News Filter

By Artist

  • LUKE BRYAN ‘STRIPS IT DOWN’ AT THE TOP OF THE CHART.

    Audio
    Luke Bryan

    Luke Bryan has climbed to the top of both the Billboard and Country Aircheck country charts this week with his latest smash, “Strip It Down.”

    The reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year co-wrote the song with Ross Copperman and Jon Nite. “I heard the piano part and we just started doing lyrics and singing lyrics with that mood and then the title ‘Strip It Down’ came out of that. And then we start in that chorus where you talk about, you know, belt turn loose from these old blue jeans and all that stuff was so visual,” says Luke. “I remember we were like feeling really, really good about this song in the moment. We finished writing it. They close up and head home and a couple of days later Jon and Ross got together and finished the track and sang it and the second I heard it I was like home run.”

    Luke is nominated for Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. The 49th Annual CMA Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 4th on ABC.

    Audio / Luke Bryan talks about writing “Strip It Down” with Ross Copperman and Jon Nite.

    Download

    Luke Bryan (Strip It Down) OC: …you have it. 1:35
    “I think my manager Keri called me and said ‘Hey, you want to try writing with some new guys that you wouldn’t necessarily write with or have come in contact with?’ And I said ‘Yeah, who do you got in mind?’ And Ross Copperman’s name came up, and I had met Ross a couple of times and I think I was going to write with Ross and I think Ross called me up and he said, ‘Do you mind if my buddy Jon Nite comes out?’ and I said, ‘Yeah.’ I certainly hadn’t ever met Jon and knew of some of his songs that he was having success with. So, they come out to the house, we get set up and Ross is kind of a track guy like Jody. You know a lot of people are writing with track guys these days and it’s pretty fun that these guys can build these ideas, build these ideas of music and me as a singer I get to kind of sing along with them and write the song. And they came out to the house and we hit it off and we started working on Ross hit the spacebar on his computer and I heard that piano part on ‘Strip It Down,’ or I heard the piano part and we just started doing lyrics and singing lyrics with that mood and then the title ‘Strip It Down’ came out of that. And then we start in that chorus where you talk about, you know, belt turn loose from these old blue jeans and all that stuff was so visual. And I remember we were like feeling really, really good about this song in the moment. We finished writing it. They close up and head home and a couple of days later Jon and Ross got together and finished the track and sang it and the second I heard it I was like home run. Cutting it. There you have it.”

    Video / Luke Bryan Strip It Down

    View

  • KACEY MUSGRAVES ANNOUNCES HER NEW LUCCHESE BOOT COLLECTION.

    Press
    Kacey Musgraves
    Lucchese, the iconic craftsman of handmade boots, today announces the official launch of the Kacey for Lucchese boot collection designed in collaboration with Texas native, Kacey Musgraves.
     
    The collection, which hits stores November 1st, 2015, includes four styles inspired by Kacey’s life and music. Golden Arrow, the collection’s headliner, offers vintage western style with a pointed kick. Constructed in marbled white leather, Golden Arrow boasts metallic accents and Kacey’s signature golden arrow on the side seam.
     
    “This boot is majorly influenced from a 1950s pair that are my absolute favorite…I probably wear them at every show,” said Kacey. “Also the symbol that has brought me so many reasons to celebrate – the arrow.” 
     
    Three new designs round out the collection: Gallop, available in both Dusty Pink and Bridle Brown, offers a tall ride with sassy fringe and Monterrey, a vibrant Western bootie, features a Southwestern-blanket design that encircles the ankle.
     
    For the initial launch, Kacey for Lucchese will be available exclusively at country lifestyle retailer CountryOutfitter.com and select locations of the 50-year-old Western retail chain Cavender’s before expanding to other retailers in the spring.
     
    “We want our customers to enjoy the full Lucchese experience from discovery in-store and online to wearing our boots with pride,” said Cindy Moore, Lucchese’s V.P. of Sales. “To offer more avenues for consumers to find Kacey for Lucchese, we selected Cavender’s and Country Outfitter as partners because they share our enthusiasm for Kacey and her collection.”
     
    Kacey will help Lucchese celebrate the official launch on November 2 at the Nashville Lucchese store two days before she attends the Country Music Award (CMA) ceremony where she’s nominated for three awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for Pageant Material.
     
    In addition to CountryOutfitter.com and select Cavender’s locations, the collection can be found at Lucchese retail stores (Houston, Nashville, San Antonio and Santa Fe) and Lucchese.com.
     
    About Kacey Musgraves:
    Texas-native and Nashville-based singer/songwriter, Kacey Musgraves released her Mercury Records Nashville debut album, Same Trailer Different Park, in the spring of 2013 to massive critical acclaim and recognition.  The album, which she co-produced with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart making her the first solo female in five years to open at No. 1 with a rookie release, and just seventh in the 22-year Nielson SoundScan era.  The gold-certified album includes her top 10, platinum-selling single “Merry Go ‘Round” and gold-certified hit “Follow Your Arrow.” Musgraves has taken home the award for “New Artist of the Year” at 2013’s CMA Awards and also won two Grammy Awards for Best Country Song (“Merry Go ‘Round”) and Best Country Album (Same Trailer Different Park), the ACM Award for Album of the Year (Same Trailer Different Park), and most recently the 2014 CMA Award for Song of the Year (“Follow Your Arrow”).
     
    Musgraves released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Pageant Material, on June 23rd where it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart and No.3 on the Billboard 200. Kacey co-wrote all tracks on the album and also co-produced teaming up again with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird. Pageant Material includes debut single “Biscuits” and “Dime Store Cowgirl.” The album has been met with massive critical acclaim and recognition from press outlets all over the world.
     
    About Lucchese:
    Texas-based Lucchese is a legendary bootmaker and iconic brand of the American West. Applying the same craftsmanship principles and techniques since 1883, Lucchese artisans use only the finest leathers, preeminent materials and aproprietary twisted cone last to construct boots of unrivaled quality, fit, comfort and style.
     
    For more information visit:

  • SAM HUNT HAS A HOT NEW VIDEO COMING SOON.

    Audio
    Sam Hunt

    SamHunt_BUIAST_image_HIres_WEB12079672_987036974671295_1249997775612732196_n

    Sam Hunt has shot the video for his latest smash hit, “Break Up in a Small Town,” and it’s getting close to being released to his fans. He says it’s probably the most expensive music video he’s made so far in his career.

    “It’s probably, in terms of production, the biggest investment we’ve made in a music video,” says Sam at his recent multi-song No. 1 party. “We got to burn down a house in the video, so that was pretty fun.”

    Be on the lookout for the clip to premiere on Vevo next week.

    In the meantime, Sam is currently up for three CMA Awards, including New Artist and Single and Song of the Year for “Take Your Time.”

    Audio / Sam Hunt talks about the video for his latest single, “Break Up in a Small Town.”

    Download

    Sam Hunt (Break Up video) OC: …before long. :12
    “The video was really fun to make. It’s probably, in terms of production, the biggest investment we’ve made in a music video. We got to burn down a house in the video, so that was pretty fun. Hopefully it’s all there and ready to go here before long.”

  • KACEY MUSGRAVES IS SUGAR AND SPICE AND ALL THAT IS DISNEY NICE.

    Video
    Kacey Musgraves

    Kacey Musgraves covered “A Spoonful of Sugar” for the forthcoming We Love Disney collection, available October 30th.  “It’s kind of this really fun western swing, like very Disney,” she tells SPIN magazine. “There’s bird whistling and it’s so fun. It was one of the funnest things. I do love getting outside of my world and stepping into a challenge like that, especially if it is like a whimsical, larger-than-life kind of thing.”

    “They’re the type of songs that are just engrained in you since you were a kid and you can’t help but associate them with nothing but fun,” adds Kacey. “There’s something very classic about those songs. They weren’t written to appease today’s generation or the next one. They’re just the songs.”

    Gwen Stefani, Ariana Grande and Jason Derulo, among others, are also featured on the soundtrack due out later this month.

    Kacey is currently on the airwaves with “Dime Store Cowgirl” and on the road with her country and Western Rhinestone Revue.

    In other notes, Kacey is featured in the new issue of Country Living magazine listing some of her favorite things, including her three-legged dog, Pearl, her favorite Thanksgiving side dish (sweet potato casserole) and her favorite ride.

    Video / Kacey Musgraves Spoonful of Sugar

    View

    Video / Kacey Musgraves explains why she chose 'Spoonful of Sugar' for the new Disney compilation.

    View

  • ERIC CHURCH STAGES A BREAK-IN AT THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSIC HALL OF FAME.

    Press
    Eric Church
    Eric Church and his mother, Rita Church.

    Eric Church and his mother, Rita Church.

    Kannapolis, N.C. (Oct. 16, 2015) – Long before receiving a CMA Entertainer of the Year nomination and shattering venue attendance records on his The Outsiders World Tour, Eric Church beguiled audiences in gritty dive bars with solo renditions of his then lesser-known hits amidst his show while giving his band a break from grueling three hour a night-plus set. Last night, Church found himself back in a small theater in North Carolina in a familiar yet slightly different situation after breaking in through a second story balcony, but still standing on stage with his trademark aviators and an electric guitar in hand wondering what in the hell he should play.
    It all started innocently enough…
    After wrapping earlier than expected at a private event in his home state, Church found himself only an hour and a half away from the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame ceremony where his mother, Rita Church, accompanied by his sister Kendra, were attending the induction to accept the invitation on his behalf. Realizing he had no time to spare, Eric borrowed the keys to his father Ken’s vehicle and–with his wife Katherine and assistant Marshall Alexander in tow–they rushed in an attempt to make it to the Gem Theater in time for the dedication. While Alexander drove, Eric was busy texting his sister–unbeknownst to her or the hundreds in attendance–to see if he could arrive in time as he now had set his mind on attending and surprising the crowd.
    When only a few miles away, Eric learned his mother had stepped on stage to read her remarks of gratitude for the honor, but instead of chalking it up to a missed opportunity, Alexander and the Church’s proceeded on, whipping the SUV into an alley where they hoped a back entrance existed to the theater. There, the trio spotted cords snaking into a second level balcony entrance, and without hesitation or clarification, Alexander scaled the wall to gauge the scene, bursting through backstage balcony barn doors. Startling a group of musicians prepared to take the stage next to close out the ceremony, Alexander confirmed that indeed Rita Church was currently on stage speaking to the black tie clad crowd. Always resourceful, Alexander grabbed a nearby ladder and threw it over the edge, urging the Church’s to hurriedly ascend in order to make it in time for Rita’s closing remarks.
    Rita continued, “…and on behalf of our family, my son, the fans…” then her speech was interrupted by an eruption of screams and applause as Eric stepped on stage to echo her sentiments and thank the crowd.
    But before he could leave, the crowd demanded their Hall of Fame inductee play something. Unprepared having barely made it for the ceremony, the North Carolinian borrowed a beat up electric guitar, and said, “well, let’s see what I can play in whatever key this is in…” And with that, Church played a new solo rendition of “Carolina” before exiting down the ladder, getting back into the car, and heading back home.
    Eric Church takes the stage at the North Carolina Hall of Fame ceremony on Oct. 15, 2015 at Gem Theater

    Eric Church takes the stage at the North Carolina Hall of Fame ceremony on Oct. 15, 2015 at Gem Theater

  • KEITH URBAN WILL RELEASE HIS NEW SINGLE, ‘BREAK ON ME,’ ON MONDAY.

    Audio
    Keith Urban

    This Monday, October 19th at 2:00 p.m. CT, four-time Grammy Award winner Keith Urban will release “Break On Me,” the second single from his forthcoming eighth studio album.  Urban broke the news to his fans online early this morning from London at http://smarturl.it/KUtease. The song’s release falls in line behind an historic, record setting 34 Top 10 songs, 19 of which have hit the Top spot, including his latest “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.”

    “Break On Me,” written by Ross Copperman and Jon Nite and co-produced by Nathan Chapman and Urban, is a melodic, mid-tempo ballad – Urban’s first ballad since FUSE’S third single, “Cop Car.”

    Urban not only wrapped American Idol’s farewell season judging rounds this past Sunday, seeing in excess of 100 contestants, he also saw the conclusion of his summer tour with his first concert, before a sold-out crowd, in Honolulu’s Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

    You can catch Keith perform on The 49th Annual CMA Awards with John Mellencamp live on November 4th at 8pm ET on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. There’s no word on what song the two will perform together, but Mellencamp’s moniker, John Cougar, is actually referenced in Urban’s latest chart-topper, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.”

    Audio / Keith Urban talks about the album process.

    Download

    Keith Urban (album process) OC: …sequencing. :39
    “It always seems to be a fairly organic process. I get in the studio and I just, I want to feel just really enraptured with a song, and to get in there and get in the band and watch it sort of blossom, and they don’t always do that, and it’s usually very, very quickly that I can tell that it’s just not working. But, having said that, I don’t always know. That’s why, the song has a way of becoming, and being a part of it. After we’ve recorded ’em all, it seems apparent which ones should make it to the record, which ones might be bonus tracks and then figuring out the sequencing.”

  • CHARLES KELLEY TALKS ABOUT WRITING ‘THE DRIVER.’

    Video
    Charles Kelley / Dierks Bentley / Eric Paslay

    Charles Kelley appeard on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week to perform his new solo single, “The Driver,” with Eric Paslay and Dierks Bentley. Backstage, he chatted about the inspiration behind the song which he wrote with Paslay and Abe Stoklasa.

    Video / Charles Kelley -- How I Wrote That Song - The Driver

    View

  • ERIC PASLAY RECEIVED THE ’10 SONGS I WISH I’D WRITTEN’ AWARD FOR ‘SHE DON’T LOVE YOU’ AT THE NSAI AWARDS THIS WEEK.

    Press
    Eric Paslay

    Eric Paslay received the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” Award for his artful, breakthrough ballad “She Don’t Love You” at the 2015 Nashville Songwriters Association International Awards on Monday in Nashville, Tenn. On the heels of receiving the high NSAI honor from his songwriting peers, Paslay joined Charles Kelley and Dierks Bentley to perform Kelley’s debut solo single “The Driver” last night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. View the performance here. In addition to guest appearing on the tune, Paslay co-penned “The Driver” with Kelley and Abe Stoklasa.

    Paslay answered fans’ demands for new music by releasing “High Class”, the lead single from his upcoming sophomore album, earning the No. 1 most added song at country radio in its debut week. Fans will have a chance to hear a preview of the Texas native’s new album when he joins Chris Young on the I’m Comin’ Over World Tour and Brad Paisley on the Country Nation College Tour this fall.

    A Platinum-selling hit songwriter, 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. Paslay has 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.” A true artist’s artist, USA Today calls Paslay “flat out-brilliant” and American Songwriter names him an influencer of country music.

     

    Eric Paslay Upcoming Tour Dates

    Oct. 15            University of Georgia                                                  Athens, GA*

    Oct. 16            University of South Carolina                                       Columbia, SC*

    Oct 22             Savannah Civic Center                                              Savannah, GA**

    Oct. 23            Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park         Alpharetta, GA**

    Oct. 24            Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium                     Chattanooga, TN**

    Oct. 29            Santander Arena                                                         Reading, PA**

    Oct. 30            Erie Insurance Arena                                                  Erie, PA**

    Oct. 31            Big Sandy Superstore Arena                                      Huntington, WV**

    Nov. 13           Emens Auditorium                                                      Muncie, IN**

    Nov. 14           Miller Auditorium                                                         Kalamazoo, MI**

    Nov. 19           1STBANK Center                                                       Broomfield, CO**

    Nov. 20           Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark                             Billings, MT**

    Nov. 21           Bismark Event Center Arena                                     Bismarck, ND**

    Dec. 3             AMSOIL Arena                                                           Duluth, MN**

    Dec. 4             Mayo Civic Center Arena                                           Rochester, MN**

    Dec. 5             Resch Center Theatre                                                Green Bay, WI**

    * With Brad Paisley on the “Country Nation College Tour”

    ** With Chris Young on the “I’m Comin’ Over World Tour”

     

     

    For more on Eric Paslay, visit www.EricPaslay.com

  • KEITH URBAN WILL PERFORM WITH JOHN MELLENCAMP AT THIS YEAR’S CMA AWARDS.

    Press
    Keith Urban

    Keith Urban and John Mellencamp are set to perform together during The 49th Annual CMA Awards. Keith’s “Raise ‘Em Up” featuring Eric Church is nominated for Musical Event, a category Urban has won three times: “Start A Band” with CMA Awards host Brad Paisley (2009), “Highway Don’t Care” with Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift (2013), and “We Were Us” with fellow nominee Miranda Lambert (2014).

    Winners of “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” will be determined in a final round of voting by eligible voting members of the Country Music Association. 

    In anticipation of “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will pave the road to the CMA Awards by welcoming some of the genre’s most notable stars. The lineup includes performances from Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Chris Young, as well as 2015 CMA nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, and more. Jimmy Kimmel and Jill Leiderman serve as executive producers. Jason Schrift, Douglas DeLuca, Erin Irwin and David Craig serve as co-executive producers. “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is shot live in front of a studio audience and produced by Jackhole Industries in association with ABC Studios. (CLOSED- CAPTIONED) Enjoy “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on the web at abc.com/JimmyKimmeLive and at youtube/JimmyKimmelLive.

    Fans can get more information on “The 49th Annual CMA Awards” and sign up for CMA emails and exclusives, as well as view a full list of announced performers, by visiting CMAawards.com.

    John Mellencamp (aka John Cougar) is one of the inspirations behind Keith’s recent No. 1 hit, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16.”

    The CMA Awards will air live Wednesday, November 4th (8:00-11 PM/ET) from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on ABC.

    **Suggested Tweet**: Catch @KeithUrban perform w/ @JohnMellencamp on the #CMAawards 11/4 on ABC! More: {Link URL}

  • LADY A’S HILLARY SCOTT WILL HOST LEADERSHIP MUSIC’S DALE FRANKLIN AWARDS.

    Press
    Lady Antebellum

    Lady Antebellum’s leading lady, Hillary Scott, has been tapped to host Leadership Music’s Dale Franklin Awards honoring Jo Walker-Meador, Steve Buchanan and Reba McEntire on Monday, November 16, 2015.

    Leadership Music will honor the three music industry luminaries at a gala cocktail reception, awards presentation and musical tribute beginning at 5:30 pm at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater.  Big Machine Label Group is the title sponsor for the 2015 event.  CMA’s legendary long-time Executive Director, Jo Walker-Meador, will receive a new award named for Leadership Music’s Founding Council; Steve Buchanan has been chosen as the recipient of the Brian Williams Ambassador Award, and Reba McEntire, award-winning musical artist, television personality and Broadway star will be honored with Leadership Music’s prestigious Dale Franklin Award.

    “It’s always special to help recognize passionate people in our industry,” said Scott. “All three of these honorees have personally made amazing contributions not only in Nashville but have been part of sharing Country Music across the globe. I’m thrilled to have been asked to host and look forward to celebrating in a few weeks!”

    The Leadership Music® Dale Franklin Award, named for the first Executive Director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest attributes of leadership and leading by example. Previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen (posthumously), Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009), Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson (2010), CMA (2011) and Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill and Alabama’s Randy Owen (2012).

    Seven-time GRAMMY awarding-winner Hillary Scott serves as one-third of the world’s most popular groups Lady Antebellum, selling over 11 million albums worldwide and earning six PLATINUM singles. The three-time ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” recently wrapped their sold-out headlining WHEELS UP 2015 TOUR, which extended the group’s 7FOR7 initiative granting seven surprises for seven fans. Additionally, their multi-level organization LadyAID continues bring awareness and generate support for children locally, nationally and globally with Scott’s heart particularly drawn to serving in Haiti.  In addition to co-writing hits for Lady Antebellum, she has also penned songs for artists such as Blake Shelton and Sara Evan’s No. one hit “A Little Bit Stronger.” Additionally, as a former MTSU student, the singer recently started a scholarship at her alma mater for young women seeking a career in the music industry. For more information visit www.ladyantebellum.com