Country Bites News snippets July 2 – July 6, 2012
SOURCES / Links in RED
UK & IRISH News
Brad Paisley has just announced an Irish date on his Virtual Reality World Tour. Brad will play The O2, Dublin
Prices are TIERED SEATING €44.05 - €49.65, STANDING €44.05 available from Ticketmaster.co.uk & www.ticketmaster.ie
The following night Wednesday 14th November The Band Perry have a re-arranged Belfast
Due to his highly successful 2011 tour in Scandinavia Brad Paisley has already announced four international tour dates on this 2012 tour again with The Band Perry:
November 8 Waterfront, Stockholm, Sweden / Nov 9 Lisebergshallen, Goteborg, Sweden / Nov 10 Spektrum Oslo, Norway and Nov 11, DNB Arena Stavanger, Norway.
Wanda Jackson has 2 UK dates this month: Wed July 18 Thekla, Bristol & Thurs July 19 Islington Assembly Hall, London
Robert Mizzell has a new album on the way at the end of the month, and this time he is featuring the songs of his idol, Garth Brooks. Robert is also planning the trip of a lifetime with fans to Texas , Louisiana , Arkansas , Missouri and Kansas
Robert credits Garth as the inspiration for his own career in country music here in Ireland
"Just a few years after I moved to Ireland , I saw Garth Brooks playing in The Point, Dublin
"I was blown away by the songs, his energy and the reaction he got from the crowd. It was there and then that I began thinking of pursuing a career in music here in Ireland
Robert, who was raised by foster parents back home in Louisiana, has gone on to become one of Ireland's biggest entertainers since he moved to Ireland and decided to stay. Robert's new album will feature Garth favourites like The River, The Thunder Rolls, If Tomorrow Never Comes, Standing Outside The Fire and Friends In Low Places.
"Recording this album has been a longtime ambition and it's great to finally get the opportunity to record Garth's great music," Robert says. "And we hope to see Garth in Ireland
Young Sligo man Patrick Feeney is back with a summer single called Missing Galway. This song, which has been written by talented singer-song-writer Don Stiffe, who was one of the finalists in The All-Ireland Talent Show last year. Audio >> YouTube
Glasgow band Raintown, have today won a competition on Real Radio, in association with CK Events, to open for Wet Wet Wet when the band play their 25th Anniversary Gig at Glasgow Green on Friday 20th July (in front of 25,000 fans).
Wet Wet Wet wanted to give an up-and-coming Scottish act the chance of a lifetime to be their support act and Tommy Cunningham, Drummer with the band told Real Radio when he launched the search: "This happened to us way back at the start when we were lucky enough to be Lionel Richie's support. We didn't know anything about the business and we got that massive audience and we want someone in Scotland
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| Raintown visite Real Rad |
Entrants to the competition sent videos to Real Radio of their music then Wet Wet Wet chose five finalists who were put to the public vote. All five finalists were invited to Real Radio where Tommy Cunningham announced the winning act. Tommy was full of praise for winners Raintown and said: "From the band's (Wet Wet Wet's) point of view, we honed in on melody and song structure and not just the one hit wonder latest sound. We were looking out for more traditional lyrics that communicated from the heart and Raintown's music really did this for us. They obviously connected with the public as well who voted them the winners.
"All the acts we put through to the final were great and we picked bands and performers who we knew were ready to take to a big stage and handle it. I'm really looking forward to seeing Raintown open for us on Glasgow Green."
Huge congratulations to Raintown who are the winners of our Real Radio Scotland
Anniversary Concert at Glasgow Green on Friday 20th July!! A big thanks to all the finalists - Jamie & Shoony, Alex Wayt, Arches, Waiting For Go, and all the acts who entered. (Source: WET WET WET Facebook)
Raintown, who describe their sound as contemporary country, have been compared to American country act Lady Antebellum. They are also boyfriend and girlfriend; 27 year old Claire McArthur and 32 year old Paul Bain are from the East End of Glasgow and were obviously delighted to be voted winners of the exciting competition.
Claire said: "This is such an amazing opportunity and we really want to thank everyone who voted for us."
Paul added: "This will be the biggest gig we have ever played and we're so thankful for the opportunity. I actually met Tommy once before at a Wet Wet Wet in-store CD signing years ago and I said to him, one day my band will open for you. He must have thought 'this guy's mad,' and I can't quite believe all these years later it's actually happened! This is just so huge for us and we're really ready to take to the stage at Glasgow Green."
Ewen Cameron, Breakfast Host on Real Radio said: "All the bands who made the final were fantastic and the standard of the competition overall was really high. Everyone at Real Radio is chuffed to bits for Raintown and I can't wait to see them open for the Wets. We'll be sure to keep up with their progress in the future." (www.ckevents.net)
We Won! Raintown will be supporting Wet Wet Wet on July 20th @ Glasgow Green and it was all down to you guys! Thank you! Love Paul/Claire xx RAINTOWN (the happiest couple in the world right now!)
AUSSIE NEWS
Keith Urban checked in on Friday (June 29) to alert folks he was headed back into the studio to work on his next album, the follow-up to 2010′s Get Closer. He’s been Down Under finishing up his stint on The Voice Australia, and he says he’s “jonesing” to get back on the road to play for his fans. Keith also revealed he will be in the recording studio in July and August and is currently planning a tour for the U.S. for next year. >> YouTube
Keith is currently on the verge of Top 10 with his single, “For You,” which he wrote and recorded for the Act of Valor soundtrack
CANADIAN NEWS
(June, 30 2012) After a 2 week radio tour that saw him travel over 8000 kms, with stops in Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto & London as well as performances in Kitchener, Burlington, & Subury, Good Spirit Records artist and 2011 CCMA “Rising Star” Nominee Codie Prevost is set for a busy summer on the road. He is promoting the release of his latest single “Last Night All Day” from his forth coming CD Prevost. “I love getting out there and meeting my fans. That's the best part of what I get to do. Travelling and sharing my songs is a passion for me and the response right across the country has been overwhelming” says Prevost.
The “Last Night All Day” Tour will see Prevost at various event across the country this summer that include Dauphin CountryFest, Summer Thunder in Kamloops, Westerner Days in Red Deer & the CCMA's in Saskatoon. Along the way he will be opening shows for country music stars Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd & Joe Nichols as well as headlining several events. (Newsletter)
NEWS
Mary Chapin Carpenter and has been nominated for one of the nation’s highest songwriting honors – induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame! She is one of four nominees in the Songwriter/Artist category: Kix Brooks (“Only In America”), Mary Chapin Carpenter (“Down At The Twist And Shout”), Ronnie Dunn (“Believe”) and Larry Gatlin (“Broken Lady”).
Nominees in the Songwriter category include: Tony Arata (“The Dance” by Garth Brooks ), Beth Nielsen Chapman (“This Kiss” by Faith Hill), Gretchen Peters (“Independence Day” by Martina McBride) and Victoria Shaw (“I Love The Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery
According to the Nashville Songwriters Foundation, “the nominations seek to recognize songwriters whose first significant works achieved commercial success and/or artistic recognition at least 20 years ago and who have ‘positively impacted and been closely associated with the Nashville Songwriting community and deemed to be outstanding and significant.
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| Joy Williams of The Civil Wars with husband Miles Alexander |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. It's a boy for Joy Williams of The Civil Wars.
Miles Alexander was born Saturday in the Music City. It's the first child for Williams and her husband Nate Yetton, the duo's manager. A statement says mama and son are happy and healthy.Williams and her musical partner John Paul White officially went on maternity leave after a performance at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival earlier in June. The Grammy Award-winning duo plans to begin recording the follow-up to their surprise hit "Barton Hollow" during the hiatus.Williams says she "never really knew the meaning of love at first sight until today."
Singer-Songwriter, Rachel Proctor has also given birth to a new baby. Rachel wrote "Where Would You Be" and "Everybody Does" for country artist Martina McBride the former on McBride’s GREAT HITS album.
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| Rachel Procter Facebook Image |
After singing background vocals for Blake Shelton, Rachel got a recording contract of her own with the RCA Music Group. In July of 2004 her album "Where I Belong" debuted at #8 on the Billboard Country Album Charts. The record produced two top twenty singles, "Days Like This" and "Me and Emily". The latter, a song about domestic abuse, became an anthem for abused women across the world and earned praise from President Bush, Senator Kerry, and Attorney General Ashcroft. As a staff writer Proctor has written songs for Tanya Tucker (“Good Enough”), Nashville Star winner Erika Jo, Kenny Loggins (“Never Get Enough Of Me”, a duet Kenny sings with Rachel), Katrina Elam and Blake Shelton (“I Have Been Lonely”). Along with Canadian Victoria Banks, they co-wrote Jessica Simpson's 2008 singles "Come On Over" and "Remember That". Rachel had 6 co-writes on Victoria’s 2011 album and together with Julie Roberts they penned “Mama Said Don’t” the opening cut on Julie’s 2011 album ALIVE.
Listen to new songs “Lovebird” (written by Rachel Proctor/Skip Black/Cherrill Green) and “Something In The Way” (written by Rachel Proctor and Matthew West) at http://www.reverbnation.com/rachelproctor
July 3, 2012, MANTEO, N.C. (AP) — Andy Griffith, beloved 'The Andy Griffith Show' star who also excelled on film, dies at 86.
A family statement said Griffith passed away at his home in Manteo, North Carolina on Tuesday morning. Per his wishes he was buried on his property on Roanoke Island within five hours of his death.
The actor received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest US civilian award, in 2005.
Born June 1, 1926 in Mount Airy, North Carolina, Griffith starred in the popular eponymous comedy series as Sheriff Andy Taylor from 1960-68.
The show portrayed life in the quiet North Carolina town of Mayberry, where the sheriff had little crime to contend with. It generated several spin-off shows.US President Barack Obama said he and First Lady Michelle Obama were saddened to hear about the actor's death. "A performer of extraordinary talent, Andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps," the president said in a statement.
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| Andy Griffith show Reuters/BBC image |
Griffith was a private man surrounded by friends who revealed little about his life.The success of The Andy Griffith Show "put heavy pressure on him because everyone felt like he was their best friend", said his friend Craig Fincannon. (Source www.bbc.co.uk)
ABC News Story >> YouTube
Griffith sang as part of some of his acting roles, most notably in A Face In The Crowd and in numerous episodes of both The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock. In addition to his recordings of comic monologues in the 1950s, he made an album of upbeat country and gospel tunes during the run of The Andy Griffith Show. In recent years, he recorded successful albums of classic Christian hymns for Sparrow Records. I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns released in 1996 was his most successful which gained platinum certification by the RIAA.
Griffith also made an appearance in Brad Paisley's music video >> "Waitin' on a Woman”
Andy Griffith “Whoa Mule” , A man shows up in Mayberry to record mountain folk music. This video features Roland and Clarence White as The Country Boys >> YouTube
July 4, 2012, AP - Andy Griffith evoked, stylized small-town America …….Close your eyes and picture it: small-town America.
It has a little post office, of course. A general store, too, and a fishing hole. There's a barber who knows everyone — and knows about everyone. There's a friendly auto mechanic. The picture wouldn't be complete without several women who could be anyone's favorite older sister or aunt.
Kids scurry around at reasonable paces, making low-grade mischief while dirtying their short-sleeve plaid shirts or striped T-shirts. Quirky characters wander about in a landscape of picket fences and healthy storefronts. And the police officer in charge? He's tough but fair, community minded, the Solomon of his entire, geographically limited jurisdiction. He's Atticus Finch without any of the racial tension. This is, today, the comforting script America often reaches for when it summons the vanished rural nation that so many say they long for. Not coincidentally, it is also the state of mind given to us by Andy Griffith and his long-running TV show. (Associated Press - Read the full story)
Andy Griffith - Tributes / Tweets
Randy Travis is a big fan of Andy Griffith's. The musician, who met Griffith on the set of the hit show "Matlock," called Griffith "the most likeable" man he's ever met.....Travis said Griffith, who knew Travis hadn't acted much before his stint on "Matlock," came to his bus and gave him an acting lesson. Travis played Billy Wheeler, a man hired by Griffith to paint his house.
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| Randy Travis with Andy Griffith |
"That was pretty amazing," Travis said. "I almost laughed a couple of times, because it sounded like Sheriff Andy Taylor talking to Opie a couple of times." Travis was a guest star "Matlock" from 1992 to 1993, but the friendship between the two men lasted two decades.
Audio recording Randy Travis on Andy Griffith (Nashville Country Club) - soundcloud.com
Watch Randy talk about Andy Griffith on CBS TV - www.cbsnews.com
Brad Paisley @BradPaisley "Andy Griffith entertained the world. He improved our lives, and I was so proud to work with him call him a friend. Love you Andy. Go rest"
Hillary Scott @HillaryScottLA "Heaven gained a talented man today. Mr. Andy Griffith, thanks for giving me amazing memories with my family growing up watching your show"
ASCAP is very proud to announce that Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood have joined the PRO as writer and publisher members.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Charles and Dave join ASCAP,” said Marc Driskill, VP and GM at ASCAP Nashville. “They are two of music’s most talented songwriters and their artistry has inspired millions around the world. We are thrilled to represent them and we welcome them to the ASCAP family.”
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Pictured (l-r): Charles Kelley, ASCAP’s Marc Driskill,
and Dave Haywood
Photo credit: Adam Boatman
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Georgia natives Kelley and Haywood met as teenagers and attended the same high school, where Haywood played in a jazz band with Kelley’s older brother Josh - now a successful ASCAP songwriter in his own right.
The pair relocated to Nashville after college graduation, moving in with Josh so they could write songs together. Haywood and Kelley founded Lady Antebellum in 2006 with Hillary Scott and released their self-titled debut soon after, which produced the trio's first #1 single, “I Run to You
Garth Brooks has always been selective of how and when his music is distributed — you won’t find him on iTunes or YouTube. In fact, when he does release new music or a repackaged collection of greatest hits, it’s usually only available for a limited time.
In 1995, Brooks went to extreme measures to make sure ‘The Hits’ album was never released again. When his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was revealed, he shared that the masters to the record were buried deep in concrete below it. The anniversary of that unveiling was, June 30. The album has sold 10 million copies, but it will never reach 11 million.
The tapes are packed in concrete beneath a 300-pound star, but they’re also on the heavily traveled Vine St. in Hollywood. Daylight robbery attempts would therefore be foolhardy.
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courtesy Brad Paisley Twitter
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Brad Paisley had some 4th of July fun at the White House - “Thank you Mr. President, First Lady, and all the branches of the military for the best 4th July I've ever had,” he tweets.
Brad had a pretty amazing gig: He played for President Obama and his family, and more than 1,200 military members and their relatives on the South Lawn of the White House.
Carrie Underwood may have recorded "Independence Day," but it is Kelly Clarkson who made American Idol history on the 4th of July! The latest sales figures from Nielsen SoundScan confirm her current hit, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," to be the best-selling Idol single of all time, surpassing the long-time champion, Underwood's "Before He Cheats."
"Stronger" has sold 3,510,000 singles as of today, beating "Before He Cheats," which has moved 3,509,000 copies since its release in 2006.
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| Carrie Live in London |
Carrie's album BLOWN AWAY dropped from #11 to #38 in its second week on the Official UK album chart.
On July 5, Carrie returned from the United Kingdom and Australia where she wrapped a promotional media tour as well as a very successful string of concerts on “The Blown Away Tour.” Her new album, BLOWN AWAY, was recently released in both countries, debuting at #1 on the UK and Australian Country Charts respectively.The Australian leg of Carrie’s trip brought “The Blown Away Tour” to Melbourne, Tamworth, and Brisbane, wrapping at the iconic Sydney Opera House where ticket demand in the market led to the addition of a second show.
During her Australian tour, Carrie made appearances on many of the country’s high profile radio and television shows including Sunrise, the Today Show, and more .
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| Joey + Rory |
Country duo JOEY + RORY have launched their own television series, “The JOEY+RORY” Show” on RFD-TV (Friday, JULY 6th. The show will be filmed at their farm and community in POTTSVILLE, TN and will have a mix of live performances, recipes from their family owned MARCY JO’s CAFÉ, and a behind-the-scenes look into their life together.
"We don't have a TV in our home, partly because it's hard to find good family programs to watch any more ... so rather than just complain about it, we're trying to create some good programming that everyone can enjoy. Just like the records you make, you never know if this show will reach hundreds of people, or millions -- either way, the journey making it together is extraordinary," said Rory.
Miranda Lambert has been forced to cancel this weekend’s run of shows due to an “overextended voice.” She has been placed under vocal rest by doctors and hopes to be back on the road by next weekend.
Country artist Danielle Peck has been added to the roster at WEBSTER & ASSSOCIATES PR, for publicity.
The word on the street is that Scotty McCreery will start recording his 2nd album this summer and it’ll be out sometime in 2013.
SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
David Nail to release 3-Song EP, ’1979,’ on July 17. His pre-show warm-up to Adele’s “Someone Like You” inspired the Missourian to create a video for the people asking how to experience his version. MCA Nashville will release 1979 (Named for the year Nail was born), a three song EP that includes “Someone Like You,” as well as “The Sound of a Million Dreams” and “Half Mile Hill,” a track from Nail’s latest album. “It’s hard to believe the life that ‘Someone Like You’ has taken on,” Nail says. “It’s proof that people hunger for great songs – and they are open to different interpretations of songs they love. I started singing it because it’s a great song to warm up with, and people who heard it liked it… and then, I guess, they told other people, who told other people” .
A&M/Octone Records new country duo Miss Willie Brown is comprised of singer/songwriters Kasey Buckley and Amanda Watkins. They released the video for their debut single, "You're All That Matters To Me" to CMT. The track which will impact radio on July 9, was written by John "Mutt" Lange and produced by Nathan Chapman (The Band Perry, Taylor Swift). The video was directed by T.K. McKamy, and it showcases the girls fighting for the affections of the same guy.
"We had a specific vision for the video as far as fighting over a man and showcasing our humor and friendship. When the director,TK, came back with this hilarious treatment, we knew we wanted to work with him, " said Buckley in a press release. "It was such a rad shoot…a lot of laughing and playing tricks on each other, which is pretty much how every day on the road is for us." (examiner.com)
The video at CMT.com has restricted viewing for the UK.
Instead listen to the audio for "You're All That Matters To Me" in this Lyric Video
>> YouTube
Show Dog- Universal Music recording artist J.T. Hodges has faith in his fans. So much so, in fact, that he's trusting them to choose the new single release from his forthcoming CD.
Hodges opened voting via a Facebook, July 2, and he'll continue to collect votes for one of three songs: “Sleepy Little Town,” “Leaving Me Later” and “Rather Be Wrong Than Lonely” throughout the month of July.
The 10-song album features eight tracks that were penned by the 2012 ACM contender, and about two weeks prior to the SELF-TITLED album's street date, record execs will reveal the music fans' choice of a new single, which will be sent to country radio.
”J.T.’s fan base is one of the most active I have seen for a new artist,” said Bill Kennedy, VP of sales, marketing and new media for Hodge's label, via an email shared with Examiner.com. “They have already purchased more than 130,000 downloads of his two singles and we at the label thought it would be a smart idea to let these people who really get him and his music weigh in on the next single.” (www.examiner.com)
Arista Nashville artist Kix Brooks will release his debut album, NEW TO THIS TOWN on Tuesday, September 11th. The 12-song collection, with 9 co-written by Kix, was produced by Kix with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts co-producing the title track.
"I made an album that really is close to my heart, and it's a whole lot of fun. For the most part, the music's just ... it's kind of fun and games and hangin' it out there and thinkin' about gettin' back in a lot of those clubs and festivals and gettin' to play again. It's like, you know, people come to enjoy themselves, and I think this album in a lot of ways is about that," said Brooks.
COUNTRY GOSSIP
Taylor Swift chose to spend her Fourth of July celebrations with Arnold Schwarzenegger's handsome son, Patrick.
The Daily Mail have the exclusive pictures of the couple's halcyon day, which was spent on the legendary Kennedy family property in Hyannisport, as of course, Patrick's no less famous mother, Maria Shriver is a member of America's first family.
The 22-year-old singer - who has previously dated John Mayer, Joe Jonas and Jake Gyllenhaal - was spotted in Massachusetts with Patrick Schwarzenegger, 18, taking a walk together on the beach.
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| Taylor Swift & Patrick Photo (Daily Mail/WENN.com) |
Though it is unconfirmed whether they are dating, TMZ reports they seemed very comfortable in one another's company and laughed a lot as they chatted.Patrick - who, along with Taylor, was also seen with members of the Kennedy family - later took to his twitter page to reveal he had had an 'amazing' holiday.
He wrote of his experience with The Best Day singer: 'Had such an amazing day. Best 4th of July I could ask for. Hope everyone had a great day! (sic)'
Carrie Underwood loves her parent's farm in Chekota, OK and says, “that's the place I can unplug, shut down and not worry about work.” Growing up Carrie couldn’t wait to leave that small town and now she says, “I thank God I came from there and that my parents still live there.” She says all she ever does is sleep when she’s there
REVIEWS
Terri Clark - The Glee Club Birmingham Tuesday 26 June 2012 - LINK
Maverick Festival Easton Farm Park Suffolk Saturday 30th June 2012 - LINK
LISTEN
Rhonda Vincent’s new album Sunday Mornin' Singin' LIVE! is available to stream in Full at - music.aol.com/new-releases
Mary Chapin Carpenter - Live in session with Bob Harris on BBC RADIO 2
WATCH
Mary Chapin Carpenter - Live in session with Bob Harris on BBC RADIO 2
WATCH
Aly Cook “Country Storm”, written by Aly Cook & David Erik released July 2012 in Australia & New Zealand. >> YouTube
FREE DOWNLOAD
JD Souther free EP Americana/Jazz Download for an email share at - www.noisetrade.com
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