signing with Mercury Records Nashville in 2020, the following year saw the release of their genre-defying EP Circles, which landed them a performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium alongside dates supporting the likes of Kip Moore, Hank Williams, Jr., Old Crow Medicine Show, and The Cadillac Three. In 2022, Boy Named Banjo made their CMA Fest debut playing at the Ascend Amphitheatre Nighttime Concert as well as a sold-out hometown show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl.

    Formed in their teens, Boy Named Banjo includes Barton Davies (banjo), Ford Garrard (bass/standing bass), Sam McCullough (drums) Willard Logan (mandolin, acoustic/electric guitar) and William Reames (acoustic guitar/harmonica).

    Dusk Tracklist

    1. “Something ‘Bout A Sunset”
    2. “Heart Attack”
    3. “Feel For You (Dusk)”
    4. “Young Forever”
    5. “Whiskey Dreams”
    6. “Mama, I’m Misbehavin’”
    7. “Goodbyes Are Sad”
    8. “Lonely In This Town”
    9. “Opposite Directions”

     

    Boy Named Banjo – Dusk Til Dawn 2023 Tour Dates:

    September 14 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West ^

    September 15 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon and Beyond

    September 16 – Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall ^

    September 22 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt ^

    September 23 – Franklin, TN – Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival

    October 6 – Monterey, CA – Rebels and Renegades Music Festival

    October 7 – Los Angeles, CA – The Moroccan Lounge ^

    October 8 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues (Voodoo Room) ^

    October 12 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub ^

    October 13 – Houston, TX – Last Concert Cafe ^

    October 14 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues Dallas (Cambridge Room) ^

    October 19 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm ^

    October 20 – Savannah, GA – Saddle Bags Savannah ^

    October 21 – Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat ^

    October 26 – Jackson, MS – Duling Hall ^

    October 27 – Memphis, TN – Growlers ^

    October 28 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s ^

    November 2 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom %

    November 3 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco %

    November 4 – Knoxville, TN – Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria %

    November 16 – Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater ^

    November 17 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl ^

    November 18 – Harrisburg, PA – XL Live ^

    November 19 – Washington, D.C. – The Atlantis ^

    November 30 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe +

    December 1 – Columbus, OH – Natalie’s Grandview +

    December 2 – Wyandotte, MI – District 142 +

     

    ^ with support from Brother Elsey

    % with support from Will Jones

    + with support from Cassandra Lewis

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  • VINCE GILL & PAUL FRANKLIN’S SWEET MEMORIES: THE MUSIC OF RAY PRICE & THE CHEROKEE COWBOYS.

    “With this record, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin have taken their admiration for Ray Price to the next level, with one of the finest true-country tributes of all time,” states country music icon Bill Anderson in the liner notes for Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys.

    Now, 10 years after the release of Bakersfield, their ringing homage to the music created by Buck Owens and Merle Haggard and their bands, Gill and steel guitar wizard Franklin are back in the re-discovery lane with Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys, now available everywhere.

    LISTEN TO Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys | HERE

    “It’s a kind of magic when (Vince) Gill and (Paul) Franklin apply their talents to the great American country music songbook,” states Cowboys & Indians. “Paul and I are in no way trying to say we can make these records better than the original,” Gill stresses. “I don’t think any of these songs sound comparable to the original. Paul didn’t play the same solos. Part of the reasoning behind this record was to feature not only Paul as a steel guitarist but me as a vocalist,” he adds.

    “I think Vince’s singing on this album is maybe his Mount Everest of performances,” Franklin says. “I’m excited this music is getting out there and in a way that we feel brings new life and new ideas to it.

    What we hope to do is introduce it to a new generation of fans and musicians that might not take the time to look back into the ’50s and ’60s. If you have great songs and you interpret them through improvisations, you’re going to get something good. And that was our mission,” Franklin adds.

    The entire album contains material that might be surprising to even the most die-hard of Price’s fans. “We started looking through the sheer volume of Ray’s music,” Franklin explains. “We looked for obscure songs, ones even Ray’s fans might not know as well.” As No Depression noted, “Sweet Memories is a labor of love, introducing Price and his music to a new generation.”

    Gill and Franklin discuss the making of Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys in a series of YouTube videos on Gill’s channel. You can watch them HERE.

    Last night, Gill and Franklin previewed a few selections from the project, for the first time live on the Grand Ole Opry, performing “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold),” “You Wouldn’t Know Love,” “Danny Boy,” and “Your Old Love Letters.” The performance will air on Circle All Access TV on August 12th.

    The album is now available on all streaming services. It is also available on limited edition autographed milky clear vinyl, as well as special exclusive autographed box sets that include the CD, an autographed art card, and a limited edition T-Shirt on Gill’s website HERE.

    There is also a special exclusive tan vinyl that is only available at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores©.

     

    Audio / Vince Gill talks about the legendary Ray Price.

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    Vince Gill (Ray Price) OC: …over the years. :22
    “The fact that I got to sing on his last record he ever made was pretty special, so there’s a sentimental story there. He’s a kind, soft-spoken good guy, and he loved and revered great musicians, that’s why we also (included) the music of Ray Price and The Cherokee Cowboys – so many iconic musicians that passed through his ranks over the years.”

    Audio / Paul Franklin talks about the legendary Ray Price.

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    Paul Franklin (Ray Price) OC: …nice man. :42
    “Vince and I both played on his last album. I never got to hang around with Ray, but I was taken by – this is of course when he was really dealing with his health – but just watching how kind…we’ve got headphones so we can hear the breathing and issues, but he never lost his voice. When he sang, it was still Ray Price as we’ve known him. But just watching him struggle with that, but yet the kindness and everything to musicians, and I was honored because Buddy Emmons had just turned it down and that was his guy, so to get that call – I mean, I just assumed he’d go down to one of the guys that he knew, but it was really cool and just a nice man.”

  • CMA FEST 2023

    The 50th annual CMA Fest (formerly known as Fan Fair) kicked off on Thursday (June 8th), and the entertainment was everywhere in downtown Nashville.

    The official kick-off took place at the Riverfront Stage with Lainey Wilson and continued throughout the day, ending up with a party at Nissan Stadium with performances and/or appearances by Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard, Darius Rucker, Elle King, Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay and a surprise appearance by Vince Gill.

    More than 90,000 people are estimated to participate during CMA Fest, a 12% growth over 2022. The stadium alone saw a 10% increase in attendance year over year. Fans from all 50 states and a record-breaking 51 countries filled Music City in anticipation of seeing more than 300 acts taking part in CMA Fest.

    Dierks, who is co-hosting next month’s ABC-TV special CMA Fest with Elle King and Lainey Wilson and performed Sunday night (June 11th) at Nissan Stadium, says he’s not only a country artist, but a fan of the format as well. “This is a great weekend for me, ‘cause I get to go from the Station Inn to the Stadium. I mean, I get to run my whole life in that little, you know, I started off going to watch a band play at the Station Inn back in 1994 with dreams of one day trying to make it as a country artist and nothing says country artist like playing the Stadium here in Nashville. So, it’s kind of a look back at my life in a short six-day period,” says Dierks. “So it’s really, for me it’s a magical week of reflection and being a fan. I’m playing, but also just like total fan mode. I’ve always said I’m a fan of country music first and foremost, and this weekend is a great place to be a fan. It’s just the best of the best.”

     

    Vince was a special surprise guest during Luke Combs’ set, to which the newly-anointed country superstar called his “absolute hero.” The pair teamed up on Vince’s 1993 hit “One More Last Chance.” Vince says he’s grateful to be a part of CMA Fest. “This is a genre of music unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced. It’s a grateful artist base. It’s grateful for the people that give us the opportunity to do what we do, you know, whether it’s at the Fairgrounds or whether it’s a bigger place. I don’t know if it ever really mattered,” says Vince. All those people out there that buy a ticket to come and do this whether they stand in line to get somebody’s autograph or go to a show or whatever. They’re just here because they like what we do, you know? And it feels good to let them know they’re appreciated and not be standoffish and not be that way. So, I’ve always enjoyed it.”

    Backstage prior to his first Nissan Stadium performance, Jordan Davis said he came to Nashville to be a songwriter and never dreamed he’d get to perform at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. “Long story short, I moved to town to write songs. I had never played with a band; I’d never played a show,” says the Louisiana native. “I was trying to get a publishing deal and trying to get other artists to cut my songs. I truly started playing music and trying to go after being an artist, because I didn’t know if that was going to happen. So, I figured I was already this far down the road, so I might as well start trying to make some money gigging around and here we are. I kind of fell backwards into it, but I’m very grateful I did. I truly never, never dreamed that I would be playing on the stage that I’m getting to play on tonight.”

    Having performed his two No. 1 songs as a solo artist — “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country” — Tyler Hubbard is overwhelmed by the reaction the fans have had for his recent self-titled album. “It means a ton to me to have these songs connect the way they have, it’s been really special,” he says. “It’s inspired me, it’s motivated me, and it makes me want to keep doing it, and it’s given me a lot of life. These songs are special, and they mean a lot and to watch the fans sing ‘em back to me at the shows and to hear their stories and to see their videos that they’re making to my music, it’s fulfilling as a songwriter, as an artist. It’s just what I love, and like I said, it just motivates me to keep doing this thing. I just love the connection, and that’s what music does. It brings us together and so that’s why I’m honored to be a part of it.”

    Night two pulled in performances by Tanya Tucker, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson. Reba McEntire surprised the crowd at Nissan Stadium during Cody Johnson’s set. The pair performed her hit “Whoever’s In New England,” before Cody presented her with a gold plaque for their hit duet “Dear Rodeo.” Also performing on Friday (June 9th) were Miranda Lambert, HARDY and Keith Urban (who had the crowd mesmerized).

    Additional performers at Nissan Stadium included Little Big Town, Jon Pardi, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Josh Turner, Tim McGraw, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Ashley McBryde, Tracy Lawrence, as well as hot newcomers on the Platform Stage including Dalton Dover, Ashley Cooke, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsic, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen and Haley Whitters.

    More highlights and performances will be featured during the CMA Fest ABC-TV special, hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Lainey Wilson. Catch all the action at 8pm ET on July 19th.

    Audio / Dierks Bentley, who is co-hosting the ABC-TV CMA Fest, says he’s not only a performer, but also a fan during this special week.

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    Dierks Bentley (CMA Fest 2023) OC: …best of the best. :48
    “This is a great weekend for me, ‘cause I get to go from the Station Inn to the Stadium. I mean, I get to run my whole life in that little, you know, I started off going to watch a band play at the Station Inn back in 1994 with dreams of one day trying to make it as a country artist and nothing says country artist like playing the Stadium here in Nashville. So, it’s kind of a look back at my life in a short six-day period, and even the Hot Country Knights is like that’s to me Lower Broadway at its best…or worst. But, so it’s really, for me it’s a magical week of reflection and being a fan. I’m playing, but also just like total fan mode. I’ve always said I’m a fan of country music first and foremost, and this weekend is a great place to be a fan. It’s just the best of the best.”

    Audio / Vince Gill talks about CMA Fest, formerly known as Fan Fair.

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    Vince Gill (CMA Fest) OC: …grateful. 1:03
    “This is a genre of music unlike anything that I’ve ever experienced. It’s a grat4eful artist base. It’s grateful for the people that give us the opportunity to do what we do, you know, whether it’s at the Fairgrounds or whether it’s a bigger place. I don’t know if it ever really mattered. All those people out there that buy a ticket to come and do this whether they stand in line to get somebody’s autograph or go to a show or whatever. They’re just here because they like what we do, you know? And it feels good to let them know they’re appreciated and not be standoffish and not be that way. So, I’ve always enjoyed it. This is about my 40th year of doing anything connected with whatever they call it. (laughs) I don’t even know anymore (laughs), but it’s still the same thing. It’s just a bunch of people that loves what everybody does and man, it’s great for everybody to hang and just sitting backstage running into so and so and running into so and so, you don’t get to see them very often. So, you know grateful.”

    Audio / Backstage prior to his performance at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night, Jordan Davis talked about how he became an artist.

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    Jordan Davis (CMA Fest 2023) OC: …play on tonight. :34
    “Long story short, I moved to town to write songs. I had never played with a band; I’d never played a show. I was trying to get a publishing deal and trying to get other artists to cut my songs. I truly started playing music and trying to go after being an artist, because I didn’t know if that was going to happen. So, I figured I was already this far down the road, so I might as well start trying to make some money gigging around and here we are. I kind of fell backwards into it, but I’m very grateful I did. I truly never, never dreamed that I would be playing on the stage that I’m getting to play on tonight.”

    Audio / Tyler Hubbard says it means the world to him to see his songs connect with the fans.

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    Tyler Hubbard (CMA Fest 2023) OC: …part of it. :36
    “It means a ton to me to have these songs connect the way they have, it’s been really special. It’s inspired me, it’s motivated me, and it makes me want to keep doing it, and it’s given me a lot of life. These songs are special, and they mean a lot and to watch the fans sing ‘em back to me at the shows and to hear their stories and to see their videos that they’re making to my music, it’s fulfilling as a songwriter, as an artist. It’s just what I love, and like I said, it just motivates me to keep doing this thing. I just love the connection, and that’s what music does. It brings us together and so that’s why I’m honored to be a part of it.”

    Audio / Keith Urban talks about the community spirit surrounding CMA Fest.

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    Keith Urban (CMA Fest 2023) OC: …always need it, though. :29

    “The good thing about CMA Fest is it’s historically always comes at a time when it feels like we need it the most. When we were here back in 2010 after the Nashville floods and doing a special performance, I think CMA Fest was really acknowledging what everybody had gone through and the floods, and so I think it’s such a community spirit out there, not just Nashville, but the country community coming together and celebrating life and the moment. We always need it, though.”

    Audio / Josh Turner talks about his fan encounter with the late, great Vern Gosdin.

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  • DARIUS RUCKER SURPASSES $3.6 MILLION RAISED FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL WITH 14TH ANNUAL “DARIUS AND FRIENDS.”

    Fifteen years after first visiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® where he was immediately inspired to pledge his support, three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker continues to give back, surpassing the $3.6 million mark in his fundraising efforts with this year’s 14th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert on Monday night, June 5, which was paired with a corresponding golf tournament and silent auction on Tuesday, June 6. This year’s event alone raised an all-time high of $560,000 for the cause.

    https://twitter.com/dariusrucker/status/1666921930836914179

     

    “We started this to be the first thing at CMA Fest and you guys have now made it a tradition,” Rucker shared with fans at the sold-out Ryman Auditorium as he opened the night that indeed has come to serve as an unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest as fans descend on Music City each summer. “Thank y’all for coming out. Thank you for supporting St. Jude.”

    Now, more than a decade later, the annual event is renowned for its surprise lineup of stars and this year was no different. Sold out well in advance despite the famous friends not being revealed until they took the stage, the event praised by the Tennessean for “showcase[ing] generations of country stardom” featured more than 30 hit songs and beloved covers by Rucker, whom American Songwriter celebrated as “an engaging performer and affable host throughout the evening,”alongside his surprise guests HARDYJake OwenJelly RollMegan Moroney and Vince Gill.

    After a live auction and donation round which added thousands to the fundraising tally, Rucker kicked off the main event with a trio of hits – with his Double Platinum-certified No. 1 “Alright,” top ten hit “Radio” and “Southern State of Mind” – before introducing the first friend of the evening as ACM Award-winner Jake Owen took the stage to perform a feel-good collection of songs including his Platinum-certified “Down to the Honkytonk” and “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” plus a timeless cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s classic “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound.”

    “I’m really grateful for my friend Darius. He’s a great dude and what he’s done for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a big, big thing and that’s something that’s really near and dear to our hearts as country artists,” shared Owen during his set. “It’s ingrained in artists like myself throughout the years to use our platforms and Darius has done an incredible job with that. I’m super happy to be here.”

    Rucker then returned to the stage, thrilling the crowd with his Platinum-certified breakout country hit “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” chart-topping “For The First Time” and brand-new single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” before introducing rising star Megan Moroney, who performed a trio of songs off her recently-released debut album, Lucky: “I’m Not Pretty,” “Girl in the Mirror” and current top five hit “Tennessee Orange.”

    In Georgia, they call it a sin,” she sang of wearing Tennessee Volunteers orange, with famous Gamecock fan Rucker responding cheekily on social media that evening, “it’s a sin in South Carolina, too!”

    The evening’s host continued the show with his Platinum-certified hits “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “This” before inviting 22-time GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill to the stage. Performing solo with only an acoustic guitar, Gill’s showstopping set included “Whenever You Come Around,” “When I Call Your Name” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” written for his late brother.

    “I’ll play a church song here at the Mother Church,” he shared of the poignant song to close his set.

    Rucker then returned to the stage, with his feel-good recent No. 1 hit “Beers and Sunshine” and 2017 chart-topper “If I Told You” before thrilling fans with his Hootie & the Blowfish favorite “Hold My Hand,” bringing the full house to their feet for a singalong of the classic – which wouldn’t be the last of the night as beloved ballad “Let Her Cry” also made a set list appearance.

    Still clad in his jersey from the Folds of Honor celebrity softball tournament earlier in the evening, Jelly Roll took the stage next for two songs off his brand-new album, Whitsitt Chapel, released less than a week ago. From his first No. 1 at country radio, “Son of a Sinner,” to current top 15 single “Need a Favor,” Jelly Roll’s fourth appearance on the Ryman stage in less than a week highlighted the earnest truth-telling that has made him beloved to so many fans.

    I only talk to God when I need a favor,” Rucker sang as he returned to the stage following the performance. “What a great line!”

    Rucker kept the Hootie & the Blowfish nostalgia coming through his next trio of songs as he performed “Only Wanna Be With You” as well as his solo hits “Homegrown Honey” and “Comeback Song” before introducing the final surprise guest of the evening, HARDY, who highlighted both his songwriting prowess with “A Rock” and his rowdy showmanship with “Unapologetically Country as Hell.”

    Closing out the memorable evening, the night’s host returned to the stage one final time for rousing covers of Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places,” Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” and Prince’s “Purple Rain,” as well as his own “Hands On Me” and, according to tradition, a sold-out Ryman singalong for “Wagon Wheel,” the feel-good energy throughout the auditorium symbolic of the night as a whole.

    This year’s milestone fundraising event adds yet another successful page to the decade-plus history of “Darius & Friends.” Prior guests have included Lauren Alaina, Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Tommy Thayer of KISS, among many others.

    The annual fundraising event, made possible with support from generous sponsors CDW, AMD, Amazon Web Services, IBM, Arrow Electronics, and Hendrix Enterprises, helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live.

    For more information, visit www.DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker. Fans can also continue to donate to St. Jude in honor of “Darius and Friends” HERE and photos from the event are available HERE.

    Full 14th Annual “Darius & Friends” Set List:
    Darius Rucker: “Alright,” “Radio,” “Southern State of Mind”
    Jake Owen: “Down to the Honkytonk,” “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound”
    Darius Rucker: “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “For The First Time,” “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
    Megan Moroney: “I’m Not Pretty,” “Tennessee Orange,” “Girl in the Mirror”
    Darius Rucker: “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” “This”
    Vince Gill: “Whenever You Come Around,” “When I Call Your Name,” “Go Rest High on That Mountain”
    Darius Rucker: “Beers and Sunshine,” “If I Told You,” “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry”
    Jelly Roll: “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor”
    Darius Rucker: “Homegrown Honey,” “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Comeback Song”
    HARDY: “A Rock,” “Unapologetically Country as Hell”
    Encore – Darius Rucker: “Valerie,” “Hands On Me,” “Friends in Low Places,” “No Diggity,” “Wagon Wheel,” “Purple Rain”

  • GEORGE STRAIT KICKS OFF SUMMER OF STADIUMS WITH TWO-RECORD SETTING PERFORMANCES.

    The King of Country continues his reign as “the genre’s most consistent A-list act,” as declared by the Los Angeles Times, setting back-to-back venue attendance records with his two most recent shows. George Strait brought a record-setting 46,641 attendees to Milwaukee’s American Family Field on Saturday evening (besting Paul McCartney’s 2013 record by over 2,000 people). The standout show came on the heels of last weekend’s record-setting 63,891 attendees at Columbus’s Ohio Stadium for Buckeye Country Superfest.

    “With support from the 11-member ‘Ace in the Hole’ band, Strait’s setlist in Milwaukee was nicely plotted, frequently going back and forth between somber songs and playful tunes,” praised the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel of Strait’s 32 songs over more than two hours on Saturday evening. “He let storytelling seize the spotlight, expressed with a golden croon that showed no strain while offering enough emotional nuance to embody the material.”

    “We have been fortunate to have a number of fantastic shows at American Family Field since we opened our doors. Our expectations for George Strait, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town were very high and those expectations were blown away,” shared Jason Hartlund, executive vice president/chief commercial officer for the Milwaukee Brewers. “We set venue records for concert attendance and gross ticket revenue, among others. The Brewers have worked with Messina Touring Group for over a decade and have always enjoyed the relationship. We look forward to working together on many future shows at American Family Field.”

    The record-setting concerts followed the Country Music Hall of Famer’s recent headlining performance at Phoenix’s State Farm Stadium (May 6) and set the stage for a summer of stadium shows to come, with dates to follow in Seattle (June 17), Denver (June 24), Nashville (July 28 & 29) and Tampa (Aug. 5).

    “We truly have the best fans in the world. There’s nothing like seeing their faces when I walk on stage with my Ace in the Hole band jamming to ‘Deep in the Heart of Texas,’” shared Strait. “The energy they’re giving back to us is indescribable. I’m very grateful to all of the fans who come out to see us for these shows and I can’t wait to see you at the next one.”

    For more information and to purchase tickets to upcoming dates, visit GeorgeStrait.com.

  • SADDLE UP FOR NEW TRACKS FROM THE ‘HOT COUNTRY KNIGHTS’ MIDKNIGHT RODEO – OUT NOW!

    The ‘90s influenced band Hot Country Knights, now tallying 33 mostly wasted years and countless bad decisions, has today delivered on their promise of return with a two-track collection of original songs,  MIDKNIGHT RODEO, available to listen here. The title track that the band shockingly claims isn’t actually about a rodeo, builds on the their long and hard-earned reputation of still “riding a neon wave of Nineties country nostalgia” (Rolling Stone).  But, it’s the collection’s “Herassmeant,” a duet with lead singer Doug Douglason and his former hometown flame Darla McFarland, that bares the wistful tale of unrequited love that’s creating whispers of GRAMMY nominations up and down the Music Row songwriting community.

    “The Knights are back, baby,” shouted Douglason. “Being off the road since the Big V (virus) has really made us reflect on what we had taken for granted. When you have a chance to really get to the core of what these songs are about, it’s just a raw appreciation for the most satisfying parts of life. I don’t expect anyone to get it on the first six or seven listens, this is deep thinking stuff.”

     

    While it’s not clear why or how, superstar Dierks Bentley returns to the studio as producer for the follow up to Hot Country Knights’ debut THE K IS SILENT alongside frequent collaborator Jim Beavers. Both can also be found in the writing credits for “Herassmeant” with Lainey Wilson and Luke Dick.

    “Yeah, seems like everybody is talking about harassment these days and the Knights do not tolerate that stuff,” added Douglason. “You gotta treat your lady right, tell her how you feel about her, respect her, love on her.  My old flame Darla McFarland, who most people will remember from Teazers down in Murfreesboro, was itching to sing on this one.  She knew she was the inspiration, so how could we say no?   Darla is the best damn country singer of the last three decades, in my opinion.  Everybody better get down to Tower Records before the CDs are sold out.”

    Hot Country Knights also released a visual component to “Herassmeant.” Check it out here.

    “Nothin’ hits better in country music than authenticity,” said McFarland. “Seeing how I was the inspiration behind this song, I thought I’d help Doug make a good song great.”

    “Well, they’re back. I mean, Hot Country Knights – it’s like a tick. You just can’t get kill these things. I mean, they’re prehistoric in their survival ability that it’s unbelievable. They’re around forever,” laments Dierks. “They were here even before the ‘90s even started. They claimed to have literally started the ‘90s. They tried to trademark ‘90s everything from the mullets to the high-waisted jeans, they think they own all that stuff. These guys are ridiculous, but they’re back. We’re gonna let them come back on the road with us one more time.”

    Famous for never giving up on the dream of the ‘90s, the Hot Country Knights are comprised of band leader Douglas (“Doug”) Douglason, lead bass player Trevor Travis, lead guitarist Marty Ray (“Rayro”) Roburn, keytar/fiddle player Terotej (“Terry”) Dvoraczekynski, steel guitarist Barry Van Ricky and percussionist Monte Montgomery. With tongue firmly in cheek, the Knights revive a comedic element which has long been integral to the Country genre, but has rarely been seen since the days of Grand Ole Opry stars like String Bean Akeman, Minnie Pearl and others. With organic euphoria of live Country music and its truly gratifying lyrics, their debut album THE K IS SILENT, hit critics “like a lightning bolt of testosterone and sex appeal” (The Chive). Produced by Dierks Bentley, who also served as a co-writer on over half of the 10 brawny tracks, their debut record is one of the most musically satisfying debut albums since 1999. Dubbed by Variety as a “full Spinal Tap-like musical-comedy act” the dedicated road warriors have basically lived out of a van their entire existence and will trek north for to launch the GRAVEL & GOLD tour with Dierks Bentley next weekend. For more information and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.hotcountryknights.com.

     

    Audio / The Hot Country Knights’ producer Dierks Bentley laments the return of new music by the ‘90s mullet-sporting group.

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    Dierks Bentley (HCK 2023) OC: …one more time. :25
    “Well, they’re back. I mean, Hot Country Knights – it’s like a tick. You just can’t get kill these things. I mean, they’re prehistoric in their survival ability that it’s unbelievable. They’re around forever. They were here even before the ‘90s even started. They claimed to have literally started the ‘90s. They tried to trademark ‘90s everything from the mullets to the high-waisted jeans, they think they own all that stuff. These guys are ridiculous, but they’re back. We’re gonna let them come back on the road with us one more time.”

     

    Audio / The Hot Country Knights’ producer Dierks Bentley cannot believe the group roped in

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    Dierks Bentley (Darla McFarland) OC: …pretty soon. :37
    “They somehow have talked Lainey Wilson – I’m sorry, her name is Darla McFarland (clears throat)– into being part of their latest project. They’ve got a new song out called ‘Herassmeant,’ and it’s not spelled like you think it is. Ummmmm, and it’s gonna be, I don’t know if it’s gonna be hitting the airwaves. It’ll probably be hitting the floor of the radio stations where they tried to get it played. It’ll probably be hitting the circular file, that being the trash can, but they think they’re gonna be big stars and they somehow coerced some big stars to be part of this project. So, yeah, expect something new from the Hot Country Knights here, unfortunately, pretty soon.”

  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD RELEASES “OUT OF THAT TRUCK” TO RADIO.

    Carrie Underwood has released her song, “Out Of That Truck,” to radio. She co-wrote the tune with David Garcia and Lydia Vaughan, and she says it’s about memories that pop up in familiar places.

    “The inspiration behind ‘Out Of That Truck’ is basically just about the physical markers that somebody can leave behind in your life, and I feel like we’ve all got those to some extent.” says Carrie. “Whether you’re like walking through the house that you grew up in and you see things of your parents or some book or piece of jewelry or something that it’s like, those things remind you of somebody and feel like if you grew up in a small town like I did, you spend a lot of time in your vehicle. When I think back to friends or people that I dated or whatever, it’s kind of like you remember being with them in vehicles, and if you have something that you’ve had for a long time, you can definitely kind of look over to the seat next to you and almost see the other person there. So, that’s kind of what it’s all about, you know, a love that is no more, but you’ve kind of left your mark everywhere.”

    Carrie returns to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry for two shows on June 6th before heading back to Las Vegas for her Reflections residency at Resorts World June 21st.

     

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about the inspiration behind her song "Out Of That Truck."

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    Carrie Underwood (inspiration behind Out Of That Truck) OC: …mark everywhere. :55
    “The inspiration behind ‘Out Of That Truck’ is basically just about the physical markers that somebody can leave behind in your life, and I feel like we’ve all got those to some extent. Whether you’re like walking through the house that you grew up in and you see things of your parents or some book or piece of jewelry or something that it’s like, those things remind you of somebody and feel like if you grew up in a small town like I did, you spend a lot of time in your vehicle. When I think back to friends or people that I dated or whatever, it’s kind of like you remember being with them in vehicles, and if you have something that you’ve had for a long time, you can definitely kind of look over to the seat next to you and almost see the other person there. So, that’s kind of what it’s all about, you know, a love that is no more, but you’ve kind of left your mark everywhere.”

    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (Out Of That Truck) 1

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    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (Out Of That Truck) 2

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    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (Out Of That Truck) 3

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    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (Out Of That Truck) 4

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    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (Out Of That Truck) 5

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    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (Out Of That Truck) 6

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  • PARKER MCCOLLUM’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM, NEVER ENOUGH, OUT NOW.

    Parker McCollum, has released his new album, Never Enough, out now. Never Enough releases on the heels of McCollum’s third consecutive #1 smash, “Handle On You.” The album bristles with honesty and attitude, pairing equal parts rock guitar and country songwriting.

    “This album Never Enough, is probably my favorite record I’ve ever put out! Some seriously personal songs on this record and I think some of my best songwriting. It’s very honest, very authentic, very genuine, and I hope that comes across in every song.”
    -Parker McCollum

    LISTEN:     Never Enough

    Produced by Jon Randall, Never Enough pairs McCollum with some of the most esteemed songwriters from Texas to Music Row on 15 tracks that underscore authenticity, vulnerability, and a little bit of defiance.

    Parker McCollum’s Never Enough Track List:

    1. “Hurricane” (Parker McCollum, David Lee Murphy, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers)
      2. “Best I Never Had” (Parker McCollum, Will Bundy, Brett James)
      3. “Things I Never Told You” (Monty Criswell, Lynn Hutton, Taylor Phillips)
      4. “Burn It Down” (Parker McCollum, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
      5. “Stoned” (Parker McCollum, Mark Holman, Brett James)
      6. “Handle On You” (Parker McCollum, Monty Criswell)
      7. “Lessons From An Old Man” (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Liz Rose)
      8. “Tough People Do” (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
      9. “Speed” (Parker McCollum, Ryan Beaver)
      10. “Tails I Lose” (Parker McCollum, Wade Bowen, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
      11. “I Ain’t Going Nowhere” (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Liz Rose)
      12. “Too Tight This Time” (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
      13. “Don’t Blame Me” (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
      14. “Have Your Heart Again”(Parker McCollum, Ashley Gorley, Lee Miller)
      15. “Wheel” (Parker McCollum, Jon Randall, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
      Produced by Jon Randall

    Fans can tune in today at 3:45pm CT for the explosive music video premiere of Never Enough track, “Burn It Down” on YouTube. Directed by Dustin Haney and filmed in the desolate New Mexico desert, the blazing video evokes the feelings of erasing a past relationship from your life and starting over. McCollum will celebrate the premiere with an exclusive After Party Livestream available to YouTube Premium members.

    “It was an absolute thrill to film this video out in the middle of the desert in New Mexico and spending all day long blowing stuff up and lighting my feet on fire. Great having my band out there with me and Hillary Lindsay, who sang backup vocals on the song, be part of the music video. Super grateful for that experience and hope everybody digs it!”
    Parker McCollum

    Tonight, Storme Warren hosts the Never Enough Album Special on SiriusXM The Highway, as McCollum performs and shares the stories behind the songs from Never Enough. Tune in at 8pm ET/7pm CT as it airs from SiriusXM’s Music City Theater.

    Adding to  the excitement around the anticipated launch of Never Enough, McCollum announced today that he will take the stage in New York next weekend (5/20) for a headlining show at Pier 17. Tickets are on sale tomorrow (5/13). Next up, McCollum will bring his multi-Platinum hits and new music to the iHeartCountry Festival in Austin, TX this weekend.

    Audio / Parker McCollum talks about what he wants fans to go away with after listening to his new record, Never Enough.

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    Parker McCollum (fan hopes for Never Enough) OC: …of this one. :39
    “You know, if I could have any of my fans take anything from this record, it would just be that he’s still doing the same thing. He’s still just a kid writing songs at heart, and it’s really – it’s really an honest record. It’s pretty vulnerable at times, and I hope they just believe it. After they listen to it, I hope they believe it and…take to it like they have my other records. So, I get kind of nervous when I put out albums because I just want to deliver, and I want them to be happy. I want them to listen. The fans that have been there since day one, they deserve great songs and a great record, and I hope they think that of this one.”

    Audio / LINER Parker McCollum (available now)

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  • CATIE OFFERMAN RELEASES NEW HEARTBREAK SONG “‘I JUST KILLED A MAN.”

    Catie Offerman releases her newest track today, “I Just Killed A Man.” The song is written by Offerman, Ryan Beaver (Blake Shelton, HARDY), Joe Clemmons (Gabby Barrett, Ryan Hurd), Jessie Jo Dillon (George Strait, Jon Pardi) and Benjy Davis (Chris Young, Jake Owen), and is produced by Dann Huff. The track will go to country radio next month and will be featured on Offerman’s upcoming debut project.

    LISTEN TO “I JUST KILLED A MAN” | HERE

    The heartbreak song was the idea of Clemmons and Beaver, who came up with the title and suggested they try to write something called “I Just Killed A Man.”

    “No one’s ever said it like that before. It’s a different and brutally honest way of saying ‘I just broke this dude’s heart,’” says Offerman. “It’s about a guy I loved who I wasn’t meant to be with.”

    Adds Offerman, “I love the line in the bridge that says, ‘just because it ain’t a crime, don’t mean I won’t be doing time.’ Even if you’re the one doing the breaking up, it still kills you like nothing else. I knew from the first second this song was spoken into existence that it was something special. My hope is that others feel that when they hear it.”

    Lyrics for “I Just Killed A Man”

    There ain’t nobody calling the cops

    There ain’t no body circled in chalk

    It was over and he knew it

    Yeah, somebody had to do it

     

    I just killed a man

    Left him in his drive

    Watch the light go out of his loving eyes

    I got in my car

    Made my get away

    Couldn’t stop the tears

    Running down my face

    Yeah, he begged me not to let him go

    But goodbye don’t give a damn

    They won’t lock me up for this one, no

    But his heartbreak’s on my hands

    I just killed a man

     

    Tonight it’s just whiskey and guilt on the rocks

    Word gets around, this towns gonna talk

    It ain’t like I never loved him

    Wish that mattered, but it doesn’t

     

    I just killed a man

    Left him in his drive

    Watch the light go out of his loving eyes

    I got in my car

    Made my get away

    Couldn’t stop the tears

    Running down my face

    Yeah, he begged me not to let him go

    But goodbye don’t give a damn

    They won’t lock me up for this one, no

    But his heartbreak’s on my hands

    I just killed a man

     

    Just because it ain’t a crime

    Don’t mean I won’t be doing time

    I just killed a man

     

    I just killed a man

    Left him in his drive

    Watch the light go out of his loving eyes

    I got in my car

    Made my get away

    Neither one of us will be the same

    Yeah, he begged me not to let him go

    But goodbye don’t give a damn

    They won’t lock me up for this one, no

    But his heartbreak’s on my hands

    I just killed a man I just killed a man

     

    About Catie Offerman
    Catie Offerman may be a new name to country music fans, but she’s already gaining a reputation as one of the genre’s most skilled players and promising modern traditionalists and Nashville’s music community is responding. Originally from New Braunfels, Texas, Offerman grew up on a horse ranch. Home schooled by her father in the tack room of their barn, she gravitated towards music at a young age. Offerman started playing piano at the age of four which eventually led her to pursue other instruments such as violin, accordion and more. When she was 11, Offerman’s accordion teacher asked her to join their polka band where they traveled across Texas performing.  Offerman graduated from Berklee College of Music at the age of 19 and signed her publishing deal with Universal Music Group Publishing about five years later. Offerman was featured in The Highwomen’s “Redesigning Women” video and inked her record deal with Universal Music Group in 2020.  She was named Pandora Country’s Artists to Watch for 2023, as well as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and a CMT Listen Up artist for 2023.  Offerman released four songs in 2022 – “Happyland Trailer Park,” “Don’t Do It In Texas,” “Get A Dog,” and “‘Til I See You Again.” Offerman is in the studio working on her upcoming debut project.

     

    Audio / Catie Offerman talks about "I Just Killed a Man."

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    Catie Offerman (I Just Killed A Man) OC: …you do too. :15
    “It’s about heartbreak. Everybody knows what this feels like, at least I do, and I’m sure you do. This is something I’ve never heard a woman say before or anybody for that fact, and I just think it’s a new perspective on a very relatable song. I love this song, and I hope you do too.”

    Audio / LINER Catie Offerman (I Just Killed A Man) 1

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    Audio / LINER Catie Offerman (I Just Killed A Man) 2

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    Audio / LINER Catie Offerman (I Just Killed A Man) 3

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    Audio / LINER Catie Offerman (I Just Killed A Man) 4

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  • PARKER MCCOLLUM RELEASES “TAILS I LOSE” FROM UPCOMING ALBUM, NEVER ENOUGH.

    With his new album, Never Enough, set to release May 12th, Parker McCollum is sharing another look at the forthcoming project with the track “Tails I Lose,” which dropped Friday (April 14th). Written by McCollum with Wade Bowen, Brad Warren and Brett Warren, the song hearkens back to country’s classic hits with steel guitar, emotive storytelling, and a timeless turn of phrase delivered with McCollum’s signature vocal conviction.

     

    “We hadn’t heard the phrase ‘heads you win, tails I lose’ in a country song before, so we started writing that idea over a melody and dropping all kinds of imagery about breakups,” shares McCollum. “When we got in the studio, Rob McNelley played that guitar sound and I was like, ‘That’s it.’ The guitar lick is so good, it sets the song up and does it justice. This song is just hardcore country. I love it and hope the fans do too.”

     

    Never Enough, the highly anticipated follow-up to McCollum’s breakout major label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy, is available to pre-order now. Parker also joins an elite group of all-genre stars chosen for Spotify’s new mobile feature, Countdown Pages – a destination for fans to pre-save, watch exclusive video Clips, and see a timer count down to release day. The album’s lead single “Handle On You,” shoot-it-straight confession “Stoned,” and previous releases “I Ain’t Going Nowhere” and “Speed,” are featured on Never Enough (produced by Jon Randall), as McCollum teams up with some of the most esteemed songwriters from Texas to Music Row. 

     

    Parker McCollum’s Never Enough Track List:
    1. “Hurricane” (Parker McCollum, David Lee Murphy, Jon Randall, Randy Rogers)
    2. “Best I Never Had” (Parker McCollum, Will Bundy, Brett James)
    3. “Things I Never Told You” (Monty Criswell, Lynn Hutton, Taylor Phillips)
    4. “Burn It Down” (Parker McCollum, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
    5. “Stoned” (Parker McCollum, Mark Holman, Brett James)
    6. “Handle On You” (Parker McCollum, Monty Criswell)
    7. “Lessons From An Old Man” (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Liz Rose)
    8. “Tough People Do” (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
    9. “Speed” (Parker McCollum, Ryan Beaver)
    10. “Tails I Lose” (Parker McCollum, Wade Bowen, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
    11. “I Ain’t Going Nowhere” (Parker McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall, Liz Rose)
    12. “Too Tight This Time” (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
    13. “Don’t Blame Me” (Parker McCollum, Brett James, Jon Randall)
    14. “Have Your Heart Again” (Parker McCollum, Ashley Gorley, Lee Miller)
    15. “Wheel” (Parker McCollum, Jon Randall, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)

    Produced by Jon Randall

     

    “Handle On You” is closing in on the top of the country radio airplay charts, after tallying 140 million global streams. He recently made his debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” to perform the Gold-certified track. Watch the clip here.

     

    Parker has added three new shows to his extensive 2023 tour schedule, with stops in Brandon, MS (7/13), Southaven, MS (8/12), and a home-state show in Austin, TX (10/27). Next up, he will take the stage in Rio Rancho, NM tonight (4/14) and Country Thunder Arizona tomorrow (4/15), before closing out the month with a high-profile performance at Stagecoach. In addition to headlining arenas and amphitheaters through the summer, he will also share the bill with Morgan Wallen and Eric Church on select dates. For tickets and a full list of tour dates, visit parkermccollum.com/tour.

     

    Newly Added 2023 Tour Dates:

    July 13 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheatre

    Aug 12 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
    Oct 27 – Austin, TX – Moody Center

    *Tickets on sale Friday, April 21st

     

    Audio / Parker McCollum talks about the song, "Tails I Lose," from his upcoming album, Never Enough.

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    Parker McCollum (Tails I Lose) OC: …stands out. :41
    “’Tails I Lose,’ sad country song, which are my favorite songs. The Warren Brothers and Wade Bowen were over at my house, and I don’t remember who had the title but ‘Heads I Win, Tails I Lose,’ I was like I’ve never heard that in a country song somehow, so I want to write that before someone else does. And it was a melody I had been messing around with at the house a little bit, and they had come over and I had some other stuff written to it. It wasn’t very good. And I said ‘Man, this melody would fit the ‘Tails I Lose’ really well.’ That was a fun day writing that song because it’s like an old jukebox, sad, country love song but you can almost hear it before you write it.  And it just turned out so well and it’s got its own identity on the record. It kind of stands out.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY RETURNS TO THE ROAD WHERE HE “POURS HIS ENERGY AND HEART” INTO THE GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR THIS SUMMER.

    As “an artist made for the outdoor summer concert season” (Sun-Sentinel), multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley announces details today behind his upcoming GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR this summer, produced by Live Nation. The “notorious road warrior” (Rolling Stone) has tapped Jordan Davis as direct support with a diverse group of special guests joining throughout the 28-city trek including Elle King, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Braden, Caylee Hammack, Hot Country Knights, Kameron Marlowe, The Cadillac Three, The Red Clay Strays, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Shane Smith & the Saints, Caitlyn Smith and Hailey Whitters. Tickets will be available starting with fanclub presales beginning Tues., Mar. 7 at 10:00A. Citi is the official presale credit card of the GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR and Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Weds., Mar. 8 at 10:00A local time through Citi Entertainment®. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. Tickets begin going on sale to the public next Fri., Mar. 10 at 10:00A Local Time at Dierks.com.

    “I’ve been waiting as patiently as possible for the time when we could tell our fans about this tour and I’m happy the moment has arrived,” said Bentley. “With new music, a whole new set and vibe along with incredible musicians and singers to share the stage with.…I can honestly say I think this will be our best tour ever. Jordan Davis and I have been talking about touring for a long time and he’s just killing. Not to mention the list of artists that we will be touring with is so exciting for me as a fan of all their music. I will be side stage every night taking it all in alongside the fans on this GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR.”

     

    Named after his newly released 10th studio album which “testifies to everything Bentley does so well” (Esquire), the GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR will take Bentley back to the road where “his stage presence is something to marvel ” (Spokesman Review) and “he pours his energy and heart into each performance” (St. Louis Dispatch). Coinciding with the announce Bentley’s GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR openers trade verses for their own rendition of his Top 10 and climbing single “Gold” here. (YouTube Link)

    GRAVEL & GOLD TOUR Dates:

    6/01 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage

    6/02 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

    6/03 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center

    6/04 – Madison, IL – NASCAR Cup Series Race

    6/16 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

    6/17 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

    6/22 – Gilford, NH – Bank of NH Pavilion

    6/24 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake

    7/08 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    7/09 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center

    7/13 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

    7/14 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

    7/15 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

    7/21 – Camdenton, MO – Ozarks Amphitheater

    7/27 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center

    7/28 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    7/29 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live

    8/03 – Corning, CA – Rolling Hills Casino

    8/04 – Lake Tahoe, NV – Harveys Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

    8/10 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater

    8/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre

    8/12 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater

    8/17 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre

    8/18 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

    8/19 – Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena

    8/24 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    8/25 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater

    8/26 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre

    The 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. The diverse 14-track album of perspective and self-awareness, at many levels, from the personal to the professional is a testament to the many strains of Country music Bentley has mastered and cultivated in his career, from the arena shaker to the barroom weeper to the bluegrass fireballer. His current Top 10 and climbing single “Gold,” hits the core theme of perspective with a road-trip vibe and wisdom earned only by putting in the years and the work. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant No. One single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, eight billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. He also has created professional endeavors outside of the music with his Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection Desert Son, along with his “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row” franchise hosting four locations. For more information visit www.Dierks.com.

     

    Audio / Dierks Bentley talks about taking Jordan Davis on tour.

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    Dierks Bentley (Jordan Davis on tour) OC: …going crazy. :51
    “Yeah, big tour coming up this year. I’m pretty excited about it. It’s going to be with one of my favorite people in the world. Who you tour with is, is, is huge. And people always ask me, do you pick your tour mate? I’m like can’t imagine not picking them because we’re gonna spend the whole year together, and it’s not just about ticket sales. It’s about the whole hang, the vibe and Jordan Davis. You know, I asked Jordan this time last year, and we’ve been talking about it for a while. I feel really lucky because he’s a great guy. I mean, this it’s fun touring with someone who’s just so easy to get along with, but he’s also like really hot right now. It’s like, yes, I nailed it! I got someone who’s, like, just crushing it. I mean, he’s had so many huge hits and I mean, he’s really, he’s just rocking. And so, I feel so lucky to have him out there. It just makes my job so much more fun when the person in front of me is just got the crowd going crazy.”

  • BRAD PAISLEY INKS DEAL WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP NASHVILLE.

    (L-R) Bill Simmons (The AMG), Brad Paisley, Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Kendal Marcy (The AMG)

    Universal Music Group Nashville announces the signing of country music superstar Brad Paisley to EMI Records Nashville. Paisley has cemented his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. For more than 20 years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship led to numerous accolades and awards including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards.

    The signing reunites Paisley with UMGN Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan and President Cindy Mabe. Dungan was instrumental in signing Paisley to his first deal at Arista, and Mabe served as Paisley’s marketing point person through many of his early album cycles including his breakthrough projects, Mud on the Tires and Time Well Wasted.

    “There were two people that should get the credit that you even know my name – Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe. I ran into Mike at the fishing department at Walmart after having met with several labels and he talked me into signing my first deal with Arista. They assigned this woman named Cindy Mabe to me – we graduated the same day at Belmont. I got to work with her on my first few albums and now I get to work with her at UMG,” said Paisley. “Cindy’s a genius and terrific human being. She heard what I was up to with the new music, and she pointed me further into the direction I was headed. I’ve never had this kind of enthusiasm and empowerment. She said, ‘Make music that matters.’ It’s an amazing thing to work with Mike and Cindy again. It’s great to know they believe in this music as much as I do.”

    “Brad is a true creative.  He has no boundaries to what he uses as his canvas. He has used his voice and his words as a gift to heal the world through his philanthropy, his song writing, his guitar playing, his entertaining, his music videos, his sense of humor and his heart,” said Mabe. “He has been a part of the country music duo with Carrie Underwood that helped define country music to the world. And getting to reunite with my friend and collaborator in his next creative adventure is something I’ve wanted for a long time. I cannot wait for him to share the music he has created with the world.”

    Paisley, a consummate entertainer and creator, is finishing his next studio album, the first for UMG Nashville, expected later this year. This Friday, Feb. 24, Paisley is set to release a new song from forth coming album- “Same Here,” written by Paisley, Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Goldsmith, and produced by Luke Wooten.

    Paisley joins UMGN’s esteemed roster including Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Caylee Hammack, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kylie Morgan, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Mickey Guyton, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Sam Williams, Tyler Hubbard, Vince Gill, Little Big Town, Maddie & Tae, The War And Treaty, and more.

    ABOUT BRAD PAISLEY: Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. Over the past 20+ years, his songwriting and unmatched showmanship have won him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood, for 11 consecutive years. A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001, Paisley has written 21 of his 25 No. 1 hits became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. The superstar’s past works have amassed 5 billion career streams.

    Forever a prolific performer, musician, and entertainer, Paisley’s first prime-time television special, Brad Paisley Thinks He’s Special (2019), garnered more than 18 million viewers. As a globally known superstar, Paisley has routed nine tours to Europe and last fall made his first-ever trek to Australia.

    Paisley’s additional endeavors include his new “American Highway” Bourbon, his collaborations with Peyton Manning on the national Nationwide insurance ad campaigns, and his partnership with Boot Barn® to develop “Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley,” an exclusive line of jeans, hats, T-shirts, jewelry, belts, and woven shirts.

    Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, are co-founders of nonprofit organization The Store, a free-referral based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. For more information, visit www.thestore.org.

  • DIERKS BENTLEY IS LOOKING FOR A CLOSE GAME AT THIS YEAR’S SUPER BOWL.

    Dierks Bentley is looking forward to watching the match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles at Sunday’s (February 12th) Super Bowl. He’s also looking forward to watching the night’s entertainment, including Chris Stapleton’s rendition of the National Anthem, Rihanna’s half-time performance and, of course, the commercials.

    “I’ve been to the last Super Bowl in Arizona. It was the New York Giants against the New England Patriots. I was actually sitting next to Peyton Manning. I did not know him at the time. He was there rooting on his brother Eli, which was pretty cool to see that whole thing playing out,” says Dierks. “Now we have two brothers playing actually in the Super Bowl at the same time. The Kelce Brothers. I think the mother’s name is Donna, so it’s a crazy story for her. It’s gonna be a great day and a really sad day for her. It’s kind of a no-win situation for her. But that’s a cool event to have those guys playing together. I think they said other firsts in the Super Bowl to have two black quarterbacks for the first time starting in Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, so both those guys are awesome. I’m just hoping for a close game, you know? Looking forward to the half-time show, the commercials, you know? That half-time show, it’s a million dollars a minute, and it’s a 13 ½ minute half-time show, so just Rihanna, all the collaborations, the surprises, the whole thing’s so fun. But yeah, the longer it can be closer, the better the Super Bowl is for me.”

    A self-proclaimed Rihanna fan, Dierks says he would like to see more country music performers at next year’s Super Bowl. 
    “And another cool first for him, Chris Stapleton is playing the Super Bowl. He’s doing the National Anthem. For me personally, I’d be very happy watching Chris doing the half-time show. He would be amazing, and I think people would really love it. I’m a big Rihanna fan too. I’d like to sit down with Rihanna and figure out how she made 1.7 billion dollars. That’d be an interesting conversation. (laughs) But I think in 2024, we need country as the half-time show. I’m just gonna say the Hot Country Knights are available.”

    The only all-country music half-time show took place in 1994 with Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and the Judds. Shania Twain took part in the half-time show in 2003, alongside No Doubt and Sting. Previous country stars singing the National Anthem include Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, the Dixie Chicks, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Mickey Guyton.

    Also performing this year are Emmy-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbot Elementary) with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” during the pre-show. Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds will also perform with a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

    A cool note — Oscar winner Troy Kotsur will sign the national anthem alongside Stapleton. Kotsur won an Academy Award in 2022 for Best Supporting Actor for his work in “CODA,” becoming the second Deaf person ever to win an acting Oscar after Marlee Matlin.

    The Big Game kicks off at 6:30pm ET/5:30pm CT Sunday (February 12th) on FOX.

    For more Super Bowl-related audio, click HERE.

    Dierks is making his way into the Top 10 on the country charts with his latest single, “Gold,” which is from his upcoming album, Gravel & Gold, available February 24th.

     

    Audio / Dierks Bentley is looking for a close matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

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    Dierks Bentley (Super Bowl 2023) 1 OC: …is for me.  :57
    “I’ve been to the last Super Bowl in Arizona. It was the New York Giants against the New England Patriots. I was actually sitting next to Peyton Manning. I did not know him at the time. He was there rooting on his brother Eli, which was pretty cool to see that whole thing playing out. Now we have two brothers playing actually in the Super Bowl at the same time. The Kelce Brothers. I think the mother’s name is Donna, so it’s a crazy story for her. It’s gonna be a great day and a really sad day for her. It’s kind of a no-win situation for her. But that’s a cool event to have those guys playing together. I think they said other firsts in the Super Bowl to have two black quarterbacks for the first time starting in Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, so both those guys are awesome. I’m just hoping for a close game, you know? Looking forward to the half-time show, the commercials, you know? That half-time show, it’s a million dollars a minute, and it’s a 13 ½ minute half-time show, so just Rihanna, all the collaborations, the surprises, the whole thing’s so fun. But yeah, the longer it can be closer, the better the Super Bowl is for me.”

     

    Audio / Dierks Bentley talks about the entertainment, including Chris Stapleton's performance of the National Anthem, at this year's Super Bowl.

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    Dierks Bentley (Super Bowl 2023) 2 OC: …are available. :28
    “And another cool first for him, Chris Stapleton is playing the Super Bowl. He’s doing the National Anthem. For me personally, I’d be very happy watching Chris doing the half-time show. He would be amazing, and I think people would really love it. I’m a big Rihanna fan too. I’d like to sit down with Rihanna and figure out how she made 1.7 billion dollars. That’d be an interesting conversation. (laughs) But I think in 2024, we need country as the half-time show. I’m just gonna say the Hot Country Knights are available.”

  • TYLER HUBBARD RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “DANCIN’ IN THE COUNTRY” STARRING TERRY CREWS.

    Tyler Hubbard released the official video for his current single, “Dancin’ In The Country,” which is already in the Top 40 at radio and has over 35M global streams. The video stars Terry Crews (“America’s Got Talent,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), was directed by Stephen Kinigopoulos and Alexa Stone and choreographed by Maya Taylor.

     

     

    PRE-ORDER TYLER HUBBARD DIGITAL ALBUM | HERE

    Set in a bar while Hubbard performs “Dancin’ In The Country,” Crews and his group of biker friends walk in and immediately the unexpected occurs on the dance floor in an extraordinary “bar fight.”

    “This video is unlike any video that I’ve ever been a part of,” says Hubbard. “We had the ultimate heavy hitter with Terry Crews on set – he was made for a video like this. One minute, he looked like he was ready to punch a hole in the wall, and the next, he’s got the entire room laughing, just being himself. Terry is one of those guys that everyone wants to be around, and he was just perfect for this video.” Adds Hubbard, “Terry and the dancers brought the choreography to life and were able to tell the story through their amazing dancing.”

    “I was so excited to be asked to do this video with Tyler and when I saw the concept, I thought there was no one else that could pull this off,” says Crews. “This video is like a three-minute touchdown celebration, and it was so great to be a part of. For Tyler to allow me to represent something he wrote from his heart means a lot and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

    “Dancin’ In The Country” is featured on Tyler’s self-titled solo debut album, Tyler Hubbard, which will be available next Friday (January 27th).

    For more audio from Tyler on his “Dancin’ In The Country” video and co-star, click here.

    Audio / Tyler Hubbard talks about the video for his latest single, "Dancin' In The Country."

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    Tyler Hubbard (DITC video) OC: …special day overall. :36
    “My reaction to the whole thing was just amazement. You know, I have such an infatuation with dancers and watching them be able to move like the way they move and so fluid and again, bring the song to life and to add that extra element and the dynamic of dancing and the whole concept of the bad biker gang coming in. You think there’s gonna be this brawl and then they’re all of a sudden turning into a big dance battle, it’s a good time. I just sat there and watched in amazement most of the day at the talent that was in front of the camera and behind the camera. So, it was just a special day overall.”

    Audio / Actor Terry Crews talks about being a part of Tyler Hubbard's music video for "Dancin' In The Country."

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    Terry Crews (Tyler DITC) 1 OC: …Thank you. :33
    “Working with Tyler has been such a pleasure. You know, representing a song is a very important thing, because for him to let me represent something he wrote from his heart means a lot, because people will always tie you into it. And I feel so welcome, I feel so just at ease being here. I feel like a part of the family, and I’ve got to thank Tyler. He’s a superstar, and it’s so, so good to be here in Nashville doing it for real. This is how it’s done, and I love it! Thank you.”

    Audio / Terry Crews talks about getting the call to do the music video for Tyler Hubbard's "Dancin' In The Country."

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    Terry Crews (Tyler DITC) 2 OC: …it was. (2x) :53
    “This is the thing. I love music. I love country. I love rock. I love blues. I love it all, and this is one reason I host AGT because all different styles come through there and I support talent. And when I got asked to be in a country music video with Tyler Hubbard, I was sitting there like, and what was funny is that everybody that when I told them, they were like, ‘Tyler? Really? Do it! Do it!’ I was like, ‘Oh yeah, I know I’m gonna do it!’ And it was so surprising because you wonder what they want you to do and then when I saw the concept, I was like there’s nobody else I felt that could really pull this off, but me. You know what I mean? (TYLER: “He was made for this.”) I already knew. I knew it. I felt the pull, and they did a great job convincing me that it was gonna be done really well, and it was. It was.”

  • LUKAS GRAHAM TEAMS UP WITH MICKEY GUYTON FOR NEW REFLECTIVE BALLAD “HOME MOVIES.”

    Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated artists Lukas Graham and Mickey Guyton team up for a reflective ballad “Home Movies” – listen HERE. The nostalgia-laced track will be featured on Lukas’ forthcoming long-awaited album 4 (The Pink Album), out next Friday, January 20th, 2023 via Warner Records.

    About the track, Lukas says, “Home Movies is a ballad, a duet that looks at life rather than love. The coincidence of boy meets girl and the retrospective understanding that life is lived in the present but understood backwards.”

    “I am beyond excited and honored to be a part of this song with Lukas,” says Guyton. “I have always admired his voice and music. I’m so grateful to him for seeing me and asking me to be part of this incredible song!”

    Their melodic voices perfectly complement one another as they harmonize throughout the bridge, “There’s nothing I could be without these memories, even though they might not show the best of me.”

    “Mickey’s vocals really make the lyrics that much better. Not to mention the outer harmonies on the last 3rd of the song!” The Danish singer-songwriter praised. “My favorite line is from the chorus ‘Everybody’s got a story no one knows’ and that’s the truth. We all have our inglorious moments and obscure pasts to deal with and that’s what makes life so beautiful; when we manage to rise above the prejudice and make something unique of ourselves.”

     

  • CHRISTMAS 2022: Carrie Underwood

    Christmas for Carrie Underwood hasn’t changed that much from when she was a young girl. She usually still gets together with her family, which includes her parents, two sisters and their families…as well as her own husband, Mike Fisher, and sons Isaiah and Jacob.

    Carrie says some of her Christmas traditions include a lot of traveling to visit her family and her husband Mike Fisher’s family…but also cooking and celebrating the season. “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family,” says Carrie. “I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    The mother of two loves to cook, especially at Christmas, because of the food and most importantly, due to the company gathered around the dining table. “I do love to cook, and I love to go all out for Christmas,” says Carrie. “I don’t do anything super fancy – lots of casseroles and stuff like that, like broccoli rice casserole, and some sort of macaroni dish, and there’s always deviled eggs. I don’t know why we eat deviled eggs every holiday. It’s like the holiday thing to do is make deviled eggs. What else do I do? There’s pecan pie—that’s my husband’s favorite. I love pumpkin pie, so I’ll always make that. My son and I will make Christmas cookies and things like that; green bean casserole. That’s another one. I don’t know, I might be the only one who eats green bean casserole, but it’s the kind of thing that you just have to have it. But I love to cook, and I feel like that’s, you know, I love to feast. I love to get around the table. There’s way too much food to eat and everybody’s bellies are full and everyone’s happy and thankful and enjoying the food and the company.”

    She continues: “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

    One of the traditions she enjoys with her own family is picking out a Christmas tree with her husband and two sons. “We were an artificial tree family growing up. It was easier, you know, but now in our own home, we do the real tree thing, and we kind of try to make that a little bit of a tradition. We go and we pick it out. The boys have some say in which one we get, and they feel some ownership and we all decorate it together and of course, have Christmas music playing in the house. I make cookies that were my husband’s grandmother that my kids call Gigi. It’s her recipe, her ginger snap cookies, and we make those and it’s super sweet. Isaiah loves makes Gigi’s cookies, because he still remembers her a little bit. So, it’s something special we get to do.”

    One of her favorite memories from childhood was singing Christmas carols for folks in nursing homes. “Christmas was always just about family,” she says. “One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Carrie released a special edition of her Christmas album, My Gift, last year, featuring “Favorite Time of Year,” “Let There Be Peace” and “Hallelujah” with John Legend. The global superstar says there’s nothing like Christmas music that gets you in the spirit of the season. “There is no other like part of the year that gets its own music, like exclusively. When you think about it, like entire radio stations switch over to play Christmas music around Christmas time. So, I feel like it just puts you in the mood for Christmas. Christmas is something that everybody looks forward to and to have Christmas music start playing way before Christmas. It usually does because people just can’t wait to get there. It puts you in a mood. It changes your state of mind. It gets you ready for it and it just makes you feel a certain way.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS HER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS USUALLY INCLUDE COOKING AND TRAVELING, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, FAMILY.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (perfect Christmas) OC: …with family. :40
    “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family. I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about what she likes to cook at Christmas.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas eats) OC: …the food and the company. :53
    “I do love to cook, and I love to go all out for Christmas. I don’t do anything super fancy – lots of casseroles and stuff like that, like broccoli rice casserole, and some sort of macaroni dish, and there’s always deviled eggs. I don’t know why we eat deviled eggs every holiday. It’s like the holiday thing to do is make deviled eggs. What else do I do? There’s pecan pie—that’s my husband’s favorite. I love pumpkin pie, so I’ll always make that. My son and I will make Christmas cookies and things like that; green bean casserole. That’s another one. I don’t know, I might be the only one who eats green bean casserole, but it’s the kind of thing that you just have to have it. But I love to cook, and I feel like that’s, you know, I love to feast. I love to get around the table. There’s way too much food to eat and everybody’s bellies are full and everyone’s happy and thankful and enjoying the food and the company.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD RECALLS MEMORIES OF PAST CHRISTMASES.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas memory) OC: …Christmas carols. :18
    “Christmas was always just about family. One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT HER CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas traditions) OC: …time of year. :35
    “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood says one of her family’s traditions is to go pick out a real Christmas tree and put it up together.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas trees) OC: …get to do. :43
    “We were an artificial tree family growing up. It was easier, you know, but now in our own home, we do the real tree thing, and we kind of try to make that a little bit of a tradition. We go and we pick it out. The boys have some say in which one we get, and they feel some ownership and we all decorate it together and of course, have Christmas music playing in the house. I make cookies that were my husband’s grandmother that my kids call Gigi. It’s her recipe, her ginger snap cookies, and we make those and it’s super sweet. Isaiah loves makes Gigi’s cookies, because he still remembers her a little bit. So, it’s something special we get to do.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about one of her family's new Christmas traditions.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas PJs) OC: …tell you that.
    “For the past few years, we all get matching PJs. Either we get them or somebody else gifts them to us, and we all match – my husband, myself, my sons and our dogs. And getting my german shepherd into a Christmas sweater is no easy feat, I will tell you that.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas music) OC: …a certain way. :37
    “There is no other like part of the year that gets its own music, like exclusively. When you think about it, like entire radio stations switch over to play Christmas music around Christmas time. So, I feel like it just puts you in the mood for Christmas. Christmas is something that everybody looks forward to and to have Christmas music start playing way before Christmas. It usually does because people just can’t wait to get there. It puts you in a mood. It changes your state of mind. It gets you ready for it and it just makes you feel a certain way.”

    Video /

    View

    Video /

    View
  • LUKE BRYAN SCORES HIS 30TH CAREER NO. 1 SONG WITH “COUNTRY ON.”

    Luke Bryan lands his 30th career #1 single today with “Country On” hitting the top of the Mediabase charts.  The song was written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury, produced by Jeff Stevens, co-produced by Jody Stevens, and features Sarah Buxton on background vocals. In his career Luke has amassed 56 total weeks at #1 including “Country On.”

    “Country On” is the first single from new music planned for release in 2023.

    The five-time Entertainer of the Year spoke to MusicRow Magazine exclusively today; here is an excerpt:

    “According to Bryan, the secret to his longevity is both being able to write songs and find outside songs. 12 of his 30 No. 1 hits were co-written by Bryan. ‘I looked at all my heroes—guys like George Strait and Brooks & Dunn—all of my heroes wrote songs and they found songs, too.’ He also points out that it’s been crucial to him to pay attention to the next generation of hit-makers. ‘Somewhere in Nashville, there’s young songwriters writing right now with a fresh approach and a new way to say stuff. For me, it’s always fun to really open up to the whole town to try to find new songs,’ he says. ‘The little nuances of production in their demos.’”

    “It’s fitting that Bryan’s 30th No. 1 hit, “Country On,” evokes the spirit of his lasting career. He sings, “Hey Nashville, keep bending them strings. Diggin’ for gold, chasin’ them dreams. Keep on with your songs ’til the whole worlds singin’ along.” ‘What I love about that song [Country On] is it’s got a lot of the same feelings of an Alabama song, like ‘Forty Hour Week (For a Livin’)’ or ‘Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler).’ That song just speaks to the hardworking Americans out there. In my opinion, a lot of the people that I reference in that song make the world go around. ‘I’ve never really done a song that had patriotic aspects to it,’ he shares. ‘When we say, ‘Hey, hey, USA. We ain’t seen our better days,’ that’s a come-together moment. I couldn’t have hand-picked a better 30th.’”

     

    30 Career NUMBER ONE Singles –   28 solo and **two ‘featuring Luke’

    Highlights are Multi-Week #1s

     “Country On”-written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury 12-12-22

    “Buy Dirt” Jordan Davis Feat. Luke Bryan    ** 1-24-22

    “Waves”- written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill 8-30-21

    “Down To One”- written by Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach and Kyle Fishman 3-1-21

    “One Margarita” – written by Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Thompson 7-6-21

    “What She Wants Tonight”- written by Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey and Jon Nite 3-31-20

    “Knockin’ Boots”- written by Hillary Lindsey, Gordie Sampson and Jon Nite 9-9-19

    “What Makes You Country”- written by Luke, Dallas Davidson and Ashley Gorley 2-27-19

    “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset”- written by Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd and Chase McGill 9-10-18

    “Most People Are Good”- written by David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear 3-26-18

    “Light It Up”- written by Luke Bryan, Brad Tursi 12-11-17

    “Fast”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson, Luke Laird 4-3-17

    “Move”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Jay Clementi 1-7-16

    “Huntin’, Fishin’, And Lovin’ Every Day”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip 6/20/16

    “Home Alone Tonight”—Written by: Jody Stevens, Cole Taylor, Jaida Dreyer, Tommy Cecil 2-1-16

    “Strip It Down”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Jon Nite, Ross Copperman 10-19-15

    “Kick The Dust Up”—Written by: Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley 8/3/15

    “I See You”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird 2-2-15

    “Roller Coaster”—Written by: Michael Carter, Cole Swindell 10-6-14

    “Play It Again”—Written by: Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley 5-19-14

    “Drink A Beer”—Written by: Jim Beavers, Chris Stapleton 2-3-14

    “That’s My Kind of Night”—Written by: Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley 10-21-13

    “Crash My Party”—Written by: Rodney Clawson, Ashley Gorley 7-1-13

    “Only Way I Know” Jason Aldean, Feat Luke Bryan   **2-4-13

    “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens, Shane McAnally 11-5-12

    “Drunk On You”—Written by: Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear 6-4-12

    “I Don’t Want This Night To End”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip 1-16-12

    “Someone Else Calling You Baby”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Jeff Stevens 2-13-11

    “Rain Is A Good Thing”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson 7-11-10

    “Do I”—Written by: Luke Bryan, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelly 12-13-09

     

    Luke wraps a stellar touring year playing for one million fans including his “Crash My Playa,” “Raised Up Right Tour,” “Farm Tour,” festival dates and his exclusive Las Vegas headlining engagement at the new Resorts World Theatre with additional 2023 shows on sale now.

    In November for the second consecutive year, Luke hosted the ABC Special, “On the Road to the CMA Awards” and he and NFL great Peyton Manning hosted “The 56th Annual CMA Awards.”

    This fall Luke launched Jockey Outdoors™ collection with the apparel company and during 2020-2022 he and wife Caroline were Jockey brand ambassadors as part of their ad campaign, “There’s Only One Jockey™.”

    In their Tennessee home county, Caroline and Luke are serving as co-chair and honorary co-chair, respectively, for the Williamson Medical Center capital campaign to help fund a major renovation and expansion project.

    Luke’s charitable endeavors included donating proceeds from his Estero, Florida concert to the Florida Disaster Fund in November after Hurricane Ian ravaged that area of the state and many contributions through his yearly Farm Tour. He again gave scholarships to students from farming families who are attending the local college or university near the tour stops. He continued a partnership with Bayer to help celebrate America’s farmers and fight hunger through its #HerestotheFarmer campaign providing more than 6 million meals and more than $180,000 going to Feeding America member food banks and local farmers at each of the tour cities. He teamed up with the National Pork Board in their on-going campaign to dispel common misconceptions about modern pig farming as they in turn partnered with Farmland® to donate a truckload of protein to local foodbanks in each of the states that hosted the six Farm Tour stops. Farmland also donated $9,000 to each state’s FFA Association. Luke joined Farm Tour sponsor Fendt in creating the Luke Bryan’s Boldly Grown Popcorn, a limited-edition packaged snack. When the limited supply sold-out, Fendt donated $25,000 to the National FFA Organization, the premier youth organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture.

     

    Audio / Luke Bryan talks about his new No. 1 single, "Country On."

    Download

    Luke Bryan (Country On) OC: …people out there. :29
    “When you hear, ‘Hey Farm Boy…’ I mean that certainly spoke to me right off the bat, and the fact that we were able to put so many different aspects of the way, the country American way of life out there, and I felt like this song really, really nailed it. It was something that really spoke to my heart and being able to put it out in the heart of summer, right against the Fourth of July, I feel it’s gonna talk to, speak to a lot of people out there.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY JOURNEYS FORWARD TO HIS 10TH STUDIO ALBUM WITH THE RELEASE OF BLUEGRASS INFLUENCED “HIGH NOTE” FEATURING BILLY STRINGS.

    Multi-Platinum and Award Winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has always encompassed the values and sounds that have defined his authentic two-decade career. Those many strains of Country music he’s mastered and cultivated span the arena shaker to the barroom weeper to the bluegrass fireballer. Today, he releases “High Note” featuring Billy Strings, a witty track about weed that taps Bentley’s passion for and experience with bluegrass that finishes in a super-jam featuring legends Jerry Douglas on dobro, Sam Bush on mandolin and guest guitar stars Billy Strings and Bryan Sutton. “High Note” helps set the stage for Bentley’s tenth LP, arriving early next year. To listen, click here or watch the music video here.

    “Bryan Sutton first tipped me off to Billy Strings about seven years ago mentioning that the future of bluegrass was in good hands,” said Bentley. “I was totally blown away the first time I saw him. I’ve cut songs like these since my first record, and I knew I wanted to have him on this one, I’m such a huge fan. It was a lot of fun to have him, Jerry, Sam and Bryan all passing licks around – having them all on this record means a lot to me personally.”

    Produced by Bentley alongside Ross Copperman, Jon Randall and F. Reid Shippen, the new track follows the lead single from his 10th studio album “Gold,” where he “cranks up the energy and learns to enjoy the ride” (Rolling Stone). Last night, Bentley performed “Gold” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert here, after he sat down with the host to discuss wining the first-ever Colbert Cup during Pickled, the CBS special celebrity pickleball tournament to benefit Comic Relief US featuring other celebrities like Will Ferrell, Sugar Ray Leonard, Emma Watson and Tig Notaro. Fans can watch the interview portion here.

    That 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant No. One single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, 6.4 billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. He also has created professional endeavors outside of the music with his Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection Desert Son, along with his “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row” franchise hosting four locations. For more information, visit www.Dierks.com.

     

  • FOUR-TIME GRAMMY AWARD© WINNER KEITH URBAN RELEASES NEW MUSIC.

    Today brings new music from four-time GRAMMY© Award winner Keith Urban.  His latest release, “Street Called Main” is as “pure, open road with the windows down, feel-good as it gets.”  As Urban sees it, “some memories are triggered by the simplest of things, like finding yourself anywhere in the world – even on a ‘street called main’ – and suddenly ‘she’ comes flooding back.”

    Urban, who has been working on a new album slated for release in 2023, recorded “Main” in Nashville with longtime co-producer Dann Huff.  He’s been performing some of the new songs on stages across North America as part of his critically hailed THE SPEED OF NOW WORLD TOUR 2022, which will end following shows on November 3rd in Madison, Wisconsin, November 4th in Peoria, Illinois and November 5th in Saint Paul, Minnesota before landing in Australia next month.

    Urban’s current radio single “Brown Eyes Baby” continues to climb the chart, having just entered the Top 30.

  • GEORGE STRAIT AND CHRIS STAPLETON TEAM UP TO PLAY ONLY SIX MARKETS, SUMMER 2023; FEATURING LITTLE BIG TOWN.

    Fans of George Strait will have six major opportunities to see the King of Country live in 2023, alongside one of the country’s most respected and beloved musicians, Chris Stapleton, for one-off stadium dates in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, Nashville and Tampa. Joining 89x Platinum music icon Strait and eight-time GRAMMY-winner Stapleton for all dates are special guests, Little Big Town.

    Tickets to all shows go on sale next Friday, November 4th at 10am local time at GeorgeStrait.com. American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Wednesday, October 26th at 10am local time through Thursday, November 3rd at 10pm local time.

    “When I walk through those curtains and see those smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again ‘til I walk back out and get on that bus that got me there. That’s from a song I wrote called ‘I’ll Always Remember You.’ It’s a true statement,” Strait shared exclusively with Billboard of the announcement. “When we talked about doing these six shows next year with Chris, it was a no brainer for me. I was all in.”

    “I love doing these shows with George about as much as I like doing anything. There’s nothing to compare it to,” adds Stapleton. “So many of his songs are in the ethos of what country music is. Playing these shows together is a great experience all the way around.”

    George Strait w/ Chris Stapleton & special guests Little Big Town 2023 Stadium Shows:
    May 6              Glendale, Ariz.  ||  State Farm Stadium
    June 3              Milwaukee, Wisc.  ||  American Family Field
    June 17            Seattle, Wash.  ||  Lumen Field
    June 24            Denver, Colo.  ||  Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
    July 29            Nashville, Tenn.  ||  Nissan Stadium
    Aug. 5             Tampa, Fla.  ||  Raymond James Stadium

    Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour wrapped in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements, including appearances in 2021 headlining both weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival as well as Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium. He also extended his Strait to Vegas series at T-Mobile Arena earlier this year along with headlining shows at Little Rock’s Simmons Bank Arena and Kansas City’s GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in addition to returning to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for his 31st performance at the event and headlining back-to-back nights in Austin for the Moody Center’s grand opening celebration.

    As previously announced, Strait will also perform in his home state of Texas this fall for a two-night stand at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th, 2022. The two shows sold out within just hours of going on sale to the public this spring. In addition, he will return to Las Vegas for his Strait to Vegas series once again, gracing the stage at his T-Mobile Arena home away from home for the 35th and 36th times on Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd.

     

    Audio / Little Big Town lists their favorite George Strait songs.

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    LBT (Strait songs) OC: …Mmmm hmmmm. :39
    “We have so many George Strait songs we love that we literally cannot pick. ‘The Chair.’ Yes! ‘Sweet Adalina,’ ‘Give It Away,’ ‘Nobody in Her Right Mind Would’ve Left Her,’ ‘I Saw God Today,’ ‘Ocean Front Property,’ ‘All My Exes Live In Texas,’ ‘Love Without End, Amen,’ ‘Blue Clear Sky,’ ‘So Good in Love.’ ‘You Look So Good in Love’ (Jimi sings it). That’s a rolling in the haystack song. That was definitely on the ‘Rolling In The Haystack’ Mixtape.” KAREN: hmm mmmmm.

  • DIERKS BENTLEY SETS THE SCENE FOR ‘LIFE ANTHEM’ IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “GOLD” OUT NOW.

    Dierks Bentley today releases the scenic music video for “Gold.” With an emphasis on looking at life from a different perspective, Bentley traces the treasures that can be found in everyday moments outlined in the “jangling country-rock tune” (Rolling Stone).  “Gold” is available at all digital retailers here.

     

     

    “The treatment for this music video almost wrote itself,” Bentley said. “’Gold’ is an optimistic reality check. I think we all wrestle with trying to get through the rocky parts of life and on to the next thing, but there are lots of special moments to cherish even in the middle of the tough stuff.”

    Directed by Wes Edwards, the video was shot across the state of Tennessee and reiterates Bentley’s admiration for the outdoors. Backed by his six-string touring ensemble including Charlie Worsham, Bentley intertwines a jam session fitting for “a life anthem that perfectly melds heart-on-sleeve lyrical candor with an infectiously jaunty melody” (Taste of Country). The Top 25 and climbing “cheery, big-sounding single with a valuable philosophical observation delivered in a unique way” (Billboard) sets the stage for his tenth LP, arriving early next year.

  • SAM WILLIAMS RELEASES DELUXE ALBUM GLASSHOUSE CHILDREN: TILTED CROWN.

    Today, Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Williams releases Glasshouse Children: Tilted Crown, a deluxe version of his celebrated debut Glasshouse Children. The expanded edition features six new tracks, including the previously released Ragdollas well as new song “Tilted Crown” out today.

    Listen to Glasshouse Children: Tilted Crown HERE

    On the heart-rending new song “Tilted Crown,” Williams croons over a somber production, reflecting on the ups and downs of growing up, of love and loss and dealing with his legacy in life. Stay tuned for the tear-jerking video coming next week.

    “The first verse of ‘Tilted Crown’ was a poem that I had been writing, and I had just run into a dead end with it. I just knew that I had to take that and transform it into song,” shares Williams. “It’s kind of if everyone’s life was royal or medieval or however you want to explain it and the things that were happening to me in that phase of my life… I felt like I was losing things and God kept taking things from me and I was in this position of a war with my life. I think it’s about carrying your legacy, and I don’t just mean my legacy in music. I mean everyone’s legacy and living that out the best way possible with everything you face in this life.”

    Released last year, Williams’ debut Glasshouse Children received glowing reviews right out the gate. Rolling Stone said the LP was “…an introspective meditation on hurt and healing, growth and loss, sin and redemption: it’s a reckoning with fate, freewill and the family ties that bind us. Sam’s skyscraping vocals shine through these ten lush, cinematic songs, as he delivers gut-wrenching, honest and plainspoken lyrics with raw vulnerability and deep empathy.”

    Music Row said, “The project is strikingly vulnerable, with songs about healing, growth, loss and redemption that show off Williams’ connection to country music’s roots and forward thinking approach to artistry.”

    Williams spent the summer touring the UK with famed singer/songwriter Marty Stuart and is now at home working on new music.

    The grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., Sam Williams is the latest in a long line of American originals, but he’s not here for the sake of tradition. He sings with his own singular voice and he writes in his own singular style, fusing gut-wrenching honesty with plainspoken poetics and raw vulnerability with deep empathy. Suffering the sudden loss of his sister and mother this past year has been profoundly devastating for Williams, but the journey of grief and self-discovery he has found himself on has led to a deeper understanding of his purpose in life and inspired him to honor his legacy with truth and integrity.

    Glasshouse Children: Tilted Crown Track List:

    1. Glasshouse Children
    2. Happy All The Time
    3. Can’t Fool Your Own Blood
    4. Bulleit Blues
    5. 10-4
    6. Wild Girl
    7. Kids
    8. Shuteye
    9. Hopeless Romanticism
    10. The Word: Alone
    11. Tilted Crown **
    12. Bulleit Blues pt. 2 **
    13. Blame ’Em Both **
    14. Ragdoll **
    15. Wild Girl Remix **
    16. Missing the Malice **

    ** = new tracks added for the deluxe album

  • TRAVIS DENNING SHARES HIS REAL-LIFE LOVE STORY IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “BUY A GIRL A DRINK” PREMIERING EXCLUSIVELY ON FACEBOOK.

    Travis Denning shared a new music video for his song “Buy A Girl A Drink,” available to watch HERE. Premiering on Facebook and directed by PJ Brown, Denning performs as a young couple portrays Denning’s real life love story as told in the song. Co-written by Denning with Jeremy Stover, Paul DiGiovanni and Chase McGill, the candlelit confession features Denning’s most tender lyricism to date and has resonated with fans marking the most first-week streams of Denning’s songs to date.

    “Buy A Girl A Drink” is taken from Denning’s recently released six-song EP, Might As Well Be Me. The project is crafted for the stage as Denning gears up to join Jake Owen as direct support on his “Up There Down Here Tour” next weekend, kicking off in Chicago, IL on 10/13.

    It Might As Well Be Me also includes “She’s On It,” a thoughtful track that contemplates a mistake that can’t be fixed. On “Don’t Give a Truck,” Denning’s playful personality doesn’t just lead the party, it helps drop some heartfelt wisdom with a pure country turn of phrase. With the nostalgia-tinged “River Named Mississippi,” Denning is in all new territory. “Red Round Here,” is a rollicking roadhouse banger and the serene “If You Need Anything Down Here” finds Denning pledging undying support to a fallen friend.

    A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter and Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning celebrated his first No. One and recently certified PLATINUM single with the “shadowy” (Rolling Stone) “After A Few.” Accelerating his ascend from a chart-topping single, the song was taken from his debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Denning first made waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning has previously headlined his own “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour,” toured with Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Alan Jackson, Riley Green and Dierks Bentley. With over 672 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted for his head-turning sound and was previously selected as one of CRS New Faces, an Opry NextStage recipient and a CMA KixStart Artist, as he makes his mark within the industry. For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

  • MADDIE & TAE RELEASE THROUGH THE MADNESS VOL. 2, OUT TODAY.

    Maddie & Tae have released their 8-song collection, Through The Madness Vol. 2, out everywhere today. Previously sharing the heartfelt “Every Night Every Morning” and moving-on anthem “Spring Cleaning,” six additional songs are released today, each co-penned by Maddie & Tae. The confident second half of the duo’s 1-2 punch offers a harmony-drenched song cycle and a clear-eyed measure of two young women coming into their own, embracing the best of everything life hands them.

    Through The Madness Vol. 2 Track List:  

    1. “Well In Your World” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Ryan Hurd, Jimmy Robbins)^
      2.  “Every Night Every Morning” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jonathan Singleton, Brock Berryhill)^
      3.  “Drinking To Remember” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Benjy Davis, Daniel Ross)^
      4.  “Girl After My Own Heart” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)^
      5.  “Watching Love Leave” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Benjy Davis, Daniel Ross)^
      6.  “More Than Maybe” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jimmy Robbins)^
      7.  “These Tears” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Laura Veltz, Jon Green)*
      8.  “Spring Cleaning” (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Tayla Parx)*


    ^ = Produced by Derek Wells & Jimmy Robbins
    * = Produced by Derek Wells & Josh Kerr

    Maddie & Tae are celebrating the release with a brand-new music video for “Watching Love Leave,” releasing today.

    In case you missed it, the pair brought “Every Night Every Morning” to NBC’s TODAY With Hoda & Jenna on Wednesday. Watch their performance of the “breezy, tuneful” (MusicRow) song HERE. The duo also opened up to Entertainment Tonight about their new project, life on the road, and Tae gave an exclusive nursery tour HERE.

    On the heels of this week’s sold out shows in Boston and New York, Maddie & Tae will take the stage for wall-to-wall crowds in Warrendale, PA tonight (9/23) and Baltimore, MD tomorrow (9/24) on their headlining CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour. For a full list of tour dates and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.maddieandtae.com/tour.

     

    2022 “CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour” Dates:

     

    Sept 23 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA

    Sept 24 – Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD

    Sept 28 – Moonshine Beach – San Diego, CA

    Sept 29 – The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA

    Sept 30 – Club Rodeo Rio – San Jose, CA

    Oct 1 – Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA

    Oct 5 – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN

    Oct 6 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA

    Oct 7 – Von Braun Center – Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL

    Oct 13 – The Castle Theater – Bloomington, IL

    Oct 14 – The Bluestone – Columbus, OH

    Oct 15 – Elevation at The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI

     

    About Maddie & Tae:

    Award-winning duo Maddie & Tae channel their unbreakable bond, honest songwriting and “some of the tightest harmonies on Music Row” (Rolling Stone) into their new collection of songs Through The Madness Vol. 2, out now. Together as longtime friends and music collaborators, Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr co-wrote each of the project’s tracks, as well as all 8 songs on Through The Madness Vol. 1, including their most recent single, “Woman You Got,” plus fan-favorite songs “Strangers” and “Madness.” The pair drew praise for their No. 1 debuting The Way It Feels album, including the Double Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Die From A Broken Heart.” With “Die From A Broken Heart” topping the country airplay charts, Maddie & Tae became the first and only female twosome with multiple No. 1s.

    Maddie & Tae first broke out in 2013 with their brilliant counter to bro-country, the Platinum-selling smash, “Girl In A Country Song,” which took Country radio by storm, skyrocketing to the top of the charts and establishing them as only the third female duo in 70 years to top the Country Airplay charts. They recently took home Group/Duo Video of the Year (“Woman You Got”) at the CMT Music Awards, and were nominated a seventh time for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 55th CMA Awards. They have earned trophies from the Radio Disney Music Awards and CMA Awards, along with multiple ACM, Billboard and CMT Award nominations. Maddie & Tae have received widespread praise from Associated PressBillboard, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, The Tennessean, The Washington Post, Glamour and others. The celebrated duo has toured with country music’s hottest stars including Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, and Brad Paisley. They are currently headlining the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour in 2022, hitting major markets coast-to-coast. For additional information, visit www.maddieandtae.com.

     

     

    Audio / Maddie Font of Maddie & Tae say Through The Madness Volume 1 and Volume 2 fit together.

    Download

    Maddie & Tae (how Vol. 1 and 2 fit together) OC: …I would say. :20
    MADDIE: “I would say Volume 1 and Volume 2 fit together pretty well. There’s definitely hints of traditional Maddie & Tae, but we also experimented a lot. I feel Volume 2 is definitely more of a deeper dive, but they definitely complement each other, I would say.”

    Audio / LINER Maddie & Tae (available now)

    Download
  • TUNE IN: MADDIE & TAE TO APPEAR ON NBC’S TODAY WITH HODA & JENNA ON WEDNESDAY (9/21).

    Award-winning Mercury Nashville duo Maddie & Tae will hit the stage tomorrow (9/21) on NBC’s TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, performing their recent release “Every Night Every Morning.”

    Penned by Maddie & Tae with Jonathan Singleton and Brock Berryhill, “Every Night Every Morning” is the lead track from their upcoming eight song collection, Through The Madness Vol. 2, out this Friday (9/23) and available for pre-order now. With a harmony-drenched song cycle and a clear-eyed measure of two young women coming into their own, the eight-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year nominees embrace the best of everything life hands them on the second half of their 1-2 punch, following their acclaimed Through The Madness Vol. 1, released earlier this year.

    Maddie & Tae kicked off their headlining CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour last weekend (9/15), bringing their hit songs and new music to their home states of Texas and Oklahoma. See photos from opening weekend of the CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour HERE. Next up, the pair will hit the East Coast for back-to-back shows in Boston, MA (9/21), New York, NY (9/22), Warrendale, PA (9/23) and Baltimore, MD (9/24). To purchase tickets, visit https://www.maddieandtae.com/tour.

    2022 “CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour” Dates:

    Sept 21 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA

    Sept 22 – The Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY

    Sept 23 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA

    Sept 24 – Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD

    Sept 28 – Moonshine Beach – San Diego, CA

    Sept 29 – The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA

    Sept 30 – Club Rodeo Rio – San Jose, CA

    Oct 1 – Goldfield Trading Post – Roseville, CA

    Oct 5 – Brooklyn Bowl – Nashville, TN

    Oct 6 – Buckhead Theatre – Atlanta, GA

    Oct 7 – Von Braun Center – Mars Music Hall – Huntsville, AL

    Oct 13 – The Castle Theater – Bloomington, IL

    Oct 14 – The Bluestone – Columbus, OH

    Oct 15 – Elevation at The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI

     

  • SAM HUNT HELPS TO SAVE “THE RIDLEY” WITH HIS LATEST MUSIC VIDEO FOR “WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE.”

    Sam Hunt unknowingly helped to heighten the awareness of the near-extinction of sea turtles and the efforts of people to preserve the marine wildlife with his latest music video for “Water Under The Bridge.” In the clip, he’s wearing a “Save The Ridley” vintage T-shirt by Sea Turtle, Inc., an organization dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing sea turtles as well as offering educational services and conservation efforts.

    Sam wore the shirt because he thought it was “cool,” and didn’t realize the impact it would have on the organization.

    “I didn’t necessarily put that shirt on with that specific cause in mind but when I found that shirt in a little shop, I thought it was really cool,” says Sam. “I definitely have a heart for nature and the preservation of nature and all wildlife, and I know turtles have had a problem over the years, especially they come up and lay their eggs on beaches that people like to frequent, and we all think it’s fun to go down and get an up-close look and it’s such a fragile little eco system. I didn’t necessarily have a connection to that specific place, but I just thought it was a cool T-shirt and a meaningful cause that if I was gonna throw on an old T-shirt, it might as well be that one.”

    Sea Turtle, Inc. has brought back the vintage Tee to purchase for a limited time. Click here to order your own “Save The Ridley” shirt.

    Sam adds, “There are some people who are very passionate about sea turtles and rightly so, and I think they do great work and I hope that the turtles and that magical thing that they do when they come up and have their eggs and cover them up and the little babies know which way to go, most of ‘em anyway. They go back to the ocean. Not all of them survive, but some of ‘em do. It’s a beautiful thing, so hopefully we can preserve that as long as possible.”

    The Georgia native continues to hit the road. His next tour stop is in Charleston Navy Yard, South Carolina on September 2nd, followed by shows in Doswell, Virginia, Canton and Cincinnati, Ohio.

     

    Audio / Sam Hunt talks about the excitement surrounding the "Save The Ridley" T-shirt he wore in his "Water Under The Bridge" music video.

    Download

    Sam Hunt (The Ridley) OC: …be that one. :41
    “I didn’t necessarily put that shirt on with that specific cause in mind but when I found that shirt in a little shop, I thought it was really cool. I definitely have a heart for nature and the preservation of nature and all wildlife, and I know turtles have had a problem over the years, especially they come up and lay their eggs on beaches that people like to frequent, and we all think it’s fun to go down and get an up-close look and it’s such a fragile little eco system. I didn’t necessarily have a connection to that specific place, but I just thought it was a cool T-shirt and a meaningful cause that if I was gonna throw on an old T-shirt, it might as well be that one.”

    Audio / Sam Hunt talks about the preservation of sea turtles.

    Download

    Sam Hunt (The Ridley) 2 OC: …as possible. :25
    “There are some people who are very passionate about sea turtles and rightly so, and I think they do great work and I hope that the turtles and that magical thing that they do when they come up and have their eggs and cover them up and the little babies know which way to go, most of ‘em anyway. They go back to the ocean. Not all of them survive, but some of ‘em do. It’s a beautiful thing, so hopefully we can preserve that as long as possible.”

    Video /

    View
  • JON PARDI’S “AIN’T ALWAYS THE COWBOY TOUR” SETLIST TAKES CLUES FROM FANS.

    Jon Pardi has been criss-crossing the country on his Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour with special guests Lainey Wilson and Hailey Whitters, and he’s been having a blast.

    “The ‘Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour’ has been awesome! We’ve been selling out. It’s been amazing, just like a dream come true. Every time we get on stage, we have a blast,” says Jon. “I’m definitely getting my touring legs back, you know, I’ve been playing 100 minutes every night. Voice is holding up; that’s good. Putting a setlist together, that is really difficult. We’ve got a lot of songs but we try to look for little clues from fans on what they want to hear, and checking out streaming and all the things, but we definitely play our big singles and what we want to play. I don’t know. We love performing all the songs. If we could play three hours, we would, but sometimes we really can’t, so Thank you everybody who came out to the ‘Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour,’ and we’ll see you on the next stop.”

    He heads to Lampe, Missouri (Friday, 8/19) and Terre Haute, Indiana (Saturday, 8/20) this weekend.

    Jon is closing in on the top of the country charts with his latest single, “Last Night Lonely,” which is from his upcoming album Mr. Saturday Night.

     

    Audio / Jon Pardi talks about his Ain't Always The Cowboy Tour.

    Download

    Jon Pardi (Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour) OC: …next stop. :44
    “The ‘Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour’ has been awesome! We’ve been selling out. It’s been amazing, just like a dream come true. Every time we get on stage, we have a blast. I’m definitely getting my touring legs back, you know, I’ve been playing 100 minutes every night. Voice is holding up; that’s good. Putting a setlist together, that is really difficult. We’ve got a lot of songs but we try to look for little clues from fans on what they want to hear, and checking out streaming and all the things, but we definitely play our big singles and what we want to play. I don’t know. We love performing all the songs. If we could play three hours, we would, but sometimes we really can’t, so Thank you everybody who came out to the ‘Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour,’ and we’ll see you on the next stop.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY HITS “GOLD” AT COUNTRY RADIO WITH MOST ADDED SONG THIS WEEK.

    Dierks Bentley has the most added song at Country Radio today, with more than 80 stations on-board at add date for “Gold.”  Focusing on gratitude, presence and the treasures to be found in the moment that you are in, “Gold” sets the tone for Dierks’ 10th LP, arriving early next year. The song has already become a standout during his current BEERS ON ME TOUR and is available here.

    Bentley’s new single showcases why he “is indeed one of Country music’s biggest stars” (TODAY). While he’s long been a Music Row standout for devotion to his roots in classic Country and bluegrass, Bentley has never been so free to infuse his passions into music destined for the competitive commercial Country arena. As part of TODAY’s Hitmaker Series, watch Bentley share the deeper meaning of the track and his chart-topping career here.

    “Dierks Bentley returns with a jam session vibe on his latest release, and his raspy vocal gives grit to these lyrics that find the sunshine even amid life’s darkest storms.” – Billboard

    “Cranks up the energy in a way that’s calibrated to get beers raised at summer concerts.” – Rolling Stone

    “Incorporates familiar Country electric guitar tones with driving riffs, acoustic guitars and a happy, infectious melody for a track that feels like a relatable and readymade hit for Country music audiences.” – CMT

    “A life anthem that perfectly melds heart-on-sleeve lyrical candor with an infectiously jaunty melody.” – Taste of Country

    “Bentley always releases music that is authentic to him, and ‘Gold’ is no exception…it’s refreshing to hear that someone of Bentley’s stature sings about finding the deeper meaning to life.” – The Nash News

    That 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant No. One single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, 6.4 billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. The new single “Gold” promises a landmark album that will build on that enviable legacy. Fans can currently find Bentley out on his BEERS ON ME TOUR leading into his SEVEN PEAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL over Labor Day Weekend (Sept 2-4) in Villa Grove, CO. He also has created professional endeavors outside of the music with his Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection Desert Son, along with his “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row” franchise hosting four locations. For more information, visit www.Dierks.com.

  • TRAVIS DENNING NEW EP, “MIGHT AS WELL BE ME”, OUT NOW!

    Travis Denning today releases his six-song EP, MIGHT AS WELL BE ME, available HERE. The project is crafted for the stage with all of Denning’s hard-charging energy and mischief-making signatures intact, but it also captures an artist maturing.

    Travis will be celebrating the release of his brand new EP Might As Well Be Me at Ole Red in Nashville on Monday Night (August 8th) at 6pm. Fans can attend in person or join the party through the livestream here.

    The EP will also feature Denning’s new song,“Buy A Girl A Drink,” available HERE. Co-written by Denning with Jeremy Stover, Paul DiGiovanni and Chase McGill, the candlelit confession features Denning’s most tender lyricism to date.

    Denning shared his excitement, explaining,“I’m really proud of each and every song on the EP. It’s exciting to have the project out in the world and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

    IT MIGHT AS WELL BE ME will also include the previously released track “She’s On It,” a thoughtful track that contemplates a mistake that can’t be fixed. On “Don’t Give a Truck,” Denning’s playful personality doesn’t just lead the party, it helps drop some heartfelt wisdom with a pure country turn of phrase. With the nostalgia-tinged “River Named Mississippi,” Denning is in all new territory. “Red Round Here,” is a rollicking roadhouse banger and the serene “If You Need Anything Down Here” finds Denning pledging undying support to a fallen friend.
    MIGHT AS WELL BE ME Official Tracklist:

    1. Red Round Here
    2. River Named Mississippi
    3. Buy A Girl A Drink
    4. Don’t Give A Truck
    5. She’s On It
    6. If You Need Anything Down Here

    A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter and Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning celebrated his first No. One and recently certified PLATINUM single with the “shadowy” (Rolling Stone) “After A Few.” Accelerating his ascend from a chart-topping single, the song was taken from his debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Denning first made waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning has previously headlined his own “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour,” toured with Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Alan Jackson, Riley Green and is currently out on the road this summer with Dierks Bentley and will join Jake Owen this fall. With over 500 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted for his head-turning sound and was previously selected as one of CRS New Faces, an Opry NextStage recipient and a CMA KixStart Artist, as he makes his mark within the industry. For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

     

    Audio / Travis Denning talks about the song "Buy A Girl A Drink," which is on his new EP, Might As Well Be Me.

    Download

    Travis Denning (Buy A Girl A Drink) 1 OC: …we did. :37
    “We wrote this song and ‘Buy a Girl a Drink’ and obviously it was easy to spill out on a
    page because it’s my life with my fiancee and Chase McGill with his wife and Paul and Jeremy
    the co-writers, we were all able to tap into that. I think we did it in the most guy-way possible.
    Sometimes it’s really tough to sit there and spill it out, but when you start talking about buying a
    girl a drink and where it can take you, we can all look back on our relationships and see every
    little spot and every little cornerstone that got us to where we are and that’s what we did.”

    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (available now)

    Download
  • DIERKS BENTLEY’S GRATEFUL “GOLD” SETS THE STAGE FOR HIS 10TH ALBUM.

    Multi-Platinum Country music star Dierks Bentley today releases “Gold,” a single about gratitude, presence and the treasures to be found in the moment that you are in. The bright and banging record sets the stage for Bentley’s tenth LP, arriving early next year after an especially careful production process, one helmed by the artist himself for the first time. To listen, click here.

    “2020 was a chance for me to give my guitar and the road a little rest. It gave me the chance to spend a lot more time adventuring outdoors with family and friends, but also alone. It also gave me time to reset and rekindle my love of Country music and a lot of the types of songs and sounds that I fell in love with when I first got to Nashville,” explains Bentley. “I think you’ll hear that in this first track, but it carries across the whole album.”

    https://twitter.com/UMGNashville/status/1553053561529028610

     

    While he’s long been a Music Row standout for devotion to his roots in classic Country and bluegrass, Bentley has never been so free to infuse his passions into music destined for the competitive commercial Country arena. Working with trusted collaborators Ross Copperman, Reid Shippen and Jon Randall Stewart, he led an effort that mashes up several Nashville golden ages as well as homage to the Grand Ole Opry’s century of influence.

    To see Bentley perform “Gold” backstage during his BEERS ON ME TOUR click here.

    That 10th album landmark speaks to how time has flown in Bentley’s unique, 21st-century career. He landed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his debut album in 2003, producing an instant No. One single. The years since have revealed a rare consistency that’s fueled longevity – eight more albums that reached the top of the Country sales charts, resulting in 21 No. One songs, 6.4 billion streams, three CMA Awards, 14 GRAMMY® nominations and membership into the Grand Ole Opry. Trendy sounds have ebbed and flowed around him over these two decades, but fans have relied on Bentley for something more nourishing and individual. The new single “Gold” promises a landmark album that will build on that enviable legacy. Fans can currently find Bentley out on his BEERS ON ME TOUR leading into his SEVEN PEAKS MUSIC FESTIVAL over Labor Day Weekend (Sept 2-4) in Villa Grove, CO. He also has created professional endeavors outside of the music with his Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection Desert Son, along with his “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row” franchise hosting four locations. For more information, visit www.Dierks.com.

     

    Audio / Dierks Bentley says his new single “Gold” is all about gratitude and being present in the moment.

    Download

    Dierks Bentley (Gold) OC: …for granted. :30
    “This song to me is all about gratitude and just being present in the moment that you’re in and recognizing that the moment that you’re in is pretty awesome. The song starts off talking aout how you finally get that greener grass and find out you’re still in the weeds. That reminds me a lot of working your way up in the country music business, reminds me a lot of being a parent. You’ve got to be present where you’re are and when you are present, you recognize it’s a good moment to be in sometimes, and sometimes you forget and take it for granted.”

    Audio / LINER Dierks Bentley (Gold) 1

    Download

    Audio / LINER Dierks Bentley (Gold) 2

    Download

    Audio / LINER Dierks Bentley (Gold) 3

    Download

    Audio / LINER Dierks Bentley (Gold) 4

    Download

    Audio / LINER Dierks Bentley (Gold) 5

    Download

    Video /

    View
  • TRAVIS DENNING ANNOUNCES “MIGHT AS WELL BE ME” EP WILL BE RELEASED ON AUGUST 5th.

    Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning announced his forthcoming six-song EP, MIGHT AS WELL BE ME, will be released on August 5 and is available to pre-order now here. The project is crafted for the stage with all of Denning’s hard-charging energy and mischief-making signatures intact, but it also captures an artist maturing. Denning also released a new track from the upcoming release, sharing “Buy A Girl A Drink,” available to listen now here. Co-written by Denning with Jeremy Stover, Paul DiGiovanni and Chase McGill the candlelit confession features Denning’s most tender lyricism to date.

     

    “Last year and my most recent EP were all about thankfulness, and being glad to have any live shows at all,” Denning says, explaining the drive behind a new creative chapter. “This time a lot of that is behind us, and it’s like ‘Alright, let’s get to work.’ Overall, I wanted this EP to feel like a setlist. And I wanted it to be a no skipper.”

    IT MIGHT AS WELL BE ME will also include the previously released track “She’s On It,” a thoughtful track that contemplates a mistake that can’t be fixed. On “Don’t Give a Truck,” Denning’s playful personality doesn’t just lead the party, it helps drop some heartfelt wisdom with a pure country turn of phrase. With the nostalgia-tinged “River Named Mississippi,” Denning is in all new territory. “Red Round Here,” is a rollicking roadhouse banger and the serene “If You Need Anything Down Here” finds Denning pledging undying support to a fallen friend.

    MIGHT AS WELL BE ME Official Tracklist:

    1. Red Round Here
    2. River Named Mississippi
    3. Buy A Girl A Drink
    4. Don’t Give A Truck
    5. She’s On It
    6. If You Need Anything Down Here

    A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter and Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning celebrated his first No. One and recently certified PLATINUM single with the “shadowy” (Rolling Stone) “After A Few.” Accelerating his ascend from a chart-topping single, the song was taken from his debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Denning first made waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning has previously headlined his own “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour,” toured with Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Alan Jackson, Riley Green and is currently out on the road this summer with Dierks Bentley and will join Jake Owen this fall. With over 500 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted for his head-turning sound and was previously selected as one of CRS New Faces, an Opry NextStage recipient and a CMA KixStart Artist, as he makes his mark within the industry. For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

     

     

    Audio / Travis Denning says "Buy A Girl A Drink" was inspired by he and his fiancee's story.

    Download

    Travis Denning (Buy A Girl A Drink) OC: …ever written. :23
    “Buy A Girl A Drink” is just a story of how much can come out of one simple little thing of buying a girl a drink. It’s pretty inspired by how me and (fiancé) Madison first met, and just how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown in our relationship from just buying a tequila soda for her to now we’re getting married. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.”

    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (Buy A Girl A Drink)

    Download

    Video /

    View
  • LUKE BRYAN PREMIERES BRAND NEW SINGLE, “COUNTRY ON,” AT COUNTRY RADIO.

    Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan is premiering a brand-new single at country radio today, “Country On.” The song, written by Mark Nesler, David Frasier, Mitch Oglesby, and Styles Haury, produced by Jeff Stevens and co-produced by Jody Stevens and featuring Sarah Buxton on background vocals, lands just in time for America’s Independence Day. Luke teases this is the first of more new music he is currently working on. “Country On” is available at all digital retailers HERE.

    “I love that the song uplifts the hardworking American people out there, and it brings a lot of unity,” shared Luke. “It just has feel-good vibes all the way around it and anytime you can reference country music fans in a song, and you can really make it feel natural, it’s great. And this song does just that.”

    Being the son of an American farmer and growing a few crops of his own, the five-time Entertainer of the Year understands the hard work, blood, sweat and tears it takes, and he says the first line of “Country On” drew him to the song right away.

    “When you hear, ‘Hey Farm Boy…’ I mean that certainly spoke to me right off the bat, and the fact that we were able to put so many different aspects of the way, the country American way of life out there, and I felt like this song really, really nailed it,” says Luke. “It was something that really spoke to my heart and being able to put it out in the heart of summer, right against the Fourth of July, I feel it’s gonna talk to, speak to a lot of people out there.”

    You can find audio of the song below, as well as audio and liners here on “Country On.”

    The release of “Country On” follows Luke’s stellar track record at country radio with 29 career #1 singles and 17.2 Billion worldwide streams.

    Earlier this week, he shot the music video for “Country On” in downtown Nashville and featured Metro Nashville Police Officers and other first responders.

     

    Next week, Luke will continue his RAISED UP RIGHT TOUR after the July 4th holiday with shows in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Raleigh, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia with 30+ cities before wrapping in late October with Riley Green and Mitchell Tenpenny.

    Raised Up Right Tour Schedule HERE.

    “My favorite place to be is on stage performing to country music fans,” Bryan said. “So thankful every night when I walk out on that stage and know you are there to have a blast along beside me. It never gets old.”

    Fans can also make plans to see his headline residency at the new Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas:

    • August 2022: 31
    • September 2022: 3, 4
    • November 2022: 30
    • December 2022: 2, 3, 7, 9, 10

     

     

    Audio / Luke Bryan talks about his new single, "Country On."

    Download

    Luke Bryan (Country On) OC: …people out there. :29
    “When you hear, ‘Hey Farm Boy…’ I mean that certainly spoke to me right off the bat, and the fact that we were able to put so many different aspects of the way, the country American way of life out there, and I felt like this song really, really nailed it. It was something that really spoke to my heart and being able to put it out in the heart of summer, right against the Fourth of July, I feel it’s gonna talk to, speak to a lot of people out there.”

  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD PREPS BRAND NEW ALBUM, DENIM & RHINESTONES.

     

    Carrie Underwood is set to release her highly-anticipated album, Denim & Rhinestones, next Friday (June 10th, 2022).

    The global superstar co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on Denim & Rhinestones with many of her frequent collaborators such as David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, and Chris DeStefano, who have written many of her biggest hits. She also welcomes more recent co-writers on the album, including Michael Hardy and Lydia Vaughan, the latter of whom co-wrote “If I Didn’t Love You,” Carrie’s multi-week #1 smash hit duet with Jason Aldean.

    She wants fans who listen to the album to feel joyous and have a good time. “I hope when fans listen to the album, Denim & Rhinestones, that they just feel happy,” says Carrie. “When we set out to make this entire project, I walked in the writing room with my co-producer David (Garcia), and he’s like, ‘Well, what are we doing? What do you want to do?’ And I said, I just want to have fun. I feel like over the past couple of years, everybody’s been a little cooped up and just need some fun in their lives. You know, thinking about taking all of these songs on the road, I just wanted to think about as we were writing and as I was choosing songs, which ones would be great live. I love this album so much. It makes me happy. I hope they learn a little bit more about my musical influences and things that I like, because I feel like a lot of those just worked their way into this album. But, most of all, I just want them to feel happy, I want them to dance, I want them to sing and just have a good time with it.”

    Denim & Rhinestones is the latest project between Carrie and David Garcia, having co-produced her critically-acclaimed 2018 release, Cry Pretty, which marked the first time she produced her own album.  Garcia and Carrie also co-produced her 2021 GRAMMY® Award-winning album of gospel hymns, My Savior.

    https://twitter.com/carrieunderwood/status/1512414386589159433

     

    Denim & Rhinestones Track List:

    1. Denim & Rhinestones (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
    2. Velvet Heartbreak (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    3. Ghost Story (David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
    4. Hate My Heart (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Michael Hardy, Hillary Lindsey)
    5. Burn (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
    6. Crazy Angels (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Lydia Vaughan)
    7. Faster (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    8. Pink Champagne (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
    9. Wanted Woman (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
    10. Poor Everybody Else (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Josh Miller)
    11. She Don’t Know (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    12. Garden (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)

     

    Carrie’s current single, “Ghost Story,” which is from her new album, is closing in on the Top 20 on the country charts.

    It was just announced that Carrie will be performing a one-night-only live performance from The Historic Bell Tower in Nashville to celebrate the release of her new album, Denim & Rhinestones. Tune in June 9 at 8p CT/6p PT via Amazon Music on Twitch, the Amazon Music app and Prime Video.

     

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about what fans can expect when they listen to her new album, Denim & Rhinestones.

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    Carrie Underwood (hopes for fans) OC: …time with it. 1:00
    “I hope when fans listen to the album, Denim & Rhinestones, that they just feel happy. When we set out to make this entire project, I walked in the writing room with my co-producer David (Garcia), and he’s like, ‘Well, what are we doing? What do you want to do?’ And I said, I just want to have fun. I feel like over the past couple of years, everybody’s been a little cooped up and just need some fun in their lives. You know, thinking about taking all of these songs on the road, I just wanted to think about as we were writing and as I was choosing songs, which ones would be great live. I love this album so much. It makes me happy. I hope they learn a little bit more about my musical influences and things that I like, because I feel like a lot of those just worked their way into this album. But, most of all, I just want them to feel happy, I want them to dance, I want them to sing and just have a good time with it.”

    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (available June 10th)

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  • TYLER HUBBARD SAYS “5 FOOT 9” WAS A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR THE REST OF HIS MUSIC.

    You may have guessed Tyler Hubbard’s new solo single, “5 Foot 9,” is about his wife Hayley, however after speaking to her when he got home from the writing session, he discovered he and his co-writers, Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, shorted her about an inch.

    “Well, I got to be honest. I have a confession. I missed it by about an inch. She’s actually 5’10”,” says Tyler. “I went home that night and said, ‘Babe, remind me again how tall you are exactly. You’re about 5’9”, right?’ She said, ‘Yeah, I’m 5’10”.’ And I thought, ‘Well, here’s a new song I wrote today. I’m sorry I cut you short by an inch, but I hope you like it.”

    The Georgia native has been writing constantly, including as a co-writer on Little Big Town’s current single, “Hell Yeah.” In fact, he recorded 18 songs for his upcoming project, and “5 Foot 9” kept coming to the forefront as the debut single.

    “That song is just a prime example of a great day in the writing room. I was writing it with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, great incredible guys and great writers, and a song that just sorta continued to make it to the top of the pile; one of 18 that I recorded, and I I love all of the songs just about equally, which made it very difficult. They all have a different purpose and a different feel, and it’s all a little piece of who I am and tells my story. But I think ‘5 Foot 9’ was a good launchpad and a good foundation for the rest of this music and what’s to come, and my story and where I’m at. And for me, it seemed appropriate. Something about this song felt nostalgic and familiar, but also very simple in the fact that it just reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and things that we, and myself especially, maybe take for granted at times. You know, all the things that I mentioned in the verses and then obviously just getting to sing about the good stuff in life and where I’m at right now and looking around and seeing yeah, my wife, but also my kids and my family, just the life that we’re living right now. We’re really in a sweet spot, and I’m reminded of where that comes from, so I’m hoping this song will do that for the fans.”

    For the past decade, country fans have gotten to know Tyler Hubbard as the lead singer of the multi-platinum-selling, record-breaking duo Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard has written seven No. 1 hits for FGL (singing lead vocal on all 19) plus, he has written cuts for artists across multiple genres including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Thomas Rhett, Chris Tomlin, Nelly and Bebe Rexha.

    With 19 No. 1 singles on country radio, countless awards, and sold-out tours, Tyler Hubbard has already had a remarkable career as a songwriter and as one half of multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line. Now ready for the next chapter, the Georgia-native and prolific songwriter has written well over 100 songs as he works towards his debut solo album release on EMI Nashville. The first song, “5 Foot 9,” is out now with more music expected throughout the year.

     

    Audio / Tyler Hubbard recalls talking to his wife after getting home from the writing session of "5 Foot 9."

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    Tyler Hubbard (5 Foot 9) 2 OC: …like it. :18
    “Well, I got to be honest. I have a confession. I missed it by about an inch. She’s actually 5’10”. I went home that night and said, ‘Babe, remind me again how tall you are exactly. You’re about 5’9”, right?’ She said, ‘Yeah, I’m 5’10”.’ And I thought, ‘Well, here’s a new song I wrote today. I’m sorry I cut you short by an inch, but I hope you like it.”

    Audio / Tyler Hubbard talks about why he thinks "5 Foot 9" is the perfect first single from his upcoming solo project.

    Download

    Tyler Hubbard (5 Foot 9) 3 OC: …for the fans. 1:08
    “That song is just a prime example of a great day in the writing room. I was writing it with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, great incredible guys and great writers, and a song that just sorta continued to make it to the top of the pile; one of 18 that I recorded, and I love all of the songs just about equally, which made it very difficult. They all have a different purpose and a different feel, and it’s all a little piece of who I am and tells my story. But I think ‘5 Foot 9’ was a good launchpad and a good foundation for the rest of this music and what’s to come, and my story and where I’m at. And for me, it seemed appropriate. Something about this song felt nostalgic and familiar, but also very simple in the fact that it just reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and things that we, and myself especially, maybe take for granted at times. You know, all the things that I mentioned in the verses and then obviously just getting to sing about the good stuff in life and where I’m at right now and looking around and seeing yeah, my wife, but also my kids and my family, just the life that we’re living right now. We’re really in a sweet spot, and I’m reminded of where that comes from, so I’m hoping this song will do that for the fans.”

  • PRISCILLA BLOCK LOOKS UP TO ANOTHER MULTI-TALENTED BLONDE SINGER.

    It was a dream-come-true moment for Priscilla Block when she got to meet and talk with the iconic Dolly Parton as she co-hosted the red carpet at this year’s ACM Awards in Las Vegas. The pair definitely have a few things in common, including a songwriting gift, being talented performers and musicians and both petite songstresses have blonde hair. Priscilla admires and respects the global superstar and business woman for many things, including her talent.

    “I would say one female country legend that I look up to would be Dolly Parton,” she says. “I love how honest she is and she’s always just embraced who she is as a woman, and I love that so much. Big hair, big hoops and…you know what’s next. (laughs) I love me some Dolly.”

    Priscilla is currently making her way across the country on her Welcome To The Block Party Tour, as well as heading up the country charts with her latest song, “My Bar.”

    Audio / Priscilla Block talks about looking up to Dolly Parton.

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    Priscilla Block (Dolly Parton) OC: …some Dolly. :17
    “I would say one female country legend that I look up to would be Dolly Parton. I love how honest she is and she’s always just embraced who she is as a woman, and I love that so much. Big hair, big hoops and…you know what’s next. (laughs) I love me some Dolly.”

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  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM DENIM & RHINESTONES JUNE 10th.

    Multi-platinum, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood will release her highly anticipated album, Denim & Rhinestones, on June 10, 2022.  Underwood surprised fans with the reveal of her album cover yesterday and a new album trailer today.

    The title track, Denim & Rhinestones,” and its accompanying lyric video, are also available today. The upbeat track was written by Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Kear, and Hillary Lindsey, and co-produced by Garcia and Underwood.  Garcia co-wrote Underwood’s hit songs “Love Wins,” “Southbound,” and “Drinking Alone.”  Lindsey and Underwood have collaborated on a string of hits such as “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “So Small,” “Last Name,” “Smoke Break,” “Church Bells,” and the now-iconic title track, “Cry Pretty.” Kear co-wrote Underwood’s signature hits, “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away,” and co-wrote another cinematic classic, “Two Black Cadillacs” with Underwood and Lindsey.

    Underwood co-wrote 11 of the 12 tracks on Denim & Rhinestones with many of her frequent collaborators such as David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, and Chris DeStefano, who have written many of Underwood’s biggest hits.  She also welcomes more recent co-writers on the album, including Michael Hardy and Lydia Vaughan, the latter of whom co-wrote “If I Didn’t Love You,” Underwood’s multi-week #1 smash hit duet with Jason Aldean.

    Denim & Rhinestones is the latest project between Underwood and David Garcia, having co-produced her critically acclaimed 2018 release, Cry Pretty, which marked the first time Underwood produced her own album.  Garcia and Underwood also co-produced Underwood’s 2021 GRAMMY® Award-winning album of gospel hymns, My Savior.

    Denim & Rhinestones Track List:

    1. Denim & Rhinestones (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
    2. Velvet Heartbreak (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    3. Ghost Story (David Garcia, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
    4. Hate My Heart (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Michael Hardy, Hillary Lindsey)
    5. Burn (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
    6. Crazy Angels (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Lydia Vaughan)
    7. Faster (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    8. Pink Champagne (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey)
    9. Wanted Woman (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
    10. Poor Everybody Else (Carrie Underwood, Chris DeStefano, Josh Miller)
    11. She Don’t Know (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    12. Garden (Carrie Underwood, David Garcia, Josh Miller)

    Underwood says of Denim & Rhinestones, “We cover a lot of ground on this album.  We have a lot of songs that have a bit of a ‘throwback’ feel, but they sound super fresh.  I grew up listening to so many different kinds of music and that is extremely evident in this body of work.  These are musical influences that are all in me and work their way out, and I just decided this time not to get in their way.  I think this whole album ended up being a big reflection of me as a person and as an artist.”

    Underwood says, “After spending over two years with My Gift and My Savior, which were such passion projects and so close to my heart, putting together REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency was really the catalyst for this album.  I was just ready to have fun and to write songs that make me happy to listen to and happy to sing.”

    Discussing the title track, Underwood says, “The song ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ is super fun, with a bit of a retro vibe – we just go together, like a sweet tea and a lemon, like denim and rhinestones.  You have these things that are great on their own and then you put them together and they just fit. That’s how this album feels.”

    Garcia says, “Carrie is one of the greatest singers of our time. Her power and control in the studio is unparalleled. We had such a great time making this record, and it turned out exactly how we wanted it to!”

    Denim & Rhinestones Signed CD Box Set and Vinyl Box Sets are available for preorder now which includes an exclusive t-shirt, rhinestone pack, denim tote bag, and album slip mat in limited quantities here. Fans can order from physical retailers here. The vinyl edition will be available in July and a cassette version on August 5.

    The album announcement comes on the heels of Underwood’s 8th GRAMMY® Award win for Best Roots Gospel Album for My Savior on April 3, where she performed the first new single from the album, “Ghost Story.” The single was released on March 18 and is climbing the charts with over 10.5 million streams. The lyric video for the cinematic track is also available now.

     The single has received rave reviews: “Carrie Underwood has been blowing fans away with her music for 15 years and her new single ‘Ghost Story’ is no exception.  The eerily gorgeous track is fittingly named, as it is about ‘haunting’ a past lover in their memories. Underwood’s voice shines on ‘Ghost Story,’ taking the raw heartbreak in the lyrics to a new level.” (American Songwriter); “The ear-catching, burbling country-pop production flows like a rushing stream beneath her penetrating, processed vocal. She vows to haunt her ex, troubling his sleep and making him wish he’d never left her. Hit bound, for certain” (MusicRow).

    Underwood recently completed the second sold-out run of her critically acclaimed REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency at the Resorts World Theatre.  She opened the new theatre – featuring the largest and tallest stage in Las Vegas – with sold-out shows in December and her residency continues with her next engagement May 11-21.

    Underwood, who headlines the legendary Stagecoach Festival on April 30, recently celebrated the success of smash multi-week #1 hit “If I Didn’t Love You” with Jason Aldean. They recently won the Single of the Year at the ACM Awards, as well as Country Song of the Year at the iHeart Radio Music Awards. Underwood and Aldean were also nominated at the 64th annual GRAMMY® Awards for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and are nominated for two awards at the upcoming 2022 CMT Music Awards for “If I Didn’t Love You” – Collaborative Video of the Year and Video of the Year.

     

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  • WATCH NOW: KIP MOORE BRINGS “CRAZY ONE MORE TIME (REVISITED)” TO LIFE WITH OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO.

    Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Kip Moore has released the official music video for his fan-favorite track and current single “Crazy One More Time (Revisited).” The clip gives fans a look behind the curtain at Moore’s creative process in the studio, and spotlights a powerful performance from the “uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders.” (Noisey).

    Making good on a long-time back and forth with his loyal fanbase, Moore hit the studio to put a 2022 update on the track originally featured on his widely celebrated debut album UP ALL NIGHT. The song has gone on to grow a life of its own over the past ten years, becoming one of the most requested songs during Moore’s signature live show. “Crazy One More Time” was co-written by Moore with Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo.

    Recently making his long-anticipated return to C2C: Country to Country Festival, Moore’s set was praised as “nothing short of masterful” (Your Life In A Song), as he proved again, “Kip was born to be on the stage.” (Building Our Own Nashville). Next up, he will crisscross the US on the road this spring and summer for headlining shows and high-profile festival appearances. For a full list of tour dates and ticket information, visit http://www.kipmoore.net/tour.

     

    Known as “one of country’s more thoughtful artists” (Billboard), Moore has toured the world earning acclaim and a rabid fanbase as an all-in performer in each setting, consistently selling out headlining shows internationally with huge followings in the U.S, the U.K, Europe, Australia and Canada. Moore has blazed his own trail, with “a bit more Southern rock than traditional country… to be a Kip Moore fan suddenly became a marker of your having a certain refinement in your country-music taste” (Chicago Tribune). Moore first splashed into the mainstream with the double-Platinum “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” in 2012, then followed up with three more best-selling No. Ones (“Hey Pretty Girl,” “Beer Money” and “More Girls Like You”), a trio of ambitious, critically-praised albums and two gritty EPs that landed Moore on multiple “Best Of” lists. Moore recently garnered resounding acclaim for his fourth studio album, WILD WORLD. The set, co-written and co-produced by Moore, was spotlighted by critics as “especially vital; occasionally, even rare,” (Esquire) and spawned his Top 15 radio single, “She’s Mine.” For more information visit kipmoore.net.

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  • BROTHERS OSBORNE READY TO RELEASE THE DELUXE EDITION OF THEIR SKELETONS ALBUM.

    Brothers Osborne are getting ready to release the deluxe edition of their GRAMMY-nominated album Skeletons this Friday (January 21st). Scoring a nod for Best Country Album at the upcoming 64th GRAMMY Awards, the critically acclaimed project includes the new tracks “Headstone,” “Midnight Rider’s Prayer,” and “Younger Me.” Pre-order Brothers Osborne’s Skeletons Deluxe HERE.

    “Headstone” is produced by Jay Joyce while “Midnight Rider’s Prayer” was recorded at John Osborne’s home studio and co-produced by the duo and, with Willie Nelson’s personal blessing, uses elements of “On the Road Again.” “Younger Me,” also currently GRAMMY-nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, rounds out the Skeletons Deluxe track list.

    John Osborne says “Midnight Rider’s Prayer” almost made their previous album, but it didn’t quite fit the duo’s second album. “We almost put this on our previous album Port Saint Joe, but it didn’t quite fit at the time, so we decided to retool to make it sound more like Brothers Osborne sounds these days,” he says. “But we wrote the song back when we were in a van and a trailer and we made this song really dark and minor, and we ended up using the chorus from Willie Nelson’s ‘On The Road Again’ with Willie’s blessing. And it’s just cool. I mean it gives a good window as to lyrically where we came from, but sonically where we’re at today.”

    As for the song “Headstone,” the guys got a little “wild and crazy” after partaking of a gift from one of their bandmembers. “We were all set up and ready to play and we decided to take some microdosing of magic mushrooms, which normally you don’t feel anything,” John recalls. “Well, this particular batch that we got from our bass player should have come with a warning because it was way, way stronger than any of us predicted. So, that’s why the song ended up being five minutes of trippy guitar solos (laughs) and changing time signatures and it got really, really wild and crazy. After listening back the next day we thought, ‘Okay, maybe we need to wait on this song for a little while.’ But you know, after these past two years of the pandemic, quarantining, the state of the world, I think that we could all use a little trip right about now.”

    Named to multiple end of year “best of” lists, including the all-genre Rolling Stone Best Songs of the Year and Billboard’s 100 Best Songs of 2021, “Younger Me” also topped Billboard’s Best Country Songs of 2021 list. The outlet declares, “The song serves as a beacon of hope for anyone whose early years are filled with doubt, fear, confusion, and just feeling different from those around them.”

    The reigning CMA Vocal Duo of the Year performed “Younger Me” at this year’s CMA Awards and TJ prefaced the performance by sharing, “for many years I would watch this show, year after year, and I always thought how incredible it’d be and I’d dream of being here on this stage, and there were so many things that were so many hurdles for me. And I always truthfully felt like it would never be possible because of my sexuality to be here.” Watch their performance of “Younger Me” here.

    Skeletons Deluxe Track List:

    1. Lighten Up (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk)
    2. All Night (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Andrew DeRoberts)
    3. All the Good Ones Are (TJ Osborne, Lee Miller and Craig Wiseman)
    4. I’m Not for Everyone (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby)
    5. Skeletons (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Andrew DeRoberts)
    6. Back On The Bottle (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Hayes Carll)
    7. High Note (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Casey Beathard and Dustin Christensen)
    8. Muskrat Greene (John Osborne)
    9. Dead Man’s Curve (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Lee Miller)
    10. Make It a Good One (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Stephen Wilson Jr.)
    11. Hatin’ Somebody (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Casey Beathard)
    12. Old Man’s Boots (John Osborne)
    13. Younger Me (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Kendell Marvel)
    14. Headstone (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Kendell Marvel)
    15. Midnight Rider’s Prayer (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Paul Moak, Willie Nelson)

     

    The guys are making their way up the country charts with their latest single, “I’m Not For Everyone.”

     

    Audio / Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne talks about the song “Midnight Rider’s Prayer” from their upcoming Skeletons Deluxe album.

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    Brothers Osborne (Midnight Rider’s Prayer) OC: …today. :31
    “We almost put this on our previous album Port Saint Joe, but it didn’t quite fit at the time, so we decided to retool to make it sound more like Brothers Osborne sounds these days. But we wrote the song back when we were in a van and a trailer and we made this song really dark and minor, and we ended up using the chorus from Willie Nelson’s ‘On The Road Again’ with Willie’s blessing. And it’s just cool. I mean it gives a good window as to lyrically where we came from, but sonically where we’re at today.”

    Audio / John Osborne of Brothers Osborne says they got a little "wild and crazy" when recording the song "Headstone."

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    Brothers Osborne (Headstone) OC: …right about now. 1:00
    “The day that we actually tracked ‘Headstone,’ it was recorded at Zac Brown’s studio, because we were displaced from the tornados. And we were all set up and ready to play and we decided to take some microdosing of magic mushrooms, which normally you don’t feel anything. Well, this particular batch that we got from our bass player should have come with a warning because it was way, way stronger than any of us predicted. So, that’s why the song ended up being five minutes of trippy guitar solos (laughs) and changing time signatures and it got really, really wild and crazy. After listening back the next day we thought, ‘Okay, maybe we need to wait on this song for a little while.’ But you know, after these past two years of the pandemic, quarantining, the state of the world, I think that we could all use a little trip right about now.”

    Audio / Brothers Osborne's TJ Osborne talks about the inspiration behind their song, "Younger Me," which is featured on the deluxe edition of their album, Skeletons.

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    Brothers Osborne (Younger Me) OC: …made it through. :38
    TJ: “The inspiration behind ‘Younger Me’ was really inspired by both, really kind of both of our stories and just the different things that we struggled with in our youth and we just made things overly complicated. I truly didn’t think I’d get to this point in my life, and I’m sure John would probably say the same for himself. And we really just wanted to really kind of almost in some ways write a note to our younger selves and just kind of tell them to hold on, hold tight, and hopefully in an effort for maybe other people out there that are going through that currently to realize there will be a moment in your life where you can look back on this and be happy that you made it through.”

  • COUNTRY MUSIC BREAKOUT STAR PRISCILLA BLOCK ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM WELCOME TO THE BLOCK PARTY.

    Mercury Nashville recording artist Priscilla Block has announced the release of her debut album, Welcome To The Block Party, available everywhere on February 11. Listed as a MusicRow 2021 Next Big Thing Artist and a 2021 CMT Next Women of Country inductee, Block is undoubtedly the breakout female country star of the past year and is poised to become one of Nashville’s acclaimed truth-tellers with a voice for her generation.

    Welcome To The Block Party follows last year’s six-song self-titled Priscilla Block EP, the highest-performing country female debut EP of 2021. Bringing a lyrically driven blend of Country-Pop and Southern Rock – a.k.a. the “Block Party” sound – to Nashville’s evolving musical landscape, Welcome To The Block Party features 12 songs, all written by the newcomer, including “Just About Over You,” the Top 15 smash and highest peaking debut single from a female country artist in 2021. Pre-Order / Pre-Save Welcome To The Block Party HERE; Limited signed CDs available HERE.

    “Priscilla’s songs emanate authenticity, making others feel they have a place at the table, and someone new to relate to” – MusicRow

    Additionally, Block releases today her brand-new song and lyric video, “My Bar,” a defiantly independent track written by Block, Stone Aielli, and Lexie Hayden. Illustrating her firm-footed approach as she embarks on this next chapter of her life, Block’s empowered stance in “My Bar” is a glimpse into the overall feeling of Welcome To The Block Party – an unapologetic recapturing of one’s own self-worth and unwavering confidence.

    LISTEN:    “My Bar”

    “I cannot believe that my debut album is almost here. It has all the trash, all the sass, and all the sad.  But hey, that’s my life, and I’m so excited for the world to finally hear this. I wrote all of these songs from a real and raw place, and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to show various aspects of where I’ve been and who I am.

    Everyone knows that I love a good bar, so ‘My Bar’ felt a perfect place to kick off the new record!!

    Welcome to the Block Party Baby!!!!” – Priscilla Block

     

    Welcome To The Block Party Track Listing:

    1. Welcome To The Block Party (Priscilla Block, Mark Mulch)
    2. My Bar (Priscilla Block, Stone Aielli, Lexie Hayden)
    3. Heels In Hand (Priscilla Block, Robbie Artress, Josh Beale, Sarah Jones, Kate Hasting)
    4. Like A Boy (Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Emily Kroll)
    5. I Know A Girl (Featuring Hillary Lindsey) (Priscilla Block, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey)
    6. Ever Since You Left (Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Josh Kerr)
    7. Thick Thighs (Block Party Version) (Priscilla Block, Emily Kroll, Sarah Jones)
    8. I Bet You Wanna Know (Priscilla Block, Stone Aielli, Sarah Jones)
    9. I’ve Gotten Good (Priscilla Block, Liz Rose, Phil Barton)
    10. Wish You Were The Whiskey (Priscilla Block, Sarah Jones, Josh Beale, Kate Hasting)
    11. Just About Over You (Radio Edit) (Priscilla Block, Emily Kroll, Sarah Jones)
    12. Peaked In High School (Priscilla Block, Josh Beale, Sarah Jones, Kate Hasting)

    Welcome To The Block Party was produced by Robbie Artress, Jake Curry, and Justin Johnson.

    “With her layered necklaces, colorful scrunchies, and plainspoken, relatable lyrics, Block is the best friend country music fans wish they had. She’s vulnerable, funny and fierce with a story to tell – and people are finally listening.” – PEOPLE

    For more information on Priscilla Block, including upcoming show dates, please visit:

    Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook | Website

     

    About Priscilla Block:
    Country artist Priscilla Block draws listeners in with her unfiltered, relatable songwriting and catchy melodies. Pegged as an Artist to Watch by Amazon Music, PANDORA, Spotify, CMT, The Boot, MusicRow, HITS, Sounds Like Nashville, Country Now, Music Mayhem and more, Priscilla’s honest and upfront approach promotes self-love, empowerment, and acceptance through her own blend of country pop and southern rock, dubbed the Block Party sound.

    Early in the pandemic, Priscilla was struggling to make ends meet after losing her job and her apartment. Unable to get out and play in person due to Covid-19, Priscilla began experimenting on TikTok and quickly developed a rabid fanbase with songs like “Thick Thighs,” “PMS” and “Just About Over You.” Fans rallied together to independently fund Priscilla’s recording and since its release, “Just About Over You” peaked both the iTunes Country and All-Genre song charts, the song was named one of The New York Times Best Songs of 2020, and it recently reached Top 15 on country radio. “Just About Over You” along with “Wish You Were the Whiskey,” “I Bet You Wanna Know” and more expected on Priscilla’s upcoming debut album.

    Originally from Raleigh, NC, Priscilla moved to Nashville to pursue music shortly after high school. In Nashville, the affable, hardworking, student of life worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, then a chance encounter with her idol – Taylor Swift – was the sign she needed to dive all the way in on her music. Priscilla is a seasoned performer sharing the stage and opening for artists including Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Rodney Atkins and more.

  • KIP MOORE RELEASES “CRAZY ONE MORE TIME” TO RADIO.

    Kip Moore just sent his new single, “Crazy One More Time,” to radio. The song has been around for nearly a decade, though, as the original version appeared on Kip’s 2012 debut album, Up All Night. Kip re-recorded the fan and industry favorite, and it immediately felt like it would be his next hit at radio.

    The Georgia native said the idea for the song, which he co-wrote with Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo, came after running into someone he used to know.

    “The idea for ‘Crazy One More Time’ came about after running into someone that I hadn’t seen in years and someone that I’d had a whole lot of history with,” says Kip.

    And like many of his other songs, the lyrics to the song came to him while he was asleep. “The music came first, the guitar riff was something that I sat on for a couple of months. And like many songs that I’ve written, the lyrics a lot of times will come in dream form, and I’d had a dream about the song and all of a sudden, the lyric was there, and I woke up with the lyric at 2 o’clock in the morning and wrote it all out.”

    You can catch Kip performing “Crazy One More Time” and many more when he hits the road next month, beginning February 24th in Indianapolis, Indiana.

     

    Audio / Kip Moore talks about how he came up with his song, "Crazy One More Time."

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    Kip Moore (Crazy One More Time) OC: …it all out. :29
    “The idea for ‘Crazy One More Time’ came about after running into someone that I hadn’t seen in years and someone that I’d had a whole lot of history with. The music came first, the guitar riff was something that I sat on for a couple of months. And like many songs that I’ve written, the lyrics a lot of times will come in dream form, and I’d had a dream about the song and all of a sudden, the lyric was there, and I woke up with the lyric at 2 o’clock in the morning and wrote it all out.”

    Audio / LINER Kip Moore (Crazy One More Time) 1

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    Audio / LINER Kip Moore (Crazy One More Time) 2

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    Audio / LINER Kip Moore (Crazy One More Time) 3

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    Audio / LINER Kip Moore (Crazy One More Time) 4

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    Audio / LINER Kip Moore (Crazy One More Time) 5

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  • LAUREN ALAINA INVITED TO BECOME MEMBER OF THE GRAND OLE OPRY.

     

    Lauren Alaina was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night (December 18th). The Opry was the first major stage Alaina played just a week after she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol, making her Opry debut on June 10th, 2011. Earlier this fall she marked her 50th appearance on the Opry.

    Opry member and friend/mentor Trisha Yearwood surprised Alaina on stage with the invitation. Throughout the evening, the Opry played video greetings from artists sharing their 2021 Christmas wishes. When Yearwood appeared to share her wish via video on the Opry House screens during a break in Alaina’s set, she ended with, “Hey… is that Lauren Alaina?” Yearwood then made her way on stage. “Junior (her nickname for Alaina), I have a present for you. And I have some surprises for you too. I know your Mom is here and I know your Dad is as well. He’s super proud of you right now because I have the honor of asking you on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry if you will please accept our invitation of becoming our newest member.”

    An emotionally overcome Alaina dropped to her knees and finally uttered a winded, “Yes!” Holding Yearwood’s hand after many minutes catching her breath, “I did not expect this. You are my hero. I could not have picked a more perfect person to ask me. She calls me Junior- ya’ll I’m in her phone as Junior which is the coolest thing to have happened to me besides this!”

    “You are the real deal,” Yearwood went on to say. “You’ve played over 50 times. It’s obvious what this means to you. This is a very special club to be in so you have to understand what the Opry means to be asked. It’s such an honor. Country music is in good hands with you. Soak up every second!”

    Yearwood duets with Alaina on her Gold-certified song “Getting Good” from her recent album Sitting Pretty On Top of the World and also wrote the foreword to her just-released inspirational book Getting Good At Being You.

    Alaina will be formally inducted into the Opry family on an early 2022 date to be announced soon.

    “Lauren has been visiting us for 10 years, yet she still brings youthful exuberance and excitement with her every single time she plays the Opry,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer. “We are thrilled that her name will be added to the Opry member roster next year.”

    Lauren is currently making her way up the country charts with “Getting Over Him,” featuring Jon Pardi.

    Tickets for 2022 Opry performances January 1 – June 11 and the 97th Opry Birthday Bash shows taking place October 7 and 8, 2022 are on sale now. Go to opry.com/2022shows to learn more or call 1-800-SEE-OPRY.

  • CHRISTMAS 2021: Carrie Underwood

    Christmas for Carrie Underwood hasn’t changed that much from when she was a young girl. She usually still gets together with her family, which includes her parents, two sisters and their families…as well as her own husband, Mike Fisher, and sons Isaiah and Jacob.

    Carrie says some of her Christmas traditions include a lot of traveling to visit her family and her husband Mike Fisher’s family…but also cooking and celebrating the season. “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family,” says Carrie. “I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    She continues: “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

    One of the traditions she enjoys with her own family is picking out a Christmas tree with her husband and two sons. “We were an artificial tree family growing up. It was easier, you know, but now in our own home, we do the real tree thing, and we kind of try to make that a little bit of a tradition. We go and we pick it out. The boys have some say in which one we get, and they feel some ownership and we all decorate it together and of course, have Christmas music playing in the house. I make cookies that were my husband’s grandmother that my kids call Gigi. It’s her recipe, her ginger snap cookies, and we make those and it’s super sweet. Isaiah loves makes Gigi’s cookies, because he still remembers her a little bit. So, it’s something special we get to do.”

    One of her favorite memories from childhood was singing Christmas carols for folks in nursing homes. “Christmas was always just about family,” she says. “One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Carrie released a special edition of her Christmas album, My Gift, this year, featuring “Favorite Time of Year,” and she says there’s nothing like Christmas music that gets you in the spirit of the season. “There is no other like part of the year that gets its own music, like exclusively. When you think about it, like entire radio stations switch over to play Christmas music around Christmas time. So, I feel like it just puts you in the mood for Christmas. Christmas is something that everybody looks forward to and to have Christmas music start playing way before Christmas. It usually does because people just can’t wait to get there. It puts you in a mood. It changes your state of mind. It gets you ready for it and it just makes you feel a certain way.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD RECALLS MEMORIES OF PAST CHRISTMASES.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas memories) OC: …Christmas carols. :18
    “Christmas was always just about family. One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT HER CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas traditions) OC: …time of year. :35
    “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood says one of her family’s traditions is to go pick out a real Christmas tree and put it up together.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas trees) OC: …get to do. :43
    “We were an artificial tree family growing up. It was easier, you know, but now in our own home, we do the real tree thing, and we kind of try to make that a little bit of a tradition. We go and we pick it out. The boys have some say in which one we get, and they feel some ownership and we all decorate it together and of course, have Christmas music playing in the house. I make cookies that were my husband’s grandmother that my kids call Gigi. It’s her recipe, her ginger snap cookies, and we make those and it’s super sweet. Isaiah loves makes Gigi’s cookies, because he still remembers her a little bit. So, it’s something special we get to do.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS HER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS USUALLY INCLUDE COOKING AND TRAVELING, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, FAMILY.

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    Carrie Underwood (perfect Christmas) OC: …with family. :40
    “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family. I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood says her family has participated in a popular Christmas tradition for the past couple of years.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas PJs) OC: …tell you that. :18
    “For the past few years, we all get matching PJs. Either we get them or somebody else gifts them to us, and we all match – my husband, myself, my sons and our dogs. And getting my german shepherd into a Christmas sweater is no easy feat, I will tell you that.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas music) OC: …a certain way. :37
    “There is no other like part of the year that gets its own music, like exclusively. When you think about it, like entire radio stations switch over to play Christmas music around Christmas time. So, I feel like it just puts you in the mood for Christmas. Christmas is something that everybody looks forward to and to have Christmas music start playing way before Christmas. It usually does because people just can’t wait to get there. It puts you in a mood. It changes your state of mind. It gets you ready for it and it just makes you feel a certain way.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT THE SONG "FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR," WHICH IS INCLUDED ON THE SPECIAL EDITION OF HER CHRISTMAS ALBUM, MY GIFT.

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    Carrie Underwood (Favorite Time of Year) OC: …song collection. :34
    “’Favorite Time of Year’ is a song about all of the things that make you smile during Christmas. There’s so much about Christmas that is absolutely wonderful. Obviously, the birth of Jesus, that’s what we’re celebrating, but there’s so many other things too – like the presents, the family, the weather, the decorations – just all those things all wrapped up to make the favoriteist time of year, the favorite of year. So, I love the song because it’s hard to sing it without smiling. It’s hard to listen to it without smiling. I think it’s a perfect edition to the rest of my Christmas song collection.”

    Video / Carrie Underwood performs “Mary, Did You Know?” from her “My Gift” album from the 2021 CMA Country Christmas.

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    Video /

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  • CHRISTMAS 2021: Josh Turner

    Josh Turner just released his first-ever Christmas album, King Size Manger. The collection features some classic Christmas tunes, as well as a few original songs. Growing up in South Carolina, Josh looks back at the holiday and remembers having great times with his family on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

    “We lived about a half a mile from my momma’s parents and probably three or four miles from my daddy’s parents, and so it was the same every year. Christmas Eve night we would go to my daddy’s parent’s house and daddy was one of six children. So once that family got big, we couldn’t do everything in the house. So we ended up in my grandparent’s garage. And so, we literally like… we would have a mountain of presents in the middle of the garage and there would be a circle, like folding chairs all the way around the edge of the garage. And so there would be one person designated every year to hand out the presents and so whoever that person was, would hand out one present at a time and everybody was focused on that person opening their presents. And there was this tradition that got started probably by daddy’s older brother, my Uncle Buck. Every time somebody would like actually open up their present everybody could see it, the whole crowd, the whole family of… I don’t know however many there were 40 or 50 of us, you know… they would all in unison go, “WOOOooo!” you know, and so it was like every present, we go around down the line and didn’t leave anybody out. And it was you know, just some fun times and once all the presents were open, actually, we would eat and then we would do the presents and then if the presents were open, everyone would go out and you know everybody would have a fireworks competition. So, you had the biggest fireworks display and, and all that and the more sensitive ones in the family that couldn’t stand the cold or the noise of the fireworks, they would huddle up in the bedroom and look and watch from a bedroom window. So that would always happen Christmas Eve night and then we would come home, open one present and then we would get up next morning, do our Christmas at home. And then we would go to my mom’s parent’s house and eat. And then we would do presents there with that side of the family. And then we usually end up at home the rest of the day playing with what we got for Christmas. So it was that way, every year.”

    Having four sons now (Hampton, Colby, Marion, Hawke), Josh  and his wife Jennifer say it’s easier for their extended families to come to them rather than traveling during the holidays. Some of the annual traditions they enjoy are watching all of their favorite Christmas movies.

    “We’ve always had to be flexible as a family. You know, early on right after we got married, you know, we would alternate going back and forth to Georgia and South Carolina and all that. And then when we started having children, we felt strongly about spending Christmas Day here at home because we wanted them to have Christmas memories of being at home and so that’s kind of turned into watching our list of Christmas movies,” says Josh. “We have to try to fit them all in before Christmas comes and then we usually try to go out and see lights whether it’s at the Opryland Hotel or, you know, driving through a drive thru light place, Beyond that, it’s just we try to spend as much time with family as we can. We try to spend time at home. We try to have a big, nice fancy Christmas meal and then we’ll always open one present on Christmas Eve night and then we get up on Christmas morning and open all our presents. And then we eat a big breakfast and just kind of you know, spend the rest of the day just chillin’ Nothing too outlandish.”

    Audio / Josh Turner recalls his favorite Christmas memories growing up in South Carolina.

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    Josh Turner (Christmas memory) OC: …every year. 2:24
    “You know because I grew up in a small tobacco farming community in South Carolina, and you know, we lived about a half a mile from my momma’s parents and probably three or four miles from my daddy’s parents, and so it was the same every year. Christmas Eve night we would go to my daddy’s parent’s house and daddy was one of six children. So once that family got big, we couldn’t do everything in the house. So we ended up in my grandparent’s garage. And so, we literally like… we would have a mountain of presents in the middle of the garage and there would be a circle, like folding chairs all the way around the edge of the garage. And so there would be one person designated every year to hand out the presents and so whoever that person was, would hand out one present at a time and everybody was focused on that person opening their presents. And there was this tradition that got started probably by daddy’s older brother, my Uncle Buck. Every time somebody would like actually open up their present everybody could see it, the whole crowd, the whole family of… I don’t know however many there were 40 or 50 of us, you know… they would all in unison go, “WOOOooo!” you know, and so it was like every present, we go around down the line and didn’t leave anybody out. And it was you know, just some fun times and once all the presents were open, actually, we would eat and then we would do the presents and then if the presents were open, everyone would go out and you know everybody would have a fireworks competition. So, you had the biggest fireworks display and, and all that and the more sensitive ones in the family that couldn’t stand the cold or the noise of the fireworks, they would huddle up in the bedroom and look and watch from a bedroom window. So that would always happen Christmas Eve night and then we would come home, open one present and then we would get up next morning, do our Christmas at home. And then we would go to my mom’s parent’s house and eat. And then we would do presents there with that side of the family. And then we usually end up at home the rest of the day playing with what we got for Christmas. So it was that way, every year.”

    Audio / Josh Turner talks about the Christmas traditions he and his family enjoy now.

    Download

    Josh Turner (Christmas Traditions) 2 OC: …too outlandish. 1:04
    “We’ve always had to be flexible as a family. You know, early on right after we got married, you know, we would alternate going back and forth to Georgia and South Carolina and all that. And then when we started having children, we felt strongly about spending Christmas Day here at home because we wanted them to have Christmas memories of being at home and so that’s kind of turned into watching our list of Christmas movies. We have to try to fit them all in before Christmas comes and then we usually try to go out and see lights whether it’s at the Opryland Hotel or, you know, driving through a drive thru light place, Beyond that, it’s just we try to spend as much time with family as we can. We try to spend time at home. We try to have a big, nice fancy Christmas meal and then we’ll always open one present on Christmas Eve night and then we get up on Christmas morning and open all our presents. And then we eat a big breakfast and just kind of you know, spend the rest of the day just chillin’ Nothing too outlandish.”

    Video /

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  • PARKER McCOLLUM MARKED ONE ITEM OFF HIS BUCKET LIST–PERFORMING ON LATE NIGHT TELEVISION.

    Parker McCollum made his late night television performance debut last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live! As the latest addition to Apple Music’s Up Next program, Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent, McCollum played “To Be Loved by You” in support of the program.  The song, off McCollum’s MCA debut album Gold Chain Cowboy, spent 17 straight weeks on the Country Top 200 Streaming Chart with 8 weeks inside the Top 100. The track has sold over 27k track sales with 86M global streams to date.

     

    “Performing on late night has been on my bucket list since I was 12 years old and getting to be on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was something I’ll never forget.” says McCollum. “‘To Be Loved By You’ is a special song to me and I’m so glad I got to bring it to a new audience.  I’m extremely thankful for the year I’ve had and I can’t wait for 2022!”

    McCollum has also been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Rolling Stone, Billboard, SiriusXM, CMT, RIAA and more with American Songwriter noting, “The Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.” Earlier this year McCollum earned his first ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year and he made his debut playing the famed Grand Ole Opry in Feb 2021.

    Upcoming Parker McCollum Shows:

    12/2 The Factory, Chesterfield, MO
    12/3 Egyptian Room at the Old National Centre, Indianapolis, IN
    12/4 Goodyear Theater, Akron, OH
    12/31 Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
    1/1 AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
    1/13 Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
    1/14 House of Blues – The Front Porch, Orlando, FL
    1/15 James Brown Arena, Augusta, GA
    1/20 The Signal, Chattanooga, TN
    1/21 The Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
    1/22 The Ritz, Raleigh, NC
    1/25 Mile Zero Fest 2022, Key West Landings, FL
    1/29 Bell County Expo Center, Belton, TX
    2/4 Coyote Joe’s, Charlotte, NC
    2/5  The Blind Horse Saloon, Greenville, SC
    2/10 The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD
    2/11 Toad’s Place, New Haven, CT
    2/12 Irving Plaza, New York, NY
    3/11 Fillmore New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
    3/14 Casa Fiesta 2022, Cancun, Mexico
    4/8 The Blue Room, Statesboro, GA

  • PARKER McCOLLUM TAKES A BITE OUT OF THE APPLE.

    Last week it was announced Parker McCollum is the latest addition to Apple’s Up Next program, their monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent. The Up Next film has Parker talking about his start, his No. 1 song “Pretty Heart” and his track to success. Check it out below.

     

    Parker  began building a following in his native Texas with 2015’s The Limestone Kid. The album track “Meet You in The Middle” became a hit on Texas’ regional radio chart, but it was the album’s widely-acclaimed follow-up, Probably Wrong, that helped Parker find national success. Bridging the gap between Texas’ homegrown music scene and Nashville’s country-industry headquarters, Parker’s songwriting earned him a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville in May 2018 and a recording deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in June 2019. In 2020, Parker released Hollywood Gold, the highest-selling debut country EP of 2020, which includes debut No.1 hit single “Pretty Heart,” and was certified Platinum, as well as playlisted across Apple Music top tier playlists, Today’s Country, and Don’t Mess With Texas. Parker followed with his 2021 major label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy, which was the top Country album in 17 countries on Apple Music, including the US, since its release. Earlier this summer, Parker played his first sold-out show at the Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion to a crowd of 20K fans and this fall he played the famed Woodlands (The Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion) in Woodlands, TX, to a sold out crowd which broke attendance records for the venue.

    “All I ever wanted was a real shot in country music. To be an Apple Music Up Next artist is an incredible honor and it means so much to me to have a platform like Apple believe in me,” says Parker McCollum. “I always try to keep my head down and earn every little thing so to have this spotlight for a little while is nice. I do not take it for granted. Now back to work. Mad love.”

    Additional Up Next campaign moments include a Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on November 23rd, and a sit down interview with Apple Music Country’s Kelleigh Bannen, where he discusses his Gold Chain Cowboy album, being inspired by Pat Green, playing the Ryman, and the one song that defines him.

    In the meantime, he’s making his way up the country charts with “To Be Loved By You” from his Gold Chain Cowboy album.

  • ERIC CHURCH RELEASES THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR HIS LATEST SONG “HEART ON FIRE.”

    Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church takes fans on a whirlwind trip down memory lane with the Reid Long-directed music video for his current top 25-and-climbing single “Heart On Fire.” From the Sinners Like Me launching pad of his career in 2006 through the raucous anthem off his latest chart-topping project, Heart & Soul, the must-see video offers a sizzle reel of Church’s hit-filled journey to date, as each reminiscent clip flows naturally from one to the next, connected by the same common threads: passion, contemplation and a reverence for live music. The rapid-fire trip through a decade-plus of hits – which has included 11 No. 1 songs at Country radio and 30 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified singles – provides a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it collection of reference points before Church brings the song to a rousing close with a performance alongside longtime powerhouse backing vocalist Joanna Cotten.

    Through the magic of extreme digital editing, Eric’s throwback videos in this new clip include “How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” “Love Your Love The Most,” “Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Homeboy,” ‘Drink in My Hand,” “Springsteen,” “Creepin’,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Cold One,” “Talladega,” “Mr. Misunderstood” and “Record Year,” among others.  Check it out below.

     

    Eric has said “Heart On Fire” was the first song to kick off his massive Heart & Soul project. “‘Heart On Fire’ was the first song we recorded when we got to North Carolina. I already had pretty much, I wrote this song by myself, but I already had this song on the rails and we were heading down the path of what this was going to be. I thought we needed to kind of break the ice and get started on something, you know, we were doing something that was tough to do – writing the song the same day we were record it. This was the song that was kind of the icebreaker for the whole project, and I credit this song a lot for getting us to where we ended up getting to with the project.”

    Church, who is tied for most nominations with five at the upcoming CMA Awards (including a repeat nod for Entertainer of the Year) and has been announced as one of the performers, is bringing both “Heart On Fire” and the nostalgic hits of days past to fans across the U.S. and Canada as The Gather Again Tour continues into 2022. Tickets to all dates, including the grand finale at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, are on sale now at EricChurch.com. All tour dates will enforce local venue and/or city guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions. Church will be touring with a fully vaccinated crew. This weekend you can catch him north of the border in Calgary, Alberta and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

    Audio / Eric Church credits “Heart On Fire” with kicking off the whole Heart & Soul project.

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    Eric Church (Heart On Fire) OC: …the project. :34
    “So, ‘Heart On Fire’ was the first song we recorded when we got to North Carolina. I already had pretty much, I wrote this song by myself, but I already had this song on the rails and we were heading down the path of what this was going to be. I thought we needed to kind of break the ice and get started on something, you know, we were doing something that was tough to do – writing the song the same day we were record it. This was the song that was kind of the icebreaker for the whole project, and I credit this song a lot for getting us to where we ended up getting to with the project.”

     

  • PARKER McCOLLUM REALIZES A DREAM COME TRUE WITH RODEOHOUSTON PERFORMANCE.

    Parker McCollum will make his RodeoHouston debut early next year. The Conroe, Texas native has to check his emotions a bit when talking about having his dream of headlining the RodeoHouston stage during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo become a reality.

    “I grew up just north of Houston and went to the Houston Rodeo growing up and saw Pat Green sell it out when I was a kid, and I remember sitting in the crowd that night thinking about maybe that could be me one day, maybe I could do it. … I got tears in my eyes right now just talking about it,” says Parker. “But I’ve been thinking about playing the Houston Rodeo, headlining the Houston Rodeo since I was 11 or 12 years old. I’ve thought about it every single day. It is the pinnacle for me. There’s nothing cooler, I’m not sure there’s anything we could do that would be cooler than headlining the Houston Rodeo. … You chase a dream long enough and then one day you finally catch it, and you don’t know what to do with yourself. I mean, it truly is the greatest feeling I could have ever imagined.”

     

    https://twitter.com/RODEOHOUSTON/status/1447940471603531788

     

    Parker is set to perform March 12th with tickets going on sale January 13tth at Rodeohouston.com. Previously announced headliners include George Strait and Cody Johnson for the 90th annual RodeoHouston, taking part February 28th – March 20th.

    The Texas native is making his way up the country charts with “To Be Loved By You,” the follow-up to his No. 1 smash, “Pretty Heart.”

    Audio / Parker McCollum is emotional when talking about his first headlining show at the Houston Rodeo, which has been a goal of his for a long time.

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    Parker McCollum (Houston Rodeo) OC: …I could have ever imagined. 1:14
    “I grew up just north of Houston and went to the Houston Rodeo growing up and saw Pat Green sell it out when I was a kid, and I remember sitting in the crowd that night thinking about maybe that could be me one day, maybe I could do it. So, a couple of weeks ago I was driving home to my house, and my manager Enzo called me, and he just started talking, rambling about this deal these people were offering and they wanted to get the deal right, get the deal right, and all this stuff. And I was like, ‘What show is this?’ and he said, ‘It’s the Houston Rodeo.’ And never, I have not cried since the day my granddad passed away – I got tears in my eyes right now just talking about it. But I’ve been thinking about playing the Houston Rodeo, headlining the Houston Rodeo since I was 11 or 12 years old. I’ve thought about it every single day. It is the pinnacle for me. There’s nothing cooler, I’m not sure there’s anything we could do that would be cooler than headlining the Houston Rodeo. So, the fact that we’re getting to do it, I mean, I called my dad and couldn’t even, I’m getting teary-eyed right now, couldn’t speak. We worked so hard, and he’s believed in me the whole way. I don’t know. You chase a dream long enough and then one day you finally catch it, and you don’t know what to do with yourself. I mean, it truly is the greatest feeling I could have ever imagined.”

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  • ALAN JACKSON REVEALS DEGENERATIVE NERVE DISORDER ON NBC’S TODAY SHOW.

    Country music superstar Alan Jackson has revealed he is living with a degenerative nerve condition that is impacting his ability to tour and perform.

    In an exclusive interview with Jenna Bush Hager on NBC’s Today, Jackson went public with the news that he has inherited a rare condition known as “CMT” (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder).

    “I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans, but I have this neuropathy – a neurological disease that’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy,” Jackson shares. “There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious.”

    Jackson has been living with CMT since first being diagnosed a decade ago. It causes abnormalities in the nerves that supply the feet, legs, hands, and arms…affecting motor and sensory nerves. Though relatively rare, the disorder is inherited – Jackson recalls his father and grandmother having it; his oldest sister has it, too. CMT is progressive; there is no known cure.

    “It’s not going to kill me – it’s not deadly,” Jackson assures fans, explaining CMT is related to such things as muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease. “I know I’m stumbling around onstage, and now I’m having a little trouble balancing even in front of a microphone. I’m just very uncomfortable,” he explains. “I was starting to get so self-conscious up there…so if anybody’s curious why I don’t walk right, that’s why,” he adds. “I just wanted the fans and the public to know. I don’t want ’em to think I’m drunk onstage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance.”

    For Jackson, CMT often manifests in muscle weakness, discomfort and pain…especially when standing for lengthy periods to entertain crowds from a concert stage. Though he’s been living with his diagnosis for ten years, the Country Music Hall of Famer has continued to entertain, touring annually from coast-to-coast. In fact – in that period – he has played full-length concerts on such famous stages as New York’s Carnegie Hall and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium…participated in awards shows and all-star music festivals…and even toured overseas. In 2021 alone, he has played a slate of concerts and staged a massive event in his small Georgia hometown that drew over 20,000 and raised more than $2,000,000 to help victims of a March tornado that ripped through the town. And he hopes to continue performing.

    “I never wanted to do the retirement tour like people do and then take a year off and then come back,” he says, expressing admiration for his personal heroes Merle Haggard, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Charley Pride. “They never retired; just played as much as they could or want to. I always thought I’d like to do that, and I would like to do that if my health will let me,” he shares, though he admits, “I don’t know how much I’ll continue to tour.”

    “I’m not saying I won’t be able to tour. I’ll try to do as much as I can,” Jackson notes. “But if I’m comin’ to your town….” “We’ll come!!!” Bush Hager quickly interjected.

    Jackson – who released yet another chart-topping album (Where Have You Gone) earlier this year – will in fact be onstage for a full-length concert next week, as he plays a “hometown show” at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (postponed from 2020 due to the past year’s pandemic).

    “I don’t want people to be sad for me; it’s just part of life,” Jackson says. “I’ve had a wonderful, beautiful life. I’ve been so blessed. It’s just good to put it out there in the open. In some ways, it’s a relief.”

    ABOUT ALAN JACKSON:
    A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and an inductee to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among music’s all-time greats is part of a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, 30 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.

    The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time (rock, pop and country). He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 major music industry awards – including 19 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.

    Jackson – one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music – just released his latest album, Where Have You Gone, in May. The 21-track collection, which topped the country album chart, features 15 songs penned solely by the music icon. He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.

     

    WATCH ALAN JACKSON ON NBC’S TODAY HERE AND
    SEE HIS COMPLETE INTERVIEW WITH JENNA BUSH HAGER
    HERE.

  • DARIUS RUCKER SURPASSES $2.5 MILLION RAISED FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL WITH 12TH ANNUAL “DARIUS & FRIENDS.”

    Nearly 15 years after first visiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® where he was immediately inspired to pledge his support, three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker continues to give back to the mission, surpassing the $2.5 million mark in his fundraising efforts with this year’s 12th annual “Darius & Friends” benefit concert on Tuesday night, preceded by his corresponding golf tournament and silent auction on Monday morning. This year’s event alone raised more than $410,000, bringing together a sold-out audience at the historic Ryman Auditorium with at-home fans watching via the Mandolin live stream.

    Reflecting on his first visit to the hospital in 2008 to the Tennessean ahead of this year’s show, Rucker noted, “You see these kids who are sick, and they’re so happy to be there, because their caregivers are so loving and giving to them. And then you find out that nobody ever gets a bill. That blew me away. I was just like, ‘We’ll figure out some way to help you guys as much as I can.’”

    Now, more than a decade later, that effort has become an annual tradition. The benefit concert, which typically serves as an unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest as fans descend on Music City each summer, was hosted virtually in 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic. In returning home to the iconic Ryman Auditorium this year, the live stream was also kept in place to allow fans at home to tune in alongside the sold-out audience who were treated to a surprise lineup of stars featuring Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, John Daly, Keb’ Mo’, Runaway June and Elvie Shane.

    After a silent auction and live donation round, Rucker kicked off the musical festivities with a trio of hits – his Platinum-certified No. 1s “This” and “For the First Time” followed by current single “My Masterpiece” – before introducing the first friends of the evening.

    “I’ve been in this town for 12 years and I’ve gotten to know a lot of people,” Rucker noted, “but some people you get to really know and they become family. These guys are family.” With that, the Ryman audience gave a rousing welcome to six-time GRAMMY nominees Brothers Osborne, who brought a high-energy performance of their hits “It Ain’t My Fault,” “I’m Not For Everyone” and “Shoot Me Straight.”

    “You’ve got to drop the name and tell the story, right?” said Rucker as he returned to the stage, sharing the tale behind an Ed Sheeran cowrite that resulted in brand new song “Sara,” a where-are-they-now ode to Rucker’s fifth grade girlfriend. He then thrilled the crowd with his Double Platinum-certified No. 1 “Alright” before introducing newcomer Elvie Shane, making his Ryman debut with an emotional performance of current Top 10 single “My Boy,” which drew a standing ovation from the audience, and keeping the crowd on their feet with upbeat anthem “Keep On Strummin’.”

    “I was working retail in the early Hootie days, selling records,” shared Rucker as he returned to the stage, “and this song by Nanci Griffith was playing one day. It blew my mind, and it started my love for Country music… Years later, my mom had a heart attack and went into a coma. I sat in that hospital room for eight hours and I sang this song over and over. This week Nanci died. She’s one of my great friends and I want to play this song because it means so much to me,” he noted, before performing an emotional rendition of “I Hope It Rains” in tribute to his late friend.

    Rucker then invited yet another surprise guest to the stage, sending the audience into a frenzy as he introduced legendary golfer John Daly. Together, they performed a rousing rendition of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” before Rucker continued with his hits “Homegrown Honey” and “If I Told You” as well as Hootie & the Blowfish classic “Hold My Hand.”

    “I would do anything for him, and I know he’d do anything for me,” shared Rucker of his next guest, introducing three-peat ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean. “He did me dirty making me follow a Hootie song,” joked Aldean, before noting “Darius really is one of the nicest, coolest guys in town and so it’s a pleasure to be here, especially for St. Jude.”

    Sitting on a stool and accompanied by a single guitar player, Aldean thrilled the crowd with stripped-back versions of his 3x Platinum No. 1 hit “Big Green Tractor” and Gold-certified No. 1 “Any Ol’ Barstool.” Rucker then returned to the stage to perform “Radio” and Hootie hit “Only Wanna Be With You,” ahead of introducing the penultimate guest for the evening; five-time GRAMMY Award winner Keb’ Mo’, who wowed with “Rita” and “I Remember You” before inviting Rucker back for a duet of the Marvin Gaye classic “What’s Going On,” earning a sustained ovation from the crowd.

    Rucker kept the Hootie & the Blowfish nostalgia coming as he performed “Let Her Cry” under a single spotlight, accompanied by a violin and the chorus of a sold out Mother Church audience, before continuing the singalong with his latest No. 1 hit, “Beers And Sunshine.” He then introduced the final surprise guests of the evening, bringing trio Runaway June to the stage for their Ryman debut. The CMT “Next Women of Country” thrilled with their Top 5 hit “Buy My Own Drinks” and gave fans a preview of brand new music out this Friday with “T-Shirt” before inviting the audience to sing along for their rendition of the Tom Petty classic, “American Girl.”

    Rucker closed out the main entertainment of the evening with his Platinum-certified No. 1 “Come Back Song” before returning to the stage for an encore that included a cover of “Valerie,” with Rucker backed by the powerful vocals of his keys player’s wife, Tiffany Turner, and an upbeat performance of album cut “Hands On Me.” The evening then ended according to tradition, with Rucker joined by the sold-out Ryman crowd for a “Wagon Wheel” singalong, the feel-good energy throughout the auditorium symbolic of the night as a whole.

    This year’s milestone fundraising event adds yet another successful page to the decade-plus history of “Darius & Friends.” Prior guests have included Lauren Alaina, Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Paul Stanley of KISS, among many others.

    The annual fundraising event, made possible with support from generous sponsors PGA TOUR, CDW, Hendrix Enterprises, UMG, CAA, A. O. Smith, AMD, Arrow and Intel, helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

    For more information, visit www.DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker. Fans can also continue to donate to St. Jude in honor of “Darius & Friends” HERE and photos from the event are available HERE.

    Full “Darius & Friends” 2021 Set List:
    Darius Rucker: “This,” “For the First Time,” “My Masterpiece”
    Brothers Osborne: “It Ain’t My Fault,” “I’m Not For Everyone,” “Shoot Me Straight”
    Darius Rucker: “Sara,” “Alright”
    Elvie Shane: “My Boy,” “Keep On Strummin’”
    Darius Rucker: “I Hope It Rains”
    John Daly & Darius Rucker: “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”
    Darius Rucker: “Homegrown Honey,” “If I Told You,” “Hold My Hand”
    Jason Aldean: “Big Green Tractor,” “Any Ol’ Barstool”
    Darius Rucker: “Radio,” “Only Wanna Be With You”
    Keb’ Mo’: “Rita,” “I Remember You, “What’s Going On” (with Darius Rucker)
    Darius Rucker: “Let Her Cry,” “Beers And Sunshine”
    Runaway June: “Buy My Own Drinks,” “T-Shirt,” “American Girl”
    Darius Rucker: “Come Back Song”
    Encore – Darius Rucker: “Valerie” (with Tiffany Turner), “Hands On Me,” “Wagon Wheel”

    Darius is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest song, “My Masterpiece.”

  • KYLIE MORGAN RELEASES DEBUT EP LOVE, KYLIE.

    Kylie Morgan released her debut EP Love, Kylie today – listen HERE. Produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson, Love, Kylie is wrapped in charisma and filled with personal stories from the talented Oklahoma native. Kylie co-wrote every song on the EP alongside a talented roster of songwriters including Emily Weisband, Shane McAnally, Geoffrey Warburton, Ben Johnson, and more. Kylie’s honest, down-to-earth style reveals a transparency and vulnerability in the stories she tells.

    “This EP is the most personal thing I’ve ever created,” says Kylie of releasing her first collection of songs. “Every song is a chapter in my life, and I can’t wait for you all to listen and help me write the rest of the story.”

    On Kylie’s brazen, “I Only Date Cowboys,” Billboard draws comparison to Kylie’s childhood hero, Shania Twain, stating, “The rock-rooted country song’s hook does bear some similarity to “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” but more importantly, it helps Kylie solidify her place as one to watch.”

    “‘Break Things’ is written as a warning label,” declares American Songwriter. “It’s an apathetic approach to romance, a liability waiver that does not promise safe-handling of fragile hearts. The punchy single offers a light-hearted, yet deep self-reflection. With equal parts wit and candor, Kylie waves her red flags for all potential suitors to see.”

    The EP closes with “Mad I Need You,” a swinging, melodic love song from the perspective of a passionately independent woman who is coming to terms with being in love.

    Along with the EP, Kylie released the official music video for the lead track on the EP, “Shoulda,” a heavy up-tempo with a sassy, rapid-fire vocal about the should’ve known betters when dabbling with an ex – watch HERE.

    Love, Kylie Track Listing
    1. Shoulda (Kylie Morgan, Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson)
    2. I Only Date Cowboys (Kylie Morgan, Nate Kenyon, Jay Allen)
    3. Outdoor Voices (Kylie Morgan, Emily Falvey, Benjamin Joel Johnson)
    4. Break Things (Kylie Morgan, Aaron Eshuis, James McNair, Nicolette Hayford)
    5. Cheating On You (Kylie Morgan, Benjamin Joel Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton, Jeffrey Garrison)
    6. Mad I Need You (Kylie Morgan, Nicholas Oliver Ruth, Emily Weisband) 

    About Kylie Morgan:
    Kylie starting writing songs at the age of 12 and gained national attention from music producers and television executives after releasing her music independently. This early success led Kylie to begin making regular trips to Nashville, crafting her voice and polishing her songwriting. When she turned 19, she made the decision to call Music City home. Recognizing Kylie’s unique talent, the SMACKSongs team signed her to their roster under the guidance of GRAMMY Award-winning songwriters, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. To give fans a glimpse into her upbringing and passion to pursue music, Kylie returned to her hometown of Newcastle, OK to film her “Hometown Heartland” series. Fans can watch all six episodes HERE. An avid yoga enthusiast, Kylie has earned her official Yoga Alliance Certification and participates in yoga daily. While stuck at home and unable to tour, Kylie created the #namasteathome series where fans can participate in short yoga flows/light workouts, watch HERE. Kylie was previously selected as one of three artists for the CMA KixStart program and was named as one of VEVO’s 2021 DSCVR Artists to Watch. The only country artist to make the list, the program highlights 19 of the world’s top emerging artists poised to break out over the next year. As part of the program, Kylie recorded acoustic performances of “Shoulda” as well as “Cuss A Little” which can be viewed HERE. Kylie has been named to several Artists to Watch lists including CMT, SiriusXM On The Horizon, Taste of Country and Pandora. Kylie has previously toured with artists including Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kip Moore, Gavin DeGraw, Brett Eldredge and Billy Currington.

    For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.KylieMorgan.com

     

    Audio / Kylie Morgan talks about the song "Shoulda," which is featured on her debut EP, "Love, Kylie."

    Download

    Kylie Morgan (Shoulda) OC: …same feeling. :15
    “I wanted to write a song that honestly was my relationship with quarantine – all the things we shouldn’t be doing, we all wanted to do. I also love having a good song to be able to work out to and roll your windows down and sing at the top of your lungs. I hope it gives you that same feeling.”

    Video /

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  • KYLIE MORGAN RELEASES HER DEBUT EP TOMORROW.

    Kylie Morgan is set to release her debut EP Love, Kylie tomorrow (June 11th). Kylie co-wrote all six songs on her new EP, and the collection reveals a transparency and vulnerability that compels listeners to peel back the layers of her story.

    Produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson, Kylie details her journey through relationships, life as an artist, and life experiences and see the EP trailer right here:

     

    When it came time to name the EP, Kylie reached back to her early publishing pitches for inspiration. She named the EP Love, Kylie, which was the way she ended each pitch email. She found the sign-off made people feel like they were friends, and that’s how she hopes they feel listening to the EP. “It’s a pretty vulnerable state,” she said of releasing her first collection of songs. “I realized that every song that I’ve been writing has been either about me, about my family, about a friend, about someone I know. I wanted the whole EP to feel like a cohesive story and for every song to feel like a chapter.”

    Kylie, a vivacious, auburn-haired spitfire with a powerful voice, a sharp songwriting pen and a keen sense of her artistry, released her new song “I Only Date Cowboys” a couple of weeks ago. The fiery new track is vintage Kylie, giving listeners a glimpse into her personality – listen HERE. Additionally, Kylie released her official music video for the lead track on the EP, “Shoulda,” a heavy up-tempo with a sassy, rapid-fire vocal about the should’ve known betters when dabbling with an ex – watch HERE.

    Love, Kylie Track Listing
    1. Shoulda (Kylie Morgan, Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson)
    2. I Only Date Cowboys (Kylie Morgan, Nate Kenyon, Jay Allen)
    3. Outdoor Voices (Kylie Morgan, Emily Falvey, Benjamin Joel Johnson)
    4. Break Things (Kylie Morgan, Aaron Eshuis, James McNair, Nicolette Hayford)
    5. Cheating On You (Kylie Morgan, Benjamin Joel Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton, Jeffrey Garrison)
    6. Mad I Need You (Kylie Morgan, Nicholas Oliver Ruth, Emily Weisband) 

     

    About Kylie:
    The Oklahoma native starting writing songs at the age of 12 and gained national attention from music producers and television executives after releasing her music independently. This early success led Kylie to begin making regular trips to Nashville, crafting her voice and polishing her songwriting. When she turned 19, she made the decision to call Music City home. Recognizing Kylie’s unique talent, the SMACKSongs team signed her to their roster under the guidance of GRAMMY Award-winning songwriters, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. To give fans a glimpse into her upbringing and passion to pursue music, Kylie returned to her hometown of Newcastle, OK to film her “Hometown Heartland” series. Fans can watch all six episodes HERE. An avid yoga enthusiast, Kylie has earned her official Yoga Alliance Certification and participates in yoga daily. While stuck at home and unable to tour, Kylie created the #namasteathome series where fans can participate in short yoga flows/light workouts, watch HERE. Kylie was previously selected as one of three artists for the CMA KixStart program and was named as one of VEVO’s 2021 DSCVR Artists to Watch. The only country artist to make the list, the program highlights 19 of the world’s top emerging artists poised to break out over the next year. As part of the program, Kylie recorded acoustic performances of “Shoulda” as well as “Cuss A Little” which can be viewed HERE. Kylie has been named to several Artists to Watch lists including CMT, SiriusXM On The Horizon, Taste of Country and Pandora. Kylie has previously toured with artists including Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kip Moore Gavin DeGraw, Brett Eldredge and Billy Currington.

    For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.KylieMorgan.com

  • KYLIE MORGAN GETS READY TO RELEASE HER DEBUT EP, “LOVE, KYLIE,” ON FRIDAY (JUNE 11TH).

    EMI Records Nashville’s Kylie Morgan is set to release her debut EP Love, Kylie on Friday (June 11th) – pre-order the new album HERE.

    Kylie co-wrote all six songs on her new EP and reveals a transparency and vulnerability that compels listeners to peel back the layers of her story.

     

    “My brand-new and very first EP, Love, Kylie, is so important to me. I wanted to be able to put into words the emotions that you don’t know how to explain. Every song is from me to you,” says Kylie.

    Produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson, Kylie details her journey through relationships, life as an artist, and life experiences.

    When it came time to name the EP, Kylie reached back to her early publishing pitches for inspiration. She named the EP Love, Kylie, which was the way she ended each pitch email. She found the sign-off made people feel like they were friends, and that’s how she hopes they feel listening to the EP. “It’s a pretty vulnerable state,” she said of releasing her first collection of songs. “I realized that every song that I’ve been writing has been either about me, about my family, about a friend, about someone I know. I wanted the whole EP to feel like a cohesive story and for every song to feel like a chapter.”

    Kylie, a vivacious, auburn-haired spitfire with a powerful voice, a sharp songwriting pen and a keen sense of her artistry, released her new song “I Only Date Cowboys” a couple of weeks ago. The fiery new track is vintage Kylie, giving listeners a glimpse into her personality – listen HERE. Additionally, Kylie released her official music video for the lead track on the EP, “Shoulda,” a heavy up-tempo with a sassy, rapid-fire vocal about the should’ve known betters when dabbling with an ex – watch HERE.

    Love, Kylie Track Listing
    1. Shoulda (Kylie Morgan, Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson)
    2. I Only Date Cowboys (Kylie Morgan, Nate Kenyon, Jay Allen)
    3. Outdoor Voices (Kylie Morgan, Emily Falvey, Benjamin Joel Johnson)
    4. Break Things (Kylie Morgan, Aaron Eshuis, James McNair, Nicolette Hayford)
    5. Cheating On You (Kylie Morgan, Benjamin Joel Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton, Jeffrey Garrison)
    6. Mad I Need You (Kylie Morgan, Nicholas Oliver Ruth, Emily Weisband) 

     

    About Kylie:
    The Oklahoma native starting writing songs at the age of 12 and gained national attention from music producers and television executives after releasing her music independently. This early success led Kylie to begin making regular trips to Nashville, crafting her voice and polishing her songwriting. When she turned 19, she made the decision to call Music City home. Recognizing Kylie’s unique talent, the SMACKSongs team signed her to their roster under the guidance of GRAMMY Award-winning songwriters, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. To give fans a glimpse into her upbringing and passion to pursue music, Kylie returned to her hometown of Newcastle, OK to film her “Hometown Heartland” series. Fans can watch all six episodes HERE. An avid yoga enthusiast, Kylie has earned her official Yoga Alliance Certification and participates in yoga daily. While stuck at home and unable to tour, Kylie created the #namasteathome series where fans can participate in short yoga flows/light workouts, watch HERE. Kylie was previously selected as one of three artists for the CMA KixStart program and was named as one of VEVO’s 2021 DSCVR Artists to Watch. The only country artist to make the list, the program highlights 19 of the world’s top emerging artists poised to break out over the next year. As part of the program, Kylie recorded acoustic performances of “Shoulda” as well as “Cuss A Little” which can be viewed HERE. Kylie has been named to several Artists to Watch lists including CMT, SiriusXM On The Horizon, Taste of Country and Pandora. Kylie has previously toured with artists including Dan + Shay, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Kip Moore Gavin DeGraw, Brett Eldredge and Billy Currington.

    For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.KylieMorgan.com

     

    Audio / Kylie Morgan says her debut EP, Love, Kylie, is very important to her.

    Download

    Kylie Morgan (EP brief) OC: …me to you. :11
    “My brand-new and very first EP, Love, Kylie, is so important to me. I wanted to be able to put into words the emotions that you don’t know how to explain. Every song is from me to you.”

    Audio / Kylie Morgan says she wrote "I Only Date Cowboys" when she saw her boyfriend -- now fiance -- back up a trailer and thought it was so attractive.

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    Kylie Morgan (I Only Date Cowboys) OC: …cowboy hat. :27
    “My song ‘I Only Date Cowboys’ was thought of when my boyfriend backed up a trailer for the very first time and I was super impressed. I knew that that was a trait that he learned on the farm, and I knew that so many girls would find that attractive. (laughs) I wrote the song ‘I Only Date Cowboys’ in hopes to target that certain audience that can’t say no to a guy in a cowboy hat.”

    Video /

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  • CMT MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS 2021: Brothers O, Carrie, Chris, Dierks, Keith, LBT, Luke, Mickey, Sam

    The nominations for this year’s CMT Music Awards have been announced. Little Big Town and Mickey Guyton have three nominations apiece, while Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood have two (Video of the Year, Collaborative Video of the Year). Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Brothers Osborne, Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan are also nominated (see list of nominees below).

    The 2021 CMT Music Awards, hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, airs Wednesday, June 9th at 8:00PM ET/7:00PM CT on CMT, with a five channel simulcast across MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network and TV Land. Each winner is selected by the fans, with voting now open at vote.cmt.com

    The first round of nominees for the highly-coveted “Video of the Year” award includes 14 acts, most notably Carrie Underwood, who continues her reign as the most-awarded artist in CMT Music Awards history with 22 wins, nominated this year for her collaboration with John Legend

    The nominees for the “2021 CMT Music Awards” are:

    VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Top five nominees, from the first round of voting, will be announced on June 1. Top 3 nominees, from the second round of voting, will be announced on June 8. Final voting will be determined via social media and announced as the final category during the live show.

    • Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
    • Dierks Bentley – “Gone”
    • Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
    • Ingrid Andress – “Lady Like”
    • Kane Brown – “Worldwide Beautiful”
    • Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
    • Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
    • Kenny Chesney – “Knowing You”
    • Maren Morris – “Better Than We Found It”
    • Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
    • Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”
    • Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
    • Sam Hunt – “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
    • Willie Jones – “American Dream”

    FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

    • Carly Pearce – “Next Girl”
    • Gabby Barrett – “The Good Ones”
    • Kelsea Ballerini – “hole in the bottle”
    • Maren Morris – “To Hell & Back”
    • Mickey Guyton – “Heaven Down Here”
    • Miranda Lambert – “Settling Down”

    MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

    • Chris Stapleton – “Starting Over”
    • Darius Rucker – “Beers and Sunshine”
    • Kane Brown – “Worship You”
    • Luke Bryan – “Down To One”
    • Luke Combs – “Lovin’ On You”
    • Thomas Rhett – “What’s Your Country Song”

    DUO/GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists

    • Brothers Osborne – “All Night”
    • Lady A – “Like A Lady”
    • Little Big Town – “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
    • Old Dominion – “Never Be Sorry”
    • Parmalee and Blanco Brown – “Just The Way”
    • Runaway June – “We Were Rich”

    BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

    • Dylan Scott – “Nobody”
    • Hailey Whitters feat. Little Big Town – “Fillin’ My Cup”
    • HARDY – “Give Heaven Some Hell”
    • Lainey Wilson – “Things a Man Oughta Know”
    • Mickey Guyton – “Black Like Me”
    • Niko Moon – “GOOD TIME (Ride Along Video)”

    COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
    Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

    • Carrie Underwood with John Legend – “Hallelujah”
    • Chris Young and Kane Brown – “Famous Friends”
    • Elle King and Miranda Lambert – “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
    • Keith Urban with P!nk – “One Too Many”
    • Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris – “Chasing After You”
    • Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard – “Undivided”

    CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
    Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

    • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs “1, 2 Many”
    • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Dan + Shay “I Should Probably Go To Bed”
    • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus “This Is Us”
    • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey “The Other Girl”
    • From the 2020 CMT Music Awards – Little Big Town “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
    • From CMT Crossroads – Nathaniel Rateliff and Margo Price “Twinkle Twinkle”
  • KIP MOORE WILL HIT MULTIPLE CITIES THIS FALL FOR THE HOW HIGH TOUR – TICKETS GO ON SALE ON THIS FRIDAY MAY 14th

     

    Kip Moore revealed he will officially return to the road this fall, announcing THE HOW HIGH TOUR today, slated to kick off in Chicago, IL on 10/14. The multi-city run across The US will see Moore back where he has built a reputation for his “much-praised live shows — equal parts high-energy showmanship, sincere audience connections and formidable musicianship from Moore and his band” (Detroit Free Press). Tickets for the tour will begin becoming available to purchase this Friday, 5/14 at 10am local time at kipmoore.net.

    Moore is also embracing the feel-good vibes from his new single “Good Life” in the official new music video for the track out today and available to watch here. Directed by friend and long-time collaborator PJ Brown, the video sees Moore embody the free-spirited nature of the song, channeling multiple facets of living him a “Good Life”  throughout the trippy video. Critics have been quick to praise the “rat-a-tat country rocker that will light up his live audience” (Billboard) on which Moore embraces a sonic shift, and also joins forces with renowned producer Jay Joyce for the first time. “Destined to be his next radio hit” (Country Now), “Good Life” is officially available to be added at country radio today.

    “The live show has been a massive part of everything we’ve built up until this point,” shared Moore. “We brought out a full record this past year and so it’s been a huge priority to get this tour scheduled so we can get out there and play those songs with the people who supported ‘Wild World’ and maybe even play some newer material now we have “Good Life” out there. Working on the music video for the single was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had making a video. We really just went for it and let our inhibitions go.”

    THE HOW HIGH TOUR official dates:
    10/14        Chicago, IL
    10/15        Newport, KY
    10/16        Rochester, NY
    10/21        Fort Wayne, IN
    10/22        Grand Rapids, MI
    10/23        Detroit, MI
    11/4          Knoxville, TN
    11/5          Chattanooga, TN
    11/6          Asheville, NC
    11/11        Huntsville, AL
    11/12        Charlotte, NC
    11/13        Orange Beach, AL
    11/19        North Myrtle Beach, SC
    11/20        Raleigh, NC
    11/21        Silver Spring, MD
    12/2          Kansas City, MO
    12/3          Kearney, NE
    12/4          Dubuque, IA
    12/17        Phoenix, AZ
    12/18        San Diego, CA

    Kip Moore has toured the world earning acclaim and a rabid fanbase as an all-in performer in each setting, consistently selling out headlining shows internationally with huge followings in The U.S, The U.K, Europe, Australia and Canada. Praised by Noisey as “an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders” Moore has blazed his own trail, with “a bit more Southern rock than traditional country… to be a Kip Moore fan suddenly became a marker of your having a certain refinement in your country-music taste” (Chicago Tribune). The CMA “International Artist Achievement Award” nominee first splashed into the mainstream with the double-PLATINUM “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” in 2012, then followed up with three more best selling No. Ones (“Hey Pretty Girl,” “Beer Money” and “More Girls Like You”), a trio of ambitious, critically-praised albums and two gritty EPs that landed Moore on multiple “Best Of” lists. For more information visit kipmoore.net.

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  • RHYTHM, REBELLION AND RESPECT RATTLE ERIC CHURCH’S SOUL.

    Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and 10-time GRAMMY nominee Eric Church continues to give fans new music with today’s release of Soul, the third chapter of his critically acclaimed Heart & Soul trilogy. Featuring nine songs, including current Top 10 single “Hell Of A View,” the album is the final installment of music from his now-famous sequestered session in rural North Carolina early last year.

    “The thing that made it three projects, to me, was the songs grouped together differently,” Church recently explained to Rolling Stone regarding his decision to split the music into a triple album. “Once they started grouping up is when I truly saw the project. Before that, I loved the recordings… but I couldn’t figure out: what is this? I think a listening experience should be condensed; this is what it is – it’s meant to be done and then you move to the next one – and I think that’s where we came up with the three albums.”

    The full three-part project has already garnered significant praise from fans and critics alike, with The Wall Street Journal noting “Eric Church and company have stepped up to the challenge of delivering more than a double album’s worth of pointed, memorable recordings for tough times, with frankness, hope – and engaging sounds.”

    Heart & Soul is a concept record of sorts,” adds Rolling Stone in the lead review of the April print magazine, “about the everlasting power of music – the music he makes and the music he loves, which spans the gamut from the Doors to Bobbie Gentry to Elvis and Guns N’ Roses.”

    Indeed, even within the themed grouping of Soul tracks, Church offers a breadth of musical influences and deliveries, with Billboard proclaiming that “each song tells its own full, vivid story with no word or note wasted.”

    Opener “Rock & Roll Found Me” is a direct reflection of the immensely creative state Church found himself in during the monthlong consistency of producing new song ideas daily. The song’s title was inspired by a single line from the “Rocketman” Elton John biopic, which Church watched with his family in an attempted reset between scheduled writes.

    “There’s a line when he stands up and he says, ‘I was however many years old when rock and roll found me,’” Church notes. “As soon as I heard it, I asked my wife to pause the movie and I picked up a guitar that was beside me and wrote ‘Rock & Roll Found Me.’ That’s all it took – I was so in tune with creativity at that point in time that it was all I needed to hear for a song to pour out of me.”

    From rebellious numbers “Break It Kind Of Guy” and “Bad Mother Trucker” to funky, playful takes on romance in “Look Good And You Know It” and “Where I Wanna Be,” as well as bare-boned ballads “Bright Side Girl,” “Jenny” and “Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones,” each track further reveals the results of Church’s uniquely creative writing and recording process.

    Fans can hear these new songs and more as Church’s longstanding SiriusXM show, Outsiders Radio, takes over Y2Kountry on SiriusXM Channel 61 for the second straight weekend (starting today, April 23, and running through this Sunday, April 25). In addition to sharing brand new songs from Soul, the programming will also feature music from Church’s personal playlist as well as live shows recorded during past tours.

    Church plans to hit the road for a brand new tour this fall, appropriately titled The Gather Again Tour. As part of what Billboard described as “Church’s crusade to get fans vaccinated – and bring concerts back,” he has planned a 55-city run of full-capacity arena dates through the U.S. and Canada, kicking off this September in Lexington, Ky. and wrapping in May 2022 at New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden. Church Choir pre-sales begin Tuesday, May 4 with tickets on sale to the general public beginning Friday, May 7. A full list of dates is available HERE.

    For more information, visit www.ericchurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

    Soul Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1.  Rock & Roll Found Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Driver Williams)
    2.  Look Good And You Know It (Eric Church, Jonathan Singleton, Travis Meadows)
    3.  Bright Side Girl (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Scotty Emerick, Clint Daniels)
    4.  Break It Kind Of Guy (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick)
    5.  Hell Of A View (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    6.  Where I Wanna Be (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell)
    7.  Jenny (Eric Church)
    8.  Bad Mother Trucker (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeremy Spillman)
    9. Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones (Casey Beathard)

    About Eric Church
    Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and 10-time GRAMMY nominee Eric Church has spent the past year-plus releasing new music at a relentless pace; providing a glimpse into the marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day – including current Top 10 single “Hell of a View” – while sequestered in rural North Carolina. The resulting project, his critically acclaimed new triple album, Heart & Soul, is available now.

    Just as unique as Church’s approach to recording and releasing music is his tenacity on the road. During his most recent outing, 2019’s Double Down Tour, Church played back-to-back nights of two unique shows in each market sans opening act, giving every city’s fans six-plus hours of his iconic music. The tour also featured a massive stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where he broke the venue’s concert attendance record with more than 56,000 fans in attendance and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. Church also took to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV and will return to the road for The Gather Again Tour this fall.

    A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner, and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fanbase around the globe known as the Church Choir as well as a critically acclaimed catalog of music. His previous album, Desperate Man, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category) and produced his most recent No. 1 hit, “Some Of It.” Additional releases include the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”)as well as 22 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified singles.

    Audio / Eric Church cites the Elton John movie, Rocketman, as the inspiration behind the song “Rock and Roll Found Me” from his upcoming Soul album.

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    Eric Church (Rock And Roll Found Me) OC: …needed to hear. :52
    “We were watching the Elton John Rocketman, and there’s a line in that movie. I was off. Normally what I would do, I would take a day like Sunday, and we’d let the writers change out, so that was my day to kind of try to get away for a second and wait on the next group to come in, maybe work on stuff. And we have a place up there, so my family was up and I went over to see my wife and my kids. My wife and I were watching Rocketman, the Elton John movie, and there’s a line, I think he’s in rehab or something like that when he stands up and he said, ‘I was (however many years old) when rock and roll found me.’ And I immediately as soon as I heard it, I thought, ‘Ah.’ I said, I just told her, ‘Just pause it.’ And I grabbed the guitar that was beside me and I went to the kitchen, and I wrote ‘Rock and Roll Found Me,’ and that’s all it took. It just took that one line, and I was enough in tune with creativity at that point in time that that’s all I needed to hear.”

    Audio / LINER Eric Church (Soul available now)

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  • ERIC CHUCH REVEALS HIS HEART: FIRST INSTALLMENT IN EAGERLY ANTICIPATED TRILOGY AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE NOW.

    “It’s gonna be the tip of the spear for what’s coming after, and it’s a big spear,” superstar Eric Church declared last summer, when first revealing that new music was on the way. In the nearly 10 months that followed, Church has steadily shared the results of the nearly month-long session during which he wrote and recorded a song from start to finish each day in pursuit of what would eventually become Heart & Soul. The first installment off the three-part project born from that atypical process arrives in full today: Heart is available everywhere now.

    Despite career milestones that include 10 chart-topping singles, five Platinum-selling albums, seven ACM Awards, four CMA trophies and 10 GRAMMY nominations, Church still came out of his last album cycle feeling the need to push himself further. Recognizing the level of comfort achieved by recording six highly successful projects with the same team and overall process, he craved the tension and vulnerability that inspires boundless creativity. In his typical fashion, the man Stereogum celebrates as “our greatest working rock star” and Esquire names “one of the most singular working artists in any genre” took that desire to the extreme.

    Together with producer Jay Joyce, Church headed to the mountain town of Banner Elk, N.C., where they set up a makeshift recording studio in a restaurant that had closed its doors for the winter. They moved the tables out of the dining room. They turned the basement into a drum booth. They placed microphones around the premises to capture the unique acoustics of the restaurant’s barn wood interior. And then, as the weather outside turned frigid, they got to work, bringing rotating groups of songwriters and instrumentalists to the compound every few days.

    “There was an interchangeable quality that felt so unique,” Church says of the recording process. “We were eating together, living together, and acting like a big family up there in the mountains. When we’d record, it didn’t matter if you were one of the writers or one of the players. It really came down to everyone wanting the song to be born — for the song to come alive — and it was just a matter of who could make it come alive. If you could do that, then you’d be in the studio making it happen. And I’ve never seen that happen before. I’ve never even heard of that happening.”

    The resulting project captures Church at his very best, matching raw storytelling and climatic hooks with performances that blur the lines between country, soul, Bible Belt funk, and renegade rock & roll, earning early praise from Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, Garden & Gun, MusicRow, New York Times, People, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Tennessean and USA Today, among others.

    Today’s release, the first third of the trilogy, opens with heartland anthem “Heart On Fire” whose greasy, Southern stomp nods to Bob Seger and The Rolling Stones, then sees the influence of Bruce Springsteen (a personal hero as well as the namesake of Chief’s 5x Platinum hit single, “Springsteen”) on “Heart Of The Night” and “Russian Roulette,” two tracks that find Church spinning stories of dead-end towns, fast cars, and the lure of the wide open American highway.

    Heart’s overall theme, encapsulated by its own moniker, is evident in “People Break,” a wistful reflection about the realities of moving on, as well as in “Stick That In Your Country Song,” the defiant single which was recorded in a one-take rush to beat an impending power outage as a storm rivaling the song’s own manic energy raged outside.

    Rounding out the initial album of the Heart & Soul trio are the endearingly reassuring “Never Break Heart,” which despite being written pre-pandemic seems tailor-made for the realities of the past year, the witty drinking song “Crazyland,” which sees Church playing a brokenhearted barfly surrounded by personified emotions, the twangy words of wisdom in “Bunch Of Nothing” and the closing anthem “Love Shine Down.”

    With two installments of the project remaining under wraps until their releases next week – & available exclusively to the Church Choir on Tuesday, April 20, with Soul following for the general public on Friday, April 23 – Church has once again proven what Rolling Stone proclaims to be true in the lead review of the April print issue, on stands now: “Eric Church might look like a tough-guy outlaw who plays by his own rules, but his real gift has been for bending the rules to his will. No recent country artist has maneuvered the Nashville system as successfully, remaining dedicated to the power of down-the-center hitmaking even as he’s helped expand the parameters of the genre.”

    Church will perform new music from across the collection next Tuesday, April 20 – including the first ever performance of Soul’s “Rock & Roll Found Me” – as part of an exclusive performance and live Q&A on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel and within the Amazon Music mobile app.

    The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, who is currently nominated in the same prestigious category at this Sunday’s ACM Awards (along with Male Vocalist of the Year and Music Event of the Year) will also perform Heart track “Bunch of Nothing” during the Awards broadcast. Church will also appear in an ACM Lifting Lives vaccination education PSA premiering during the show, once again emphasizing his belief that widespread vaccination is the key to a return to touring – which he will do this fall via his 55-city The Gather Again Tour. A full list of tour dates for the in-the-round arena shows is available HERE.

    I just want to play shows,” he shared with Billboard in the April 3 cover story depicting the superstar receiving his own second dose of the vaccine. “Those things that unite us are music and sports. The times when, whether you’re a Democrat or Republican or whatever, you throw your arm around the person next to you. We need that. I need that.”

    For the latest information and to learn how to join the Church Choir, visit www.EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

    Heart Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses
    1.  Heart On Fire (Eric Church)
    2.  Heart Of The Night (Eric Church, Jeremy Spillman, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell, Travis Hill)
    3.  Russian Roulette (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    4.  People Break (Eric Church, Luke Laird)
    5.  Stick That In Your Country Song (Davis Naish, Jeffrey Steele)
    6.  Never Break Heart (Eric Church, Luke Dick)
    7.  Crazyland (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Michael Heeney)
    8.  Bunch Of Nothing (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde)
    9.  Love Shine Down (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)

    About Eric Church
    Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and 10-time GRAMMY nominee Eric Church has spent the past year releasing new music at a relentless pace; providing a glimpse into the results of a marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day – including current Top 15 single “Hell of a View” – while sequestered in a rural North Carolina cabin, and fueling speculation of his highly anticipated new three-part project, with Heart available everywhere now plus & and Soul set for release next week.

    Just as unique as Church’s approach to recording and releasing music is his tenacity on the road. During his most recent outing, 2019’s Double Down Tour, Church played back-to-back nights of two unique shows in each market sans opening act, giving every city’s fans six-plus hours of his iconic music. The tour also featured a massive stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where he broke the venue’s concert attendance record with more than 56,000 fans in attendance and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. Church also recently took to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV and will return to the road for The Gather Again Tour in the fall.

    A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner, and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fanbase around the globe known as the Church Choir as well as a critically acclaimed catalog of music. His most recent album, Desperate Man, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category) and produced his most recent No. 1 hit, “Some Of It.” Previous releases include the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”), as well as 22 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified singles.

    Audio / Eric Church explains why he named his new multi-album project, Heart & Soul.

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    Eric Church (Heart & Soul) OC: …Heart & Soul is. 1:55
    Heart & Soul — I think that everybody wants to know why Heart & Soul and it’s interesting. I think for me, I didn’t go in there trying to make two albums or three albums. That is not what I tried to do; that is not what this was about. But I think it was about a moment, and what I found when I listened back to the project is there were a lot of songs that had heart in them or cars or guitars or music, and I think that’s because that’s what was on my mind at the time. And what I found that was interesting is there were two groups that they were this kind of song and then this kind of song that kind of grouped together. And then there was this middle five or six songs and I didn’t know where they went. They were cool. And then the thought was raised — do they belong together and that’s the first time that three albums came out. I would initially have said nah. I’m a cynic. I’m a music guy. If you tell me you made three albums, I say well you made one decent one. Just me. That’s not what this is. These are three different feels. These are three different things. They sound the same because they were made in the same moment, but they group up different. And yes, we could have done just Heart and Soul and there would have been six songs that didn’t make it anywhere. But I don’t think that’s right. I think that if you listen to them, they have their own thing. They belong in their own spot. And that’s what ended up at least conceptually with what Heart & Soul is.”

    Audio / ERIC CHURCH TALKS ABOUT PUSHING HIMSELF VOCALLY IN THE STUDIO WHILE RECORDING HIS RECENT MULTII-ALBUM PROJECT, HEART & SOUL.

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    Eric Church (pushed himself vocally) OC: …non-stop vocals. :58
    “I think the reason that I at least pushed myself vocally, which you can hear, is because every day you’re trying to do something a little different, a little more unique, than you did the day before. It’s so fresh that you’re going, ‘Well, we did this yesterday or sounded like this the next day,’ and I think you’re trying to do things, you’re trying to do things different; you’re trying to make it sound different. And I think that naturally that ended up being something that pushed me vocally, and it also helped that we were coming off a massive two-year tour. We had just finished in November, this was January, so the pipes were tuned up. I had been up on stage, and there was a lot of that improv going on stage and everything that I do every night, three-hour shows, that I was able to go in and use that for the studio part. Because, you know, it was a lot of singing. Not only am I writing all day singing that, but then I’m in the studio all night. We’re up late, do it again. So, it was about 30 days of non-stop vocals.”

    Audio / LINER Eric Church (Heart available now)

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  • ERIC CHURCH PUSHES THE CREATIVE ENVELOPE FOR HIS NEW THREE-ALBUM PROJECT, HEART & SOUL.

    On every album, Eric Church seems to disturb the status quo and doesn’t write or record the same way he did on previous records. He took that further with his new three-album project, Heart & Soul, by disrupting the entire process and taking everyone out of their comfort zone including himself, his band, his co-writers and his producer Jay Joyce. The collection was born from a month-long session in the mountains of North Carolina during which he wrote/co-wrote and recorded a song from start to finish each day in an effort to push the limits of creativity for everyone involved.

    “I committed to — I will get up in the morning and we’re going to write a song or create a piece of work that we are going to record that night, and then we’re going to do it again and again and again,” says the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year. “And I think that there’s something about the commitment to the 24-hour period and then the forget-ability of the next period that made this work. So, when we’re in the studio and I’ve been – somebody, I remember Jay (Joyce) asking him one day he said, ‘Well, hey, how does the bridge go?’  And I went, ‘I don’t know.’ I said, ’I just wrote it an hour ago. I have no cl…– where do you think the bridge goes?’ But being in that moment, that creative moment and not choking it out– this is the end of the creative moment, let’s evaluate it. We let the creative moment continue to the players, to the songwriters.”

    The first release, Heart, will be available April 16th. He created the middle album of the trilogy, &, specifically for the Church Choir (his fan club), which will be available exclusively to them only as a vinyl record on April 20th. The third installment, Soul, is set for release April 23rd.

    Eric is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest single, “Hell of a View.”

     

    Heart Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Heart On Fire (Eric Church)
    2. Heart Of The Night (Eric Church, Jeremy Spillman, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell, Travis Hill)
    3. Russian Roulette (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    4. People Break (Eric Church, Luke Laird)
    5. Stick That In Your Country Song (Davis Naish, Jeffrey Steele)
    6. Never Break Heart (Eric Church, Luke Dick)
    7. Crazyland (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Michael Heeney)
    8. Bunch Of Nothing (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde)
    9. Love Shine Down (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)

    & Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Through My Ray-Bans (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
    2. Doing Life With Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)
    3. Do Side (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    4. Kiss Her Goodbye (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    5. Mad Man (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    6. Lone Wolf (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)

    Soul Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Rock & Roll Found Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Driver Williams)
    2. Look Good And You Know It (Eric Church, Jonathan Singleton, Travis Meadows)
    3. Bright Side Girl (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Scotty Emerick, Clint Daniels)
    4. Break It Kind Of Guy (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick)
    5. Hell Of A View (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    6. Where I Wanna Be (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell)
    7. Jenny (Eric Church)
    8. Bad Mother Trucker (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeremy Spillman)
    9. Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones (Casey Beathard)

     

    Audio / Eric Church explains his commitment to writing and recording a song a day for his new triple album collection, Heart & Soul.

    Download

    Eric Church (recording in 24 hour period) OC: …the songwriters. 1:00
    “One of the big things people may not understand is when I invited these people to come up — I want people to understand the process – So, I committed to I will get up in the morning and we’re going to write a song or create a piece of work that we are going to record that night, and then we’re going to do it again and again and again. And I think that there’s something about the commitment to the 24-hour period and then the forget-ability of the next period that made this work. So, when we’re in the studio and I’ve been – somebody, I remember Jay (Joyce) asking him one day he said, ‘Well, hey, how does the bridge go?’  And I went, ‘I don’t know.’ I said, ’I just wrote it an hour ago. I have no cl…– where do you think the bridge goes?’ But being in that moment, that creative moment and not choking it out– this is the end of the creative moment, let’s evaluate it. We let the creative moment continue to the players, to the songwriters.”

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  • CMA AWARD-WINNING DUO MADDIE & TAE NAMED CMA FOUNDATION ARTIST AMBASSADORS.

    Maddie & Tae are teaming up with the CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), to lend their voices and inspire music teachers and students as CMA Foundation Artist Ambassadors. From coming together as a duo through vocal lessons as young teenagers, Maddie & Tae have seen the positive influence of music in their own lives and are working with students and teachers to share the value of music with others. In their roles as CMA Foundation Artist Ambassadors, Maddie & Tae will virtually visit a music class to discuss how music has helped them overcome insecurities and develop confidence. The duo will also take part in a discussion with female teachers about overcoming challenges and the importance of empowering the next generation of female leaders, sharing experiences about their journeys in the music industry, musicianship and why they are utilizing their platforms to encourage the next generation.

    “Maddie & Tae have used their voices throughout their careers to advocate for the importance of music education, supporting the CMA Foundation’s mission to provide equitable opportunities for students across the country,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “As we are celebrating Music In Our Schools Month in March, we are excited to have these talented women join our CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador collective to share the power of music with students and music teachers. The CMA Foundation understands that representation is key in all areas of life. Maddie & Tae are two strong, talented and resilient female leaders in the music industry and we are looking forward to them being examples for these students and teachers, showing them that anything is possible.”

    “Music has always been incredibly special to us,” says Taylor Kerr of Maddie & Tae. “Not only for the enjoyment of listening and creating, but for the healing and connection it brings to so many. We feel honored to be the new CMA Foundation ambassadors and look forward to chatting about our favorite thing in the whole world!”

    Maddie & Tae will bring their unique talents and experience to this initiative as they join a notable group of CMA Foundation Artist Ambassadors, including Jimmie Allen, Lindsay Ell and Ashley McBryde, who have all used their voices to advocate for music education in ways that are personal to them. Allen took part in a virtual meeting with a third-grade music class at Snowden Elementary in Memphis, TN to share his story and discuss music and songwriting with the young students. He also participated in the CMA Foundation’s Teaching Artist Webinar Series to discuss culturally relevant teaching, music discovery and parenting in a pandemic. Ell shared the healing power of music with Nashville area Mt. View Elementary students during a virtual songwriting session last month, as well as teaching student guitarists how to restring and tune a guitar. McBryde served as the inaugural Artist Ambassador, meeting virtually with music teachers last year to discuss obstacles faced while teaching amid the pandemic and sharing how music education led to her career in Country Music. She created a music lesson on building the major scale for teachers and students to use in both their in-person and virtual classrooms.

    Over the last 10 years, the CMA Foundation has continued its mission to provide equitable opportunities and access to music education to students across the country. The organization has spent the last decade investing in the ecosystem that supports music education through school districts and teachers in order to champion music at every turn, by providing monetary, programmatic and strategic support with the goal of making systems change within public school districts in underserved communities. The CMA Foundation has a unique platform to advocate, convene and educate others on the value of music for all and is grateful to have an incredible community of artists join in using their reach to help share the importance of music education and investing in the next generation.

    The CMA Foundation will continue to provide unique resources and support for music teachers and students as more Artist Ambassadors are announced throughout the year.

  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD ANNOUNCES “MY SAVIOR: LIVE FROM THE RYMAN” STREAMING GLOBALLY ON HER OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE EASTER SUNDAY.

    Seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner and three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood will bring her new album, My Savior, to life with “My Savior: Live From The Ryman,” a virtual live concert performance from the iconic, Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, also known around the world as the “Mother Church of Country Music.”  Underwood will be performing the gospel hymns she grew up singing for this special concert event, which will stream live globally on her official Facebook page at 11:00 AM Central Time on Easter Sunday April 4th, with donations benefiting Save the Children.  The free event will feature special appearances by CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, who duets with Underwood on “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and singer/songwriter Bear Rinehart, frontman of the rock band, NEEDTOBREATHE, who joins Underwood to sing on another traditional hymn, “Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus.”  Southern gospel and harmonica legend Buddy Greene and 10-time CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally, both of whom played on the album, will also appear with Underwood.

    My Savior consists of covers of some of Underwood’s favorite traditional gospel hymns in a unique pastiche of musical styles from classic country to folk, bluegrass, and gospel.  The album will be released globally on CD and digital March 26, 2021, and on vinyl April 30.  My Savior is co-produced and arranged by Underwood and GRAMMY® Award winner David Garcia, with whom she co-produced her critically acclaimed 2018 album Cry Pretty, her seventh album to be certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. Garcia is a multi-platinum selling, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning record producer and songwriter.

    “This is an album I have always wanted to record and I’m thrilled to be able to bring these uplifting, inspirational songs to life in this special way,” says Underwood.  “It means so much to be able to bring this event to people in their homes on a day that holds so much meaning for us spiritually and to be able to raise much needed funds and awareness for the incredible work of Save the Children as we celebrate the importance of family.”

    Fans can RSVP via Facebook here and “My Savior: Live From The Ryman” will remain exclusively on Facebook for 48 hours.

    Donations accepted throughout the streaming event and for 48 hours after, will benefit Save the Children, which works in over 100 countries to ensure that children grow up healthy, educated and safe.  In the U.S., Save the Children reaches children through early education, literacy and child hunger programs, helps prepare children for emergencies and responds when disaster strikes.  To date, Save the Children has supported 30 million people affected by coronavirus around the world, including nearly 12 million children, making sure they have enough to eat, can access healthcare, can continue their education and are protected from violence.  Before COVID-19, 1 in 7 children in the U.S. faced food insecurity, which has now increased to 1 in 4.  Since March 2020, Save the Children has delivered nearly 21 million meals to kids in need across the U.S.  For more information, visit www.savethechildren.org.

    “When I set out to choose these songs, I wanted to include the beautiful, familiar hymns I grew up singing in church,” says Underwood.  “There are several songs I have performed in the past, like ‘Softly And Tenderly,’ ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Amazing Grace’ that mean so much to me and I knew immediately we needed to record for the album.  This music shaped who I am as a person and is the foundation of my career as a recording artist.  I feel so blessed to get to share these songs with generations of people who love them as I do, as well as others who might be experiencing them for the first time.” 

    Other tracks on My Savior include beloved hymns “Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus,” “Blessed Assurance,” “Just As I Am,” “Victory In Jesus,” “O How I Love Jesus,” “Because He Lives,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “I Surrender All,” all of which will be performed live by Underwood and her band and background vocalists on the legendary Ryman stage.  The event will also feature a string ensemble and gospel choir.

    Pre-orders of the My Savior CD, vinyl and limited-edition t-shirt/CD boxset are available here. Pre-orders from physical retailers are available here. Digital pre-orders are available now here. Underwood’s video trailer for My Savior can be seen here.

    Originally built as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892 by Captain Tom G. Ryman, the iconic Ryman Auditorium is a National Historic Landmark, considered the “Mother Church of Country Music.”  The former home of the Grand Ole Opry features stunning stained-glass windows and century-old wrap-around church pews that embrace the house’s spiritual roots, enhanced by cutting-edge technology.

    About Carrie Underwood:
    Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur.  She has sold more than 64 million records worldwide, recorded 27 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), and has seven albums that are certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA, all while continuing to sell out arena tours across North America and the UK.  In September, Carrie released her eighth album, My Gift, her first-ever Christmas album, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country, Christian and Holiday charts in its first week and marked her eighth straight release to debut at #1 on the Billboard Country chart. My Gift also debuted #1 on the UK country chart (her fifth #1 on the chart) and #1 on the Canadian country chart. Additionally, HBO Max began streaming “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood” in December, an exclusive, all-new musical holiday special, with Carrie performing songs from My Gift with a full orchestra and choir.  She announced her next album, My Savior, will feature beloved gospel hymns and will be released March 26.  She starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s Emmy®-winning blockbuster, The Sound of Music Live!, hosted the CMA Awards for 12 consecutive years and returned last Fall for her eighth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, NBC’s Sunday Night Football.  Underwood has won over 100 major awards including 7 GRAMMY® Awards, 15 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and, as of 2020, the only female ever to win three times), 22 CMT Music Awards where she continues to hold the record for the most award wins ever for the show, 7 CMA Awards, and 15 American Music Awards with her 7th win for Favorite Female Artist – Country and 6th win for Favorite Country Album for Cry Pretty, breaking the AMA record for Most Wins in the Favorite Country Album Category. Carrie is a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry and is the most followed country artist on Instagram and most followed female country artist on Twitter, Facebook and TikTok. She has built a successful business portfolio inspired by her passion for health and fitness.  She is founder/lead designer for her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, which was launched in 2015.  In March  2020, HarperCollins/Dey Street books published Carrie’s first book, FIND YOUR PATH: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life, a fitness lifestyle book in which she shares her belief that fitness is a lifelong journey, providing a common-sense approach to staying active, eating well, and looking as beautiful as you feel, 52 weeks a year.  That same month, Carrie also launched her new fitness app, fit52, which is a holistic wellness platform designed to encourage and support users on their personal wellness journey with constantly evolving and updating workout “paths,” available on the App Store and on Google Play.  In January 2021, she expanded her lifestyle portfolio with an equity partnership with BODYARMOR Sports Drink.

     

     

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD EXPLAINS SHE WILL PERFORM AT THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM ON EASTER SUNDAYTO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF HER NEW ALBUM, MY SAVIOR.

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    Carrie Underwood (Ryman Show) OC: …extra special. :56
    “We wanted to do something special for this album. I think the album itself is very special and I feel like we all need to experience some live music, you know. So, we started thinking about where to perform it and when I think of country music and church and places that are special to me, I think of the Ryman Auditorium. There’s something so special about it. It is an auditorium, but it feels like church, I mean for many reasons. It’s just so beautiful and has such a spiritual feel to it anyway. So, we thought of bringing this album to life and what better day to stream that on than Easter Sunday. So, I’m just very excited. I’m always excited to sing but when you get to do something that’s very intimate and something that feels like home, which again I feel like this whole album feels like home, to do it in a place that feels like home is just going to be extra special.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT THE CHARITABLE ASPECT OF HER PERFORMANCE AT THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM ON EASTER SUNDAY.

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    Carrie Underwood (charitable aspect of Ryman Show) :35
    “My whole goal in doing an album like this, as well as My Gift, is to like put positivity into the world and make people maybe look up, you know? And to do that I feel like if we’re looking to do positive things in the world. Let’s help people along the way. I’ve worked with Save the Children in the past and they’ve just been a wonderful organization that does a lot of good things for kids in the world. It’s an honor to get to work with them again and do positive things.”

  • TRAVIS DENNING SENDS NEW SINGLE, “ABBY,” TO COUNTRY RADIO.

    ACM “New Male Artist Of The Year” nominee artist Travis Denning’s fan-favorite track “ABBY” has been sent to country radio. Since it’s release, the “clever kiss-off” (Billboard) breakup anthem has instantly turned heads with it’s double-edged lyrical anagram that has fans already amassing over 17 million streams and the track reaching the No. One spot on Sirius XM’s Highway Hot 30.

    Written by Ashley Gorley, Matt Jenkins and Chase McGill, Denning’s cutting yet humorous delivery of “ABBY… that’s Any Body But You” has critics praising the “big-riff farewell song” (Tennessean) for it’s “playful” (Pop Culture) and “raucous” (American Songwriter) nature. “ABBY” arrives at country radio hot on the heels of Denning being named one of CRS New Faces and follows his No. One track and one of the Top 5 most played songs of 2020, “After A Few.”

    “Ever since I first heard ‘ABBY’ I felt like it would connect with fans, but I had no idea it would have this crazy anthemic life it’s grown into,” he says. “It has by far become the most fun song to play live, and hearing people chant ‘A-B-B-Y’ always fires me up. I’m so excited for it to finally be hitting country radio.”

    “I thought it was so funny and clever and quirky, and (it) just had all these things that I loved about country music and country music songwriting,” Travis adds. “And I think a lot of people can relate to having that one person that they’re just so happy is no longer part of their life, you know?”

    A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter and Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning celebrated his first No. One and GOLD-certified single in 2020 with the “shadowy” (Rolling Stone) “After A Few.” Accelerating his ascend from a chart-topping single, the song is taken from his debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Denning first made waves showcasing his “future star power” (Billboard) with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning has toured as direct support for Dustin Lynch and has previously opened shows for Cole Swindell, Alan Jackson, LANCO, Riley Green and his first headlining “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour.” With over 353 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted for his head-turning sound and was previously selected as one of CRS New Faces, an Opry NextStage recipient and a CMA KixStart Artist, as he makes his mark within the industry. Inspired at a young age, Denning developed a love for country, pop, rock and heavy metal and started playing local bars from the age of 16, as he built a strong following from his distinctive songs and raucous guitar solos. A prolific writer with an unquestionable stage presence, Denning moved to Nashville and secured outside cuts by Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Michael Ray and more. Denning’s newest songwriting cut includes Michael Ray’s Top 20 single “Her World Or Mine.” For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

    Audio / Travis Denning talks about his new single, "ABBY."

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    Travis Denning (ABBY) OC: …relationship. :23
    “’ABBY’ is just one of those songs that I heard and just knew I needed to record. I thought it was so funny and clever and quirky, and (it) just had all these things that I loved about country music and country music songwriting. And I think a lot of people can relate to having that one person that they’re just so happy is no longer part of their life, you know? (ha) I think this is a fun way of kind of looking at moving on from a relationship.”

    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (ABBY) 1

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    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (ABBY) 2

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    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (ABBY) 3

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  • JORDAN DAVIS EXTOLLS THE VIRTUES OF THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK, DREW BREES, AND RUMINATES ON HIS RUMORED RETIREMENT.

    Jordan Davis loves himself some football, especially his beloved LSU Tigers AND New Orleans Saints. With talk swirling around that this past season would be the last for the Saints’ Drew Brees, Jordan says he’s earned the right to retire when he is ready.

    “As far as the retirement thing, a lot of Saints fans out there think we need an answer now or we need to do this. Drew Brees can do whatever he wants,” says Jordan. “If he wants to retire the day before next season, Drew Brees has earned the right to retire the day before next season. When it comes to that, I think Drew can do whatever he wants.”

    Jordan is not just an admirer of Drew the player, but Drew as a person. “What he’s done for the game of football, as in the person he is, I think what he’s done for New Orleans really. Any time I think of the season after (Hurricane) Katrina, it gives me chillbumps. I was in Baton Rouge and every Sunday was just this, it was a party. It would’ve been a party no matter what, but it meant a little bit more, and with Drew at the helm of it, you couldn’t have a better guy to run your organization, to kind of help pick a city back up. If you follow him on social media, you know the kind of dad he is, the kind of friend he is, the kind of person he is. You know, he is one of those rare, truly franchise quarterbacks.”

    Jordan is currently sitting inside the Top 20 on the country charts with his latest smash, “Almost Maybes.” Be looking for the official music video for “Almost Maybes” to premiere on Friday (February 19th).

    Audio / Jordan Davis talks about New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, and his possible retirement.

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    Jordan Davis (Drew Brees retirement) OC: …franchise quarterbacks. 1:00
    “As far as the retirement thing, a lot of Saints fans out there think we need an answer now or we need to do this. Drew Brees can do whatever he wants. If he wants to retire the day before next season, Drew Brees has earned the right to retire the day before next season. When it comes to that, I think Drew can do whatever he wants. What he’s done for the game of football, as in the person he is, I think what he’s done for New Orleans really. Any time I think of the season after (Hurricane) Katrina, it gives me chillbumps. I was in Baton Rouge and every Sunday was just this, it was a party. It would’ve been a party no matter what, but it meant a little bit more, and with Drew at the helm of it, you couldn’t have a better guy to run your organization, to kind of help pick a city back up. If you follow him on social media, you know the kind of dad he is, the kind of friend he is, the kind of person he is. You know, he is one of those rare, truly franchise quarterbacks.”

  • ERIC CHURCH IS WORKING ON A NORTH AMERICAN TOUR.

    Eric Church is working on a North American tour…right now. The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year didn’t reveal many details in a video message posted on his socials this morning (February 5th), but he did sincerely want to assure fans they will once again see him live as soon as this global pandemic is contained.

     

     

    “We ARE working on a North American tour. We’re waiting for the right timing to officially announce all the details, but I want you to know that  a tour is coming and we are very excited to play new music for our old friends. Coming to many cities that we’ve been to in the past and a few new ones. As usual, the Church Choir will get the first opportunity to buy tickets when we go on sale. I cannot wait to see you on the road.”

    Today’s news of a tour on the horizon is accompanied by the release of an additional song off his forthcoming three-part project, Heart & Soul, with the bare-boned ballad Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones available everywhere today. The track is featured on the third album in the collection, Soul, set for release Friday, April 23 following Heart’s release on Friday, April 16 and the release of the Church Choir’s exclusive vinyl-only middle album, &, on Tuesday, April 20.

    “‘Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones’ was such a tough one for us to get, but it ended up as one of my favorite performances of my career,” reflects Church. “Casey Beathard had written that song and I first played it laying back on my bed for a guitar vocal. I tried to play it the same way a thousand times after that, but there’s a way that song develops that we never could recapture – something about relaxing and laying back; there’s a lope to that song. I started to worry about the soul going away the more we tried, so Jay Joyce said, ‘let’s let Brian Sutton have a shot at it.’ We let him hear it one time and then he was feeling it as we went. There’s some extra pauses and spaces in the back of the recording as he figured it out – I think that’s what makes that song. It’s compelling and that’s a lot to do with Brian and Jay.”

    In addition to releasing new music, Church will also take to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium next Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV. The 10-time GRAMMY nominee recently spoke with the Los Angeles Times about the prestigious performance, noting “With what’s going on in America, it feels like an important time for a patriotic moment, an important time for unity. The fact that I’m a Caucasian Country singer and she’s an African American R&B singer — I think the country needs that.” Catch all the pre-game action beginning at 6pm ET on CBS.

    Following the game, Church will also perform as part of Verizon’s “Big Concert for Small Business” benefit, streaming live at 10pm CT. Fans can visit VerizonBigConcertSmallBiz.com for more information about the event and how to tune in.

     

     

    Eric is currently racing up the country charts with his latest single, “Hell of a View.”

  • LUKE BRYAN TO RELEASE DELUXE EDITION OF HIS NO. 1 ALBUM BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE (DELUXE EDITION).

    Four-time Entertainer of the Year and American Idol judge Luke Bryan is set to release a deluxe version of his #1, RIAA gold certified album BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE (Deluxe Edition) on April 9, 2021 adding six NEW songs to add to the album’s original 10 tracks. Luke broke the news of the deluxe album to his fans live on Facebook yesterday and played a few of the songs from the album including two of the new tunes, “Country Does” and “Waves.” Luke also talked to People Magazine about his excitement for the new music and the upcoming American Idol season premiering February 14th on ABC. BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE (Deluxe Edition) is available NOW for PRE-ORDER and limited edition t-shirt and boxsets are also available for pre-order exclusively in Luke’s official store.

    “We all know 2020 was hard on all levels for many,” shared Luke. “Things were put on hold in the entertainment business, but it did allow more time to make music and I’m excited to share these six new songs.”

    BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE was originally set to release last April, but due to the pandemic the project was moved to August and debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, making it Luke’s sixth consecutive appearance in the top position. The album became his eleventh top 10 album on Billboard’s Top 200 since his first appearance with 2009’s DOIN’ MY THING.

    The album contains his current smash single “Down To One” as well as three No. 1 hits so far- “Knockin’ Boots,” “What She Wants Tonight,” and “One Margarita,” which landed as Luke’s 25th career #1 single, has more than 270 million streams. The “One Margarita” video has over 30 million views on YouTube to date.

    BORN HERE LIVE HERE DIE HERE (Deluxe Edition)

    1. Knockin’ Boots (Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
    2. What She Wants Tonight (Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite)
    3. Born Here Live Here Die Here (Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson)
    4. One Margarita (Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
    5. Too Drunk To Drive (Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Brandon Kinney)
    6. Build Me A Daddy (Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson, Brett Tyler)
    7. Little Less Broken (Michael Carter, Lindsay Rimes, Matt Rogers)
    8. For A Boat (Randy Montana, Josh Thompson, Mike Walker)
    9. Where Are We Goin’ (Luke Bryan, Brent Cobb)
    10. Down To One (Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach, Kyle Fishman)

    NEW TRACKS

    1. Country Does (Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne)
    2. Drink A Little Whiskey Down (Luke Bryan, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
    3. Waves (Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd, Chase McGill)
    4. Bill Dance (Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip)
    5. Up (Jeremy Bussey, Taylor Phillips, Bobby Pinson)
    6. Floatin’ This Creek (Luke Bryan, Chase McGill, Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens)

     

    Next Monday, Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie will appear together on Good Morning America and Live with Kelly & Ryan and on The View February 12 to talk about the premiere of the fourth season of American Idol on ABC on Valentine’s Day.

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  • ERIC CHURCH SHARES BRAND NEW SONG OFF FORTHCOMING HEART & SOUL TRIPLE ALBUM.

    After confirming plans for his highly anticipated three-part project, Heart & Soul, in a video message directly to fans in his Church Choir last week, reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and current GRAMMY nominee Eric Church continues to reveal elements of the collection with today’s release of a new song off the Heart album. Listen to “Heart On Fire” HERE.

    Preorders for Heart (set for release Friday, April 16) and Soul (set for release Friday, April 23) begin today HERE. The middle album, &, is set for release Tuesday, April 20 as a vinyl record available exclusively to Church Choir members.

    “‘Heart On Fire’ is the first song on the Heart album, and normally if we had four songs about heart, with the way we used to do this we would cut three of them out and we’d do one,” explains Church of the heartland anthem characterized by a greasy, southern stomp. “It started to be cool that this time we could lean into that sameness and the themes where you can put the songs together and know we wrote these within this much time of each other.”

    The new release offers a further glimpse at the results of Church’s marathon writing and recording session in the mountains of North Carolina early last year, which produced a three-part, 24-song collection produced by Church’s longtime collaborator Jay Joyce, featuring his touring band as well as backing vocals by Joanna Cotten (full musician credits listed below).

    In addition to releasing new music, Church will also take to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium next Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV.

    For the latest information and to learn how to join the Church Choir, visit www.EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

    Heart Track List
    Lyrics & full credits linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Heart On Fire (Eric Church)
    2. Heart Of The Night (Eric Church, Jeremy Spillman, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell, Travis Hill)
    3. Russian Roulette (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    4. People Break (Eric Church, Luke Laird)
    5. Stick That In Your Country Song (Davis Naish, Jeffrey Steele)
    6. Never Break Heart (Eric Church, Luke Dick)
    7. Crazyland (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Michael Heeney)
    8. Bunch Of Nothing (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde)
    9. Love Shine Down (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)

    & Track List
    Lyrics & full credits linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Through My Ray-Bans (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
    2. Doing Life With Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)
    3. Do Side (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    4. Kiss Her Goodbye (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    5. Mad Man (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    6. Lone Wolf (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)

    Soul Track List
    Lyrics & full credits linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Rock & Roll Found Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Driver Williams)
    2. Look Good And You Know It (Eric Church, Jonathan Singleton, Travis Meadows)
    3. Bright Side Girl (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Scotty Emerick, Clint Daniels)
    4. Break It Kind Of Guy (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick)
    5. Hell Of A View (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    6. Where I Wanna Be (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell)
    7. Jenny (Eric Church)
    8. Bad Mother Trucker (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeremy Spillman)
    9. Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones (Casey Beathard)

    Heart & Soul Musician Credits
    Vocals: Eric Church
    Additional Vocals: Casey Beathard, Craig Wright, Jason Hall, Jay Joyce, Jeff Hyde, Jeffrey Steele, Joanna Cotten, Jonathan Singleton
    Acoustic Guitar: Bryan Sutton, Casey Beathard, Charlie Worsham, Eric Church, Jay Joyce, Jeff Cease, Jeff Hyde, Jeffrey Steele, Kenny Vaughn, Luke Dick
    Electric Guitar: Charlie Worsham, Driver Williams, Eric Church, Jay Joyce, Jeff Cease, Kenny Vaughn, Luke Dick, Rob McNelley
    Steel Guitar: Luke Dick
    Slide Guitar: Jeff Cease
    Banjo: Charlie Worsham, Jeff Hyde
    Mandolin: Bryan Sutton, Charlie Worsham, Jeff Hyde
    Dobro: Bryan Sutton
    Resonator: Bryan Sutton
    Bass: Lee Hendricks
    Synth Bass: Billy Justineau
    Drums: Craig Wright
    Percussion: Craig Wright
    Tambourine: Jay Joyce
    Piano: Billy Justineau, Moose Brown
    Mellotron: Billy Justineau
    Electric Organ: Billy Justineau, Jay Joyce, Moose Brown
    Keyboards: Jay Joyce
    Synthesizer: Billy Justineau, Jay Joyce
    Programming: Jay Joyce
    Hand Claps: Billy Justineau, Brian Snoody, Casey Beathard, Charlie Worsham, Craig Wright, Driver Williams, Eric Church, Jason Hall, Jaxon Hargrove, Jay Joyce, Jeff Cease, Jeff Hyde, Jimmy Mansfield, Joanna Cotten, John Peets, Lee Hendricks, Luke Dick

    About Eric Church
    Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and current GRAMMY nominee Eric Church has spent the past year releasing new music at a relentless pace; providing a glimpse into the results of a marathon writing session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day – including current single “Hell of a View” – while sequestered in a rural North Carolina cabin, and fueling speculation around his highly anticipated new three-part project, Heart & Soul, set for release this April.

    Just as unique as Church’s approach to recording and releasing music is his tenacity on the road. During his most recent outing, 2019’s Double Down Tour, Church played back-to-back nights of two unique shows in each market sans opening act, giving every city’s fans six-plus hours of his iconic music. The tour also featured a massive stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where he broke the venue’s concert attendance record with more than 56,000 fans in attendance and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. Church will also take to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV.

    A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner, and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fanbase around the globe known as the Church Choir as well as a critically acclaimed catalog of music. His most recent album, Desperate Man, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category) and produced his most recent No. 1 hit, “Some Of It.” Previous releases include the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”)as well as 22 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified singles.

  • ERIC CHURCH’S THREE-ALBUM PROJECT: HEART & SOUL.

    BANNER ELK, N.C. – Speaking directly to fans in a video message delivered to the Church Choir today, January 21, reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Eric Church confirmed that new music is on the horizon: “I have three albums coming out in April. They came out of my 28 days in the mountains of North Carolina, where the songs were recorded and written. The collection is entitled Heart & Soul.”

    In keeping with his longtime commitment to put fans first, Church created the middle album, &, specifically for the Church Choir and will make it available exclusively to those fans and only as a vinyl record on Tuesday, April 20. The other two albums, Heart and Soul, will be available everywhere on Friday, April 16 and Friday, April 23, respectively. Pre-orders for all three albums begin next Friday, January 29th. In a message to his Church Choir, click here.

    Along with prioritizing his fans, just as important to Church is the constant desire to push the limits of his artistry, an effort that was on full display during the month-long creative process that went into the creation of this collection.

    “I’ve always been intrigued when a song is born in a writer room – there is a magic that happens there,” shares Church of the unique process that went into making this project. “I wanted to put that in the studio form. So, every day, we would write a song in the morning and we would record the song that night. Doing it that way allowed for the songwriters to get involved in the studio process and the musicians to be involved in the creative process. You felt a little bit like you were secretly doing something that was special, and you knew it… You started going, ‘hmm, wait ’til the world finds out about this.’”

    The final result of that inclusive process is a three-part, 24-song collection from the man Stereogum praises as “the most consistently interesting star in the Nashville ecosystem” which features an elite list of songwriters who joined the secluded marathon writing and recording sessions. Also part of the recording process for the project anchored solely by Church, with no features, were his longtime producer Jay Joyce and backing vocalist Joanna Cotten, as well as his touring band who played alongside some of Nashville’s most talented studio musicians on the album (full musician credits listed below).

    “The interesting thing about this process is that Jay kept asking me the last three or four days, ‘Are we done?’ and at that time I didn’t know what the project was,” notes Church. “I kept saying ‘God, this is going to be really hard. There’s a lot here. Is this a double album? And if it’s a double album, how do we leave out these five or six songs?’ I am the hardest critic on making sure every song deserves to be on the record, and I beat this thing to death going ‘this can’t be that good.’ But, it was just a special, special time and a special, special project that I think will be among our best.”

    Concluding his video message to fans, Church reflected, “It’s been a long 10 months. With the power of music and love for each other, we will get through this, we will gather again soon. I cannot wait to play this music for you live.”

    That belief in the unifying power of music will be on display again in the coming weeks, as Church takes to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV.

    For the latest information and to learn how to join the Church Choir, visit www.EricChurch.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter @ericchurch and Instagram @ericchurchmusic.

    Heart Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Heart On Fire (Eric Church)
    2. Heart Of The Night (Eric Church, Jeremy Spillman, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell, Travis Hill)
    3. Russian Roulette (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    4. People Break (Eric Church, Luke Laird)
    5. Stick That In Your Country Song (Davis Naish, Jeffrey Steele)
    6. Never Break Heart (Eric Church, Luke Dick)
    7. Crazyland (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Michael Heeney)
    8. Bunch Of Nothing (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde)
    9. Love Shine Down (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)

    & Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Through My Ray-Bans (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
    2. Doing Life With Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeffrey Steele)
    3. Do Side (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    4. Kiss Her Goodbye (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    5. Mad Man (Eric Church, Casey Beathard)
    6. Lone Wolf (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)

    Soul Track List
    Lyrics linked HERE, songwriters in parentheses

    1. Rock & Roll Found Me (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Driver Williams)
    2. Look Good And You Know It (Eric Church, Jonathan Singleton, Travis Meadows)
    3. Bright Side Girl (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Scotty Emerick, Clint Daniels)
    4. Break It Kind Of Guy (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick)
    5. Hell Of A View (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
    6. Where I Wanna Be (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell)
    7. Jenny (Eric Church)
    8. Bad Mother Trucker (Eric Church, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick, Jeremy Spillman)
    9. Lynyrd Skynyrd Jones (Casey Beathard)

    Heart & Soul Musician Credits
    Vocals: Eric Church
    Additional Vocals: Casey Beathard, Craig Wright, Jason Hall, Jay Joyce, Jeff Hyde, Jeffrey Steele, Joanna Cotten, Jonathan Singleton
    Acoustic Guitar: Bryan Sutton, Casey Beathard, Charlie Worsham, Eric Church, Jay Joyce, Jeff Cease, Jeff Hyde, Jeffrey Steele, Kenny Vaughn, Luke Dick
    Electric Guitar: Charlie Worsham, Driver Williams, Eric Church, Jay Joyce, Jeff Cease, Kenny Vaughn, Luke Dick, Rob McNelley
    Steel Guitar: Luke Dick
    Slide Guitar: Jeff Cease
    Banjo: Charlie Worsham, Jeff Hyde
    Mandolin: Bryan Sutton, Charlie Worsham, Jeff Hyde
    Dobro: Bryan Sutton
    Resonator: Bryan Sutton
    Bass: Lee Hendricks
    Synth Bass: Billy Justineau
    Drums: Craig Wright
    Percussion: Craig Wright
    Tambourine: Jay Joyce
    Piano: Billy Justineau, Moose Brown
    Mellotron: Billy Justineau
    Electric Organ: Billy Justineau, Jay Joyce, Moose Brown
    Keyboards: Jay Joyce
    Synthesizer: Billy Justineau, Jay Joyce
    Programming: Jay Joyce
    Hand Claps: Billy Justineau, Brian Snoody, Casey Beathard, Charlie Worsham, Craig Wright, Driver Williams, Eric Church, Jason Hall, Jaxon Hargrove, Jay Joyce, Jeff Cease, Jeff Hyde, Jimmy Mansfield, Joanna Cotten, John Peets, Lee Hendricks, Luke Dick

    About Eric Church
    Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and current GRAMMY nominee Eric Church has spent the past year releasing new music at a relentless pace; providing a glimpse into the results of a marathon session during which he spent nearly a month writing and recording a song per day – including current single “Hell of a View” – while sequestered in a rural North Carolina cabin, and fueling speculation of his highly anticipated new three-part project, Heart & Soul, set for release this April.

    Just as unique as Church’s approach to recording and releasing music is his tenacity on the road. During his most recent outing, 2019’s Double Down Tour, Church played back-to-back nights of two unique shows in each market sans opening act, giving every city’s fans six-plus hours of his iconic music. The tour also featured a massive stop at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, where he broke the venue’s concert attendance record with more than 56,000 fans in attendance and became the first artist to sell out the venue with a solo lineup. Church will next take to the field at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, February 7 to perform the National Anthem with R&B star Jazmine Sullivan ahead of Super Bowl LV.

    A seven-time ACM Award winner, four-time CMA Award winner, and 10-time GRAMMY nominee, Church has amassed a passionate fanbase around the globe known as the Church Choir as well as a critically acclaimed catalog of music. His most recent album, Desperate Man, earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Country Album (his third nod in the category) and produced his most recent No. 1 hit, “Some Of It.” Previous releases include the Platinum-certified Sinners Like Me (“How ’Bout You,” “Guys Like Me”), Carolina (“Smoke a Little Smoke,” “Love Your Love the Most”) and Mr. Misunderstood (“Record Year,” “Round Here Buzz”), the Double-Platinum certified The Outsiders (“Like a Wrecking Ball,” “Talladega”) and the 3x Platinum-certified Chief (“Springsteen,” “Drink In My Hand”)as well as 22 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certified singles.

    Audio / Eric Church sends message about his three new albums coming out in April.

    Download

    Eric Church (Heart & Soul message to Church Choir) OC: …enjoy the records. 36
    “Hey Church Choir! I have three albums coming out in April. They came out of my 28 days in the mountains of North Carolina where the songs were recorded and written. The collection is entitled Heart & Soul. We have exclusive white vinyl versions for you, but more importantly, the middle record & was made for and only available to you. It’s been a long 10 months. With the power of music and love for each other, we will get through this, we will gather again soon. I cannot wait to play this music for you live. It is the very best we’ve made. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the records.”

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  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD EXPANDS HER GROWING HEALTH AND WELLNESS PORTFOLIO WITH A NEW EQUITY PARTNERSHIP WITH BODYARMOR LYTE SPORTS DRINK.

    BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink announced a new equity partnership with 7-time Grammy Award-winning superstar, Carrie Underwood. Best known for relationships with top athletes including Naomi Osaka, Megan Rapinoe and Dustin Johnson, the fastest-growing sports drink brand has now added a world-class musical artist to its roster by welcoming Underwood and her expanding fitness and lifestyle portfolio to the BODYARMOR team.

    The decision to team up with Underwood was strategic in nature, as the brand comes off an unprecedented milestone year. An extension of BODYARMOR Sports Drink, BODYARMOR LYTE offers a low calorie, no sugar added premium sports drink option with potassium-packed electrolytes, antioxidants and coconut water. The brand knows that consumers, beyond athletes, are looking for better-for-you options when it comes to sports drinks, as health and wellness trends continue to rise. And if you know anything about Carrie Underwood, you know that the better-for-you mindset matters to her, too.

    As an entrepreneur, Underwood will celebrate the 6th anniversary this year as founder and lead designer of her fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, which is the second-highest selling women’s brand within Dick’s Sporting Goods.  In 2020, she continued to turn her passion for health and wellness into a growing business empire with the launch of her fitness app, fit52, and publication of her New York Times bestselling book, FIND YOUR PATH: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life, in which she shares her belief that fitness is a lifelong journey, providing a common-sense approach to staying active, eating well, and looking as beautiful as you feel, 52 weeks a year.  Her partnership with BODYARMOR LYTE, aligns perfectly with her personal mission to ensure that health and wellness is at the forefront of everything she does.

    “Partnering with BODYARMOR LYTE was a natural evolution for me, from a personal and professional standpoint,” said Underwood.  “I’m a firm believer that what you put into your body matters, so the fact BODYARMOR LYTE is made with no artificial flavors, sweeteners and no colors from artificial sources, is important to me.  BODYARMOR LYTE has everything that my body needs to recharge and keep me hydrated throughout my day and everything I do.  While music will always be my first love and priority, I’m so fortunate to have been able to build my passion for health and fitness into a business model and personal brand I can stand behind and be proud of. This partnership is an important next step for me and the community I am building, which goes far beyond endorsing a brand.”

    To kick off the partnership, Underwood stars in a national television campaign, another first for the BODYARMOR LYTE brand. Underwood will also appear in advertising for BODYARMOR SportWater, a premium water with a performance pH9+. In the BODYARMOR LYTE campaign, Underwood is positioned alongside basketball superstar and veteran brand partner, James Harden. The spot can be viewed in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePqew7J4Euk&feature=youtu.be

    “BODYARMOR Sports Drink continues to resonate with consumers who are looking for healthier hydration,” said Mike Repole, Co-Founder and Chairman, BODYARMOR. “Carrie Underwood is an incredible artist and entrepreneur and hydration plays an important role in her daily lifestyle, which is why BODYARMOR LYTE works so well for her. We couldn’t be more excited to have Carrie as part of the team to help us continue to build BODYARMOR’s awareness and momentum.”

    BODYARMOR is a premium sports drink with potassium-packed electrolytes, vitamins and coconut water and is made with no artificial flavors, sweeteners and no colors from artificial sources. BODYARMOR LYTE is the low-calorie, low sugar and naturally sweetened offering from BODYARMOR Sports Drink, and is available in five flavors. Consumer demand for a better-for-you sports drink has made BODYARMOR the number three sports drink in the U.S. and it has been the hydration option of choice for many professional athletes and millions of high school and college athletes since its launch in 2011.

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  • CHRISTMAS 2020: Carrie Underwood

    Carrie Underwood released her first-ever Christmas album, My Gift, earlier this fall. My Gift, which debuted at No. 1, features a combination of beloved traditional favorites celebrating the spiritual nature of the holiday, as well as several new originals. Two of the original songs are written by Underwood, frequent collaborator Brett James (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Something In The Water”), and her Cry Pretty co-producer, David Garcia.  In addition to a very special appearance by Underwood’s 5-year-old son, Isaiah Fisher, on the holiday classic that inspired the album title, “Little Drummer Boy,” My Gift also features her first collaboration with Emmy, GRAMMY®, Oscar, and Tony Award-winner John Legend, on the original track, “Hallelujah,” written by Legend and Toby Gad (“All of Me”).

    GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, mixer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Greg Wells produced and arranged the album.  He has written and produced some of the best-selling and highest charting tracks of the past 15 years for such artists as Adele, Celine Dion, Keith Urban, and P!nk, as well as the worldwide smash The Greatest Showman soundtrack.  My Gift features a world-class orchestra, led by the pre-eminent arranger, composer, and conductor David Campbell, whose many credits include iconic recordings by artists including Linda Ronstadt, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Josh Groban, and his son Beck. My Gift is mixed by 14-time GRAMMY® Award winning mixer, Serban Ghenea.

    Carrie says some of her Christmas traditions include a lot of traveling to visit her family and her husband Mike Fisher’s family…but also cooking and celebrating the season. “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family,” says Carrie. “I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

     

    She continues: “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

    One of her favorite memories from childhood was singing Christmas carols for folks in nursing homes. “Christmas was always just about family,” she says. “One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT CHRITMAS MUSIC.

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    Carrie Underwood (Christmas music) OC: …a certain way. :37
    “There is no other like part of the year that gets its own music, like exclusively. When you think about it, like entire radio stations switch over to play Christmas music around Christmas time. So, I feel like it just puts you in the mood for Christmas. Christmas is something that everybody looks forward to and to have Christmas music start playing way before Christmas. It usually does because people just can’t wait to get there. It puts you in a mood. It changes your state of mind. It gets you ready for it and it just makes you feel a certain way.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD SAYS HER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS USUALLY INCLUDE COOKING AND TRAVELING, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, FAMILY.

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    Carrie Underwood (perfect Christmas) OC: …with family. :40
    “My perfect Christmas, generally we do a lot of traveling around Christmas. We’ll go see either my family or my husband’s family. I’ll spend all day cooking. I’ll make a small turkey, even though I don’t eat turkey. I’ll make myself some tofurkey; cranberry sauce, of course. Of course, sweet potato casserole. You have to have that. That’s one of my favorites because it’s a side dish and dessert, but I’ll just make a ridiculous amount of food. Just celebrate, have a fire, we wait for Santa and open our presents, then we’re off to see the next group of family. It’s all about watching it through my sons’ eyes and just getting to spend time with family.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD RECALLS MEMORIES OF PAST CHRISTMASES.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas memories) OC: …Christmas carols. :18
    “Christmas was always just about family. One thing that we always did growing up that was one of my favorite memories, we would on Christmas Eve we would go to my grandparents’ house. Us kids were always responsible for putting oranges and apples and bananas in little paper bags and we would go down to the nursing home and sing Christmas carols.”

    Audio / CARRIE UNDERWOOD TALKS ABOUT HER CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Christmas traditions) OC: …time of year. :35
    “For me growing up, Christmas was always just comforting. We always had the same stockings and the same tree and the same decorations, and we would always decorate the weekend right after Thanksgiving. You know, flip the Christmas switch, put the tree up. Now that we’re adults and have kids, we can go to the Christmas tree farm and we can walk around, and we can pick out which one and ask Isaiah, ‘Which one do you think?’ Just things like that, making those memories. It’s just a joyful time of year.”

     

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  • TAYLOR SWIFT TO DROP NEW RECORD, evermore, TONIGHT.

    This morning, Taylor Swift surprised her fans with an announcement on her socials of a new record, which features 15 new songs, coming out tonight (December 10th).

    She says, “I’m elated to tell you that my 9th studio album, and folklore’s sister record, will be out tonight at midnight eastern. It’s called evermore. To put it plainly, we just couldn’t stop writing songs. To try and put it more poetically, it feels like we were standing on the edge of the folklorian woods and had a choice: to turn and go back or to travel further into the forest of this music. We chose to wander deeper in. I’ve never done this before. In the past I’ve always treated albums as one-off eras and moved onto planning the next one after an album was released. There was something different with folklore. In making it, I felt less like I was departing and more like I was returning. I loved the escapism I found in these imaginary/not imaginary tales. I loved the ways you welcomed the dreamscapes and tragedies and epic tales of love lost and found into your lives. So I just kept writing them. And I loved creating these songs with Aaron Dessner, Jack Antonoff, WB, and Justin Vernon. We’ve also welcomed some new (and longtime) friends to our musical kitchen table this time around…”

     

    The “betty” singer also revealed that she would be dropping a new music video for a song titled “willow.”

    “Tonight the story continues, as the music video for “willow” drops at midnight eastern. I’m forever grateful to the following creatives who have helped and guided me to be able to direct my own videos: Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, producer Jil Hardin, 1st AD Joe ‘Oz’ Osbourne, Co-1st AD Ev Salomon, Exec Producer Rebecca Skinner, editor Chancler Haynes, set designers Ethan Tobman and Regina Fernandez and visual effects geniuses Grant Miller and David Lebensfeld. Thank you to our medical inspector who made sure every precaution was taken for our safety. I’ll see you guys in the YouTube premiere page chat before midnight to answer some questions 🧙‍♀️

     

    As she nears her 31st birthday on December 13th, she is giving her fans a “birthday gift” of a new album. “Ever since I was 13, I’ve been excited about turning 31 because it’s my lucky number backwards, which is why I wanted to surprise you with this now. You’ve all been so caring, supportive and thoughtful on my birthdays and so this time I thought I would give you something! I also know this holiday season will be a lonely one for most of us and if there are any of you out there who turn to music to cope with missing loved ones the way I do, this is for you. There are 15 tracks on the standard edition of evermore, but the deluxe physical edition will include two bonus tracks – “right where you left me” and “it’s time to go” ⌛️ All *digital downloads* of the album will include an exclusive, digital booklet with 16 brand new photos. You can pre-order evermore now at https://taylor.lnk.to/evermorealbum

     

    She also revealed the news on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”

  • SINGER-SONGWRITER ADAM HAMBRICK IS EXCITED TO PERFORM IN AN UPCOMING EPISODE OF ABC’S HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES “THE BACHELORETTE.”

    Adam Hambrick is a proud participant in an upcoming episode of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” The episode will feature a special performance of one of Hambrick’s newest songs, “Between Me and the End of the World” for the newest Bachelorette, Tayshia Adams and her lucky date. This episode of “The Bachelorette,” currently celebrating its 16th season, is scheduled to air Tuesday (December 8th) at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC.

    “Between Me and the End of the World,” is a heartfelt tribute to Hambrick’s wife, a physician assistant who has been treating patients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and what it has been like for Adam watching her help those in need despite the risk to her own self.

    “This song is for all the people who step in and serve people when things go horribly wrong,” says Adam. “I have spent this quarantine watching my wife go off to work as a physician assistant to do her version of that, testing and treating people for the virus. It has given me a new appreciation for all the people who spend their lives serving others in difficult times. It’s terrifying seeing someone you love do what they were made to do but have to do it in harm’s way.”

    Adam’s most recent projects, Top Down, Southbound (released this past September) and Love Is Quicksand (released last month, October), are both comprised of two songs each. Adam playfully describes the projects as ‘Flipsides,’ a series of two track releases bound together by a common thread. Adam will release a final ‘Flipside’ at the beginning of 2021, culminating into a complete body of work.

    Bachelor Nation first welcomed Tayshia Adams on the 23rd season of “The Bachelor,” where a sudden turn of events ended her relationship with a tearful and unexpected goodbye. However, she was no stranger to dealing with heartbreak, after having experienced it in her past marriage. So, a hopeful and determined Tayshia returned to find love in a romantic oasis during the sixth season of “Bachelor in Paradise,” where the match she made was not her forever love. Now with the support of her family and friends, and her parents’ 32-year marriage to look up to, she is ready to leave behind her past relationships and bring her purest of intentions to give love another chance, as the unprecedented 16th season of “The Bachelorette” continues.

    ABOUT ADAM HAMBRICK
    Capitol Records Nashville / Buena Vista Records’ Adam grew up in both Mississippi and Arkansas, being influenced by artists such as Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, John Mayer and The Foo Fighters. From an early age, Adam’s musical roots were grounded in the church singing hymns with his family, where his dad was a Baptist pastor and his mom played piano. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, the singer-songwriter made an appearance on KATV’s Good Morning Arkansas, a local Little Rock, Arkansas ABC affiliate, where fellow Arkansas-native and country star Justin Moore happened to be watching and was impressed by Adam’s unique voice and distinctive songs. Soon after, Justin’s producer Jeremy Stover reached out opening the door for Adam to move to Nashville and pursue music full-time. Adam has written a multitude of songs and has received numerous cuts for other artists including Miranda Lambert and Eli Young Band, as well as, No. 1 hits for Dan + Shay (“How Not To”) and Justin Moore (“Somebody Else Will”). Adam has continued to hone his songwriting and vocal skills, while performing live with artists including Brett Young, Jordan Davis, LANCO, and more. Adam released his first two singles “Rockin’ All Night Long” and “Forever Ain’t Long Enough.”

    To learn more about Adam Hambrick visit www.AdamHambrick.com

    ABOUT “THE BACHELORETTE”
    On ABC’s hit primetime reality series “The Bachelorette,” one lucky woman is offered the chance to find true love. A single and eligible Bachelorette embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know a number of handsome men, gradually narrowing the field as she continues her search for her soul mate. At the end of this romantic voyage, if she has found the one, will there be a proposal – and will she say yes? Hosted by Chris Harrison, “The Bachelorette” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television.

    For more information on “The Bachelorette,” visit abc.com/shows/the-bachelorette.

  • ERIC CHURCH WINS ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR AT THIS YEAR’S CMA AWARDS.

    In a year unlike any other, it’s fitting that the 54th annual CMA Awards culminated with the genre’s dark horse Eric Church earning the title of Entertainer of the Year.

    “If there was ever a year not to win…” Church laughed as he took the stage to accept the night’s ultimate trophy. “This year, at least for me, has been about loss – loss of life, loss of playing shows, loss of freedom, loss of kids being in school… And you know what the win is? The win is we all were here tonight, together as Country music – in person, live and I believe this, I really believe this: It’s gonna be music that brings us out of this. That is the one thing that’s gonna save the world. Politicians are about division; music is about unity.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Qx_V0i8Dc&feature=emb_logo

     

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0fgPDZewAg

     

    Before leaving the stage, the stunned entertainer added as a rallying call, “And I promise you, it’s gonna take everyone in this room to unite.”

     

    Now six studio albums into his career, the North Carolinian always approaches things differently. Whether playing back-to-back nights in nearly 30 cities on his 2019 Double Down Tour or pushing himself to new creative limits with his recording process, Church has steadily amassed a faithful congregation – the Church Choir – since 2006’s release of “How ‘Bout You.” Many of those fans took to social media to congratulate the star, with an outpouring of comments proclaiming, “Congratulations Chief!” And it was those fans he was speaking to in the press conference following the awards show.

    “When you go to a concert and your favorite artist plays your favorite song, and you throw your arm around the person next to you, you don’t worry about whether he’s a Republican or a Democrat, whether he’s pro-life or pro-choice. You’re in that moment and you’re pulling on the rope the same way. I think what we’re missing right now in America is more of the stuff that unites us versus what divides us,” Church shared. “I swear — it’s going to be music that saves us… It’s going to be about how we do it, and how we do it responsibly, and how we show that this is how we’re gonna leave COVID in the dust.”

    Eric performed his latest single, “Hell of a View,” on the CMA Awards show (see link to lyrics below).

    Eric Church performs “Hell of a View” during rehearsals for “The 54th Annual CMA Awards,” airing live on ABC Wednesday, November 11, 2020 from Music City Center in Downtown Nashville.

    Church’s foresight with his new music, while written pre-pandemic, still addresses the underlying sense of division that was already palpable in our nation. Whether threw his spoken word piece entitled “Who Will Answer The Call?”, released earlier this year, where he shared a message of resolve, or by offering hope in “Through My Ray-Bans,” Church’s music has already served as a unifier .

    “There’s a point in the show where I walk out in the crowd and I put my arms around them, we get pictures and it’s what life’s about. It’s that moment… What ‘Through My Ray-Bans’ is about is that I wish we could freeze that and I wish that was how life was — right there, just how I saw you.”

    Previous CMA Award Wins: 
    Album of the Year (Chief)
    Musical Event of the Year (“Raise ’Em Up” with Keith Urban)
    Album of the Year (Mr. Misunderstood)

    “Hell Of A View” Lyrics HERE

    Audio / Backstage during the CMA Awards virtual pressroom, Eric Church says this year has been more about loss, but he is very hopeful that we will get back to normal soon.

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    Eric Church (CMA 2020) 1 OC: …next year or two. :31
    “There’s not really been winners this year. I mean, nobody’s played. Nobody’s done the things we normally do. It’s been a year, to me, about losses. It’s about loss of life. It’s about loss of education for your kids. It’s about loss of time playing. It’s been a year of managing those losses. But I really meant what I said (during my acceptance speech) that we were in a room together as country music, and that’s not happened this year. So, I think that that was a win for country music, and I think it was a win for where we’re gonna go in the next year or two.”

    Audio / Backstage at this year's CMA Awards, Eric Church says music will unite us.

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    Eric Church (CMA 2020) 2 OC: …what this is. :56
    “Everything we see in daily life is about division. It’s about where you line up. Music has nothing to do with division. Music is about unity. It’s about uniting, and I truly believe in my heart that music will bring us out of all the sxxx we’re in right now. So, for me, it’s all about music. It’s about putting your arm around the guy next to you. It’s about having that moment that you can share, regardless about what your politics are, regardless of what your favorite freaking football team is, I think that that unity that makes us American. It’s the most patriotic thing in the world. It has nothing to do with anything other than the love of music. That was what I tried to convey even though I was pretty shocked on stage tonight, but that’s what this is.

     

  • TRAVIS DENNING IS ROLLING ON THE “GOODYEARS” IN FAN-FAVORITE NEW TRACK AVAILABLE TODAY.

    Travis Denning is building upon the momentum of a breakthrough year, releasing more new music as he drops fan-favorite track “Goodyears” today, available to listen here. Co-written by Denning with Tony Martin and Cole Taylor, as well as produced by Jeremy Stover, the cruising nature of “Goodyears” and its clever double entendre has captured fans’ attention since Denning began performing the song during his live set. With a relatable message of appreciating the simple things in life more timely than ever, Denning is officially sharing the track as a direct response to fan requests to release the song.

    Denning was just nominated for CMT “Breakthrough Video Of The Year” for his first No. One and GOLD-certified single with the “shadowy” (Rolling Stone) “After A Few.” Denning will perform the track on the upcoming 2020 CMT Music Awards airing on CMT on 10/21 at 7pm CT. Accelerating his ascend from a chart-topping single, Denning also just released his “upbeat, raucous” (American Songwriter) official new single “Where That Beer’s Been,” available at country radio now. Both tracks are taken from his recently-released debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart.

    “This song has always been somewhat of a creed for me,” shared Denning. “I was raised by two parents who believed the good in life isn’t given, it’s earned. I grew up surrounded by people who knew that, and knew that sometimes the things we work for don’t come easy. There’s no denying the bad times make the good even better. But when they do come, we sure know how to stop and take it all in. I think that’s something we can all relate to right now.”

    A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter Travis Denning first made waves showcasing his “future star power” (Billboard) with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning kicked off 2020 as direct support on Dustin Lynch’s STAY COUNTRY TOUR and has previously opened shows for Cole Swindell, Alan Jackson, LANCO, Riley Green and his first headlining “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour.” With over 340 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted for his head-turning sound and was selected this past year as an Opry NextStage recipient and CMA KixStart Artist, as he makes his mark within the industry. Inspired at a young age, Denning developed a love for country, pop, rock and heavy metal and started playing local bars from the age of 16, as he built a strong following from his distinctive songs and raucous guitar solos. A prolific writer with an unquestionable stage presence, Denning moved to Nashville and secured outside cuts by Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Michael Ray and more. Denning’s newest songwriting cut includes Michael Ray’s Top 20 single “Her World Or Mine.” For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

     

    Audio / Travis Denning talks about putting out the song "Goodyears" to the fans.

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    Travis Denning (Goodyears) OC: …is about. :34
    “I wrote this song in 2016 and recorded it in 2017. It was a big part of my live shows, and I’ve always been asked when I was gonna release this song. Initially, I was gonna wait for a full-length album, but things are just crazy right now and I figured why not and go ahead and give to the fans, you know? I think people just relate to this song. I think everybody’s been in a position where times are tough and everything’s looking kind of discouraging. But I think country music fans and country music lovin’ people are tougher in tough times, and they know how to get through it and that’s really what this song is about.”

    Audio / LINER Travis Denning (Goodyears)

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    Video /

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  • DARIUS RUCKER CONTINUES TO BUILD ON OVER $2 MILLION RAISED FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL WITH 11TH ANNUAL “DARIUS & FRIENDS” CONCERT.

    Three-time Grammy Award winner Darius Rucker continues to give back to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with the Thursday, July 30 live-streamed edition of his annual “Darius & Friends” benefit concert raising over $255,000 and adding to the event’s overall total of more than $2 million.

    “When we first started talking about this year’s concert, which usually takes place during the week of CMA Fest, I had the idea to make it a really fun night of ’90s Country,” shares Rucker. “Even though gathering in person for our normal show wasn’t possible this year, we still wanted to do as much as we could to support the great work happening at St. Jude. I’m so thankful to my friends Clint Black and Tracy Lawrence for helping that ’90s Country vision still come to life, and to the folks at LiveXLive for bringing this concert to everyone’s screens at home.”

    Broadcasting from the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage and hosted by WSM’s own Bill Cody, the event began with a moving video package from the hospital known around the globe for treating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases before Rucker kicked off the evening’s festivities with his chart-topper “Alright” and his most recent No. 1 hit “For The First Time.”

    Pausing to reflect on the impact of how St. Jude cares for families who face the heartbreaking reality of having a child diagnosed with cancer, Rucker then introduced his first guest of the evening, noting “it’s always special when you meet your heroes and they’re everything you imagined they’d be.”

    Strolling on stage to a smattering of applause from Rucker’s band, The Carolina Grey Boys, Black shared his trademark sense of humor as he remarked on the missing Opry House audience before treating fans watching at home to his new single “America (Still In Love With You)” and his chart-topping hit “A Good Run of Bad Luck.”

    Rucker then returned to the microphone to share the story of earning his first No. 1 at Country radio with “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” and followed that with yet another chart-topper in “If I Told You.” He then entertained fans with the debut performance of his forthcoming single, “Beers And Sunshine,” and “a pretty good song to be playing with everything going on right now,” his Hootie & the Blowfish smash hit “Hold My Hand.”

    Next on stage was multi-Platinum artist Lawrence, who performed his No. 1 hit “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” before inviting Rucker back to center stage. “I’ve played this song in my set for probably 14 years, so this is really special,” noted Rucker as the two joined forces on three-week No. 1 “Time Marches On.”

    Rucker then treated fans to a final solo performance with “Come Back Song” before the evening ended according to tradition, as the three artists came together for a high-energy “Wagon Wheel” singalong to close out the show.

    Throughout the successful history of “Darius & Friends,” prior guests have included Lauren Alaina, Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley, Kenny Rogers and Paul Stanley of KISS, among many others.

    The annual fundraising event, made possible with support from generous sponsors CDW, Intel, PNC Bank, Cigna, Hendrix Enterprises and Delta Dental of Tennessee, helps ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

    Rucker, who will again perform live from the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 15 for the 4,937th consecutive Saturday night broadcast of the show, is also set to release new music with feel-good summer single “Beers And Sunshine” making a world premiere at Country radio this Thursday, August 6 and available everywhere on Friday, August 7.

    For more information, visit www.DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker. Fans can also continue to donate to St. Jude in honor of “Darius & Friends” HERE and photos from the live stream powered by LiveXLive are available HERE.

    Audio / Darius Rucker talks about his Darius & Friends benefit.

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    Darius Rucker (Darius & Friends) OC: …with me. :50
    “Darius and Friends was something we started a while ago and, ten years –I think — this is our tenth year, and we started right after I went to St. Jude’s a while ago. I was the baby band on the Dierks and Brad tour. And Dierks and I went to St. Jude together to visit and it was just an amazing experience. It’s really an amazing, amazing, amazing experience, and I just really wanted to do something like I mean Nashville, we started doing Darius and Friends. And this year we were going to do a great one. We had it great, we had a bunch of ’90s artists and we were so excited. We were SO excited about it, we were gonna call it the “’90s and Cam” cause Cam was gonna come do it with us too. But it was going to be so much fun and so we wanted to do it virtual, you know. Tracy and Clint are such legends and such amazing artists and such good friends and wanted to do it with me.”

  • SAM HUNT RELEASES THE VINYL VERSION OF HIS LATEST ALBUM, SOUTHSIDE, ON FRIDAY.

    Sam Hunt will release the vinyl version of his latest album, SOUTHSIDE, on Friday (July 17th). The collection, which includes a free poster, features 12 songs including his multi-week No. 1 and six-times platinum “Body Like A Backroad,” the recent No. 1 smash “Kinfolks” and “Hard to Forget,”which is poised to hit the top of the country charts next week.

    Sam says the title SOUTHSIDE seemed to fit the songs he collected for the record. “The album title came well after all the songs were finished. I essentially sat down and made a list of potential titles and just off the top of my head, I just sort of started writing down words or phrases that felt like the songs or felt like the record. SOUTHSIDE was the one that just kept standing out. I didn’t put a whole lot of thought into why that was the case. Southside just for me is a phrase that just feels like my rural and urban roots, you know, where I’m from, I kind of feel like I’m from the south side of that place, and obviously, the word south is in the title so there’s association with being from the South. More than having a really good backstory for the title, it just felt – when I looked at it on the page – it felt like the record.”

    SOUTHSIDE VINYL TRACK LIST:

    SIDE A

    1-2016

    2-Hard To Forget

    3-Kinfolks

    4-Young Once

    5-Body Like A Back Road

    6-That Ain’t Beautiful

    SIDE B

    1-Let It Down

    2-Downtown’s Dead

    3-Nothing Lasts Forever

    4-Sinning With You

    5-Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s

    6-Drinkin’ Too Much

     

    Audio / Sam Hunt says the title of his new album, Southside, just seemed to fit the collection of songs on the record.

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    Sam Hunt (Southside album title) OC: …like the record. :47
    “The album title came well after all the songs were finished. I essentially sat down and made a list of potential titles and just off the top of my head, I just sort of started writing down words or phrases that felt like the songs or felt like the record. Southside was the one that just kept standing out. I didn’t put a whole lot of thought into why that was the case. Southside just for me is a phrase that just feels like my rural and urban roots, you know, where I’m from, I kind of feel like I’m from the Southside of that place, and obviously, the word south is in the title so there’s association with being from the South. More than having a really good backstory for the title, it just felt – when I looked at it on the page – it felt like the record.”

  • LUKE BRYAN AND HIS WIFE CAROLINE ARE HELPING CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH HOPE, LOVE…AND ANIMALS.

    Luke Bryan and his wife Caroline have given joy to so many children and their families over the past few years with their involvement in the Brett Boyer Foundation and Brett’s Barn.

    The mission of the Foundation, named after their niece Sadie Brett Boyer, who passed away from CHD (Congenital Heart Disease) a few years ago, is to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and fund research to advance treatment options. It is also their mission to spread the love and awareness that Brett filled the entire family with for the wonderful, capable people living with Down Syndrome.

    Brett’s Barn, which is home to rescued horses, pigs, kangaroos, dogs, llamas, goats and more, was borne of a promise Caroline made to then one-month-old Brett.

    “Brett’s Barn is a product of grief. Oh, how I hate that word. Even more, the fear and darkness that loom all around. It’s the kind of pain you feel in every part, every inch, of your whole body. As much as you want the world to just stop turning, it doesn’t. Life goes on…with or without the ones we love,” Caroline wrote on the foundation’s website. “Unfortunately, our family knows the feelings of grief all too well. We also know that we can choose 2 paths in life. One of bitterness/anger, or one of happiness and hope. We choose happiness over hurt. We choose to honor Brett, just as she continues to honor our family every day. We choose to help children, families, and precious animals. After Brett passed away, I decided to keep a promise I made to her when she was about a month old…a white pony! We found the pony at a local animal rescue facility. Along with the white pony, we adopted another pony, goat and pig. Over the next few months, the barn continued to grow. The promise I made to Brett, for one white pony, quickly turned into a full-blown miniature animal farm! Brett’s Barn now has over 20 animals! We are discussing various ways of expanding and, hopefully, be open to the public someday. We love these animals and the amazing children that come visit. It’s truly a special place and we can feel Brett’s spirit there every single day.”

    The Bryans have raised a lot of money and awareness through benefits and donations, and Luke is excited about what’s to come for the organization. “When we lost our niece Brett, Caroline had the idea to, yeah, let’s do a barn in her memory. We wanted to make it about, we lost Brett to Congenital Heart Defect and so many kids out there have this condition and so we partnered up with some folks at Vandy and we get a lot of Vanderbilt kids to come to the barn and see the animals. But it’s not just about one hospital or one organization. We’ve had St. Jude, we’ve had kids come out, if it’s something that touches our hearts, Caroline and our Foundation – The Brett Boyer Foundation – it gets to us and we try to make a really special moment for the kids and the families. It’s been something that is very, very important to us and we’re excited about the years to come and what we will be able to do.”

    Find out more about the Brett Boyer Foundation and Brett’s Barn at thebrettboyerfoundation.org.

    Audio / Luke Bryan talks about The Brett Boyer Foundation and Brett's Barn.

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    Luke Bryan (Brett’s Barn) OC: …we will be able to do. :57
    “When we lost our niece Brett, Caroline had the idea to, yeah, let’s do a barn in her memory. We wanted to make it about, we lost Brett to Congenital Heart Defect and so many kids out there have this condition and so we partnered up with some folks at Vandy and we get a lot of Vanderbilt kids to come to the barn and see the animals. But it’s not just about one hospital or one organization. We’ve had St. Jude, we’ve had kids come out, if it’s something that touches our hearts, Caroline and our Foundation – The Brett Boyer Foundation – it gets to us and we try to make a really special moment for the kids and the families. It’s been something that is very, very important to us and we’re excited about the years to come and what we will be able to do.”

  • CAYLEE HAMMACK DROPS A NEW SONG AND VIDEO FOR “SMALL TOWN HYPOCRITE.”

    Caylee Hammack released a new song and video for “Small Town Hypocrite.” A hauntingly stripped-down melody, Hammack’s raw vocals veer from fiery and demanding to quiet and vulnerable. Hammack co-wrote (Jared Scott) and co-produced (Mikey Reaves) the song that has already garnered attention from Billboard for the “emotional” track, declaring her “storytelling [is] at the forefront.” Led by strikingly-personal lyrics, that also hold the unique power to resonate with many, “Small Town Hypocrite” is a career song in the making. Hammack recounts how she left the guy she put her life on hold for, packed her things and drove to Nashville, even living in her car to finally follow her dreams.

    “This song is one of the most personal and difficult songs I’ve ever written,” divulged Hammack. “But, I like to think that is why it strikes a chord with people, a lot of us have been in a situation where we’ve taken stock of our lives and thought ‘what in the hell am I doing? This wasn’t what I signed up for and it definitely isn’t what I dreamed about.’ Performing it can be hard sometimes because it takes me back to those feelings and that place, but I know there is strength in being vulnerable too.”

    Check out the video below.

    The release of “Small Town Hypocrite” follows Hammack’s debut breakout single “Family Tree,” which is at Top 30 at country radio.  Caylee is set to hit the road with Reba McEntire next month. The trek kicks off kicks off March 20th in Evansville, Indiana.

  • JORDAN DAVIS OFFERS ADVICE FOR PEOPLE ATTENDING MARDI GRAS.

    Jordan Davis grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, and since he’s experienced Mardi Gras nearly every year of his life, he’s got a lot of advice for those attending for the first time.

    “My main piece of advice is everybody needs to experience New Orleans at least once,” says Jordan. “Another piece is just pace yourself. It is pretty much a month-long party, so just pace yourself, try to stay hydrated that’s not alcohol, have a blast and catch a bunch of beads. Get a sign – that’s another piece of advice. If you’re really going after beads, get something that catches their eyes. Also, when it comes to making signs, best advice, make it a hoop, ‘cause if you have somebody on a float, if they have something to throw at, you’re gonna get a ton more beads.”

    Mardi Gras Day is next Tuesday (February 25th). Also known as Fat Tuesday, it’s the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The most popular time to visit New Orleans is the extended weekend before Mardi Gras when you can catch parades, like Endymion, Bacchus, Zulu, Rex and all of the festive celebrations throughout the whole city.

    The Louisiana native, who is on the road playing sold-out dates including a two-night stand in Denver at the end of the week, is making his way to the top of the country charts with his latest smash, “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot.”

    Audio / JORDAN DAVIS GIVES SOME ADVICE ON ATTENDING MARDI GRAS FOR THE FIRST TIME.

    Download

    Jordan Davis (Mardi Gras) OC: …ton more beads. :44
    “I have a lot advice on Mardi Gras. My main piece of advice is everybody needs to experience New Orleans at least once. Another piece is just pace yourself. It is pretty much a month-long party, so just pace yourself, try to stay hydrated that’s not alcohol, have a blast and catch a bunch of beads. Get a sign – that’s another piece of advice. If you’re really going after beads, get something that catches their eyes. Also, when it comes to making signs, best advice, make it a hoop, ‘cause if you have somebody on a float, if they have something to throw at, you’re gonna get a ton more beads.”

  • CHRISTMAS 2019: Jon Langston

    Jon Langston’s father tried to pull a fast one on Christmas. Jon kept pestering his parents for a green bicycle when he was a young child, but something seemed a little off when Jon came downstairs on Christmas morning.

    “When I was like five or six, I had a red bike, and all I wanted was a green bike. I wanted a cool, green, long goose bike. So, I came downstairs to see what Santa brought me, and I see a green bike down next to the tree, and I come rushing to it and I’m looking at it, and I’m like, ‘Hold up. Something’s not right.’ It’s the SAME bike. My dad just spray painted it green,” laughs Jon. “I was like, ‘This is the same bike!’ I’m like picking at it, looking at the paint under it. Oh yeah, that’s one of my favorite Christmas memories is dogging on my dad, because it’s just funny.”

    Jon can’t really pick out one Christmas movie, because he loves them all, but if he had to watch just one, it would have to be The Christmas Story. “My favorite holiday movie would have to be Elf, The Grinch, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation. I could go on,” says the Georgia native. “I love Christmas movies, but I think I would have to say my favorite is probably The Christmas Story ‘cause I just grew up watching it.”

    Jon is making his way up the country charts with his latest “Now You Know,” which is the title track from his new EP.

    Audio / JON LANGSTON RECALLS HIS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY.

    Download

    Jon Langston (Christmas memory) OC: …just funny. [laughs] :52
    “When I was like five or six, I had a red bike, and all I wanted was a green bike. I wanted a cool, green, long goose bike. So, I came downstairs to see what Santa brought me, and I see a green bike down next to the tree, and I come rushing to it and I’m looking at it, and I’m like, ‘Hold up. Something’s not right.’ It’s the SAME bike. My dad just spray painted it green. [laughs] I swear to you. [laughs] Omigosh. I knew it. I was like, ‘This is the same bike!’ I’m like picking at it, looking at the paint under it. Oh yeah, that’s one of my favorite Christmas memories is dogging on my dad, because it’s just funny.” [laughs]

    Audio / JON LANGSTON TALKS ABOUT HIS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES.

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    Jon Langston (Christmas movies) OC: …watching it. :20
    “My favorite holiday movie would have to be Elf, The Grinch, Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation. I could go on. I love Christmas movies, but I think I would have to say my favorite is probably The Christmas Story ‘cause I just grew up watching it.”

    Audio / LINER Jon Langston (Christmas)

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    Audio / LINER Jon Langston (Happy Holidays)

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  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD AND JOAN JETT ARE READY SET THE STAGE FOR NBC’S SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL OPENING.

    The opening of NBC’s Sunday Night Football debuts Sunday (September 8th) as last year’s Super Bowl champions,the New England Patriots, play host to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it will feature Carrie Underwood once again, as well as 13 NFL players.  Carrie, who stars in the NBC SNF show open for the seventh consecutive year, welcomes Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett, who makes an appearance during Underwood’s performance.

    “We always look for ways to keep the Sunday Night Football open fresh and exciting. This year, we thought the best way would be to kinda kick it back OG and go back to ‘Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,’ which was the first theme song of this SNF era,” says Carrie. “So, I thought, ‘Well, how do we make that new and exciting, and for me, I was like, ‘What if we got Joan Jett in the mix?’ ‘Would she ever do anything like that?’ We got super lucky that she was excited to be on board. The song is one of hers – ‘Hate Myself for Loving You’ – that they rearranged to fit Sunday Night Football, so I just feel like having her involved just felt really right. It was so exciting just to be able to stand up next to her and film the open and get to know her a little bit ‘cause I feel like she’s a person I could learn a lot from. She’s so stinkin’ cool!

    Thirteen NFL players, who have accounted for 31 Pro Bowl selections (including 10 2018 Pro Bowlers), four Super Bowl rings, and nine first-round draft picks, are in the show open. Following is the complete list:

    Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones

    Chicago Bears DB Kyle Fuller

    Chicago Bears LB Khalil Mack

    Chicago Bears QB Mitch Trubisky

    Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield

    Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

    Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes

    Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff

    Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins

    Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz

    Philadelphia TE Zach Ertz

    Philadelphia Eagles DT Fletcher Cox

    Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson

    Tripp Dixon is creative director of the SNF show open.

    For the first time in the series’ 14 seasons, the SNF show open was filmed inside an NFL stadium, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons, serving as the “stage.”

    Carrie, who is currently making her way to the top of the country charts with “Southbound,” resumes the new leg of The Cry Pretty Tour 360 – featuring Maddie & Tae and Runaway June – on Tuesday (September 10th).

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about having Joan Jett as part of NBC’s Sunday Night Football opening.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Sunday Night Football) OC: …to see that. 1:00
    “We always look for ways to keep the Sunday Night Football open fresh and exciting. This year, we thought the best way would be to kinda kick it back OG and go back to ‘Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,’ which was the first theme song of this SNF era. So, I thought, ‘Well, how do we make that new and exciting, and for me, I was like, ‘What if we got Joan Jett in the mix?’ ‘Would she ever do anything like that?’ We got super lucky that she was excited to be on board. The song is one of hers – ‘Hate Myself for Loving You’ – that they rearranged to fit Sunday Night Football, so I just feel like having her involved just felt really right. It was so exciting just to be able to stand up next to her and film the open and get to know her a little bit ‘cause I feel like she’s a person I could learn a lot from. She’s so stinkin’ cool! And like I said took it to a whole new level, so we’re excited for people to see that.”

  • ERIC CHURCH LEANS INTO HIS DOUBLE DOWN TOUR.

    Eric Church has given his fans something on tour they probably won’t see from him again…twice. In 2017, he launched his Holdin’ My Own Tour where he performed two full sets with an intermission in-between them with no opening act, and the show lasted between 3 ½ to 4 hours. Earlier this year, he kicked off the Double Down Tour where he does it two nights in a row in the same city, with different set lists. During the previous leg of his Double Down Tour, he brought his show to Nashville’s Nissan Stadium (home of the Tennessee Titans) performing over three hours and nearly 40 songs, setting a new attendance record with 56,521 people, breaking the previous record set by Taylor Swift in 2018.

    “I feel like from now on, I hope that we can focus on those people that come one night of the year that they’ve traveled however many miles, they want to hear ‘Round Here Buzz,’ they get to hear ‘Round Here Buzz,’ and I still want it to be unique. I want it to be different, but I don’t know if I did another tour like this. I think that the Double Down Tour was as far as I want to go from a challenge point,” says Eric. “I love that we did it. I love that it was a success. I love that there were people that came to both nights and go it. There were people that came to one of the two nights and got it, but at the same time, it’s not something I would do again. I think that’s good. I think that if you’re a fan, you got to see something that – we stretched and you’re not gonna get to see it again. I’ve been to some of those shows before, a fan of artists, and I knew that I was not gonna see this again. For the Double Down Tour, they saw something they’re never gonna see again.”

    Eric will launch the next leg of the Double Down Tour September 13th and 14th in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

    Double Down Tour dates for Fall 2019:

    September 13 & 14 — Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center
    September 20 & 21 — Calgary, Alberta @ Scotiabank Saddledome
    September 28 — San Francisco @ Chase Center
    October 4 & 5 — Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
    October 11 & 12 — Philadelphia @ Wells Fargo Center
    October 25 — Little Rock, AR @ Verizon Arena
    October 26 — Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC
    November 1 — Manchester, NH @ SNHU Arena
    November 2 — Hartford, CT @ XL Center
    November 15 & 16 — Washington, D.C. @ The Anthem
    November 22 & 23 — Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center

    Audio / Eric Church reflects on his Double Down Tour.

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    Eric Church (Double Down Tour reflection) 1 OC: …see again. 1:03
    “You had your Friday night set and your Saturday night set, but then you have people that came to both nights. I feel like from now on, I hope that we can focus on those people that come one night of the year that they’ve traveled however many miles, they want to hear ‘Round Here Buzz,’ they get to hear ‘Round Here Buzz,’ and I still want it to be unique. I want it to be different, but I don’t know if I did another tour like this. I think that the Double Down Tour was as far as I want to go from a challenge point. I love that we did it. I love that it was a success. I love that there were people that came to both nights and go it. There were people that came to one of the two nights and got it, but at the same time, it’s not something I would do again. I think that’s good. I think that if you’re a fan, you got to see something that – we stretched and you’re not gonna get to see it again. I’ve been to some of those shows before, a fan of artists, and I knew that I was not gonna see this again. For the Double Down Tour, they saw something they’re never gonna see again.”

    Video /

    View
  • JORDAN DAVIS’ “SLOW DANCE IN A PARKING LOT” IS A HUGE HIT AT HIS SHOWS AND AT WEDDINGS.

    Jordan Davis is dancing his way up the country charts with his latest hit, “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot,” and the tune has danced its way into people’s hearts.

    “When you look out and you play a song like ‘Slow Dance,’ and you see a guy wrap his girl up during the song or a girl nuzzling up next to the guy, it’s emotion. It means they’re feeling something,” says Jordan. “I’ve gotten a lot of messages in meet and greets that ‘Slow Dance’ has been the first dance in a lot of weddings so far. That’s a great feeling to know that you had a pretty key role in a very, very special day for some people.”

    “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot” is the follow-up to two No. 1 songs for Jordan – “Singles You Up” and “Take It From Me” – from his album, Home State.

    Jordan has teased on his socials that the official video for his latest hit is coming soon.

     

    Audio / Jordan Davis says his latest hit, "Slow Dance in a Parking Lot" is a romantic song and has been featured in several weddings lately.

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    Jordan Davis (Slow Dance part of people’s stories) OC: …some people. :52
    “If there’s ever a matchmaker song (of mine), it’s called ‘Slow Dance in a Parking Lot.’ I’ve teed it up. It’s on you now! But when you look out and you play a song like ‘Slow Dance,’ and you see a guy wrap his girl up during the song or a girl nuzzling up next to the guy, it’s emotion. It means they’re feeling something, and we write these songs for people to hear them and I hope I’m sparking those kinds of feelings and emotions that are written about people that I feel that way about. I’ve gotten a lot of messages in meet and greets that ‘Slow Dance’ has been the first dance in a lot of weddings so far. That’s a great feeling to know that you had a pretty key role in a very, very special day for some people.”

  • KACEY MUSGRAVES’ NEW “ALL OF THE COLORS” EXHIBIT OPENS UP AT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM.

    (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)

    Kacey Musgraves had a chance for reflection, emotion and gratitude when her exhibit, All the Colors, opened at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The display features detention slips from school, song lyrics, baby photos, senior yearbook, outfits, light up boots and so much more of her storied life and career.

    For the Golden, Texas native, it was emotional going through the items featured in the exhibit.

    “I’m very proud of my story and where I am right now,” says Kacey. “Something that I try really hard to work at is being present in the moment, and there’s so many beautiful things happening all the time, and I don’t think that a human really knows how to do that, how to be good at that. So, I didn’t think it would make me super-emotional – iI think it takes a lot for me to do that – but to see everything laid out in a physical sense, a timeline, it really healthy and beautiful thing for me because there’s so much that you forget and you just, I’m somebody who gets really excited about what’s in front of me and then I check it off and I move on to the next thing. It’s fun for me to do that, but there’s a lot that gets lost in the blur of all of the busyness, and but there’s a lot to be celebrated and a lot to be remembered. So, it’s actually really beautiful and really gratifying, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to share those things.”

    The exhibit runs through June 7th, 2020, and in support of the exhibition, she will participate in a conversation at the CMHOF Saturday (July 6th).

    To see all of Kacey’s remarks at the opening, click here.

    Kacey takes her Oh, What a World: Tour to Minneapolis July 12th.

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves gives an emotional speech about her All the Colors exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

    Download

    Kacey Musgraves (CMHOF exhibit) OC: …share those things. 1:02
    “I’m very proud of my story and where I am right now. Something that I try really hard to work at is being present in the moment, and there’s so many beautiful things happening all the time, and I don’t think that a human really knows how to do that, how to be good at that. So, I didn’t think it would make me super-emotional – I think it takes a lot for me to do that – but to see everything laid out in a physical sense, a timeline, it is really healthy and beautiful thing for me because there’s so much that you forget and you just, I’m somebody who gets really excited about what’s in front of me and then I check it off and I move on to the next thing. It’s fun for me to do that, but there’s a lot that gets lost in the blur of all of the busyness, and but there’s a lot to be celebrated and a lot to be remembered. So, it’s actually really beautiful and really gratifying, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to share those things.”

  • CLARE DUNN FLIES CROSS-COUNTRY TO RESCUE SPECIAL NEEDS POOCH.

    In celebration of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, MCA Nashville recording artist Clare Dunn is happy to announce a new addition to the family: Conner, a young pit bull who was scheduled to be euthanized this week.

    The singer/songwriter/producer was touring the East Coast last week, prepping for another show on the acclaimed 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Tour, when she came across Conner’s picture on Instagram. She was immediately drawn to him. “There was just something special about him. He had the sweetest face but I could also tell he had a broken spirit. I had to help him,” said Clare.

    The problem? Conner was nearly 3,000 miles away, housed in the Riverside County Animal Services shelter outside of Los Angeles. He’d been there for several weeks, too, and had recently been moved to the shelter’s kill list.

    Dunn contacted a dozen friends, hoping to find someone who could help save the dog. When those attempts failed, she hopped on a flight at 6 a.m. on Tuesday  — National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, coincidentally — and headed straight to California. By the afternoon, she’d officially adopted Conner, and by the evening, Conner was fast asleep in Clare’s lap.

    Animals have always played a role in Dunn’s life. Years before launching her country music career in Nashville, Dunn spent her childhood on the family farm in Two Buttes, Colorado, growing up alongside dairy cattle, horses, and dogs. As Conner’s new owner, she continues a lifelong association with the pit bull breed, while also providing a home for an animal who nearly lost his life.

    Dunn’s passion for animals is only matched by her passion for music. A triple-threat frontwoman who writes her own songs, plays her own guitar solos, and co-produces her own recordings, she’s made serious strides this spring, racking up more than a quarter-million streams for her newest track, “My Love,” and plays sold-out shows at venues like the Gramercy Theater in New York City. She’ll continue touring this spring and summer…and will probably have to find a dog bed for the bus.

    Clare’s upcoming tour dates include:
    May 2 | Evansville, IN | K.C.’s Marina Point
    May 3 | Des Moines, IA | Wooly’s
    May 4 | Columbia, MO | Blue Note
    May 30 | Pittsburgh, PA | Tequila Cowboy
    May 31 | Columbus, OH | Tequila Cowboy
    June 1 | Southern Pines, IL | Sunrise Theater
    June 15 | Brookfield, MO | Summerfest
    June 21 | Chicago, IL | Country Lake Shake Festival
    June 27 | Oshkosh, WI | Country USA 2019
    June 29 | Lansing, MI | Common Ground Music Festival
    July 13 | Decorah, IA | Winneshiek County Fair
    August 3 | Fort Collins, CO | Sundance Steakhouse & Saloon
    August 10 | Galva, IL | The Back Road Music Festival
    August 16 | Pullman, WA | National Lentil Festival
    June 15 | Brookfield, MO | Summerfest
    August 16 | Pullman, WA | National Lentil Festival
    September 14 | Louisville, KY | Hometown Rising

    About Clare Dunn:
    MCA Nashville singer/songwriter/producer Clare Dunn is known for her transfixing live shows, powerful vocals, and unparalleled guitar playing.  As part of CMT’s 2019 Next Women of Country Tour, Clare is taking her “big voice” (The Boston Globe) on the road with Hannah Ellis and Cassadee Pope to cities including New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Boston. The Colorado native who “can do it all” (CMT) with “swaggering confidence and soulful vocals” (Rolling Stone) caught the attention of rock legend Bob Seger who, after hearing her sound check only once, invited her to open his Ride Out Tour. Clare has been named “One to Watch” by USA Today, Billboard, The Boston Globe and Rolling Stone.

    Follow Clare on Social Media: 
    www.ClareDunn.com
    instagram.com/claredunnmusic
    Facebook.com/ClareDunnMusic
    Twitter.com/ClareDunnMusic

  • CLARE DUNN UNLEASHES SOULFUL NEW SONG, “MY LOVE.”

    When Clare Dunn hits the road next week as part of the highly-anticipated 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Tour, the MCA/Universal Nashville recording artist will be bringing a new song along for the ride.

    Released on April 5th, “My Love,” Dunn’s latest is a summertime anthem that was co-written, co-produced, and arranged by the multi-talented musician herself. Written alongside Eric Paslay and Jesse Frasure, the song nods not only to the passionate country-rock chops that landed Dunn a coveted opening slot on Bob Seger’s Ride Out Tour and admiration of magazines like Rolling Stone, who praised her “willingness to reach far beyond country’s borders,” but it also shines a light on her soulful roots. It’s a showcase for her supersized voice, too — an instrument that’s every bit as electrifying as her critically-acclaimed work on the electric guitar. Boston Globe recently lauded Dunn for her “big voice and serious guitar prowess.” Listen to “My Love” HERE.

    “‘My Love’ is about passion,” explains Dunn, who wrote and recorded the song during breaks in a touring schedule that’s kept her busy for years, sharing shows with Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Bob Seger, Luke Bryan, and others. “It’s about being fearless and opening yourself up to live and love passionately. It can be intimidating to feel passionately about something because it can be looked at as a risk, but I always want to encourage people that it’s a risk worth taking.”

     

    Dunn has built her career upon the willingness to take risks. Raised in the western town of Two Buttes, Colorado, she worked on the family farm for years before moving to Nashville, where she earned tuition money for college by driving a silage truck. A powerful performer onstage, she’s earned a reputation as a hotshot producer, too, co-producing every track on her 2015 EP (a release that doubled as her Top 40 debut) while also handling the record’s vocal, guitar, and songwriting duties. She juggles those responsibilities once again with “My Love,” a modern, melody-driven song whose soulful chorus was inspired by big-voiced icons like Adele.

    The 2019 CMT Next Women of Country Tour, which will also feature sets by Cassadee Pope and Hannah Ellis, kicks off on April 11 in Tampa. The full dates and markets are:

    April 11 | Tampa, FL | Orpheum

    April 12 | Orlando, FL | The Plaza Live

    April 18 | Atlanta, GA | Terminal West

    April 19 | Charlotte, NC | The Underground

    April 20 | Lexington, KY | Manchester Music Hall

    April 25 | Boston, MA | Paradise Lounge

    April 26 | New York City, NY | Gramercy Theatre

    April 27 | Washington, DC | U Street Music Hall

    May 2 | Evansville, IN | K.C.’s Marina Point

    May 3 | Des Moines, IA | Wooly’s

    May 4 | Columbia, MO | Blue Note

     

    About Clare Dunn:
    MCA/UNIVERSAL Nashville singer/songwriter Clare Dunn is known for her transfixing live shows, powerful vocals, and unparalleled guitar playing.  As part of CMT’s 2019 Next Women of Country Tour, Clare will take her “big voice” (The Boston Globe) on the road with Hannah Ellis and Cassadee Pope to cities including New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Boston. The Colorado native who “can do it all” (CMT) with “swaggering confidence and soulful vocals” (Rolling Stone) caught the attention of rock legend Bob Seger who, after hearing her sound check only once, invited her to open his Ride Out Tour. Clare has been named “One to Watch” by USA Today, BillboardThe Boston Globe and Rolling Stone.

     

    Follow Clare on Social Media: 

    www.ClareDunn.com

    Facebook.com/ClareDunnMusic

    Twitter.com/ClareDunnMusic

  • CHRISTMAS 2018: Kassi Ashton

    Kassi Ashton grew up in a rural town called California, Missouri, and she took ballet and other dance classes for many years. So, one of her favorite Christmas memories include being in The Nutcracker every year. “One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was always being a part of The Nutcracker,” says Kassi. “[I took] ballet my entire life, and now that I’ve graduated and moved on, I go see The Nutcracker at the Nashville Ballet every year. I can’t wait to have a little girl some day and put her in ballet class.”

    Kassi loves Christmas music, especially the holiday classics. “My favorite thing about Christmas hands down is Christmas music. I start playing eh, the day after Thanksgiving usually, if not a little sooner. I love the classics – Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, anything that you know by heart and you don’t have to really think about. Christmas songs are the best,” she says. “My favorite Christmas song is ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ by Judy Garland in the key of G, because that’s my key [laughs], and I can sing along perfectly.” [laughs]

    Kassi is one of three recipients of the first-ever CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship. Throughout the next year, CMA and its staff will provide support for the artists, helping connect each with professionals within the industry as well as providing unique opportunities to participate in CMA-related events during CMA Fest, CMA Awards and C2C: Country 2 Country festival in the U.K.

    Audio / Kassi Ashton always had a role in The Nutcracker growing up and she says to this day, it’s still one of her favorite Christmas traditions.

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    Kassi Ashton (Christmas traditions) OC: …ballet class. :21
    “Hey, it’s Kassi Ashton. One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was always being a part of The Nutcracker. [I took] ballet my entire life, and now that I’ve graduated and moved on, I go see The Nutcracker at the Nashville Ballet every year. I can’t wait to have a little girl some day and put her in ballet class.”

    Audio / Kassi Ashton says she loves listening to Christmas music.

    Download

    Kassi Ashton (Christmas music) OC: …the best. :23
    “Hey, it’s Kassi Ashton. My favorite thing about Christmas hands down is Christmas music. I start playing eh, the day after Thanksgiving usually, if not a little sooner. I love the classics – Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, anything that you know by heart and you don’t have to really think about. Christmas songs are the best.”

    Audio / Kassi Ashton says her favorite Christmas song is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

    Download

    Kassi Ashton (Christmas song) OC: …along perfectly. [laughs] :11
    “My favorite Christmas song is ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ by Judy Garland in the key of G, because that’s my key [laughs], and I can sing along perfectly.” [laughs]

    Audio / LINER Kassi Ashton (Christmas)

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  • CHRISTMAS 2018: Travis Denning

    Travis Denning grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia with his parents and sister. One of the family’s Christmas traditions was to open presents on Christmas Eve, which actually gives them more time to spend together.

    “My favorite Christmas tradition is we always open presents the night before and used to, I always thought it was ‘cause me and my sister ragged on my parents until they let us. But now the older I get, and to me it really does make a difference. I wake up on Christmas Day and think about what it really means instead,” says Travis. “My parents always do a big breakfast; mimosas on Christmas morning. It’s just such a great family affair, and I just think ultimately in opening presents on Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day, we get to spend time reflecting on what it really means.”

    What Christmas means to Travis goes beyond exchanging gifts. “The older I got, as cliché as it sounds, I mean it really isn’t about the gifts. It’s more about drinking some whiskey with dad while the little nephew or whatever open presents or my little cousins,” he says. “It turns into sentimental things and what matters. For me one year, that was a shotgun and then it was a, just a Stranger Things coffee mug that my mom got me, which I drink [out of] every morning. Those things that are just more like, ‘Hey-I thought about you and I put a lot of you in this gift,’ you know, and that’s what I love about it.”

    The Georgia native was recently announced as part of both the CMA Kixstart and Opry Nextstage programs.

    Audio / Travis Denning talks about his Christmas traditions.

    Download

    Travis Denning (Christmas tradition) OC: …it really means. :41
    “My favorite Christmas tradition is we always open presents the night before and used to, I always thought it was ‘cause me and my sister ragged on my parents until they let us. But now the older I get, and to me it really does make a difference. I wake up on Christmas Day and think about what it really means instead. Now I think about it all the times anyways. I think about the birth of my Savior, and it’s like it just makes Christmas morning awesome. My parents always do a big breakfast – mimosas on Christmas morning. It’s just such a great family affair, and I just think ultimately in opening presents on Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day, we get to spend time reflecting on what it really means.”

    Audio / Travis Denning explains what he loves about Christmas.

    Download

    Travis Denning (Christmas) OC: …love about it. :47
    “You know, my parents, they took it very seriously. I mean, we had four Christmas trees up in the house all over the place. The older I got, as cliché as it sounds, I mean it really isn’t about the gifts. It’s more about drinking some whiskey with dad while the little nephew or whatever open presents or my little cousins. It turns into sentimental things and what matters. For me one year, that was a shotgun and then it was a, just a Stranger Things coffee mug that my mom got me, which I drink [out of] every morning. Those things that are just more like, ‘Hey-I thought about you and I put a lot of you in this gift,’ you know, and that’s what I love about it.”

    Audio / Travis Denning says he loves “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” as well as Kacey Musgraves’ A Very Kacey Christmas.

    Download

    Travis Denning (Christmas songs) OC: …Christmas music. :21
    “I love hearing singers that I love sing Christmas music. That’s what makes it for me. I mean, I’ll sing ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ on karaoke in the middle of August. I love that song that much, and ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree?’ I love it. I’ve listened to Kacey Musgraves’ Christmas record a thousand times. It’s so good. So, yeah, I’m very pro-Christmas music.”

  • DARIUS RUCKER RAISES MORE THAN $400,000 AT HIS NINTH ANNUAL “DARIUS AND FRIENDS” BENEFIT CONCERT & GOLF TOURNAMENT.

    Almost a decade after first pledging his support to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and the thousands of children the healthcare institution treats, music superstar Darius Rucker hosted his sold-out ninth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert on Monday night followed by his traditional golf tournament on Tuesday morning. This year’s concert, auction and golf tournament alone raised $404,000 for St. Jude, breaking the previous year’s record and bringing the cumulative total raised for all years to $1.6 million.

    “As a parent I can’t imagine the emotional toll hearing your child has cancer takes, not to mention the financial stress,” said Rucker. “The support families with a child facing life-threating illness receive from St. Jude is just incredible. I’m proud to support St. Jude and I’m so grateful to all our friends who came out and donated their time to be on the show.”

    With thousands descending on Music City for 2018’s CMA Fest, the benefit concert has become an unofficial kick off to the week’s festivities. For its second year at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Rucker welcomed surprise guestsPatrick Davis, Edwin McCain, A.J. McClean of the Backstreet Boys and Brad Paisley, along with stars Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Bobby Bones, Ashley McBryde and Rachel Wammack and more than 2,400 fans to the sold-out event.

    Rucker, the evening’s host and MC, kicked things off with a performance of “Alright” followed by his most recent No. 1 “For The First Time” before introducing singer/songwriter Lauren Alaina who kicked things off with “Road Less Traveled,” her first No. 1, followed by current hit “Doin’ Fine” and her second No. 1, “What Ifs.”

    Alaina was followed by iHeartMedia’s award-winning nationally syndicated radio host, Bobby Bones. He had the crowd in hysterics with his comical Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots tune “Chick-Fil-A (…But It’s Sunday).” He was then joined on stage by Rucker for a rousing cover of the Beastie Boys’ classic “Fight for Your Right.”
     
    To the delight of attendees, “Darius and Friends” has become known for its surprise guests and this year was no exception. The first surprise of the evening came with Rucker introducing the Backstreet Boys’ A.J. McLean to roaring screams of approval. McClean launched into Backstreet Boys’ hit “I Want It That Way” with support from the crowd singing every word of the chorus.
     
    Rucker then returned for the second of three sets throughout the evening; this time performing his hits “Hands On Me” and “Radio” before introducing RCA Nashville newcomer Rachel Wammack. The soulful songstress wowed the crowd with “No Love” and “Damage” off her debut EP.
     
    Rucker described the evening’s next performer as one of his “favorite voices in country music and just an all-round great dude” before introducing country star and actor Trace Adkins, who delivered a crowd-pleasing performance of his hits “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “Just Fishin’.” “In my opinion there is no better cause than St. Jude,” Adkins said. “Children are innocent and they don’t deserve anything bad that happens to them. If something bad happens to me, I probably did something to deserve it,” Adkins added, drawing laughs form the crowd. 
     
    Rucker then returned with hits “Homegrown Honey” and “If I Told You” before introducing Edwin McCain as the night’s second surprise guest, who took the stage performing his hit “I’ll Be.” McCain’s soaring vocals could hardly be heard over the audience singing along to every word. He followed up the hit song with covers of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” and Seal’s “Crazy.”
     
    Rucker returned to join both McCain and fellow South Carolina singer/songwriter Patrick Davis for a funky cover of Bill Wither’s “Use Me” before bringing out breakout country singer/songwriter Ashley McBryde, who immediately captured the rapt crowd’s attention with Top-30-and-climbing single “Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega.”

    “Gosh it is good to be here at the Ryman. It never gets old being here,” she shared before playing her infectious “American Scandal” off debut album Girl Going Nowhere. McBryde told stories from her time at St. Jude last December and detailed the patients she met there, before declaring “Country Music has been there over 40 years for St. Jude and we will be there every single time.” An emotional highlight of the evening followed, with her mesmerizing take on Cyndi Lauper’s hit “Time After Time” drawing a standing ovation from the audience. 
     
    “He’s not my friend, he’s not my buddy, he’s my brother,” Rucker said before introducing the final performer and surprise guest, country music superstar Brad Paisley. Rucker joined Paisley for his first number and struck a somber note with a duet of Paisley’s hit “Letter To Me,” although the notoriously comical Paisley couldn’t resist getting a few jokes in throughout the song, teasing Rucker with “You dated Bridget too?”
     
    Rucker and Paisley have a long history as duet partners, having toured together in 2010. Paisley also invited Rucker to join the Opry nearly six years ago. They’ve also teamed up several times over the years for different charitable causes including a fundraiser hosted by Paisley’s wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley just the night before. 
     
    Paisley then performed fan favorite “Ticks” before Rucker returned to join him for a boisterous duet of Paisley’s hit “Alcohol” and bringing the crowd to their feet with a rocking cover of Prince classic “Purple Rain.”
     
    The crowd was not ready for the night to end and Rucker obliged with an encore of his Hootie & the Blowfish hit, “I Only Want to Be with You.”
     
    The evening ended, as has become tradition, with a performance of Rucker’s hit “Wagon Wheel,” with Adkins and McBryde returning to the stage to join Rucker and the crowd for a raucous singalong. 

    The event has sold out year after year, raising funds through concert ticket sales, a silent auction and annual golf tournament, hosted by the free-swinging Rucker and his band. Friends performing with Rucker in the past have included Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Radney Foster, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, John Oates of legendary pop duo Hall & Oates, Michael Ray, Kenny Rogers and many more.

    Rucker, a longtime philanthropist over his more than two decades as a hit-maker and singer-songwriter in the music industry, was recently named the ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award winner for his devotion to improving lives through the power of music. He made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® after touring the campus in 2008. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Unlike any other hospital, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from individual contributions. Events like this help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.     
       
    The event is made possible through the support of generous sponsors CDW Healthcare, Intel, Pitney Bowles, Hendrix Enterprises, Arrow Electronics, AO Smith, AMD, Tom Shepherd’s Family Auto Group and Hutton Hotel.
     
    Rucker recently achieved his ninth career No. 1 on the country charts with “For The First Time” and will co-headline the Summer Plays On Tour this summer with Lady Antebellum before heading overseas to the United Kingdom for a string of shows this fall.

    For more information, please visit www.dariusrucker.com or follow on social media @DariusRucker.

  • CHRIS STAPLETON ENJOYS THE CREATIVE PROCESS.

    After having released not one, but two albums last year, Chris Stapleton says “it’ll probably be a minute” before he releases a new album. He released From A Room: Volume 1 last May and followed it up with From A Room: Volume 2 in December of last year.

    “I like the creative process, and I like to do things just because I like to do them. I’ve got a couple of songs in some movies and some different collaborations with some people that are on the horizon,” says Chris. “But as far as a project for me, I don’t know what that next thing is. It’ll probably be a minute, because two records in a year is a lot…It’s been great, and it was a good plan, and I’m real happy with the way things are turning out. But we’ll probably not be recording anything real soon. It may be a minute. We’ll tour off these two records. They’ve got a lot of life in ‘em as far as touring goes, so I’m sure whatever the next right thing is to do will present itself and then I’ll look at it dead in the eye and go, “Alright, let’s go.”

    Chris is poised to land at the top of the country singles charts for the first time as an artist with “Broken Halos.”

    The Kentucky native leads the list of nominees with eight nods in five categories, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single of the Year for “Broken Halos,” Song of the Year for “Whiskey and You” and Album of the Year for From a Room, Vol. 1.

    The 53rd Annual ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 15th at 8pm ET on CBS.

    Audio / After releasing two records in one year, Chris Stapleton says it may be a little while before he goes back in to record, that is unless the music presents itself.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (what’s next) OC: …let’s go. :52
    “I like the creative process, and I like to do things just because I like to do them. I’ve got a couple of songs in some movies and some different collaborations with some people that are on the horizon. But as far as a project for me, I don’t know what that next thing is. It’ll probably be a minute, because two records in a year is a lot and sometimes you don’t know stuff like that until you do it, like, ‘Yeah, I’m gonna put out two records in a year.’ It’s been great, and it was a good plan, and I’m real happy with the way things are turning out. But we’ll probably not be recording anything real soon. It may be a minute. We’ll tour off these two records. They’ve got a lot of life in ‘em as far as touring goes, so I’m sure whatever the next right thing is to do will present itself and then I’ll look at it dead in the eye and go, “Alright, let’s go.”

    Video /

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  • ACM AWARDS 2018: Reactions

    Chris Stapleton leads the list of nominees with eight nods in five categories, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single of the Year for “Broken Halos,” Song of the Year for “Whiskey and You” and Album of the Year for From a Room, Vol. 1. He’s won numerous awards over the past few years, and while he’s grateful for every single trophy he takes home, he has a special affinity for the Album categories.

    “They are all significant and if you get one award for anything it’s a treat. But any of the awards that awarded the album, the album awards, because I really wanted to make an album that was good,” says Chris. “I wanted that to be a thing, again, more than I wanted it to be, ‘Well here’s the single and eight other songs.’ So, the album awards for me were important in that we did our job in a good way, you know. Just I have such an affinity for albums that I don’t know if I want those more or if they mean more, but they are all meaningful.”

    Luke Bryan has won a handful of ACM Awards over his career, including the New Artist of the Year Award in 2010 following it up with two Entertainer Awards just a few years later. He tell us he is honored to be included in that category. “[I’m] so honored to have another Entertainer of the Year nomination and I always think about winning my first Entertainer of the Year [Award] at the ACMs,” he says. “To go to the ACMs knowing that you’re one of those lucky people that have that nomination, it just tells me that I’m doing all I can and doing the right things out on the road and hopefully, the fans are still loving what I’m trying to give to them every night.”

    Keith Urban has quite the plethora of nods going into this year’s ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Female”  and twice, as both artist and producer in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “The Fighter” (featuring Carrie Underwood). Urban won Top New Male Vocalist of the Year in 2000, and Top Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

    Keith posted to his socials that he was “extremely grateful” for all of the recognition.”

    Keith’s “Female” was nominated for Song of the Year. The Top 10 hit was written by Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman, and he said he just had a feel that he needed to record the song and let everyone hear it. “The song spoke to me. It just spoke to me,” said Keith. “As I was singing it, I thought I feel like I’ve known this song my whole life. Something else was going on with it how it felt to me. So, I love it. I believe in it. I didn’t record it for any other reason than it was a heart reaction that I had to it.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BfyeOkSjy8U/?utm_source=ig_embed

     

    In addition to Vocal Event of the Year for “The Fighter” with Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, is also nominated in the Female Vocalist of the Year category.

    Brothers Osborne could possibly take home a pair of trophies next month. TJ and John are up for Vocal Duo of the Year and Video of the Year for “It Ain’t My Fault.”

     

    Sam Hunt could also win two awards next month. He’s up for Single and Song of the Year for his HUGE hit “Body Like a Back Road.”

     

    Dierks Bentley is nominated for Video of the Year for his steamy video, “Black,” which stars his wife Cassidy. The beautiful clip was shot in Iceland in nearly subzero temperatures.

    Reigning Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town, earned their twelfth nomination in the category. This would be their fourth consecutive win and fifth overall. They are also nominated for Album of the Year for Breaker and Single Record of the Year for “Better Man.”

    Lady Antebellum won their first ACM Award in 2008 with the Top New Vocal Duo or Group Award. Just two years later, they took home their first Vocal Group of the Year Award, followed by another and another, as well as Single, Song and Album Awards along the way. They’re once again nominated for Vocal Group, an honor they certainly don’t take for granted.

     

    Last year Jon Pardi won the Top New Male Vocalist Award. This year, he’s up for Album of the Year for California Sunrise, which has yielded three No. 1 singles and a fourth hit.

     

    Lauren Alaina, who’s making her way up the country charts with “Doin’ Fine,” is up for two awards, including Top New Female Vocalist and Vocal Event of the Year for “What Ifs” with pal Kane Brown.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfyqsj4B45G/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The nominees for this year’s ACM Awards:

    Entertainer of the Year
    Jason Aldean
    Garth Brooks
    Luke Bryan
    Chris Stapleton
    Keith Urban

    Male Vocalist of the Year
    Jason Aldean
    Thomas Rhett
    Chris Stapleton
    Keith Urban
    Chris Young

    Female Vocalist of the Year
    Kelsea Ballerini
    Miranda Lambert
    Maren Morris
    Carrie Underwood
    Reba McEntire

    Vocal Duo of the Year
    Brothers Osborne
    Dan + Shay
    Florida Georgia Line
    LoCash
    Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

    Vocal Group of the Year
    Lady Antebellum
    Lanco
    Little Big Town
    Midland
    Old Dominion
    Song of the Year
    Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road”
    Keith Urban, “Female”
    Miranda Lambert, “Tin Man”
    Chris Stapleton, “Whiskey and You

    Single of the Year
    “Better Man,” Little Big Town
    “Body Like a Back Road,” Sam Hunt
    “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton

    “Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
    “I’ll Name the Dogs,” Blake Shelton

    Top New Male Vocalist
    Kane Brown
    Luke Combs
    Devin Dawson
    Russell Dickerson
    Brett Young

    Top New Female Vocalist
    Lauren Alaina

    Danielle Bradbury
    Carly Pearce
    Raelynn

    Album of the Year
    Breaker, Little Big Town
    California Sunrise, Jon Pardi
    From A Room: Vol. 1, Chris Stapleton

    Happy Endings, Old Dominion
    Life Changes, Thomas Rhett

    Video of the Year
    “Black,” Dierks Bentley
    “It Ain’t My Fault,” Brothers Osborne
    “Legends,” Kelsea Ballerini
    “Marry Me,” Thomas Rhett
    “We Should Be Friends,” Miranda Lambert

    Vocal Event of the Year
    “Craving You,” Thomas Rhett f/Maren Morris
    “Dear Hate,” Maren Morris f/Vince Gill
    “(Funny) How Time Slips Away,” Glen Campbell and Willie Nelson
    “The Fighter,” Keith Urban f/Carrie Underwood
    “What Ifs,” Kane Brown f/Lauren Alaina

    The 53rd Annual ACM Awards, hosted by Reba McEntire, will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 15th at 8pm ET on CBS.

    Audio / Chris Stapleton leads the list of nominees with eight nods in five categories including Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Single of the Year for “Broken Halos,” Song of the Year for “Whiskey and You” and Album of the Year for From a Room, Vol. 1.

    Download

    Chris Stapleton (affinity for albums) OC: …any one of them. :45
    “They are all significant and if you get one award for anything it’s a treat. But any of the awards that awarded the album, the album awards, because I really wanted to make an album that was good. I wanted it, I wanted that to be a thing, again, more than I wanted it to be, ‘Well here’s the single and eight other songs.’ So, the album awards for me were important in that we did our job in a good way, you know. Just I have such an affinity for albums that I don’t know if I want those more or if they mean more, but they are all meaningful. They are all are things that one of them would feel like a career. One of them. Any one of them.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan, who took home the Entertainer Award twice, is always honored be nominated in that category.

    Download

    Luke Bryan (ACM 2018 Entertainer nod)  OC: …work harder. [laughs] :39
    “[I’m] so honored to have another Entertainer of the Year nomination and I always think about winning my first Entertainer of the Year [Award] at the ACMs. To go to the ACMs knowing that you’re one of those lucky people that have that nomination, it just tells me that I’m doing all I can and doing the right things out on the road and hopefully, the fans are still loving what I’m trying to give to them every night. You don’t want to say the same clichés about it’s an honor to be nominated, it is! The day that I don’t get nominated for stuff like that, then I’ll kinda be sad and I’ll be motivated to work harder.” [laughs]

    Audio / Keith Urban says he just felt he needed to record the song “Female.”

    Download

    Keith Urban (Female feeling) OC: …had to it. :42
    “It’s a feeling. It’s more of a feeling. It’s not as cerebral for me, the song spoke to me. It just spoke to me. When I went down into the studio to put a vocal on it; my intention was to put a vocal on the demo. I called Ross Copperman and I said, ‘Can you send me the track that you recorded and leave the vocal off, and I’ll go down to my studio and I’ll sing over the top of it and I’ll see if this fits me because it feels really right.’ And I went down and I sang it, and as I was singing it, I thought I feel like I’ve known this song my whole life. Something else was going on with it how it felt to me. So, I love it. I believe in it.  I didn’t record it for any other reason than it was a heart reaction that I had to it.”

     

    Audio / Little Big Town's Phillip Sweet talks about what went into making their ACM-nominated album, The Breaker.

    Download

    LBT (The Breaker album) 2 OC: …intangible. :27
    “We peeled through some layers of ourselves to get to this place in these songs. We couldn’t just throw a vocal on there. It’s like everything we did had to come from a deeper place this time, and we didn’t have the luxury of time to just kind of, ‘Well, I’ll just try it tomorrow.’ You had to get there. We had to find performances, and that’s what we did. We’re all about getting the performance, the true, that magic, that kind of like intangible.”

  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD FEELS VERY LUCKY TO HAVE MANY CHAMPIONS IN HER LIFE.

    Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion” will open NBC’s broadcast of Super Bowl LII on Sunday (February 4th). The song, featuring Ludacris, was released earlier this month. (http://strm.to/TheChampionPR).

    The opening video for the anthemic song, which was filmed last year, honors the rich legacy of the event featuring Super Bowl moments on a grand scale with cameos from NFL greats.

    “The Champion reached No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart (all genres) in nine countries shortly after its release. The song also debuted on multiple global Spotify charts.

    Carrie feels we can all be champions, and her own champions include her parents and husband, former NHL star Mike Fisher. “I think it started with my parents, they just worked really hard and did everything they could to provide for us and make our lives better and give us every opportunity that they could,” she says. “In a different sense, you know my husband, on and off the ice, he’s definitely a champion of mine. I see the dedication that he put into his work playing hockey. I admire him so much for that. To see how much he put into, and the love, that he put into his God-given ability was just very inspiring.”

    Carrie co-wrote “The Champion” last year with fellow songwriters Brett James, Chris DeStefano and Christopher Bridges PKA Ludacris, who Underwood asked to collaborate on the event song produced by Jim Jonsin.

    Carrie has been the face and voice of the show open for primetime television’s No. 1 program, Sunday Night Football, for the past five seasons and is currently in the studio working on her next album which will be released on Capitol Records Nashville.

    https://twitter.com/SNFonNBC/status/956617848729714688

    Also, if you need more audio and liners on “The Champion,” click here for “The Champion” Audio Toolkit.

    Audio / Carrie Underwood reveals her own Champions.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (her own Champions) OC: …very inspiring. :42
    “I think I have many champions in my life. I’m lucky that way. I think it started with my parents, they just worked really hard and did everything they could to provide for us and make our lives better and give us every opportunity that they could. In a different sense, you know my husband, on and off the ice, he’s definitely a champion of mine. I see the dedication that he put into his work playing hockey. I admire him so much for that. To see how much he put into, and the love, that he put into his God-given ability was just very inspiring.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood explains what qualities she feels makes up a Champion.

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    Carrie Underwood (what makes a Champion) OC: …you a champion. :42
    “I think a champion is just somebody who just works hard. I think it starts there. You have to have that work ethic. You have to know what you’re capable of and then try to push those limits in every way possible. You have to spend the time, you have to have the dedication, you have to take every opportunity that you possibly can. You have to be smart about it. Just having that drive is what really makes a champion, and I think that’s somewhere in every single one of us. No matter what we’re trying to accomplish or overcome, we’ve all got that somewhere in us, and it’s tapping into that that will make you a champion.”

    Video /

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  • JORDAN DAVIS ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM HOME STATE, AVAILABLE MARCH 23RD.

    MCA Nashville’s promising new artist Jordan Davis announces today his debut album HOME STATE will be released March 23. HOME STATE includes the singer/songwriter’s infectious current Top 20 single “Singles You Up” in addition to the previously-released tracks “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot” and “Take It From Me.” Known for his unique songwriting talent, Jordan co-wrote every track on HOME STATE and teamed up producer Paul DiGiovanni for the entire 12-song collection.

    “Making this record has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” says Jordan. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in bringing this to life, especially to my producer Paul Digiovanni and the songwriters that helped me create these songs. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.”

    Rolling Stone Country recently premiered the official music video for “Singles You Up” which can be viewed HERE.

    Jordan Davis continues to draw critical acclaim with Rolling Stone commending Jordan for “melding the song craft of artists like John Prine and Jim Croce with the genre’s pop progressiveness.” The Tennessean notes, “in the vein of Sam Hunt, Davis pairs syncopated melodies and ultra-progressive production with smooth vocals and contemporary vernacular.”

     

    HOME STATE Track Listing:

    1. Take It From Me

    (Jordan Davis, Jason Gantt, Jacob Davis)

    1. Going ‘Round

    (Jordan Davis, Ben Daniel, Pavel Dovgalyuk)

    1. More Than I Know

    (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Blair Daly)

    1. Slow Dance In A Parking Lot

    (Jordan Davis, Lonnie Fowler)

    1. Singles You Up

    (Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach, Steven Dale Jones)

    1. Sundowners

    (Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins)

    1. Tough To Tie Down

    (Jordan Davis, Jeff Middleton, Seth Ennis)

    1. Made That Way

    (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Scooter Carusoe)

    1. So Do I

    (Jordan Davis, Paul DiGiovanni, Jamie Paulin)

    1. Selfish

    (Jordan Davis, Jason Gantt, Joshua Wade Door)

    1. Dreamed You Did

    (Jordan Davis, Shane Minor, Jonathan Singleton)

    1. Leaving New Orleans

    (Jordan Davis, Lonnie Fowler, David Frasier)

     

    To pre-order an exclusive HOME STATE album package, visit: https://store.jordandavisofficial.com/

    Jordan has previously opened shows for Kip Moore, Chase Rice, David Nail and more. He is set to embark on his first headlining WHITE WINE AND WHISKEY TOUR with special guest Jillian Jacqueline next month. With almost 15 cross-country dates, notable stops on the WHITE WINE AND WHISKEY TOUR include Atlanta, Dallas, Austin and Nashville.

    For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com 

    Video / Singles You Up video

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  • CARRIE UNDERWOOD PENS AND RECORDS ANTHEMIC “THE CHAMPION” FOR NBC’S SUPER BOWL LII SHOW OPEN.

    SUPER BOWL LII — “2017 Promo Shoot” — Pictured: Carrie Underwood — (Photo by: Paul Drinkwater/NBC Sports)

    Carrie Underwood will open NBC’s Super Bowl LII on February 4th with a video filmed last year for her anthemic song, “The Champion,” released globally today. Underwood, who has been the face and voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football show open for the last five seasons, co-wrote “The Champion” last year with fellow songwriters Brett James, Chris DeStefano, and Christopher Bridges PKA Ludacris, who Underwood asked to collaborate on the event song produced by Jim Jonsin. NBC Sports will also incorporate “The Champion” into its coverage of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

    “When we met with Carrie last year to discuss the Super Bowl open, we each brought ideas. Carrie presented first. After she spoke, we looked at each other and said ‘That’s the one,’” said Fred Gaudelli, Executive Producer of NBC Sunday Night Football and the network’s Super Bowl LII presentation. “Later on, our Olympics producers listened to ‘The Champion’ and decided that it would be a perfect complement for our Winter Games coverage. We are excited to highlight ‘The Champion’ in two events on the global stage in February.”

    “When we were writing ‘The Champion,’ our main focus was to celebrate athletes at the top of their game, but we also wanted the song to resonate with people in their everyday lives,” explains Carrie Underwood.  “We hope the lyrics will inspire people to push themselves beyond their limits to conquer anything they are trying to accomplish or overcome. There’s a champion in every single one of us!”

    Ludacris says, “It was a pleasure to collaborate with Carrie for this inspirational song.”

    The lyric video is available now (and below), as well as the playlist for “The Champion.”

    Carrie is currently in the studio working on her next album which will be released on Capitol Records Nashville.

    About Carrie Underwood:
    Carrie Underwood emerged from the promise of her 2005 American Idol win to become a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, and film. A seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner, she has amassed over 100 major honors, sold 64 million records worldwide, and recorded 26 #1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote, with a catalog of songs that have been streamed more than 2.6 billion times worldwide. The first female artist to be twice named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year, Underwood was recognized by Pollstar as the top female country touring artist for each of her headlining tours in 2008, 2010, 2012, and for 2016’s The Storyteller Tour – Stories in the Round.” Carrie also topped Billboard’s Top 25 Tours of 2016 as the leading female country artist and was the leading female artist on Country Aircheck’s top country radio performers list for her success in both 2015 and 2016. All five studio albums, Some Hearts, Carnival Ride, Play On, Blown Away, and Storyteller – are certified Platinum or multi-Platinum, and each an American Music Awards winner as Favorite Country Album – and tallied an incredible 40 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.  The RIAA’s highest certified country album artist to debut this century, Underwood also holds the distinction of the highest album certification of any country artist to emerge since 2000 with the 8x Multi-Platinum success of her 2005 debut, Some Hearts.  She is the all-time Top Country Artist (male or female) on RIAA’s Digital Single Ranking, also placing her among the Top 5 females in the history of RIAA’s Digital Single Program across all genres.  In December of 2014, she released her Platinum-certified Greatest Hits: Decade #1, which produced two new #1 hits co-written by Underwood, including the RIAA-Platinum, GRAMMY-winning “Something in the Water.” The Grand Ole Opry member demonstrated her creative diversity in 2013 starring as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s three-hour holiday blockbuster, the Emmy®-winning The Sound of Music Live!, whose airings attracted 44 million viewers. Her latest chart-topping platinum fifth studio album, Storyteller, produced four #1 hits.  Last November Underwood co-hosted the CMA Awards for the tenth consecutive year, and she’s currently in her fifth season as the voice of primetime television’s #1 program, Sunday Night Football.

    About Ludacris:
    Chris “Ludacris” Bridges has sold more than 25 million albums domestically, thanks to the blockbuster success of such singles as “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Southern Hospitality,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad.”

    With an unrivaled match of lyrical acumen, wit, and imagery, Bridges has solidified himself as one of music’s premier entertainers. Although he’s best known for his infectious tunes, Bridges has shown that he’s equally adept at writing powerful songs with serious subject matter, including runaways, with the song “Runaway Love.” Bridges’ versatility and artistic complexity also enabled him to make a seamless transition to acting.

    Most recently, Bridges starred in the highly anticipated The Fate of the Furious, which broke records at the box office, becoming the highest grossing film opening worldwide.  His other feature film credits include Universal Pictures’ Fast 7, Fast & Furious 6, Fast Five, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Garry Marshall’s ensemble comedy New Year’s Eve; and Ivan Reitman’s romantic comedy, No Strings Attached, opposite Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. His acclaimed performances in film, (Crash, Hustle & Flow), and television, (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), have Hollywood and critics alike buzzing about his increasingly impressive screen resume.

    A consummate businessman, Bridges is enjoying success outside of entertainment. His latest venture includes opening his long anticipated new restaurant “Chicken-n-Beer” at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport. In addition, he is dipping his hands in tech space by partnering up with apps such as “Roadie” an on-the-way delivery service.

    Currently, Bridges is both the host and executive producer of MTV’s revived Fear Factor, and is currently working on an album for release at the end of the year.  Bridge’s philanthropic efforts rival his entertainment accomplishments; he started The Ludacris Foundation in 2001 which focuses on helping youth help themselves.  TLF has devoted more than 15,000 hours of service to youth across the nation.

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about writing "The Champion" for the Super Bowl.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (The Champion) OC: …for as well. :40
    “We were asked to come up with something special for the Super Bowl. We knew we wanted the open to be as grand as the Super Bowl is, so I was really excited that NBC and Sunday Night Football kind of gave us control to be creative and go in and see what we could do. We spent a couple of days – we being me, Brett James and Chris DeStefano who I’ve written with both of those guys quite a bit – we went in and just gave it our all trying to figure out what would best set up something as amazing as the Super Bowl. After we turned it in, they loved it so much [that] we were told, ‘The Olympics are gonna want this!’ So, that was just more incredible news because it certainly fits everything that the Super Bowl stands for as well.”

    Audio / Carrie Underwood explains the role Ludacris plays on her song, “The Champion.”

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Ludacris) OC: …a whole new level. 1:10
    “Ludacris came into the picture when we were writing this song ‘The Champion,’ we left a space in it for a potential guest appearance, a potential feature. And we went ‘round and ‘round about who do we approach, who do we ask, and in my mind, the style of the song with somebody that had his own thing, had a kind of legend status. I wanted something big. I wanted an artist that matched the song, and Ludacris, everything about him just seemed to scream ‘Champion’ to me, and he was just so great. And so we sent him everything and he put his part on it, and when we got it back, I thought, ‘Holy Cow! This took it to a whole new level.’ So, I think he was just that piece of the puzzle that was missing, and from the second that I heard it, I was like that was exactly the perfect person to be a part of this. Like I could never imagine anybody else being a part of this, and he just, again, took it to another level.”

    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (The Champion) 1

    Download

    Audio / LINER Carrie Underwood (The Champion) 2

    Download

    Video / The Champion lyric video

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  • ERIC CHURCH IS STILL’HOLDIN’ HIS OWN’ FOLLOWING ONE OF THE BIGGEST TOURS OF THE YEAR.

    Eric Church has been taking some time to process his recent Holdin’ My Own Tour, since he wrapped the trek a couple of months ago. The North Carolina native played between three-and-a-half to four hours every single night with just a short break in the middle of the show. While it was probably the most exhilarating, energetic, athletic and biggest treks he’d ever launched, by the end, he was feeling a little bit unsettled, mainly because he didn’t know where to go from there.

    “I didn’t really know where to be when the tour wrapped. I was emotionally drained, physically drained, voice shredded and didn’t really know what to do when you didn’t have go somewhere the next week to play, because it had been such a, it was almost like a battle,” says Eric. “Week to week was like, ‘Okay, we’ve got to get through these three. We’re here, here and here.’ Ten to 12 hours of music in three or four nights, it becomes one of those things that I have to mentally have to prepare for, especially for the Thursday night show, the first of three. I know I’ve got to do a night and then I’ve got to do it again and again. So, it was just such a focal point of my entire life and my career that that’s all I focused on week to week… It was such an interesting thing just all of a sudden it be done.”

    His manager pulled him aside at the final shows in Nashville and wanted him to just “process” what the tour meant for him.

    “He said, ‘You don’t know this, but I want you to take some time and I want you to process. I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire, not only country, in my entire career.’ He said, ‘You should take some time and process what that is, what that means.’ And he said, ‘Just take some time.’ And that’s what I’ve been trying to do between then and now,” he says. “I’m trying to figure out what that is and then really what my job is to figure out where we go from here and that’s what I’m working on now.”

    Eric, who played to more than 930,000 over the course of a few months this year, has released 61 Days in Church, a collection of live recordings from the tour currently streaming on Apple Music. Fans can now get all of the 100+ song project in a limited physical release – a massive 15-LP box set, complete with a commemorative tour book and original poster housed in a custom road case. The initial shipment just went out on Friday (December 15th) with the road case, book, poster and the first three LPs, which include music from the first 12 shows of his Holdin’ My Own Tour. The remaining 12 vinyl records will be shipped out once a month beginning in January 2018.

    Eric is currently nearing the top of the country charts with “Round Here Buzz” from his Mr. Misunderstood album.

    Audio / Eric Church talks about the days after he wrapped his Holdin’ My Own Tour.

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    Eric Church (following Holdin My Own Tour) OC: …it be done. :55
    “I didn’t really know where to be when the tour wrapped. I was emotionally drained, physically drained, voice shredded and didn’t really know what to do when you didn’t have go somewhere the next week to play, because it had been such a, it was almost like a battle. Week to week was like, ‘Okay, we’ve got to get through these three. We’re here, here and here.’ Ten to 12 hours of music in three or four nights, it becomes one of those things that I have to mentally have to prepare for, especially for the Thursday night show, the first of three. I know I’ve got to do a night and then I’ve got to do it again and again. So, it was just such a focal point of my entire life and my career that that’s all I focused on week to week. I never looked past the next three or four ever. Really, I got to where I wouldn’t even look past the next show. I’d go, ‘Okay, I’m gonna get through Detroit, then I’ll worry about this and then when I get through that, then I’ll worry about,’ it got to that point by the end. It was such an interesting thing just all of a sudden it be done.”

    Audio / Eric Church has had a lot to process since he wrapped his Holdin' My Own Tour earlier this year.

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    Eric Church (Holdin’ My Own Tour-where to go from here) OC: …working on now. :31
    “My manager, John Peets, grabbed me at the Nashville show after we had been through this, and he said, ‘You don’t know this, but I want you to take some time and I want you to process. I’ve never seen anything like this in my entire, not only country, in my entire career.’ He said, ‘You should take some time and process what that is, what that means.’ And he said, ‘Just take some time.’ And that’s what I’ve been trying to do between then and now. I’m trying to figure out what that is and then really what my job is to figure out where we go from here and that’s what I’m working on now.”

    Video / Eric Church Round Here Buzz

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  • LUKE BRYAN AND FELLOW AMERICAN IDOL JUDGES LIONEL RICHIE AND KATY PERRY DISH ON THE SHOW AND EACH OTHER.

    Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie were in Nashville late last week as American Idol stopped in Music City to hold auditions for the first season of the talent competition on ABC.

    first-official-look-at-katy-perry-lionel-richie-luke-bryan-ryan-seacrest-on-american-idol

    This was the third city on their national trek to find the next big superstar, and it seems like the trio have really become a cohesive team.

    “[Luke’s] one of those guys you meet and you swear he’s been a part of your life forever,” says Lionel. “I’m going back to check my yearbook. I’m going back to check The Commodores; I know he was in the band somewhere, but he’s got that personality.”

    Luke is getting into a groove and feels comfortable now stating his opinion in front of the other two judges. “To be on this ride with them and to see how serious they take it and how important it is. It’s an undertaking and a challenge that, when I started saying my opinion on the first day and they started agreeing with it, I was like, ‘Hell yes, I’m gonna be okay. We’re on the same page,’” he says. “I was very flattered that I could come in and be the ole country boy voice. But back to them, I mean obviously huge fans of everything that they’ve done from the word go.”

    Adding, “I haven’t ever even told Katy this. I remember the first time I heard ‘I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It,’ like I was just starting touring and I got my band guys on the bus and I was like, ‘Guys, this is what a huge ass pop hit sounds like.’ We’re sitting there jamming to [sings] ‘I kissed a girl,’ and obviously, that was Katy’s first endeavor.”

    Katy appreciates the benefit of having three different and distinct artists on the panel. “We all have our strengths and I think that we are a very diverse panel and I think we all can give a different perspective. Lionel tells a lot of incredible stories and people come in singing Whitney and Prince, and he’s like, ‘Oh, well, those are my homies,’” she says. “We have a lot of fun, obviously, but we are really looking for talent and talent is presenting itself. It’s funny because I kept on saying I think that everything’s been discovered, every stone has been turned, every diamond has been polished, and I feel like actually we’re finding pretty great stuff.”

    Luke is also getting a few pointers from Lionel on the piano.

    https://twitter.com/LionelRichie/status/921518547204956160

    https://twitter.com/LionelRichie/status/921803778902200320
    Luke has climbed into the Top 10 on the country charts with “Light It Up,” the first release from his upcoming album, What Makes You Country, available December 8th.

    The Georgia native, who is nominated for this year’s CMA Entertainer of the Year (an award he’s won twice), is also busy on the road with his Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour, which makes stops in San Diego on Wednesday (October 25th), Phoenix on Thursday (October 26th) and San Bernadino on Friday (October 27th).

    Audio / Lionel Richie says he feels like he’s know Luke Bryan forever.

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    American Idol (Lionel on Luke) OC: (Luke) …a Commodores roadie. :14
    LIONEL: “When I first met him, though, I must admit – you know [Luke’s] one of those guys you meet and you swear he’s been a part of your life forever. I’m going back to check my yearbook. I’m going back to check The Commodores; I know he was in the band somewhere, but he’s got that personality.” LUKE: “A Commodores roadie.” [Lionel laughs]

    Audio / NOTE LANGUAGE: Luke Bryan talks about being a part of American Idol and when he heard Katy Perry’s first hit.

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    American Idol (Luke on Idol and Katy Perry) OC: …endeavor. :57
    “To be on this ride with them and to see how serious they take it and how important it is. It’s an undertaking and a challenge that, when I started saying my opinion on the first day and they started agreeing with it, I was like, ‘Hell yes, I’m gonna be okay. We’re on the same page.’ I was very flattered that I could come in and be the ole country boy voice. But back to them, I mean obviously huge fans of everything that they’ve done from the word go. I haven’t ever even told Katy this. I remember the first time I heard ‘I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It,’ like I was just starting touring and I got my band guys on the bus and I was like, ‘Guys, this is what a huge ass pop hit sounds like.’ We’re sitting there jamming to [sings] ‘I kissed a girl,’ and obviously, that was Katy’s first endeavor.”

    Audio / Katy Perry says the three American Idol judges, including Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, are having a lot of fun together, and they’re also finding great talent for the show.

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    American Idol (Katy Perry) OC: …great stuff. :41
    KATIE: “We all have our strengths and I think that we are a very diverse panel and I think we all can give a different perspective. Lionel tells a lot of incredible stories and people come in singing Whitney and Prince, and he’s like, ‘Oh, well, those are my homies!’” LIONEL: “We’ll start there, and then she goes, ‘Lionel, how’s your blood sugar? What do you need?’” KATIE: “What do you need? You need a cracker? Here’s some Pedialyte.’ We have a lot of fun, obviously, but we are really looking for talent and talent is presenting itself. It’s funny because I kept on saying I think that everything’s been discovered, every stone has been turned, every diamond has been polished, and I feel like actually we’re finding pretty great stuff.”

     

     

    https://twitter.com/LionelRichie/status/921518547204956160

     

    https://twitter.com/LionelRichie/status/921803778902200320

     

  • LADY ANTEBELLUM ‘LOOK GOOD’ ON TOUR.

    The members of Lady Antebellum are making their way up the country charts with “You Look Good” from their new album, Heart Break. The band has received a lot of compliments on including horns on their latest hit song, which has become one of the biggest moments on their You Look Good World Tour.

    “I think one of the coolest things about ‘You Look Good’ is you know, just from the get-go the fans really gravitated towards the fun feel of it, the sound of it,” says Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “I can’t go too many places without somebody stopping me and going, ‘Man! Love the horns!’ And it really shows me as an artist that you really do have to take chances. I know that I t was a little scary to some people, because it hasn’t been done in a while, but it just felt like a really, funky, fun summer song. Just to see it rise up the charts and each week become the song of the show on the You Look Good World Tour really is kind of fun to watch.”

    Lady Antebellum, who just announced that two of their members are adding to their families in the coming months, wind their way to Dallas and Houston on their You Look Good World Tour next weekend.

    Audio / Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley talks about the band’s hit song, “You Look Good.”

    Download

    Lady A (You Look Good song) OC: …fun to watch. :33

    “I think one of the coolest things about ‘You Look Good’ is you know, just from the get-go the fans really gravitated towards the fun feel of it, the sound of it. I can’t go too many places without somebody stopping me and going, ‘Man! Love the horns!’ And it really shows me as an artist that you really do have to take chances. I know that I t was a little scary to some people, because it hasn’t been done in a while, but it just felt like a really, funky, fun summer song. Just to see it rise up the charts and each week become the song of the show on the You Look Good World Tour really is kind of fun to watch.”

    Audio / LINER Lady A (You Look Good) 2

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    Audio / LINER Lady A (You Look Good) 3

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    Video / Lady Antebellum You Look Good

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  • LADY ANTEBELLUM ARE EVERYWHERE WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR NEW ALBUM, ‘HEART BREAK.’

    Lady Antebellum “cement their place as legends of country” (Vulture) with the global release of their sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Records Nashville), available today, June 9th. Between CMA Music Festival activities, national television appearances and an intimate radio set, Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott put their fans at the forefront. Beginning today (6/09) they will take over The Budweiser Dome presented by Rated Red in Nashville (8th Ave. S/McGavock St @ 3:45P) for an impromptu set accompanied by a massive 360-degree visual experience.
     
    Following Saturday’s (6/10) performance at CMA Music Festival‘s Nissan Stadium, Lady A will trek to New York City where they will kick off next week with a performance of their Top 15 hit single “You Look Good” on Good Morning America (6/12 at 8:30A ET on ABC), before a performance and Q&A live from the iHeartRadio Theater NY (iHeartRadio stations broadcast 8P local time on 6/12). On Tuesday (6/13), the trio brings a “burst with refreshed energy” (Entertainment Weekly) with the new album’s title track on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (6/13 at 11:35P ET on NBC). Additionally, fans can tune-in to CBS This Morning (6/15 on CBS at 8:00A ET) to go behind the scenes of HEART BREAK’s album launch, as host Gayle King sits down with the band in Nashville.
     
    Fans and media alike immediately applauded the album’s lead single for mixing a “dazzling horn section with a swaggering bass riff” (Associated Press) and “snappy funk drums” (LA Times). As HEART BREAK’s “growth is both welcome and worth celebrating now more than ever” (Billboard), critics continue to rave about the 13-tracks, before the albums official release.
     
    “In this batch of songs, Lady A embraces the contrast between the outlook on age that’s often defined country music in the past (acknowledging the struggles, pleasures and sacrifices of settled adulthood) and one that’s risen to prominence in recent years (celebrating youthful freedom).” – NPR
     
    “The new set’s 13 tracks burst with refreshed energy.” – Entertainment Weekly
     
    “HEART BREAK doesn’t look likely to be a rehashing of old successes, as funky new single “You Look Good” sounds unlike anything they’ve done before” – Rolling Stone
     
    “The approach the group took in making HEART BREAK achieved the goal of bringing freshness to the project. The R&B groove of ‘You Look Good,’ the soulful sound of ‘Good Time to be Alive’ and the sing-along ‘oh-oh-we-oh’ vocal hook that gives ‘This City’ a contemporary pop dimension are among the new twists. But there are also songs like the ballads ‘Somebody Else’s Heart’ and ‘Big Love In A Small Town’ that will be like musical comfort food for fans familiar with Lady Antebellum’s back catalog.” – The Sacramento Bee
     
    “HEART BREAK represents both an evolution and return to form for the group, whose gift for modern country torch songs is on display in ‘Somebody Else’s Heart.’ The bouncy ‘This City’ brightens things up, showing off the band’s sprightly side.” – The Californian
     
    “The title track is hands down my favorite; it’s not about a ruined romance, but rather putting your heart on pause” – O! Magazine
     
    “From ‘Good Time to Be Alive’ to ‘Home,’ the trio’s latest set of songs returns to their roots.” – Huffington Post
     
    HEART BREAK follows more than 18 million units, seven GRAMMY awards, nine No. One hits, ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row, and countless other honors including Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. For more information about new music and upcoming tour dates, visit www.ladyantebellum.com.

    Video / You Look Good video

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  • ERIC CHURCH WRAPS HIS HOLDIN’ MY OWN TOUR.

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    To really understand how Eric Church feels about the Holdin’ My Own Tour, you have to see things from his perspective standing at the mic. For the last five months, country music’s most electric performer has stood face-to-face with nearly 1 million people and truly connected.

    “This tour has been my career’s biggest challenge physically, but I can honestly say I’m gonna miss it,” shared Church after a record-setting, 42-song set at Saturday’s show (that went well into Sunday morning). “Seeing what happens between us and the crowd for over three hours a night is awe inspiring.  I’m gonna miss seeing those faces and freezing that moment in time night after night.”

    The No. 1 most-attended music tour in the world in 2017 (Pollstar) included 62 sold-out shows across North America, each unique in its own way with just Church and his band relentlessly grinding out memorable moment after memorable moment with over three dozen or more songs each night. That’s the way it’s always been for Church, from his first shows in front of a few dozen to the record-setting, two-night stand at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena that drew 38,016 fans (18,996 on Friday and 19,020 on Saturday, setting the new attendance record for the venue) to close the tour.

    “The first time we played in Nashville, we played for – I’m not kidding – 30, 40 people, and when they left that show they told 10 or 20 people about what they’d seen,” Church told the crowd Friday night at Bridgestone Arena. “And the next time we played this town, 200 people showed up. Here’s the thing I can say for myself and this band: We’ve never gone out on stage and played for 20 or 30 people. Every night we played, we played it because there were 50,000 people in front of us. It was never about how many, it was about the music. It was about the heart of the music.”

    And that’s something that everyone is picking up on, not just Church’s fervent fans. His peers and the critics have been paying tribute all along the way.

    “It reminded me of the way Waylon treated other musicians,” Ray Wylie Hubbard, the singer-songwriter and Church favorite, said in a glowing Nashville Scene cover story. “Waylon had that idea of respect. … I’m pretty sure it’s nice he’s selling a lot of records. But what’s more important is the feeling he gets, the joy he gives his fans. He lays it on the line and writes from a place where the real badass, cool songwriters write from. I have a lot of respect for him, not as a big-shot entertainer but as a songwriter.”

    The critics lined up to agree this winter and spring, digging the way Church constructed his show “like a classic box set” (Erik Ernst, Journal Sentinel) with “the attitude of rock ‘n’ roll, transgression and a little sin.” (John Adamian, The Courant). Rolling Stone raved that Church “sets the bar for country concerts” at his show at Brooklyn Barclays Center, “taking a page from Bruce Springsteen.” “In a relatively short time Eric Church has firmly established himself as one of the best live performers of his generation,” wrote Thom Jennings in the Niagara Gazette. “His albums keep getting progressively better as do his live shows. It may only be a matter of time before he is too big for hockey arenas and will start headlining stadium shows.”

    “You can’t truly grasp how strong it is until you’re one of 19,020 in the stands,” wrote Dave Paulson of the bond between Church and his huge following (deemed the “Church Choir”) at Saturday’s show for The Tennessean. “Sure, it’s an easy pun, but ‘Choir’ is an apt name for Church’s faithful. If you didn’t already know which songs were radio singles, there was no way to know at Saturday’s show. This room knew every verse of every song, from the floor to the upper deck. That was never clearer than on ‘Give Me Back My Hometown,’ when the ‘Choir’ nearly drowned out Church’s band.”

    Church strives to make every show unique and the Holdin’ My Own Tour was full of special moments, from unique setlists each night to new collaborations and covers and many stops. He paid tribute to Gregg Allman on Saturday night in Nashville just hours after the legend’s death with a cover of The Allman Brothers Band’s “Midnight Rider.” And earlier this month he paid tribute to Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell with his version of the “hillbilly Black Sabbath crossover” (Rolling Stone) song “Rusty Cage,” a Soundgarden favorite. On Friday night at Bridgestone, he trotted out an old favorite “Tennessee Jed” by The Grateful Dead. Other memorable moments on tour included his cover of Pearl Jam’s “Better Man” in Tacoma. Along the way there were also versions of The Band’s “Don’t Do It,” Little Feat’s “Dixie Chicken” and The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” In the Windy City, he took on blues standard “Sweet Home Chicago” and brought in his favorite singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde to perform her composition, “Bible and a .44.”

    Church was joined by Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes and longtime Rolling Stones touring keyboardist Chuck Leavell at his Colorado stop. The trio performed The Guess Who’s “American Woman” in a classic moment no one there will ever forget.

    Moments like these have created a special bond between Church and his fans, who often stand all the way through his nearly four-hour shows. That bond has made Church one of country music’s most bankable stars, and The Chief flexed his muscle on the road this year. The tour set many records, including occupying all top five spots on the May 15Billboard Country Boxscore with sellouts in Tampa, Florida, Greenville, South Carolina, Uncasville, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Pittsburgh – a run that included more than 81,000 fans. He broke the attendance record in Jacksonville– where 13,854 fans filled the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. And he did all this despite cancelling 33,000 tickets listed on the secondary market due to scalper activity, something he abhors.

    While the Holdin’ My Own Tour is over, fans will have a handful of chances to catch Church before the end of 2017 – though they are precious few. The Chief will play CMA Fest at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium Friday, June 9, at 10 p.m. And Church has announced eight more standalone shows in 2017:

    June 23 Cadott, WI at Country Fest
    Sept. 2 and 3 Stateline, NV at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys**
    Sept 7, 2017 Austin, TX at Austin 360 Amphitheater+
    Sept. 8, 2017 Houston, TX at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion+
    Sept 15, 2017 Tuscaloosa, AL at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater*
    Sept 16, 2017 Orange Beach, AL at The Wharf Amphitheater*
    Sept 21 and 22 Gilford, NH at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion***
    Sept 23 Bangor, ME at Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion***
    Sept. 29 Las Vegas, NV at Route 91 Festival+
    *With special guests Brothers Osborne and Ashley McBryde
    **Margo Price opening
    + Elle King and The Texas Gentlemen opening
    ***Special guests announced soon

    Additional support announcement and on sale information coming soon.

    Church’s pop-up store in East Nashville (address: 218 South 11th Street) returns for the third consecutive year with a portion of the proceeds benefiting his and his wife Katherine’s non-profit Chief Cares foundation that serves more than 2.5 million people around the globe with charitable giving. For more information on Chief Cares Fund, visit www.ericchurch.com/chiefcares.

    The pop-up store will be open Thursday, June 8, through Sunday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. where it will feature exclusive merchandise unavailable anywhere else, such as his new design of his These Boots by Lucchese cowboy boot line, a custom Orion Cooler, vintage tour T-shirts and the complete poster set from the Holdin’ My Own Tour. Plus, there will also be another golden ticket hidden within the store, this one will be for entrance into the Church Choir party on Friday, June 9 in Nashville where every year Church performs a unique arrangement exclusive to fans. For more information, visit EricChurch.com.

  • THE BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS 2017 NOMINEES.

    Sam Hunt will perform his mega-hit “Body Like a Back Road” during Sunday night’s (May 21st) Billboard Music Awards.

    Luke Bryan is nominated in the all-format fan-voted Billboard Chart Achievement category, as well as for Top Country Tour.

    Keith Urban has several BBMA nods, including Top Country Album for Ripcord and Top Country Song for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” as well as a nomination for Top Country Artist.

    Chris Stapleton is up against Keith as Top Country Artist, as well as Top Country Album for Traveller.

    Little Big Town’s “Better Man” is up for Top Country Song, while Dierks Bentley’s “Different for Girls” featuring Elle KingEric Church’s “Kill a Word” with Rhiannon Giddens and Vince Gill’s appearance on Chris Young’s “Sober Saturday Night” are up for Top Country Collaborations.

    Hillary Scott & the Scott Family have three BBMA nominations, including Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album for Love Remains and Top Christian Song for “Thy Will.”

    The Billboard Music Awards will air live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas beginning at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity:
    Luke Bryan
    Nicki Minaj
    The Chainsmokers
    The Weeknd
    Twenty One Pilots

    Top Country Artist:
    Florida Georgia Line
    Blake Shelton
    Keith Urban
    Chris Stapleton
    Jason Aldean

    Top Country Tour:
    Luke Bryan
    Kenny Chesney
    Dixie Chicks

    Top Country Album:
    Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
    Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots
    Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest
    Chris Stapleton, Traveller
    Keith Urban, Ripcord

    Top Country Song:
    Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
    Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”
    Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
    Little Big Town, “Better Man”
    Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

    Top Country Collaboration:
    Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, “Different For Girls”
    Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
    Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word”
    Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
    Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night”

    Top Christian Artist:
    Lauren Daigle
    Hillsong Worship
    Hillary Scott & the Scott Family
    Skillet
    Chris Tomlin

    Top Christian Album:
    Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing
    Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
    Joey + Rory, Hymns
    Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Love Remains
    Skillet, Unleashed

    Top Christian Song:
    Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
    Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will”
    Skillet, “Feel Invincible”
    Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm”
    Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”

  • LUKE BRYAN TAKES FANS BEHIND THE CURTAINS OF HIS NEW TOUR.

    Luke Bryan takes fans behind-the-scenes of the launch of his new Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour (HFE) with a two-night sold-out stand in Nashville in the latest episode of LBTV.

    He says in the video piece, “The desire to move to Nashville and start my life in the music business was based on me knowing that you only get one shot, you only get one go-around in this lifetime, and I didn’t want to be an old man going you never gave it a shot.’ So, when I moved to Nashville, I thought, ‘Here’s my chance, here’s my chance to work hard and do everything I can to make it in some form of the music business.”

    Luke’s next stop is in Moline, Illinois on Friday (May 19th).

    Video / LBTV HFE Kick-off

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  • LADY ANTEBELLUM PREVIEWS NEW TOUR WITH KELSEA AND BRETT.

    from Rolling Stone Country.com:

    When Lady Antebellum hit the road on May 26th, the Grammy-winning trio will do so with a horn section in tow – not to mention opening acts Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young. Ahead of their sprawling summer You Look Good Tour, Lady A’s Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley gathered Ballerini and Young for a rapid-fire brainstorming session, running through possible onstage collaborations. They also sat down for our Ram Report cameras and a Q&A with host Ashley Eicher. Here’s what Ballerini, Young and Lady A, who will release their album Heart Break on June 9th, had to say.

    This marks the band’s first major tour since you each took time for your own projects. What was it like coming together again to plan this run?
    Charles Kelley: Like most tours, we want this to be an evolution of what we’ve done in the past. We want it to be fun. One of the main reasons we chose Kelsea and Brett was we felt like they were the new bar coming up in country and we want the best of the best. And we wanted it to be a big ol’ party. And both of them are seasoned performers. We’ve been lucky enough to tour with Kelsea in the past and to see her grow into the rock star she’s become. And Brett has always been a great singer. You’ve got years and years of experience. Not to say you are old, Brett [laughs].

    Hillary Scott: We are coming into this new album and this tour with so much refreshed excitement … for the three of us to have taken a little bit of a break from recording. We did play 30 shows last year, so we were never not together a lot of the time. But for the creative process, we just came in so excited and wanted to flip it on its head – every other record we’ve ever made and the process itself. We went to Florida and wrote with some of our friends and we went to L.A. and worked with a new producer, Busbee.

    Kelley: We lived in the same house.

    Scott: We did. We Airbnb’d a house together and Dave is an incredible chef and mixologist.

    Kelsea Ballerini: We’ll test that theory.

    Scott: But it really was an incredible way to make a record.

    Kelley: And I think it was really reflected in the music too. The first single “You Look Good,” there’s definitely an energy and a freshness to the sound. With the music tied in with this tour, we also wanted it in our openers to be two performers who really set the tone for the night. We get really lucky with our openers. A couple years ago we had Sam Hunt and Hunter Hayes out with us. We try to get these guys when they are on their way to super stardom, and Kelsea is already there and Brett isn’t far behind. It’s really fun to see this new crop of artists get in front of a larger audience and help bring a lot of fresh new fans to our shows as well.

    Hillary, you’ve been a bit of a mentor to Kelsea, haven’t you?
    Scott: We’ve known each other for three years. Your 21st birthday party was a surprise at my house.

    Ballerini: Yeah, she hosted my 21st birthday party with all of my friends, many that she hadn’t even met yet. She just opened up her house for it.

    Kelley: Well, thanks for the invitation! Must have been a girls’ party.

    Brett, what do you feel like you can learn from Lady A on the road?
    Brett Young: At this stage, I still don’t know who I am as a performer. I know what makes me comfortable, but sometimes you have to get outside of your comfort zone. I want to learn more from them about stage presence, but it is so much more than just being on stage. There are so many things that go on behind the scenes.

    Scott: When we were on our first tour, we were opening up for Martina McBride and it was the first big stage we had ever had. And, to your point, that is exactly what we learned most. It was not only getting comfortable on a big stage, but it was how to treat people well and keep them happy. We always say the Martina McBride tour was like going to college.

    Kelley: We want you guys to get out there and get the crowd fired up. So we try not to have too many restrictions when it comes to that. It should be a party. And we have a lot of fun backstage. We aren’t one of those bands that sits on our bus all day. We pull out the ping-pong table, invite everybody in to have drink. I know we are working on some really cool moments to have these two come out on stage with us. So you are going to have to make sure when you get done, Brett, that you don’t have too many drinks so that you can last. I know Kelsea is responsible, but I don’t know about you [laughs].

    Young: I got you, man.

    Kelsea, you’ve known Lady A for a while now. What have you already learned from them?
    Ballerini: I had the We Owned the Night tour DVD that they did. When I moved to Nashville, that’s how I learned how to perform. I’d get all of these tour DVDs and watch them to learn. And theirs was one of my favorites. Then last year or the year before, when Sam or Hunter couldn’t do a show, I would fill in for them. So it was the first time I got to play an arena. It was the first time I got to play a big tour like that. And it was incredible.

    You’re bringing a horn section on the road. What does that do to the Lady Antebellum live sound?
    Kelley: We had been going back and forth on whether we have this horn section out on tour, because right now only one song, “You Look Good,” really has horns in it. We started talking about all the other songs like “Downtown” that would really lend themselves to horns. And then we were like, “I don’t know, maybe it’s not the smartest play yet.” But after the [ACM Awards performance], every person I ran in to at the after party said, “You are going to have a horn section on the road, right?” So we were like, “We’ve gotta do a horn section now.”

    Scott: Not a marching band though [laughs].

    Kelley: It definitely makes us perform better. You feed off that energy. Dave and I were just talking before about what cover songs open themselves up to having this great horn section. We are going to get really creative. The next couple of months are going to be a lot of woodshedding and dialing everything in. One thing we’ve learned too is we’ve got to do something to make it fresh for somebody who has come to our show every time we are in their town. We always mix up the set list a lot, but now adding a horn section is going to take it to the next level.

    This tour has 65 shows and hits six countries, including your first-ever concerts in South Africa. How do you explain the global reach of Lady Antebellum?
    Haywood: It is a testament to country music. With country music, you don’t realize how global it is. We’ll be doing London, Dublin, Scotland and already the response just with tickets being on sale has been phenomenal. There are so many great country fans around the world, which we had no idea until “Need You Now.” Then we toured and thousands of people in all these countries are about it.

    Kelley: They are loyal. When they buy into you as an artist, they really are with you on the journey. It’s humbling.

    You’re planning some collaborations together. Anything specific locked in yet?
    Scott: Well we have a lot of ideas brewing.

    Kelley: We do. Hillary is a giant Beyoncé fan.

    Ballerini: Who isn’t?

    Kelley: [“Crazy in Love”] is one we might try to work and we will see how that goes. We are going to keep thinking on some ideas. Brett has such a soulful voice, I want to try and find something. Maybe we can have a little dudes section, then a girls section and then maybe an all-sing.

    How about backup dancers?
    Kelley: No back-up dancers.

    Scott: But we have a horn section and that’s a good start.

    Video /

  • SAM HUNT SPENDS A THIRD WEEK AT NO. 1 WITH ‘BODY LIKE A BACK ROAD.’

    Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” spends a third week atop the Billboard Country Airplay chart and a second week at No. 1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.

    He performed the song, which he co-wrote with producer Zach Crowell, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, on this year’s ACM Awards and surprised his love Hannah Lee Fowler by sitting down next to her in the audience. “Involving her with that performance was fun. She was a little uncomfortable about being there and a little overwhelmed, and she may not agree, but I thought that would warm her up a little bit to the whole experience and she may not admit it, but I think it did,” says Sam.

    At the beginning of the performance, he was sitting on a little bench, and when he got up, the wires from his audio pack got caught in the cushions, so he lost the audio to his monitors to hear what he was singing. It didn’t really matter, though. “When I stood up off the little bench seat I was sitting on, I lost my (audio) pack and then I thought, ‘Shoot, I can’t hear anything,’” recalls Sam. “I get concerned about little details a lot of times and things going wrong or not going wrong and having her there just made it all go away. So, that’s another reason I wanted to go down and sit with her and made sure she knew that she’s really what matters, you know.”

    Sam returns to the road May 9th to perform at The Players Championship in Ponte Verde Beach, Florida and at The Preakness in Baltimore, Maryland on May 28th before his 15 in a 30 Tour kicks off June 1st in Cleveland, Ohio.

    Audio / Sam Hunt talks about his ACM Performance of “Body Like a Back Road.”

    Download

    Sam Hunt (ACM Performance) 1 OC: …think it did. [laughs] :35
    “We have a relationship where I, the character from that song, I’m not really that character with many folks, but with her I am. So, when I am playing that character, I feel like it’s kind of a her and I thing, she and I thing, so involving her with that performance was fun. She was a little uncomfortable about being there and a little overwhelmed, and she may not agree, but I thought that would warm her up a little bit to the whole experience and she may not admit it, but I think it did.” [laughs]

    Audio / Sam Hunt had a small mishap during his ACM performance of his No. 1 hit, “Body Like a Back Road,” but said the presence of his love, Hannah Lee Fowler, made all his anxiety go away.

    Download

    Sam Hunt (ACM Performance) 2 OC: …motivating me. :39
    “Having her in my life is so meaningful, and when I stood up off the little bench seat I was sitting on, I lost my

    pack and then I thought, ‘Shoot, I can’t hear anything.’ I get concerned about little details a lot of times and things going wrong or not going wrong and having her there just made it all go away. So, that’s another reason I wanted to go down and sit with her and made sure she knew that she’s really what matters, you know. All this other stuff is fun and I enjoy it and we’ll have a good time playing some music and folks will have a good time coming to see us, but she’s what, yeah, is motivating me.”

  • LUKE, CHRIS, KEITH, LBT, DIERKS, ERIC, VINCE AND HILLARY SCOTT & THE SCOTT FAMILY ARE NOMINATED FOR BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS.

    The nominees for the 2017 Billboard Music Awards were announced and several of your favorite country artists are up for awards. Luke Bryan is nominated in the all-format fan-voted Billboard Chart Achievement category, as well as for Top Country Tour.

    Keith Urban has several BBMA nods, including Top Country Album for Ripcord and Top Country Song for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” as well as a nomination for Top Country Artist.

    Chris Stapleton is up against Keith as Top Country Artist, as well as Top Country Album for Traveller.

    Little Big Town’s “Better Man” is up for Top Country Song, while Dierks Bentley’s “Different for Girls” featuring Elle King, Eric Church’s “Kill a Word” with Rhiannon Giddens and Vince Gill’s appearance on Chris Young’s “Sober Saturday Night” are up for Top Country Collaborations.

    Hillary Scott & the Scott Family have three BBMA nominations, including Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album for Love Remains and Top Christian Song for “Thy Will.”

    The Billboard Music Awards will air on May 21 at 8PM on ABC.

    Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity:
    Luke Bryan
    Nicki Minaj
    The Chainsmokers
    The Weeknd
    Twenty One Pilots

    Top Country Artist:
    Florida Georgia Line
    Blake Shelton
    Keith Urban
    Chris Stapleton
    Jason Aldean

    Top Country Tour:
    Luke Bryan
    Kenny Chesney
    Dixie Chicks

    Top Country Album:
    Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
    Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots
    Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest
    Chris Stapleton, Traveller
    Keith Urban, Ripcord

    Top Country Song:
    Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
    Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.”
    Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
    Little Big Town, “Better Man”
    Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

    Top Country Collaboration:
    Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, “Different For Girls”
    Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
    Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word”
    Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
    Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night”

    Top Christian Artist:
    Lauren Daigle
    Hillsong Worship
    Hillary Scott & the Scott Family
    Skillet
    Chris Tomlin

    Top Christian Album:
    Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing
    Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be
    Joey + Rory, Hymns
    Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Love Remains
    Skillet, Unleashed

    Top Christian Song:
    Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
    Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will”
    Skillet, “Feel Invincible”
    Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm”
    Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN WINS ACM VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR.

    Little Big Town picked up their fourth ACM Vocal Group of the Year Award at Sunday night’s ACM Awards. The group, who performed their new single “Happy People,” started off their acceptance speech by acknowledging Lady Antebellum’s killer performance of “You Look Good” with the UNLV Marching Band. Karen also said they had to hurryup, because they wanted to catch the season finale of the  HBO series, Big Little Lies, starring Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman, who was sitting in the audience next to her husband, Keith Urban.

    Backstage the foursome said they’re fans and friends of the other groupsthat were in their category. “We’re all friends and we all root for each other and cheer each other on, and we love the music they’re making,” says LBT’s Phillip Sweet. Jimi says, “Like the Lady A performance?” KAREN: “They stole the show. It was amazing.” JIMI: “Unbelievable.” JIMI: And we just celebrate, man.” KAREN: “We’re fans.” JIMI: “Yeah. We all have our place, and we just do what we do.”

    LBT’s Karen Fairchild said she tried to pry Nicole about what happened on the season finale of Big Little Lies, but she wouldn’t give any clues about last night’s show. “I talked to Nicole [Kidman] about it earlier, and she was like I can’t tell you anything, but I’m obsessed with the show. And then so then we got up there and we were seeing that and I had seen her, and then  I was looking at the clock and I was like, ‘We’ve got to get this going, so we can have In ‘N Out Burger, champagne and Big Little Lies.”

    Little Big Town continue their residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on May 19th and 20th.

    Audio / Backstage at Sunday night’s ACM Awards, Little Big Town talked about the camaraderie between the artists in the Vocal Group category.

    Download

    LBT (Groups) OC: (Jimi) …do what we do. :19
    KIMBERLY: “That’s…” PHILLIP: “The coolest thing. We’re all friends and we all root for each other and cheer each other on, and we love the music they’re making.” JIMI: “Like the Lady A performance?” KAREN: “They stole the show. It was amazing.” JIMI: “Unbelievable.” JIMI: And we just celebrate, man.” KAREN: “We’re fans.” JIMI: “Yeah. We all have our place, and we just do what we do.”

    Audio / Backstage at Sunday night’s ACM Awards, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild talked about being obsessed with the show, Big Little Lies, which stars Nicole Kidman.

    Download

    LBT (Big Little Lies & ACM after party) OC: (Jimi) …great evening. :25
    KAREN: “Well, I talked to Nicole [Kidman] about it earlier, and she was like I can’t tell you anything, but I’m obsessed with the show. And then so then we got up there and we were seeing that and I had seen her, and then  I was looking at the clock and I was like, ‘We’ve got to get this going, so we can have In ‘N Out Burger, champagne and Big Little Lies.” [laughter] JIMI: “That sounds like a great evening.”

  • BROTHERS OSBORNE WIN TWO ACM AWARDS!

    Brothers Osborne already had one award going into Sunday night’s ACM Awards for Top New Vocal Duo or Group, but they also took home a second award for Top Vocal Duo of the Year.

    “We’ve been staring at things like this for a long time, you know, like since we were kids,” says John. “It’s iconic, and to be holding not one, but two of these is, it takes a long time to process stuff like this, and I don’t know if we ever will. It’s amazing.”

    John and TJ aren’t sure where they’ll put their awards, but they will certainly be on display somewhere intheir homes. “My CMA Awards are sitting on my kitchen counter. That’s the only place I have. I got it out and I stared at it for like an hour. So, we literally have nowhere to put ‘em,” says TJ. “It’s weird, though. I kind of want you to narcissistically to walk into my house and see my awards, but then I’m like, am I gloating a little bit? Then do I put them in a side room, but then I don’t want to act like I’m not appreciative of the awards, so there’s a whole like mental acrobatics on what you do with these things. I’m showing off, by the way. They’re gonna be on display at my house for the next three years.”

    The guys are currently making their way up the country charts with “It Ain’t My Fault,” from their debut album, Pawn Shop.

    Audio / John Osborne of Brothers Osborne talks about their ACM Awards.

    Download

    Brothers Osborne (ACM Awards) OC: …it’s amazing. :14
    “We’ve been staring at things like this for a long time, you know, like since we were kids. It’s iconic, and to be holding not one, but two of these is, it takes a long time to process stuff like this, and I don’t know if we ever will. It’s amazing.”

    Audio / John Osborne of Brothers Osborne says they’re so grateful for their ACM Awards because they’ve never compromised on their music.

    Download

    Brothers Osborne (awards changing perception) OC: …no matter what. :23
    “I don’t know.  I will say this, I think it might change the public’s perspective or some people that have been kind of reticent to be down with what we do. I will say from our perspective, we are super grateful for this, but we’ll never change what we do, and that’s what I think makes these a lot more special to us, because we’ve never faltered, we’ve never wavered, we’ve never compromised. We just did our thing, no matter what.”

    Audio / Brothers Osborne try to figure out where they’re going to put their ACM Awards.

    Download

    Brothers Osborne (where to put ACMs) OC: (TJ) …three years. [John laughs]
    JOHN: “We never expected to win these things.” TJ: “My CMA Awards are sitting on my kitchen counter. That’s the only place I have. I got it out and I stared at it for like an hour. So, we literally have nowhere to put ‘em.” JOHN: “We’ll have to build somewhere to put ‘em in. If we win a couple more, we can afford a bigger place to actually hang, put one of these, so.” TJ: “It’s weird, though. I kind of what you to narcissistically to walk into my house and see my awards, but then I’m like, am I gloating a little bit? Then do I put them in a side room, but then I don’t want to act like I’m not appreciative of the awards, so there’s a whole like mental acrobatics on what you do with these things. I’m showing off, by the way. They’re gonna be on display at my house for the next three years.” [John laughs]

     

    Video / Brothers Osborne Vocal Duo of the Year

  • DIERKS BENTLEY’S NEW VIDEO FOR ‘BLACK’ FEATURES HIS WIFE, CASSIDY.

    As GRAMMY nominee Dierks Bentley continues “following his muse to wherever it might take him—with the sky as the literal limit” (Esquire), he finds himself halfway across the world in remote areas of Iceland in the debut of his epic music video for “Black” on TIME. Over a four day shoot featuring breathtaking landscapes, stunning supernatural effects and incredibly intimate moments with his wife Cassidy, Bentley visually sets the tone for “the sexiest songs of his career” (Associated Press, Rolling Stone)
     
    “We’ve been talking about Iceland as a location since before I even released the album last year, but I never thought we’d actually go. The next thing I know, there’s a shoot booked and we are standing on the side of a glacier half-dressed,” laughed Bentley. “The crew wasn’t kidding around….it was four long, cold days in some really treacherous conditions. We were on a lot of the same locations that ‘Game Of Thrones’ and the Star Wars films have shot, and it’s just crazy what those people go through every day. I had the idea of putting my wife in the video, which is totally taking her out of her comfort zone, but I just couldn’t imagine doing a video for this song without her in it and she reluctantly agreed…but then totally NAILED it. It wouldn’t have been genuine without her. I think the end result is something really special, and it was a trip of a lifetime for everyone involved.”
     
    To watch the video TIME calls “stunning” and Bentley’s “biggest undertaking yet,” click here: http://ti.me/2j7RJcr
     
    “As a performer and ambassador for the genre, Bentley has been a steadfast star, and one that continues to take risks that pay off” (USA TODAY) which continues to be evident and cemented with “Black’s” critical acclaim.  
     
    “A sultry bedroom ballad that allowed him to frame the entire album around the story lines of love, loss and heartache.” – AP 
     
    “The sexy title-track describes an all-consuming love as if it weren’t so different from a black hole.” – People
     
    “Rich with detailed lyrics only made even more vivid by Bentley’s rasp.” – Esquire
     
    “It’s mood music, sometimes playing as smooth as a seduction but better suited for moments of introspection when you’re surrounded by a crowd and need to isolate.” – AllMusic
     
    Bentley is known for getting “stronger and stronger with every release and is one of the few artists that can go from bluegrass to country” (Billboard) as he recently released his eight studio album BLACK, which ranks as the best selling debut of Bentley’s career. After debuting at the No. One position on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart and Top Country Albums chart, the critically-acclaimed album has already spawned two No. One hits, the PLATINUM certified chart-topping hit “Somewhere On A Beach” and GOLD and GRAMMY nominated “Different For Girls” featuring Elle King. Bentley has now amassed 15 No. one songs, 13 GRAMMY nominations and is a recent CMA Award winner for Vocal Event of the Year. “The  bluegrass  picker,  the  love  song  singer  and  the stadium rocker all packaged together” (Associated Press) has been a Grand Ole Opry member for over a decade and will launch his 2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR next week on Jan. 19 in Dayton, OH. For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.
  • SAM HUNT HAS LEARNED TO PUT A LITTLE BALANCE IN HIS LIFE.

    Sam Hunt has been working hard on his next album, the follow-up to his multi-platinum Montevallo, but he’s also been taking a little time for himself to visit family, taking actual vacations (just recently in Israel) and hanging out with some of his buddies. Last year, he decided to pare down his touring a little bit to get a little balance in his life.

    “It’s nice to have a little more balance in my life now,” said Sam. “You know, I’ve blocked a lot more time this [last] year to be around the house and to create opportunities to go back home and see my folks if I want to one week or take a little getaway vacation one week.”

    One of the things he recently posted on Instagram was a throwback video with his two younger brothers Van and Ben, as well as a recent photo with his two brothers. Check out the video below.


    Audio / Last year, Sam Hunt talked about creating a little more balance in his life and taking time off from touring for a little “me” time.

    Download

    Sam Hunt (balance) OC: …last year. :52
    “It’s nice to have a little more balance in my life now. You know, I’ve blocked a lot more time this year to be around the house and to create opportunities to go back home and see my folks if I want to one week or take a little getaway vacation one week. Those opportunities are there, but I have, for the most part, filled up most of that time with being in the studio and writing. So, I’m working as hard, but I’m just working on different things now. I shouldn’t call it work, because touring is a whole lotta fun, and writing songs, I would do that if I wasn’t making any money doing it. So, it’s something I really enjoy, but it is nice to have time…have a choice in the situation about what I’m going to do with it. So, it’s been nice, and I’ve gotten to see my folks and hang with my buddies and catch up with people I didn’t get to see as much last year.”

    Video / Sam Hunt and his brothers.

    Brothers

    A photo posted by Sam Hunt (@samhuntmusic) on

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, NEW RYMAN RESIDENCY, RELEASES ‘BETTER MAN’ MUSIC VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

    From the stage of Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium, Little Big Town, along with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Ryman Auditorium General Manager Sally Williams, announced this morning their upcoming Little Big Town at the Mother Church residency.  The first ever Ryman residency, slated for six nights in 2017, will kick-off on February 24 during Country Radio Seminar week.  The date will coincide with the release of the Grammy-winning band’s seventh studio album entitled, The Breaker.  Additional dates scheduled for the residency are February 25, May 19 & 20 and September 15 & 16.  Tickets and special two-day packages for all shows will go on sale Friday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. via ticketmaster.com and ryman.com and will be available online only. Tickets for the concerts will be $90.50, $60.50 and $50.50. Each ticket purchased to see Little Big Town at the Ryman includes one (1) physical album of Little Big Town’s new album, The Breaker, scheduled to be released on February 24, 2017. Also on Friday, CID Entertainment will offer additional VIP experiences. For full details, visit bit.ly/2e5PIws.

    Little Big Town at the Mother Church will see the Grand Ole Opry members return to the historic Ryman, where they first graced the storied stage in 2005.  Each of the six shows will feature different support acts and surprise special guests.  Known for their progressive partnerships, expect the unexpected from these upcoming shows. With no other headlining tour currently scheduled, Little Big Town at the Mother Church will account for a large portion of the foursomes touring plans in North America in 2017. These limited live dates are not to be missed.

    “As musicians, there is no better feeling in the world than playing on the stage at the Ryman,” said Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook.  “To be given the opportunity to headline their first residency means so much to us as a band and we promise to make each night as memorable for the fans as possible.”

    In addition to the residency, Little Big Town announced the release of their seventh studio album, The Breaker, available in stores February 24.  The album, produced by Jay Joyce, features lead single, “Better Man” which is currently climbing the charts at country radio. The video for “Better Man,” directed by Reid Long and Becky Fluke, premieres worldwide today.  To view video click here: http://vevo.ly/2JlWhh.

    The Breaker is about letting go of things that break you, it’s about the new ground you try and break as a human being and as a musician.  Sometimes you’re the one that’s broken and sometimes you’re the breaker,” said Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild. “It’s a sentimental record because we’re feeling super grateful for our friends and family and the chance to share the next chapter.”

    Audio / Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild talks about their Ryman residency.

    Download

    LBT (Ryman residency) 1 OC: …our career. :45
    “We’ve been planning this for probably a year I guess with Sally and with our management team, all dreams of what these nights could be, reminiscing about our first play here in 2005 and what it felt like standing on the stage. And moving ahead and wanted to share some of that inspiration with the world knowing that we get to focus and be home and really reflect on the great songs that have been sung on this stage, paying homage to that, asking our friends to collaborate with us, there will be lots of special guests, lots of from all genres collaborations because we’ve been really blessed to do that throughout the years in our career.”

    Audio / Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet reveal Taylor Swift wrote their new single, "Better Man."

    Download

    LBT (Better Man-Taylor) OC: …of  ours. :45
    (Karen) “We’ve been telling you guys that there was a young girl in Nashville who wrote it by herself and its Taylor Swift. And she sent us this song and it was one that was really special to her and she thought of us because of the harmonies and she’d never pitched a song to anyone before and the moment that we heard it we were like, ‘Man, that is a song that we are going to cut and so, yeah.'” (Phillip) “Immediately we were all like had the same reaction. Through our whole career, anytime we’ve had that reaction to a song we knew it felt right. So this one just felt special and we’ve known Taylor since she was in high school, so she’s a dear friend of ours.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY ANNOUNCES HIS 2017 WHAT THE HELL TOUR!

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    Dierks Bentley has announced his 2017 What the Hell Tour, and he’s taking along his buddies Jon Pardi and Cole Swindell.

    Dierks will take the first leg to 23 cities through April in both the U.S. and Canada, making a notable stop its first weekend with a career-first for him – headlining Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena January 21st.

    Pre-sale tickets for select dates including Nashville go on sale tomorrow (10/4), with the first public on-sales scheduled for this Friday, Oct. 7 at www.dierks.com and www.livenation.com.

    “Coming off the electricity and emotion of two nights at Red Rocks last week, it felt right to just go ahead and announce plans for next year and keep this thing rolling,” said Dierks. “There’s a song on my album called ‘What The Hell Did I Say’ and it seemed like an appropriate title for a tour with Cole and Pardi. I have a feeling I’ll be asking myself that question the morning after many of our shows and late night hangs because you really don’t know what will happen when the three of us get together. There has been a lot of drunk calls and texts between all of us over the last year trying to make this tour happen, and I’m excited we were able to pull it off.”

    The What the Hell Tour is set to kick off in Dayton, Ohio January 19th.

    Dierks, who recently hit No. 1 with “Different For Girls,” has four CMA nominations, including Male Vocalist, Album of the Year for Black, Musical Event for “Different for Girls” with Elle King and Music Video of the Year for “Somewhere on a Beach.”

    The 50th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 2nd at 8pm ET/PT on ABC.

    In the meantime, Dierks has extended his Somewhere on a Beach Tour 2016 with dates through October 29th with opening acts Randy Houser and Drake White. Cam finished up her run with Dierks a couple of weeks ago.

    2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR Cities:

    Dayton, OH

    Louisville, KY

    Nashville, TN

    Hamilton, ON

    Oshawa, ON

    Ottawa, ON

    London, ON

    Winnipeg, MB

    Saskatoon, SK

    Calgary, AB

    Dawson Creek, BC

    Edmonton, AB

    Penticton, BC

    Vancouver, BC

    Cedar Rapids, IA

    Sioux Falls, SD

    Columbus, GA

    Tupelo, MS

    Knoxville, TN

    Billings, MT

    Rapid City, SD

    Fresno, CA

    Reno, NV
    *Support may vary, check local listings

    Audio / Dierks Bentley says a tour coming to an end is similar to graduating high school and leaving your group of friends.

    Download

    Dierks Bentley (wrapping up 2016 tour) OC: …summer vacation. :31
    “It’s always sad. It kinda feels like high school coming to an end when you’ve got a great group of people like I have. It starts within my own camp. The guys in my band and my crew, everyone really goes out there wanting the summer to feel great, not just for the audience, but also for us. It’s our summer on the road…it’s our summer too, so we wanna have a lot of fun. We work really hard to create a fun atmosphere backstage for us and all of our crew. And then obviously, the guys that tour with us – having Randy [Houser] out there and Cam and Tucker [Beathard] – want to really make it feel like summer break, summer vacation.”

    Audio / Dierks Bentley talks about wrapping his 2016 tour and how he’ll miss his opening acts Randy Houser, Cam and Tucker Beathard.

    Download

    Dierks Bentley (wrapping up 2016 tour) 2 OC: …like crazy. :51
    “I think when I first stepped on the road this summer I realized it’s like, gosh, this is like summer camp for us. It’s so fun getting to see the same people day in and day out and having stories to talk about the next morning from the night before of the crazy stuff that happened on stage or if there’s a little party that went on after the show. It’s just been so fun. And for me to have the songs stacking up the way they have been and the hits piling up, and to have new material to go out there and sing every summer and some summers have multiple songs come out while we’re on the road, makes it exciting, keeps it fresh for us; it feels like we’re really building something great. It’ll be sad when it’s over. We’re rockin’ so hard, it’ll probably come to an end when it needs to, ‘cause it’s gotta recoup a little bit to get ready for 2017. But, we’ll miss Randy and miss Cam and Tucker like crazy.”

    Video / Dierks Bentley Tour announcement

  • ERIC PASLAY ANNOUNCES ANGELS IN THIS TOWN 2016 HEADLINING TOUR.

    Eric Paslay announced today his “Angels in This Town 2016” headlining tour.  The tour will kick-off on October 13 in Providence, RI and has fifteen tour stops planned with the possibility of more being added.  Special guests on the tour include CMT award nominee Lindsay Ell, singer-songwriter Adam Sanders and country newcomer Courtney Cole.  Check tour schedule below.

    Click
    HERE for Eric’s special tour announcement message to his fans.

    Paslay has been doing inspirational work with “Angels In This Town” – including “Angel Visits” in cities and towns as he tours across the country.  He
    visits local “angels” in their organizations, including hospitals, fire houses, police stations, Girls and Boys Clubs, Habitat for Humanity builds and more – and he is thrilled to announce he will continue making these visits with his headlining fall tour.

    Paslay has partnered with renowned artist Kelsey Montague, known for her original angel wing street art around the world, and together they have created a huge set of angel wings that will travel on tour with him. The wings are a special version of the “Angels in This Town” single artwork and a chance for fans to take their own  pictures and spread Eric and Kelsey’s messages through their hashtags #angelsinthistown and #whatliftsyou. The wings and a brand new Angels themed website dedicated to spreading positivity are being presented by Dexcom, a partnership that has grown throughout 2016 and aims to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for people living with the disease.  Their shared goal of improving lives ties in with everything the song, and the corresponding “Angels in This Town” movement seek to promote.

    “Angels in This Town Tour 2016” Fall dates:
    October 13                  Providence, RI            Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel*
    October 14                  Philadelphia, PA         Theatre of Living Arts (TLA)*
    October 15                  Boston, MA               House of Blues*
    October 19                  Tulsa, OK                   Cain’s Ballroom**
    October 21                  Dallas, TX                  Klyde Warren park
    October 28                  Ocala, FL                    Cowboy’s Saloon*
    October 29                  Pensacola, FL              Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds
    November 3                Cleveland, OH            House of Blues**
    November 4                Tiffin, OH                   Ritz Theatre**
    November 5                Carlisle, PA                 Carlisle Theatre**
    November 6                Columbus, OH            The Bluestone**
    November 10              Patchogue, NY            The Emporium***
    November 11              Clifton Park, NY         Upstate Concert Hall***
    November 12              Rochester, NY             Anthology***
    November 18              Charlotte, NC              Coyote Joe’s

    *
    Lindsay Ell special guest
    **Adam Sanders special guest
    ***Courtney Cole special guest

    Most tickets are on sale now.  Check with the local venue for more details.

    About Eric Paslay
    EMI Records Nashville breakout country artist, Eric Paslay, delivers a powerful punch as a renowned, Platinum-selling, hit songwriter and dynamic performer. Paslay has celebrated five No. 1 hits including “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band), “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Angel Eyes” (Love & Theft), “Rewind” (Rascal Flatts) and “Friday Night,” the smash lead single from his critically acclaimed self-titled debut album. The Temple, Texas native earned nominations for GRAMMY Best Country Song, ACM Song of the Year and CMA Song of The Year for “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” in 2013 and earned his first GRAMMY nomination as an artist in 2016 for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “The Driver”- a collaboration with friends Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley. Most recently he was honored with an ACM Song of the Year nomination for “She Don’t Love You” at the 2016 ACMs in Las Vegas. A true artist’s artist, USA Today calls Paslay “flat out-brilliant” and American Songwriter names him an influencer of country music.

    Paslay has joined friends Chris Young and Brad Paisley on tour this past year and is currently out with Toby Keith this summer as part of “The Interstates and Tailgates Tour, Presented by Ford F-Series.” On the road he has been sharing new songs with fans from his forthcoming sophomore album, DRESSED IN BLACK, including his brand new single “Angels in This Town”- an especially meaningful song for Paslay as it celebrates not only the unexplained miracles in life but also local heroes around the world.

    For the latest information on Paslay go to:
    http://instagram.com/ericpaslay

    About Lindsay Ell
    Named one of The Huffington Post’s “Top Country Artists to Watch in 2016, Lindsay Ell is a triple threat:  accomplished musician, unique vocalist and songwriter.  The 27-year-old Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to country-bluegrass camps as a young girl.  Ell honed her craft as a musical stylist and songwriter after being discovered by BTO and The Guess Who’s Randy Bachman (“American Woman” / “Taking Care of Business”) who discovered her at the age of 13.  The multi-instrumentalist was soon opening for the likes of Luke Bryan, Buddy Guy, The Band Perry and Keith Urban. Ell received critical acclaim for her singles “Trippin’ On Us,” “Shut Me Up” and “By The Way,” including being named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need to Know” and one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. A 2016 CMT Music Award and Canadian Country Music Award nominee, Ell most recently wowed audiences from coast-to-coast as part of the 2016 CMT Next Women of Country Tour. For more information visit: http://www.LindsayEll.com

    About Adam Sanders
    Adam Sanders grew up in the north Florida town of Lake City, where he spent much of his youth with music; playing local fairs, talent shows and town festivals. In 2007, Adam made the move to Nashville. After two years working construction on the side to pay the bills, Adam landed his publishing deal and has had songs recorded by artists such as Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Tyler Farr and others.  In 2015, Adam scored his first and second #1 singles as a songwriter – Cole Swindell “Ain¹t Worth The Whiskey” and Dustin Lynch “Hell of a Night.” As a solo artist, Adam has released a couple his own tracks with his last single “Thunder” accumulating 11 million streams.  His new single “About To” is coming out at the end of September.

    About Courtney Cole

    Courtney Cole is introducing her unique brand of fun-filled, energetic sound to fans with her new self-titled EP, now available on iTunes and Spotify.  After being named a Spotify Spotlight Artist and one of Huffington Post’s Country Artists to Watch, Courtney ended last year with a bang as the opening act on Miranda Lambert’s Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour.

    With a new publishing deal at Warner/Chappell and named one of 
    CMT’s Next Women of Country, Courtney is only just getting started.  In 2016, she has been hitting up the road opening for acts such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, and Thomas Rhett, she is bringing her hometown spirit of New Orleans into her music, her empowering lyrics and her live show. Check out Courtney at CourtneyColeMusic.comFacebookTwitter, & Instagram.  

     

  • KEITH URBAN ANNOUNCES HIS RIPCORD WORLD TOUR.

    Keith Urban has long been hailed as one of the industry’s best live performers who has always given his fans, old and new alike, electrifying and unpredictable shows with eye-popping production and a set list that is saturated with many of his 19 No. 1 songs.  Electrifying and emotional, face-paced and inclusive, Urban’s concerts are an explosive experience, a roller coaster ride that numerous critics have called “concert events not to be missed.”

    ‘RipCORD World Tour 2016’ with Brett Eldredge, along with special guest Maren Morris, will debut on June 2nd, in Kansas City, Missouri and thus far will play more than 50 shows in amphitheaters and arenas throughout the U.S.  Additional legs will be announced and ticket on sales, which will begin in select markets on January 29th, will become available locally within the next few weeks.

    “I’m seriously chomping at the bit to kick off this tour,” said Urban.  “We’ll be playing a lot of new music from RipCORD, all new production, new cities where we’ve never played …and Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris?  It’s gonna be potent and unbridled!!!”

    ‘RipCORD World Tour 2016’ will not only see Urban’s first headlining shows ever in Youngstown (Ohio), Lincoln (Nebraska), Orange Beach (Alabama), Bloomington (Illinois) and Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), but will see his return to several cities in which he hasn’t appeared in three years, including Tampa (Florida), Kansas City (Missouri), Lake Tahoe (Nevada) and West Palm Beach (Florida).

    “I was a Keith Urban fan long before I ever got this music thing going,” said Eldredge.  “He is an absolute powerhouse on stage – unlike anyone I’ve ever seen and to top it all off, one of the most down to earth people I know! The Ripcord tour is gonna be on fire! Get ready!”

    “When I was asked to join Keith on tour, I was floored,” said Morris.  “I’ve personally been a fan of his for as long as I can remember. This is my first tour at this level, and I can’t think of a more respected writer, artist, and musician to join for it. It’s going to be an absolute blast!”

    Urban’s ‘RipCORD World Tour 2016’ will debut on the heels of his soon to be released eighth studio album release of the same name, which has already produced two singles – his Grammy nominated, 19th No. 1 song, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and its second single “Break On Me.”  It is the follow-up to Urban’s groundbreaking release FUSE, his fourth #1 album, that marked the first time in history that a male Country artist had debuted atop the all-genre charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

    KEITH URBAN “RIPCORD WORLD TOUR” 2016

    June 2                Kansas City, MO                 Cricket Wireless Amphitheater

    June 3                St. Louis, MO                      Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

    June 4                Indianapolis, IN                  Klipsch Music Center

    June 10              Myrtle Beach, SC (festival)  Carolina Country Music Fest

    June 11              Alpharetta, GA (Atlanta)      Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

                                                                        at Encore Park

    June 16              Orange Beach, AL               The Wharf Amphitheater

    June 17              Tampa, FL                          MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

                                                                        Amphitheatre

    June 18              West Palm Beach, FL          Perfect Vodka Amphitheater

    June 23              Clarkston, MI (Detroit)        DTE Energy Music Theatre

    June 24              Canandaigua, NY                Constellation Brands-Marvin

                                                                        Sands Performing Arts Center

    June 25              Mansfield, MA (Boston)       Xfinity Center

    July 2                 Gilford, NH                         Bank of New Hampshire

                                                                        Pavilion at Meadowbrook

    July 9                 Toronto, ON                        Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

    July 14               Cincinnati, OH                   Riverbend Music Center

    July 15               Cleveland, OH                     Blossom Music Center

    July 16               Holmdel, NJ                        P.N.C. Bank Arts Center

    July 21               Salt Lake City, UT               USANA Amphitheatre

    July 22               Greenwood Village, CO        Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

    July 23               Albuquerque, NM                Isleta Amphitheater

    July 28               Mountain View, CA             Shoreline Amphitheatre

    July 29               Lake Tahoe, Stateline NV    Lake Tahoe at Harvey’s Outdoor

                                                                        Amphitheatre

    August 18           Charlotte, NC                      PNC Music Pavilion

    August 19           Raleigh, NC                        Walnut Creek Amphitheatre

    August 20           Virginia Beach, VA              Farm Bureau Live at Virginia

                                                                        Beach

    August 25           Syracuse, NY                      Lakeview Amphitheater

    August 26           Philadelphia, PA                  BB&T Pavilion

    August 27           Washington, DC                  Jiffy Lube Live

    October 6            Bismarck, ND                     Bismarck Civic Center

    October 8            Lincoln, NE                         Pinnacle Bank Arena

    October 13          San Antonio, TX                  AT&T Center

    October 14          Dallas, TX                          American Airlines Center

    October 15          New Orleans, LA                 Smoothie King Center

    October 20          Los Angeles, CA                  Staples Center

    October 21          Las Vegas, NV                     T-Mobile Arena

    October 22          Phoenix, AZ                        Talking Stick Resort Arena

    October 27          Grand Rapids, MI                Van Andel Arena

    October 28          Rosemont, IL (Chicago)        Allstate Arena

    October 29          Toledo, OH                          Huntington Center

    November 4         Milwaukee, WI                    BMO Harris Bradley Center

    November 5         Minneapolis, MN                 Target Center

    November 11       Nashville, TN                      Bridgestone Arena

    November 12       Bloomington, IL                   U.S. Cellular Coliseum

    November 13       Youngstown, OH                 The Covelli Centre

    November 17       Hershey, PA                        Giant Center

    November 18       Uncasville, CT                    Mohegan Sun Arena

    November 19       Brooklyn, NY                       Barclays Center

    About Brett Eldredge

    Brett Eldredge’s current single, “Drunk On Your Love” is the second single from his recently released sophomore album Illinois and is currently nearing Top 20. Illinois debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard top 200 Chart and has already produced the No. 1 single “Lose My Mind.” The 2014 CMA New Artist of the Year co-wrote and co-produced every song on the 12 set disc, which follows on the heels of his 2013 debut album Bring You Back. That album spawned three consecutive #1 singles including thePlatinum-certified “Don’t Ya,” the Gold-certified “Beat of the Music,” which was the most played country song of 2014, and the Gold-certified “Mean To Me.”

    Known for his world-class vocals, Eldredge has performed his songs on nearly every major television show in the country, and recently wrapped his first headline tour, CMT on Tour: Brett Eldredge & Thomas Rhett — Suits & Boots.

    About Maren Morris

    25 year-old Columbia Nashville singer/songwriter Maren Morris has quickly established herself in Nashville’s music community with songwriting and vocal styling’s that reflect her country, folk and pop influences, with Rolling Stone Country touting her “a stellar solo artist in her own right.”  Songs from her self-titled EP, have been critically received and just two weeks after its release surpassed 5.5 million streams, with 3 songs hitting Spotify’s US and Global “Viral 50” chart, zipping to #1 on Billboard’s Heat Seeker Album Chart. The Texas native was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, a VEVO Discover Artist, a SiriusXM “Artist To Watch in 2016,” and one of Rolling Stone Country’s “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know.”

    For more official keith urban news and information go to www.keithurban.net or follow him on www.facebook.com/keithurban or @keithurban.

  • SCOTTY McCREERY IS PROUD TO BE A PART OF AMERICAN IDOL, BUT SAD TO SEE IT END.

    The final season of American Idol begins Wednesday night (January 6th) with judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. Scotty McCreery, who took home the title in 2011 on Season 10, says he’s really proud to have been on American Idol, and plans to make an appearance or two this year.

    Idol is one of the biggest shows in pop culture history, but also television history. So, it’s really cool to be a part of that, being with Carrie, Kellie and all sorts of folks. It’s really been an honor to carry that flag, to carry that torch around the country and [it] did a lot of great things for me, that show. So, sad to see that go, but it had a great run,” he says. “Proud to be a part of it, proud of what the show did for a lot of folks, you know, your next-door neighbor could be the American Idol. That was what was so great about the show, and that was me. I was bagging groceries, and now I’m on your radio, so it’s been a cool four, five years after. Sad to see it go. Bittersweet, but it’ll be a fun final season.”

    Scotty is set to release his first book, Go Big or Go Home: The Journey Toward the Dream, in May.

    Audio / Scotty McCreery talks about the final season of American Idol.

    Download

    Scotty McCreery (American Idol final season) OC: …be fun. :41
    Idol is one of the biggest shows in pop culture history, but also television history. So, it’s really cool to be a part of that, being with Carrie, Kellie and all sorts of folks. It’s really been an honor to carry that flag, to carry that torch around the country and did a lot of great things for me,that show. So, sad to see that go, but it had a great run. 15 years on any TV slot is pretty incredible. Proud to be a part of it, proud of what the show did for a lot of folks, you know, your next-door neighbor could be the American Idol. That was what was so great about the show, and that was me. I was bagging groceries, and now I’m on your radio, so it’s been a cool four, five years after. Sad to see it go. Bittersweet, but it’ll be a fun final season. I’ll be making a couple of appearances in there every now and then. It should be fun.”

    Video / Scotty McCreery Southern Belle video

    View
  • LUKE BRYAN FINDS A NEW ACM AWARDS CO-HOST.

    Luke Bryan was desperately searching the honky tonks on Lower Broad in downtown Nashville for a new co-host for the ACM Awards next April…and he found one in pal Dierks Bentley.

    Before Dierks gets there, Luke encounters his “Drunk on a Plane” alter ego, Holden Mike Johnson, as well as his Hot Country Knights persona, Douglas “Big Rhythm Doug” Douglason.

    “When we found ourselves searching for a new co-host I didn’t have to look much further than my own circle of friends so DIERKS was a natural choice,” says Luke. “We have a lot of fun together and I know the fans will be in for something special.”

    “I think everyone knows Luke is the guy you call when you want to have a good time,” adds Dierks. “If we have half as much fun hosting together as we do backstage, it’s going to be a great night.”

    The 51st Annual ACM Awards return to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 3rd at 8pm ET on CBS.

    Video / Luke Bryan finds his new ACMs co-host, Dierks Bentley.

  • ERIC PASLAY HAS SOME ‘HIGH CLASS’ DANCE MOVES AND COULD GIVE JT A RUN FOR HIS MONEY.

    Eric Paslay has been showing off his dance moves lately, and if attended one his shows on Chris Young’s I’m Coming Over Tour, then you’ve seen them. The tall Texan has been shedding his guitar, especially on his latest single “High Class,” and displaying some hot moves in his Lucchese boots. He even gave pop star and new Nashville resident Justin Timberlake a shout-out in his latest hit.

    “The shout out to Justin was ‘I heard he taught Timberlake.’ I didn’t teach Timberlake anything. Dear Lord. But it’s a fun little shout out to him because he’s got the moves and he’s a country boy and he’s from Memphis, and it’s cool that he’s hanging around Nashville a lot more and believes in country artists the way he is,” says Eric. “It’s just funny, ‘point out the DJ/he knows what to play/all the girls out on the dance floor be like/heard he taught Timberlake [laughs] because I’m smooth when I move.’ Anyway, it’s just a fun, fun little shout out and everybody gets it, I think.”

    Eric will join Brad Paisley on the next leg of his Crushin’ It World Tour, which kicks off January 21st in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Cam is also on the bill through the end of February.

    Audio / Eric Paslay has been displaying a few dance moves on stage, especially when he sings his latest single, “High Class,” which calls out to singer/actor/dancer Justin Timberlake.

    Download

    Eric Paslay (Timberlake shoutout) OC: …they get it. :44
    “I’ve recently taken the guitar off and [started] shaking a little on stage and people tend to be liking it. I’ve always been the unknown dancer in the room, and then the right song comes on and I’ll shake a little more. The shout out to Justin was ‘I heard he taught Timberlake.’ I didn’t teach Timberlake anything. Dear Lord. But it’s a fun little shout out to him because he’s got the moves and he’s a country boy and he’s from Memphis, and it’s cool that he’s hanging around Nashville a lot more and believes in country artists the way he is. But it’s just funny, ‘point out the DJ/he knows what to play/all the girls out on the dance floor be like/heard he taught Timberlake [laughs] because I’m smooth when I move.’ Anyway, it’s just a fun, fun little shout out and everybody gets it, I think. Hopefully, they get it.”

    Video / Eric Paslay talks about his latest single, "Bad Blood."

    "All the girls be like 'Heard he taught Timberlake'..."

    Posted by Eric Paslay on Monday, November 23, 2015
  • LAUREN ALAINA EXTENDS HER SWAK WEB SERIES.

    Originally slated as a ten-week run with My Country Nation, Lauren Alaina’s “SWAK” weekly web series took off with fans, accumulating over 1.6 million views. Lauren and My Country Nation have extended the lighthearted series another ten installments. The latest webisode, “21 Things You Don’t Know About Me,” in honor of Lauren turning 21 this month, posted yesterday HERE.

    Lauren is currently touring in support of her new single, “Next Boyfriend,” off her self-titled EP, recently released on Mercury Nashville / 19 / Interscope Records. Also featured on the five-song EP is “History,” a song Lauren wrote and recorded at ESPN’s request for an exclusive promo track to run throughout the network’s extensive football coverage this season. To preview and purchase the Lauren Alaina EP, click HERE.

    For more information, images, tour dates and more, please visit www.LaurenAlainaOfficial.com.

  • LUKE BRYAN SPENDS A SECOND WEEK AT NO. 1 WITH ‘STRIP IT DOWN.’

    Luke Bryan’s “Strip It Down” is spending a second consecutive week at No. 1 on both the Billboard and Country Aircheck country charts. The song, which he co-wrote with Ross Copperman and Jon Nite, is the second chart-topping single from his latest album, Kill the Lights.

    “Nothing is better than when you hear that song and you’re at a place in your artist career where you know the second you hear it, ‘Bam! That’s gonna be on there,’” says Luke. “There’s no way around me not recording that song and that’s a fun feeling.”

    Luke is nominated for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year at next week’s CMA Awards. The 49th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, November 4th at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Audio / Luke Bryan, who’s spending a second week at No. 1 with “Strip It Down,” is thankful for the songs he’s being sent from some of the best songwriters and the songs he writes with hit tunesmiths.

    Download

    Luke Bryan (songs) OC: …on the album. :24
    “Nothing is better than when you hear that song and you’re at a place in your artist career where you know the second you hear it, ‘Bam! That’s gonna be on there.’ There’s no way around me not recording that song and that’s a fun feeling. But you just have to be thankful that you’re getting so many songs sent your way and try to pick what stirs your emotions and your heart and follow your heart and put ‘em on the album.”

  • GEORGE STRAIT RELEASES HIS NEW ALBUM ON FRIDAY.

    George Strait releases his new album, Cold Beer Conversation, on Friday (September 25th). The collection, which features 13 songs including the title track, will be available as an exclusive download on iTunes/Apple Music and at Walmart.

    Even though he wrapped his last tour, The Cowboy Rides Away, more than a year-and-a-half ago, George isn’t done yet. “I said all along, you know, I wasn’t going to tour anymore, but I also said that I wasn’t retiring by any means and I still wanted to do some dates,” says King George. “So, after we did the last show at the AT&T Center in Dallas, we worked really hard getting the live album out and the CMT special and those kind of things. And then I went in the studio and cut a new record.”

    This is the first new studio album in two years from the Country Music Hall of Famer. His last studio album was the Gold-certified Love is Everything, which featured the Platinum-certified No. 1 hit (and 60th No. 1 hit of his career) “Give It All We Got Tonight” as well as the Gold-certified hit “I Got A Car.”

    Cold Beer Conversation Track List:
    1.  “It Was Love” (Keith Gattis)
    2.  “Cold Beer Conversation” (Al Anderson, Ben Hayslip and Jimmy Yeary)
    3.  “Let It Go” (George Strait, Bubba Strait and Keith Gattis)
    4.  “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” (Wyatt Earp and Keith Gattis)
    5.  “Something Going Down” (Jamey Johnson and Tom Shapiro)
    6.  “Take Me To Texas” (Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally)
    7.  “It Takes All Kinds” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, Bob Regan and Wil Nance)
    8.  “Stop And Drink” (Dale Dodson and Troy Jones)
    9.  “Everything I See” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, Dean Dillon and Keith Gattis)
    10. “Rock Paper Scissors” (Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
    11. “Wish You Well” (Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde and Brice Long)
    12. “Cheaper Than A Shrink” (Bill Anderson, Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson)
    13. “Even When I Can’t Feel It” (Dean Dillon, Ben Hayslip and Lee Miller)

    During a press conference on Tuesday, he announced he’ll perform a series of concerts at the new Las Vegas Arena opening April 2016. He’ll be among the first entertainers to perform at the new venue, with four shows beginning April 22nd and additional dates scheduled for April 23rd, September 9th and September 10th of next year. Special guest Kacey Musgraves is set to open his shows in Vegas. Tickets for the shows will go on sale October 2nd at 1:00pm ET via www.straittovegas.com.

    Audio / George Strait said new music was always part of his plan, and he explains getting his new album, Cold Beer Conversation, ready for release on Friday.

    Download

    George Strait (new album) OC: …Beer Conversation. :35
    “I said all along, you know, I wasn’t going to tour anymore, but I also said that I wasn’t retiring by any means and I still wanted to do some dates. So, after we did the last show at the AT&T Center in Dallas, we worked really hard getting the live album out and the CMT special and those kind of things. And then I went in the studio and cut a new record, and I had some time to write with my son and some other writers, Dean and Keith, and so it hasn’t been all just time off.  I’ve been working a little bit here and there and I’m really, really proud of this new album that’s coming out, Cold Beer Conversation.”

  • ERIC CHURCH CHRISTENS EXHIBIT AT COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM.

    Nashville, Tenn. – (Nov. 18, 2015) – The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted an intimate reception of family, music industry friends, and media VIPs Thursday night to celebrate the opening of its latest cameo exhibition, “Eric Church: Inside the Outsider.”  The exhibit features stage clothing, song manuscripts, photos, awards, a hand-written note from George Strait, and more memorabilia that was personally selected by this year’s top CMA Awards nominee for the display.  “Eric Church: Inside the Outsider” will run through February 2016 and is part of the normal admission to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

    During the reception, Church said, “I revere country music. I grew up a fan in North Carolina. I remember a distinct memory when I was 23, walking by the Country Music Hall of Fame just having a moment you know, as a songwriter that had been told ‘no’ a bunch. If I had the chance, had a time machine to go back and tell that guy what would happen over the next 10-15 years (laughs)…neither one of us would believe it.  I just walked through an exhibit that had my name all over it, and here’s what I learned. It doesn’t matter how great your songs are, how great a singer and player you are…I know this now, that it’s about the people that are in this room. It’s about everybody from songwriters, it’s about management, it’s about the band and crew that give it to ‘em every night. It’s about my family, it’s about the people at our house. It’s not about me, because it’s not possible for one person to make that happen.”

    Eric is currently climbing the country charts with “Like a Wrecking Ball,” from his latest album, The Outsiders.

  • LABOR DAY 2015: AJ, Billy, Canaan, Darius, David, Dierks, Eric (Church & Paslay), Jon, Kip, Lady A, Luke

    For many decades, Labor Day was seen as a day for workers to voice their complaints and discuss better working conditions and pay.

    U.S. Congress declared Labor Day a national holiday in 1894, and on Monday, September 7th, we will once again celebrate the people in every occupation whose work and dedication make this nation great. Labor Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers.

    Labor Day weekend also signals the unofficial end to summer, and many of the hottest country stars are taking a look back at some of the toughest jobs they had prior to making their mark in music or their dream job now.

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson says that working man values have always been a part of his music.

    AJ (working people songs) OC: … appreciate that. :28
    “I’ve always written songs and recorded songs, other people’s songs, about workin’ people, and workin’, the workin’ life ’cause I mean, that’s where I’m from. I mean, I worked…I’d already had jobs and worked as a grown person before I ever even thought about bein’ in the music business, so I come from that background, and…although I hadn’t had a job in a long time (laughs), I still remember a lot about it, you know, and I remember what the lifestyle is, and I still appreciate that.”

    Audio / AJ (working people songs) OC: … appreciate that. :28

    Download

    Billy Currington recalls some of the jobs he had before landing his record deal in 2003.

    Billy Currington (Labor Day) OC: …record deal. :40
    “I started working like at [age] 12, landscaping. This was summer, every summers, and roofing. I started when I was about 16 roofing houses, and that was probably one of my toughest jobs because down there in south Georgia, it gets hot, so doing that every day all summer long. The pawn shop when I moved to Nashville was one of my favorites, even though it was one of my least favorites. The concrete job was my least favorite of all – six years of that, and I couldn’t take it no more. After that job, that was my turning point. Either I’m going to do something else for a living [laughs] or quit and try to really focus on music and get this record deal.”

    Audio / Billy Currington (Labor Day) OC: …record deal. :40

    Download

    Canaan Smith talks about the bad jobs he had before signing a publishing deal and later a record deal.

    Canaan Smith (worst jobs) OC: …of that. [laughs] :54
    “I’ve had some terrible jobs. I was a janitor for a while, and I mopped floors, vacuums all kinds of, picking up dog poop, taking out trash, just basically somebody’s beyatch [laughs], that was my job. I did that for two-and-a-half years before I signed a publishing deal. Before that, actually my very first job, I got fired from. It was some sort of candy/chocolate store. My mom dropped me off one time, and I went to work and I was like I think I can do this, and then two shifts later I just didn’t show up because I didn’t understand the concept of having to look at a schedule to see when you come in. I just didn’t show. I just thought they’d call me, ‘Hey, we need you to come in.’ I didn’t know. I was 15 years old, and never worked and that kind of stuff. I always cut grass when I was a kid and cleaned golf clubs – whatever I could do to make some money. But, yeah, I got fired from my first job. I’m pretty proud of that.” [laughs]

    Audio / Canaan Smith (worst jobs) OC: …of that. [laughs] :54

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    Darius Rucker recalls one of his worst jobs before turning to music.

    Darius Rucker (Labor Day) OC: …pizza. :15
    “I was fifteen, and I worked at a pizza place, and the guy decided that at fifteen, that I could not only clean the floors and wash the dishes, but I also had to make pizza. So, for two months, he taught me how to make pizza.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker (Labor Day) OC: …pizza. :15

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    David Nail recalls his first job at Dairy Queen.

    David Nail (Labor Day) OC: …Dilly Bar. :32
    “The first job that I ever had was working at Dairy Queen. One of my very best friends in the world’s mother purchased a franchise, so it was kinda a cool place to work. You put me in an ice cream place, it’s a recipe for disaster. So, Kathy Jeffers, her mother tends to tell people it was a ‘mutual separation,’ but I can vividly remember her saying that they were going to lose money if they continued to let me work, because I was eating more food than I was selling. But, it was a great two days that I spent there, and I had many a Dilly Bar.”

    Audio / David Nail (Labor Day) OC: …Dilly Bar. :32

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    Dierks Bentley makes a living performing for his fans, and he can’t say enough about them.

    Dierks Bentley (Labor Day) OC: …generosity. :26
    “Personally, the fans give me amazement. That’s the only word to really sum it up. I look out in the crowd, you know, usually see a lot of faces and fans are cheering. I know each one of these like from the road-the signs are from California…Michelle and Kayla live up in the Ohio area. They’re all, I just see them, and I’m like, ‘Wow!,’ they’re all from different regions. You know when you’re in a different region of the country and you just see certain fans. These people are way more hard core than I am, and I’m just amazed by their generosity.”

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Labor Day) OC: …generosity. :26

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    Eric Church talks about one of his worst job.

    Eric Church (Labor Day-odd jobs) OC: …bought at 2am. 1:27
    “I had an awful job. I’ve had a lot of awful jobs…my worst one was when I first came to Nashville. I got a job at the Shop at Home Network. I worked midnight, graveyard, midnight to eight. That was bad enough but then I would work all night, go home, shower and then I had writing appointments all day because I was trying to get a career started. I’d go write songs and get meetings just trying to get signed. And end up getting done at 3 of 4 with all of that, I’d go home, take a shower or sleep for a little bit and then I had to be at work again at midnight. So the schedule was bad enough, however, what I had to do at the job…I sold knives from midnight to 7 or 8am. And, anytime somebody calls you at 3 or 4am and needs 200 knives for $19.95, it’s automatically an alarming situation. And I just, I was young and I’d been in a lot of these people’s shoes, I had done this…I knew they were drunk. I knew what they had done. They’d just come home from the bar, flipped on Shop at Home and said, ‘You know what? I need that.’ So the reason the job didn’t last long for me is that I was maybe the worst salesmen in history because I ended up talking a lot of these people out of it, I’d say, ‘I’ll tell you what man, go to bed, call me, I’ll be here in the morning. If you get up in the morning and want these knives you call me back.’ Because I knew what was going to happen, you know. They bought 200 knives for $19.95…first of all some of these people you didn’t know whether you should call the cops. What do you need 200 knives for? Even though I’m selling them…what do you need them for? So, it was awful doing that job. And then they got rid of me because, they were like, ‘You’re the worst. I can’t believe you’re talking people out of it.’ I was like, ‘Man I know…I’ve been there.’ [laughs] I’d want some to talk me out of buying some of the stuff I’ve bought at 2am.”

    Audio / Eric Church (Labor Day-odd jobs) OC: …bought at 2am. 1:27

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    Eric Paslay talks about his first job…printing logos on fanny packs.

    Eric Paslay (Labor Day) OC: …could print. :34
    “My first official job was working at a screen printing place in Texas during the summer in a metal building that had no AC. We printed on fanny packs – really cool — and these other little bags. And it was eye doctors that, some company if you bought supplies through them, they’d put your logo on fanny packs for your customers to put in a drawer somewhere. Fanny packs are cool, if you like ‘em. You know, we’d like time ourselves to see how many fanny packs you could print.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Labor Day) OC: …could print. :34

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    Jon Pardi talks about his worst job, which was at a grocery store.

    Jon Pardi (Labor Day) OC: …so bored! :17
    “The worst job I ever had was at Hometown Grocery Store. I didn’t want to work, I was 15, and I did not want to work at the grocery store. Bagging was fun, but they sent me down the aisles to pull up cans and turn ‘em around and face ‘em, and I would just get so bored!”

    Audio / Jon Pardi (Labor Day) OC: …so bored! :17

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    Kip Moore recalls his worst job…ever.

    Kip Moore (Labor Day-worst job) OC: …than that. :21
    “I’d have to say my worst job ever was laying sod in the south Georgia heat. There’s nothing than that, especially when somebody would think that you’re waiting for the next sod patch to be thrown to you and you got your back turned, and all of a sudden, that big ole piece of sod hits you right on the back. You got nowhere to clean up, and you’re just stuck with dirt on your back for the rest of the day. It doesn’t get any worse than that.”

    Audio / Kip Moore (Labor Day-worst job) OC: …than that. :21

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    Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum tells us what he used to do to make a buck before finding success as a musician.

    Lady A (Labor Day) OC: …I had a lot of crummy jobs. :31
    CK “I used to…” HS: “… knock out asbestos walls.” CK: “I did that for a long time. But even before that, I used to do lawn care every summer. Oh, man, I do not miss that. Just glad those days are over. I get out here and play music for a living. It’s a lot more fun. But yeah, I used to do that, and I used to work as a bag boy at a golf course once. I did that for a couple of summers. I had a lot of crummy jobs.”

    Audio / Lady A (Labor Day) OC: …I had a lot of crummy jobs. :31

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    Luke Bryan talks about the different jobs he worked in and around Leesburg, Georgia, before heading to Nashville to pursue a career in music.

    Luke Bryan (Labor Day-jobs) OC: …Nashville… 1:07
    “At age 12 thru 13, I worked at Rubos IGA Supermarket in Leesburg, GA. I worked during the summers on Monday and Tuesday. I stocked and cleaned up the produce.  They paid me under the table…I peeled off all of the brown lettuce. Let’s see, when I was 15, I was a cashier at K-Mart for two months. I worked at K-Mart for two months, and then I reverted back to Rubos because it didn’t really make sense for me to drive all the way into Albany and work for K-Mart. The benefits were great though-you’d get an hour-long on the blue light special. So I started back at Rubos, and then I quit Rubos and worked for my Dad-just awful just driving tractors through cotton all day, and spraying pesticides that eventually would turn your hair green. And then at some point, I started playing guitar. And well, after college I went back and worked for my dad and continued to spray and haul fertilizer around. And then I moved to Nashville…”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (Labor Day-jobs) OC: …Nashville… 1:07

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  • ALAN JACKSON GETS TOGETHER WITH ‘JIM AND JACK AND HANK’ TO RELEASE HIS NEW SINGLE TO RADIO.

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 6, 2015) – Country superstar Alan Jackson releases “Jim and Jack and Hank” to country radio today, Monday July 6. The self-penned song is the first single from his upcoming new album Angels and Alcohol scheduled to hit stores and all digital retailers next week, Friday, July 17.

    “It’s a fun little up-tempo tune about the same ole story,” said Jackson. “Girl leaves guy and this time he’s not going to be heartbroken. He says, ‘Just go out the door and take all your junk and everything. I don’t need anything. I got all I need. I got my friends – Jim, Jack and Hank – Jim Beam, Jack Daniels and Hank Williams, Sr. or Jr. or both.”

    Jackson adds of his favorite between friends Jim and Jack, “I’ve had them all, but I’ve always kind of stood by Jack Daniels.” He wryly smiles adding, “He’s helped me through a lot of good and bad times. Helped me write a lot of songs. So he’s a good friend.”

    Angels and Alcohol, Jackson’s first studio album of all new music in three years, includes seven self-penned songs including the title track. Angels and Alcohol, his 15th studio album, comes 25 years after his debut landmark album Here In The Real World. Since the release of Here In The Real World, Jackson has released 22 albums including two Christmas albums, two gospel albums, three Greatest Hits collections and a Bluegrass album which included standards and eight original songs written by Jackson.

    The new album was produced by Jackson’s long-time collaborator and friend Keith Stegall who has produced every one of Jackson’s 23 albums over the past 25 years with the exception of one album – Like Red On A Rose (Alison Krauss).

    Angels and Alcohol is available for preorder by clicking HERE.

    Angels and Alcohol Track Listing:

    1) “You Can Always Come Home”             (Alan Jackson)

    2) “You Never Know”                                (Alan Jackson)

    3) “Angels and Alcohol”                            (Alan Jackson)

    4) “Gone Before You Met Me”                   (Michael White, Michael Heeney)

    5) “The One You’re Waiting On”                 (Adam Wright, Shannon Wright)

    6) “Jim and Jack and Hank”                       (Alan Jackson)

    7) “I Leave A Light On”                              (Alan Jackson)

    8) “Flaws”                                                 (Alan Jackson)

    9) “When God Paints”                                (Troy Jones, Greg Becker)

    10) “Mexico, Tequila and Me”                     (Alan Jackson)


    About Alan Jackson

    The man from rural Newnan, GA, who claims he is just a “singer of simple songs,” has sold nearly 60 million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles—registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard #1s).  He has earned more than 150 music industry awards—including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards. Jackson received the first-ever ASCAP Heritage Award in 2014 having earned the title of most performed country music songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.  He is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry.

    Alan Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music.  He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts.  Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.

  • CANAAN SMITH READIES DEBUT ALBUM FOR RELEASE.

    Canaan Smith is gearing up to release his debut album, Bronco, next Tuesday, and he says he hopes people can relate to the songs.

    “I want to know can they find a piece of themselves in this music,” says Canaan. “That’s what I love about country music is that we get to tell stories about us, and then in the long run, it ends up being a story about somebody else too, ‘cause we all go through life experiencing the same thing. So, I really want people to take this album to heart and find pieces of them in it.”

    Bronco features Canaan’s Top 10 hit, “Love You Like That.”

    Canaan is currently on the road with Dierks Bentley on the Sounds of Summer Tour.

    Audio / Canaan Smith can’t wait until Tuesday (June 23rd) for his debut album, Bronco, to be released.

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    Canaan Smith (what he’s looking forward to on release day) OC: …them in it. :45
    “This is my first album ever, so that’s a huge just moment for me. I’m probably just going to get crazy that night on June 23rd when it comes out, because this is a long time coming and my story, and the process, I’m just so grateful for it all. I really am. I think on that day, I’m going to be most interested in how it reacts with the people that are buying it, how they’re reacting to the music. I want to know can they find a piece of themselves in this music? That’s what I love about country music is that we get to tell stories about us, and then in the long run, it ends up being a story about somebody else too, ‘cause we all go through life experiencing the same thing, so I really want people to take this album to heart and find pieces of them in it.”

  • KEITH URBAN HAS BEEN NAMED FIRST NATIONAL AMBASSADOR FOR THE CMA’S NEW ‘MUSIC EDUCATION MATTERS.’

    NASHVILLE – CMA and the CMA Foundation unveiled its new “Music Education Matters” campaign today during CMA Music Festival and announced that superstar Keith Urban will be the first national ambassador for the program, which provides musical instruments and teaching support to programs serving inner-city youth.  

    “Music is not only powerful, it’s magical,” said Urban. “It has the ability to bring people together, to inspire, calm, enhance creativity and intelligence, and to improve concentration. There is nothing like seeing the genesis of the relationship between an instrument and a child or young adult. I’m so honored and proud that the CMA Foundation has given us this opportunity to be a part of something that can have such a positive effect on so many young lives.”

    Getting instruments into the hands of children is not just something that Urban has championed through the years, but is something he’s supporting with a personal donation. He is contributing 60 Keith Urban guitars complete with amplifiers, strings, and picks to five Music Education Matters partner programs across the country including programs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, and San Francisco.

    “Several of these programs have instruments that were provided by the Foundation, but thanks to Keith’s generosity some of our most ambitious and talented students will have a guitar to take home for practice and improving their skills,” said Ron Samuels, Chairman of the CMA Foundation Board of Directors. “This donation is life changing and central to our message that Music Education Matters.”

    “I am extremely grateful for Keith’s generosity and his commitment to advancing music education,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “I have witnessed the difference an instrument makes in the development of a child. Just imagine if someone hadn’t put a guitar in Keith Urban’s hands.”

    Young performers from Metro Nashville Public Schools – one of the recipient programs – participated in the announcement at the AT&T U-verse® Fan Fair X in the Music City Center. Students from JFK Middle School and Antioch High School surprised Urban with a rendition of his hit, “Days Go By” and four, high school guitar students from Nashville School of the Arts joined Urban and his band for a performance of Urban’s new single “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.”

    “I have witnessed first-hand the effect a musical instrument can make in the life of a student,” said Linda Friend, a Metro Music Specialist at John F. Kennedy Middle School. “Rex Yape, a 2014 graduate of Antioch High School, was first provided with recorders through CMA while just a young performer in the Antioch-based ‘Renaissance Kids.’ During his sophomore year, while auditioning on recorder for membership into the Tri-M Music Honor Society, one of the judges suggested that Rex might make a fine oboe player. On Monday morning of the next week a brand new CMA oboe was presented to Rex.  Rex used that oboe to audition for All-State and to play as a member of the Curb Youth Symphony. Rex has just completed his first year at the Curtis Institute of Music, undeniably one of the top music institutions in the world, and is looking forward to a career as a professional musician, something that would not have been possible without the generosity of CMA.”

    The guitars will be distributed to five separate in-school and after-school programs including Notes for Notes, which constructs and operates recording studios in Boys and Girls Clubs nationwide. The CMA Foundation has funded studios in Atlanta, Austin, Brooklyn, Detroit, Nashville, and San Francisco, with plans to expand into other markets in 2016.  

    “Everyday youth in our studios are getting their hands on instruments but thanks to Keith we will be able to gift these guitars to our most dedicated players to take home and shred into their musical dreams,” said Phil Gilley, CEO/ Co-Founder Notes for Notes.

    CMA Foundation partner programs that will be receiving guitars include:

    Education Through Music: Education Through Music (ETM) partners with inner-city schools to provide all students with music as a core subject, and to create school communities that value the arts. In the 2014/2015 school year, ETM served 20,000 students and 40 teachers in 37 inner-city schools in New York City, and their model reaches another 8,000 children through the work of their licensed affiliate organization in Los Angeles.

    Harmony Project: Harmony Project is a tuition free, after-school and weekend music program in Los Angeles that targets 2,000 at-risk students ages 6-18. Combining rigorous music instruction and enrichment activities, mentoring, family support services, and college scholarships, the program guides vulnerable youth through life’s challenges while building critical life skills that will serve them into adulthood. 

    Little Kids Rock (LKR): Little Kids Rock is a national nonprofit that provides an innovative music education program called Modern Band to more than 195,000 students in 29 cities. LKR leverages the shared cultural capital of students (and their teachers) by connecting learning to the music styles that kids already know and love including rock, pop, hip hop, and Country. LKR provides instruments, curriculum, teacher training, and ongoing support.

    Metro Nashville Public Schools: Since 2006, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $9 million to support an unprecedented effort to strengthen and improve music education in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Through this unique partnership with Metro Schools and the Nashville Public Education Foundation, CMA has provided thousands of instruments, enabling the city to accelerate access to quality music education for all students.

    Notes for Notes: Notes for Notes funds the construction of music studios in Boys and Girls Clubs and other facilities across the U.S. The CMA Foundation made an initial donation to the Nashville Notes for Notes chapter and committed additional funds to expand the program in several markets including Atlanta, Austin, Brooklyn, Detroit, and San Francisco.  

    The CMA Foundation receives the bulk of the funding to support these and other programs from CMA Music Festival. To date, CMA and the CMA Foundation have donated more than $11 million to this worthy cause on behalf of the artists who perform at CMA Music Festival for free.

    The Foundation has made Music Education Matters its core initiative. Statistics show it is making a difference. Studies have proven that people who play instruments from childhood have above average general reasoning skills and verbal intelligence. Other studies indicated that learning music increases fine motor skills, enhanced hearing ability, and memory.

    This means the skills acquired learning music give the child the foundation to succeed in other disciplines. For instance, the enhanced reasoning skills and verbal intelligence are the skills needed to excel in the language arts. The act of reading music is cognitively very similar to the act of reading words, so children who learn to read music at a young age generally read at a higher grade level than their peers.

    Keith Urban’s seventh studio album FUSE, his fourth No. 1 album, marked the first time that a male Country artist has debuted atop the all-genre charts in the United States, Canada, and Australia. FUSE’s first single, “Little Bit of Everything” took the top spot on the Country Singles Chart, as did “We Were Us,” featuring Miranda Lambert, which gave Urban a streak of five consecutive No. 1 songs (dating back to 2011’s “Without You”).  In fact, with the release of FUSE’s fourth and fifth No. 1 singles, “Somewhere In My Car” and “Raise ‘Em Up,” Urban  extended his lead as the artist with the most consecutive Top 10 songs on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, a streak which started in August of 2000. He was the first Country artist to be named an American Idol judge, a role he willreprise for the show’s 15th and final season.

    Urban has long supported numerous charities. Amongst other things, he is an advisory board member at the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and a longtime supporter of The Grammy Foundation. In 2013, he introduced his new URBAN™ Guitar Collection via HSN, proceeds of which went to benefit both the Grammy Foundation and Mr. Holland’s Opus Fund. The offering resulted in the largest guitar debut ever for the entertainment/lifestyle retailer, selling out in a matter of hours. In 2014 his second offering, for his URBAN™ Guitar Collection via HSN, broke that record. His annual “All For The Hall” benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum© has raised nearly $2.5 million.

    CMA created the nonprofit (501C3) CMA Foundation in 2011. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, the CMA Foundation focuses on improving and sustaining music education programs everywhere while supporting worthwhile causes important to the Country Music Association.

    **Suggested Tweet**: The #CMAfoundation announces @KeithUrban as #MusicEducationMatters ambassador after performing w/ Nashville students at #CMAfest! {Link URL}

  • KIP MOORE’S NEW ALBUM, WILD ONES, IS SET FOR RELEASE IN AUGUST.

    Kip Moore‘s highly anticipated sophomore album on MCA Nashville, WILD ONES, is set for release August 21st. Fans can pre-order the album with an exclusive merch package here.

    WILD ONES really encompasses everything I’ve been through out on the road since the first album, it embodies us as a band every night out on stage, it alludes to the traveling circus it sometimes feels like we are a part of,” said Moore. “I’m so glad that I’m able to finally let the fans know when to expect what we’ve been working on so passionately for the past couple years, to let them know the wait is nearly over.”

    Each song on the 13-track disc was born on the road during soundchecks, inside backstage dressing rooms and in Moore’s bunk at night, and recorded during “time off” from playing more than 200 shows a year.

    Driven forward by electric guitars and gang vocals, “Lipstick” is the album’s most heartfelt tribute to the road, with each verse rattling off a list of the favorite cities Moore and his bandmates have played in the past. Other songs, like “That Was Us,” take a look backward, sketching a picture of the archetypal small-town Saturday nights that filled Moore’s teenage years in Georgia. “Magic,” anchored by one of the anthemic, open-armed choruses of Moore’s career, is loud and lovely, and “Comeback Kid” packs its punch the opposite way: by dialing back the volume and delivering quiet praise to the underdog in all of us.  The new album also features the playful lead single, “I’m To Blame,” which is climbing the country radio charts now.

    “I’m truly hoping that people just simply love the project that I’ve worked so hard on,” says a heartfelt Kip. “I hope that people take the time to actually listen to this record as a whole, as a whole body of work and appreciate what we’ve done as a band, and I hope that it puts us to the next level.”

    WILD ONES TRACK LIST:

    1. Wild Ones (Kip Moore, Chris DeStefano, Brett James)
    2. Come And Get It (Kip Moore, Brett James, Manny Medina)
    3. Girl of Summer (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
    4. Magic (Kip Moore, Westin Davis, Luke Dick)
    5. That Was Us (Kip Moore, Westin Davis, Dan Couch)
    6. Lipstick (Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, David Frasier, Westin Davis)
    7. What Ya Got On Tonight (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
    8. Heart’s Desire (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Adam Browder, Erich Wigdahl)
    9. Complicated (Kip Moore, Chris DeStefano, Rodney Clawson)
    10. I’m To Blame (Kip Moore, Justin Weaver, Westin Davis)
    11. That’s Alright With Me (Kip Moore, Dan Couch, Luke Dick)
    12. Running For You (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
    13. Comeback Kid (Kip Moore, Erik Dylan, Ross Copperman, Jeff Hyde)WILD ONES follows Moore’s debut album, UP ALL NIGHT, which scored three No. One hit singles and notched two PLATINUM certifications with “Hey Pretty Girl” selling over 1 million and “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” earning DOUBLE PLATINUM status.  This summer, Moore will bring his “high energy set” (Rolling Stone) out on the road with Dierks Bentley for his 2015 Sounds of Summer Tour.

    For more information, visit www.kipmoore.net

    Audio / Kip Moore reveals his hopes for his new album,

    Download

    Kip Moore (hopes for new album) OC: …it can do. :34
    “I’m truly hoping that people just simply love the project that I’ve worked so hard on. I hope that people take the time to actually listen to this record as a whole, as a whole body of work and appreciate what we’ve done as a band, and I hope that it puts us to the next level. We want to continue growing as a band, and I hope this record achieves what I have in my mind, and I like to keep those things in my mind. I don’t like to say them out loud, but I hope this record does what I have in my mind thinking what it can do.”

    Video / Kip Moore talks about the inspiration behind his forthcoming album, Wild Ones.

    View
  • MICKEY GUYTON IS READY TO RELEASE HER SELF-TITLED EP.

    Mickey Guyton is set to release her self-titled EP on Tuesday (May 26th), which includes her Top 30 single, “Better Than You Left Me,” which she co-wrote with Jennifer Hanson, Jenn Schott and Nathan Chapman. Nathan was also at the helm of the EP, along with producers Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington) and Luke Laird (Kacey Musgraves).

    Mickey has pretty much known she wanted to be a professional singer when she was eight-years-old and saw LeAnn Rimes sing the National Anthem at a baseball game.

    “I grew up singing in the church, and my church drove to Arlington [Texas] from Waco to go see a Texas Rangers baseball game,” says the Texas native. “We were all the way up in the nosebleed section, and the announcer says, ‘Please rise as 10-year-old LeAnn Rimes sings the National Anthem,’ and that was before ‘Blue’ came out. I was already stuck on her, and then when ‘Blue’ came out, I was just like done.”

    The Texas native kept her dreams of becoming a singer a little bit of a secret. “It wasn’t until I was older when I finally admitted it. When you say something like that, it’s pretty crazy. What are we normally supposed to be? We’re supposed to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, go to school and for me to even say that was just kind of crazy,” says Mickey. “So, I took an interest in singing. I started doing solos in the church choir or the school had a talent show. I’d bring my boom box, and I’d sing ‘I Will Always Love You.’ I was just mesmerized by big-voiced women, so from LeAnn, I started listening to Dolly and Patsy Cline and Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire and Faith Hill and Martina McBride, all those people.”

    Mickey is on the road with Brad Paisley on his Crushin’ It Tour. The next stop is June 4th in Phoenix, Arizona.

    Mickey Guyton EP Track Listing:

    1. “Why Baby Why” – Victoria Banks, Emily Shackelton, Phil Barton (produced by Nathan Chapman)
    2. “Somebody Else Will” – Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Hillary Lindsey (produced by Luke Laird)
    3. “Pretty Little Mustang” – Mickey Guyton, Hillary Lindsey, Jeremy Spillman (produced by Nathan Chapman)
    4. “Better Than You Left Me” – Mickey Guyton, Jennifer Hanson, Jenn Schott, Nathan Chapman (produced by Nathan Chapman and Dann Huff)

    Audio / Mickey Guyton recalls the moment she wanted to become a country singer.

    Download

    Mickey Guyton (started with LeAnn) OC: …done. :24
    “I was eight-years-old, and my church, I grew up singing in the church, and my church drove to Arlington [Texas] from Waco to go see a Texas Rangers baseball game. We were all the way up in the nosebleed section, and the announcer says, ‘Please rise as 10-year-old LeAnn Rimes sings the National Anthem,’ and that was before ‘Blue’ came out. I was already stuck on her, and then when ‘Blue’ came out, I was just like done.”

    Audio / Mickey Guyton talks about her secret dream of becoming a singer.

    Download

    Mickey Guyton (on pursuing a career as a singer) OC: …all those people. :50
    “It wasn’t like something where I was like, ‘Dad, I want to be a professional singer.’ It wasn’t until I was older when I finally admitted it. When you say something like that, it’s pretty crazy. What are we normally supposed to be? We’re supposed to be a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, go to school and for me to even say that was just kind of crazy. So, I took an interest in singing. I started doing solos in the church choir or the school had a talent show. I’d bring my boom box, and I’d sing ‘I Will Always Love You.’ I was just mesmerized by big-voiced women, so from LeAnn, I started listening to Dolly and Patsy Cline and Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire and Faith Hill and Martina McBride, all those people.”

  • DARIUS RUCKER TAKES SOME OF HIS FAVORITE ‘VOICES’ ON THE ROAD.

    Darius Rucker just kicked off his Southern Style Tour last week, and he’s excited to be on the road with his supporting acts – Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne and A Thousand Horses.

    “I wanted to get guys whose voices I loved, first of all,” Darius says. “Those Brothers Osborne – their harmonies, man, it just kills me when brothers can sing like that, you know? It kills me, and I love it. And I thought they’d be great.”

    As far as newcomers A Thousand Horses, “The last year, I’ve spent a lot of time hanging out with those guys and doing stuff together and playing shows together, and I think they’re great. I love what they do.”

    “Brett, because there’s just something about that kid. I mean, his voice is so special. I mean, it’s so special. I love him. I think he’s awesome,” he says. “I wanted to tour with him, and I thought it’d be really cool to just take him out and have a good time and just, you know, this might be the last time he ever opens up for somebody. He’ll probably be a headliner next year, so it’s like let’s get him and go have some fun.”

    Darius does have a few issues with Brett Eldredge, though. “I wish he didn’t know how to dress. I’m like, ‘Dude, if we have a day off and we’ve got out to dinner, I’ve got to see what you’ve got on before we go out, [laughs] ‘cause you’re not gonna make me look like a bum and you like you’re on your way to the Playboy Mansion you look so cool.’”

    The Southern Style Tour will initially hit 30 cities across North America. The next stop is Thursday (May 21st) in Alpharetta, Georgia, followed by shows in Tampa and West Palm Beach.

    Darius has hit the airwaves with his new single, “Southern Style.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker talks about his Southern Style Tour with openers Brett Eldredge, Brothers Osborne and A Thousand Horses.

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    Darius Rucker (Southern Style Tour) OC: …great dude. 1:24
    “I wanted to get guys whose voices I loved, first of all. Those Brothers Osborne – their harmonies, man, it just kills me when brothers can sing like that, you know? It kills me, and I love it. And I thought they’d be great. The Thousand Horses boys are friends of mine, and I love their music. The last year, I’ve spent a lot of time hanging out with those guys and doing stuff together and playing shows together, and I think they’re great. I love what they do. Brett, because there’s just something about that kid. I mean, his voice is so special. I mean, it’s so special. I love him. I think he’s awesome. I hear his songs, you hear his records and you go, ‘Man, that guy, he’s got it. He ain’t faking it. That’s for real.’ I’d played some shows with him and I’d done some guitar pulls with him, and I loved hanging with him. We’d hang out and talk, and he’d make me laugh. I’d go, ‘This kid gets it.’ I wanted to tour with him, and I thought it’d be really cool to just take him out and have a good time and just, you know, this might be the last time he ever opens up for somebody. He’ll probably be a headliner next year, so it’s like let’s get him and go have some fun. And I wish he didn’t know how to dress. I’m like, ‘Dude, if we have a day off and we’ve got out to dinner, I’ve got to see what you’ve got on before we go out, [laughs] ‘cause you’re not gonna make me look like a bum and you like you’re on your way to the Playboy Mansion you look so cool.’ But, he’s a great dude.”

    Audio / LINER Darius Rucker (win tx to my show)

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  • SAM HUNT PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE LADIES.

    Sam Hunt is paying tribute to the ladies of the ‘90s during his Lipstick Graffiti Tour. He’s performing hits from such female hitmakers as Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

    “A lot of the songs are songs that come from an era of country music that I grew up listening to, and just judging the fan base that we’ve had so far and the people who are coming out, they seem to have similar musical interests. It seems like they grew up probably listening to a lot of the same things I grew up listening to, and a lot of these female country singers doing their thing in the ‘90s when I was listening to country music,” says Sam. “It was kind of something I wanted to [do]; I don’t know if you’d call it a nod to that era and those great female artists who meant so much to me growing up, and to kind of acknowledge all that great music. And there’s gonna be some R&B we’ll do as well from some of the female artists that came up doing it in that genre.”

    The next date on Sam’s Lipstick Graffiti Tour, featuring Native Run as openers, is Thursday (February 19th) in Knoxville, Tennessee, followed by shows in Myrtle Beach and Charleston.

    Sam, who is up for ACM New Artist of the Year, is scaling the country charts with his latest single, “Take Your Time.”

    Audio / Sam Hunt talks about the medley of ‘90s female artists he’s doing during his shows on his Lipstick Graffiti Tour.

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    Sam Hunt (Lipstick medley) OC: …together cool. :49
    “A lot of the songs are songs that come from an era of country music that I grew up listening to, and just judging the fan base that we’ve had so far and the people who are coming out, they seem to have similar musical interests. It seems like they grew up probably listening to a lot of the same things I grew up listening to, and a lot of these female country singers doing their thing in the ‘90s when I was listening to country music. And then also, the last few years, there hasn’t been a strong a presence from females in country music. I don’t know. It was kind of something I wanted to [do]; I don’t know if you’d call it a nod to that era and those great female artists who meant so much to me growing up, and to kind of acknowledge all that great music. And there’s gonna be some R&B we’ll do as well from some of the female artists that came up doing it in that genre. So, hopefully, it’ll all blend together cool.”

     

  • SHANIA TWAIN PREPARES FOR LIVE FROM VEGAS CD + DVD RELEASE.

    Shania Twain is set to release her live CD and DVD next month. Shania: Still the One Live From Vegas will include a deluxe edition 18-track CD and DVD and is set for release March 3rd.

    Shania held a residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for two years that ended this past December. After going through some difficult times and having a few voice issues a few years ago, she pushed her fears aside and booked her Vegas gig, giving herself a deadline to put it all together.

    “I guess I was just ready to be reinvigorated and to test myself, test my limits, take myself out of my comfort zone,” Shania explains. “I was feeling a little bit insecure just before I jumped into the Vegas situation, and I thought, ‘Well, maybe I need to just jar myself a little bit and take something really new and exciting on, and take the chance that maybe I’ll have a really great time and learn some new things about myself and put my voice to the test, as well.’”

    “It gave me a goal, and I thought if I put myself under pressure and gave myself a timeline, something as demanding as a Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace (laughs), maybe that will really force me into dealing with my voice problems,” she says. “So, I put that pressure on myself, took on the show, and it really worked. I guess it was sort of personal and professional therapy really.”

    Shania: Still the One Live From Las Vegas Track List:

    CD
    1. “I”m Gonna Getcha Good!” / “You Win My Love”
    2. “Don”t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)”
    3. “Up!”
    4. “I Ain”t No Quitter”
    5. “No One Needs to Know”
    6. “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”
    7. “Any Man of Mine”
    8. “That Don”t Impress Me Much”
    9. “Honey, I”m Home”
    10. “(If You”re Not in It For Love) I”m Outta Here”
    11. “Come on Over” (Acoustic)
    12. “Love Gets Me Every Time” (Acoustic)
    13. “Rock This Country!” (Acoustic)
    14. “Today Is Your Day” (Acoustic)
    15. “You”re Still the One”
    16. “From This Moment On”
    17. “Red Storm”
    18. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”

    DVD
    1. Opening
    2. “I”m Gonna Getcha Good!”
    3. “You Win My Love”
    4. “Don”t Be Stupid (You Know I Love You)”
    5. “Up!”
    6. “Good, Bad and Sexy” (Interlude)
    7. “I Ain”t No Quitter”
    8. “No One Needs to Know”
    9. “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?”
    10. “Any Man of Mine”
    11. “Shania Style” (Interlude)
    12. “That Don”t Impress Me Much”
    13. “Honey, I”m Home”
    14. “(If You”re Not in It For Love) I”m Outta Here”
    15. “Carrie Anne”
    16. “Come on Over”
    17. “Love Gets Me Every Time”
    18. “Rock This Country!”
    19. “Today Is Your Day”
    20. “Black Horse, White Horse” (Interlude)
    21. “You”re Still the One”
    22. “From This Moment On”
    23. “Red Storm” (Interlude)
    24. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
    25. “Rock This Country!” (Live From Calgary) — Credits

    Audio / Shania Twain talks about how the deadline to come up with her live show for Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas helped her overcome some of her fears.

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    Shania Twain (Vegas deadline) OC: …as well. :34
    “First of all, it makes you feel alive to take on challenges, and I guess I was just ready to be reinvigorated and to test myself, test my limits, take myself out of my comfort zone. I was feeling a little bit insecure just before I jumped into the Vegas situation, and I thought, ‘Well, maybe I need to just jar myself a little bit and take something really new and exciting on, and take the chance that maybe I’ll have a really great time and learn some new things about myself and put my voice to the test, as well.’” 



    Audio / Shania Twain continues talking about giving herself a deadline for her Las Vegas show.

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    Shania Twain (Vegas deadline) 2 OC: … therapy, really. :42
    “It gave me a goal, and I thought if I put myself under pressure and gave myself a timeline, something as demanding as a Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace (laughs), maybe that will really force me into dealing with my voice problems. It’s sort of like getting a personal trainer. You’ve got someone there, or a goal, someone there reminding you all of the time. so the deadline and everything like that and having the team involved, really put me on the spot and I was up for putting myself on the spot. So, I put that pressure on myself, took on the show, and it really worked. I guess it was sort of personal and professional therapy really.”

     

  • KEITH URBAN WANTS TO BE MOVED BY IDOL CONTESTANTS. (AUDIO)

    When American Idol returns next month, you might notice a little different judging style from Keith Urban. He says he goes more on gut feeling rather than how well someone sings.

    “I think more and more, I find myself going with a gut reaction to someone’s performance. It’s ‘Do I feel something?’ I think it’s just so simple, ‘Do I feel something from this performer?’ ‘Cause I mean, sometimes they can have a pretty average voice, but they know what to do with it, to communicate and to get my attention and to make me feel something,” says Keith. “I’m interested in all of those things, because at the end of the day, it’s all about connecting, and the way in which we all do that is infinite. There are plenty of people that come on and they sing and they sound amazing, and I don’t feel anything. And so, those people, I’m not going to respond to them. I’m going to respond to the people that I feel something from.”

    American Idol 2015 will open the season with a two-night premiere event starting with Wednesday, January 7th and Thursday, January 8th.

    Audio / Keith Urban (judging Idol-gut feeling)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban explains his judging style for the new season of American Idol, kicking off next month.

    Keith Urban (judging Idol-gut feeling) OC: …something from. :41
    “I think more and more, I find myself going with a gut reaction to someone’s performance. It’s ‘Do I feel something?’ I think it’s just so simple, ‘Do I feel something from this performer?’ ‘Cause I mean, sometimes they can have a pretty average voice, but they know what to do with it, to communicate and to get my attention and to make me feel something. I’m interested in all of those things, because at the end of the day, it’s all about connecting, and the way in which we all do that is infinite. There are plenty of people that come on and they sing and they sound amazing, and I don’t feel anything. And so, those people, I’m not going to respond to them. I’m going to respond to the people that I feel something from.”

  • THANKSGIVING AUDIO: AJ, Brothers Osborne, Darius, Dierks, Easton, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Josh Turner, Kip Moore, Lady A, Little Big Town, Mickey, Sam (AUDIO)

    The Thanksgiving holiday tradition traces its origins to a 1621 celebration at Plymouth, in the state that’s now known as Massachusetts. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. While initially, the Plymouth colony did not have enough food to feed half of the 102 colonists, the Wampanoag Native Americans helped the Pilgrims by providing seeds and teaching them to fish. The practice of holding an annual harvest festival like this did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660s. People now celebrate the holiday by giving thanks for their blessings over the past year, as well as feasting on turkey and other festive goodies.

    Thanksgiving Day is Thursday, November 27th, and most people will be enjoying time with their friends and families, including some of your favorite country stars, such as Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Easton Corbin, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, George Strait, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt and more. They share their thoughts, memories and favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

    Audio / AJ (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Alan Jackson talks about his favorite Thanksgiving dish.

    AJ (Thanksgiving) OC: …enjoy it. :19
    “My favorite Thanksgiving dish would be the homemade dressin’ that we, cornbread-based kind of dressin’ that we always have with turkey. That recipe is a kind of a combination of my mama, and Denise has taken it and perfected it over the years, so that me and my children really enjoy it.”

    Audio / Brothers Osborne (misfits Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne talks about their annual Misfits Thanksgiving dinner.

    Brothers Osborne (misfits Thanksgiving) OC: …going home. :45
    “What we’ve done the past several years is because it’s so hard to go home, we would have what we call the Misfit Thanksgiving dinner, and all the people in Nashville who aren’t able to go home to their families, we would just invite them over to our house and have a big potluck style Thanksgiving dinner. We’ll take like a couple of tables and throw them together and throw some sheets on it just to make it look nice. It’s a very redneck display of like tableware, because all the plates don’t match and the forks and knives don’t match, but we don’t care. People will bring wine, and at the end of the day, we’ll probably have 12-15 people all sitting at dinner together that weren’t able to go home with their families, and just enjoy it with friends. It’s been really fun. Definitely a lot less stress than going home.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker (favorite part of Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Darius Rucker talks about his favorite part of Thanksgiving.

    Darius Rucker (favorite part of Thanksgiving) OC: …my family. :17
    “My favorite part of Thanksgiving is easy – it’s food. It’s eating. It’s hanging out with family and getting some great food, ‘cause that’s really what Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for all of the great things you’ve got, and I always give thanks for the greatest thing I’ve got and that’s my family.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Darius Rucker says he’s thankful for his family.

    Darius Rucker (Thanksgiving) OC: …still alive. :17
    “Oh, the main thing I’m thankful for is my family, there’s no doubt about that. Thanksgiving is about family for us. If we’re in Jersey, getting together with family. If we’re in Charleston, getting together with family and just cooking and eating. Sitting around and talking and remembering and being thankful for where we are, you know. We’re all still alive.”

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Thanksgiving must-have)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley, who is thankful for his wife, two daughters and son, talks about his Thanksgiving must-have! It’s an oldie, but a goodie!

    Dierks Bentley (Thanksgiving must-have) OC: …for Thanksgiving. :41
    “You gotta have a big turkey. Thanksgiving is not possible without a turkey. My dad’s always been the one to cook and carve it, but in years here recently, I’ve been taking over those duties. Big responsibility. We cook it traditionally, but when we’re in, a couple of Thanksgivings ago, we were here in Nashville, we did the whole fry the turkey up, and it was great. It just tasted so good; all those juices get locked in there, and I love that too. You really can’t, to me, cook a turkey wrong. I’m gonna eat it any way, and I have over the years. Trust me, I’ve played a lot of county and state fairs, where I’ve seen gigantic turkey legs, you know, I’ve had the flat meat. I’ve done turkey every way you could do it. I’m pretty good any way you want to cook it up, but you’ve got to have a turkey for Thanksgiving.”

    Audio / Easton Corbin (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Easton Corbin talks about spending Thanksgiving with family.

    Easton (Thanksgiving) OC: …my grandma’s. :33
    “Having family and being able to spend that quality time with them and obviously, the opportunity to do what I do. But absolutely during that time, being able to spend that time with family and your loved ones. We used to always go to my grandma’s, that’s Christmas and Thanksgiving. We’d go there for the big meal. I don’t get to go back much. A lot of times I’ll stay up [in Nashville] for Thanksgiving, and then go down during Christmas, but we’d always go to my grandma’s.”

    Audio / Easton Corbin (Thankful 2014)

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    AUDIO: Easton Corbin explains what he’s thankful for this year.

    Easton Corbin (Thankful 2014) OC: …what I do. :08
    “Well, this year I think, as I think every year, I’m so thankful for my family and friends out there and being able to make a living at what I do.”

    Audio / Eric Church (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church says he’s thankful for his family – including son Boone – as well as for his fans, who made this year his most successful yet.

    Eric Church (Thanksgiving) OC: …want to do it. :37
    “A couple of things. I’m thankful for my family, my son, my wife and great health. And I’m thankful for from a career standpoint, I’m very thankful for the success we’ve had lately. I’m thankful for what the fans have done. I’m thankful that we’re starting to have some hit songs on the radio, I mean there’s a lot of stuff to be thankful for in that regard. And I’m thankful that I was given the opportunity to do it my own because I’m just not a guy, you know if we were having this success and I wasn’t able to do it my own, it wouldn’t be the same for me. I’m not one of those people that could keep doing that. Some people can, I can’t. I’d bail. So, I’m thankful that I’m going to get to keep doing this and do it the way that I want to do it.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Turkey)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay loves him some turkey for Thanksgiving.

    Eric Paslay (Turkey) OC: …really does. :09
    “My favorite Thanksgiving food, I think, is the tryptophan turkey, ‘cause it really puts me to sleep. No [yawn], it really does.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay talks about his favorite Thanksgiving memories.

    Eric Paslay (Thanksgiving) OC: …too much. :05
    “My best Thanksgiving memory, I think, is just hanging out with family, watching football and eating too much!”

    Audio / Josh Turner (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Josh Turner talks about how Thanksgiving is turning out to be his favorite holiday.

    Josh Turner (Thanksgiving) OC: …holiday for me. :45
    “Thanksgiving, in a lot of ways, has kind of bene one of my favorite holidays of the year, because I love that time of the year. I love the fall. That week has been the same ever since I was born. My birthday comes first, then the Clemson-South Carolina game and then Thanksgiving, and I’ve always kind of had time off during that time of the year. So, those three things, in that proper sequence, has always happened every single year of my life, so I can’t help for it to be a tradition. Like I say, it’s a fun time to get together with family and watch football and eat some good food and just enjoy the weather and the downtime, so it’s a fun holiday for me.”

    Audio / Josh Turner (fave side dish)

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    AUDIO: Josh Turner shares his favorite Thanksgiving side dish.

    Josh Turner (fave side dish) OC: …’em myself. [laughs] :24
    “Uh, deviled eggs! [laughs] Where I’m from in South Carolina, I don’t think I’ve tasted a bad deviled egg. It’s like everybody has their own twist on it, but they’re all good, but I always loved it when my mama made ‘em. I’m learning as I get older, making deviled eggs is no easy task. It’s more complicated than it looks, and so that’s probably why I never made ‘em myself.” [laughs]

    Audio / Josh Turner (thankful 2014)

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    AUDIO: Josh Turner has a few things he’s thankful for this year.

    Josh Turner (thankful 2014) OC: …future holds. :19
    “Well, obviously, I’m very thankful for our new son, Hawke, in the house, but I’m also thankful too that I have a single out on the radio and it’s doing so good, and we’re busy on the road. I still get to do what I love to do for a living, so I have a lot to be thankful for, and just looking forward to what the future holds.”

    Audio / Josh Turner (holidays)

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    AUDIO: Josh Turner explains what he enjoys about the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

    Josh Turner (holidays) OC: …the peace and quiet. :38
    “I love being outside in nature and the outdoors, and the holidays is a great time for me to go and partake in that part of my life. A lot of times, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a little cold to go fishing, but when it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s a great time to go hunting, especially in South Carolina, that’s when the temperatures are starting to drop and the conditions are getting right, and especially in November, kind of the tail end of the rut, as far as deer season. So, it’s a good time to get in the deer stand whether you kill anything or not, it’s just a great time to just get away from everything and get away from the noise and the lights and the diesel fumes [laughs] and just relax and just enjoy the peace and quiet.”

    Audio / Keith Urban (Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban, who will be spending Thanksgiving this year in London with his wife and two daughters, gives thanks for many things, including his wife and two daughters.

    Keith (Thanksgiving) OC: …for me. :21
    “Thankful that, well, my marriage is just, it’s life-giving, not just life-changing, it’s been life-giving for me. And from there, we created life, and that’s just beautiful, absolutely beautiful. And the effect that all of that has had in my work, has given life to it too, given it a sense of purpose and really deepened the experience for me.”

    Audio / Kip Moore (going home for Thanksgiving)

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    AUDIO: Kip Moore talks about going home for Thanksgiving and getting some time to hang with his five brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews.

    Kip Moore (going home for Thanksgiving) OC: …do it more. :38
    “Thanksgiving is huge for me, because I never get to see my family period. All of my nieces and nephews are growing up and my brothers and sisters; I’ve been gone from home since right when I turned 18, I’ve been a long ways away from home. And that’s the one bad part about it is knowing my family is growing up and they’re all experiencing things together and I don’t get to be included on it, because I’m off doing this. So, when I get together with them, it means a whole lot to me. Usually, we’ll try to go fishing together – me and my brothers, or my dad, we used to always go when we would go back home for Thanksgiving. So, yeah, just time to get to hang out with them is huge for me, and I hate that I don’t get to do it more.”

    Audio / Lady A (Charles Thanksgiving eating contest)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley talks about the annual eating contest he and his two brothers – Josh and John — have over the Thanksgiving holiday.

    Lady A (Charles-Thanksgiving eating contest) OC: …five pounds! :25
    “One of my most memorable Thanksgiving memories was probably the first year that me and my two brothers decided to start our annual eating contest where we ate throughout the whole day. We started that morning and weighed ourselves and at the very end of the night, we weighed ourselves out and all three of us equally gained five pounds. I wish we had a more accurate scale to decide the winner, but we all tied. Five pounds!”

    Audio / Lady A (Dave-thankful)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum Dave Haywood says the whole band is thankful for their families.

    Lady Antebellum (Dave-Thankful) OC: …with ‘em. :13
    “I think all of us are definitely most thankful for our families. They have been a huge support of our career ever since we started, and Thanksgiving is a great time to be with them. We travel so much, and we always try to make sure we take off the Thanksgiving holiday so we can be home with them.”

    Audio / Lady A (Hillary's Thanksgiving food)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott describes her favorite Thanksgiving dish.

    Lady A (Hillary-Thanksgiving food) OC: …ever tasted. :12
    “So, my favorite Thanksgiving food would have to be my grandmother’s sweet potato casserole. There’s just something she puts in it — probably all the love – that makes it better than anything I’ve ever tasted.”

    Audio / LBT (Thanksgiving) 2

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    AUDIO: The members of Little Big Town love Thanksgiving since they get time off to be with their families.

    LBT (Thanksgiving) 2 OC: (Kimberly) …and eat. :31
    KIMBERLY: “Thanksgiving—we love Thanksgiving, ‘cause we get to be with our families and we don’t often get to spend time with our families, our extended families, until the holidays. I love being around the table with my family and talking and laughing and cooking and eating…” JIMI: “And eating and eating and eating and eating…” PHILLIP: “The laughter around the eating, the good cheer, the celebration, the music…” JIMI: “The eating, going taking a nap, then coming back and eating.” KIMBERLY: “Go to bed with a full belly, take a nap, and then get up and eat.”

    Audio / Mickey Guyton (Thanksgiving plans)

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    AUDIO: Newcomer Mickey Guyton has been on her first radio tour, which has taken her all over the country promoting her debut single, “Better Than You Left Me,” and she says all she plans on doing at Thanksgiving is…nothing.

    Mickey Guyton (Thanksgiving plans) OC: …watch movies. :28
    “My plans for Thanksgiving are to do absolutely nothing. I want to spend time with my family and watch movies. I want to watch Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving, and just sit and do absolutely nothing. That is what I want to do. It’s been a crazy nine weeks, and sometimes you just want to sit and not have to pack a suitcase, not have to worry about travel plans. I just want to sit and watch movies.”

    Audio / Mickey Guyton (Thanksgiving traditions)

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    AUDIO: Mickey Guyton talks about one of her favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

    Mickey Guyton (Thanksgiving traditions) OC: …Thanksgiving traditions. :17
    “One of my Thanksgiving traditions is playing charades after Thanksgiving dinner. I’m not the most competitive person in the world, but as soon as you put some Charades in the picture, I am crazy, and you will definitely want to be on my team if we’re playing Charades. I’m just saying. So, that’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions.”

    Audio / Mickey Guyton (favorite Thanksgiving dish)

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    AUDIO: Mickey Guyton reveals her favorite Thanksgiving dish.

    Mickey Guyton (favorite Thanksgiving dish) OC: …both so much! :39
    “My favorite Thanksgiving dish that has to, has to, has to be at Thanksgiving dinner is dessert. Dessert is my favorite Thanksgiving dish. I mean, it doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s sweet. My mom actually makes an Italian cream cake that’s absolutely awesome. It’s homemade, and the entire family, that’s the first thing to go at Thanksgiving dinner. And my Grandma D, she makes a pecan pie that is awesome. She taught me how to make them when I was little, and I just love them, and that’s the other thing that I look forward to at Thanksgiving dinner, and I love them both so much!”

    Audio / Sam Hunt (Thanksgiving plans 2014)

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    AUDIO: Sam Hunt talks about his plans for Thanksgiving this year.

    Sam Hunt (Thanksgiving plans 2014) OC: …the family. :34
    “I believe we have the day of Thanksgiving off, and we are playing in Florida the next day for the Florida-Florida State game. I’m from Georgia, so that’s pretty much en route. So, I think the guys are gonna load up on the bus, and we’re just gonna drive down, and I invited them all to have Thanksgiving with myself and my family down in Georgia. So, I believe that’s what we’re gonna do. We get together with my Dad’s folks for lunch and then my mom’s folks for dinner, so I’m gonna bring the guys down, and they’re just gonna be part of the family.”

    Audio / Sam Hunt (Thanksgiving eats)

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    AUDIO: Sam Hunt talks about his favorite Thanksgiving meal.

    Sam Hunt (Thanksgiving eats) OC: …glass of milk. :34
    “When I pile my plate up, it’s mostly turkey and then I’ll put a little dressing on the side, and I’ll usually go ahead and grab my dessert on the first run [laughs] and have it ready before it all disappears. Those are the really the three things. It’s strange, but since I was very young, I’ve always loved drinking milk, my brothers too, we drank lots of milk. My cousins, who grew up down the road, they always looked at us funny when we wanted to drink milk with our Thanksgiving meal. They would have coke or whatever else. So, I still get turkey, dressing, a piece of pecan pie and a big ole glass of milk.”

     

  • ERIC CHURCH WILL JOIN KENNY CHESNEY FOR A HANDFUL OF STADIUM DATES IN 2015. (AUDIO AND PRESS RELEASE)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 10, 2014) – Kenny Chesney’s stadium shows are always full-blown concert experiences, none more than his 2013 No Shoes Nation Tour with good friend Eric Church sharing the bill. When the 8-time Entertainer of the Year was readying his Big Revival Tour, he thought about Church’s energy and intensity levels – and asked the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Album of the Year winner for the double-platinum Chief to join him for parts of his tour.

    “There is something about the way Eric connects with my audience,” says the man whose sold in excess of a million tickets each of his headlining tours, “that left me feeling like he made the No Shoes Nation Tour something special! He attacks the stage with so much force – and his songs really speak to the people who’re fighting the fight to get by – and I love that about what he does onstage.”

    The Big Revival Tour dates featuring Church: 

    Saturday, May 9         Indianapolis, In. at Lucas Oil Stadium

    Saturday, May 30       Pittsburgh, Pa. at Heinz Field

    Saturday, June 13       Atlanta, Ga. at The Georgia Dome

    Saturday, July 11        Philadelphia, Pa. at Lincoln Financial Field

    Saturday, August 22   Detroit, Mich. at Ford Field

    “Some of the most fun I’ve ever had on tour was last summer with Kenny,” shares Church.  “He’s an artist that isn’t afraid to let you come full blast and do what you do. It’s rare you get to tour with someone you respect and you are friends with. I can’t wait to do it again.”

    Chesney is the only country artist in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Touring Acts of the Last 25 Years; impressive given headlining began in 2002. Deemed “The King of the Road” by The Wall Street Journal, his summer concerts are legend – and he’s already begun this touring cycle with his 13th #1 Country Album The Big Revival, which has spawned the multiple-week #1 “American Kids” and “Til It’s Gone,” which hit Billboard’s Country Charts at #18 with a bullet on add date.

    Church, whose Chief and The Outsiders both debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart debut –with the latter currently holding the highest country album debut for 2014—is known for an aggressive take on country, one that blurs hard rock and hardcore while capturing the grit of standing one’s ground, making ends meet and never losing one’s dignity in the process. His #1 hits include “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Drink In My Hand” and “Springsteen,” as well as the envelope-pushing “Homeboy,” “Smoke A Little Smoke,” “Creepin’,” Like Jesus Does” and his latest from The Outsiders, “Talladega.”

    “I’m so glad the fans in these five cities will get to rock with Eric this year,” Chesney enthuses. “It’s a wild night when we get together… and it’s something everyone should be a part of!”

    Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival Tour is presented by Corona Light.

    AUDIO: Eric Church, who will be on the bill for a handful of stadium dates with Kenny Chesney next year, has a lot of respect for the East Tennessee native. [NOTE: There is a slight crackle noise in the audio.]

    Eric Church (Kenny Chesney 2014) OC: …treated us. :23
    “I have a ton of respect for Kenny and the way he’s built his career. I know how hard it was for us to go from where we were to the arena level, and I can’t imagine to go from where he was to the stadium level. That’s just an amazing amount of commitment and passion, and I have a lot of respect for that, and the work that’s went into it. I also have a lot of respect for the way he treats his crew, his band, the way they treat him and the way he’s treated us.”

     

  • CMA AWARDS 2014: Eric Church (AUDIO)

    Eric Church is up for four CMA Awards, including Album of the Year for The Outsiders, Male Vocalist and Single and Song of the Year for “Give Me Back My Hometown.” In 2012, he picked up the Album of the Year award for his multi-platinum record Chief, and he said backstage he wanted a win for his fans and the people who had worked so hard to get him to that point.

    “It’s not something that I think about for me,” says Eric. “I never put a lot of weight on awards, but I’ve always wanted it for the people who believed in me from the beginning, who have been so passionate about what we do.”

    The 48th Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday (November 5th) at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Audio / Eric Church (CMA 2012 backstage)

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    AUDIO: Backstage at the CMA Awards 2012, Eric Church said he really wanted the Album of the Year award, not for himself, but for those who’ve believed in him since the beginning.

    Eric Church (CMA 2012 backstage) OC: …what we do. :12
    “It’s not something that I think about for me. I never put a lot of weight on awards, but I’ve always wanted it for the people who believed in me from the beginning, who have been so passionate about what we do.”

    Audio / Eric Church (making the album)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about letting the creativity breathe when he made his CMA-nominated album, The Outsiders.

    Eric Church (making the album) OC: …as an album. :41
    “I think a lot of when you make an album, you can’t go in with a preconceived notion of here’s what it is. You’ve got to be committed and take the time in the process to let the creativity to lead you there. And I think for us, I think that’s what we did. We let the songs dictate what was next. There’s two songs on this album that if you pull them out of the album, I like ‘em, [but] I just don’t love ‘em near as much as if you put ‘em back in because of the space that they give the songs in-between and what I feel when I listen to the record. By themselves? Fine, but in its spot, I love ‘em. It’s an album. It’s start to finish. Shuffle is gonna aggravate me on this if people play shuffle, because it’s not right. It needs to be listened to as an album.”

    Audio / Eric Church (Give Me Back My Hometown)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church says the story of “Give Me Back My Hometown’ appeals to him as a songwriter.

    Eric Church (Give Me Back My Hometown) OC: …songwriter. :41
    “I love that it’s about ‘Give Me Back My Hometown,’ but it’s about a guy that’s still in his hometown. He’s in the most familiar place, the place he knows better than anything, but because his female lover left him there, all those places that he knows so well, become so haunting and foreign to him. The loneliness and sadness of it, it’s one of the sadder songs we’ve ever done. To be at the place that you grow up at that is your home, and the person that left you there took that from you, there’s nothing lonelier than that. So, I love that dichotomy of ‘Give Me Back My Hometown,’ when the person’s in it, they’re standing in it, and that appealed to me as a songwriter.”

  • CMA AWARDS 2014: Luke Bryan (AUDIO)

    Luke Bryan has three nominations, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Crash My Party, going into Wednesday night’s CMA Awards. Just a few years ago, he was chomping at the bit to be able to even perform on the show, and this year, he was the first one to be asked to participate.

    “I just truly love going to awards shows, having the opportunity to perform and be on TV and having nominations. What an honor. What an amazing situation, and to be asked. You know, not long ago, I would’ve chopped my leg off to be performing on these awards shows, and now I’m in the situation where I’m one of the first artists that gets asked to perform, and I’m so proud of that spot in my career.”

    Luke will release his new single, “I See You,” on Monday (November 3rd).

    Audio / Luke Bryan (CMA Awards 2014)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about how flattered he is to be nominated in three categories at this year’s CMA Awards.

    Luke Bryan (CMA 2014) OC: …It’s fun. :48
    “For me to get nominations is very flattering and amazing and to be up for Album and Male Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year – I love it. I don’t take it for granted. I just truly love going to awards shows, having the opportunity to perform and be on TV and having nominations. What an honor. What an amazing situation, and to be asked. You know, not long ago, I would’ve chopped my leg off to be performing on these awards shows, and now I’m in the situation where I’m one of the first artists that gets asked to perform, and I’m so proud of that spot in my career. It’s fun.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (CMA Album 2014)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about his CMA-nominated album, Crash My Party.

    Luke Bryan (CMA Album 2014) OC: …got recognized. :55
    “This album, obviously being up for Album of the Year, I mean I feel like it’s, I hope I can say this about my next album, but I truly know without a doubt that Crash My Party is my best album from the first track to the last track. When people put their hard-earned money down to buy your product, your album, your life, your heart, your work, your dreams, your sleepless nights, that’s amazing to me. I mean, they put down their money and they’re costing themselves something else by buying your music. It’s a very, very amazing thing that happens in my life as a country music artist, and I’m just proud to be in the category and love the fact that the album got recognized.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (CMA 2014) 2

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about some of his competition at this year’s CMA Awards.

    Luke Bryan (CMA 2014) 2 OC: …to be there. :51
    “I feel like the group of everybody involved, they’re just as flattered to be in it too. I mean, you hear their records, and they’re flawless and amazing and spotless, but we all arrive at our records in different manners, which makes things that much more special. I know Keith Urban sits down there and plays these licks on guitars that I wouldn’t even know where to start, and then I do things that Keith Urban doesn’t do, and then Miranda [Lambert] comes at it from a whole different process and Blake does too. All of these artists that get to this level, they don’t do it by accident; none of it is by accident. It’s because they’re amazingly smart, and they deserve to be there.” 

  • SAM HUNT CAREFULLY CHOSE SONGS FOR DEBUT ALBUM, MONTEVALLO. (AUDIO)

    Sam Hunt released his debut album, Montevallo, this week, and he chose the songs on it very carefully as it related to his life, and how they were slightly different from each other.

    “These 10 songs were the songs that I absolutely HAD to put on the record. I didn’t want to overwhelm people with a ton of songs. I wanted them to really digest these songs,” says Sam. “You only get one first album, and these are the songs I feel like best represented the era of writing my first album. Every song is a little bit different. The other songs that I have would have been a slight version of something that’s already on the record, so I wanted to keep it unique in that way.”

    The first single from Montevallo, “Leave the Night On,” is poised to top the country charts next week.

    Audio / Sam Hunt (song choices)

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    AUDIO: Sam Hunt talks about his song choices for his debut album, Montevallo.

    Sam Hunt (song choices) OC: …in that way. :52
    “I had about 14 or 15 songs ready when I went to make the record. I couldn’t decide, after the first 10, I couldn’t decide what to pick. So, at the end of the day, these 10 songs were the songs that I absolutely HAD to put on the record. I didn’t want to overwhelm people with a ton of songs. I wanted them to really digest these songs especially. So, I just stuck with 10. I don’t know what plans will be in the future as far as putting out new music, but hopefully I’ll be able to put out music sooner than later, because I want to continue to write and I do have songs that folks haven’t heard. You only get one first album, and these are the songs I feel like best represented the era of writing my first album. Every song is a little bit different. The other songs that I have would have been a slight version of something that’s already on the record, so I wanted to keep it unique in that way.”

  • LADY ANTEBELLUM TAKE ON A CHALLENGE FOR THEIR NEW ALBUM, 747. (AUDIO)

    The members of Lady Antebellum are just days away from releasing their new album, 747, and will be hitting the media circuit next week. The group will kick-off the week with a three-song performance on TODAY (9/30) followed by an intimate performance at the Gramercy Theater that night for a Yahoo! live stream event starting at 8pm ET. The band will also stop at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (10/1) to perform their multi-week smash hit single “Bartender.”  

    This week, Lady Antebellum announced the 7FOR7 project where they will give seven surprises for seven fans in seven days. The week-long celebration will take them across the country where they will help make some deserving fans’ wildest dreams come true. Videos clips from each of the seven stops will be posted on Facebook.com daily.

    For this new album, the band was challenged to think outside of the box by none other than Charles Kelley’s wife. “I think we were definitely challenged, and we were very honest with ourselves, that we had maybe not pushed ourselves to evolve like I know we can, and we should have,” says Charles. “We just needed a little time and a reason to kind of do. It wasn’t until now, this past year, I don’t know, man. We just had this fire lit where we were ready to kick ass again.”

    Audio / Lady A (make a statement)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley says his wife challenged him to think outside the box for their new album.

    Lady A (make a statement) OC: …make a statement. 1:34
    “My wife is brutally honest, and she’s not the most musical person, but she is a very… you know, a good example of a listener, or someone that would be a fan of our music, and she said, ‘Charles, I really want you guys to stretch yourselves a little bit. I know you’ve got better songs.’ And I said, ‘What do you mean by that? Better songs? This is great stuff?’ And she said, ‘I know, but I’ve heard that before. Y’all have done this before.’ And it really made me mad, because I was like, ‘This is who we are. This is what we do. I’m not all of a sudden gonna go do something else, just because it’s popular. I don’t write those songs. We don’t write that way.’ She’s like, ‘I know, but just let yourself try different things.’ It kinda stuck with me and pissed me off, but in a good way. It wasn’t until we started writing these songs…they scared me when we were writing. Songs like ‘Bartender; and ‘Freestyle,’ where after we finished them, it was like, ‘Whoa, we can write these kinds of songs. And do them in our way.’ I think we were definitely challenged, and we were very honest with ourselves, that we had maybe not pushed ourselves to evolve like I know we can, and we should have. We just needed a little time and a reason to kind of do. It wasn’t until now, this past year, I don’t know, man. We just had this fire lit where we were ready to kick ass again. We were ready to really get out there, and make a statement.”

     

  • LADY ANTEBELLUM TAKE FANS ON A TRIP WITH THEIR NEW ALBUM, 747. (AUDIO)

    Lady Antebellum are set to release their new album, 747, on September 30th, and the band feels that the music they created will be with them for a long time.

    “The recording process and all of that will always be a time and place for us that we’ll look back on with so much joy and really great memories, but these songs, I feel like, are gonna travel with us for a while,” says Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “I don’t wanna lose that feeling.  I don’t wanna lose that fight. I want that to carry over into the next however many years we’re blessed to be able to do this.”

    “As a band, we’re ready,” adds Charles Kelley. “It’s been a couple years since we’ve had a song of the year or a record of the year. That, as artists, is very gratifying. And that’s where this record is. It’s a band that is clawing and fighting to win a record of the year.”

    Lady Antebellum are up for Vocal Group of the Year and Music Video of the Year for their recent two-week No. 1 song, “Bartender.”

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum talk about what they want for their new album, 747.

    Lady A (want album to travel with them) OC: (Hillary) …to do this. 1:
    HILLARY: “I feel like this album is gonna travel with us for a while. The recording process and all of that will always be a time and place for us that we’ll look back on with so much joy and really great memories, but these songs, I feel like, are gonna travel with us for a while.” CHARLES: “It’s a snapshot, if anything, of where we are as a band. I think it’s wanting to solidify our place, and wanting to stay at the top, for lack of a better way of saying it. You know, when you start playing these arenas and these amphitheaters, and the fans are gravitating toward this music, it’s a drug. You want it. You want to stay there. As a band, we’re ready. It’s been a couple years since we’ve had a song of the year or a record of the year. That, as artists, is very gratifying. And that’s where this record is. It’s a band that is clawing and fighting to win a record of the year.” DAVID: “I hear some fighting in this record and I hear it in the tracks, and I remember us writing with that tenacity and that urgency. I feel that in the music, for me. I hear the fight in this record; that we wanna get back up there.” HILLARY: “And that’s what I mean when I say the music is gonna travel with us for a while. I don’t wanna lose that feeling.  I don’t wanna lose that fight. I want that to carry over into the next however many years we’re blessed to be able to do this.”

  • CMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS WITH LADY A, LUKE, CHURCH, DIERKS, KACEY AND MORE! (AUDIO)

    Darius Rucker and the reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town announced the nominees for this year’s CMA Awards on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday morning (September 3rd).  Little Big Town picked up another nod in the Vocal Group category.

    Luke Bryan, picked up three nominations, including Entertainer, Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Crash My Party. He tweeted, “Thank y’all for my nominations. Amazing. Crazy stuff.”

    Dierks Bentley picked up five nominations, including Male Vocalist, Album for Riser, Song for “I Hold On,” which Dierks wrote with Brett James and Single and Music Video of the Year for “Drunk on a Plane.

    Eric Church is nominated for four awards, including Male Vocalist, Album for The Outsiders, Single and Song of the Year for “Give Me Back My Hometown,” which he wrote with Luke Laird.

    Lady Antebellum has two nods, including Vocal Group and Music Video of the Year for “Bartender.”

    Kacey Musgraves, who won New Artist of the Year in 2013, picked up three nominations this year, including Female Vocalist, Music Video and Song of the Year for “Follow Your Arrow,” which she co-wrote with Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. She tweeted her reaction, “MUCHAS GRACIAS por mi CMA Nominations! Arrow nom for SOTY?! That’s a dream come true! They all are. Thanks.”

    Vince Gill, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, was nominated for Musical Event of the Year with Paul Franklin for Bakersfield.

    Kip Moore picked up a nomination for New Artist of the Year. His reaction – “Just heard the news about cma nomination..no way to express my gratitude through a tweet. So many involved with this, so thanks to all!”

    The 48th Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 5th at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Audio / Lady A (CMA Group 2014)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley talks about their CMA nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. The band is also nominated for Music Video of the Year for “Bartender.”

    Lady A (CMA Group 2014) OC: …fingers crossed. :53
    “For the Group of the Year, it’s just become so competitive. As the years keep going, you have all these great groups coming in like The Band Perry and Eli Young Band, just absolutely making big splashes. So, I think for us now that we’ve been here, in the genre, seven, eight years now, to still be considered kind of fresh and part of these big groups means a lot. We try not to take it for granted, because we know it’s tough to kind of stay, I guess, on top in this genre right now. So, just to be considered one of those groups still means a lot. We want to always be in there. We’re hoping, got our fingers crossed this year, we’re just excited that with ‘Bartender’ having so much success, maybe there’s a chance that we can win this year and kind of take the award back, which would mean a lot. So, I don’t know. We’ll see. Fingers crossed.”

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (I Hold On) 1

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his previous No. 1 hit, “I Hold On,” which is nominated for Song of the Year.

    Dierks Bentley (I Hold On) 1 OC: …at the end. :33
    “This is so me. It’s so personal, yet it’s so universal at the same time. These verses are snippets of my life and just things of my life, and it’s kind of a song about self-discovery too. Who am I after all these years?  What’s important to me? Why do I do certain things that I do? Why do I hold on to certain things I hold onto? It’s a little bit of me trying to figure out who I am, and then in the choruses, it’s just who we are as Americans, as a people, as human beings I guess, you know there’s things that we really value and hold onto tight – faith, love and freedom. In a way, it’s kind of a love song too, you know, coming back and wrapping up at the end.”

    Audio / Eric Church (making the album)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about letting the creativity breathe when he made his CMA-nominated album, The Outsiders.

    Eric Church (making the album) OC: …as an album. :41
    “I think a lot of when you make an album, you can’t go in with a preconceived notion of here’s what it is. You’ve got to be committed and take the time in the process to let the creativity to lead you there. And I think for us, I think that’s what we did. We let the songs dictate what was next. There’s two songs on this album that if you pull them out of the album, I like ‘em, [but] I just don’t love ‘em near as much as if you put ‘em back in because of the space that they give the songs in-between and what I feel when I listen to the record. By themselves? Fine, but in its spot, I love ‘em. It’s an album. It’s start to finish. Shuffle is gonna aggravate me on this if people play shuffle, because it’s not right. It needs to be listened to as an album.”

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (Follow Your Arrow) 2

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    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves is passionate about her song, “Follow Your Arrow,” which was nominated for both Music Video and Song of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards.

    Kacey Musgraves (Follow Your Arrow) 2 OC: …accepting other people. :43
    “I get like fired up when I talk about this song, because it’s so fun to play and it’s always interesting. I’m always wary whenever I play it a little bit because it does push some buttons, but people young and old seem to get a kick out of it and just appreciate that fact that like I’m showing love to people who don’t usually get that in our genre. And, too, it’s just funny because no matter what side of the coin you’re on, gay, straight, left, right, black, white, anything, I mean there’s always going to be an opposing opinion so it doesn’t matter. Like society is going to have an opinion either way. You’re never going to make society happy completely. I mean if you’re too fat, then you need to lose weight, but if you lose too much weight, then oh, she’s on crack. It’s just about being who are and accepting other people.” 

     

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR THEIR PAIN KILLER TOUR. (PRESS RELEASE)

     

    NASHVILLE TN (Monday, August 25, 2014) – GRAMMY award-winning country group Little Big Town—consisting of members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman—will be launching THE PAIN KILLER TOUR on November 8th in Youngstown, OH.  Today the foursome also unveiled the album cover of Pain Killer, their upcoming sixth studio release, on the band’s Instagram page (instagram.com/littlebigtown).  Pain Killer is set for release October 21st and features current hit single, “Day Drinking.” All tour dates except Mt. Pleasant, MI will be produced by AEG LIVE/The Messina Group.  

    THE PAIN KILLER TOUR will feature special guests Brett Eldredge and Brothers Osborne and will hit over 13 cities nationwide, wrapping in Rockford, IL on December 13th

    “We are so excited to share Pain Killer and get on the road for this tour,” said Fairchild. “Kimberly, Phillip, Jimi and I are thrilled to have such amazing openers in Brett and Brothers…we’re big fans.”

    “The band is so stoked about this record that we’ve been playing new songs all summer,” added Westbrook. “We can’t wait to play the whole thing, along with our hits the fans know and love this November.”

    For the very first time the band is offering their fans a unique VIP experience on THE PAIN KILLER TOUR. Choose from 2 limited packages including meet and greets, pre-show soundcheck, exclusive merchandise, and more. For more information on all VIP packages and pre-sale tickets head over to www.littlebigtown.com.  
     
    THE PAIN KILLER TOUR:
    11/8               Youngstown, OH                    Covelli Centre
    11/9               Cincinnati, OH                       Bank of Kentucky Center
    11/13             Roanoke, VA                         Salem Civic Center
    11/14             Knoxville, TN                         Knoxville Civic Coliseum
    11/15             Atlanta, GA                           Fox Theatre
    11/20             Denver, CO                           1st Bank Center
    11/21             Wichita, KS                           Hartman Arena
    11/22             Dallas, TX                             Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
    12/4               Detroit, MI                            Masonic Temple Detroit
    12/5               Chicago, IL                           Rosemont Theatre
    12/6               Mt. Pleasant, MI                    Soaring Eagle (Brett Eldredge Only)
    12/12             Rochester, MN                       Mayo Civic Center Arena
    12/13             Rockford, IL                          BMO Harris Bank Center
         
    About Brett Eldredge
    With two consecutive No. 1 hits “Beat of the Music” and “Don’t Ya,” Atlantic recording artist Brett Eldredge is thrilled to join Little Big Town on THE PAIN KILLER TOUR in support of his debut album Bring You Back. Celebrating his album release with performances on Today, Live with Kelly & Michael, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Myers, Eldredge also earned New Artist nominations for the CMA and ACM Awards, a CMT Award nod for “Breakthrough Video of the Year,” a performance on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and rave reviews from noted tastemakers. Eldredge was recently named by People Country Magazine and Us Weekly as one country music’s sexiest men. People reported “Patience, passion, personality, a whole lot of talent and an insane work ethic are already in Brett’s favor to position him as a star in country music.”

    About Brothers Osborne
    Brothers Osborne hail from Deale, Maryland; a water town on the Chesapeake Bay. Upon moving to Nashville, Brothers Osborne began writing and playing every open-mic in town that they could. In 2012 the brothers signed to EMI Nashville (part of the Universal Music Group Nashville). Brothers Osborne mark the first duo signed to the EMI Nashville imprint.  Their current single at country radio is the feel-good song “Rum,” a song that the New York Times says “…is elegantly structured, sinewy country passing as back-porch folk.” In addition, Rolling Stone also listed Brothers Osborne as one of 10 Artists You Need To Know. Furthermore Country Weekly listed Brothers Osborne as one of their “ONES TO WATCH IN 2014” and Paste Magazine listed the brothers on their “Best Of What’s Next” list.

     

    Video / 2014 'Pain Killer' Tour Announce - Little Big Town

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  • LABOR DAY AUDIO: AJ, Billy, Darius, David, Dierks, Church, Paslay, Jon, Keith, Kip, Lady A, Luke (AUDIO)

    For many decades, Labor Day was seen as a day for workers to voice their complaints and discuss better working conditions and pay.

    It’s been 120 years since the U.S. Congress declared Labor Day a national holiday, and on Monday, September 2nd, we will once again celebrate the people in every occupation whose work and dedication make this nation great. 

    Labor Day weekend also signals the unofficial end to summer, and many of the hottest country stars are taking a look back at some of the toughest jobs they had prior to making their mark in music or their dream job now.

    Audio / AJ (working people songs)

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    AUDIO: Alan Jackson says that working man values have always been a part of his music.

    AJ (working people songs) OC: … appreciate that. :28
    “I’ve always written songs and recorded songs, other people’s songs, about workin’ people, and workin’, the workin’ life ’cause I mean, that’s where I’m from. I mean, I worked…I’d already had jobs and worked as a grown person before I ever even thought about bein’ in the music business, so I come from that background, and…although I hadn’t had a job in a long time (laughs), I still remember a lot about it, you know, and I remember what the lifestyle is, and I still appreciate that.”

    Audio / Billy Currington (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Billy Currington recalls some of the jobs he had before landing his record deal in 2003.

    Billy Currington (Labor Day) OC: …record deal. :40
    “I started working like at [age] 12, landscaping. This was summer, every summers, and roofing. I started when I was about 16 roofing houses, and that was probably one of my toughest jobs because down there in south Georgia, it gets hot, so doing that every day all summer long. The pawn shop when I moved to Nashville was one of my favorites, even though it was one of my least favorites. The concrete job was my least favorite of all – six years of that, and I couldn’t take it no more. After that job, that was my turning point. Either I’m going to do something else for a living [laughs] or quit and try to really focus on music and get this record deal.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Darius Rucker recalls one of his worst jobs before turning to music.

    Darius Rucker (Labor Day) OC: …pizza. :15
    “I was fifteen, and I worked at a pizza place, and the guy decided that at fifteen, that I could not only clean the floors and wash the dishes, but I also had to make pizza. So, for two months, he taught me how to make pizza.”

    Audio / David Nail (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: David Nail recalls his first job at Dairy Queen.

    David Nail (Labor Day) OC: …Dilly Bar. :32
    “The first job that I ever had was working at Dairy Queen. One of my very best friends in the world’s mother purchased a franchise, so it was kinda a cool place to work. You put me in an ice cream place, it’s a recipe for disaster. So, Kathy Jeffers, her mother tends to tell people it was a ‘mutual separation,’ but I can vividly remember her saying that they were going to lose money if they continued to let me work, because I was eating more food than I was selling. But, it was a great two days that I spent there, and I had many a Dilly Bar.”

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley makes a living performing for his fans, and he can’t say enough about them.

    Dierks Bentley (Labor Day) OC: …generosity. :26
    “Personally, the fans give me amazement. That’s the only word to really sum it up. I look out in the crowd, you know, usually see a lot of faces and fans are cheering. I know each one of these like from the road-the signs are from California…Michelle and Kayla live up in the Ohio area. They’re all, I just see them, and I’m like, ‘Wow!,’ they’re all from different regions. You know when you’re in a different region of the country and you just see certain fans. These people are way more hard core than I am, and I’m just amazed by their generosity.”

    Audio / Eric Church (Labor Day-odd job)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about one of his worst job.

    Eric Church (Labor Day-odd jobs) OC: …bought at 2am. 1:27
    “I had an awful job. I’ve had a lot of awful jobs…my worst one was when I first came to Nashville. I got a job at the Shop at Home Network. I worked midnight, graveyard, midnight to eight. That was bad enough but then I would work all night, go home, shower and then I had writing appointments all day because I was trying to get a career started. I’d go write songs and get meetings just trying to get signed. And end up getting done at 3 of 4 with all of that, I’d go home, take a shower or sleep for a little bit and then I had to be at work again at midnight. So the schedule was bad enough, however, what I had to do at the job…I sold knives from midnight to 7 or 8am. And, anytime somebody calls you at 3 or 4am and needs 200 knives for $19.95, it’s automatically an alarming situation. And I just, I was young and I’d been in a lot of these people’s shoes, I had done this…I knew they were drunk. I knew what they had done. They’d just come home from the bar, flipped on Shop at Home and said, ‘You know what? I need that.’ So the reason the job didn’t last long for me is that I was maybe the worst salesmen in history because I ended up talking a lot of these people out of it, I’d say, ‘I’ll tell you what man, go to bed, call me, I’ll be here in the morning. If you get up in the morning and want these knives you call me back.’ Because I knew what was going to happen, you know. They bought 200 knives for $19.95…first of all some of these people you didn’t know whether you should call the cops. What do you need 200 knives for? Even though I’m selling them…what do you need them for? So, it was awful doing that job. And then they got rid of me because, they were like, ‘You’re the worst. I can’t believe you’re talking people out of it.’ I was like, ‘Man I know…I’ve been there.’ [laughs] I’d want some to talk me out of buying some of the stuff I’ve bought at 2am.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay talks about his first job…printing logos on fanny packs.

    Eric Paslay (Labor Day) OC: …could print. :34
    “My first official job was working at a screen printing place in Texas during the summer in a metal building that had no AC. We printed on fanny packs – really cool — and these other little bags. And it was eye doctors that, some company if you bought supplies through them, they’d put your logo on fanny packs for your customers to put in a drawer somewhere. Fanny packs are cool, if you like ‘em. You know, we’d like time ourselves to see how many fanny packs you could print.”

    Audio / Jon Pardi (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Jon Pardi talks about his worst job, which was at a grocery store.

    Jon Pardi (Labor Day) OC: …so bored! :17
    “The worst job I ever had was at Hometown Grocery Store. I didn’t want to work, I was 15, and I did not want to work at the grocery store. Bagging was fun, but they sent me down the aisles to pull up cans and turn ‘em around and face ‘em, and I would just get so bored!”

    Audio / Keith Urban (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban once had a short stint as a telemarketer — his only non-music gig. However, he loves his “job,” which has him on stage entertaining fans, and he says watching them connect to his songs is an amazing feeling.

    Keith Urban (Labor Day) OC: …great feeling. :24
    “Seeing people connect to the music is the absolute, hands down, the biggest reward for me. Especially when you go to a place you’ve never been to before, and there’s all these people. I mean lots of people out there that you’ve never met a single one of them, and they’re singing to every word, and you realize that it’s not just a pretty melody, they get your songs. It’s amazing. It’s a great feeling.”  

    Audio / Kip Moore (Labor Day-worst job)

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    AUDIO: Kip Moore recalls his worst job…ever.

    Kip Moore (Labor Day-worst job) OC: …than that. :21
    “I’d have to say my worst job ever was laying sod in the south Georgia heat. There’s nothing than that, especially when somebody would think that you’re waiting for the next sod patch to be thrown to you and you got your back turned, and all of a sudden, that big ole piece of sod hits you right on the back. You got nowhere to clean up, and you’re just stuck with dirt on your back for the rest of the day. It doesn’t get any worse than that.”

    Audio / Lady A (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum tells us what he used to do to make a buck before finding success as a musician.

    Lady A (Labor Day) OC: …I had a lot of crummy jobs. :31
    CK “I used to…” HS: “… knock out asbestos walls.” CK: “I did that for a long time. But even before that, I used to do lawn care every summer. Oh, man, I do not miss that. Just glad those days are over. I get out here and play music for a living. It’s a lot more fun. But yeah, I used to do that, and I used to work as a bag boy at a golf course once. I did that for a couple of summers. I had a lot of crummy jobs.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about the different jobs he worked in and around Leesburg, Georgia, before heading to Nashville to pursue a career in music.

    Luke Bryan (Labor Day-jobs) OC: …Nashville… 1:07
    “At age 12 thru 13, I worked at Rubos IGA Supermarket in Leesburg, GA. I worked during the summers on Monday and Tuesday. I stocked and cleaned up the produce.  They paid me under the table…I peeled off all of the brown lettuce. Let’s see, when I was 15, I was a cashier at K-Mart for two months. I worked at K-Mart for two months, and then I reverted back to Rubos because it didn’t really make sense for me to drive all the way into Albany and work for K-Mart. The benefits were great though-you’d get an hour-long on the blue light special. So I started back at Rubos, and then I quit Rubos and worked for my Dad-just awful just driving tractors through cotton all day, and spraying pesticides that eventually would turn your hair green. And then at some point, I started playing guitar. And well, after college I went back and worked for my dad and continued to spray and haul fertilizer around. And then I moved to Nashville…”

  • KEITH URBAN DRIVES HIS MUSIC UP THE CHARTS. (AUDIO)

    Cars figure heavily in Keith Urban’s music, including his latest single, “Somewhere in My Car,” which is featured on his current album, Fuse. The album also features a few other songs with a car in the title – “Cop Car” and “Red Camaro,” among them. His videos for “Sweet Thing,” “Days Go By,” “It’s a Love Thing,” “Where the Blacktop Ends” and even in the video for “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” he’s riding a motorcycle in one set of scenes and in another, wearing a T-shirt that says “My other shirt is a Trans Am.”

    “The car theme figures heavily in a lot of my songs, ‘cause I love cars and I love listening to music in cars, and I love all of the moments – all kinds of moments that we humans experience only in cars,” says Keith. “As couples and arguments and makeup sessions and make-out sessions and everything, I just love everything to do with cars.”

    Keith is crisscrossing the country on his Raise ‘Em Up Tour, and his next stop is Friday night (August 22nd) in Charlotte, North Carolina, followed by shows in Birmingham (August 23rd) and Atlanta (August 24th).

    Audio / Keith Urban (car theme)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about how the car theme figures prominently in his songs.

    Keith Urban (car theme) OC: …do with cars. :25
    “The car theme figures heavily in a lot of my songs, ‘cause I love cars and I love listening to music in cars, and I love all of the moments – all kinds of moments that we humans experience only in cars, you know? As couples and arguments and makeup sessions and make-out sessions and everything, I just love everything to do with cars.”

  • JENNIFER NETTLES WILL RELEASE THE DELUXE EDITION OF ‘THAT GIRL.’ (AUDIO)

    Jennifer Nettles will release the deluxe edition of her album, That Girl, to all streaming partners and iTunes on Tuesday (August 12th). The deluxe version was originally a Target exclusive, and it’s being released to other retailers next week.

    When it was first released, Jennifer said she hoped fans would hear the album and discover she’s a better songwriter and singer than they had thought. I feel like the work that I’ve done with Sugarland I’m super proud of it and yet there are things that I wanted to prove to myself and to my fans and that I still want to,” she says. “So I hope that they listen to that and they get to hear a side of me that they hadn’t before and it makes them like what I do as a performer that much more.”

    That Girl DELUXE Track List:

    1. Falling 
    2. Me Without You 
    3. Moneyball 
    4. That Girl 
    5. This Angel 
    6. Jealousy 
    7. This One’s For You 
    8. Know You Wanna Know 
    9. Thank You 
    10. Good Time To Cry 
    11. Like A Rock 
    12. His Hands (Target Exclusive) 
    13. Every Little Thing (Target Exclusive)

    Jennifer is set to perform some of these songs, plus many others when she hits the stage Friday night (August 8th) in Cohasset, Massachusetts and Selbyville, Delaware on Saturday (August 9th).

    Audio / Jennifer Nettles (what she hopes fans take away)

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    AUDIO: Jennifer Nettles explains what she hopes fans will take away from listening to her album, That Girl.

    Jennifer Nettles (what she hopes fans take away) OC: …this record. 1:21
    “I hope that fans hear this album and from an ego perspective for me, from an artist also perspective I hope that they listen to it and go ‘Wow she’s a way better songwriter and a better singer than I would’ve ever thought!’ I feel like the work that I’ve done with Sugarland I’m super proud of it and yet there are things that I wanted to prove to myself and to my fans and that I still want to. So I hope that they listen to that and they get to hear a side of me that they hadn’t before and it makes them like what I do as a performer that much more. I hope too that they listen to it and they hear the rawness of that emotion and they hear the humanness of that storytelling and that they connect with themselves and either remember something that they’ve been through that makes them feel empowered to have survived it, or that they allow themselves to connect with a vulnerable place for something that they might be experiencing now that they want strength to move through. Or that they are able to connect with a part of themselves that maybe they don’t like so much but they want to have fun with, and that they want to accept and say ‘Okay yeah we’re all human’ and sometimes you just got to laugh it off and go ‘I’m not perfect’ you know, and I think there are moments of all of that on this record.”

     

  • LUKE BRYAN WILL RELEASE A DELUXE VERSION OF HIS CRASH MY PARTY ALBUM. (AUDIO)

    Audio / Luke Bryan (should've named her whiskey)

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    Luke Bryan will release the deluxe edition of his double-platinum album, Crash My Party, to all streaming partners and iTunes on Tuesday (August 12th). The deluxe version was originally a Target exclusive, and it’s being released to other retailers next week.

    One of the songs on the deluxe version is “Your Mama Should’ve Named You Whiskey,” and Luke explains the title says a lot about the song. “We all know how rough whiskey can be on you, and obviously this guy is getting pretty burned by her,” he says. “It’s cool, really cool song. I love the style. It’s kinda got that classic verse, and then when the chorus kicks in, it’s just big ole in your face rock, then it drops down to that cool, loping, kinda chilled out dancing cheek-to-cheek thing. I love it top to bottom.”

    Luke will take several songs from Crash My Party, as well as his other hits, to Gillette Stadium in Boston on Sunday for the second of his stadium shows.

    Crash My Party DELUXE track listing:

    1. That’s My Kind Of Night
    2. Beer In The Headlights
    3. Crash My Party
    4. Roller Coaster
    5. We Run This Town
    6. Drink A Beer
    7. I See You
    8. Goodbye Girl
    9. Play It Again
    10. Blood Brothers
    11. Out Like That
    12. Shut It Down
    13. Dirt Road Diary
    14. What Is It With You (Target Exclusive) 
    15. Sunburnt Lips (Target Exclusive) 
    16. Better Than My Heart (Target Exclusive) 
    17. Your Mama Should’ve Named You Whiskey (Target Exclusive)

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about the song, “Your Mama Should’ve Named You Whiskey,” which is featured on the deluxe edition of his double-platinum album, Crash My Party.

    Luke Bryan (should’ve named you whiskey) OC: …top to bottom. :25
    “I think [the title] says a lot about it – ‘Your Mama Should’ve Named You Whiskey.’ I mean, we all know how rough whiskey can be on you, and obviously this guy is getting pretty burned by her. It’s cool, really cool song. I love the style. It’s kinda got that classic verse, and then when the chorus kicks in, it’s just big ole in your face rock, then it drops down to that cool, loping, kinda chilled out dancing cheek-to-cheek thing. I love it top to bottom.”

     

  • KEITH URBAN HEARS THE CALL OF THE WILD FROM HIS FANS. (AUDIO)

    Music can be a strangely powerful thing – you never know what melody, what lyric, what recording may hit you “just right” and become the song you’ll spend the rest of your life humming, singing along to in the car, or thrilled to see and hear in concert. And Keith Urban recognizes that – maybe better than most. Making that connection “feels like the purpose of music for me,” he says. For Keith, it’s almost like a function of nature – “It’s like some kind of bird call in the jungle, in the wild. And certain people respond to the call.” Those who respond? “They’re the ones that come to the concerts,” he says. And even if it’s the first time, Keith’s ready for them – “They hopefully connect and ‘plug in’…and feel something.”

    Keith’s Raise ‘Em Up Tour heads to the Midwest this week, hitting Cincinnati, St. Louis and Indianapolis, then swings back to the East Coast next week.

    Keith is climbing the charts with “Somewhere in My Car,” his latest hit from Fuse.

    Audio / Keith Urban (call of the wild)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban offers one of the best explanations we’ve ever heard of why music strikes different chords with different people. 

    Keith Urban (call of the wild) OC: …feel something. :29
    “It feels like the purpose of music for me. It’s trying to make a connection. It’s funny. I mean, it’s just…music is like a – it’s like some kind of bird call in the jungle, in the wild. And certain people respond to the call. And those are the people – hopefully – they’re the ones that come to the concerts. And a lot of people that have never seen us play, they hopefully connect and ‘plug in’…and feel something.” 

     

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN ANNOUNCE TRACK LIST FOR THEIR FORTHCOMING ‘PAIN KILLER’ ALBUM. (AUDIO)

    NASHVILLE TN (MONDAY, JULY 14, 2014)  – Capitol Records Nashville, GRAMMY Award-winning group Little Big Town will release their sixth studio album, Pain Killer, on October 21st. The album, produced by Jay Joyce, features current single “Day Drinking,” the band’s highest chart debut to date, and was written by LBT’s Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet and songwriters Troy Verges and Barry Dean.  The foursome — Fairchild, Westbrook, Sweet and Kimberly Schlapman –co-wrote eight of the 13 tracks on the album.

    “Sometimes you don’t know what’s going to happen in the studio. You just have to dive in head first and work hard to do something unique,” said Fairchild. “We’re always striving and pushing ourselves to go somewhere new. Pain Killer is a new place for sure.”

    “Individually, they are four of the best singers in the world,” said Mike Dungan, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville. “Together, they are awe-inspiring.  As a band, they are forever focused on taking it to the next level.  The result is Pain Killer…simply the best one yet.”

    Little Big Town, who have been together for 15 years, release Pain Killer on the heels of their highly successful, platinum-selling album Tornado almost exactly two years later. Tornado was one of only 10 country albums to achieve platinum certification in 2013 and features back-to-back #1 hit singles “Pontoon” and “Tornado.” The 2x platinum-selling “Pontoon” took home the GRAMMY Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and the CMA Award for Single of the Year.

     Pain Killer Track Listing:

    1.  Quit Breaking Up With Me
      (Busbee, Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally)
    2. Day Drinking
      (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Troy Verges, Barry Dean)

    3. Tumble and Fall
      (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
    4. Pain Killer
      (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Blair Daley, Hillary Lindsey)
    5. Girl Crush
      (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
    6. Faster Gun
      (Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet)
    7. Good People
      (Jay Joyce, Natalie Hemby, Jeremy Spillman)
    8. Stay All Night
      (Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Brent Cobb, Jason Saenz)
    9. Save Your Sin
      (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)

    10.  Live Forever
    (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell)

    11.  Things You Don’t Think About
    (Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman)

    12.  Turn The Lights On
    (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Natalie Hemby, 
    Jay Joyce, Jeremy Spillman)

    13.  Silver and Gold
    (Jedd Hughes, Jay Joyce, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild)

    Download “Day Drinking on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/hkqpou
    Follow @LittleBigTown on Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlebigtown
    Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlebigtown

    Audio / LBT (upcoming album) 1

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    AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook says their single, “Day Drinking,” is a good example of what fans can expect from their forthcoming album, Pain Killer.

    LBT (upcoming album) 1 OC: (Jimi) …as well. :14
    “I think ‘Day Drinking’ is a good jump into the record. It’s bold (PHILLIP: “It’s fun.”), it’s loud and fun, and there’s a lot of fun tunes on this record too, and I’m excited about that part of it, as well.”

    Audio / LBT (upcoming album)

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    AUDIO: The members of Little Big Town talk about their new album, Pain Killer.

    LBT (upcoming album) OC: …came out. :47
    KAREN: “It went differently in the studio than the last record did. The last record was really fast and very spontaneous. This one was too,but it was a little more…” JIMI: “It was a little laborious. We worked on it. We had to get in there and wrestle with it. [laughs]” KAREN: “But the payoff…” JIMI: “Yeah. I’m so excited for everybody to hear this record. It makes me happy in my soul musically. I think that’s all you can ask for at the end of the day is to have gone in and gave it your best shot and just chase the music and let it lead you where you need to go. And that’s kind of what happened, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it came out.”

     

  • EASTON CORBIN IS BUZZIN’ ABOUT HIS LATEST SINGLE, ‘CLOCKWORK.’ (AUDIO)

    Easton Corbin is closing in on Top 30 with his latest single, “Clockwork,” and he says the subject of the song is something a single guy might enjoy…for a short period of time.

    “As a guy, a single guy, a girl calling you up in the middle of the night saying, ‘Hey, can I come up?’ That’s not necessarily a bad thing,” laughs Easton. “It’s kinda like drinking – it feels good. The buzz feels really great, but you know the next morning, it’s probably gonna hurt.”

    The song, which is the first release from Easton’s forthcoming third album, was written by Easton’s longtime producer Carson Chamberlin, as well as Ashley Gorley and Wade Kirby.

    Easton will take his “Clockwork” to Manchester, Iowa on Thursday (July 10th).

    Audio / Easton Corbin (Clockwork) 2

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    AUDIO: Easton Corbin compares “Clockwork” to drinking and a hangover.

    Easton Corbin (Clockwork) 2 OC: …gonna hurt. :15
    “As a guy, a single guy, a girl calling you up in the middle of the night saying, ‘Hey, can I come up?’ That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I don’t know. It’s kinda like drinking – it feels good. The buzz feels really great, but you know the next morning it’s probably gonna hurt.”

    Video / Easton Corbin - Clockwork

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  • DIERKS BENTLEY IS HAVING ‘A BLAST’ ON THE RISER TOUR. (AUDIO)

    Dierks Bentley is having a blast as headliner on his 2014 Riser Tour. In addition to his fans, he owes a lot of that enjoyment to his opening acts – Jon Pardi, Chris Young and Chase Rice.

    “I think back to when I was opening for Kenny [Chesney], and Keith Urban was the middle act, and I was the beginning act, and what that felt like just to have that camaraderie of guys, you know, and to be able to talk about things,” says Dierks. “Now I got one step further. Now I got three other guys out there with me. So, just great guys at all different levels in their career. Jon Pardi…reminds me a lot of myself back in those days. He’s just running wide open and just [a] great Honky Tonk singer, funny guy, just makin’ the most of this time out there. And then getting to know Chase, who’s just a really great guy as well, too. You know, he’s kinda forged his own path through, really through social media, I guess; and then, Chris Young just one of the best singers in this town and a great guy. So, we have a lot of fun. They’re all great hangs, and I’m having the best time of my life out there.”

    Dierks is currently charging up the charts with “Drunk on a Plane,” which he’s performing on tour. His next stop is Thursday (June 19th) in Newport, Rhode Island. On Saturday (June 21st), he joins pal Luke Bryan at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the first of Luke’s stadium shows.

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (tour is a blast)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley says he’s having a blast on his 2014 Riser Tour with Jon Pardi, Chase Rice and Chris Young.

    Dierks Bentley (tour is a blast) OC: … total blast. :55
    “It’s really fun. It’s everything I would’ve ever hoped that getting a chance to headline a tour would be. I think back to when I was opening for Kenny, and Keith Urban was the middle act, and I was the beginning act, and what that felt like just to have that camaraderie of guys, you know, and to be able to talk about things, and now, I got one step further. Now I got three other guys out there with me. So, just great guys at all different levels in their career. Jon Pardi, you know, just real… reminds me a lot of myself back in those days. He’s just running wide open and just [a] great Honky Tonk singer, funny guy, just makin’ the most of this time out there. And then getting to know Chase, who’s just a really great guy as well, too. You know, he’s kinda forged his own path through, really through social media, I guess. And then, Chris Young just one of  the best singers in this town and a great guy. So, we have a lot of fun, you know. They’re all great hangs, and I’m having the best time of my life out there. It’s been a total blast.” 

  • GEORGE STRAIT IS GETTING READY TO ‘RIDE AWAY.’ (AUDIO)

    George Strait is getting ready to close out his career as a touring artist on Saturday (June 7th) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The show’s bill is a who’s who of country music stars, including Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Lee Ann Womack, among others. Opening the show will be George’s friends, Asleep at the Wheel. The Texas native says he’ll miss performing for the fans, but he won’t miss everything that goes into a big-scale tour.”

    “I’m gonna miss the shows. I’m not gonna miss the traveling, but I’m gonna miss [the shows] a lot. I’ve been doing it so long,” says Strait. “It’ll be interesting to see just how I handle that in 2015. We’ll see what happens, but I think I’m making the right choice. It’s the right decision. I’m pretty happy with my decision, knowing that I can still go out and do one-offs here and there.

    Eric Church, who will join Strait on stage in Dallas this weekend, says it was very important to him to get to know George Strait as a person, not just a legendary performer.

    “I got a chance to get to know George and hang out with George and Norma,” says Church. “And it’s just one of the coolest things that has ever happened in my career to get to know more than just the guy you see on stage, but to get to know him is very important.”

    The reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year has built a huge country music career since the release of his first country hit, “Unwound,” in the spring of 1981. He’s scored 60 No. 1 singles, 85 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and sold more than 45 million albums.

    While George, who’s climbing the country chart with his latest hit “I Got a Car,” may not launch a full-scale tour, he says he’ll pop up here and there for a special show, and he signed on for another five albums with his long-time record label, MCA Nashville.

    Audio / George Strait (what he'll miss touring)

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    AUDIO: George Strait explains what he will miss when he’s not touring anymore…and what he won’t.

    George Strait (what he’ll miss touring) OC: …the traveling. :35
    “I’m gonna miss the shows. I’m not gonna miss the traveling, but I’m gonna miss [the shows] a lot. I’ve been doing it so long. It’ll be interesting to see just how I handle that in 2015. We’ll see what happens, but I think I’m making the right choice. It’s the right decision. I’m pretty happy with my decision, knowing that I can still go out and do one-offs here and there. I’m just going to [do] five or six things a year out there if I want to. I know I’ll miss it. I know I’ll miss all of it…except for the traveling.”

    Audio / George Strait (bittersweet)

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    AUDIO: George Strait says the final show of his Cowboy Rides Away will be bittersweet.

    George Strait (bittersweet) OC: …doing it. :35
    “I am excited about the tour next year. It’s going to be a little bittersweet for me. It’s starting to sink in for me after the first leg of the tour. It’ll be a little tough next year saying goodbye to some of those places. My plan is to keep doing things here and there when I feel like it, and hopefully those opportunities will come for me. I can’t see hanging it up forever. As long as I keep enjoying it, I’m going to keep doing it.”

    Audio / Eric Church (last Strait date)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about the final date on George Strait’s The Cowboy Rides Away Tour on Saturday (June 7th).

    Eric Church (last Strait date) OC: …very important. :28
    “It’s bittersweet. I mean being a big George fan, and what he’s meant to not only me, but everybody. It’s great to say, ‘Hey, you’re gonna be part of the last show.’ The problem there is it’s the last show, and when it’s over with, it’s gonna bittersweet to me. But I got a chance to get to know George and hang out with George and Norma, and it’s just one of the coolest things that has ever happened in my career to get to know more than just the guy you see on stage, but to get to know him is very important.” 

     

    Video / George Strait - The Story Behind "I Got A Car"

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  • JON PARDI WILL BE FEATURED ON AN UPCOMING EPISODE OF ‘THE BACHELORETTE.’ (PRESS RELEASE AND AUDIO)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Capitol recording artist Jon Pardi will be featured on an upcoming episode of The Bachelorette. The episode will feature Jon performing his song “Happens all the Time” at Mohegan Sun’s Mist, during a one-on-one date with one lucky suitor and the newest Bachelorette, Andi Dorfman. The episode is scheduled to air Monday (June 2nd) at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Andi Dorfman, 27, a beautiful and successful woman, has it all at first glance — a loving family, great friends and even her dream job. But she realized there was something missing, so she put her busy life on hold last September to try and find love on The Bachelor. She thought she had found her match in Juan Pablo, but in the end it was not meant to be, and Andi walked away. She did not, however, walk away from love or let that experience stop her desire to find her perfect soul mate. Follow Andi’s search for her soul mate in the 10th edition of The Bachelorette Mondays (8:00–10:01 p.m., ET) on ABC.

    ABOUT JON PARDI
    California native and Capitol Records rising country star Jon Pardi released his debut album, Write You A Song, on Jan. 14, 2014.  The release features the Gold-selling Top 10 hit, “Up All Night,” along with “Happens All The Time,” “Missin’ You Crazy” and his current catchy, relatable tune, “What I Can’t Put Down.”  Pardi has a laid back, fun-loving approach towards life and it comes through in his music and his raucous live show.  His charisma and authenticity strike a chord with county audiences, as he wins over fans one-by-one and show-by-show. He is now selling out venues from the Pacific Northwest to South Georgia and stops all along the way.

    Pardi’s sound is undeniably country — paying homage to some of his musical heroes such as Dwight Yoakam, George Strait and Alan Jackson.  Discovering his ability for performance back at the tender age of three when he sang ALABAMA karaoke with his grandmother, Pardi has since shared the stage with Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church and many more of today’s hottest country artists.

    For more information on Jon Pardi, visit www.JonPardi.com.

    ABOUT THE BACHELORETTE
    On ABC’s hit primetime reality series The Bachelorette, one lucky woman is offered the chance to find true love. A single and eligible Bachelorette embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know 25 handsome and intelligent men, gradually narrowing the field as she continues her search for Mr. Right. At the end of her romantic voyage, if she has found Mr. Right, will there be a proposal and from whom — and will she say yes? Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelorette is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. The tenth season of The Bachelorette airs Mondays (8:00–10:01 p.m., ET) on ABC.

    For more information on The Bachelorette, visit http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette.

    Photo Credit: Russ Harrington
    * High Resolution Press Images Available Upon Request

    Audio / Jon Pardi (The Bachelorette)

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    AUDIO: Jon Pardi talks about his upcoming appearance on The Bachelorette.

    Jon Pardi (The Bachelorette) OC: …pretty cool. :34
    “It was actually a lot of fun. The people who run the show are really cool; they do a really good job, and we had a blast playing. It was a lot fun. It was at a casino, and it had this really cool backdrop that the guys had scouted out. It was like this big waterfall kind of looking thing, and it looked really cool. Actually, the director said it was the best band performance he had ever taped. They danced along and they danced again, and we played ‘Happens All The Time,’n and that’s like the most countriest song pretty much that’s ever gonna be on The Bachelorette [laughs] I think, so it was pretty cool.”

     

     

  • DIERKS BENTLEY WILL ‘RISE UP’ FOR HIS NEW RISER TOUR. (PRESS RELEASE, AUDIO AND VIDEO)

    Nashville, TN – May 2, 2014 – In preparation for the launch of his headlining 2014 RISER TOUR next week, Dierks Bentley is giving fans the opportunity to “Rise Up Line Up” for upcoming tour dates. The interactive program will roll out in each tour market over the coming weeks on www.dierks.com andwww.facebook.com/dierksbentley, giving ticket holders the opportunity earn points and move to the front of a virtual line to win upgraded tickets.

    “When I was in my 20’s, I could only afford a lawn ticket to the big shows because I had to save my money for beer once I got in the gate,” laughed Bentley.  “This is a cool way to give the fans an opportunity to get up closer to the stage and maybe even get them involved in the show.  I just can’t wait to get out there and get it going!”

    Bentley’s RISER TOUR kicks off in Charlotte, North Carolina Friday (May 9th) and Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday (May 10th) with special guests Chris Young, Chase Rice and Jon Pardi.  For a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Riser Tour rehearsals)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley is in the midst of rehearsals for his upcoming Riser Tour.

    Dierks Bentley (Riser Tour rehearsals) OC: …everything at it. :52
    “We’re over in this abandoned kind of steel mill that’s being used these days for tour rehearsals. It’s great, and it’s a little north of town, and we’ve got all the stuff up. I’ve had a talk with my business manager about our production, him just saying ‘I just want you to know what to expect at the end of the year, because you’re kinda overdoing it here.’ But I kinda told everyone that this is our first chance at headlining. After all those years of doing this, this is our first amphitheater headlining tour. I’ve spent years walking through amphitheaters and seeing everyone’s picture that’s headlined. Headlining amphitheater, catering usually, on the walls in the back, there’s usually a picture of the person that’s headlined. I’ve bene support. I’ve been co-headlines, and I’ve always, I’m like, ‘I just want the picture on the wall, you know?’ by the toilet. I don’t care. Over the toilet, in the toilet, maybe in the toilet. I want to be represented in that particular amphitheater. And I’ve said I just want to tour like this is the last tour we’re ever gonna do, so I’m gonna throw everything at it.”

     

    Video / RISER TOUR: PART I

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  • DIERKS BENTLEY GETS A LITTLE ‘MILE HIGH ATTENTION’ WITH HIS LATEST SINGLE, ‘DRUNK ON A PLANE.’ (AUDIO AND PRESS RELEASE)

    Nashville, TN – April 7, 2014 – Award winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley ascends to 40,000 feet with the release of his new single “Drunk On A Plane,” available at country radio now.  Written by Josh Kear, Chris Tompkins and Bentley, the track is country music storytelling at its best as the narrator is left standing alone at the alter but finds the strength to forge ahead on a hilarious solo trip to Cancun.

    “I have never been jilted at the altar, but I have had a marriage proposal rejected….all you can do is pray there’s a good return policy for the ring, get drunk and carry on,” laughed Bentley.  “Whether I have the band with me on stage or it’s just me and my guitar, the fans love this song, and they catch on to the choruses immediately.  It’s a fun song, but when you really listen, there’s also an underlying lonesomeness which is what makes it different that a lot of the other uptempo songs I’ve put out.”

    “In the middle of his new album ‘Riser’ comes Nashville’s freshest, funniest party song of the past two years. His fiancé bailed and he had two weeks of vacation and nonrefundable tickets for the honeymoon, so he’s getting mile-high drunk en route to Cancun.”  – Star Tribune

    “Catchiest chorus Nashville has heard in a while.” – Billboard

    “He’s released his share of party-friendly hits, and his new album Riser does feature a song called ‘Drunk on a Plane.’ But Bentley has always been more nuanced and reflective than his fellow country bros, and Riser’s best moments are heartfelt and personal. Even ‘Drunk on a Plane’ is full of regret…” – Las Vegas Weekly

    “Bentley’s often shown a sly sense of humor, and it surfaces on the entertaining ‘Drunk on a Plane,’ which manages to turn a poignant portrait of heartbreak into a party song.”  – Associated Press

    Country Weekly is giving fans a behind the scenes look at the making of “Drunk On A Plane” from the studio and on the road. To watch, click here.

    “Drunk On A Plane” is the second single off Bentley’s No. one album RISER on Capitol Records Nashville, which has already seen its lead single “I Hold On” top the country radio charts, marking Bentley’s 11th career No. one as both an artist and songwriter. Next month, Bentley will kick off his headlining 2014 RISER TOUR on May 9th in Charlotte, NC. For more information on new music and upcoming tour dates, visit www.dierks.com.

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Drunk on a Plane)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about the song “Drunk on a Plane.”

    Dierks Bentley (Drunk on a Plane) OC: …record or not. :47
    “‘Drunk on a Plane’ I wrote with Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, and went in to write with those guys, and had an idea. Josh threw that idea out, and he said, ‘I always wanted to write a song called ‘Drunk on a Plane.’ Of course, I’m obsessed with planes, so I’m like, ‘I love that! I’ve got to have a song called ‘Drunk on a Plane.’ Just thinking about the idea of being drunk on a plane and all the crazy things that could happen or do happen. It was really fun writing with those guys, just kind of creating this idea of this story of this guy who had been left at the altar, and just the ups and downs and the highs and lows of being on a plane and being drunk. I knew when I wrote it, it would go over great live. Like I could just take my guitar and go and play it in front of an audience that had never heard it before and get a laugh and entertain with that song, but I didn’t know if it’d make the record or not.”

  • BROTHERS OSBORNE RELEASE THEIR NEW SINGLE, ‘RUM.’ (AUDIO AND VIDEO)

    Nashville, TN – EMI Nashville singer/songwriter duo Brothers Osborne have just released their new single, “Rum,” to country radio. The Brothers, TJ and John, wrote “Rum” with fellow Nashville songwriter Barry Dean.

    To learn more about Brothers Osborne and to hear some of the music that will make up their debut album, check out the video below.

    “Rum,” the kick back, feel-good song from the Maryland natives, is a subtle reminder to take a moment, slow down, celebrate being with those you enjoy surrounding yourself with and create your own paradise; even if you are landlocked.

    “Starin’ at the prettiest part of this powder keg world/Sittin’ with the finest example of a beautiful girl/If we hadn’t hit the brakes, we’d have no idea/Paradise was hidin’ right here”

    In a recent issue Country Weekly listed Brothers Osborne as one of their “ONES TO WATCH IN 2014” touting “If you like your country with a tablespoon of bluesy grit and a dash of roots rock, check out Brothers Osborne.” The country music staple goes on to say “These boys are far from subscribing to country-music trends – instead, they’re setting them.”

    In late 2013 Paste Magazine listed Brothers Osborne on Paste’s “Best Of What’s Next” annual list touting “Like a more aggressive post-Americana guitarslinger/singer duo, a got-to-be-real country act, the pair offers the kind of kinetic chemistry that made Chris and Rich Robinson such a flint strikes rock spark in the Black Crowes.”

    Perfect timing for “Rum” to hit the airwaves since Fans can catch Brothers Osborne at this year’s Rock The Ocean Tortuga Music Festival, April 12-13 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

    Over 25,000 music fans attended last year’s inaugural event, set in the sun, sand and surf of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, raising over $70k for the Guy Harvey Foundation and other marine conservation organizations.

    Brothers Osborne are two of five siblings from Deale, Maryland; a water town on the Chesapeake Bay.  After moving to Nashville, Brothers Osborne began writing and playing every open-mic in town that they could. In 2012 the brothers signed to EMI Nashville (part of the Universal Music Group Nashville). Brothers Osborne mark the first duo signed to the EMI Nashville imprint.

    Brothers Osborne have opened up shows for Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson and Thompson Square.

    Brothers Osborne official Website
    Brothers Osborne Facebook
    Follow @brothersosborne on Twitter  #Rum

    Audio / Bros O (writing without a purpose)

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    AUDIO: Brothers Osborne’s TJ Osborne talks about the process he and John go through when writing a song.

    Brothers Osborne (writing without a purpose) OC: …the rest later. :45
    “It all just kind of happens, you know. I mean it’s really random. It comes and goes. A lot of it starts off with music and that kind of starts to spark up. We’re really feeling it, if it really gets us inspired musically, typically it’s kind of hand-in-hand with the lyric starts to come out then. Sometimes we go in to writes with lyrical ideas, and it just all changes. Sometimes, it’s never really one way, and that’s kind of a good thing. When you’re trying to do it a certain way, it seems to maybe work for a little while, but eventually, it just gets stuck and it just doesn’t work anymore….We don’t even like to go in to writes with any rules at all, not even, ‘this has to be for us.’ So, we like to go in and write a song and figure out the rest later.”

    Video / Getting to know Brothers Osborne

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  • ERIC PASLAY BUILDS A BEACH PLAYLIST.

    Eric Paslay has hit the airwaves with his latest single, “Song About a Girl,” from his self-titled debut album, which is on everyone’s playlist for the Spring/Summer seasons, but with his appearance at this year’s Tortuga Music Festival in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida next month, he’s whipped up a beach playlist for American Songwriter to help celebrate the sun-filled months.

    1. The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” — This was one of the first albums I bought as a kid. You can’t help but wish you’re sittin’ on one of these islands. 

    2. Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” — This song is perfect for the beach, especially if you’re with your baby!

    3. Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” — One of the best beach bum songs. Can’t help but wanna be Buffet, sip on a margarita, out on the beach . . . minus the broken heart and the lost shaker of salt.

    4. Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” — When I hear this I always feel like I have nowhere to be or nothing to do! Other than soak up some sun in the island(s).

    5. U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” — I’ve never seen a street sign on a beach and I love this song. Why not play an Irish band on the equator?!!

    6. Eagles’ “Tequila Sunrise” — 1. Wake up at a beach. 2. Turn this on. 3. Have an awesome day!

    7. Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up the Sun” — Sheryl is awesome! All red heads listen up! Get your 45 (spf) on so you can rock on!

    8. Willie Nelson’s “Luckenbach, Texas” — I know Luckenbach isn’t on the coast, but we all go to the beach to get away and that’s what this great Willie Nelson song is about.

    9. Bing Crosby’s “Mele Kalikimaka “ — I just like getting funny looks from people when I play this in the summer time!

    10. And of course – his own “Song About a Girl.”

     

  • KEITH URBAN ‘CARES’ ABOUT HIS ACM NOMINATIONS. (AUDIO)

    Keith Urban has six nominations leading into next month’s ACM Awards, three of which are for “The Highway Don’t Care” with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift, including Vocal Event, Music Video and Single of the Year.

    “When I got the call from Tim about playing a solo on this ‘Highway Don’t Care,’ that’s just one of those magical little moments, you know? I mean, when I heard the song, I went, ‘Gol’, this is a great song,’ and I heard it before Taylor was on it,” says Keith. “So, the first time I heard the whole thing completed was on the radio, and it sounded amazing, and I just thought, ‘Gosh, I think this song’s gonna do really well.’”

    Keith gets a kick out of the fact he’s nominated for his guitar playing. “I’ve never been nominated so much for a guitar solo in my life,” he laughs.

    He’s also up for Male Vocalist of the Year, and he’s competing against himself in the Vocal Event of the Year category with his duet with Miranda Lambert on “We Were Us.” Keith could win a pair of trophies if he won this category since he’s both the artist and producer.

    The 49th Annual ACM Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas beginning at 8pm ET/PT delayed April 6th on CBS.

    Keith is currently flying up the country charts with his latest single, “Cop Car,” from his latest album, Fuse.

    Audio / Keith Urban (Highway Don't Care)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about the song, “The Highway Don’t Care,” which is up for a pair of awards at this year’s ACMs.

    Keith Urban (Highway Don’t Care) OC: …in my life. [laughs] :25
    “When I got the call from Tim [McGraw] about playing a solo on this ‘Highway Don’t Care,’ that’s is just one of those magical little moments, you know? I mean, when I heard the song, I went, ‘Gol’, this is a great song,’ and I heard it before Taylor [Swift] was on it. So, the first time I heard the whole thing completed was on the radio, and it sounded amazing, and I just thought, ‘Gosh, I think this song’s gonna do really well.’ I’ve never been nominated so much for a guitar solo in my life.” [laughs]

  • GARY ALLAN’S ACM NOMINATION FOR SONG OF THE YEAR IS PRETTY SPECIAL. (AUDIO)

    Gary Allan hit the top of the country charts last year with “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain),” which he wrote with Matt Warren and Hillary Lindsey, and the song still keeps resonating with fans and industry alike — the three are nominated for Song of the Year at next month’s ACM Awards. The nomination for “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)” means a lot to Gary.

    “[It’s] really cool just to be acknowledged as a writer, especially [for] that song,” he says. “That song is a lot of firsts for me. It was first time I’d written a No. 1, first time I’d produced, first time I’d produced something with my band, so there was a lot of personal things that went into that.”

    Gary is currently climbing the country charts with his latest single, “It Ain’t the Whiskey,” which is also featured on his album, Set You Free.

    Audio / Gary Allan (ACM song)

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    AUDIO: Gary Allan talks about being nominated at this year’s ACM Awards for his song, “Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain).”

    Gary Allan (ACM song) OC: …people that you know. :19
    “[It’s] really cool just to be acknowledged as a writer, especially [for] that song. That song is a lot of firsts for me. It was first time I’d written a No. 1, first time I’d produced, first time I’d produced something with my band, so there was a lot of personal things that went into that. And I wrote it with some tight friends, so it’s always fun to have success with people that you know.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY TO RELEASE DOCUMENTARY ON HIS FORTHCOMING ALBUM, RISER. (PRESS RELEASE)

    Nashville, TN – Feb. 3, 2014 – Over the course of his career, Capitol Records’ award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley has given fans behind-the-scenes access on the road, in the studio and even at home. But never before have fans seen him like they will in DIERKS BENTLEY: RISER, a film documenting the ups and downs following the death of his father through the birth of his first son – the story that inspired his upcoming seventh studio album RISER.  Fans can preview a special edit of the film exclusively on CMT on Feb. 22nd at 1:00pm CT, and the full length will premiere the same day on Palladia at 8:00pm CT.  The project will also be available for purchase in the coming weeks. 

    “The two phrases ‘touring musician’ and ‘family man’ were never meant to go hand-in-hand…it’s just hard. It really hurts your heart to walk out the door on your kids. It’s like the two loves of your life pulling at you – your family and your love of music,” said Bentley. “I wanted this album to be that deeper look at who I am and who I try to be, and so I guess it’s the same with this film too.   The first time I watched the rough edit, I actually got physically uncomfortable because it’s all in there…my whole life right there on the screen for the whole world to see.”

    Director Wes Edwards and multiple film crews shadowed Bentley over the course of the last two years, logging thousands of hours of tape, which were edited down by The Moving Pictures Boys (Nashville Docujournal, The Country Club Film) to the most pivotal moments.  The film covers everything from the most quiet, pensive moments from Bentley’s bunk on the tour bus to the rush of excitement in the delivery room for the birth of his son Knox, and it’s all set to the soundtrack of the album that these events inspired. 

    “I knew Dierks was a dynamic performer and charismatic guy,” said director Wes Edwards.  “But, as a filmmaker it was a challenge to try and capture a portrait of a guy with so many different aspects to his life.  He’s a guy who can bring an audience of twenty thousand to their feet and a guy you can have a beer with in a dive bar.  He’s a guy that flies his own plane but uses a kitchen trash bag for luggage.  I hope this documentary accurately captures the Dierks I’ve had the honor to get to know personally – a guy with serious work ethic, love for his family and genuine respect for the people around him.  But most of all, I hope we are able to convey a true artist at work.”

    People has the first look of the film and fans can watch the trailer here:  http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20782894,00.html

    Bentley will release his seventh studio album RISER on Feb. 25. To celebrate both the new album and film, he will host screenings over the course of the next few weeks in London, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Toronto. For more information on the film and the new album, visit www.dierks.com.

     

  • DARIUS RUCKER RECALLS HIS FIRST…CAR. (AUDIO)

    None of us ever forget those big “firsts” that occur in our lives. You know the ones – your first crush, your first kiss, your first car. And Darius Rucker is no exception. His first car was a yellow Volkswagen Rabbit that his mother purchased for him when he was in college…but he doesn’t have years of fond memories and adventures attached to it, like many of us might. “It lasted for six weeks,” he recalls with a laugh. “The fuel pump died…we tried to fix it…and the fuel pump was worth more than my car was worth, so we just let it die.” Believe it or not, Darius didn’t own another car until almost 10 years later…when he and the guys of Hootie and the Blowfish hit it big. “Even then, I didn’t get a car till the second year we made it, because with all my first money I paid off my student loans!”

    These days, it’s safe to say that Darius is doing a little better for himself. He just won his first solo Grammy Award (for his number-one hit “Wagon Wheel”), and now he’s climbing the charts with a new single, “Miss You,” from his
    True Believers album.

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker remembers his first car. 

    Darius Rucker (first car) :27
    “The thing I remember about my first car is, I was in college and my mom bought me my first car. It was like [an] 800-dollar yellow Volkswagen Rabbit, and it lasted for six weeks. The fuel pump died. And we tried hard to fix it, and the guys told me the fuel pump was worth more than my car was worth, so we just let it die. And I didn’t have another car again until I was like 27 – when Hootie [and the Blowfish] made it was the next time I got a car.”

     

  • ERIC PASLAY SHOWS A DIFFERENT ‘SIDE.’ (AUDIO)

    When Eric Paslay’s self-titled debut album is released next week (February 4th), fans will find there’s a lot more to the man behind the hit, “Friday Night.” A highlight of the new album is “Country Side of Heaven,” a song that features additional vocals by the members of Little Big Town. The group’s Kimberly Schlapman was one of the first to hear the song – Eric played it for her when he made a guest appearance on her GAC cooking show, and he’ll never forget her reaction. “We just stood there with our hands in our pockets just looking at the speaker,” Eric recalls. “I know that she has lost really close people in her life,” he continues, explaining, “That’s what music is for…it somehow can get you through your tough stuff.”

    Give it a listen for yourself when Eric Paslay is available in stores and online next week!

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Country Side of Heaven) 3

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay describes a particularly moving moment when he played ‘Country Side of Heaven’ for Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman. Little Big Town provide vocals on the song, which appears on Eric’s self-titled debut album.

    Eric Paslay (Country Side of Heaven) 3 OC: …on this album. :45
    “I was on Kimberly’s cooking show and afterwards, I got to play ‘Country Side of Heaven’ for her. As typical fashion, we just stood there with our hands in our pockets just looking at the speaker playing, but it was cool. I know that she has lost really close people in her life, and I think that’s what music is for. It’s one of the best medicines, even if you’re completely broken-hearted, it somehow can get you through your tough stuff. I know that’s definitely true to my life, how music can help you overcome things. I think ‘Country Side of Heaven’ is one of those special songs. I am glad that it moved Kimberly and it moves me. I’m glad it got to be on this album.”

     

  • JENNIFER NETTLES DEBUTS ATOP THE COUNTRY ALBUM CHART. (AUDIO)

    Jennifer NettlesThat Girl debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Album Chart. The project sold 54,000 copies to land at No. 1 on the country chart and at No. 5 overall. Jennifer said her new solo project was four years in the making, due to a lot of focus and planning on her part. “I approached the desire to do a solo project like I do most anything that feels like a big life change,” says Jennifer. “I approached it with focus and with planning and with logistics. It took a lot of that, you know, because obviously where Sugarland is concerned, we’ve been together for 10 years, and that was in and of itself an incredible machine. There were jobs and people who were depending on what we were doing as a duo, and so I didn’t take it lightly from a logistics perspective what I was going to do. So, consequently that type of planning and consideration allowed me the time artistically to also dig in, and to feel a little bit more free, and to not feel like I had an impending deadline on when I wanted to do this project.”

    Catch Jennifer next week as she makes appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show January 27th, CBS’s The Talk on January 28th and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno January 29th.

    Audio / Jennifer Nettles (album approach)

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    AUDIO: Jennifer Nettles says she was very focused when approaching this new solo album.

    Jennifer Nettles (album approach) OC: …my art. :56
    “I approached the desire to do a solo project like I do most anything that feels like a big life change, you know, I approached it with focus and with planning and with logistics. It took a lot of that, you know, because obviously where Sugarland is concerned, we’ve been together for 10 years, and that was in and of itself an incredible machine. There were jobs and people who were depending on what we were doing as a duo, and so I didn’t take it lightly from a logistics perspective what I was going to do, so consequently that type of planning and consideration allowed me the time artistically to also dig in, and to feel a little bit more free, and to not feel like I had an impending deadline on when I wanted to do this project. So, I approached it not only in terms of my work, but also in terms of my art.”

  • NEW YEAR’S AUDIO: Brothers Osborne, Dierks, Church, Jennifer, Kacey, Luke (AUDIO)

    Audio / Brothers Osborne (New Year)

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    AUDIO: Brothers Osborne talk about how people spend the last moments of the year, and the first moments of the new year.

    Brothers Osborne (New Year) OC: (TJ) …next month. :44
    JOHN: “I think it’s kind of funny how we spend literally the last moment and the very first moment of every year being extremely intoxicated, extremely, because you don’t want to wait until like 12:30 to get your buzz on. You’ve got to do it before midnight, and then once midnight happens, you’re like, ‘Omigod! Now it’s time to celebrate even more.’ Debauchery is the literally bookending your entire year.” TJ: “I love how everyone starts the year off with diets and then we end the year with like excessive amounts of food. And then you get to the end of the year, you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m going to start a diet on the 1st, so I’m going to eat everything that’s in front of me.’ I love it.” JOHN: “And come February 1st, ‘what diet?’” [laughs] TJ: “What diet? I’ll start it next month.” [laughs]

    Audio / Dierks (NYE)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley, who will be spending New Year’s Eve performing for the folks of Orlando, Florida this year, says there’s not really a cure for a hangover.

    Dierks (NYE) OC: …for that. :10
    “I think January first is universally accepted as a dog. So I mean, a little hair of the dog, I guess. But just…water and stay on the couch, I guess. There’s no real sure-fire cure for that.”

    Audio / Eric Church (hangover cure)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church has a couple of hangover cures for those times (especially on New Year’s Eve) when you might imbibe a little too much.

    Eric Church (hangover cure) OC: …every time. :17
    “The best hangover cure – I’ve got two. One is 5-hour Energy [bottles], because of all the B-vitamins that are in it. You can start pounding those, and it’s either gonna work, or it’s gonna keep you up and prolong your misery. But the other one I have is just take two Advil and a beer in the morning. Hair of the dog, man – that works every time.”

    Audio / Jennifer Nettles (New Year 2014)

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    AUDIO: Jennifer Nettles says she’s looking forward to the release of her new album, That Girl, right after the first of the year.

    Jennifer Nettles (New Year 2014) OC: …a musician. :57
    “I’m excited in the time factor of the release of my album symbolically right at the New Year. It’s in January, January 14th, by the way! I’m excited for it to come out then, because I think that’ll be a new chapter. I think deciding to do this solo project and writing for it and recording it and the whole process has definitely been and will continue to be a work in progress. But out of that whole book, this is a new chapter will be when I actually put the album out there and fans can get it, so I’ll be excited about that. I’m going to be going on tour to support it starting in February, which will be exciting to get to play all these songs live and watch how they evolve in front of a crowd and to connect again with my fans in that way, ‘cause I love performing live. It’s actually my favorite part of getting to be a musician.”

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (NYE)

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    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves has her own hangover cure.

    Kacey Musgraves (NYE) OC: …water. Yup! :32
    “Coconut water is a major help with hangovers and also, a lot of times we go and eat Vietnamese fuh. It’s a soup, and it’s got this awesome broth. You can get different things in it or whatever, but for some reason, it’s just like…it’s almost like a chicken noodle soup kind of an idea, you know, but it’s good. That’s good for hangovers too. That, sleep, Tylenol, coconut water and just water, in general. And when you’re drinking, have your alcohol, drink a little bit of water, drink some more alcohol, drink some water. Yup!”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (New Years Best)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about his best New Year’s Eve.

    Luke Bryan (New Years-best) OC: …great night. :17
    “My best New Year’s Eve is definitely when my wife and I started back dating. We started back dating right before Christmas, and we went on a trip down to Florida and met some friends. And her birthday is New Year’s Eve. We celebrated it that night. It was just a great night.”

  • CHRISTMAS 2013 PART 1: Eric Paslay, George Strait, Josh Turner, Jennifer Nettles, Kacey Musgraves, Lauren Alaina (AUDIO)

    The stockings are hung by the chimneys with care, office Christmas parties are taking place, folks are making plans to be with their loved ones this holiday season, and some of your favorite country artists recall their favorite Christmas memories, songs and much more. (NOTE: This is the first installment of UMG Christmas soundbites.)

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Christmases growing up)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay
    grew up in Texas with much of his extended family in the same town, so there were many toys to play with at Christmas time.

    Eric Paslay (Christmases growing up) OC: …and football. :37
    ‘I remember always [on] Christmas Eve, we’d go to my Mom’s mother’s house, my grandmother, and we’d open up gifts kinda from the family. And my great-aunt, lived across the street, so all of those cousins, we’d go over there and hang out and steal some more cookies and kind of show…what’cha got and play with the toy for five minutes and move on to the other cousin’s toys. And then the next morning, maybe when we were younger, open up some more presents, you know, and then go to my other grandparents’ [house], my dad’s parents and hang out with that family, and it was always fun. We’d always have turkey, ham and football.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Christmas song)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay talks about his favorite Christmas song.

    Eric Paslay (Christmas Song) OC: …Christmas. :07
    “My favorite Christmas song is ‘Away in a Manger.’ The melody’s so beautiful, and I think it’s the true meaning of Christmas.”

    Audio / George Strait (Christmas memories)

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    AUDIO: George Strait recalls his Christmas memories growing up.

    George Strait (Christmas memories) OC: …back then. :21
    “At Christmas time, we always kind of got together at my grandparents and had Christmas there, and it was a lot of fun because you’d see cousins that you hadn’t seen in a while. Those are the memories that I have, getting to spend a few days with them and opening presents and it was just a lot of fun back then.”

    Audio / Jennifer Nettles (Christmas 2013) 1

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    AUDIO: Jennifer Nettles talks about this year’s Christmas with son Magnus (1).

    Jennifer Nettles (Christmas 2013) 1 OC: …excited about that. :44
    “Christmas is super exciting this year, because I have a one-year-old, and granted, while he had been born just before Christmas last year, he was just a little lump, just a little sugar lump [laughs] at that point. Now, he’s walking around, and he’s into everything. He gets excited about discovery, and so getting gifts for him that he can enjoy and learn from and that will intrigue him for about 10 seconds until he moves on to the box really excite me right now. So, I’m excited about that, and starting our own holiday traditions, ‘cause I think the season is definitely more special when seen through the eyes of a child, so I’m excited about that.”

    Audio / Jennifer Nettles (Christmas 2013) 2

    Download
    AUDIO: Jennifer Nettles says she and her family, including husband Justin and son Magnus, are in a bit of a transition for the holidays this year, so she hasn’t been able to decorate her new home.a

    Jennifer Nettles (Christmas 2013) 2 OC: …would be fun. :45
    “Typically, I decorate. Now this year I have not yet, because we’re trying to move into a new house, and so we’re not quite in there yet, but yet we’re very much in a transition, I will say. That’s been a theme – transition and change and growth and evolution, all that has been a theme for me this year and continues to be. So, we’re trying to get into a new house, so I haven’t decorated, but I do love doing it, but what I love more is entertaining. So, I hope that once we get into this house, I’m hoping to be able to do something for the New Year, ‘cause I love New Year’s. We’ll make Christmas be about Grandmas, and we’ll go over to Grandmas’ and do all that, but I hope to able to be settled enough in the new house to be able to host something for New Years would be fun.”

    Audio / Josh Turner (fave Christmas food)

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    AUDIO: Josh Turner, a father of three boys, talks about his favorite Christmas food.

    Josh Turner (favorite Christmas food) OC: …favorite food. :15
    “My favorite food to eat at Christmas time is probably the fried turkey that my daddy makes every year He started that several years back, and it became a hit with our family, and so he ended up doing it. He’s been doing it every year since, so that’s always been my favorite food.”

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (Christmas puzzle tradition)

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    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves talks about one of her favorite Christmas traditions.

    Kacey Musgraves (Christmas puzzle tradition) OC: …a little tradition. :28
    “My grandpa has a scavenger hunt puzzle that he does every year. Even though I’m like too old for the puzzle, he’s like, ‘You’re still gonna do it.’ So, every year we do that, and it’s funny ‘cause sometimes you’ll find your present in the bathroom or in a tree or out behind the shed. He does a little trail of like either corn or a string to it. It’s very imaginative, and it’s something I look forward to every year. It’s a little tradition.”

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (Christmas stockings)

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    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves says one of her favorite things at Christmas are the stockings.

    Kacey Musgraves (Christmas stockings) OC: …are fun. :07
    “Stockings. I love stockings. They’re kinda my favorite, ‘cause it’s like all the little goodies in there just are fun.”

    Audio / Lauren Alaina (favorite Christmas moment)

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    AUDIO: Lauren Alaina recalls her favorite Christmas memory.

    Lauren Alaina (favorite Christmas memory) OC: …on it. :09
    “This is Lauren Alaina, and my favorite Christmas memory is when I got my Barbie bike when I was like six years old and I thought I ruled the world because it had a horn and it had Barbie’s picture on it.”

  • KEITH URBAN WILL GET INTO THE ZONE AT THIS YEAR’S CMA AWARDS. (AUDIO)

    Keith Urban is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year at this year’s CMA Awards, and he’s set to perform his Top 5 hit, “We Were Us,” with Miranda Lambert. Keith says it’s really hard to “get into the zone” with a single song performance. “I just try and play. I try not to think about all the people sitting down in the front and that sort of thing,” says Keith. “TV is hard. TV’s just hard because it’s so run and gun. You don’t have time to check things, and you can do it at sound check and then it doesn’t sound anything like it on the night. It’s so quick and…I like being able to sort of get into the zone and you can’t do that in three minutes.”

    The 47th Annual CMA Awards air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena next Wednesday (November 6th) at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Audio / Keith Urban (CMA 2013 performance)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about performing on awards shows.

    Keith Urban (CMA 2013 performance) OC: …three minutes. :25
    “For me, I just try and play. I try not to think about all the people sitting down in the front and that sort of thing, you know. I find, for me, it’s more about… TV is hard. TV’s just hard because it’s so run and gun. You don’t have time to check things, and you can do it at sound check and then it doesn’t sound anything like it on the night. It’s so quick and it’s just like… I like being able to sort of get into the zone and you can’t do that in three minutes.”

  • SCOTTY McCREERY RELEASES NEW ALBUM ON TUESDAY. (PRESS RELEASE AND AUDIO)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Platinum-selling singer-songwriter Scotty McCreery releases his much-anticipated sophomore album, See You Tonight, Oct. 15 on Mercury Nashville / 19 / Interscope Records.  In celebration of the new album, McCreery will perform on several national TV shows in addition to hosting album release events in Nashville, New York and North Carolina.

    McCreery begins street week with an album release party in New York City Oct. 15th at Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square – including an intimate concert by McCreery, signing and Q&A with the crowd.  He will then perform on NBC’s “TODAY Show” on Oct. 16 and FOX News’ “Fox & Friends” on Oct. 17 before heading down to Nashville to continue the celebration at the home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.  McCreery performs on the famed stage Oct. 19 with an in-store signing with fans afterwards. 

    Next, McCreery returns to Raleigh, N.C. for a special homecoming album release event at the North Carolina State Fair on Oct. 21 and 22 before culminating the festivities in Los Angeles, Calif. with an Oct. 25 performance on NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

    “This album is a big step from the first one, and I can’t wait for everybody to hear it,” says McCreery, who co-wrote five songs on the project, including title track, “See You Tonight” (co-written with Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley).  Entertainment Weekly describes the current single as “fresh, youthful [and] romantic;” a great indication of what can be expected on the new album, which Rolling Stone calls “bright, polished pop country.” 

    McCreery teamed up again with Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan), who produced his 2011 record-setting Platinum debut Clear As Day, and also enlisted producer Frank Rogers (Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley) for See You Tonight, resulting in 13 tracks of radio-ready music.

    “We’ve been working on this [See You Tonight] for the better part of a year,” shares the McCreery, “so Tuesday has been a long time coming. With this album, I feel like I accomplished what I wanted to sound like and say.” 

    Including multiple fan-driven album release events this month was a top priority for McCreery.  “All of my success goes back to the fans,” explains McCreery, winner of “American Idol” Season Ten. “I try to put in all of the hard work I can, but it means nothing to me without the fans, which have been there by my side since day one. It’s all about saying thanks to the fans.” 

    See You Tonighttrack listing:
    1.   Now
    2. 
     See You Tonight
    3.   Get Gone With You
    4.    Feelin’ It
    5.    Feel Good Summer Song
    6.   Buzzin’
    7.   Can  You Feel It
    8.   The Dash
    9.    Blue Jean Baby
    10.
      Forget to Forget You
    11.  I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend
    12.  Carolina Moon
    13.  Something More

    Deluxe versions of See You Tonight will also be available featuring three additional tracks, plus a Wal-Mart Exclusive Deluxe Edition with two more bonus tracks.

    For information on any of the album release events, tour dates, images and more, please visit www.ScottyMcCreery.com.  View the official “See You Tonight” video HERE.

    Audio / Scotty McCreery (evolving)

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    AUDIO: Scotty McCreery explains how he’s evolved as an artist.

    Scotty McCreery (evolving) OC: …good for me. :29
    “You know every artist throughout their career, they’re evolving, they’re changing, they’re honing their craft. For me, I started really young. At 17, I had my first album in the works. Now I’m 19, 20 – still pretty young, but I’m doing some growing up and so is my music, and my writing has changed. I’ve gotten to write with some of the best guys in Nashville – and girls –  and really hone my craft there. I’ve really had more of an opportunity to figure out what I wanted to say as a person and an artist on this next record. I think just these couple years I’ve spent making this record have been really good for me.”

  • DARIUS RUCKER: Feels Like Home (AUDIO)

    Darius Rucker may be no stranger to “Radio” – heck, it’s the title of his latest hit! But he’s the first to admit that – after years of success as a singer-songwriter and as frontman for Hootie and The Blowfish — country radio and country music truly feel like “home” to him. “This is where I’m supposed to be,” he says. “It feels like a perfect evolution of my life and my career.”  In fact, country music feels so much like home that you won’t find Darius going elsewhere. “People ask me what I’m going to do next, and I say, ‘Retire!’” All of us “true believers” know that next step won’t be coming any time soon!

    Darius Rucker says he’s “home” in country music. (:30)
    “This is – I’m home. This is where I’m supposed to be. I always said that I thought I was destined to do something really cool and something great, and…not that Hootie and the Blowfish wasn’t cool and great, because it was! But…I thought that I was supposed to [be] making a mark in some kind of music and country was it. It feels like a perfect evolution of my life and my career. This is where I’m supposed to be, and that’s why – people always ask me what I’m going to do next, and I say, ‘Retire! I’m going to be with my kids.’”

  • CMA AWARDS NOMINATIONS 2013: Kacey, Keith, Kip, Darius, Eric, George, Lady A, Little Big Town and Luke Bryan. (AUDIO)

    Kacey Musgraves, along with Taylor Swift, lead the list of this year’s CMA Awards with 6 nominations each.

    Kacey, who is a first-time nominee in 2013, has six nominations spanning several categories including Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year, as well as two nominations for Album of the Year for Same Trailer Different Park and Single of the Year for “Merry Go ‘Round,” which she co-produced with Luke Laird and Shane McAnally. In the Song of the Year category (which is presented to songwriters), she is nominated twice, once for “Merry Go ‘Round” with songwriters Josh Osborne and McAnally and for the hit that Miranda Lambert took up the country charts, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” with songwriters Brandy Clark and McAnally. Kacey took to Twitter to say, “6 great reasons to get out of bed today.. SO grateful!!”

    Keith Urban received four nominations including Male Vocalist of the Year, which he has won three times (2004-2006); and three more (Single, Musical Event and Music Video of the Year) with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift for “Highway Don’t Care.”

    Luke Bryan and Little Big Town picked up three nods each. Luke, who was named the ACM Entertainer of the Year in April, receives his first Entertainer of the Year nomination this year. He’s also nominated for Male Vocalist and Musical Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with pals Jason Aldean and Eric Church.

    Reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town received three nominations, including their eighth Vocal Group of the Year nod; Album of the Year for Tornado, which was produced by Jay Joyce; and Music Video of the Year for “Tornado,” which was directed by Shane Drake. Songwriters Natalie Hemby, Laird, and Barry Dean picked up a Song of the Year nomination for their hit, “Pontoon.” The band was on a plane when they found out the news of their nominations. “Just heard INCREDIBLE news about our #CMA nominations! This plane’s about to be a big ‘ol party!,” they tweeted.

    The reigning CMA Album of the Year winner, Eric Church, received nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year with Aldean and Bryan for “The Only Way I Know.” Church received his first CMA Awards nomination in 2011 for New Artist of the Year.

    Lady Antebellum also picked up a pair of nominations for Vocal Group of the Year (a trophy they’ve won three times) and Music Video of the Year for “Downtown,” which was directed by Peter Zavadil. Lady A’s Charles Kelley tweeted, “So excited to have a couple CMA nominations. And how about our opening acts Kip and Kacey with huge nominations. We know how to pick em.”

    *George Strait enters the field of nominees again in 2013 in the coveted Entertainer of the Year category. Strait is now the most nominated artist in CMA Awards history with 82, breaking a previous tie with Alan Jackson. Strait was last nominated for Entertainer of the Year in 2009, and has picked up the night’s top honor twice (1989, 1990).

    Darius Rucker picks up a nomination for Single of the Year and songwriters Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor received a nomination for Song of the Year.

    Kip Moore and Kacey Musgraves both pick up their first nomination in the New Artist of the Year category. “It’s been a long road. I think back on the thousands of hours of songwriting and hundreds of thousands of miles we’ve logged on the road…I wouldn’t trade any of that for the quick and easy route. I’ve learned so much, and I’m truly honored to be up for the CMA’s ‘New Artist Of The Year’ Award,” says Kip, who just scored his third No. 1 single with “Hey Pretty Girl.” “I have to admit…this is also a little extra inspiration for us as we finish up the next album!”

    2013 CMA Nominations:

    Entertainer of the Year 

    Jason Aldean

    Luke Bryan

    Blake Shelton

    George Strait

    Taylor Swift

     

    Album of the Year  

    Based On A True Story – Blake Shelton

    Blown Away – Carrie Underwood

    Red – Taylor Swift

    Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves

    Tornado – Little Big Town

     

    Single of the Year

    “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line

    “Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift & Keith Urban

    “Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert

    “Merry Go ‘Round” – Kacey Musgraves

    “Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker


    Song of the Year

    I Drive Your Truck – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary (Lee Brice)

    Mama’s Broken Heart – Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally (Miranda Lambert)

    Merry Go ‘Round – Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne (Kacey Musgraves)

    Pontoon – Barry Dean, Natalie Hemby, Luke Laird (Little Big Town)

    Wagon Wheel – Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor (Darius Rucker)

     

    Female Vocalist of the Year 

    Kelly Clarkson

    Miranda Lambert

    Kacey Musgraves

    Taylor Swift

    Carrie Underwood

     

    Male Vocalist of the Year 

    Jason Aldean

    Luke Bryan

    Eric Church

    Blake Shelton

    Keith Urban

     

    Vocal Group of the Year  

    Eli Young Band

    Lady Antebellum

    Little Big Town

    The Band Perry

    Zac Brown Band

     

    New Artist of the Year  

    Lee Brice

    Brett Eldredge

    Florida-Georgia Line

    Kip Moore

    Kacey Musgraves

     

    Vocal Duo of the Year  

    Big and Rich

    Florida-Georgia Line

    Love and Theft

    Sugarland

    Civil Wars

    Thompson Square

     

    Musical Event of the Year

    Boys ‘Round Here – Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies

    Cruise – Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly

    Don’t Rush – Kelly Clarkson with Vince Gill

    Highway Don’t Care – Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift & Keith Urban

    The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean feat. Eric Church & Luke Bryan

    Video of the Year

    Blown Away – Carrie Underwood

    Boys ‘Round Here – Blake Shelton with Pistol Annies

    Downtown – Lady Antebellum

    Highway Don’t Care – Tim McGraw with Taylor Swift & Keith Urban

    Mama’s Broken Heart – Miranda Lambert

    Tornado – Little Big Town

    Musician of the Year

    Brent Mason

    Dann Huff

    Mac McAnally

    Paul Franklin

    Sam Bush

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (debut album)

    Download
    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves says her debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park, took a lifetime to make.

    Kacey Musgraves (debut album) OC: …was in and whatever. :20
    “I made it with two friends of mine – Shane McAnally and Luke Laird. It was, for all three of us, the first time that we’ve ever gotten to produce anything, but it just felt right and natural and good. The songs all came from different aspects of my life over the years. You know, you have your whole life to make your first record, so it really comes from inspiration from everywhere – relationships I was in and whatever.”

    Audio / LBT (album has a feeling to it)

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    AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild says the band’s album, Tornado, has an overall feeling to it.

    LBT (album has a feeling to it) OC: …same feeling. :34
    “This record has a feeling to it. [PHILLIP: “Yeah.”] I mean, we were feeling it in the moment in the studio, every song. But when you hear it, I think it has an overall feeling to it. We laugh about like ‘Pontoon’ has a little bit of a swagger to it, but this whole record has this sentiment – and I don’t even know how to define what the sentiment is, it just has its own unique voice, and it really describes the mood that the band’s been in and the place that we’ve been in our career. It’s that same feeling.”

    Audio / George Strait (awards)

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    AUDIO: George Strait received a nomination for “Entertainer of the Year. George explains he’s thrilled to still be a viable act.

    George Strait (awards) OC: …as I can. :15
    “To be here and still being a part of the business and nominated for awards and current and everything, it’s just unbelievable. And I’m enjoying every bit of it, and I’m gonna keep on doing it for as long as I can.”

  • 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9-11: Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Lady A (AUDIO)

    On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever with the devastating attacks on both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” embodied the thoughts and feelings of millions in the wake of the events that took place 12 years ago.

    There is audio from country superstar Alan Jackson sharing memories and thoughts on the events of September 11, 2001 and discussing his song, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” as well as remembrances from Lady Antebellum, Eric Church and Eric Paslay.

    The chorus and melody of “Where Were You…” came to Jackson in the middle of the night several weeks after the 9/11 tragedies. He awoke…sang the words into a recorder and wrote down key elements of the chorus…and completed the lyrics and verses later that same day. Initially reluctant to record the song, he was convinced by family and friends to share it with the world and debuted “Where Were You…” live on national television in early November at the 35th annual CMA Awards.

    Audio / AJ (Where Were You) 2

    Download
    AUDIO: Alan Jackson describes how the events of September 11, 2001 impacted him…and talks about writing “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” a few weeks later.

    AJ (Where Were You) 2 OC: …same feelings. 1:33
    “Well, I don’t know – I think I was probably like most people that were impacted with that day and the months that followed. You know, everybody was glued to the news and television and I think it really affected a lot of people – their perspective on their lives and their jobs and their families and where they were and what they were wanting to do and how they looked at things. And I guess…I mean, that’s what I was thinking, too. And I just pretty much visualized a lot of those scenes and stories I’d heard and seen on television or heard people talk about. The song came out of nowhere in the middle of the night – the chorus did. Just a gift. And I got up and scribbled it down and put the melody down so I wouldn’t forget it, and then the next day I started piecing all those verses together that were the thoughts I’d had or visuals I’d had, and…that was about it. I think it was just really…I had so many people tell me that there’s always a line or something in there that they did, whether it was go to church or pick up their Bible or go see their mother or watch a sunset – I mean, just a lot of things in there people told me that they had actually done those things, so…I guess I was like everybody else, just feeling those same feelings.”

    Audio / Lady A (9-11 Charles)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley – whose birthday is September 11th – recalls where he was on September 11, 2001.

    Lady A (9-11 Charles) OC: …everybody. :30
    “It was my birthday believe it or not. Yeah. 9/11. So, I was in college, and yeah, it was wild. I mean, woke up, was getting ready to go to class. And I had a roommate come in and say, ‘Man, turn on the TV. Classes are canceled. You won’t believe…’ He had had an earlier class, and he comes in and says, ‘Turn on the TV.’ And we all got up and watched it. It was just wild. So, it’s hard to put into words. But it is funny, that it’s still and I can remember it and everybody can. It had such a huge Effect on everybody.” 

    Audio / Lady A (9-11 Hillary)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott explains she was in high school when she and her fellow classmates heard about the tragic events of 9-11.

    Lady A (9-11 Hillary) OC: …we’re protected. 1:19
    “I was in 10th grade, which is weird to think that I was in 10th grade and Charles and Dave were in college. But I was actually on my way to history class, interestingly enough, and so we got to that class and turned the TV on, and we’re just watching the footage and then our, we ended up having an assembly that day where the whole school went into the gym and our headmaster got up and explained kind of everything that was going on and what happened. And it is. It’s one of those things that’s forever ingrained in your memory. And I actually had a close friend of mine, it’s actually my God sister’s dad has been in the military and he’s retired now. But he was on his way to the Pentagon and didn’t get there. But so luckily before everything happened but it’s just, I think everyone has that personal connection to it no matter if you knew someone there or not. It’s just … and I think too not only is it a time to reflect on those lost in that tragedy, I think it’s a time to really celebrate our military. And just another way of bringing praise to them and thanking them for what they do, which is protect us and protect our freedom on a daily basis. And thankfully nothing like that has happened since. And I think that that’s a testament to how well we’re protected.”

    Audio / Lady A (9-11 Dave)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood says he will never forget the lives that were lost during the tragic events of 9-11.

    Lady A (9-11 Dave) OC: …were lost. :27
    “Gosh, I mean as a human, it just completely breaks your heart. And as an American, it was such a devastating tragedy. Gosh, I mean that it still affects us 10 years later, and it will for the rest of our lives. I mean, there’s no doubt that it will. But I think as people and as a country, we’re stronger for it and going to keep pushing forward. And our goal is to get rid of people that would do evil like that in the world. So it’s tough to have that happen to us but we’ll always remember those that were lost.”

    Audio / Eric Church (9-11)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church was on his way to work when he heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2011.

    Eric Church (9-11) OC: …that feeling. :23
    “I was driving into work — the Shop-At-Home Network — I was listening to Gerry House, I remember that, and the news broke. [I] really couldn’t grasp what had happened until I got to work and saw it for myself on television. I remember I watched the second plane hit the tower in real time. I had just moved to Nashville earlier that year, and all I remember is wanting to go home and be with those I loved. I’ll never, I’ll never forget that feeling.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (9-11)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay remembers being in class during the tragic events of 9/11.

    Eric Paslay (9-11) OC: …I’ll never forget it. :31
    “On 9/11, I remember I was a freshman in college, and I was in a class early that morning and a girl came in with the craziest look on her face, and she just started telling us she was listening to the radio and had heard that the planes had hit the buildings. Our teacher let us out of class, and I ended up going home and my dad was at the house already. We ended up going to eat an early lunch at kind of a burger joint in my hometown. And I remember just going in and everybody was just eating in silence. It was an awkward day. I’ll never forget it.”

  • GEORGE STRAIT ANNOUNCES FINAL TOUR DATES AND SPECIAL GUESTS! (AUDIO)

    ARLINGTON, Texas – Musical icon George Strait has announced the dates for the second leg of his final two-year tour – The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. In a press conference streamed live on georgestrait.comfrom AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, earlier today, Strait revealed the final 26 markets he will visit during the winter and spring legs of his 2014 tour. Additionally, Strait revealed he will have special guests on each tour weekend that will be matched with the corresponding tour date and market via a “tweet to unlock” campaign. Special guests will include Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Sheryl Crow, Ronnie Dunn, Vince GillMerle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Chris Young, and more.

    “The first leg of the tour earlier this year was very fun, but also very emotional,” said Strait. “Every city and venue holds such great memories. I’m really looking forward to seeing our fans out on the road in 2014.”

    George Strait fan club members will have an opportunity to purchase tickets during a pre-sale period beginning at 10 a.m. in the venue’s respective time zone on Tuesday, September 24. Additionally, American Express® Cardmembers can purchase tickets before the general public. Tickets available to the general public will go on sale in select markets beginning Sept. 27 at 10:00 a.m. (time zone restraints apply) at www.georgestrait.com.

    The Cowboy Rides Away Tour 2014 dates are as follows

    January 9, 2014       CenturyLinkâ��Bossier City, La.

    January 10, 2014     Frank Erwin Centerâ��Austin, Texas

    January 17, 2014     CenturyLink Centerâ��Omaha, Neb.

    January 18, 2014     Sprint Centerâ��Kansas City, Mo.

    January 30, 2014     SAP Centerâ��San Jose, Calif.

    January 31, 2014     Valley View Casino Centerâ��San Diego, Calif.

    February 1, 2014     MGM Grand Arenaâ��Las Vegas, Nev.

    February 7, 2014     US Airways Centerâ��Phoenix, Ariz.

    February 8, 2014     Staples Centerâ��Los Angeles, Calif.

    February 14, 2014   The Palace of Auburn Hills â��Auburn Hills, Mich.

    February 15, 2014   Nationwide Arenaâ��Columbus, Ohio

    February 28, 2014   Wells Fargo Arenaâ��Philadelphia, Pa.

    March 1, 2014         Prudential Centerâ��Newark, N.J.

    March 7, 2014         KFC Yum! Arenaâ��Louisville, Ky.

    March 8, 2014         Allstate Arenaâ��Chicago, Ill.

    March 21, 2014       Bridgestone Arenaâ��Nashville, Tenn.

    March 22, 2014       Philips Arenaâ��Atlanta, Ga.

    April 4, 2014            Intrust Bank Arenaâ�� Wichita, Kan.

    April 5, 2014            Pepsi Centerâ��Denver, Colo.

    April 11, 2014         The Moda Centerâ��Portland, Ore.

    April 12, 2014         Tacoma Domeâ��Tacoma, Wash. 

    April 18, 2014         Wells Fargo Arenaâ��Des Moines, Iowa

    April 19, 2014         BOK Arenaâ��Tulsa, Okla.

    May 23, 2014          LSU Tiger Stadium Bayou Country Superfest â��Baton Rouge,  La.

    May 31, 2014          Gillette Stadium â�� Foxborough, Mass.

    TBD                          AT&T Stadium â��Dallas, Texas

    Strait, who recently renewed his record deal with MCA Records during a celebration at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, will continue to record new music and play select dates around the country following the completion of the tour. The Cowboy Rides Away Tour will offer fans a final opportunity to see Strait’s live show filled with hits from throughout his remarkable career, including many of his 60 No. 1 hits (more than any other artist in any genre). Additionally, Strait will receive Billboard’s Legend of Live Award in November in a ceremony in New York City. This is the magazine’s most coveted touring award, and he is the first country music artist to achieve this honor. 

    For more information on George Strait and for tour updates, please visit www.GeorgeStrait.com or follow Strait on Facebook and Twitter @georgestrait.

    Audio / George Strait (what he'll miss touring)

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    AUDIO: George Strait explains what he will miss when he’s not touring anymore…and what he won’t.

    George Strait (what he’ll miss touring) OC: …the traveling. :35
    “I’m gonna miss the shows. I’m not gonna miss the traveling, but I’m gonna miss [the shows] a lot. I’ve been doing it so long. It’ll be interesting to see just how I handle that in 2015. We’ll see what happens, but I think I’m making the right choice. It’s the right decision. I’m pretty happy with my decision, knowing that I can still go out and do one-offs here and there. I’m just going to [do] five or six things a year out there if I want to. I know I’ll miss it. I know I’ll miss all of it…except for the traveling.”

    Audio / George Strait (bittersweet)

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    AUDIO: At Monday’s press conference, George Strait says the final leg of his Cowboy Rides Away will be bittersweet.

    George Strait (bittersweet) OC: …doing it. :35
    “I am excited about the tour next year. It’s going to be a little bittersweet for me. It’s starting to sink in for me after the first leg of the tour. It’ll be a little tough next year saying goodbye to some of those places. My plan is to keep doing things here and there when I feel like it, and hopefully those opportunities will come for me. I can’t see hanging it up forever. As long as I keep enjoying it, I’m going to keep doing it.”

  • GEORGE STRAIT IS HONORED, AND HIS CONTRACT IS EXTENDED WITH MCA RECORDS. (AUDIO)

    Nashville, TN (August 29, 2013) – Last night, nearly 700 guests were treated to a very special evening honoring George Strait at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Invited guests were music industry professionals, George’s family and friends, as well as songwriters from all of Strait’s No.1 singles, and all members of every past and present MCA Nashville promotion team. The event, hosted by Lon Helton, publisher of Country Aircheck and host of Country Countdown USA, highlighted George’s long list of tremendous accomplishments and acknowledged a career that is far from over.

    The celebration opened with recognition of all of Strait’s No.1 hits, including “Give It All We Got Tonight,” the most recent history-making 60th No.1 single, a feat no artist except Strait has come close to achieving.

    An “in the round” acoustic performance of some of George’s biggest hits followed, performed by Jim Lauderdale, Tim James, Phil O’Donnell and Dean Dillon – songwriters who have been mainstays within Strait’s song catalogue throughout his career.

    Next in the program were remarks of Strait’s incomparable touring achievements through the years by longtime tour promoter Louis Messina, President of the Messina Group. Messina noted the emotional impact for the Country genre as Strait prepares to embark on the final leg of his record-breaking U.S. tour, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. Since 1999, as a headline act, George has sold close to five million tickets for a gross of over $300 million, and currently holds attendance records in 19 of the largest arenas/stadiums in the country.  In November, Billboard Magazine will honor Strait with their Legend of Live Award at the Billboard Touring Awards in New York City, making him the first-ever country music singer to receive the award.

    There were two people who were not present but sent messages to pay their respects to King George— a letter from his friend George Bush Sr., as well as a special congratulatory video from Merle Haggard, George’s hero. 

    The big announcement of the night came from Mike Dungan, Chairman and CEO of UMG Nashville, who revealed that George and MCA Nashville are extending their recording contract for five additional albums. 

    “George Strait— the artist, the performer, the personality, the man— simply defines Country music, yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” remarked Dungan.  “I can’t tell you what a pleasure and a privilege it is to work with this artist, and what an honor it is to represent the man and the music.  We know the best is yet to come.” 

    George has called only MCA Nashville home for 32 years, since he signed on the dotted line back in February of 1981, and created a partnership that would change the course of Country music forever. In his career, Strait has released an outstanding 40 studio albums on MCA Nashville, including his most recent May 2013 release, Love Is Everything

    “It seems like yesterday I signed with MCA.  I was homeless, so to speak, back then, as far as the music business goes and MCA gave me a home,” said Strait.  “I’ll always appreciate that.  I still have a home, and I’m looking forward to a whole lot more.”

    The evening concluded with a performance by George, who played some of his biggest hits: “Troubadour,” “Amarillo By Morning,” and “The Chair” with his Ace In The Hole band. 

    The final song of the night was Strait’s current single “I Believe,” a song he wrote with his son, Bubba, and Dean Dillon after learning about the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT last December.  Joining him on stage were some very special guests— a children’s choir from Eakin Elementary School. The school is a beneficiary of “Keep the Music Playing,” CMA’s music education program which has donated more than $7.6 million and purchased more than 5,000 instruments for Metro Nashville Public Schools since 2006. The song was arranged for the choir by Strait’s longtime producer and friend, Tony Brown, who rehearsed with the children at their school last week.

    Audio / George Strait (music)

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    AUDIO: George Strait says he’s going to keep making music as long as he can — which is evidenced by the deal he just signed with MCA Records for five more albums.

    George Strait (music) OC: …gonna do. :19
    “I still really enjoy singing, and that’s really who I am. I love to fish and I love to do all these other things, but my love has been and still is country music and singing. So, as long as I can keep doing it, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

  • LABOR DAY AUDIO: AJ, Billy, Darius, David, Dierks, Church, Paslay, Pardi, Keith, Kip, Lady A, Luke (AUDIO)

    For many decades, Labor Day was seen as a day for workers to voice their complaints and discuss better working conditions and pay.

    It’s been 119 years since the U.S. Congress declared Labor Day a national holiday, and on Monday, September 2nd, we will once again celebrate the people in every occupation whose work and dedication make this nation great.

    Labor Day weekend also signals the unofficial end to summer, and many of the hottest country stars are taking a look back at some of the toughest jobs they had prior to making their mark in music or their dream job now.

    Audio / AJ (working people songs)

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    AUDIO: Alan Jackson says that workingman values have always been a part of his music.

    AJ (working people songs) OC: … appreciate that. :28
    “I’ve always written songs and recorded songs, other people’s songs, about workin’ people, and workin’, the workin’ life ’cause I mean, that’s where I’m from. I mean, I worked…I’d already had jobs and worked as a grown person before I ever even thought about bein’ in the music business, so I come from that background, and…although I hadn’t had a job in a long time (laughs), I still remember a lot about it, you know, and I remember what the lifestyle is, and I still appreciate that.”

    Audio / Billy Currington (jobs-Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Billy Currington recalls some of the jobs he had before landing his record deal in 2003.

    Billy Currington (Labor Day) OC: …record deal. :40
    “I started working like at [age] 12, landscaping. This was summer, every summers, and roofing. I started when I was about 16 roofing houses, and that was probably one of my toughest jobs because down there in south Georgia, it gets hot, so doing that every day all summer long. The pawn shop when I moved to Nashville was one of my favorites, even though it was one of my least favorites. The concrete job was my least favorite of all – six years of that, and I couldn’t take it no more. After that job, that was my turning point. Either I’m going to do something else for a living [laughs] or quit and try to really focus on music and get this record deal.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Darius Rucker recalls one of his worst jobs before turning to music.

    Darius Rucker (Labor Day) OC: …pizza. :15
    “I was fifteen, and I worked at a pizza place, and the guy decided that at fifteen, that I could not only clean the floors and wash the dishes, but I also had to make pizza. So, for two months, he taught me how to make pizza.”

    Audio / David Nail (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: David Nail recalls his first job at Dairy Queen.

    David Nail (Labor Day) OC: …Dilly Bar. :32
    “The first job that I ever had was working at Dairy Queen. One of my very best friends in the world’s mother purchased a franchise, so it was kinda a cool place to work. You put me in an ice cream place, it’s a recipe for disaster. So, Kathy Jeffers, her mother tends to tell people it was a ‘mutual separation,’ but I can vividly remember her saying that they were going to lose money if they continued to let me work, because I was eating more food than I was selling. But, it was a great two days that I spent there, and I had many a Dilly Bar.”

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley makes a living performing for his fans, and he can’t say enough about them.

    Dierks Bentley (Labor Day) OC: …generosity. :26
    “Personally, the fans give me amazement. That’s the only word to really sum it up. I look out in the crowd, you know, usually see a lot of faces and fans are cheering. I know each one of these like from the road-the signs are from California…Michelle and Kayla live up in the Ohio area. They’re all, I just see them, and I’m like, ‘Wow!,’ they’re all from different regions. You know when you’re in a different region of the country and you just see certain fans. These people are way more hard core than I am, and I’m just amazed by their generosity.”

    Audio / Eric Church (Labor Day-odd jobs)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about one of his worst job.

    Eric Church (Labor Day-odd jobs) OC: …bought at 2am. 1:27
    “I had an awful job. I’ve had a lot of awful jobs…my worst one was when I first came to Nashville. I got a job at the Shop at Home Network. I worked midnight, graveyard, midnight to eight. That was bad enough but then I would work all night, go home, shower and then I had writing appointments all day because I was trying to get a career started. I’d go write songs and get meetings just trying to get signed. And end up getting done at 3 of 4 with all of that, I’d go home, take a shower or sleep for a little bit and then I had to be at work again at midnight. So the schedule was bad enough, however, what I had to do at the job…I sold knives from midnight to 7 or 8am. And, anytime somebody calls you at 3 or 4am and needs 200 knives for $19.95, it’s automatically an alarming situation. And I just, I was young and I’d been in a lot of these people’s shoes, I had done this…I knew they were drunk. I knew what they had done. They’d just come home from the bar, flipped on Shop at Home and said, ‘You know what? I need that.’ So the reason the job didn’t last long for me is that I was maybe the worst salesmen in history because I ended up talking a lot of these people out of it, I’d say, ‘I’ll tell you what man, go to bed, call me, I’ll be here in the morning. If you get up in the morning and want these knives you call me back.’ Because I knew what was going to happen, you know. They bought 200 knives for $19.95…first of all some of these people you didn’t know whether you should call the cops. What do you need 200 knives for? Even though I’m selling them…what do you need them for? So, it was awful doing that job. And then they got rid of me because, they were like, ‘You’re the worst. I can’t believe you’re talking people out of it.’ I was like, ‘Man I know…I’ve been there.’ [laughs] I’d want some to talk me out of buying some of the stuff I’ve bought at 2am.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay talks about his first job…printing logos on fanny packs.

    Eric Paslay (Labor Day) OC: …could print. :34
    “My first official job was working at a screen printing place in Texas during the summer in a metal building that had no AC. We printed on fanny packs – really cool — and these other little bags. And it was eye doctors that, some company if you bought supplies through them, they’d put your logo on fanny packs for your customers to put in a drawer somewhere. Fanny packs are cool, if you like ‘em. You know, we’d like time ourselves to see how many fanny packs you could print.”

    Audio / Jon Pardi (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Jon Pardi talks about his worst job, which was at a grocery store.

    Jon Pardi (Labor Day) OC: …so bored! :17
    “The worst job I ever had was at Hometown Grocery Store. I didn’t want to work, I was 15, and I did not want to work at the grocery store. Bagging was fun, but they sent me down the aisles to pull up cans and turn ‘em around and face ‘em, and I would just get so bored!”

    Audio / Keith Urban (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Keith Urban once had a short stint as a telemarketer — his only non-music gig. However, he loves his “job,” which has him on stage entertaining fans, and he says watching them connect to his songs is an amazing feeling.

    Keith Urban (Labor Day) OC: …great feeling. :24
    “Seeing people connect to the music is the absolute, hands down, the biggest reward for me. Especially when you go to a place you’ve never been to before, and there’s all these people. I mean lots of people out there that you’ve never met a single one of them, and they’re singing to every word, and you realize that it’s not just a pretty melody, they get your songs. It’s amazing. It’s a great feeling.” 

    Audio / Kip Moore (Labor Day-worst job)

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    AUDIO: Kip Moore recalls his worst job…ever.

    Kip Moore (Labor Day-worst job) OC: …than that. :21
    “I’d have to say my worst job ever was laying sod in the south Georgia heat. There’s nothing than that, especially when somebody would think that you’re waiting for the next sod patch to be thrown to you and you got your back turned, and all of a sudden, that big ole piece of sod hits you right on the back. You got nowhere to clean up, and you’re just stuck with dirt on your back for the rest of the day. It doesn’t get any worse than that.”

    Audio / Lady A (Labor Day)

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    AUDIO: Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum tells us what he used to do to make a buck before finding success as a musician.

    Lady A (Labor Day) OC: …I had a lot of crummy jobs. :31
    CK “I used to…” HS: “… knock out asbestos walls.” CK: “I did that for a long time. But even before that, I used to do lawn care every summer. Oh, man, I do not miss that. Just glad those days are over. I get out here and play music for a living. It’s a lot more fun. But yeah, I used to do that, and I used to work as a bag boy at a golf course once. I did that for a couple of summers. I had a lot of crummy jobs.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (Labor Day-jobs)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about the different jobs he worked in and around Leesburg, Georgia, before heading to Nashville to pursue a career in music.

    Luke Bryan (Labor Day-jobs) OC: …Nashville… 1:07
    “At age 12 thru 13, I worked at Rubos IGA Supermarket in Leesburg, GA. I worked during the summers on Monday and Tuesday. I stocked and cleaned up the produce.  They paid me under the table…I peeled off all of the brown lettuce. Let’s see, when I was 15, I was a cashier at K-Mart for two months. I worked at K-Mart for two months, and then I reverted back to Rubos because it didn’t really make sense for me to drive all the way into Albany and work for K-Mart. The benefits were great though-you’d get an hour-long on the blue light special. So I started back at Rubos, and then I quit Rubos and worked for my Dad-just awful just driving tractors through cotton all day, and spraying pesticides that eventually would turn your hair green. And then at some point, I started playing guitar. And well, after college I went back and worked for my dad and continued to spray and haul fertilizer around. And then I moved to Nashville…”

  • LUKE BRYAN ADDS A SECOND DATE TO NASHVILLE. (PRESS RELEASE & AUDIO)

    Nashville – (August 9, 2013) – Luke Bryan’s Dirt Road Diaries Tour is selling out venues across the U.S. and it was announced today that the tour will add a second show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, October 19TH due to overwhelming popular demand! The sold-out Friday, October 18TH show will feature openers Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square and the October 19 show will feature very special guest Dierks Bentley and Cole Swindell.

    Tickets for the Saturday, October 19th show will be on sale to the general public on Friday, August 16th at 10:00am at www.livenation.com, www.ticketmaster.com, the Bridgestone Arena Box Office or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000.

    Luke’s fourth studio album Crash My Party, produced by Jeff Stevens, will be in stores next Tuesday, August 13. It contains the three-week #1 title track song “Crash My Party,” which recently set a Billboard record as the largest 1-week audience since 2005 with 45.5 million listeners and has sold a million copies. The latest single from the new project, “That’s My Kinda Night,” debuted this week at #21 on the Billboard Country radio chart, and is the highest debuting single of his career.

    Luke’s career now boasts over four million in album sales with seven #1 singles and he is the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year. Luke was named the #1 Artist of 2012 and #1 Male Artist of 2012 by Country Aircheck. Billboard named tailgates & tanlines the #2 Country Album and the #3 Country Artist Album of 2012 and claimed Luke as the #3 Top Country Artist of the Year. Also in 2012, Luke took home 11 music awards, including a record nine wins at the American Country Awards as well as his first American Music Award. This spring, Luke co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards with Blake Shelton and received the coveted Entertainer of the Year award as well as the Vocal Event award with Jason Aldean and Eric Church for “The Only Way I Know.” At the CMT Music Awards in June, Luke won for Collaborative Video of the Year for “The Only Way I Know.”

    Live Nation is the national tour promoter for the “Dirt Road Diaries Tour.” Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is sponsoring the tour. GAC: Great American Country is the media sponsor for the second leg of the tour. For additional information on the tour and ticket on sale dates please go to www.lukebryan.com
    or www.livenation.com.

    “Dirt Road Diaries Tour”

    8-9 Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
    8-10 Irvine, CA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
    8-11 San Diego, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre formerly Cricket
    Wireless Amphitheatre
    8-23 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
    8-24 Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
    8-25 Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
    9-12 Wichita, KS INTRUST Bank Arena
    9-14 Tulsa, OK BOK Center
    9-20 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
    9-21 Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
    9-26 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center
    9-27 Cleveland, OH Blossom Music Center
    9-28 Pittsburgh, PA First Niagara Pavilion
    10-17 Little Rock, AR Verizon Arena
    10-18 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
    10-19 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
    10-24 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
    10-25 Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
    10-26 West Palm Beach, FL Cruzan Amphitheatre

    Audio / Luke Bryan (perf live-intimate)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan says he tries to make sure every person at his concerts has a great time.

    Luke Bryan (perf live-intimate) OC: …creating moments. :43
    for years and years I played bars and honky-tonks where I could look everybody in the face and try to sing to everybody in the bar. So, when you’re in a 10,000 seat arena or 25,000 seat amphitheater, I told myself I’m going to try to get this whole group of people feeling like it’s 1,000 people, and the only way to do that is keep your head looking at them and getting them involved.  And when you see somebody doing something funny, wave to them and dance with them and cut up and bring everybody in, unite everybody in this two-hour span that I have.   I think you immediately shrink the room when you do that.  It takes it from somebody being in the nosebleeds to somebody feeling like they’re a part of something more intimate and special and creating moments.

  • GEORGE STRAIT RELEASES NEW SINGLE, ‘I BELIEVE.’ (PRESS RELEASE & VIDEO)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country Music Hall of Fame member and MCA Nashville recording artist George Strait has released “I Believe” as the new single from his current album Love Is Everything and the follow-up to his 60th No. 1 “Give It All We Got Tonight” which named Strait the first musician in music history to achieve the milestone. The May 2013 release is his 40th studio album, produced by Strait and Tony Brown.

    Strait co-wrote the new single with his son, Bubba Strait, and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon after watching the news coverage of the tragic school massacre in Newtown, Conn. last December.  Having lost his daughter at a young age, George felt as if it was a song he needed to write.  Yet, when he was working on the album, he didn’t initially record the song.  After listening to the playback of the album, Strait’s wife Norma insisted that he record the song so at the end of the session he asked the band to record one more.

    “Like everybody, I was watching the coverage on TV,” said Strait in an interview that can be viewed HERE. “I know what these parents are going through. It’s the worst thing that can happen to you in your life. To lose a child….there’s nothing worse than that. So I started thinking about saying something about it.” He continues, “It’s a statement of faith, is really what it is. It turned out beautiful.”

    The critics agree:

    • “Carefully rendered and unabashed in optimism, ‘I Believe’ is as personal as anything Strait has ever recorded.” Los Angeles Times 
    • “’I Believe’…puts his faith on display as never before. On this album, Strait shows a few different moods, and it’s kind of rare to hear him at such a despondent place. At the same time, that fear is lifted by his faith in a higher power – which helps get him through the rough waters.” – Billboard
    • “‘I Believe’ is a strong ballad about faith – a rare moment of variety – and the message will leave many with goosebumps.”  – Taste of Country

    Earlier this year Strait kicked off in high gear during the first leg of his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour. The tour earned Strait the title as the highest ranked country act on Pollstar’s 2013 Worldwide Tickets Chart, and he is expected to announce details and dates for the 2014 leg of his tour, kicking off early next year, later this fall.

    For more information on Strait, Love Is Everything, The Cowboy Rides Away Tour and more, visit www.GeorgeStrait.com.

    Video / George Strait "I Believe" -- The Story Behind the Song

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  • DAVID NAIL’S NEW SINGLE HITS CLOSE TO HOME. (AUDIO)

    David Nail may not have written his new single, “Whatever She’s Got,” but it totally describes what he feels for his wife, Catherine. “When I think it’s the right person, they just have a way of looking at you. There’s times when she drives me crazy and I want to get mad at her so bad. We both say things that we shouldn’t say to each other, and it’s kind of silly ‘cause you know the next day it’s all going to be fine,” says David. “I’ve always said you know it’s the right person when they can see you at your worst, and they still love you the next day.”

    “Whatever She’s Got” is the first single from David’s forthcoming album, due early next year.

    Audio / David Nail (whatever his wife has)

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    AUDIO: David Nail says his wife, Catherine, is the right person for him.

    David Nail (whatever his wife has) OC: …the next day. :28
    “You know, when I think it’s the right person, they just have a way of looking at you. There’s times when she drives me crazy and I want to get mad at her so bad. We both say things that we shouldn’t say to each other, and it’s kind of silly ‘cause you know the next day it’s all going to be fine, and you kinda probably should just stop in the middle of your fight and be like why are we wasting our time. We know tomorrow, we’re gonna wake up and say, ‘Let’s just forget it.’ I’ve always said you know it’s the right person when they can see you at your worst, and they still love you the next day.”

    Audio / LINER David Nail (Whatever She's Got)

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    LINER David Nail (Whatever She’s Got)

  • KIP MOORE IS GOLDEN! (AUDIO AND PRESS RELEASE)

    MCA Recording artist Kip Moore’s current Top 10 single “Hey Pretty Girl” and chart-topping “Beer Money” have officially been certified GOLD by the RIAA, for sales over 500,000 downloads each. The GOLD tracks can both be found on Moore’s UP ALL NIGHT, the best selling debut album of any country artist released last year.

    “’Pretty Girl’ and ‘Beer Money’ have been fan favorites on the road since we started playing them,” said Moore. “Having the fans also want to have the music after the show – to connect and respond to our music that way, too – just fuels our fire even more.”

    Friday morning, fans can tune-in to catch Moore perform his hit songs on Fox & Friends’ All American Summer Concert Series beginning at 6:00A ET on FOX News (check local listings).

    Moore’s current Top 10 hit “Hey Pretty Girl” follows two consecutive No. one hits off his debut album UP ALL NIGHT. His first career No. one single, “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” held the top spot on both charts for two weeks making him the first solo artist in four years to have a debut album’s first single go No. one for multiple weeks. He has already sold out dozens of headlining shows this year, sometimes in just minutes. Moore continues to headline his own dates and is also currently opening for superstar Toby Keith through the summer. For more information and for a full list of tour dates, visit www.kipmoore.net.

    AUDIO: Kip Moore talks about his latest single, “Hey Pretty Girl,” and what sparked the idea for the song.

    Kip Moore (inspiration behind Hey Pretty Girl) OC: …about it. :48
    “You know, I actually wrote that the day after I had a conversation with my guitar player, Dave Lapsley. Me and Dave had been playing together for 10 years, ever since I moved to town, and I love Dave with all my heart. Dave was my guy, man, that’d I’d go hang out with and raise hell with. And when he told me his wife was pregnant, there was a complete change in Dave. He was being like, ‘Dude, we gotta make this thing happen now. We’re not making enough money, and I’ve got to support a family now.’ And I saw everything kind of change. Even though I don’t have a wife and kids, it kind of made me see it through his eyes. Even though I don’t want that right now, the next day I went into the [writing] room and I was just talking to Dan Couch about it, and I was like, ‘I hope to have that thing that I see in Dave’s eyes now one day, and I hope I want to go through life with somebody like that, and this is how I hope it is,’ and that’s what we tried to capture that day writing about it.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY SHOWS KACEY MUSGRAVES A LOT OF RESPECT. (AUDIO)

    Dierks Bentley is climbing the country charts with his new single, “Bourbon in Kentucky,” which features Kacey Musgraves. Dierks was thrilled to have the “Blowin’ Smoke” singer on the song, in main part because she’s really got her own thing happening. “Usually you go out there and try to get your foot in the door, and then once you kind of got some wiggle room, really start defining who you are as an artist and going for some different things and some risky things. Her whole thing is to go big early; go big first! Go for it, and maybe it’ll help solidify a really hard-core following of fans that are looking for people that are going for things, trying stuff and not afraid to be who they are,” says Dierks. “I’ve got a lot of respect for that, and the fact that she would want to be a part of this song and lend her voice and her personality and who she is to this track, ‘Bourbon in Kentucky.’ It really means a lot to me.”

    “Bourbon in Kentucky” is the first single from his forthcoming album, Riser, which is due in stores this fall.

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about Kacey Musgraves, who appears on his new single, “Bourbon in Kentucky.”

    Dierks Bentley (Kacey on Bourbon) OC: …a lot to me. 1:04
    “She’s really cool. She’s got a great thing going on. Usually you go out there and try to get your foot in the door, and then once you kind of got some wiggle room, really start defining who you are as an artist and going for some different things and some risky things. Her whole thing is to go big early; go big first! Go for it, and maybe it’ll help solidify a really hard-core following of fans that are looking for people that are going for things, trying stuff and not afraid to be who they are. It’s really risky to be who you are from the beginning. Back…Vince Gill is one of my favorite singers of all time, but Vince had five albums that he put out before he really had any success. Nowadays, you get like one single, and if it doesn’t work, then it’s on the next thing. This town’s never been tougher than it is right now. So, for someone like Kacey to be out there going, ‘I know that. I know I might not get another chance and maybe I should play it, because it is such a tough town, but I’m going with what I’m going with.’ I’ve got a lot of respect for that, and the fact that she would want to be a part of this song and lend her voice and her personality and who she is to this track, ‘Bourbon in Kentucky.’ It really means a lot to me.”

  • The King Crowns His 60th # 1 Single (story/audio)

    GEORGE STRAIT: The King Crowns the Top of the Chart!

    In August 1982, Ronald Reagan was President…Pete Rose was still playing baseball…the first edition of USA Today was still a few weeks away from being published…Cheers was a month away from premiering on NBC…and George Strait reached the top of the country chart for the first time in his career with his fourth chart single, “Fool Hearted Memory.” 30 years and nine months later, George finds himself at the top of the heap again this week as “Give It All You Got Tonight” climbs to #1 on the Mediabase chart.  “I still feel like it’s quite an accomplishment,” he admits, noting that while his name may be next to the song title on the chart, the credit for reaching the pinnacle is shared by many. “It’s pretty much of a group effort and, so, I still get very excited to have one.” (AUDIO 1)

    “Give It All You Got Tonight” is the first single from George’s new album, Love Is Everything, released last week. While noting the song is “a little different for me,” he finds it very easy to relate to the lyrics and the story. “It’s kind of about parking, which I’ve done a few times,” he says with a hearty laugh. (AUDIO 2)

     

    George Strait admits it still feels good – even after 60 trips to the top – to reach #1 on the charts. (:35)

    “It’s not like it was then when I hadn’t ever had one, but still…I still feel like it’s quite an accomplishment – not only for me, but for everybody involved because there’s a lot of other people involved in these things, too. You know, you’ve got your people around you that work with you that support you…and your record company and the people that work there and work hard trying to get these records out and so…it’s pretty much of a group effort and, so, I still get very excited to have one.”

     

    George Strait talks about his #1 song, “Give It All You Got Tonight.” (:27)

    “The first time I heard it, I thought, ‘Hmm…that’s a great song. A little different for me, you know? A little risqué kinda, you know?’ I’m thinking, ‘I don’t know if I can pull this off or not.’ But I just love it. I mean, it’s…like I said, it’s a little different. The melody’s a little different. Great lyrics. It’s kind of about parking, you know? (laughs) Which I’ve done a few times, you know, back in the early days (laughs).”

  • DARIUS RUCKER RECEIVES HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM ALMA MATER. (AUDIO)

    Darius Rucker received his honorary doctorate from his alma mater, the University of South Carolina, on Saturday (May 11th). He also spoke during the 2013 commencement address, telling the graduating class to follow their dreams and make room for community service. School President Harris Pastides told Darius that while he’s a rock star and a cool guy, he’s now “Dr. Gamecock.”

    Darius graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, with hopes of becoming a sportscaster, if his music career didn’t happen. He’s a huge supporter of the University of South Carolina, and said he’d do “anything” for the school. “There’s a lot of things I thought I was going to do in my life, but I never thought that I would speak at somebody’s graduation. You know, what an honor and I’m just really moved by the fact that that day that’s so important to them- the day that they’re graduating after four or five grueling years of having to go to school and having to take these tests with you’re finally graduating, and I’m the one giving a graduation speech. It’s full circle,” says Darius. “It’s another reason I wish my mom were still alive, you know. To witness me speaking at the college that means more to me than any school in the world, you know. The University of South Carolina is my heart.”

    Darius is set to release his new album, True Believers, next Tuesday (May 21st). The collection features his latest Top 3 single, “Wagon Wheel.”

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker talks about getting his honorary doctorate from the University of South Carolina.

    Darius Rucker (doctorate) OC: …for that school. :54
    “I was a Journalism major at USC. I was a Broadcast Journalism major. That’s what I wanted- that was my fallback, if it didn’t work, I was hopefully going to be a sportscaster, but I have an honorary doctorate in humanities in Humane Letters from the University of South Carolina, and an honorary doctorate in Music from the University of South Carolina. There’s a lot of things I thought I was going to do in my life, but I never thought that I would speak at somebody’s graduation. You know, what an honor and I’m just really moved by the fact that that day that’s so important to them- the day that they’re graduating after four or five grueling years of having to go to school and having to take these test with your finally graduating, and I’m the one giving a graduation speech. It’s full circle. It’s another reason I wish my mom were still alive, you know. To witness me speaking at the college that means more to me than any school in the world, you know. The University of South Carolina is my heart. I would do anything for that school.”

  • ACM AWARDS 2013: Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Eric Paslay, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, David Nail and more (AUDIO)

    The 48th Annual ACM Awards are right around the corner (April 7th), and many of your favorite artists are up for awards, including one of the co-hosts, Luke Bryan, who is up for four awards, including his first-ever Entertainer of the Year nomination. The show will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas April 7th (8p ET) on CBS.

    For the sixth year, fans will help select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and the winners will be announced live during the show. Fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the LIVE broadcast…however, you can still make your choice at VoteACM.com.

    Below are soundbites from some of the UMG artists nominated at this year’s ACM Awards.

    Luke Bryan received four nominations, including his first-ever Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year nominations. He also received nominations for Album of the Year for tailgates & tanlines and Vocal Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Eric Church.

    Audio / Luke Bryan (sold-out shows)

    Download

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan, who picked up several nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, says there’s not a more gratifying feeling than to have the shows on his
    Dirt Road Diaries Tour sell-out.

    Luke Bryan (sold-out shows) OC: …in the world. 1:00
    “We felt like we were going to be really strong in certain places, but when I get an email or my management calls me or my promoter texts me and goes, ‘Dude, you just sold something out in five minutes.’ I mean, that’s where I always dreamed of being as an artist, to have music out there that you love playing every night. And every time I look on my set list and see what song I have next, I go, ‘Ooh, ooh, this is gonna be fun,’ and that’s such a blessing for me, I mean, just the vibe that’s going on. I love having Thompson Square and Florida Georgia [Line] out there. They’re killing it. It’s just a fun three hours for fans, and I never would’ve imagined that they’d have been selling out this quick. It’s like an inner peace that I’ve been searching for as an artist to roll into town, and it’s like, you know it’s sold-out. There’s no better feeling. It’s the most gratifying experience, really, in the world.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (more than a party)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan says his album, tailgates & tanlines, is more than just a collection of party songs.

    Luke Bryan (more than a party) OC: …live shows. :26
    “I think it has serious stuff too. It’s a deeper deal too than just a party. I mean, I think what’s important to be able to do those fun songs but then to hit fans with a big thought song that really gets ‘em. People want to come and have a good time and I think that what you need to do with your albums. You can’t overload your album with it but you certainly need it for the live show and want it to happen in the live shows.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (hosting ACMs)

    Download

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about co-hosting the ACM Awards with Blake Shelton.

    Luke Bryan (hosting ACMs) OC: …a great way. :30
    “I’m just excited about the spontaneity and the fun-ness, and the crowd not knowing what’s going to happen. Everybody’s going to kind of be interested in and see what we’re going to pull off, and I think that’s what the night be real loose and fun. And we’re going to obviously have to be serious about stuff and it can’t be just a big ole goofy party nonstop, but I know we’re gonna enjoy it. I know Blake and I are going to work hard to make it a great show, and represent country music, hopefully, in a great way.”

    Audio / Eric Church (awards nominations)

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    AUDIO: Eric Church leads the list of ACM Nominations with seven, including Male Vocalist, Album (Chief), Single and Song of the Year for “Springsteen,” Video of the Year for “Creepin’” and Vocal Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. (NOTE: Eric is twice nominated for Song of the Year for “Springsteen,” as both artist and composer.)

    Eric Church (ACMs) OC: …get this done. :16
    I think it’s a testament to really fans that believed in the music and loved the music and told people about the music. I think it’s truly because of the fans and because they did something that’s, I think, really going to be judged as pretty special and pretty unique that we were able to get this done.”

    Audio / LBT (ACM Best Album content)

    Download

    AUDIO: Little Big Town talk about their four ACM Awards nominations, including Album of the Year for Tornado. (NOTE: They are also nominated for the seventh time
    for Vocal Group of the Year, as well as picking up nods for Single Record of the Year for “Pontoon” and Video of the Year for “Tornado.” 

    LBT (ACM Best Album content) OC: (Phillip) …Yes, we are. :58
    JIMI: “We’re so excited about the ACMs and…” PHILLIP: “Four nominations. Unbelievable.” KAREN: “We want to take home one, and it wouldn’t matter which one, we’d be happy with any.” PHILLIP/KIMBERLY: “Or all!” [laughs] KAREN: “We can’t be greedy. Of course, if you ask any artist what award would mean most in their career, I think that they would say Album, probably, because it’s just what our whole lives are poured into – the songwriting, the making of a record, so the collection of songs. I can’t even imagine what that feels like to win Album of the Year.” PHILLIP: “I remember watching Miranda [Lambert] win that award, and I felt so proud for her, because we were rooting for her…[KAREN: “On Revolution.”]…and that record was so amazing. She was crying, she was shedding tears of joy, and we’ll probably do the same thing, if we win.” KAREN: “There’s no way. I mean, we’re in such a tough category. Good Lord Almighty, that category is crazy!” JIMI: “Glad to be in there, though.” KAREN: “Yes.” PHILLIP: “Yes, we are.”

    Audio / LBT (Tornado video)

    Download

    AUDIO: Little Big Town talk about their ACM-nominated video, “Tornado.”

    LBT (Tornado video) OC: (Karen) …sweet and hot. [laughs] :30
    KAREN: “It’s kinda creepy.” KIMBERLY: “Scary.” PHILLIP: “A darker tone, and we ARE the tornado coming through the town.” KAREN: “We will get you.” PHILLIP: “Yes, and we are coming to bring justice to the broken-hearted girl.” [laughs] JIMI: “We’re excited about it, though. Our buddy, Jonathan Schaech was actually in it with us. He did a great job.” KAREN: “He’s such a nice guy, and he plays such a mean guy in this video.” KIMBERLY: “Yeah, but still very cute.” [Jimi laughs] KAREN: “I know. He’s mean and hot at the same time, kinda like Phillip and Jimi. [Jimi laughs] No. They’re sweet and hot. [laughs]”

    Audio / Lady A (nominations)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at this year’s ACM Awards, and member Dave Haywood says they’re grateful just to be nominated. (NOTE: The band has already been chosen to receive the Jim Reeves International Award, but will receive it during the annual ACM Honors in Nashville in September.)

    Lady A (nominations) OC: …and see us. :28
    “We are grateful to be recognized. These awards shows – I think to have the respect of the people you know and work with, in this industry, in Nashville, in the country format is huge. We write this music for the fans out there, but when somebody pats you on the back, as well is a huge honor. Regardless of what happens, regardless of any award, we’re still gonna obviously get our full happiness from playing these shows and touring and letting these fans come out and see us.”

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (ACMs 2013)

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    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves talks about her ACM Nominations, which include Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Merry Go Round.”

    Kacey Musgraves (ACMs 2013) OC: …really thankful. 1:06
    “It’s pretty mind-blowing. It was a major shock when I found out about the ACM nominations. I mean, just a nomination even is the ultimate compliment from people that you work with in the business. It just makes me feel like I’m doing something right, and I’m thankful. Even if I don’t take home the trophy, just to be in the category is just unreal. I mean, I’m next to Martina and Carrie and Taylor and Miranda — these girls that have been doing this longer than I have in the public eye, and you know it’s funny, too, I don’t consider myself a vocalist. I mean I like to convey my message with my voice, but just to even be included in such a category is unreal and to even have nomination for video that I made literally on no budget with a friend in his kitchen one day. [We] shot stuff on an iPhone literally. My dog is in the video. I mean we made it without knowing that it was going to be the actual video for “Merry Go Round,’ and then I just kind of loved where it was sitting. It was just kind of different, kind of real, and I feel like that’s what he song needed. So, just to be recognized is a little mind-blowing and overwhelming, but I’m really thankful.”

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Even If It Breaks Your Heart)

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    AUDIO: Eric Paslay talks about his ACM-nominated song, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.”

    Eric Paslay (Even If It Breaks Your Heart) OC: …just music. :43
    “I wrote ‘Even If It Breaks Your Heart’ with Will Hoge, who’s an artist in Nashville, and that song actually was released [first] on Triple A radio. I think the majority of the people that tell me they love it are the musicians or the entertainers, because it’s so much about what we do. It’s like, ‘Keep on dreaming, even if it breaks your heart.’ If you let it, it could break your heart every day from the yeses and the nos and the ‘you’re not good enough, and now you are and you should’ve done,’ whatever it is. I think being in the entertainment industry, you make it more vulnerable. You just make sure you put your heart and soul into it, but make sure you realize it’s just music too. It IS music, but it’s just music.”

    Audio / David Nail (Let It Rain)

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    AUDIO: David Nail talks about his ACM-nominated song, “Let It Rain.”

    David Nail (Let It Rain) OC: …different scenarios? 1:15
    “Jonathan [Singleton] came in with the groove and I could recall Jonathan when he got to what ended up being the chorus uttering the term ‘Let It Rain’ over and over again. I asked him if that’s what he intended the title to be, and he said, ‘Aw, not necessarily. I guess I was just subconsciously saying that.’ And I had just recently saw this movie ‘The Last Kiss’ with Zach Graff and Rachel Bilsson. There was this really beautiful scene at the end where he’d obviously abeen unfaithful to his wife, and ironically his fiance’s father told him he was going to have to wait for her on her time and she may not get over it or she may get over it the next day. He was jhust going to have to turn it over to her and just be patient. So, he goes back to their house and sits there on the front steps and begins this journey of waiting, not knowing how long it was going to be. And it went through a series of days and nights, raining weather, cold weather, hot weather, and it was really beautiful showing that he was going to weather that storm and go through whatever it was he had to go through. So, I told [Jonathan], I said, ‘Why don’t we let it be ‘Let it Rain,’ and let it serve as a metaphor for all these different scenarios?’”

  • ERIC CHURCH SAYS TAPING HIS LIVE ALBUM, ‘CAUGHT IN THE ACT,’ TAKES HIM BACK TO THE BEGINNING. (AUDIO)

    Eric Church is getting ready to release his live album, Caught in the Act, next month. The special collection will include songs from his three albums, Sinners Like Me, Carolina and Chief, such as “Before She Does,” “How ‘Bout You,” “These Boots,” “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag” and “Springsteen,” among others. The North Carolina native said taping the album reminded him of when he played the bars and clubs before getting his record deal. “We kinda left the lights up, so you could kinda look around and see everybody,” says Eric. “You could see the emotion, you could see the face[s], you could hear ‘em. I felt at home. I felt like I was back in those bars and clubs that I love so much, and theaters, that I’ve had that interaction, that connection with individual people.”

    The album was recorded at Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre in October and will be available for presale on March 13th. A double vinyl version of the record will also be made available on National Record Store Day, Saturday, April 20th. The package will include four additional tracks and a special whiskey-infused seven-inch.

    Eric is currently heading up the country charts with his latest single, “Like Jesus Does.”

    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about taping his live album, which comes out April 9th.

    Eric Church (taping live album) OC: …individual people. :37
    “It was interesting for us, because we came straight from arena shows and we’re doing the same thing, not the same thing, but a similar thing every night, to completely pulled out of our element, like we’re back in bars and clubs. We made the set list up that day around a drum kit, going, ‘What have we not played in a while. Let’s do everything, you know, do all our songs.’ I just enjoyed seeing the people. We kinda left the lights up, so you could kinda look around and see everybody. You could see the emotion, you could see the face[s], you could hear ‘em. I felt at home. I felt like I was back in those bars and clubs that I love so much, and theaters, that I’ve had that interaction, that connection with individual people. It wasn’t just groups of ‘em, it was individual people.”

  • LUKE BRYAN RELEASES ‘SPRING BREAK….HERE TO PARTY’ CD WITH NUMEROUS TV APPEARANCES. (PRESS RELEASE & AUDIO)

    LUKE BRYAN RELEASES SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY CD

    WITH NUMEROUS TELEVISION APPEARANCES
     
    “Luke Bryan: Spring Break…Here To Party” CMT Special Debuts Today

     
    NASHVILLE, TN – (March 1, 2013) – Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards show co-host Luke Bryan will release his next spring break themed album on March 5, 2013, SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY. In celebration of the new CD Luke will perform on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on release date March 5, Jimmy Kimmel Live! on March 6 and on March 14 Luke will make his first appearance on Conan.
    Today CMT is debuting a television special, “Luke Bryan: Spring Break…Here To Party,” about the creation of his spring break concert series and music over the past 5 years. Fans can enjoy footage of Luke onstage and off stage. Go to www.cmt.com to view schedule of additional air dates.
    In additional promotion for the album, Luke will once again play concerts at Spinnaker’s Beach Club in Panama City, set for March 12 and 13. Last year’s shows saw over 40,000 fans flock to the beach each day to see Luke perform. Spring breaking fans can also enjoy a “Dirt Road Diaries Tour” show the following day on March 14 at the Amphitheatre at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama.

    Luke will also make appearances on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown and GAC’s Headline Country in the month of March; check local listings for dates and times. GAC’s Top 20 Countdown will film an episode at Luke’s Orange Beach, Alabama show which will air on Friday, March 22, 8:00 p.m. /ET.

    SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY will be available in record stores, and digitally, and will contain many of the songs released on his previous Spring Break EP’s. In addition, Luke has co-written two original songs for the album- “Just A Sip” and “Buzzkill.”
    SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY
    1. Suntan City
    2. Just A Sip
    3. Buzzkill
    4. If You Ain’t Here To Party
    5. Little Bit Later On
    6. In Love With The Girl
    7. Shore Thing
    8. Sorority Girl
    9. Shake The Sand
    10. Love In A College Town
    11. Wild Weekend
    12. Cold Beer Drinker
    13. Spring Break-Up
    14. Take My Drunk A** Home

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan says his Spring Break music is a way to express himself creatively.

    Luke Bryan (Spring Break album) OC: …creatively. :39
    “This whole Spring Break idea started from writing music without parameters. You know, if we want to drop a little cuss word in there or something, we don’t sweat it. And that frees us up more creatively to where we don’t get too bound by what’s going on when we’re in the writing room. My whole idea is that if 10 years down the road, and we’ve done 10 Spring Break albums and two or three of those Spring Break songs went on to become big hits that were kind of quirky songs that were spawned from it, then this whole ride has been a success, and it’s fun putting the songs out. So, it’s a fun little thing to kind of free yourself up a little bit creatively.”

  • UMG NASHVILLE ACM NOMINATIONS: Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Eric Paslay, Sugarland, David Nail, Vince Gill and more! (AUDIO)

    The nominations for the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards were announced on Wednesday, and Eric Church leads the list with seven, including Male Vocalist, Album (Chief) and Video of the Year for “Creepin’.” He is twice nominated for Song of the Year for “Springsteen,” as both artist and composer. Church also earned nominations for Single of the Year for “Springsteen” and for Vocal Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.   

    Luke Bryan received four nominations, including his first-ever Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year nominations. He also received nominations for Album of the Year for tailgates & tanlines and Vocal Event of the Year for “The Only Way I Know” with Jason Aldean and Eric Church.

    Little Big Town are also up for four awards, including their seventh nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. They’re also nominated for Album of the Year, Single Record of the Year for “Pontoon” and Video of the Year for “Tornado.” 

    First-time ACM nominee, Kacey Musgraves is nominated for four awards including Female Vocalist of the Year, New Female Vocalist of the Year and twice for Video of the Year for “Merry Go ‘Round” as both artist and producer.

    Lady Antebellum picked up their sixth nomination for Vocal Group of the Year. Lady A’s Hillary Scott tweeted, “So excited about our @ACMawards Vocal Group nom and that my fav Broke Girl @BethBehrs announced it!!!! Yay!!!” Vince Gill picked up a nod in the Vocal Event of the Year with Kelly Clarkson for “Don’t Rush,” while David Nail is also nominated in the same category with Sarah Buxton for “Let It Rain.” Eric Paslay also enjoys a nomination for writing “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” for Song of the Year, while Sugarland garners their eighth nomination for Vocal Duo. Sugarland’s Kristian Bush took to Twitter to give his reaction – “Excited about @ACMawards Duo nom this morning. Congrats, @JenniferNettles! It’s an honor to be nominated with you again.”

    Luke Bryan will join Blake Shelton as co-host of the 48th Annual ACM Awards, which will be broadcast live from the MGM in Las Vegas April 7th on CBS.

    For the sixth year, fans will help select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and the winners will be announced live during the show.

    Fan voting for New Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year begins on March 25th at 3pm ET/12noon PT at VoteACM.com. Fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the LIVE broadcast.

    Nominees were revealed online via the second annual ACM digital press conference this morning on the Academy’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Iconic singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow, The Band Perry, 2 Broke Girls star Beth Behrs, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Ryan Seacrest, The Talk’s Julie Chen, Sarah Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler, and Sheryl Underwood, plus Entertainment Tonight co-anchors Nancy O’Dell and Rob Marciano all announced batches of nominations in video postings during the approximately 35 minute online event, which culminated in music fans announcing the nominees for the Academy’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year.

     

    Entertainer of the Year

    Jason Aldean
    Luke Bryan
    Miranda Lambert
    Blake Shelton
    Taylor Swift

     

    Male Vocalist of the Year

    Jason Aldean
    Luke Bryan
    Eric Church
    Toby Keith
    Blake Shelton              

    Female Vocalist of the Year

    Miranda Lambert 
    Martina McBride
    Kacey Musgraves
    Taylor Swift
    Carrie Underwood 

    Vocal Duo of the Year

    Big & Rich
    Florida Georgia Line
    Love and Theft
    Sugarland
    Thompson Square

    Vocal Group of the Year 

    The Band Perry
    Eli Young Band
    Lady Antebellum
    Little Big Town
    Zac Brown Band

    NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORES  [Winners of New Male, New Female & New Vocal Duo or Group  Of The Year]

    Florida Georgia Line
    Brantley Gilbert
    Jana Kramer

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

    Blown Away – Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
    Produced by: Mark Bright

    Chief – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
    Produced by:  Jay Joyce

    Red – Taylor Swift (Big Machine Records)
    Produced by: Jeff Bhasker, Nathan Chapman, Dann Huff, Jacknife Lee, Max Martin, Shellback, Taylor Swift, Butch Walker, Dan Wilson

    tailgates & tanlines – Luke Bryan (Capitol Nashville)
    Produced by: Mark Bright, Jeff Stevens

    Tornado – Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville)
    Produced by: Jay Joyce               

    Single Record of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]

    Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band (Republic Nashville)
    Produced by: Mike Wrucke

    Over You – Miranda Lambert (RCA)
    Produced by: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf

    Pontoon – Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville)
    Produced by: Jay Joyce

    Springsteen – Eric Church (EMI-Nashville)
    Produced by: Jay Joyce

    Wanted – Hunter Hayes (Atlantic/WMN)
    Produced by: Hunter Hayes, Dann Huff

     

    Song of the Year [Award to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]

    A Woman Like You – Lee Brice
    Composers: Phil Barton, Johnny Bulford, Jon Stone

    Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Eli Young Band
    Composers: Will Hoge, Eric Paslay

    Over You – Miranda Lambert
    Composers: Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton

    Springsteen – Eric Church
    Composers: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell

    Wanted – Hunter Hayes
    Composers: Hunter Hayes, Troy Verges

    Video of the Year [Award to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award) [TIE]

    Creepin’ – Eric Church
    Producer: Iris Baker
    Director: Peter Zavadil

    Merry Go ‘Round – Kacey Musgraves
    Producers: Perry Bean, Kacey Musgraves
    Director: Perry Bean

    Tornado – Little Big Town
    Producer: Iris Baker
    Director: Shane Drake

    Wanted – Hunter Hayes
    Producers: Stephanie Reeves, Eric Williams
    Directors: Traci Goudie, Patrick Hubik

    We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
    Producer: John Nguyen
    Director:  Declan Whitebloom

    The Wind – Zac Brown Band
    Producer: Ben Kalina
    Director:  Mike Judge

     

    Vocal Event of the Year [Award to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] *(Off Camera Award)

    Don’t RushKelly Clarkson Featuring Vince Gill (19/RCA/Columbia Nashville)
    Produced by: Dann Huff

    Easy – Rascal Flatts Featuring Natasha Bedingfield (Big Machine Records)
    Produced by: Dann Huff, Brian Kennedy, Rascal Flatts

    Feel Like A Rock Star – Kenny Chesney (Duet With Tim McGraw) (Blue Chair/BNA)
    Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney

    Let It Rain – David Nail  Featuring Sarah Buxton (MCA Nashville)
    Produced by:  Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell

    The Only Way I Know – Jason Aldean With Luke Bryan & Eric Church (Broken Bow) Produced by:  Michael Knox

    AUDIO:
    Eric Church is the most nominated artist at this year’s ACM Awards with seven nods.

    Eric Church (ACMs) OC: …get this done. :16
    I think it’s a testament to really fans that believed in the music and loved the music and told people about the music. I think it’s truly because of the fans and because they did something that’s, I think, really going to be judged as pretty special and pretty unique that we were able to get this done.”

    Audio / Eric Church (Awards nominations)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan, who picked up several nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, says there’s not a more gratifying feeling than to have the shows on his Dirt Road Diaries Tour sell-out.

    Luke Bryan (sold-out shows) OC: …in the world. 1:00
    “We felt like we were going to be really strong in certain places, but when I get an email or my management calls me or my promoter texts me and goes, ‘Dude, you just sold something out in five minutes.’ I mean, that’s where I always dreamed of being as an artist, to have music out there that you love playing every night. And every time I look on my set list and see what song I have next, I go, ‘Ooh, ooh, this is gonna be fun,’ and that’s such a blessing for me, I mean, just the vibe that’s going on. I love having Thompson Square and Florida Georgia [Line] out there. They’re killing it. It’s just a fun three hours for fans, and I never would’ve imagined that they’d have been selling out this quick. It’s like an inner peace that I’ve been searching for as an artist to roll into town, and it’s like, you know it’s sold-out. There’s no better feeling. It’s the most gratifying experience, really, in the world.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (sold-out shows)

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    AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet says working on the band’s new album, Tornado, was a lesson in letting go and letting the music guide them.

    LBT (album art of letting go) OC: …let go like that. :35
    “This was the discipline and art of letting go, this album. It was like learning to be a little more free and not trying to control it so much and letting the music guide us. And we really didn’t have a lot of time on our hands to sift through it. We had to kind of go in the moment and get it and act fast. Go on your gut instinct, and I think that’s what we needed, of course – a challenge for us, because we’d always have time to work out the parts and meticulously spend way more time with it. It was a really fun process to do that, and to let go like that.

    Audio / LBT (album art of letting go)

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    AUDIO: Kacey Musgraves talks about her debut single, “Merry Go ‘Round.”

    Kacey Musgraves (Merry Go ‘Round) OC: …felt this way. :17
    “So, ‘Merry Go ‘Round’ was inspired by growing up in a small, conservative Texas town. I think we all kind of grow up with expectations of breaking the cycle of life as we know it, trying to appear as if all is perfect under the surface. Coming from Texas, a small Texas town, I’ve definitely grown up with this. I think we’re all guilty of having something that keeps us distracted, no matter what the vice and our comfort zones kind of keep us settled, and I think there’s hope in knowing that everyone has felt this way.”

    Audio / Kacey Musgraves (Merry Go 'Round)

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    Video / 2013 ACM Awards Album of the Year Nominees Presented by Nancy O'

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  • KIP MOORE HITS THE ROAD WITH BRANTLEY GILBERT. (AUDIO)

    Kip Moore is getting ready to hit the road with Brantley Gilbert on his Hell on Wheels Tour, which kicks off Thursday (January 31st) in Kansas City, Missouri. The Georgia native doesn’t exactly know how to describe his show to folks, except to say, “I feel like you’re definitely gonna sense the fact that all my heart and soul is in my performance, and beyond that I don’t really know what to tell you [what] to expect, but I’m gonna give everything I’ve got every single time.”

    We definitely know at Kip’s show you will hear a couple of number-one songs (“Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” “Beer Money”) and his latest single hitting the charts, “Hey Pretty Girl.”

    Kip will also be making an appearance with his tourmate (Brantley Gilbert) during the annual Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces Show next month.

    AUDIO: Kip Moore explains what fans can expect from his live show.

    Kip Moore (what to expect from his live show) OC: …single time. :25
    “People ask me a lot of times, you know, what can we expect from a Kip Moore show, and a lot of times I just, in the self-deprecating way I’ll say, ‘Mediocrity at best.’ I don’t quite know how to answer that. I don’t have things that I’ve planned out that I’m gonna do. There’s not too much stage stuff. I feel like you’re definitely gonna sense the fact that all my heart and soul is in my performance, and beyond that I don’t really know what to tell you to expect, but I’m gonna give everything I’ve got every single time.”

  • LUKE BRYAN WILL RELEASE ‘SPRING BREAK’ ALBUM, ‘HERE TO PARTY,’ ON MARCH 5TH. (AUDIO)

    LUKE BRYAN TO RELEASE “SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY”
    ON MARCH 5, 2013

    Spring Break Concerts Set for March 12 & 13 in Panama City Beach, Florida at Spinnakers
     
    NASHVILLE, TN – (January 29, 2013) – Capitol Records Nashville recording artist and 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards show co-host Luke Bryan will release his next spring break-themed album on March 5th, 2013, SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY. This CD will be available in record stores, and digitally, and will contain many of the songs released on his previous EP’s. In addition, Luke has written two original songs for the album.

    In promotion for the soon to be released record, Luke will take a short break from his headline tour, “Dirt Road Diaries Tour,” to once again play concerts at Spinnaker’s Beach Club in Panama City, set for March 12th and 13th, where over 40,000 fans flocked to the beach each day last year to see Luke perform. Spring breaking fans can also enjoy a “Dirt Road Diaries Tour” show the following day on March 14th at the Amphitheatre at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama.

    • Luke’s previous EP releases, which can all be found online at digital retailers, include 2009’s Spring Break…with All My Friends followed in 2010 with Spring Break 2…Hangover Edition, 2011’s Spring Break 3…It’s A Shore Thing and last year’s Spring Break 4…Suntan City.
    SPRING BREAK…HERE TO PARTY TRACK LIST:
    1. Suntan City
    2. Just A Sip
    3. Buzzkill
    4. If You Ain’t Here To Party
    5. Little Bit Later On
    6. In Love With The Girl
    7. Shore Thing
    8. Sorority Girl
    9. Shake The Sand
    10. Love In A College Town
    11. Wild Weekend
    12. Cold Beer Drinker
    13. Spring Break-Up
    14. Take My Drunk A** Home

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan writes the songs for his Spring Break releases with college kids in mind.

    Luke Bryan (Spring Break music) OC: …from me. :17
    “We kind of write ‘em with college kids and Spring Break and that whole party theme in mind. I think it’s fun to put out songs that, you know, just to get some new music out there for fans and more opportunities for them to have different types of music from me.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (Spring Break music)

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    AUDIO: Luke Bryan is headed to Panama City Beach in March to put on a pair of shows to celebrate the release of his new Spring Break album, Here to Party. Even as a kid, Luke always enjoyed going to the beach.

    Luke Bryan (PCB) OC: …rolling into town. :22
    “I grew up three hours from Panama City. I mean I think everybody has an attraction to the water and the beach, the lake and rivers and all that stuff, and I’ve always been that way. I think the beach just makes you feel good, just being out on the water, the salt air all that stuff. So, yeah, as a boy we went [on] vacations there, and so there’s nothing like rolling the windows down and smelling the beach when you’re rolling into town.”

    Audio / Luke Bryan (PCB)

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  • KIP MOORE HITS THE AIRWAVES WITH HIS LATEST SINGLE, ‘HEY PRETTY GIRL.’ (PRESS RELEASE & AUDIO)

    Nashville, TN – MCA recording artist Kip Moore released his new single, “Hey Pretty Girl” to country radio today.  The third single from his debut album Up All Night follows his two consecutive No. 1 singles “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck” and “Beer Money.”  “Hey Pretty Girl,” a song about finding your soul mate, shows a softer side to Kip than his previous singles have explored.

    “‘Hey Pretty Girl’ for me is where I think every man and woman desires to be at some point in their life,” explains Kip.  “I am not at that place in my life right now, but I’m not going to fool myself.  At some point we all desire to have that person that knows you inside out and cares about you. ” 

    Kip kicked off the New Year with sold out shows in Norfolk, VA, Raleigh, NC, Athens, GA, Nashville, TN and upcoming Grand Rapids, MI. Previously on tour with Eric Church last fall on The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, Kip is headlining his own dates as well as hitting the road with Brantley Gilbert on the Hell On Wheels Tour in February and April. 

    Country Aircheck named Kip the No. 1 New Artist for 2012. In just seven months he scored two consecutive number one singles from his debut album, Up All Night, which was the best selling debut album from any country artist released in 2012.  His first career No. 1 single, “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck,” held the top spot on both charts for two weeks making him the first solo artist in four years to have a debut album’s first single go No. 1 for multiple weeks.

    For more information, please visit, www.kipmoore.net.

    AUDIO: Kip Moore talks about his latest single, “Hey Pretty Girl,” and what sparked the idea for the song.

    Kip Moore (inspiration behind Hey Pretty Girl) OC: …about it. :48
    “You know, I actually wrote that the day after I had a conversation with my guitar player, Dave Lapsley. Me and Dave had been playing together for 10 years, ever since I moved to town, and I love Dave with all my heart. Dave was my guy, man, that’d I’d go hang out with and raise hell with. And when he told me his wife was pregnant, there was a complete change in Dave. He was being like, ‘Dude, we gotta make this thing happen now. We’re not making enough money, and I’ve got to support a family now.’ And I saw everything kind of change. Even though I don’t have a wife and kids, it kind of made me see it through his eyes. Even though I don’t want that right now, the next day I went into the [writing] room and I was just talking to Dan Couch about it, and I was like, ‘I hope to have that thing that I see in Dave’s eyes now one day, and I hope I want to go through life with somebody like that, and this is how I hope it is,’ and that’s what we tried to capture that day writing about it.”

  • ERIC CHURCH ACCEPTS KENNY CHESNEY’S OFFER. (AUDIO)

    Eric Church was going to take most of 2013 to rest from the biggest and busiest year of his career and also to take the time to start focusing on his next project. That is, until Kenny Chesney called to invite him to play most of the stadium dates on his No Shoes Nation Tour. “We were gonna take the year off, so all I was gonna do is try to focus on what’s next, you know, ‘cause I do feel like I need a separation point from the kind of record Chief was, as big as it was, to how do we go to what’s next?,” says Eric. “And we got the call from Chesney, and because we were off, it kinda made sense, because I was still going to be able have my time. It was 14 or 15 shows, that’s it.”

    The Like Jesus Does singer will kick off his run of dates with Chesney March 16th at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. But first, he’s going to go north of the border for a string of tours in Canada beginning January 31st in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

    AUDIO: Eric Church explains why he decided to hit the road with Kenny Chesney on the No Shoes Nation Stadium Tour.

    Eric Church (Kenny Chesney tour) OC: …go do that. :29
    “We were gonna take the year off, so all I was gonna do is try to focus on what’s next, you know, ‘cause I do feel like I need a separation point from the kind of record Chief was, as big as it was, to how do we go to what’s next? And we got the call from Chesney, and because we were off, it kinda made sense, because I was still going to be able have my time. It was 14 or 15 shows, that’s it. That’s all we’re playing, and after doing 110 arena shows, that’s nothing, you know, to go do that.”

  • LADY ANTEBELLUM HITS THE AIRWAVES WITH THEIR NEW SINGLE, ‘DOWNTOWN.’ (AUDIO)

    Lady Antebellum have just released their brand new single, “Downtown,” the first single from their upcoming album due out later this year. The song is fresh, upbeat, sassy and fun, and as Lady A’s Hillary Scott says a bit “quirky.” She also is proud of the girl in the song as she stands up for herself. “I liked the girl in the song is not afraid to just be like, ‘What are you doing? Why aren’t you doing this?’” says Hillary. “Like being so forward and strong, just empowered, I think. I loved it. I love the voice that she has in the song.”

    “There’s some sass to this track that makes it really fun to sing…it’s definitely a roll down the windows and bob your head kind of thing,” said Lady A’s Hillary Scott in a press release. “We thought it was a fun way to launch the next record and a fitting preview of what’s to come!”

    Lady A will debut the track next week on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (January 28th) and fans can catch a second performance the following week on CBS’s The Talk (February 6th). The group also announced this week that they will collaborate with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks for an all new CMT CROSSROADS episode set to tape next week in Los Angeles and air later this year.

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott loves that the girl in the band’s new single, “Downtown,” is strong and unafraid.

    Lady A (strong girl) OC: …in the song. :16
    “I just loved it. I thought it was playful. I liked the girl in the song is not afraid to just be like, ‘What are you doing? Why aren’t you doing this? Like being so forward and strong, just empowered, I think. I loved it. I love the voice that she has in the song.”

    Audio / Lady A (strong girl)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott says the band’s new single is “fun.”          

    Lady A (quirky song) OC: …seriously. [laughs] :23
    “I think there’s a really cool quirkiness to the song and to the delivery and to, you know, the way it was written – and I can say that ‘cause we didn’t write it. It’s just fun and quirky, and that’s so unlike us, that image. I think it just shows that we’re all continuing to grow and change and not take life so seriously.”

    Audio / Lady A (quirky song)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum intro liner for “Downtown”

    Audio / LINER Lady A (Downtown intro)

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    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum :90 vignette for “Downtown.”

    Audio / Lady A 90-second Downtown vignette

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  • KEITH URBAN SHOWS OFF HIS ‘PASSIONATE’ SIDE ON ‘AMERICAN IDOL.’ (AUDIO)

    The feuds and disagreements hit the internet and went viral as the new panel of judges on American Idol were getting to know each other at the same time as they were choosing which unknown talents were going to Hollywood to compete on the 12th season of the popular FOX TV show. We all viewed the video, which featured Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj going at it with our own Keith Urban sandwiched between them. He often says when word of the disagreements between the two female superstars hit the news, he’s like the country of Switzerland and tries to remain neutral.

    He said part of the reason that there were a few, shall we say, discussions early on during the audition process was because the four of them were basically thrown together and put to work. “You’ve got four very passionate artists all sort of thrown onto a dance floor, and they’re saying, ‘OK, dance together in perfect synchronized movements,’ and we stepped on a few toes at the beginning while we were getting our groove on; because we had no direction,” says Keith. “We all met [for the first time] the night before [we started auditions] in New York for dinner, and that’s the first time I ever met Nicki and Mariah. I’d met Randy [Jackson] and Ryan [Seacrest] before. So, we all had dinner that night, and then the next day showed up on set and saw the set, and they led us up to the desk and we sat behind the desk, and the next thing we know, they’re like, ‘OK, and off we go.’ And I thought, ‘Well, surely we’ll have some ‘fake’ contestants first, you know, coming through and then they’ll bring out the real artists.’ Nope! That was it. We were just diving into it.”

    Keith adds that the way they were put together was probably a good thing. “I think that kind of anxiety and strange energy and uncertainty and all of that went into the mix. I think it makes for great viewing, but it certainly caught all of us off-guard.”

    The new season of American Idol premieres Wednesday (January 16th) at 8pm ET on FOX.

    AUDIO: Keith Urban explains why this year’s American Idol judges have been portrayed as explosive, which the country singer deems “passionate.”

    Keith Urban (AI passionate lot) OC: …passionate lot. 1:23
    “It took a little while. [laughs] I mean, look, you’ve got four very passionate artists all sort of thrown onto a dance floor, and they’re saying, ‘OK, dance together in perfect synchronized movements,’ and we stepped on a few toes at the beginning while we were getting our groove on; because we had no direction. Nothing. It was interesting that we all met [for the first time] the night before [we started auditions] in New York for dinner, and that’s the first time I ever met Nicki and Mariah. I’d met Randy and Ryan before. So, we all had dinner that night, and then the next day showed up on set and saw the set, and they led us up to the desk and we sat behind the desk, and the next thing we know, they’re like, ‘OK, and off we go.’ And I thought, ‘Well, surely we’ll have some ‘fake’ contestants first, you know, coming through and then they’ll bring out the real artists.’ Nope! That was it. We were just diving into it [laughs], so I think that kind of anxiety and strange energy and uncertainty and all of that went into the mix. I think it makes for great viewing, but it certainly caught all of us off-guard. Randy was the only one who knew what he was doing. So, the three of us are trying to figure it out and we finally got our groove on. We’re a passionate lot, no question.”

    Video / Keith Urban: Idol Transformations - American Idol

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  • EASTON CORBIN RELEASES HIS NEW SINGLE, CLOCKWORK. (AUDIO AND LINERS AND VIDEO)

    Easton Corbin has hit the airwaves with his brand-new single “Clockwork.” The song was written by Easton’s longtime producer, Carson Chamberlin as well as Ashley Gorley and Wade Kirby. “Clockwork” is the first song off Corbin’s third album due later this year on Mercury Nashville.

    “[‘Clockwork’] is about this guy who’s tortured by this girl that, I don’t know if he necessarily loves her, but there’s some kind of attraction there,” Easton says. “It’s kind of like an addiction, I guess you’d say a little bit, that he can’t give it up, but he knows in the end it’s not gonna end well, but it feels good while it’s going on.”

    In anticipation of the release of “Clockwork,” each day this week fans could visit www.EastonCorbin.com to watch snippets of a teaser video for “Clockwork” as they were revealed as well as the single artwork which was revealed piece-by-piece each day.

    Today, fans can watch the entire “Clockwork” teaser video followed by a clip of “Clockwork” from the Florida native. Check it out below.

    In other news — Easton began his leg of the We Are Pioneers World Tour with The Band Perry last night in Penticton, British Columbia. Over the next three months Easton will cover North America with The Band Perry, performing in 30 cities.

    For more information on Easton Corbin and for a full list of tour dates visit www.EastonCorbin.com

    Audio / Easton Corbin (Clockwork catchy)

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    AUDIO: Easton Corbin says his new single, “Clockwork,” has a hint of heartache to it.

    Easton Corbin (Clockwork catchy) OC: …shall I say? :27
    “Well, this song, it’s really catchy to the ear, I think. I think the song definitely has to have a little heartache to it, because that’s what it’s about. It’s about this guy who’s tortured by this girl that, I don’t know if he necessarily loves her, but there’s some kind of attraction there. It’s kind of like an addiction, I guess you’d say a little bit that he can’t give it up, but he knows in the end it’s not gonna end well, but it feels good while it’s going on, shall I say?”

    Audio / Easton Corbin (Clockwork) 2

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    AUDIO: Easton Corbin talks about his new single, “Clockwork.”

    Easton Corbin (Clockwork) 2 OC: …gonna hurt. :15
    “As a guy, a single guy, a girl calling you up in the middle of the night saying, ‘Hey, can I come over?’ That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I don’t know. It’s kind of like drinking. It feels good. That buzz feels really great, but you know the next morning it’s probably gonna hurt.”

    Video / Easton Corbin - Clockwork Teaser Day 5

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  • DIERKS BENTLEY SETS A DATE FOR HIS NEW ALBUM, RISER. (PRESS RELEASE AND AUDIO)

    Nashville, TN – Jan. 6, 2014 – Each of singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley‘s six previous albums has a unique sound reflecting his creative state of mind at that particular moment in time.  The story continues on Feb. 25th, 2014 when Bentley will release RISER, a country project grounded in lyrical substance with a new sonic power that spotlights Bentley’s distinctive gravelly voice, one of the most original and recognizable in the genre.

    “I named the album RISER because the lyrics in that song perfectly articulate who I want to be, who I try to be,” Bentley explains. “There’s a lot of really intense material on this record, but there’s also a lighter side that is equally important in telling the story of the last two years of my life.  When I first started writing for this album, I was in a place of grief over the loss of my dad, but over the course of the next 18 months, my wife and I had our son Knox, and I ended in a place of real joy and gratefulness.  Both sides of that coin are what country music has always been about, and I hope that my fans can feel how much of myself I put into this project. It’s all out on the table, for sure.” 

    To assemble the new album, Bentley enlisted producer Ross Copperman and executive producer Arturo Buenahora, Jr.  Together, the trio mixed the immediacy of old-school live recording techniques with the experimental nature of new technologies.  Buenahora matched Bentley with the right co-writers and songs. The result is RISER – an album with a heightened depth, an increased vulnerability and a greater sense of purpose in every word.

    To watch a behind the scenes video of the making of RISER, click here: www.dierks.com/videos.html

    RISER’s driving lead single “I Hold On,” a song that deftly pins spiritual questions to material symbols, is currently climbing the radio charts.  Written by Bentley and Brett James, the track is drawing attention from other artists, critics and fans for its authenticity and emotion with Music Row calling it a “song that shakes you,” and American Songwriter comparing the track to U2 with Bentley “rocking a little harder than most of contemporary country’s crooners.”

    For more details about RISER as they are unveiled over the course of the coming weeks, visit www.dierks.com.

    Audio / Dierks Bentley (Riser album)

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    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his forthcoming album, Riser, due in stores February 25th.

    Dierks Bentley (Riser album) OC: …to fail. 1:18
    “I think with all my records, I’m always searching for new, but I don’t want to lose all the work and time I’ve gone into developing a sound or a style or something like that. There are songs on the record that kind of correlate to certain themes I’ve had in the past. Certainly the lonesome stuff is on there. I’d say ‘Bourbon in Kentucky’ is an example of that, but just try to do that better or differently or find a new way of doing some of that lonesome sounding stuff. And then some stuff that’s made for consuming a cold beer. ‘Drunk on a Plane’ would be one of those; ‘Summer on Fire’ would definitely one of those songs, and ‘Pretty Girls Drinking Tall Boys’ is definitely one of those songs. I feel like that song is taking a new approach to getting to the same destination of we’re all having a  good time and partying and having fun, because the vibe of that song is so different than anything I’ve ever recorded, so there’s that element of it. And then there’s kind of a third layer to the album, which would be songs like ‘I Hold On,’ ‘Riser,’ ‘Here on Earth’ that really show where I’m at in my life as a dude, as a man, as a husband, father, you know, my dad passed away, so that’s all kind of tied into it. And [I’m] just kind of taking a look at the world around me and making observations on that, and that’s definitely a new theme. I feel like I kind of needed to have a new sound to go along with the new album, so working with a different producer, new engineer, new players, just going for stuff and not being afraid to fail.”

     

    Video / RISER: Making The Album

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  • CMA AWARDS 2012: Darius Rucker (AUDIO)

    Darius Rucker is nominated for a CMA Award for Music Event of the Year with the legendary Lionel Richie for their duet on “Stuck on You” from his hit duets album, Tuskegee. It’s Lionel’s first-ever CMA nomination.

    “I am thrilled to receive my first nomination from the CMA. I am so grateful to the country music community for embracing this project and making me feel so at home,” Richie said in a statement following the nominations announcement. “To share this nomination with my friend Darius Rucker makes it even more special. I have a CMA nomination and a friend for life. It doesn’t get much better than that.”

    Darius picked up his first CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2009. Check out the video below beginning at 4:56.

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker talks about what it was like to record with his idol, Lionel Richie.

    Darius Rucker (recording with Lionel Richie) OC: …he’s funny. :58“I
    remember it like it was yesterday. We walked into the studio and, you know, I’d met Lionel once years ago, but it was like a one thing at a bar where we just said hey and never really talked. And so, you know, here we are, meeting one of my idols, one of the guys who I’m, why I’m sitting here, Lionel Richie…He was funny, great, telling stories. I’m a songwriter and I meet Lionel Richie, and within the first 10 minutes he asked me if I was working a lot. I was like ‘Yeah, I think I’m gonna play 210 dates this year or something.’ He’s like, ‘That reminds me of when I was in The Commodores.’ I was like, ‘Really?’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, somebody brought me this 365 page book once, and it was every day of the next year for The Commodores.’ And he said, ‘You know what I did?’ And I said, ‘What?’ And he said, ‘I sat down and wrote ‘why in the world would anybody put chains on me/I paid my dues to make it/everybody wants me to be/what they want me to be.’ I realize he’s sitting there telling me the story of how he wrote ‘Easy.’ You know? And I’m like, I’m freaking out. As a songwriter I’m like, ‘Wow, this guy’s just sitting here telling me the story.’ And that’s what every time I’m with him, that’s what it’s like. He’s awesome, he’s fun, he’s funny. “

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker says he was blown away by Lionel Richie’s graciousness when it came to recording their duet, “Stuck on You.”

    Darius Rucker (Stuck on You) 1 OC: …was awesome. :29“H
    “He said something that blew me away, most guys that do duets records, they’re doing it for themselves, and the guy who’s with him is just coming on because of your name and they want you on there and they’re gonna tell you what to sing and you do it. Lionel Richie, the first thing he said to me was, ‘So man, what part you wanna do?’ And I thought that was unbelievable. I thought, he’s asking me what I, you know. I thought I was gonna come in here and [producer] Tony Brown was gonna tell me, ‘Sing this note,’ and I was gonna say, ‘Yes sir, Mr. Brown.’ You know? But it didn’t-he came and asked me what I wanted to do. I thought that was awesome.”

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker reveals what he told Lionel Richie when asked what part he wanted to sing on “Stuck on You” for the legendary performer’s duets album, Tuskegee.

    Darius Rucker (Stuck on You) 2 OC: …what I do.” :10
    “I wanna do your part (laughs). That’s what I told him, I’m doing your part. That’s the only part I know, I’m doing your part. I’m a lead singer man. That’s what I do.”             

    Video / 43rd Annual CMA Awards (Part 6/15)

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  • ERIC CHURCH WRAPS A FULL YEAR ON THE ROAD. (AUDIO)

    Eric Church is set to wrap his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour this weekend, with shows in Jacksonville and Sunrise, Florida. Not only has he enjoyed his first two number-one songs (“Drink in My Hand,” “Springsteen”), a platinum album (for Chief), his first headlining arena tour and his first CMA Award for Album of the Year, not to mention that his son, Boone, turned one this year. The North Carolina native is looking forward to a little time off to reflect back on his amazing year. “As the other stuff was going on professionally, there was a lot of firsts going on personally. A lot of it has been exhilarating, but equally it’s been a little draining,” says Eric. “You know, when you get to the end of the year, you just kind of want a little time to not even think about a guitar. You just want to process what’s happened, and then try to figure out what’s next.”

    Eric is set to join Kenny Chesney for a handful of stadium shows on the No Shoes Nation Tour.

    AUDIO: Eric Church is about to wrap up the biggest year of both of his professional and personal lives, and he’s starting to process everything that’s happened.

    Eric Church (end of year) OC: …what’s next. :16
    “As the other stuff was going on professionally, there was a lot of firsts going on personally. A lot of it has been exhilarating, but equally it’s been a little draining. You know, when you get to the end of the year, you just kind of want a little time to not even think about a guitar. You just want to process what’s happened, and then try to figure out what’s next.”

  • DARIUS RUCKER WILL LAND HIS SLEIGH FULL OF TOYS IN HURRICANE SANDY-AFFECTED, LINDENHURST, NEW YORK. (PRESS RELEASE-LINK TO AUDIO)

    Darius Rucker, Eventful and Toys for Tots Respond To Music Fans “Demands” With $10,000 Worth Of Donated Toys From Toys“R”Us

    San Diego, Calif.- Dec. 12, 2012 – Darius Rucker is in the holiday spirit. He partnered with Eventful, the leading digital media company connecting consumers to entertainment and special events, to give music fans the chance to “Demand” his sleigh full of $10,000 worth of toys stops in their city. On Monday, Dec. 10, Eventful announced Rucker’s sleigh will land in Lindenhurst, N.Y., a community devastated by Hurricane Sandy. All toys benefit the local U.S. Marine Toys for Tots program and will be distributed to children in the local area.

    When he decided to do the Demand It contest, Darius said, “It’s another one of those little things you can do to give back. I’m hoping everybody votes for some small town up in the Northeast that really needs it.” And they did!

    Over 30,000 music fans in 3,028 different U.S. cities “Demanded” Rucker bring his sleigh of $10,000 worth of donated toys to their city using Eventful’s unique social media platform, “Demand it!” Participants spread the word virally across Facebook and Twitter and invited friends to help their city win. Fans showed their holiday spirit as they donated their city’s votes and encouraged others to vote for communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.

    “To see all these fans come together and “Demand” their votes be counted in an area devastated by Hurricane Sandy is just incredible,” said Darius Rucker. “It never ceases to amaze me how caring country music fans are in helping others, and together we’ll be making the holidays happier for families who really need the help.”

    “For 65 years, Marines have delivered hope to children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holidays,” said retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen Pete Osman, President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “The widespread destruction from Hurricane Sandy has left entire communities in need. We want to help the children of Lindenhurst, N.Y. begin to heal and see a pathway to a brighter future. We want them to know that they will not be forgotten this season.”

    Beginning at 9 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 17, Rucker will visit Toys“R”Us store in the Lindenhurst, N.Y. area to purchase $10,000 worth of toys for local children in need. Once the toys are purchased, Rucker will help the U.S. Marines load the Toys for Tots truck stationed in the parking lot. Toys for Tots will give the toys to local agencies who will distribute them to children throughout the city.

    “We are proud to be a part of the partnership between Darius Rucker and Eventful, Inc., benefitting Toys for Tots this holiday season,” said Dawn Gates, Vice President, Digital Marketing for Universal Music Group Nashville. “Their ‘Demand It!’ technology empowered his fans to show what the true spirit of holiday giving should be about, ultimately bringing joy to children in a community trying to repair and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.”

    “We are thrilled our ‘Demand it!’ service united people and gave them the opportunity to give back to those communities affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Jordan Glazier, CEO of Eventful. “We’re proud to be working with Darius and Universal Music Group Nashville on this special holiday giving campaign to benefit children.”

    About Darius Rucker

    Darius Rucker first came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the pop group Hootie & The Blowfish, whose 1994 debut, Cracked Rear View, sold more than 16 million copies to become one of the best-selling albums in history. In early 2007, Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville and has since been embraced by the country music community. Rucker’s success in the country music format was first recognized in 2009 at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Best New Artist title and most recently when he was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

    Rucker will release his third country studio album, True Believers, next year. The title track debut single from the project is currently Top 20 and climbing on the country radio charts. Rucker’s first two country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 topped the Billboard Country album chart and produced five No. 1 singles including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” For more information, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.

    About Eventful, Inc.

    Eventful, Inc. is the leading digital media company connecting consumers with live entertainment, movies and local events. Over 20 million people use Eventful to find out what’s happening and decide what to do. Eventful provides the most comprehensive selection of local event information with over four million events across 27 categories.

    Leading brands and entertainment properties rely on Eventful to reach consumers and drive commerce through a unique and targeted blend of digital, social media and direct marketing. Eventful’s unique social media service “Demand it!®” empowers consumers to influence the location and content of entertainment and live events. Learn more, visit Eventful. 

    About Toys for Tots

    Toys for Tots, a 65-year, national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.2 million less fortunate children. Since 1947 over 209 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org

  • KACEY MUSGRAVES IS GETTING A ‘LIFT’ FROM VEVO! (PRESS RELEASE & VIDEO)

    Mercury Records’ singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves has been tapped by VEVO to be their next “LIFT” artist starting today. This addition makes Kacey the first country artist selected by VEVO for LIFT, which supports emerging acts. Past LIFT artists include Jessie J, Dev, One Direction and Rita Ora.

    Over the next eight weeks fans will have the opportunity to get to know Kacey through exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, video premieres and intimate live performances, all exclusive to the VEVO platform. Access Kacey Musgraves on VEVO at http://vevo.com/lift

    VEVO’s Doug McVehil (SVP, Music Programming, Talent & Operations): “VEVO is THE home for premium music videos from every genre. While we have focused primarily on pop, hip hop and rock artists for LIFT, we’ve always wanted to throw our support behind country artists. Kacey is a remarkable young artist and was an obvious first choice. We’re excited to work with our partners at Universal Nashville to provide her with a LIFT.”

    Along with the insight into all things Kacey Musgraves online, you can also catch her out on tour. With the continued success of Kacey’s debut single “Merry Go ‘Round” (this week No. 22 on the Billboard country charts) Kacey was asked to join Little Big Town on their Tornado Tour starting January 31, 2013 with stops in Birmingham, New York, Atlantic City and Washington, DC to name a few. 

    Furthermore, Musgraves was asked to join the Kenny Chesney No Shoes Nation stadium tour for the summer of 2013. The No Shoes Nation tour begins March 16, 2013 in Tampa and ends August 24, 2013 in Foxboro, MA. 

    For a full list of Kacey Musgraves tour dates visit www.kaceymusgraves.com

    Download ‘Merry Go Round’ on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/KMMerryGoRound

    Follow @KaceyMusgraves on Twitter: http://twitter.com/KACEYMUSGRAVES

    Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaceyMusgravesOfficial 

  • JON PARDI ACCIDENTALLY CRASHES THE CMA RED CARPET! (AUDIO)

    Jon Pardi attended the CMA Awards this year in style – in a red Bentley, which left him rather speechless. “We were just like dumbfounded,” Jon says. “We were walking around the car, looking inside of it, and we were like, ‘Are you sure this is ours all night? This is ours all night, so I can put my stuff in here?’ And he was like, ‘Yes, it’s yours all night.’ So, it was my ride home, it was everything.”

    The new artist, whose debut single “Missin’ You Crazy” is heading up the country charts, wasn’t nominated and didn’t present, so he wasn’t credentialed to walk the red carpet at last week’s awards. However, he ended up “accidentally crashing” the red carpet. “[Our driver] pulls into the red carpet entrance where all the vehicles are going, and of course, this kid comes up to us and starts flipping through his pages after the driver said my name,” recalls Jon. “After [the kid] gets done looking through the pages, he goes, ‘Naw, he’s not on the list, but I saw him at the [Capitol] Street Party, and he was awesome. You guys are totally cool. Come back here.’ That was the coolest part because the Street Party got us on the red carpet. We pull up, and the Marines open the door and we got out, and maybe 5 or 7 girls said my name, and they asked for my autograph. Then I was like, ‘We gotta go. I’m not supposed to be here.’”

    As you might recall, he took to the stage prior to Luke Bryan who headlined the Capitol Street Party in Nashville last month, performing for 25,000 people.

    Jon stood on the CMA red carpet so photographers could snap his picture, but bypassed all of the interviews, because he felt he would get in major trouble. He and his road manager walked to the end of the red carpet and try to slip into Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena via the artist entrance, but were turned away since they weren’t “on the list,” and they had to go back around to an alternate entrance. “Our 10 seconds on the red carpet was extremely over after we got in an elevator going upstairs like, ‘Where do we go now?’,” Jon laughs.

    The California native won’t have to worry about “getting in trouble” for walking the red carpet next year; he’ll be there legitimately.

    AUDIO: Jon Pardi describes his ride at this year’s CMA Awards.

    Jon Pardi (CMA ride) OC: …and the car. :33
    “I was riding with my tour manager, and he gets off the phone and he was like, ‘I talked to the driver, and I may not have heard correctly, but I think he said a red Bentley. And we were all like, ‘No, he probably said ‘Red Mercedes’ or like a Lincoln Towncar.’ We get there, and it’s a freaking red Bentley. We were just like dumbfounded. We were walking around the car, looking inside of it. And we were like, ‘Are you sure this is ours all night? This is ours all night, so I can put my stuff in here?’ And he was like, ‘Yes, it’s yours all night.’ So, it was my ride home, it was everything. It was my driver and the car.”

    AUDIO: Jon Pardi talks about crashing the red carpet at this year’s CMA Awards.

    Jon Pardi (crashing CMA Red Carpet) OC: …the red carpet. 1:03
    “We’re cruising around. We’re sitting in traffic in this freaking Bentley. So, the driver starts asking questions, and he’s like, ‘Are you guys walking the red carpet? Where do you go?’ And one of the key questions he asked me and [road manager] J.R., ‘Where do you park this?’ We were like, ‘Well, you can’t park it in a downtown parking garage.’ So, he’s like, ‘Well, I know where there’s an artist drop-off.’ He pulls into the red carpet entrance where all the vehicles are going, and of course, this kid comes up to us and starts flipping through his pages after the driver said my name. He said, “I’ve got this guy, Jon Pardi.’ So, after [the kid] gets done looking through the pages, he goes, ‘Naw, he’s not on the list, but I saw him at the [Capitol] Street Party, and he was awesome. You guys are totally cool. Come back here.’ So, we pull up, and that was the coolest part because the Street Party got us on the red carpet. So, we pull up, and the Marines open the door and we got out, and maybe 5 or 7 girls said my name and they asked for my autograph. Then I was like, ‘We gotta go. I’m not supposed to be here.’ And so, I ran up to the camera and said, ‘We just crashed the red carpet!’”

    AUDIO: Jon Pardi continues his story about crashing the red carpet at this year’s CMA Awards.

    Jon Pardi (crashing CMA Red Carpet) 2 OC: …the red carpet. :53
    “I took pictures like very awkwardly, like I didn’t know like what I was supposed to do, like I had no publicist. I just had J.R., and he didn’t know what he was doing. We were just taking pictures. [laughs] It was crazy. People were just taking pictures, and it was crazy. People were like, ‘snap, snap, snap, Jon, snap, snap.’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know what we’re doing! This is our first, we’re not supposed to be [here], it’s cool. We had a Bentley.’ We just kept going. I just went past all of the interviews. Sorry, I didn’t want to get into even more trouble. And then we get to the end of where you’re like supposed to go if you’re a regular red carpet [artist], then we get to another list, and they’re like, ‘You’re not on the list. You guys [have] got to go back out and around to the other artists’ entrance. Our 10 seconds on the red carpet was extremely over after we got in an elevator going upstairs like, ‘Where do we go now?’ At the end of it, we went in and got a beer and said, ‘That was fun. We just crashed the red carpet.’”

    Video / Jon Pardi - Missin' You Crazy

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  • CMA AWARDS: Dierks Bentley (AUDIO)

    Dierks Bentley scored three CMA nominations this year, including Album of the Year for Home, as well as Single and Song of the Year for the title track, “Home,” which he co-wrote with Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers.

    The 46th annual CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 1st at 8pm ET on ABC.

    AUDIO: Now that he’s a husband and a father, Dierks Bentley says his music, especially the songs included on the album Home, reflects a more well-rounded artist.

    Dierks Bentley (Home album portrays real life) OC: …audience out there. :55
    “I think if you’re trying to make great country music, I think we’re all trying to make the best records we can and write the best songs and put them together in a way that’s really a cohesive record, you really have to go inside and write about what’s happened to you in your life, at that moment. For me, it’s not like going from one chapter to the next, it’s just, the book keeps evolving.  It’s all a part of the same story. The road, the lifestyle, the partying, the fun and just that energy you feel when you walk on stage – it’s like always being a teenager up there.  You’re still bouncing around like you’re 17 years old. But life for me, I’ve gone through first, second, third, fourth gear. I’m moving up the gears and having a chance to experience more of life and having a couple kids is an amazing experience. Trying to be honest as a person, as a songwriter, and stuff like that is going to make its way into the music. It’s a big part of my life, so those songs get added to the playlist and part of the record, part of who I am and the live show.  I think it just helps, hopefully, to make you a more complete singer/songwriter, a more complete artist and gives you more material to draw from when you’re up there on stage singing to relate to your audience out there.”

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about writing “Home” in the days following the tragic Tucson, Arizona shooting in 2011.

    Dierks Bentley (Home & Gabby) OC: …terrible incident. 1:21
    “I remember that day so well that Gabby Giffords was shot and the Tucson, Arizona shooting, that terrible, terrible thing. Four days later I was writing with Brett Beavers who I write a lot of songs with and a new guy I had never written with before named Dan Wilson, who’s had a lot of success in different genres of music. I remember going to that writing appointment…We had 2 days planned so we could use this first day to kind of talk about some things and get to know each other…And that day something happened. It was a real magical moment. Something came together where a melody and an idea came out of nowhere and all of us had our inputs. For me, that was weighing heavily on my mind, big time. And it happened that at the same time there was a lot of chatter on TV that had been going on for a while, and there was a lot of really negative stuff back and forth and it really kind of bothers me, and always will when people try to divide the country into two sides. There’s over 300 million people living here. How could there just be two teams? It would be like the NFL having two teams. Like there’s the NFC and AFC – no, there’s several teams. There are several different groups of people but in the end we’re all Americans. I think that’s the most important description of all of us and I think we wanted to write a song that really captured the spirit of this country – the good and the bad. I think it’s an amazing song. I’m really proud of that song and I think to see Gabby make the recovery that she’s made is pretty miraculous. I’m so happy for her and her family and friends. I think it’s a very positive thing to come out of such a terrible incident.”

    Dierks Bentley (writing Home) 2 OC: …with this song. 1:06
    “[So] we were hanging out for about an hour, getting to know each other, and my wife called, battery’s dead. Typical — that car of hers. I went over and jumped her car, came back over, and Brett and Dan had started this melody, and I thought it was beautiful. Dan had said something about America. He kept thinking, ‘This song feels like America.’ And I was like, ‘Aw man, writing a patriotic song is so difficult. Let’s not do that. Those songs are too hard to write.’ Brett said something about ‘Home,’ and then I think I said something like, ‘the place we all call home.’ Maybe we could write a song about America that’s not overly in your face about it, you know, something that everyone could grab a hold of and feel inspired by. The recession was in full board at this point a year ago, the political nature of this country was as bad as it’s ever been with, basically, Washington D.C. being turned into a football game between two sides and not caring about the fans, the voters, the public at all, just their own internal thing going on there. It’s about now, but it’s a little bit of a history lesson too about what we’ve been through. And at the end of the day, I think it’s inspiring and hopeful, and it’s been a real blessing of a song and one that none of us really could take too much credit for, just inspiration hit. You write that many songs over the course of a year, you might get one of those moments, and we got one with this song.”

  • JON PARDI SET TO MAKE HIS DEBUT ON THE GRAND OLE OPRY STAGE ON FRIDAY. (AUDIO)

    Jon Pardi is having quite the week. First, he hits the main stage during the Capitol Street Party on Wednesday (October 17th), and that leads into his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage on Friday (October 19th). The “Missin’ You Crazy” singer is thrilled to play the historic stage for the first time. “When I step onstage on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, I’m just looking forward to turning that corner and walking out onstage and soaking it all in right there, ‘cause I never even thought I’d ever play the Opry,” says Jon.

    His mother and sister, plus numerous friends, are making the trek to Nashville to catch both performances this week, because they know it’s a huge week for the young star.

    Jon is on the Tie One On Tour with Frankie Ballard and Miss Willie Brown. The next date is November 2nd in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

    AUDIO: Jon Pardi looks forward to making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.

    Jon Pardi (Opry debut) 1 OC: …be awesome. :20
    “When I step onstage on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time, I’m just looking forward to turning that corner and walking out onstage and soaking it all in right there, ‘cause I never even thought I’d ever play the Opry. It’s one of those things that, ‘Wow!’ You get the call that you’re going to play the Opry and you’re like, ‘Wow! I’m gonna play the Grand Ole Opry.’ So, it’s kind of, it’s crazy. It’s amazing. I mean, it’s going to be awesome.”

  • ACA NOMINATIONS: LUKE, ERIC, LADY A, KEITH, LITTLE BIG TOWN (AUDIO)

    Luke Bryan is the lead nominee for this year’s American Country Awards (ACAs) with seven, including the night’s top honor, Artist of the Year. Lady Antebellum (along with the Zac Brown Band) are next with six nominations apiece, while Eric Church (and Taylor Swift) took five nods each.

    Luke’s nominations include Male Artist, Album (tailgates & tanlines), Single and Video of the Year for “I Don’t Want This Night to End.”

    Joining Luke on Album of the Year are Eric Church’s Chief, Lady A’s Own the Night, Dierks Bentley’s Home and Blake Shelton’s Red River Blue. Church is also nominated for Male and Touring Artist of the Year. “Drink in My Hand” gets nominated as Single of the Year, while “Springsteen” gets a nomination for Song of the Year. Lady A’s categories also include overall Artist of the Year, Group, Music Video and Touring Artist of the Year, among others. Keith Urban picks up a pair of nominations for Video of the Year for his poignant “For You,” while Little Big Town gets a nod for Group Video of the Year for their first chart-topper, “Pontoon.”

    The third annual ACA Awards will air live from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas December 10th at 8pm ET (PT delayed) on FOX. Voting is open now on the show’s website here.

    Artist of the Year:
    Jason Aldean
    Luke Bryan
    Lady Antebellum

    Taylor Swift
    Zac Brown Band

    Artist of the Year: Male
    Jason Aldean
    Luke Bryan
    Kenny Chesney
    Eric Church
    Toby Keith

    Artist of the Year: Female
    Sara Evans
    Miranda Lambert
    Martina McBride
    Taylor Swift
    Carrie Underwood 

    Artist of the Year: Group
    The Band Perry
    Eli Young Band
    Lady Antebellum
    Rascal Flatts
    Zac Brown Band 

    Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
    Lee Brice
    Colt Ford
    Gloriana
    Justin Moore
    Jake Owen 

    Artist of the Year: New Artist
    Lauren Alaina
    Hunter Hayes
    Jana Kramer
    Kip Moore
    Pistol Annies

    Album of the Year
    Dierks Bentley – Home
    Luke Bryan – tailgates & tanlines
    Eric Church – Chief
    Lady Antebellum – Own the Night
    Blake Shelton – Red River Blue 

    Single of the Year
    Jason Aldean, “Tattoos On This Town”
    Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night To End”
    Eric Church, “Drink In My Hand”
    Chris Young, “You”
    Zac Brown Band, “Keep Me In Mind”

    Single of the Year: Male
    Jason Aldean, “Tattoos On This Town”
    Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night To End”
    Kenny Chesney, “Reality”
    Eric Church, “Drink In My Hand”
    Chris Young, “You”

    Single of the Year: Female
    Sara Evans, “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”
    Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
    Martina McBride, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
    Taylor Swift, “Ours”
    Carrie Underwood, “Good Girl”

    Single of the Year: Group
    Eli Young Band, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”
    Lady Antebellum, “We Owned The Night”
    Rascal Flatts, “Banjo”
    The Band Perry, “All Your Life”
     Zac Brown Band, “Keep Me In Mind”

    Single of the Year: New Artist
    Hunter Hayes, “Wanted”
    Jana Kramer, “Why Ya Wanna”
    Dustin Lynch, “Cowboys and Angels”
    Kip Moore, “Somethin’ ’Bout A Truck”
    The Farm, “Home Sweet Home”

    Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
    Lee Brice, “A Woman Like You”
    Brantley Gilbert, “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”
    Gloriana, “(Kissed You) Good Night”
    David Nail, “Let It Rain”
    Jake Owen, “Alone With You”

    Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration
    Kix Brooks featuring Joe Walsh, “New To This Town”
    Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, “Feel Like A Rock Star”
    Brad Paisley featuring Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me”
    Rascal Flatts featuring Natasha Bedingfield, “Easy”
    Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett, “Knee Deep”

    Touring Artist of the Year
    Kenny Chesney
    Lady Antebellum
    Miranda Lambert
    Tim McGraw
    Brad Paisley
    Eric Church
    Toby Keith
    Rascal Flatts
    Taylor Swift
    Zac Brown Band
    Jason Aldean

    Music Video of the Year
    Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night To End”
    Jake Owen, “Alone With You”
    Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
    Keith Urban, “For You”
    Chris Young, “You”

    Music Video: Male
    Luke Bryan, “I Don’t Want This Night to End”
    Jake Owen, “Alone With You”
    Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You”
    Keith Urban, “For You”
    Chris Young, “You” 

    Music Video: Female
    Sara Evans, “My Heart Can’t Tell You No”
    Miranda Lambert, “Over You”
    Martina McBride, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”
    Taylor Swift, “Ours”
    Carrie Underwood, “Good Girl” 

    Music Video: Group or Collaboration
    Gloriana, “(Kissed You) Good Night”
    Lady Antebellum, “Dancin’ Away With My Heart”
    Little Big Town, “Pontoon”
    Love and Theft, “Angel Eyes”
    The Band Perry, “All Your Life”

    Music Video: New Artist
    Hunter Hayes, “Wanted”
    Casey James, “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night”
    Jana Kramer, “Why You Wanna”
    Dustin Lynch, “Cowboys and Angels”
    Kip Moore, “Somethin’ ’Bout A Truck” 

    Song of the Year
    Trace Adkins, “Just Fishin’” (Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell and Ed Hill)
    Jason Aldean, “Fly Over States,” (Michael Dulaney and Neil Thrasher)
    Jason Aldean, “Tattoos On This Town” (Michael Dulaney, Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher)
    Lee Brice, “A Woman Like You” (Phil Barton, Johnny Bulford and Jon Stone)
    Kenny Chesney featuring Grace Potter, “You And Tequila” (Matraca Berg and Deana Carter)
    Ronnie Dunn, “Cost of Livin’” (Phillip Coleman and Ronnie Dunn)
    Eli Young Band, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Will Hoge and Eric Paslay)
    Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers, Brad Warren and Brett Warren)
    Eric Church, “Springsteen” (Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell)
    Tim McGraw, “Better Than I Used to Be” (Ashley Gorley& Bryan Simpson)

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan says his ACA-nominated album, tailgates & tanlines, is more than just a collection of party songs.

    Luke Bryan (more than a party) OC: …live shows. :26
     “I think it has serious stuff too. It’s a deeper deal too than just a party. I mean, I think what’s important to be able to do those fun songs but then to hit fans with a big thought song that really gets ‘em. People want to come and have a good time and I think that what you need to do with your albums. You can’t overload your album with it but you certainly need it for the live show and want it to happen in the live shows.”

    AUDIO: Eric Church explains what his ACA-nominated song, “Springsteen,” means to him.

    Eric Church (Springsteen) OC: …my favorites. :44
    “The interesting thing about this song is it has probably less to do with [Bruce] Springsteen than it is about what’s happening at this amphitheater up on the lawn. I had this experience. If you’ve had this experience, no matter whether you stay together or don’t stay together, when you hear that person’s music whether it’s Springsteen or anybody else, you always think of the person you were with at that show. And I have that. I just thought it was an interesting story about two people falling in love at a concert, and for the rest of their life that’s the soundtrack. That artist is the soundtrack to their love, to that time. I just love that. It makes me feel 17 again every time I hear it, and I think that other people feel the same way. It’s just a track that I’m very, very proud of. It might be my favorite on the record. I mean, I go back and forth between a couple, but that’s one of my favorites.”

    AUDIO: Lady A’s Hillary Scott talks about their song “Dancin’ Away With My  Heart,” which is up for Group Music Video of the Year for this year’s ACA Awards.

    Lady A (Dancin’ Away With My Heart-Hillary) OC: …song’s about. :31
    “The first dance I ever went to, I was in second grade in elementary school. It was like for an hour after school or whatever. I can see what my seventh grade boyfriend, you know, I can still picture him and what his name was, and all these things; then I think about prom and homecomings and all of that. I think everyone has that person whether they were technically in a relationship with them or not, or just if they had a secret huge crush on them, that they remember in high school, and wonder what they look like, what they’re doing, how they are, and that’s what that song’s about.”

  • DARIUS RUCKER IS ASKED TO JOIN THE GRAND OLE OPRY! (AUDIO & VIDEO)

    There’s a brand-new member of the Grand Ole Opry! Darius Rucker was invited by his friend, former tour partner and Opry member, Brad Paisley, to join the exclusive club on Tuesday night (October 2nd).

    After performing three songs – “Alright,” “True Believers” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” – Darius took part in a “Question & Answer” segment. Two audience members asked questions, including one about how long would he be in country, to which he answered “Until they kick me out.” His third question came from someone who he knew very well and had toured with a couple of times, Brad Paisley, who had a two-part question. “Are you still the worst poker player in the world?…The other question is would you like to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry?” Darius allowed the emotion to take over for a few minutes after answering yes…to both questions.

    When Darius first saw Brad, he thought the notorious prankster owed him one. When he found out the truth of why he was there, he felt that there couldn’t be a more perfect person to invite him.

    “Welcome him home, everyone,” Paisley told the audience. “This is his new home right here.”

    Darius, who made country music his home a few years ago, feels more than just accepted. He feels a like a member of the country music family. “I’m like the third cousin that everybody kind of thinks is a member of the family,” he laughs. “Now, I’m actually now the first cousin who’s like a brother to the oldest brother.”

    Darius then launched into “Wagon Wheel,” which will be featured on his upcoming album, due out early next year. The induction will take place October 16th, and will air live at 9pm ET on GAC’s Noteworthy at the Opry show.

    NOTE: The side of the stage was hopping with a couple of famous faces, who will become even more familiar to TV audiences. Actors Eric Close and Chip Esten, who star in the new ABC TV series, Nashville premiering October 10th, were hanging backstage and seemed just as thrilled to watch the invitation as were the fans in the audience.

    Darius is currently scaling the country charts with his latest single, “True Believers.”

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker talks about his sincere surprise over the invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry and how everyone around him, especially his wife Beth, kept it a huge secret.

    Darius Rucker (Opry invite) OC: …a great day. :21
    “I was totally, totally taken by surprise today, and I’m amazed that everybody in my life knew, and they’re all here. I didn’t know any of them were here until I walked off the stage, and I was like, ‘What are you doing here?’ Everybody knew, and I never found out. That’s amazing to me. What a great day.”

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker thought he was going to be severely pranked when he saw Brad Paisley stand up in the audience at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night.

    Darius Rucker (Opry-Brad) OC: …been Brad. :35
    “They had said before the show that they wanted to do a question and answer thing. I said, ‘Okay.’ I’m up for whatever, and then when Brad stood up, I thought, ‘Does he owe me one?’ That really was my first thought – ‘Did I get him last,’ ‘cause he’s the prankster of all pranksters, and I thought here comes something that’s gonna be very, very funny. I was just hoping it wasn’t slime or anything, and I didn’t think it was gonna be ‘You wanna join the Grand Ole Opry?’ There is nobody in the business that I would have wanted to do that more than Brad Paisley. If I were to choose the person to ask me to join, it would’ve been Brad.”
     

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker explains how he feels a part of the family with the invitation to become a Grand Ole Opry member. 

    Darius Rucker (Opry 1st Cousin) OC: …oldest brother. :14
    “I’m like the third cousin that everybody kind of thinks is a member of the family. Now, I’m actually now the first cousin who’s like a brother to the oldest brother.” [LAUGHS]

    Video / Darius Rucker Invited to Become a Member of the Grand Ole Opry

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  • LUKE BRYAN WILL PAY HOMAGE TO HIS BUDDY AT THIS YEAR’S ACM HONORS. (AUDIO)

    Luke Bryan is set to perform at the 6th Annual ACM Honors in honor of his friend and songwriting partner, Dallas Davidson, who was named the ACM’s Songwriter of the Year Award (which had been previously given out, apparently only once, to Roger Miller in 1965).

    “The history between [Dallas] and I is just so deep. It’s amazing that I can have the opportunity to honor him on that night and do some of our songs, and the fact that he and I have even written big hits is just borderline comical,” says Luke, who is currently vaulting up the country charts with his latest single, “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.”

    Dierks Bentley will host this year’s ACM Honors, taking place Monday (September 24th) at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. This event recognizes special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards which took place in May in Las Vegas.

    Other special Award recipients include Bobby Braddock and the late Roger Miller, as well as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam.

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about honoring his friend, songwriter Dallas Davidson, at Monday night’s ACM Honors event.

    Luke Bryan (ACM Honors 2012) OC: …pretty special. :48
    “The fact that Dallas and I are in this business together, we still, we’ll go fishing or hunting and shake our heads and giggle. The history between he and I is just so deep. It’s amazing, I mean, that I can have the opportunity to honor him on that night and do some of our songs, and the fact that, gosh, the fact that he and I have even written big hits is just borderline comical. I think we’ve gotten together once or twice for this next album, and both songs are really, really great and will be on the album. It’s pretty fun to sit in a songwriting room with your buddy, and you know nothing you do, you can’t fool them or nothing and we’re not fooling each other, we’re just having fun trying to write a great song. I mean, it’s pretty weird. It’s pretty crazy. It’s pretty special.” 

  • ERIC CHURCH RETURNS TO THE ROAD WITH ‘MOORE’ ‘BLOOD, SWEAT & BEERS!’ (AUDIO)

    Eric Church kicks off the fall leg of his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour on Thursday (September 13th) in Amherst, Massachusetts. He’s taking along Justin Moore and Kip Moore as his opening acts. He says he’s looking forward to being on the road with both acts. “Justin’s been around for a while now. I’ve been impressed with the fact that he’s gone out played bars, played clubs, whether he had a radio hit or he didn’t have a radio hit. He’s been a guy that hasn’t been afraid to go out and work, and build a fan base, and that’s certainly the way that we came up,” says Eric. “With Kip, I’m impressed with just the songwriter sense and his instinct from a songwriter’s side. I like the grit in his music. I think there’s a lot of integrity in the kind of songs that he writes and the way he sings ‘em and the way they’re recorded.”

    During the tour, his two-night stand in Chattanooga on October 8th and 9th, he will record a live album for release early next year.

    Eric, who is climbing the country charts with his latest single “Creepin’,” leads the list of CMA nominees with five, including Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for Chief.

    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about his opening acts, Justin Moore and Kip Moore, and is looking forward to getting on the road with them on the next leg of his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour.

    Eric Church (Justin & Kip Moore) OC: …journey too. :47
    “You know, Justin’s been around for a while now. I’ve been impressed with the fact that he’s gone out played bars, played clubs, whether he had a radio hit or he didn’t have a radio hit. He’s been a guy that hasn’t been afraid to go out and work, and build a fan base, and that’s certainly the way that we came up. With Kip, I’m impressed with just the songwriter sense and his instinct from a songwriter’s side. I like the grit in his music. I think there’s a lot of integrity in the kind of songs that he writes and the way he sings ‘em and the way they’re recorded, so I’m looking forward to get on the road with both those guys. They both done things that I certainly respect their path. Being the guy who kinda took the long way around, it’s cool to have those guys out there and be a part of their journey too.

  • THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH: Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Eric Church, Eric Paslay (AUDIO)

    On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever with the devastating attacks on both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” embodied the thoughts and feelings of millions in the wake of the events that took place 11 years ago.

    There are soundbites from country superstar Alan Jackson sharing memories and thoughts on the events of September 11, 2001 and discussing his song, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” as well as remembrances from Lady Antebellum, Eric Church and Eric Paslay.

    The chorus and melody of “Where Were You…” came to Jackson in the middle of the night several weeks after the 9/11 tragedies. He awoke…sang the words into a recorder and wrote down key elements of the chorus…and completed the lyrics and verses later that same day. Initially reluctant to record the song, he was convinced by family and friends to share it with the world and debuted “Where Were You…” live on national television in early November at the 35th annual CMA Awards.

    “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” embodied the thoughts and feelings of millions in the wake of the 2001 events. Written by Jackson, the song was called “…one of the most touching, powerful songs to come after the tragedies” by USA Today and dubbed “a reflective hymn that Americans will be listening to well into the second half of this century” by Salon.com. The New York Times singled out “Where Were You…” as “one of his finest songs,” and Billboard noted “a multitude of songs have been written and recorded in the wake of September 11th, but none captures the myriad emotions unleashed by the terrorist attacks on an unsuspecting nation more perfectly than Jackson’s eloquent ballad.” The song went on to be honored with a Grammy, CMA and ACM Awards.

    Last year, as part of the national observance of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, Jackson performed “Where Were You…” at Washington National Cathedral.

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson explains why he feels “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” still resonates with music fans in concert 11 years after the events of September 11, 2001.

    AJ (Where Were You) 1 OC: …big changes. :50
    “At the time, it was very meaningful to people and I felt really good about contributing something. And then I thought it would just fade away and then we’d ease it out of the show, but now I see people out there that I feel like are waiting for that song, you know? I think it’s more than just the 9-11 connection. I mean, the real hook in it is quotes right out of the Bible anyway. And still, at night, it’s one of my biggest songs in the show. It’s hard to follow it, but I see so many that are holding up them lighters and are glad to hear it, and I think are moved by it and glad I did it. And I heard so many stories back during that time when it was happening. People said, ‘Oh, they quit their jobs, and they changed their lifestyles and started going to church and found somebody to marry!’ It was just like all these things that affected…those were big changes!”

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson describes how the events of September 11, 2001 impacted him…and talks about writing “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” a few weeks later.

    AJ (Where Were You) 2 OC: …same feelings. 1:33
    “Well, I don’t know – I think I was probably like most people that were impacted with that day and the months that followed. You know, everybody was glued to the news and television and I think it really affected a lot of people – their perspective on their lives and their jobs and their families and where they were and what they were wanting to do and how they looked at things. And I guess…I mean, that’s what I was thinking, too. And I just pretty much visualized a lot of those scenes and stories I’d heard and seen on television or heard people talk about. The song came out of nowhere in the middle of the night – the chorus did. Just a gift. And I got up and scribbled it down and put the melody down so I wouldn’t forget it, and then the next day I started piecing all those verses together that were the thoughts I’d had or visuals I’d had, and…that was about it. I think it was just really…I had so many people tell me that there’s always a line or something in there that they did, whether it was go to church or pick up their Bible or go see their mother or watch a sunset – I mean, just a lot of things in there people told me that they had actually done those things, so…I guess I was like everybody else, just feeling those same feelings.” 

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson recalls sharing “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” with all of us for the first time live on national television during the 35th Annual CMA Awards.

    AJ (Where Were You) 3 OC: …meant something. :56
    “It was a tough performance for me. You know, just the whole idea of releasing that song was a little bit tough. I wasn’t sure I wanted to put that out, but everybody convinced me that it was the thing to do…and in retrospect, I agree with that. But, you know, I hadn’t really sung the song much, first of all. It was just in the studio, basically, and when I wrote it…so it’s hard to go out there and sing something new anyway, and just the topic made it nerve-wracking, too. You know, I didn’t think about what was going to happen or anything  –  we just sang it. And I just remember, other than being relieved that I got through it, I just felt very proud that it seemed to cause a reaction in people…and I was proud that I got to do it, and that it seemed like it meant something
    A

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley – whose birthday is September 11th – recalls where he was on September 11, 2001. [NOTE: Extreme background noise.]

    Lady A (9-11 Charles) OC: …everybody. :30

    CK: “It was my birthday believe it or not. Yeah. 9/11. So, I was in college, and yeah, it was wild. I mean, woke up, was getting ready to go to class. And I had a roommate come in and say, ‘Man, turn on the TV. Classes are canceled. You won’t believe…’ He had had an earlier class, and he comes in and says, ‘Turn on the TV.’ And we all got up and watched it. It was just wild. So, it’s hard to put into words. But it is funny, that it’s still and I can remember it and everybody can. It had such a huge Effect on everybody.”

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott explains she was in high school when she and her fellow classmates heard about the tragic events of 9-11.

    Lady A (9-11 Hillary) OC: …we’re protected. 1:19

    HS: “I was in 10th grade, which is weird to think that I was in 10th grade and Charles and Dave were in college. But I was actually on my way to history class, interestingly enough, and so we got to that class and turned the TV on, and we’re just watching the footage and then our, we ended up having an assembly that day where the whole school went into the gym and our headmaster got up and explained kind of everything that was going on and what happened. And it is. It’s one of those things that’s forever ingrained in your memory. And I actually had a close friend of mine, it’s actually my God sister’s dad has been in the military and he’s retired now. But he was on his way to the Pentagon and didn’t get there. But so luckily before everything happened but it’s just, I think everyone has that personal connection to it no matter if you knew someone there or not. It’s just … and I think too not only is it a time to reflect on those lost in that tragedy, I think it’s a time to really celebrate our military. And just another way of bringing praise to them and thanking them for what they do, which is protect us and protect our freedom on a daily basis. And thankfully nothing like that has happened since. And I think that that’s a testament to how well we’re protected.”

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood says he will never forget the lives that were lost during the tragic events of 9-11.

    Lady A (9-11 Dave) OC: …were lost. :27

    DH: “Gosh, I mean as a human, it just completely breaks your heart. And as an American, it was such a devastating tragedy. Gosh, I mean that it still affects us 10 years later, and it will for the rest of our lives. I mean, there’s no doubt that it will. But I think as people and as a country, we’re stronger for it and going to keep pushing forward. And our goal is to get rid of people that would do evil like that in the world. So it’s tough to have that happen to us but we’ll always remember those that were lost.”

    AUDIO: Eric Church was on his way to work when he heard the news of the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2011.

    Eric Church (9-11) OC: …that feeling. :23
    “I was driving into work, the Shop-At-Home Network, I was listening to Gerry House, I remember that, and the news broke. [I] really couldn’t grasp what had happened until I got to work and saw it for myself on television. I remember I watched the second plane hit the tower in real time. I had just moved to Nashville earlier that year, and all I remember is wanting to go home and be with those I loved. I’ll never, I’ll never forget that feeling.”

    AUDIO: Eric Paslay remembers being in class during the tragic events of 9/11.

    Eric Paslay (9-11) OC: …I’ll never forget it. :30
    “On 9/11, I remember I was a freshman in college, and I was in a class early that morning and a girl came in with the craziest look on her face, and she just started telling us she was listening to the radio and had heard that the planes had hit the buildings. Our teacher let us out of class, and I ended up going home and my dad was at the house already. We ended up going to eat an early lunch at kind of a burger joint in my hometown. And I remember just going in and everybody was just eating in silence. It was an awkward day. I’ll never forget it.”

    Video / Alan Jackson-Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning

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  • ERIC CHURCH IS DOING MORE THAN JUST “CREEPIN'” UP THE COUNTRY CHARTS! (AUDIO)

    Eric Church‘s new single, “Creepin’,” kicks off his platinum-certified album, Chief, and according to the North Carolina native, he couldn’t think of a better way to start the record. “I love how not only the title is ‘Creepin’,’ but it kinda creeps in. You know, it starts in one dynamic and ends in a totally different dynamic. I’ve always loved the song, I have loved the looseness and oddness of it,” says Eric. “It was just one of those things you didn’t expect, and I think it sets the tone for the record. It shows how unharnessed the album is gonna be. It is completely free and moving and breathing, and that’s what I love.”

    The next leg of Eric’s Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour kicks off September 13th in Amherst, MA, and he’s bringing along special guests Justin Moore and Kip Moore.

    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about his latest single, “Creepin’,” which kicks off his album, Chief.

    Eric Church (Creepin’) OC: …what I love. :33

    “‘Creepin’ ’ to me was the perfect way to start the record. I mean, I love how not only the title is ‘Creepin’,’ but it kinda creeps in. You know, it starts in one dynamic and ends in a totally different dynamic. I’ve always loved the song, I have loved the looseness and oddness of it. One of the best quotes I had [was] from somebody who heard it recently for the first time, and they got through listening to it and their response was ‘What the hell?’ And they went back and listened to it again, they love it. It was just one of those things you didn’t expect, and I think it sets the tone for the record. It shows how unharnessed the album is gonna be. It is completely free and moving and breathing, and that’s what I love.”

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN WILL RELEASE NEW ALBUM, ‘TORNADO,’ ON SEPTEMBER 11TH. (AUDIO)

    NASHVILLE TN (Wednesday, July 18, 2012)– Grammy-nominated country group Little Big Town will release their fifth studio album entitled Tornado September 11, 2012.  The album was recorded in Nashville with producer Jay Joyce (Wallflowers, Eric Church) and features the band’s hit single “Pontoon.” 

    “I am so excited for people to hear this new record,” said Jimi Westbrook. “We worked with Jay Joyce and he really pushed us to be in the moment. There was such an amazing energy between all of us in the studio and I think you can feel it.” 

    The album’s lead single “Pontoon” was released to radio in April and is currently Top 15 on Billboard’s country radio chart.  This has been Little Big Town’s fasting rising single to date. “Pontoon” is #1 on the Soundscan Digital Country chart for the second week in a row and has sold over 520,000 tracks in only eight weeks. The official music video has been viewed over 1.7 million times. 

    TRACK LISTING/WRITERS:

    1. Pavement Ends    *Jason Saenz/Brent Cobb

    2. Pontoon               *Barry Dean/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird

    3. Sober                   *Liz Rose/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna

    4. Front Porch Thing      *Chris Stapleton/Adam Hood

    5. On Your Side Of The Bed   *Lori McKenna/K.Fairchild/J.Westbrook/ K.Schlapman/P.Sweet                 

    6. Leavin’ In Your Eyes       *Brett Warren/Brad Warren/Jay Joyce/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/ K.Schlapman

    7. Tornado                      *Natalie Hemby/Delta Made

    8. On Fire Tonight              *Luke Laird/P.Sweet/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman

    9. Can’t Go Back               *Natalie Hemby/Kate York/Rosi Golan

    10. Self Made                 *Natalie Hemby/Jedd Hughes/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild

    11. Night Owl               *Natalie Hemby/J.Westbrook/K.Fairchild/K.Schlapman/P.Sweet

     

    For current tour dates, news and information on the new album please check out the bands brand new website at www.littlebigtown.com launched today!

    AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman reveals the group used their road band to play on their new album, Tornado. 

    LBT (new album) OC: …and calculate. :42

    “What I love this time is we used our road band. You know, Nashville has the most incredible musicians in the world, but this time we decided to use the guys that travel with us on all our shows, and it gave it such a fresh spirit. Everybody was just out there having fun and just putting out the very, very best that they had, and it was so creative. We rehearsed with them for four days – long hours – and then we cut for the next three in a row. And then of course, we did a little bit of work afterwards. But for those seven days, we worked our little tails off, and had so much fun, and I think you can hear the spontaniety and the energy and the freshness in the music. There wasn’t a lot of time to think and calculate.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY CAN THANK VAN HALEN FOR HIS LATEST HIT! (VIDEO)

    Dierks Bentley is sitting at No. 2 on the country charts with his latest hit, “5-1-5-0,” and you can thank Van Halen for the idea behind the song. “I was at a birthday party, a 13-year-old birthday party, for this friend of mine, and he had an electric guitar and I didn’t have an electric guitar…Went back to his room and used power cords and listened to Van Halen,” recalls Dierks. “I just immediately dropped everything, and he let me borrow one of his Hondo guitars and Cray amplifier and that’s all I really listened to for a while was that stuff. And they had an album called 51-50 and the album cover, or at least the t-shirts and stuff were all the guys in strait-jackets, and I kind of dug around and found out that was a police code for ‘crazy person.’” 

    Dierks has been tapped to perform at the second annual Johnny Cash Music Festival in Jonesboro, Arkansas October 5th. Willie Nelson, Rosanne Cash and The Civil Wars are also scheduled to perform.

    Dierks is set to take his “crazy train” to Davenport, Iowa on July 20th. 

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about learning about the code “5-1-5-0,” and then writing his latest hit. 

    Dierks (5-1-5-0) OC: …blown up. 1:09

    “I was at a birthday party, a 13-year-old birthday party, for this friend of mine and he had an electric guitar and I didn’t have an electric guitar. Music had always been something I had kind of listened to and had never really participated in. Went back to his room and used power cords and listened to Van Halen. I just immediately dropped everything, and he let me borrow one of his Hondo guitars and Cray amplifier and that’s all I really listened to for a while was that stuff. And they had an album called 51-50 and the album cover, you know, or at least the t-shirts and stuff were all the guys in strait-jackets, and I kind of dug around and found out that was a police code for ‘crazy person.’ And one of my songs that I wrote by myself called ‘Country & Cold Cans.’ I had a line in there when I was in the studio called, I was like ‘Are y’all with me? Let’s get 51-50.’ And I told Jim [Beavers] about that, and he asked what 51-50 is and I told him. And the next day I saw him at the gym and he was saying ‘5-1-5-0, somebody call the po-po.’ So he came up with that line, and I thought it was just the stupidest thing I’d heard in my life but every time I’d see him, he’d sing that. He’d be like ‘Man, my kids can’t keep that out of their heads, it stuck. We got to write it.’ And so one day we were writing and we were stuck, and I was like ‘Alright, let’s pull out 5-1-5-0,’ and we wrote it, and it just kind of caught on. And Capitol picked it as a single so it’s doing pretty good so far; it’s kind of blown up.”

  • LUKE BRYAN “HITS” A GRAND SLAM AT MLB’S ALL-STAR GAME! (AUDIO)

    Luke Bryan will perform the National Anthem at Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game in Kansas City next week. The “Drunk on You” singer is looking forward to being there, for both professional and personal reasons. “To have the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at the All-Star game is really special for me. I have a lot of dear friends in Major League Baseball and a lot of people I’ve met over the years and so many little connections, and some of those guys will be there rooting me on to sing the National Anthem,” says Luke, adding, “Certainly it’s nice to have guys like Chipper Jones (Atlanta Braves) and Adam LaRoche (Washington Nationals) to ask hitting tips to pass along to my kids. So, my boys love baseball, and we’re gonna enjoy going and doing the anthem and catching the game.”

    The Georgia native, who is currently spending his second consecutive week at the top of the country charts with “Drunk on You,” played baseball as a child. “I was the catcher for most of my Little League years, and in high school, I was a left-fielder.”

    Luke’s performance, as well as those of American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and Kellie Pickler (who will sing “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch), will air Tuesday (July 10th) – along with the game – on FOX beginning at 8pm ET.

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about performing the National Anthem at the upcoming MLB All-Star Game next week.

    Luke Bryan (All-Star Game) OC: ….and kids. :36
    “To have the opportunity to perform the National Anthem at the All-Star game is really special for me. I have a lot of dear friends in Major League Baseball and a lot of people I’ve met over the years and so many little connections, and some of those guys will be there rooting me on to sing the National Anthem. You know, the Anthem is always pretty tough thing to sing, and you never want to mess it up, and it’s always a really personal thing to me…I’m going to really enjoy being up there, being at the All-Star game, taking the family and kids.”

    Luke Bryan (baseball) OC: …catching the game. :29
    “Baseball for me was really my sport. If I excelled at a sport, I probably excelled the most at baseball and enjoyed that the most. And certainly spend a lot of time with my boys teaching them the game, and certainly it’s nice to have guys like Chipper Jones and Adam La Roche to ask hitting tips to pass along to my kids. So, my boys love baseball, and we’re gonna enjoy going and doing the anthem and catching the game.”

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan, who will perform the National Anthem at next week’s MLB All-Star Game, reveals what positions he played in baseball.

    Luke Bryan (baseball positions) OC: …left-fielder. :06

    “I was the catcher for most of my Little League years, and in high school, I was a left-fielder.”

  • FATHER’S DAY: ALAN, DARIUS, DIERKS, ERIC, JON, KEITH, LITTLE BIG TOWN, LUKE AND MORE! (AUDIO)

    Father’s Day is Sunday, and we have many of your favorite country stars talking about their own fathers or being fathers themselves. Thanks Dad!!!! (fyi–there are a couple of soundbites attached below that haven’t been transcribed — i.e. Luke Bryan, etc.)

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson says he trusts his daughters when it comes to dating.

    AJ (daughters & dating) OC: …all of ‘em. :15
    “I’m not one of these daddies stands there with the shotgun or anything. I do like to know what’s going on, ’cause I know what I was like at that age, you know, but they’re good kids, and they’re smart, and they make good choices, and so you gotta trust them, and try to raise them well. I mean, my girls are very sweet…very proud of all of them.”

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson, whose new album Thirty Miles West is now in stores, allows his three daughters to live and learn.

    AJ (parenting style) OC: …what they did.  :19

    “We try to be just not pushy hands on parents. We let them live and be their own way. I’m not stern with them. You know, I’m funny and light, and try to give them guidance and let them live and learn their own ways. And that’s something, I think, my parents did. It was accidental, but that’s what they did.”

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker says his kids would said he was a fun dad, unless they did something wrong.

    Darius Rucker (Father’s Day) OC: …loving dad. :41

    “I think if you asked my kids what kind of Dad I was they would probably say…Danny would say that I was a fun Dad. My little daughter would say that I was a fun dad; she thinks I’m a lot of fun. I think if you caught them at the right moment they would say I was mean [laughs] because when I’m home I’m not afraid to discipline them. I’m all fun until it’s not fun anymore and then daddy’s not the fun guy. I think that they’d say that I was a fun Dad, I’m a loving Dad and I think they would say that. I’m gone so much that when I’m home, I just shower love upon my kids. I say ‘I love you’ probably fifty times a day. We hug, we kiss all the time. I’m always wanting them to know how much I love them. So I’d hope they’d say that I was a loving dad.”

    AUDIO: Darius Rucker says he and his wife have tried to be laid-back when it comes to him leaving to go on the road.

    Darius Rucker (balancing kids and career) OC: …daddy’s job. :25

    We balance it. The one thing we decided a long time ago when the kids were born was dad going away and coming back was not a big deal. Don’t bring a bunch of presents when you come home and don’t go, ‘Ah, I’m gonna miss you guys.’ Just go and then come back. And that has helped a lot with the kids because they’re cool with it. They sometimes may get upset when I’m only home for a day and leave the next day. They’re really cool with that, the way we’ve handled it is just, ‘It’s Daddy’s job.’”

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his daughter, Evie, and her love of music.

    Dierks Bentley (Father’s Day-Evie) OC: …support her. :31

    “My daughter Evie, she just loves being out and about and seeing stuff. She’s got a real gregarious personality and loves to be around music. It’s everywhere she goes … my daughter’s exposure to music in general is crazy. It’s always around. There’s just music everywhere. She loves it, and I’m not trying to turn her into my 401k package down the road, but if she wanted to get into the business, I’d support her.” 

    AUDIO: Eric Church describes his father and the qualities he admires in him.

    Eric Church (Father’s Day) OC: …always admired. :29

    “My dad is a, I’m trying to find the right words to describe him. My dad is a great guy, honest guy, very call it like he sees it, which is where I get a lot of that. No BS. I’m gonna tell you how I feel whether you like it or not, I’m that guy, I’m me…My dad’s that way, so I get a lot of that from him. There’s also an honesty and an integrity that my dad carries himself with that I’ve always admired. I think the both of them combined, and they’ve been married for I think 40 years, to be together that long in this day and time is a feat in itself.”  

    AUDIO: Keith Urban – father to daughters Sunday and Faith — says there are a number of things that are at the top of the list of being a dad. 

    Keith Urban (Father’s Day) OC: …experience that. :36

    “The first thing is probably just having someone call you dad. I’m like, ‘Omigosh! I’m her dad! That’s amazing.’ That’s probably the first thing to me. I don’t know, I mean, the different personalities that our two daughters have, that’s amazing. It’s such a long list I think. I always say…I think for the people that haven’t had kids – which I hadn’t for a long, long time. I didn’t have kids ‘til later on, and being around it is not the same as having them, you know? I realize that it’s not something that can be explained until you actually sort of have it, so I’m glad I got to experience that.” 

    AUDIO: Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook says fatherhood is absolutely beautiful. He and wife Karen Fairchild became parents to Elijah Dylan on March 5, 2010.

    Little Big Town (Jimi-Father’s Day) OC: …beautiful. :32

    “It’s still such a new experience for us, and man, I’m telling you, people can tell you all day long how great it’s going to be, but it still never touches it. That little man looking back at me, it’s the most unbelievable feeling. And every day, for me who hates mornings [laughs], waking up to a slap in the face; he’s like pounding on me, then he’s like kissing on me and stuff. It’s unbelievable. It’s absolutely beautiful.” 

    LINERS:

    Hey! What’s up? This is Darius Rucker, wishing you a Happy Father’s Day.

    Hey this is Eric Church wishing you a Happy Father’s Day.

    Hi everyone, this is Keith Urban, wishing all you dads out there a Happy Father’s Day.

    Hi, this is Little Big Town, wishing all you Fathers a Happy Father’s Day.

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN PROMOTES BEVERAGE SAFETY! (AUDIO)

    Little Big Town is on a mission to make sure people drink responsibly — not only the fact to NOT drink and drive (or drink and drive a boat, as the case may be with their hit summer single, “Pontoon”); but to make sure you keep your beverage cool and “sweat-free” with a fashionable koozie. “The condensation on your drink can make it slip out of your hand, I mean there’s all kinds of reasons,” Phillip Sweet tells The CountryVibe.com. Bandmember Jimi Westbrook agrees, “You get a little too drunk and your grip gets bad so you need something a little more to hold onto. [laughs]”

    Jimi and Karen Fairchild‘s son, Elijah, is even getting in on the act. “Elijah’s…asked me to put his ‘Pontoon’ koozie on his bottle,” Karen tells TheCountryVibe.com. “And he’s walkin’ around, but it does keep the milk cold and it looks cute. But it’s so redneck and it’s like he’s got his orange bottle (Jimi – “he’s got his diaper”) and his diaper [laughing], and then he’s got a koozie that says ‘Pontoon’ on it.” 

    Catch Little Big Town next Wednesday (June 4th) performing “Pontoon” on the CMT Music Awards airing live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8pm ET on CMT.

    AUDIO: Little Big Town discuss the importance of using koozies and they share a funny story about Karen and Jimi’s son Elijah and his koozie.  (must credit TheCountryVibe.com)

    LBT (Elijah koozie) OC: …motorboa’in. [laughs] :48  

    Phillip – “The condensation on your drink can make it slip out of your hand, I mean there’s all kinds of reasons.” Jimi – “I know. You get a little too drunk and your grip gets bad so you need something a little more to hold onto.” [laughs] Kimberly – “Plus it’s a statement.  No matter whatever your koozie says, says something about you.” Jimi – “It’s a creative outlet.” [laughs] Karen – “Yeah, Elijah’s been puttin’ his … he did it again … he asked me to put his ‘Pontoon’ koozie on his bottle.” Kimberly – “Oh dear!  Wow!  That’s funny.” Karen – “And he’s walkin’ around, but it does keep the milk cold and it looks cute.  But it’s so redneck and it’s like he’s got his orange bottle (Jimi – “he’s got his diaper”) and his diaper (laughing), and then he’s got a koozie that says ‘Pontoon’ on it.” Kimberly – “That’s funny.  That is a redneck picture.” Phillip – “And he’s goin’ ‘mmmm motorboatin’.’” Karen – “And he does. He says ‘Mmmm motoboa-in’” [laughs]

  • LADY A HEADS TO LOUISVILLE TO HOLD A PROM EVENT FOR HENRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. (AUDIO)

    Gowns and corsages have been purchased, tuxes been rented and now the excitement of the graduating class of 2012 at Henryville High School and the surrounding counties has built to a crescendo for Wednesday night’s (May 16th) concert “prom” event featuring Lady Antebellum.

     (from Indiana’s FOX-TV affiliate)

    Support has also poured in from across the country, and right next door, in the form of money, supplies and a chance for the teens to escape, even for a night. “We love you Lady Antebellum, but we love Henryville high school even more,” said one teen in a video submitted to the band.

    Lady Antebellum held an “Own the Prom” contest where students could submit videos for the chance to win a free concert. Several schools submitted videos asking that the free concert go to Henryville instead of their schools. On Wednesday, that generosity will pay off in Louisville. The award-winning group will give the teens a second prom. The event is also a benefit concert where all proceeds will go towards the tornado relief effort in the small Indiana town. Henryville High teens will be given several other free tickets for their families who will join them at the concert that is open to the public. Juniors and Seniors at Silver Creek High, who helped with the campaign to get Henryville the free concert, will also get free tickets to the concert. The school had the winning video. 

    AUDIO: Lady A’s Charles Kelley says the band’s prom contest was actually Hillary Scott’s idea. 

    Lady A (prom event) OC: …her ideas. :32 

    “That was Hillary’s idea. I have to give her credit. She had this idea, you know, when we had ‘Dancin’ Away With My Heart,’ I think it definitely takes people back to that prom date or that first love. And she said, ‘It would be really cool if we went and crashed a prom or something.’ And so, it turned into this whole thing. When all that stuff happened at Henryville, it was really cool to see all these submissions coming in from other schools (HILLARY: “Telling us to choose them.”) on behalf of that school, and it really meant a lot to, I mean, it said a lot to us. So, we’re actually going to do a bigger event…but I, we, have to give Hillary all of the credit for that. That was one of her ideas.” 

    AUDIO: Lady A’s Hillary Scott explains how she came up with the idea for the band’s prom event. 

    Lady A (prom event) 2 OC: …their faces. :29

    “It was one of those things where I was thinking about it, and thinking about the title of the album, Own the Night, and how that would be such a fun prom theme for this graduating class, because it wasn’t that long ago that I was there myself. And then to see it grow and grow and build into what it’s become. It all starts with a little bitty idea and to see what all has come of it and what it’s going to end up being. We just want to bring that community joy and hope and just do whatever we can to put smiles on their faces.”

  • ERIC CHURCH’S LATEST SINGLE HAS A PERSONAL TOUCH. (AUDIO)

    Eric Church’s latest single, “Springsteen,” has hit the Top 15 on the country charts, and the song has a personal connection for the singer-songwriter. “I was 16-years-old [at] this first concert I went to with a girl in a group as my date. We sat up on the lawn, you know, we had a blanket and all that stuff,” recalls Eric. “The interesting thing is I remember the relationship lasting maybe two weeks, and to this day when I hear that music, I still think of her, and I wonder if she still thinks of me, you know, because that artist became the soundtrack to our relationship as short as it was.” 

    Eric is certainly performing his hit single during his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour; next stop is Thursday (April 12th) in Tupelo, Mississippi. 

    AUDIO: Eric Church says he has been the guy he sings about in his latest single, “Springsteen.”

    Eric Church (Springsteen personal) OC: …that regard. :29

    “I had that happen. I was 16-years-old this first concert I went to with a girl in a group as my date. We sat up on the lawn, you know, we had a blanket and all that stuff. The interesting thing is I remember the relationship lasting maybe two weeks, and to this day when I hear that music, I still think of her, and I wonder if she still thinks of me, you know, because that artist became the soundtrack to our relationship as short as it was. And I just love the power of music in that regard.” 

  • ACM AWARDS 2012: DIERKS BENTLEY (AUDIO)

    The 47th Annual Academy Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1st, beginning at 8pm ET/delayed PT on CBS. Watch for performances by Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town and many more. We have been rolling out soundbites throughout the week with our nominees and performers leading up to Sunday night’s ACM Awards. 

    Dierks Bentley is nominated for Song of the Year at this year’s ACM Awards for his recent No. 1 single, “Home.” He co-wrote the song with Jim Beavers and Dan Wilson, who will also go home with a trophy for Song of the Year. 

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about performing on the ACM Awards, where he’s nominated for Song of the Year for “Home.” 

    Dierks (performing ACMs) OC: …good time. :18

    “My favorite thing about music and why I’m in the music business is to play live music. I love being in front of people; that’s why I do this. It’s the fun part, but it’s also cool to get respect from other people in the business. So, I’m pretty excited about, you know? Any excuse to go to Vegas is a good one, and to be up for something is pretty cool. And hopefully, we’ll win something, but if not, we’ll still have a good time.” 

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about writing his ACM-nominated Song of the Year, “Home.”

    Dierks Bentley (writing Home) 2 OC: …with this song. 1:06

    “[So] we were hanging out for about an hour, getting to know each other, and my wife called, battery’s dead. Typical — that car of hers. I went over and jumped her car, came back over, and Brett and Dan had started this melody, and I thought it was beautiful. Dan had said something about America. He kept thinking, ‘This song feels like America.’ And I was like, ‘Aw man, writing a patriotic song is so difficult. Let’s not do that. Those songs are too hard to write.’ Brett said something about ‘Home,’ and then I think I said something like, ‘the place we all call home.’ Maybe we could write a song about America that’s not overly in your face about it, you know, something that everyone could grab a hold of and feel inspired by. The recession was in full board at this point a year ago, the political nature of this country was as bad as it’s ever been with, basically, Washington D.C. being turned into a football game between two sides and not caring about the fans, the voters, the public at all, just their own internal thing going on there. It’s about now, but it’s a little bit of a history lesson too about what we’ve been through. And at the end of the day, I think it’s inspiring and hopeful, and it’s been a real blessing of a song and one that none of us really could take too much credit for, just inspiration hit. You write that many songs over the course of a year, you might get one of those moments, and we got one with this song.”

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley expresses his hopes for his recent No. 1 hit “Home,” which is nominated for ACM Song of the Year.  

    Dierks Bentley (hopes for Home) OC: …things right. 1:21

    “This song is written in a way that is opened-ended as far as what they want to walk away with. I mean, I think it’s obvious it’s a song about our country, about the ups and downs and the scars we have in our past. But at the end of the day, no matter what side of the fence you’re on, where you stand on certain issues, where you come from, your background, you have to walk through the front door of your house every day, this is our house, this is our home, this is our one country. There’s not another one you can go to. I hope in some sense it can bring people together and find more things in common than we don’t and hope for the people that are going through tough times that so many people are right now with the economy. There’s certainly still a lot of tough times ahead, and they see that we’ve overcome so much as a country in the past and there’s no reason why we can’t overcome these things again and really be the number one, the best country in the world as far as a place to have these freedoms and to raise your family and to pass something on to the next generation. Just help people feel inspired and look back and look at the country, from just a long term perspective, not just this day, this week, this month, this year, but just the history of this country and all the people that came before us and sacrificed their lives for us. We’re standing on their shoulders and we need to honor that, and I think the best way to honor that is come together and make things right.”

  • ACM AWARDS 2012: ERIC CHURCH (AUDIO)

    The 47th Annual Academy Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1st, beginning at 8pm ET/delayed PT on CBS. Watch for performances by Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town and many more. We will continue to roll out soundbites with our nominees and performers leading up to the ACM Awards. 

    Eric Church is nominated for both Album of the Year for Chief and Music Video of the Year for “Homeboy.” He’s currently scaling the country charts with “Springsteen,” the third single from his ACM-nominated Chief.

    AUDIO: Eric Church says “Homeboy” is his favorite video.

    Eric Church (Homeboy video) OC: …rest of it. :25

    “I love the video. It’s my favorite video. I think Peter Zavidil, the director, did a fantastic job. I mean I love the way he shot it. I love the actor, the kid in the video, and I told Peter I would do every video with you if you keep writing treatments like this. I had to be there for about an hour, and that’s it, two hours, I mean videos are never like that. I said “You really know how to get an artist to fall in love with you.” I just had to go in and perform, and he took care of the rest of it.”

    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about his ACM-nominated video for “Homeboy.”

    Eric Church (Homeboy video) 2 OC: …love that shot.  :24

    “Seeing the story line develop, and being in the place, I mean I’ve been there. I was feeling the stuff the kid was feeling, that despair. I think we have all been in places like that. It just came across great. I love the lighting. I love the angles. I love the slow motion. The slow motion is one of the coolest things. There’s a scene with a match where he lights a match and throws it at the camera, and you can see the match extinguish itself, in super, super, super slow motion. I love that shot.”

    AUDIO: Eric Church says the Tennessee State Prison, the location where the video for “Homeboy” was shot, lent itself to the feeling of the clip.

    Eric Church (heaviness of Homeboy video) OC: …there, you know? :25

    “It’s my second video here, at the Tennessee State Prison. We shot ‘Lightning’ here off the first record, so I’ve been here twice now. It’s just a heavy place, which I like. And I know as musicians, you pick up on energy when you write songs and when you perform, and I think the same thing happens when you shoot videos in a place that’s got a little bit of heaviness. It certainly happened with ‘Lightning.’ And there’s a little bit of heaviness in ‘’Homeboy,’ in the message, and I like that heaviness. I don’t know if some people would listen to that and pick up on that, but there’s a little bit of that there, you know?”

    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about making his ACM-nominated album, Chief. 

    Eric Church (making of Chief) OC: …its heartbeat. :59

    “We have built our career on the backs of our fans. We have not cared what else was going on around us. The other thing, we went and played shows, and we have given those fans the keys to this vehicle, and we said, ‘Drive it!’ And they have told people about it, and they’ve spread the word, and they’ve preached that gospel, and they’ve just become an army out there. This record when we made it, it needed, for me, to sound like a live show. It needed to sound like we had recorded it live, like you were watching something that we didn’t rehearse, that we didn’t think out. And there’s so many tracks on this record, where I am interacting with the musicians, because I am in the room with them, and either I will sing a melody line or the guitar will be playing a melody line, and we’ll pick up on each other, and it will turn into this little jam moment. And that is where the magic happens. We didn’t plan it, we didn’t talk about it, there’s as much unrehearsed magic on this record as we’ve ever had. There’s a lot of mistakes on it, and I think that’s part of a live show. We mess up every night live, and we talk about it after a show. We left it on this record. Those mistakes are in there, and I think that’s what gives it its heartbeat.”

    Eric Church explains why he took time off the road to write most of the songs for his ACM-nominated album, Chief. 

    Eric Church (taking time to write) OC: …in that cabin. 1:09

    “Well, it’s the first time taking a month off to write this record; it’s the first time I’ve taken a month off in the middle of any kind of touring season in a long time…ever. And it was for me, I thought it was time, and we, I put so much into the record making process, every time we do it, I empty the tank doing it. And this time, two records in, I felt like our career had really got to a point that, it had gotten to the next level, I wanted to make a record that was indicative to that. The only way I knew how to do that, was to pause, and just take time, and figure out where we go from there. That month in the cabin, there was no television, cell phone service, which in the middle of football season is brutal. I spent a lot of time at a local bar [laughs] in Banner Elk [laughs]. But I sat there with co-writers, got them out of their element, and sometimes we’d write a song at 3 am, sometimes we would write a song at 7am, sometimes we didn’t write a song, we’d just ride around and drink beer in a four wheeler. It was really, really cool to just let the creative process, just un-harness it, and let the creative process flow. I think that “unharnessed” really became part of what the record was. It just is, there’s no rules. It’s unchained, it’s loose, it’s wild, and I think that started in that cabin.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY’S ‘HOME’ HITS NO. 1! (AUDIO)

    Dierks Bentley’s “Home” has climbed to the top of both the Mediabase/Country Aircheck and Billboard country singles charts. Dierks wrote the song with pal Brett Beavers and new collaborator, Dan Wilson, and he said going into the writing session, they didn’t have a clue about what to write. When he had to leave for a brief time to assist his wife with a car issue, he came back and found that the other two had come up with a beautiful melody. However, when Dan suggested a patriotic song, Dierks was a bit apprehensive, but he soon changed his mind. “Dan had said something about America. He kept thinking, ‘This song feels like America,’” recalls Dierks. “And I was like, ‘Aw man, writing a patriotic song is so difficult. Let’s not do that. Those songs are too hard to write.’ Brett said something about ‘Home,’ and then I think I said something like, ‘the place we all call home.’ Maybe we could write a song about America that’s not overly in your face about it, you know, something that everyone could grab a hold of and feel inspired by.”

    “Home” is the second single from Dierks’ latest album of the same name to hit the top of the charts. The previous single, “Am I The Only One,” also hit No. 1.

    “Home” is nominated for “Song of the Year” at next month’s ACM Awards.

    Dierks Bentley (writing Home) OC: …runs out, you know? :21

    “You know, I wrote about 70 songs last year, and I feel like that’s one of those songs, those moments that you can’t calculate it. I came into that writing meeting with nothing. Brett [Beavers] had nothing. Dan Wilson had nothing. We were going to write for two days, so we figured that first day, let’s get to know each other and see what’s going on. I was kind of out of ideas. I mean, it’s hard to write that much throughout an entire year and listen to that many songs. The stockpile runs out, you know?”

    Dierks Bentley (writing Home) 2 OC: …with this song. 1:06

    “[So] we were hanging out for about an hour, getting to know each other, and my wife called, battery’s dead. Typical — that car of hers. I went over and jumped her car, came back over, and Brett and Dan had started this melody, and I thought it was beautiful. Dan had said something about America. He kept thinking, ‘This song feels like America.’ And I was like, ‘Aw man, writing a patriotic song is so difficult. Let’s not do that. Those songs are too hard to write.’ Brett said something about ‘Home,’ and then I think I said something like, ‘the place we all call home.’ Maybe we could write a song about America that’s not overly in your face about it, you know, something that everyone could grab a hold of and feel inspired by. The recession was in full board at this point a year ago, the political nature of this country was as bad as it’s ever been with, basically, Washington D.C. being turned into a football game between two sides and not caring about the fans, the voters, the public at all, just their own internal thing going on there. It’s about now, but it’s a little bit of a history lesson too about what we’ve been through. And at the end of the day, I think it’s inspiring and hopeful, and it’s been a real blessing of a song and one that none of us really could take too much credit for, just inspiration hit. You write that many songs over the course of a year, you might get one of those moments, and we got one with this song.”

  • ERIC CHURCH IS ‘BLOWN AWAY’ BY RESPONSE TO ‘SPRINGSTEEN!’ (AUDIO)

    Eric Church is shooting up the country charts with his latest hit, “Springsteen,” and he is amazed by the response the song is getting from radio and fans alike. “This is the one that even that the friends in radio, all the friends I’ve had, that this is the song when Chief came out, number-one, across the board, said, ‘We can’t wait for ‘Springsteen,’ and they’ve responded,” says Eric of his favorite song on the album. “I’m blown away at the way it’s moving and at the way the fans are responding. You know, when they hear it played on the radio, they’re responding to that. They’re calling. They’re requesting. They’re tweeting. They’re doing all these things, and I think that just speaks to the passion they have about it.”

    • Eric will be performing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on March 19th and you can win tickets on the Band Bench, which is immediately next to the stage. Click here to enter to win tickets to the show.
    • He’s currently making his way across the nation on his Blood, Sweat & Beers tour. The next stop is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Thursday (March 8th).

    AUDIO: Eric Church’s “Springsteen” is shooting up the country charts, and he says both radio and the fans responded quite positively to the song when it was released just a couple of weeks ago.

    Eric Church (radio excited about Springsteen) OC: …amount of passion. :31

    “This is the one that even that the friends in radio, all the friends I’ve had, that this is the song when Chief came out number-one, across the board, said, ‘We can’t wait for ‘Springsteen,’ and they’ve responded. You know, when we put ‘Springsteen’ out, I’m blown away at the way it’s moving and at the way the fans are responding. You know, when they hear it played on the radio, they’re responding to that. They’re calling. They’re requesting. They’re tweeting. They’re doing all these things, and I think that just speaks to the passion they have about it. It’s my favorite song [on the album], so I think it’s one that I have the same amount of passion.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY IS ‘HOME’ AT NO. 1 IN CANADA.

    Nashville, TN – Feb. 27, 2012 – Award-winning singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley’s anthemic title track and current single “Home” is resonating with fans across the border as it climbs into the No. one spot on Canada’s Mediabase Country Chart this week. Though inspired by domestic struggles, the track’s relatable global message of strife, strength and optimism is unifying fans everywhere.
     
    “Dierks may have had America in mind with ‘Home,’ but the fact it went to No. one in Canada shows that the song has universal appeal,” said EMI Music Canada’s Ron Harwood.  “We are all proud of where we are from.  We’ve all faced tough times recently.  We all know that things can be better again.  It is a song that reflects on our own past and gives hope for a bright future, regardless of where you call ‘home.’”
     
    “The gorgeous title track tastefully expounds on American patriotism…without resorting to blatant flag waving. Bentley once again affirms he is not your run of the mill country act.”  – Winnipeg Free Press

    “Home” continues to strike a chord with fans in the U.S. as it also climbs through the Top five at country radio this week. Last week, Bentley wrapped the Canadian leg of his 2012 Country & Cold Cans Tour, which will next visit fans in Australia early next month before its 20-city U.S. spring run. For a full list of upcoming tour dates and more on the new album, visit www.dierks.com

  • ERIC CHURCH SELLS OUT! (AUDIO)

    Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour is blowing everyone away—especially the fans! In fact, after his April 28th show in Bloomington, Illinois sold-out in less than 30-minutes, he decided to add a second show the very next night, which will feature opening acts Colt Ford and Blackberry Smoke. The fan club pre-sale for the April 29th show will begin on Tuesday (February 21st), while tickets will be available to the public on February 24th. 

    • Eric has built his career and his live show one fan at a time, and while his early gigs may have topped out at 50 to 100 people, he’s now selling out big arenas on his Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour. He says his current success is due in large part to those early fans. “I wonder what they feel like when they think about the places [we played that] were about empty and they were standing there giving me all they had to turn around now and see all these other people there,” says Eric. “I just think it would just have to be a neat thing for them too, because they were there first, and they were the ones that discovered me, and they were the ones who told other people about it…They’re the reason I’m here.”
    • Following his recent No. 1 single with “Drink in My Hand,” Eric has now hit the airwaves with what’s being forecasted as one of the biggest hits of his career, “Springsteen.” 

    Eric Church (fans in crowd) OC: …up the hill. :51

    “I recognize them in the crowds, and a lot of times, I know their names and talk to them. I mean, we come from…different people have different paths, but we directly came from being up close and personal with our fans, because of the places we’ve played. And I know a lot of ‘em and recognize even more of ‘em, you know, when they’re in the crowd. It’s always neat to see them out there. It’s just fun for me. I wonder what they feel like when they think about the places [we played that] were about empty and they were standing there giving me all they had to turn around now and see all these other people there. I just think it would just have to be a neat thing for them too, because they were there first, and they were the ones that discovered me, and they were the ones who told other people about it. And I think that there’s nothing cooler as a recording artist to have somebody that loves what you do and believes in what you do so much, that they make it their cause and champion it to go out there and push it on other people that maybe don’t know about it. They’re the reason I’m here. They’re the ones that picked up the flag and carried it up the hill.”

  • KEITH URBAN RETURNS TO THE STAGE!

    FROM NASHVILLE’S TENNESSEAN:

    Keith Urban’s “You Gonna Fly”, the fourth single from Get Closer, is charging up the airplay charts hitting #5 this week marking the four-time Grammy Award winner’s 27th Top 5. It follows two consecutive #1s, “Long Hot Summer” and “Without You”, and begins a week that will see Urban’s return to the stage this Friday night at The Opry in Nashville.  The performance is his first since throat surgery late last year. 

    “I’m really looking forward to being back on stage, and more specifically on the Opry stage. When I was told earlier this week that the Ryman was going to start renovations on the stage after our show I thought, ‘you know, when we say we’re really gonna tear it up tonight, maybe they’re worried I mean it literally?”

    Later this month, Urban will head to Sydney for a week of filming for the Australian version of The Voice. Urban will pop back and forth to Australia over the next few months while maintaining a busy schedule here in the United States that includes a second show at the Opry, the much anticipated third annual “All For The Hall” benefit concert on April 10th among other appearances and performances.

    “It’ll be a blast spending a little time in Australia working on The Voice, getting the opportunity to try and help some killer raw talent blossom,” said Urban.  “And I have a feeling that being immersed in that new kind of “everything is possible” energy, will have a real inspiring and liberating effect on creating new music for my new album!”

    Much of Urban’s time over the course of the year will be spent at home in Nashville, where he’s already begun writing and finding songs for his next album.  No release date set as of yet.

  • LUKE BRYAN SPENDS A SECOND WEEK AT NO. 1!!! (AUDIO)

    Luke Bryan’s “I Don’t Want This Night to End” spends a second week at No. 1 on the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. Not only does Luke love the story of the song that he co-wrote, but he also really digs the unusual melody of “I Don’t Want This Night to End.” “A buddy of mine kind of said it best. He said, ‘Luke, it sounds, you know, a track, it’s like The Cure or something,’” recalls Luke. “It’s probably the furthest I’ve went from a country-sounding track ever. It’s really not a country track. But then you got my old country voice on it, and that’ll simmer down the most-craziest of tracks.”

    • “I Don’t Want This Night to End” is the latest single from Luke’s gold-certified album, tailgates & tanlines.
    • He’s out on the My Kinda Party 2012 Tour with his buddy, Jason Aldean. Their next stop is Thursday (February 2nd) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan says the melody of his latest No. 1 hit, “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” is a bit out of the norm for him.

    Luke Bryan (melody of Night) OC: …behind it. :29

    “I love the melody of [hums], I mean, all that melody is just really kind of cool there. A buddy of mine kind of said it best. He said, ‘Luke, it sounds, you know, a track, it’s like The Cure or something.’ It’s probably the furthest I’ve went from a country-sounding track ever. It’s really not a country track. But then you got my old country voice on it and that’ll simmer down the most craziest of tracks. So it’s fun to have that kind of music behind it.” 

     

  • KEITH URBAN CELEBRATES THE NO. 1 SUCCESS OF ‘LONG HOT SUMMER.’ (AUDIO)

    Keith Urban was honored at a party at a local Nashville hotspot to celebrate the success of his recent No. 1 hit, “Long Hot Summer,” along with his co-writer and friend Richard Marx and producer Dann Huff. The two singer-songwriters revealed that writing “Long Hot Summer” was more than just putting words to music; it was actually a testament to their friendship. “We had an ‘issue’ with each other and I learned a lot about the importance of friendship,” says Keith. “[The song] wasn’t born of a quota to write a song. It was born of a want for us to reconnect, and the song was a by-product of that desire.” While they had to reschedule the party a couple of times, the celebration was very important to both of them. “This is important,” says Richard. “I love this guy, and this song is a great testament to our friendship.” 

    A special moment came near the end of the fete when Keith pulled a couple of young adults up on stage to perform “Long Hot Summer,” along with him and Richard. He combed through tons of YouTube videos to find two talented aspiring musicians and fly them to Nashville to join him for the party. Patrick Woolam, who fronts his own band in Kansas City, was featured on lead vocals, while Leslie Strong, from Hazard, Kentucky, showcased her talents on the guitar and matched Keith lick for lick. The two didn’t appear nervous at all in front of an industry crowd made up of publishers, producers, songwriters and label executives, and in fact, seemed like they belonged on stage.

    This was the pair’s third hit song they wrote together. Their first, “Better Life,” went to No. 1 in 2004, while “Everybody” hit the Top 5 in 2007.

    • Keith’s current single, “You Gonna Fly,” is sitting in the Top 5 of the country charts. 

    AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about why “Long Hot Summer” was more than just a song for both him and Richard Marx. 

    Keith Urban (#1 party for Summer) OC: …that desire. :52

    RICHARD “This was a very special No. 1 song for me, and for personal reasons between me and Keith and…” KEITH: “Tell ‘em. Tell ‘em.” RICHARD: “It’s nobody’s business.” KEITH: “No, but we’d had an ‘issue’ with each other, that’s all I’m gonna say, and I learned a lot about the importance of friendship. This guy was so incredibly gracious and good, and I learned a lot about what it takes to be a good friend. And I wanted to really make it up to Richard, and show him that our friendship really means something to me. And so, I said, ‘Please, I really want to write together again. We should really do that.’ We talked about it for a long time, and we eventually did. And I’m so glad that we got to not only write the so0ng, but for the song to take us to this point…It wasn’t born of a quota to write a song. It was born of a want for us to reconnect, and the song was a by-product of that desire.” 

    AUDIO: Richrd Marx talks about how special “Long Hot Summer” is to him. 

    Richard Marx (Summer #1 party) OC: …friendship. :30

    “I hear such great joy in this particular song. I love this song. I freakin’ love this song! They’re all special for their own reasons, but this one’s really kind of fun to [celebrate], and it’s why we’ve really been actively, there’s been a couple of times because of his surgery, etc. that we weren’t going to do a celebration. We were maybe going to go out to dinner next time I was in Nashville or something. It became sort of like this unspoken, this is important, because it’s really like, you know, I love this guy, and this song is a great testament to our friendship.” 

    AUDIO: Patrick Woolam recalls how he got the news he was going to perform with Keith Urban. 

    Patrick Woolam (Keith) OC: …just amazing. :39

    “My drummer was in contact with him first. They asked for my name, and he called me and said, ‘Are you sitting down?’ And I said, ‘Yeah,’ and that usually means something bad. He said, ‘Well, you’re going to be singing with Keith Urban next Wednesday.’ And so I told him, ‘Why don’t you call me back when you’re done messing around with me?’ So, I hung up the phone on him, and he texted me, and he said, ‘Here’s the number. You just call this lady, and she’ll take care of you and you’ll see that it’s real.’ So, it’s just been an incredible opportunity, and I’m so excited to be a part of this and I’m just enjoying every moment of this…and Keith is just a phenomenal person. I mean, just talk about a stand-up guy. To have this happen and have him put in the time and effort to do this is just amazing.”  

    AUDIO: Leslie Strong, who smoked the guitar parts on ‘Long Hot Summer’ with Keith Urban at his No. 1 party, says she wasn’t nervous at all to play with one of the best guitarists around. 

    Leslie Strong (not nervous) OC: …cool gig, you know? [laughs] :05

    “There should’ve been, but no. I don’t know why. It’s a cool gig, you know? [laughs]”

    Video / Keith Urban - Long Hot Summer (#1 Party Performance)

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  • ERIC CHURCH LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A DAD! (AUDIO & VIDEO)

    Eric Church has many fond memories of Christmastime when he was growing up, but he’s looking forward to the memories he’ll make with his son, Boone, who was born just a couple of months ago (October 3rd, 2011). “The one thing about Christmas is through the eyes of a child, I’m most looking forward to that, you know to seeing that magic. ‘Cause I remember I loved Christmas, and I still do, but I remember it was different when I was a child,” says Eric. “I may not get it as much because he’s a newborn, but I look forward in the next few years to seeing that. It just gives a whole new meaning and feeling to Christmastime, you know, and I’m looking forward to that as a household and as a family. There’s a little more pull to be around and to feed that magic as a parent that hasn’t been there  maybe before for Katherine and I both, to making sure that that feeling permeates the holidays that we had growing up as kids.”

    The “Drink in My Hand” singer says he’s also looking forward to putting together the toys Santa Claus brings to young Boone McCoy in the years to follow.

    AUDIO: Eric Church says he’s looking forward to seeing Christmas through the eyes of his son, Boone.

    Eric Church (Christmas-eyes of a child) OC: …by sunrise, you know? 1:07

    “The one thing about Christmas is through the eyes of a child, I’m most looking forward to that, you know to seeing that magic. ‘Cause I remember I loved Christmas, and I still do, but I remember it was different when I was a child. I may not get it as much because he’s a newborn, but I look forward in the next few years to seeing that. It just gives a whole new meaning and feeling to Christmastime, you know, and I’m looking forward to that as a household and as a family. There’s a little more pull to be around and to feed that magic as a parent that hasn’t been there  maybe before for Katherine and I both, to making sure that that feeling permeates the holidays that we had growing up as kids. I’m looking forward to that, and I’m looking forward to putting some of that…I’ve really underestimated how complicated things I’ve had. I’ve been trying to put together the stroller, and I’m still not sure it’s safe for him to ride in that thing. We haven’t done it yet. I’m gonna have to try that out a few more times, because that’s a lot of parts…I remember my dad talking about when I was young having to stay up all night to put together the toy truck and whatever those things are, so I’m looking forward to some of those experiences and seeing if we can get it done by sunrise, you know?”

    Video / ErichChurch Christmas

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  • VETERANS DAY AUDIO WITH DIERKS BENTLEY & ERIC CHURCH. (AUDIO)

    November 11th, which is also known as Veterans Day, honors our military vets who served, and many times, sacrificed their lives, to safeguard our freedom and democracy. At 11 a.m. on November 11th, 1918 — “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” — a cease-fire came into effect that would end World War I. The day was first proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to celebrate the ending of World War I. It was later renamed Veterans Day by President Eisenhower in 1954 to celebrate all veterans. Dierks Bentley has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project and their initiative, Believe in Heroes, to recognize the enormous sacrifices made by our newest generation of veterans and to honor the service of these individuals over a two-month campaign leading up to Veterans Day. The Believe in Heroes campaign provides the American public with an opportunity to show their support and appreciation of our veterans in their communities and across the nation. The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors…AND to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help them aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

    Dierks’ own father is a Veteran, having served as a second lieutenant in the Army during World War II. “It’s amazing, he served in WW2, he was in Japan, and he doesn’t tell me too many stories about it, but I know for him, he really enjoyed his time in the Army,” says Dierks. “It was a chance, he grew up in a town of 1200 people and…to join the army and get a chance to go overseas and see some of the world. He really enjoyed the men in his company and lost some friends over there. He doesn’t talk too much about that aspect of it, but he has nothing but good memories of being able to serve and be part of that.”

    Eric Church recently finished up a tour with Toby Keith, who always brought up soldiers during such songs as “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue” and “American Soldier.” He feels the country music format is the leader in making the military a priority. “I’m proud for our format, and I’m proud for the music that that’s something we stand by when I’m not sure others do as much. I mean, not that they’re not patriotic. I just think that that’s something we make a focal point, and I’m proud to be involved in.”

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his father, who served in the Army during World War II.

    Dierks (dad in WW2) OC: …honor them. :54

    “My dad was a second lieutenant in the Army. My dad’s older than most dads. My dad had me when he was 51, or helped have me when he was 51. It’s amazing, he served in WW2, he was in Japan, and he doesn’t tell me too many stories about it, but I know for him, he really enjoyed his time in the Army. It was a chance, he grew up in a town of 1200 people and the Army was, you know to join the army and get a chance to go overseas and see some of the world.  He really enjoyed the men in his company and lost some friends over there. He doesn’t talk too much about that aspect of it, but he has nothing but good memories of being able to serve and be part of that.  What a feeling that must be that I will never know, to put on that uniform, American flag patch on your shoulder, and you’re out there literally fighting for the flag, fighting with your brothers next to you and for everyone back home. So it’s just something that we can never really honestly have a sense of how that feels, but certainly we can honor them.”

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about Veterans Day.

    Dierks Bentley (Veterans Day) OC: …need us. :13

    I think Veterans Day is something that happens once a year, but I think in the country community, it really is something that we are and need to be thinking about 365 days a year because those folks need us.”

    AUDIO: Eric Church sends out a message to members of the military – past and present – for Veterans Day.

    Eric Church (Veterans Day Msg.) OC: …Veterans Day. :17

    “Hey Guys! I’m Eric Church. Happy Veterans Day! I appreciate so, so, so very much the sacrifice you guys give and go through for us to live the way we do. And I wouldn’t want anybody else on the front lines but you guys. I feel safe at night knowing that you’re there, and I appreciate you very much. I can’t thank you enough. Happy Veterans Day!”

    AUDIO: Eric Church talks about the servicemen and women and how country music makes them a priority.

    Eric Church (Veterans Day) OC: …always will be. :50

    “What I respect and admire is the sacrifice those guys and girls go through for us to live the way they want to live too. I’ve been out with Toby [Keith], and it’s been really great to be out with him and to see all these soldiers. You know, he brings them on stage during ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue’…and ‘American Soldier,’ you know, they honor ‘em and he encourages ‘em to wear their uniforms. I love that that’s something our format embraces. I’m proud for our format, and I’m proud for the music that that’s something we stand by when I’m not sure others do as much. I mean, not that they’re not patriotic. I just think that that’s something we make a focal point, and I’m proud to be involved in. And again, I’m very thankful for the sacrifice that those guys endure, and it’s something that’s always been very important to me and always will be.”

  • KEITH URBAN IS STILL SCHEDULED TO PERFORM DURING THE TRIBUTE TO GLEN CAMPBELL ON THE CMA AWARDS. (AUDIO)

    As of right now, Keith Urban will still take part in a tribute to Glen Campbell, one of his heroes, on Wednesday night’s CMA Awards. (Note: last week, it was announced he had to cancel all but his single song commitments since he has developed a polyp on one of his vocal cords. He will undergo surgery later this month.) Not only is he in awe of Glen’s guitar playing, but his vocal ability, as well. “I saw him play and was just floored by how incredibly he sang,” says Keith, adding, “and his guitar playing, it’s really very impressive.” Playing clubs and events prior to his moving to Nashville, Keith would often perform a handful of Glen’s songs, including “Galveston,” but it wasn’t until he truly went through the lyrics that he realized just what it meant. “I did that song for years live, you know, when I was a kid right up until I was 20 or something or other. And somebody here in town asked me if I could write out the lyrics for it, because they wanted, you know, a copy of it,” recalls Keith. “After all these years of singing that song, it wasn’t until I sat down and wrote the lyrics out, just cried like a baby…that’s absolutely the first song that’s just completely rocked my world. It’s tragic and beautiful.” Keith will be joined by Vince Gill and Brad Paisley for the tribute.

    • Keith, who is also set to perform one of his own songs as well, is nominated for both Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. The 45th Annual CMA Awards will air live from
      Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday (November 9th) at 8pm ET on ABC.
    • Keith will also be featured in the ABC special, In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, next Tuesday (November 8th). He’ll be joined by Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina in the show airing at 10pm ET.

    AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about both Glen Campbell’s guitar playing and his vocal abilities.

    Keith Urban (Glen Campbell’s vocal abilities) OC: …extraordinary. :15

    “His vocal abilities — I saw him play and was just floored by how incredibly he sang. And his guitar playing, it’s really very impressive. And of course his work on a lot of other people’s records too is pretty extraordinary.”

    AUDIO: Keith Urban says he didn’t realize just how tragic Glen Campbell’s hit, “Galveston,” was until he wrote out the lyrics to the song and listened to songwriter Jimmy Webb’s version of the song.

    Keith Urban (Galveston) OC: …and beautiful. :43

    “Galveston, and I did that song for years live, you know, when I was a kid right up until I was 20 or something or other. And somebody here in town asked me if I could write out the lyrics for it, because they wanted, you know, a copy of it. And after all these years of singing that song, it wasn’t until I sat down and wrote the lyrics out, just cried like a baby. Just, with all due respects to Glen, he sings it with such gusto that it, that I didn’t realize how tragic the song was, and then I did a writer’s night with Jimmy Webb, and he did it on piano, and it was just devastating. And, that’s absolutely the first song that’s just completely rocked my world. It’s tragic and beautiful.”

  • ALAN JACKSON IS STILL A “REGULAR” GUY.

    After more than 20 years of making records and performing for fans, Alan Jackson is one of the most recognizable voices AND faces in the music world. While some celebrities might find that being famous makes it hard to go out and enjoy themselves, Alan Jackson says it’s never been a problem for him. Though Nashville-area residents are used to seeing stars around town and are known for being respectful, Alan doesn’t mind if someone approaches him. “I’ve never been bothered by people wanting autographs,” says Alan. “I’m glad that they’re even interested.”

    • Alan is currently making his way up the country charts with his latest hit, “Long Way to Go.”
    • Alan is nominated for the Musical Event of the Year award at next week’s CMA Awards for his Zac Brown collaboration, “As She’s Walking Away.” The 45th Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 9th at 8pm ET on ABC.

    AUDIO: Alan Jackson says he isn’t bothered by fans when he’s out in public.

    AJ (being famous) 110311 OC: … want to go. :26
    “I don’t go out in the cowboy hat and look like I’m on stage or something any or very often unless we’re going out to a nice restaurant for dinner, my wife or something might dress up, but most of the time, I’ve just got on old tennis shoes and a ball cap. And people around Nashville are used to seeing the singers around town anyway, so they typically don’t bother you too much. You know, I’ve never been bothered by people wanting autographs. I’m glad that they’re even interested, and so I don’t really worry about it. I go where I want to go.”

  • BOONE McCOY CHURCH: HIS FATHER EXPLAINS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE NAME.

    Eric Church and his wife, Katherine, became first-time parents earlier this month after (October 3rd) the birth of their son, Boone McCoy. Eric says the name is perfect for his three-week old son, describing him as “hearty-looking, like he could own that name.” The name originated from both family lines. “Ironically, Boone was a family name on my side of the family, going back to Daniel Boone, and I also went to school in Boone, North Carolina, and I’ve always liked the name,” he explains. “That even correlates to the family for me. And then Katherine’s side of the family, she’s related to the McCoys – which I’m not sure is the Hatfields and the McCoys or not; I ain’t asked that question – but she’s related to a whole line of McCoys.” Eric, who is rushing up the country charts with his latest hit, “Drink in My Hand,” says his son will “do good with [the name].”

    • Eric has just a few dates on his calendar through the end of the year at the moment, spending time at home with his growing family. One of those dates is next month’s CMA Awards, where he is nominated for New Artist of the Year. He has also been tapped to perform on the show. Catch the 45th Annual CMA Awards November 9th at 8pm ET on ABC.

    Eric Church (Boone McCoy name) OC: …good with it. :57

    “Ironically, Boone was a family name on my side of the family, going back to Daniel Boone. And I also went to school in Boone, North Carolina, and I’ve always liked the name. That even correlates to the family for me. And then Katherine’s side of the family, she’s related to the McCoys – which I’m not sure is the Hatfields and the McCoys or not; I ain’t asked that question – but she’s related to a whole line of McCoys. We were going through family names and just sitting down one night trying to put our list together. We had a couple of names we liked. I had always liked Boone, so I mentioned Boone, and she loved Boone. And we were kind of looking through it and saw McCoy, and I said, ‘That’s a neat name.’ I’ve seen a lot of McCoys [as] a last name, but I’ve not met a McCoy. I’ve done a lot of meet-and-greets, and I have not met a McCoy as a first name or middle name. So, we were toying with McCoy Boone and Boone McCoy. We went back and forth and back and forth. But we’ve had the name awhile, we just hadn’t told a lot of people. We knew we liked it, [but] we didn’t even tell our parents, and he looks like a Boone McCoy. That was the only thing that I wanted to make sure is that he looked like that name, and he does, you know. He come out hearty-looking, you know, like he could own that name. He’ll do good with it.”

  • KEITH URBAN HAS A “HOT” NO. 1 HIT ON HIS HANDS!

    Keith Urban’s “Long Hot Summer” has climbed to the top of both Mediabase/Country Aircheck and Billboard country singles charts, marking the CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee’s 13th No. 1 song. The singer-songwriter co-wrote the song with Richard Marx, the same team behind Keith’s hits “Better Life” and “Everybody.” “I love writing with Richard [Marx]. We wrote a bit for the last record and nothing sort of eventuated from it, and it frustrated me. I thought, ‘We need to go at it again. I know we can write a song,’” recalls Keith. “And so, he came to Nashville and we had just under a few hours to try to come up with something, and lo and behold, this song came out of the session.”

    • The guitar-slinger will tape an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show today (October 10th), for broadcast tomorrow (October 11th). He’s set to perform his new single, “You Gonna Fly,” as well as promote his new cologne, PHOENIX by Keith Urban.
    • Keith will wrap up his Get Closer 2011 World Tour October 15th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
    • Keith is nominated for both Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year at next month’s CMA Awards.

    AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about getting together with Richard Marx to write “Long Hot Summer.”

    Keith Urban (Long Hot Summer) OC: …thank goodness. :23

    “We hadn’t written together for a while, and I love writing with Richard [Marx]. We wrote a bit for the last record and nothing sort of eventuated from it, and it frustrated me. I thought, ‘We need to go at it again. I know we can write a song.’ And so, he came to Nashville and we had just under a few hours to try to come up with something, and lo and behold, this song came out of the session…fairly easily, thank goodness.”

  • DIERKS BENTLEY WILL HIT CHICAGO WITH HIS MILES & MUSIC

    Dierks Bentley will roar into Chicago on Sunday for his latest Miles & Music for Kids charity motorcycle ride and concert. Dierks’ Country & Cold Cans tourmates, Jerrod Niemann and Eli Young, will take part in the benefit with proceeds being donated to the Chicago-based Children’s Memorial Hospital. The ride will end in front of the famous Joe’s Bar, where an all-star concert will take place. His next Miles & Music event, featuring Eli Young Band and Josh Thompson, will take place October 16th in Nashville.

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his Miles & Music benefit.

    Dierks (Miles & Music 2011) OC: …in Chicago. :29

    “It’s the people behind the scenes that make it happen. You’ve got to find artists that want to take off a Sunday and come and play for free, you know, in Chicago. That’s not high on everybody’s list [laughs] of who wants to come home on Sunday. And yeah, all the money goes to the Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and the Children’s Miracle Network. So, it’s been cool. I think expanding was tough, because it’s one thing if you’re in Nashville where you can find friends to come out and be a part of it. But it’s hard to do it other cities when you’re trying to get some other acts to come out. And it’s amazing how gracious people are with their time and willing to do it. We have a great lineup in Chicago.”

  • LADY ANTEBELLUM “OWNS” THE BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM CHART!!!

    Lady Antebellum’s Own the Night has debuted at the top of the Billboard Top 200 with more than 347,000 copies sold, which is the biggest first week debut by a country artist this year. Own the Night also follows Lady A’s multi-platinum second album, Need You Now, which topped the Billboard 200 in February 2010. Lady A’s Dave Haywood, the album is a “call- to-action to tell people to get out there. ‘Let’s own this experience, own this evening, own what you’re going through, whatever it is in your life, own it and enjoy it,’ because life’s too short not to enjoy them.”

    • The trio is currently in Canada promoting Own the Night before returning to the States to make their debut appearance on Saturday Night Live on October 1st.
    • Next month, Lady A will travel to Europe for more appearances and fan events in the UK, France and Germany all before kicking off the first leg of their headlining Own the Night 2011 Tour beginning November 11th in Knoxville, Tennessee.

     AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood describes Own The Night as a call-to-action.

    Lady A (Own the Night) 092111 OC: …enjoy them. :50

    “I mean, we wanted to have a call-to-action, so to speak. I think for us, this on a lot of different levels [that] Own the Night applies to us. One being that we want to own these experiences that we’re going through right now, and all the exciting things that we get the opportunity to do, and we want to enjoy them. We don’t want these just to pass on by and look back and wonder what happen. We want to live in each and every single moment and enjoy these. And as well, when fans come out to see us, which we hope that they do this fall, we want people to have that experience and hopefully have something that they can look back on, as well, that they enjoy. So, we want, it’s that call- to-action to tell people to get out there. ‘Let’s own this experience, own this evening, own what you’re going through, whatever it is in your life, own it and enjoy it,’ because life’s too short not to enjoy them.”

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley explains why “We Owned the Night” is a perfect follow-up to their recent No. 1 single, “Just a Kiss.”

    Lady A (We Owned the Night-different message) OC: …the live show. :44

    “I think that’s one of the main reasons is the live feel to it, and it just had kind of an urgency to it and an excitement to it that we wanted to kind of represent this record. And ‘Just A Kiss’ is very Lady A, [while] ‘We Owned The Night’ is a little bit kind of more of a departure for us in a way, just the sound of it is very mandolin-heavy and it’s just got a lot of different organic elements, which is really exciting for us to kind of go down that road. But I think more than anything, the message of it, just owning the night, we thought it would just be a great, great thing to kind of just, you know…” HS: “Set the tone.” CK: “Set the tone for the record and the tour, and I’m loving the response so far. The fans are really gravitating towards it, and I think live, it’s just going to be a great cornerstone of the live show.”

    Video / Lady Antebellum - Webisode Wednesday - Episode 167

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  • LADY ANTEBELLUM ENJOYS A SUCCESSFUL “NIGHT.”

    Early predictions from industry trades have Lady Antebellum’s latest album, Own the Night, debuting atop the Billboard Top 200 well past the 300,000 mark. The official totals will be released later this week. Songs on the trio’s third album seem to have different themes to them, however, they enjoy a collective them together. “The theme that I’ve kind of seen throughout it is a lot of these songs are about very specific moments in time,” muses Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “It’s not just an overall emotion or an overall feeling that’s portrayed in a song. It’s just very specific to moments that throughout your life end up defining who you are.” The second release from the album – “We Owned the Night” – is currently vaulting up the country charts. 

    • If you go to Lady A’s official website, you can find out more about downloading an acoustic version of their recent No. 1 hit, “Just a Kiss.”
    • Catch Lady Antebellum performing on CBS Sunday Morning next Sunday (September 25th).

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott discusses how Own The Night documents specific moments in life that shape one’s humanity.

    Lady A (theme of OTN) OC: …who you are. :47

    “The theme that I’ve kind of seen throughout it is a lot of these songs are about very specific moments in time. It’s not just an overall emotion or an overall feeling that’s portrayed in a song. It’s, I mean, even down to a song on the record called, ‘As You Turn Away,’ it’s literally about a 30-second window of time, saying goodbye to someone that you had been in a relationship with and knowing that things will never be the same in that you’ll never see them again. That’s literally about a 30-second window of time and an experience that happened, and then we wrote a four-minute song about it…and ‘Own The Night,’ it’s about one night. ‘Dancing Away With My Heart,’ it’s about one night. It’s just very specific to moments that throughout your life end up defining who you are.”

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley says writing songs for their new album, Own the Night, took them back to the past and made them reflect on the path that led them to where they are now.

    Lady A (Nostalgic Songs) OC: …who you are. :42

    “We tended to write a lot of nostalgic songs on this record, and so it kind of made us go back and look back at the road that’s gotten us here. I don’t think that was something we went into it consciously trying to do, but it just naturally kind of started coming out. And we’d start writing a song about, called it ‘Dancing Away With My Heart,’ and started kind of each sharing stories of our high school sweethearts, or prom, or whatever it may be. And it was fun to kind of go back and see that and know where you’ve been that all kind of led you to where you are and so … So, yeah. It was an interesting journey. I think it helps you appreciate what this life’s all about. And it is, it’s about all those experiences, good and bad, that make you who you are.”

  • LUKE BRYAN HITS THE ROAD WITH CMT

    Luke Bryan kicks off the 10th annual CMT on Tour Thursday (September 15th) in Huntington, West Virginia. The trek, which also features special guest Lee Brice, Josh Thompson and CMT’s Next Superstar winner Matt Mason, will play 22 shows before wrapping November 19th in Monroe, Louisiana. Nearly every single artist who has headlined the tour, such as Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean, has gone on to superstardom, and Luke hopes it does the same for him. “It was a big deal for me,” says Luke. “Everybody kind of watches that tour. I mean, I remember thinking it was a wildly strange coincidence that everybody that does that tour goes on to be headlining very soon afterwards. I was always going, ‘It just can’t be that coincidental.’ It seems like a great little notch in the belt of things that help you get further down the road to becoming one of the premiere acts in country music. So certainly that was a big reason why we signed up.” Luke is currently climbing the country charts with his latest single, “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” the second release from his new album, tailgates & tanlines.

    AUDIO: Luke Bryan talks about his CMT Tour, kicking off Thursday (September 15th).

    Luke Bryan (CMT Tour) OC: …other artists. 1:31

    “I will be beating the streets pretty hard this fall but we’re so excited. When we had CMT ask to join up with us and be a part of it, we were like, ‘Yes.’ It was a big deal for me. Everybody kind of watches that tour. I mean, I remember thinking it was a wildly strange coincidence that everybody that does that tour goes on to be headlining very soon afterwards. I was always going, ‘It just can’t be that coincidental.’ It seems like a great little notch in the belt of things that help you get further down the road to becoming one of the premiere acts in country music. So certainly that was a big reason why we signed up. You know CMT is just great to have their media on your side, and we’re drawing plans together for the semis to have my picture on the side of ‘em, all that stuff. I’m so excited about the fall and the promise of headlining. I moved to town to be where I’m at and to have to bridge into that headlining status one day. This is certainly the first step of it. We’re saying our prayers it goes off good and doing all our homework and working hard, and gonna do everything we can to make sure the fans enjoy it more than ever. And kinda uphold the integrity and the reputation of kinda what the tour has done for all the other artists.”

    Luke Bryan (looking forward to tour) OC: …along to that. :18

    “Well, I’m looking forward to getting out there and playing for people that you know are 100% is your crowd and they’re there to see you, and they’re pretty much going to know every song on your album and they’re going to know everything you’ve got going on. And that’s always fun when you can do album cuts and you have the whole crowd singing along to that.”

  • TODAY IS THE DAY TO OWN THE NIGHT!

    Lady Antebellum has released their much-anticipated third album, Own the Night, the follow-up to the multi-platinum album, Need You Now. The trio wrote or co-wrote 10 of the album’s 12 tracks on the collection, which they co-produced with veteran producer Paul Worley. The new collection features their most recent multi-week No. 1 single, “Just a Kiss,” as well as their current single, “We Owned the Night.” “We’ve literally been working towards these next few weeks all year,” says Lady A’s Charles Kelley. “The anticipation of being able to FINALLY share these songs with our fans is killing us. Hopefully, those who have been with Lady A for a long time will see this as the next chapter for us as songwriters and performers; and the people who aren’t as familiar with us will check it out and maybe find something on the album they dig.”

    Bandmate Hillary Scott says she hopes the album “makes an honest statement and one of just truly enjoying your life, every moment in it, whether it’s a heartbreaking moment or a moment where you’re about to float off the ground you’re so head-over-heels for someone. It’s really — embrace every single moment and choose to celebrate it.”

    • For more information regarding the album, tour dates and Lady Antebellum news, go to their website, ladyantebellum.com.
    • Following their appearances at last Thursday’s NFL kickoff in Green Bay and on Sunday performing the National Anthem on NBC prior to the Jets and Cowboys season opener, Lady A will also appear on NBC’s Today Show on Tuesday (September 13th), The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday (September 16th), CBS Sunday Morning (September 25th) and NBC’s Saturday Night Live (October 1st).
    • Lady A will travel to Canada and Europe with more television appearances and fan events lined up over the course of the next month.
    • Fans can catch Lady Antebellum on the upcoming first leg of their headlining Own The Night 2011 Tour beginning on November 11th in Knoxville.  

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott discusses how the group’s tight bond shines through in every aspect of their careers.

     

    Lady A (closeness of relationship) OC: …every area. 1:02

     

    “We know each other so well. We’ve spent so much time together that, from a musical standpoint, and a personal standpoint, that it’s getting to the point where it’s almost instinctive. Like we just know each other. And one of the examples I use for that is when I was singing in harmony on ‘Singing Me Home,’ a song on this new album, and that Charles has lead on. And I didn’t even listen to his complete vocal take before I went in, and I didn’t study it at all before I went in to sing harmony on it. And there were points that I literally, instinctively knew where he was going without even hearing it. It’s just whenever you’re onstage, night after night, when you spend almost every single day with each other, you just learn each other inside and out from a creative standpoint and from a personal standpoint. It’s the same thing with I know when not to approach Charles about something if he needs space or if I need space. It’s just the closeness of our relationship. The closeness of our relationship I think shows in every area.”

     

    AUDIO: Own The Night is the title of Lady Antebellum’s third album, and the band’s Hillary Scott explains what kind of statement she hopes the album makes.

    Lady Antebellum (Title statement) 091211 OC: …celebrate it. :23

    “Oh gosh. I mean, we hope that this album makes an honest statement and one of just truly enjoying your life, every moment in it, whether it’s a heartbreaking moment or a moment where you’re about to float off the ground you’re so head-over-heels for someone. It’s really — embrace every single moment and choose to celebrate it.”

    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood describes Own The Night as a call-to-action.

     

    Lady A (Own the Night) 091211 OC: …enjoy them. :50

    “I mean, we wanted to have a call-to-action, sort of speak. I think for us, this on a lot of different levels, Own The Night applies to us — one being that we want to own these experiences that we’re going through right now, and all the exciting things that we get the opportunity to do, and we want to enjoy them. We don’t want these just to pass on by and look back and wonder what happen. We want to live in each and every single moment and enjoy these, and as well, when fans come out to see us, which we hope that they do this fall, we want people to have that experience and hopefully have something that they can look back on, as well, that they enjoy. So, we want, it’s that call- to-action to tell people to get out there. ‘Let’s own this experience, own this evening, own what you’re going through, whatever it is in your life, own it and enjoy it.’ Because life’s too short not to enjoy them.”

  • KEITH URBAN SAYS ‘YES’ TO OPRY INVITE!

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (April 10, 2012) – Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winner Keith Urban was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Opry member Vince Gill along with fellow members Rascal Flatts, Diamond Rio and Oak Ridge Boys during Urban’s “All For The Hall” benefit at Bridgestone Arena. New Zealand-born and Australian-raised Urban will be the first artist from outside North America to become an Opry member. He will formally be inducted into the Opry on Sat., April 21st live on the premiere of “NOTEWORTHY at the Opry” on GAC at 8 p.m. Central. The 16-episode series will feature musical performances and personal stories from the top acts in country music plus interviews with other celebrities about the artists and music featured in each episode.
     
    Near the end of tonight’s show, Gill called Rascal Flatts back out on stage to bring a gift for Urban. As Urban opened a large black duffel bag revealing the Opry’s signature microphone stand, Gill said, “We would like to invite Keith Urban to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry!” Urban covered his face in surprise as he began, “I don’t know what to say – but first, YES! Thank you very much to everybody at the Grand Ole Opry who made this possible. I’m shocked. How beautiful for this to happen tonight of all nights.”
    “I will always remember the first time I played the Opry,” Urban continued, “seeing this stand and standing in the circle was an extraordinarily surreal moment. So this right here is just a whole other stratosphere! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
    “We are extremely excited that another of today’s most popular country music superstars will be joining our Opry family,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Keith has become a master at forging a unique musical path and building an incredibly successful career. He generates amazing enthusiasm from fans every time he plays the Opry, and he continuously demonstrates the deep regard he has both for the Opry and the entire country music community.”
    In 2001, the Country Music Association honored Keith Urban with its Horizon Award, designating him a talented artist with a bright future. He is the first Horizon Award winner in history to go on to win the CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year, a title he’s captured three times, and the coveted Entertainer of the Year. More than 15 millions albums later, Keith is a four-time Grammy Award winner, who has also won a People’s Choice and American Music Award. He’s won five Academy of Country Music Awards, had 14 #1s, including 28 Top 5 hits. His latest CD, Get Closer, comes on the heels of his fifth consecutive platinum or multi-platinum release. It has produced three consecutive #1s, “You Gonna Fly”, “Long Hot Summer” and “Without You.”
    In 2009, Urban was named radio’s most played country artist, thanks to #1 hits such as “Sweet Thing,” “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Only You Can Love Me This Way,” “Better Life” and “Days Go By.” In addition, his 2002 smash “Somebody Like You” was named the #1 Country Song of the Decade by Nielsen BDS (based on radio airplay and audience impressions).
    But Urban’s reputation as an elite songwriter, musician, vocalist and virtuoso guitarist is no more evident than when he is onstage. His electrifying concerts have played to sold-out venues from Australia to Germany to England to Canada and The United States, all while receiving high praise from critics. In fact, 2009’s Escape Together World Tour, as well as 2007’s Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy World Tour, were both, according to Pollstar, one of the top grossing tours for their respective years. Last year, his Get Closer 2011 World Tour solidified Urban as one of the music industry’s best live performers. As one accredited journalist put it, “Urban is one of the best reasons in the world to attend a live concert.”