Sunday, 12 August 2012

Country Bites News snippets August 6 – August 12, 2012

Country Bites News snippets August 6 – August 12, 2012

Links / Sources shown in RED

UK & IRISH News
The British Country Music Awards (BCMAwards) nominations have been announced both voted for by the public and by the BCMAward panel www.bcmawards.co.uk
The awards are to be held on: Sunday 2nd of September 2012 at the Concorde Suite, Heathrow Airport, Cranford, Middlesex  

Noel Flynn has released a new song, written by Mark Everett called "The Way You Love Me"  >>   Audio
Flynn’s last single 'Lay Down Beside Me' is a cover of the Don Williams song.Noel Flynn who hails from Meath,Ireland, grew up loving country music. The Athboy native,lived in Nottingham for a number of years before returning to Meath, spent four years as a DJ prior to recording his 2009 debut album "Turn Back The Years" . In January 2012  Noel Flynn & the ‘All Country Band’ decided to take their show on the road. The Band are: Noel Flynn (vocals), Declan Reilly (bass and vocals), Padraig Harris (Keyboards, accordion and vocals), Brian Walsh (drums), John Gleeson (Lead guitar, dobro and vocals) - More at - www.noelflynnmusic.com

Tokyo Rosenthal will be making a rare solo Irish tour with 7 dates in September.The tour will include Northern Ireland as well as the Republic of Ireland. “I'm so excited to finally be getting to perform on the Emerald Isle where they have been so
supportive of my recordings," said Tokyo. "And how cool will it be to perform 'St. Patrick's Day'. His music is described by critics as "This is Americana with real teeth in the lyrics"

Country singer Pete Kennedy talks about his 'Nashville Sessions Volume 1' EP. On Friday, Aug. 3, Irish country singer-songwriter Pete Kennedy spoke via phone  with Greek-American journalist Markos Papadatos about his EP Nashville Sessions Volume 1 and his future plans in music. Kennedy noted that he was inspired musically by such musical acts as The Eagles and Garth Brooks.
His first EP, Nashville Sessions Volume 1, was released in Jan. of 2012 and it featured the single “Yellow,” which reached No. 25 on the International Hot-disc chart, as well as No. 9 on the British and Irish Independent Hot-disc chart. “This EP has been very successful and ‘Yellow’ opened the door to the American market for me,” Kennedy said. “It has been nominated for ‘Album of the Year’ at the British Country Music Awards which is amazing for me. I am looking forward to the ceremony on Sept. 2 in Heathrow in London. This has been my biggest achievement to date so far.
Pete Kennedy

Kennedy listed Carrie Underwood, Sara Evans and The Eagles as his dream collaboration choices in music and noted that he is a huge fan of the Rascal Flatts ballad “God Bless the Broken Road” and he performs this tune regularly in his shows.

Regarding his plans for the future, Kennedy remarked, “We have a very busy year coming up since I will be back in Nashville in Sept. since I will shoot a new music video and then I will be touring for the rest of the year. In Jan. of 2012, I hope to release some of the tracks of Nashville Sessions Volume 2. I am really excited about what is coming up.”
Kennedy is expected to join Neil Sedaka on his U.K. tour in Oct. and The Stylist for another tour in the U.K. in Nov.
He revealed that he stays connected with his fans via his social network pages (Facebook and Twitter) and Kennedy takes the time to meet and greet all of his fans in person after his live shows. “At the end of the day, my fans are the most important aspect of my career since they make things happen. I sincerely thank them from the bottom of my heart,” he concluded.

Glasgow’s very own country/pop duo Raintown (Paul Bain and Clair McArthur) very kindly joined Stewart Fenwick live in the studio on Celtic Music Radio on Sunday August 12th to talk about their 2nd trip to Nashville representing Scotland at the The CMA Aristo Global Show in June, their weekly audio podcast, The Americana Festival (Newark, England), Scottish New Music Awards nominations and a forthcoming concert on Saturday 1 September at Oran Mor in Glasgow (Ticketweb - Details) . 
Raintown Live!

Check out this edited Raintown interview:

>

Raintown currently grace the front cover of August/September Vol 23 issue 5 of Country Music And Dance in Scotland (CMDS) – Jpeg Image 


HOTDISC CHART NEWS
(12 August 2012 ) OH,MY,GOSH! Hot London based duo Travellin Rose (Talia Smith & Kelly Isaacs) have debuted at #3 on The Hotdisc Top 40 and #2 on the The Hotdisc British & Irish Independent TOP 10 (Chart 12 August 2012) with their new single "Girl From The Backwoods" composed by Talia and Kelly!
Also to make a bow is the UK's Belle Cannon with her self penned catchy single "Reel Me In" (#19 Hotdisc Top 40 / #7 British & Irish). You'll Drive Me Back (Into Her Arms Again) by Frank Jennings enters at #8 (Top 40) and #4 (British & Irish)

Welshman Rob Allen has retained his position at the top of both the Hotdisc Top 40 and British & Irish charts with his own song, "Pale Rider." He's repelled the competition which includes 18 new entries, the highest of which is at number 2 from Royal Wade Kimes with "Another Man's Sky."

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
(7 August 2012) The Trishas -  HIGH, WIDE & HANDSOME  (The Trishas Music) Time: 52:57 -  Amazon UK MP3 Downloads
Americana country group The Trishas have released their sophomore project, “High, Wide & Handsome.” The record’s press material points out, “But when the magic happens, sometimes you have to give in to its power.” This is true of how the Austin-based quartet initially came together, casually with no agenda to form a band, but immediately felt the chemistry of their special blend of voices. It’s also true of the spell they cast over listeners who are eager to hear something fresh, something pleasing, something moving”.
This new collection is their first full-length album. The band have a hand in writing, thirteen of fourteen songs sharing credits with some of the genre’s finest, such as Natalie Hemby, Bruce Robison, Jim Lauderdale and Kevin Welch

(7 August 2012) Colt Ford - DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (Average Joes Entertainment)  Time:  39:21 Amazon UK MP3 Downloads
Colt Ford celebrates his own personal fourth of July next week with a host of guest stars on his fourth studio album, Declaration of Independence. The project features collaborations with country hitmakers Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker, Montgomery Gentry, Kix Brooks and more.
Amazon artwork


The first single from the collection, the nostalgic "Back," featuring Jake Owen, was written by Colt with Shannon Houchins and Noah Gordon, and has already sold more than 30,000 digital downloads in just three weeks since its release. The video >>  YouTube
for the tune was filmed on location in Athens, Ga., at spots near and dear to Colt's life, including his mom's house, the neighborhood roller rink and his old baseball field. Several of his family members make cameos in the clip, as well. "This song is so close to my heart," says Colt. "It's my life, and I wanted to keep it real by having my whole family in the video. I am proud of the song and the visual we created."   (Source : The Boot)

AUSSIE NEWS
Trio The McClymonts' single “Piece Of Me” has taken over the top spot from “Sweet Goodbye” by group Jetty Road on this week's national Country Tracks Top 30 singles chart (Aug 11).  

Kasey Chambers, Caitlin Harnett, Jodie Lane, Shane Nicholson and Felicity Urquhart have all been booked for official showcase performances at this year's Americana Music Festival in Nashville next month.
The five are among more than two dozen Australian roots music artists who will be in America's Music City for the 13th annual festival and conference that will run from Wednesday September 12 to Saturday the 15th.
Australian participation in the festival has been organised for the third consecutive year by Sounds Australia, a government-supported music industry organisation dedicated to spreading the music of Australia abroad.

Since 2010, Sounds Australia has maintained a strategic partnership with the Nashville-based Americana Music Association that promotes the exchange of American and Australian music between the two countries.
"We've had many acts from Australia the last few years," said Americana Music Association Executive Director Jed Hillyand. "It's been really exciting. This year is extra special for us with Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson attending."
"Nashville has always been a major destination for Aussie artists and writers," said Sounds Australia's Dobe Newton, "but the involvement in the Americana Festival has taken it to a whole new level. Our Sounds Australia touring party has grown from six in 2010 to this year's 25 artists. "While it's very exciting to present genuine stars like Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson at their first Americana Festival, perhaps my greatest thrill has been presenting new and unknown artists and seeing the great reception they've received from industry and fans alike."
Additional Australian artists appearing at this year's festival are 8 Ball Aitken, Chris Altmann, Karl Broadie, Lachlan Bryan, Kristy Cox, John Flanagan & The Begin Agains, Lee Griffin, Damian Howard, Kelly Menhennett (Telstra Road to Discovery songwriting winner), Jen Mize, Lee Morgan, Chris Pickering, Melody Pool, Sue Ray, Andrew Redford (Telstra Road to Discovery performer winner), Lianna Rose, Ruby Boots, Shandell, Ben Wright Smith and Catherine Traicos.

CANADIAN NEWS
Victoria Banks latest single "Barefoot Girl" is now at radio (Single Artwork). Says Victoria of the tune, "This song is autobiographical. The music business is full of spangly clothing, giant hairdos and thick makeup, but in the middle of all that craziness, I’m just a barefoot girl. Maybe that’s not so glamourous, but glamour is overrated."

BLUEGRASS NEWS
Nashville, TN (August 7, 2012) –  The International Country Gospel Music Association (ICGMA) held their 56th Annual Convention and Gold Cross Awards Show this past weekend in historic West Plains, Missouri where it was announced Marty Raybon is the recipient of the 2012 ICGMA Bluegrass Artist of the Year Award.  The bluegrass category included an impressive list of nominees including: Doyle Lawson, State of Grace, Eddie Gordon and Marty’s label-mate, brother-sister duo The Roys. The ICGMA is the oldest Country Gospel Music Organization in America. (Rural Rhythm Press Release)

NEWS
Lee Ann Womack is apparently “homeless” label wise after several years and several albums she is parting ways with long-time label Universal Music Group’s MCA Nashville division. “[I'm] so appreciative to the wonderful MCA staff for giving me their all from my first days at Decca, through ‘I Hope You Dance,’ the awards for ‘I May Hate Myself In The Morning’ and ‘There’s More Where That Came From’,” Womack said in a statement. “I am excited to see what comes next for so many people I think of as my friends, and am eager to see what life after ‘leaving home’ is like.”
Womack was first signed to Decca Records Nashville when she moved to Music City, later hopping over to Universal Music Group’s MCA Records.

Taylor Swift has >>  announced she will host a Live Webchat on YouTube on Monday #August 13 @ 7pm Eastern Time / 4PM Pacific Time (UK GMT 11PM) . Taylor says she has some “really cool news” and will be talking to fans around the world live - http://www.youtube.com/taylorswift


Fans can submit their questions directly into the live social chat during the webcast using their YouTube account. The webcast will include a Google + Hangout*.

UK and Ireland fans ... Taylor's fragrance, Wonderstruck, is now available nationwide with perfume bottles(30ml, 50ml and 100ml) available online or in store at The Perfume Shop , Find you local store

Stealing Angels member Tayla Lynn and her new husband, Jon Finger, have became parents to new son, Tru on August 3. The couple went into the hospital Friday morning at 7AM to induce labor.
Twitter Photo - Tayla Lynn and Jon Finger married  in April with a romantic ceremony in Italy. Tru is a first child for both Lynn and her husband, and will have made the singer’s ‘Memaw’ country icon Loretta Lynn — one proud great-grandmother.

Laura Bell is heading to the town of Bluebell. Broadway star and country singer Laura Bell Bundy has landed a role on the popular series “Hart of Dixie” on The CW. According to HuffPost TV, Bundy has been tapped to play Shelby, a potential new love interest of George Tucker (Scott Porter)

Americana Music Festival & Conference, presented by Nissan, September 12-15 in Nashville have added newly artist showcases to the bill: Sam Bush, Jimbo Mathus & the Tri-State Coalition, Delta Rae, Chris Stamey, Paul Thorn, The Trishas, and The Wheel’s On Fire: A Tribute To Levon Helm. The list of showcase performers is growing in addition to previously announced participating artists Richard Thompson, Billy Joe Shaver, The Wallflowers and Delta Spirit. To see the current lineup click here

When the Phantom show leaves The McGraw's arrive! At a live ‘town-hall’ press conference, The Venetian Las Vegas announced a series of resident shows: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill “Soul2Soul.” This limited engagement, which opens on Dec. 7 and covers 10 weekends through April 2013, will take place in the 1,815-seat Venetian Theater. A ticket pre-sale began tickets for the general public will go on sale Monday, Aug. 13. Performances are scheduled for 8 and 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, 8; 14, 15; Jan. 18, 19, 25, 26, 2013; Feb. 1, 2, 15, 16, 22, 23, March 1,2; April 12, 13, 26 and 27. Ticket prices are $95.50, $175.50 and $255.50 and $295.50 – www.venetian.com 

Tim McGraw has becomes a Comic Book character. The bio-comic was written by David A. McIntee and brought to visual life by artist Jed Mickle. Cover was painted by William Sleeper.
It was fun to do,” McIntee said, of working on the comic. “Tim has had a wider career and area of interest than people might think. I loved the chance to do something with a hint of the Western, to go with the musical genre. I think his fans will enjoy that tone to it “
The 40 page paperback is available at Amazon UK  


Earlier this year, Randy Travis was arrested for public intoxication after being found outside a church after participating in a fight with his girlfriend. N
ow according to TMZ. The country music icon Randy Travis was arrested on Tues night (Aug 7) on suspicion of DUI. The late 80’s country music saviour Mr. Travis was arrested after being found buck naked, apparently smelling of alcohol and lying on a remote stretch of roadway in northern Texas just before midnight, authorities said Wednesday.
Travis was charged with driving while intoxicated and retaliation, after allegedly threatening to fatally shoot highway patrol troopers who responded to a concerned caller who notified authorities of "a man lying in the roadway" Tuesday.
Randy Travis
Mugshot (TMZ image)

While in custody, according to Sgt. Rickey Wheeler, Travis allegedly threatened - "to shoot and kill the troopers working the case"
He apparently refused to take a blood and breath test, and was later forced to submit to a judge's order for a blood specimen taken at a nearby hospital.
Authorities said he had been in a one-vehicle accident and was released on bond Wednesday morning.
It's not clear whether Travis was injured in the accident. A mug shot (pic) revealed a bruised right eye and several abrasions on his face. The retaliation charged is considered a felony offense that could land him in prison for up to 10 years. Neither Travis nor his representative could be immediately reached for comment. At jail, he was given a paper suit and Travis is now out after posting a $1,500 bond for the DWI and a $20,000 bond for retaliation. He left the jail wearing his paper suit and no shoes (picture).

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dolly Parton told reporters that a proposed water-snow park in Nashville is in a "holding pattern" but did not elaborate further on the park to be built in partnership with Gaylord Entertainment.
During a news conference Friday celebrating her latest gold record, WKRN-TV reported the country singer was questioned about the progress of the park, which she announced in January. Parton said she was waiting on Gaylord to get some things straightened out before moving forward.

Mel Tillis on Wednesday, August 8, marked a lifetime milestone for Country Music Hall of Famer, as he celebrated his 80th birthday. Tillis celebrated his 8th decade of life with a private party held at Honky Tonk Central, located on Broadway in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.
About 400 of Tillis’ closest friends packed the party including daughter Pam Tillis, Charley Pride, Lorrie Morgan, Bobby Bare, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Alabama’s Jeff Cook, Eddie Raven, Jimmy C. Newman, Ira Dean, Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolia, Bobby Goldsboro, Williams & Ree, Scotty Emerick, comedian Lonnie Shorr, former Dallas Cowboys football coach Barry Switzer, producers Buddy Cannon and Harold Shedd, GAC Headline Country host Storme Warren and many more.
Tillis and his band, the Statesiders, treated partygoers to a live performance, prompting Pam Tillis, Charley Pride, Jeff Cook and others to join the country music legend onstage.

Despite the fact that New York City hasn't had a country music station in 16 years acccording to figures from Nielsen/SoundScan,  in the last year New York beat out every other town in America in twangy music sales. New York City it seems is the king of country with Chesney, McGraw & Taylor Swift finding the most fans in the Big Apple. Music City’s Nashville ranked sixth in sales, racking up 20% fewer country CD purchases than N.Y.C so Nashville isn’t the country music capital of the nation!

Lisa Marie Presley will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on August 21. Lisa Marie’s latest album, the Americana release STORM & GRACE, is her debut on Universal Republic/XIX Recordings. The project was produced by Grammy-winner T Bone Burnett.
Lisa Marie’s father, Elvis Presley, made his one and only Opry appearance on October 2, 1954 where he sang his version of Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky.

Maryland native Maggie Rose made her debut on the GRAND OLE OPRY,  on Friday (Aug 10th). Her first single for RPM, “I Ain’t Your Mama,” is at #41 on the Mediabase Country Singles Chart.

Country Music Hall Of Fame® And Museum have opened a spotlight exhibit - MINNIE PEARL: CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

It opened August 10th and will run through to August 2013.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Following an offer he couldn't refuse AVERAGE JOE’S ENTERTAINMENT President Tom Baldrica has announced he is resigning from his position, effective AUGUST 31st. Average Joes Entertainment, an Atlanta and Nashville-based record label, launched with flagship artist Colt Ford in late 2008. In 2011 Average Joe's has grown into a power house indie label with a roster that now includes former "major label" artists like Montgomery-Gentry, Ira Dean and Josh Gracin as well as major "indie" artists, Matt Stillwell Sunny Ledfurd, The LACS, JB and The Moonshine Band, and Lauren Briant.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
The Band Perry, Rascal Flatts and Vince Gill to be featured on ‘A Very Special Christmas’ Albums benefitting Special Olympics. The holiday music series will celebrate its 25th anniversary this holiday season with the first ever release of two new albums on October 16, each on a different label. Titles of the albums, as unveiled today, are: A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary on Big Machine Records and A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace On Earth on Word Records.

Continuing in the Christmas spirit! Blake Shelton was on the TV show ‘Chelsea Lately’ to talk about his Christmas album, CHEERS IT’S CHRISTMAS,’ out October 2 (artwork). Tracks include duets with Reba McEntire , Michael Bublé, Blake’s mother Dorothy Shackleford and possibily  Blake’s wife Miranda Lambert. The album includes classic Christmas songs that have touched Blake over the years. Many of the tracks were also recorded at the famous Capitol Studios with full orchestral accompaniment. Chelsea questioned whether or not Blake was aware of what the current season is. “It’s summer, do you know when Christmas is?” She asked. “Hey, listen, you don’t ever have me on the show,” Blake replied. “I’m gonna take what I can get, damn it!” . The pair also covered the topic of Christina Aguilera’s underwear!

PRESS RELEASES
Curb Records celebrates its 50th anniversary in the business, read a detailed report of its history and accolades of the years - The Curb Chronicle
Accumulated accolades include: 432 #1 Records (323 singles,109 albums) , 1,514 Top Ten Records (1,102 singles, 412 albums)

Colt Ford Releases Declaration of Independence - Nashville, TN (August 7, 2012) -- Colt Ford's Declaration of Independence hit stores nationwide on  August 7.  The highly anticipated 15-track fourth studio release from country music's favorite lyricist features collaborations with Jason Aldean, Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker and more. Produced by longtime collaborator Shannon "Fat Shan" Houchins and all-star producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts,) Colt Ford is making a statement with his best album ever.
"This album is very real and honest and by far the best record I’ve ever made,” Colt says with pride.  “The last two records—I stand up and cheer for them—but I tried to make a lot of people happy on the last two records and I took the edge off of it. On this record I put the edge back on there.” Read more Average Joes Entertainment Press 
Colt Ford speaks to Kelly Lynn about the album on Inside Music Row 1264 >>  YouTube

Bellamy Brothers Praise the Lord with New Gospel Album - Nashville, Tenn (August 7, 2012) - After sparking much controversy and support with their first Gospel album, respected multi-platinum selling Country music duo and Dove Award nominees The Bellamy Brothers will soon release their second Gospel composition.  PRAY FOR ME, set for a late summer release, features 14 original Gospel songs with heartfelt, inspirational messages and is one of more than 50 albums released by Howard and David Bellamy.  The album will be released on September 4 and is available for pre-order today via i-Tunes. (Absolute Publicity Press)

Ricky Skaggs To Be Inducted Into GMA Gospel Music Hall Of Fame On August 14 - Nashville, Tenn. (August 8, 2012) – Though Ricky Skaggs may be more widely known for his Country and Bluegrass music, there is another format that remains very near and dear to his heart -- Gospel.  In fact, it was Gospel hymns that ignited Skaggs’ love affair with music.  To date, almost every album Skaggs has released has included at least one Gospel, Christian, or inspirational Country song.  On August 14, Skaggs’ adoration for the genre comes full circle when he is inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
 For someone who has spent my entire career playing music in the marketplace, not in the church, this is quite an honor,” says Skaggs.  I've always loved the Gospel and I sing about it in many different ways. I've never seen myself as a Christian artist, just an artist who is a Christian. I'm very grateful for this award."
At the tender age of three, Skaggs began by harmonizing with his mother as she sang Gospel songs.  His illustrious path to stardom has always included Gospel music, as he loves to sing praise to the Lord. (Absolute Publicity Press)

Nashville, TN (August 10, 2012) – Dolly Parton continues to glitter on and off the stage it seems… The first-ever Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® two-disc set, An Evening With… Dolly, has earned a Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold award and today Dolly got to celebrate!  The DVD/CD was RIAA certified just four weeks after its April 2 release date and its debut at #2 on Billboard’s Top DVD Music Videos Chart.
Cracker Barrel's John Jankowich,
 Danny Nozell,Dolly Parton,
 Cracker Barrel's Julie Craig

In true Dolly fashion and always on the cutting edge, Dolly was the first to be Sound Scanned in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program, and now their first gold record,” said Dolly’s Manager/President of Dolly Records Danny Nozell.
The RIAA gold award marks a first for Cracker Barrel and the first for Dolly Records in the U.S., with previous Gold certifications in Australia and the United Kingdom. 
 I’m thrilled that so many fans are listening to my songs and taking a look behind-the-scenes of my European tour,” said Dolly.  I had a wonderful time performing in London and I think the audience did too.  It’s exciting to be able to share my experiences with Cracker Barrel fans.  And I have to tell you, I’m even more excited that An Evening With… Dolly earned the first Gold in the Cracker Barrel exclusive music program.  That’s just icing on the cake.”  (Webster & Associates)

The album cover for Sea Gayle Records/Arista Nashville recording artist Jerrod Niemann’s October album release FREE THE MUSIC is no longer on lockdown. The art was revealed by USA Today, where Jerrod shares, “This album is my interpretation of how I feel about country right now,” and that means horns, fiddles and steel guitars.
What does that mean exactly? Horns, fiddles and steel guitars.
He shares with USA Today: "The pedal steel guitar has come to define country music, but there were years and years of country being made before that instrument was even invented. Horns have been in country going back to the 1920s. And fiddles and other string instruments date back even further. I took all those things and put them on Free the Music," Jerrod explains in a release of the project that was two years in the making.
"I made this record in an effort to try and mix 1927 with 2027, but I didn't want to disregard 100 years of what people have already done musically. Instead, I wanted to take that and do it in a way that is also representative of the future."
The album features Colbie Caillat on the track I'm All About You. (For Track list and more visit sonymusicnashville.com)
Download the Hi Res album cover Here   (Essential Broadcast Media)

ARTICLES
Read this Review of the Cambridge Folk Festival 2012 @ Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge, 26-29 July 2012 

LISTEN
New single “After the Show” from San Francisco-based Americana band Elliot Randall & The Deadmen. Co-written by Elliot Randall with singer-songwriter Heather Combs.The Deadmen Are: James DePrato – Guitars, Kyle Caprista - Drums and Backing Vocals, Danilo Lopez - Bass and Backing vocals and Tim Marcus - Piano and Pedal Steel >>

Keith Urban mets Big & Rich? See what you think to the Full album THE WHIPPOORWILL by Blackberry Smoke -
music.aol.com  Blackberry Smoke spent several years as an independent band, before signing with Zac Brown's label, Southern Ground, last year. But while the band admits it's a relief to finally be signed with a label that is completely supportive of their genre-bending music, they say they would still continue making music even without the support of a record company, thanks to their dedicated fan base. "I give the fans all the credit, because they are the ways and means by which we are able to keep making a living," lead singer Charlie Starr tells The Boot - Read more

SPOTIFY COUNTRY
Joey+Rory new 12 track album “His and Hers” - Joey+Rory – His and Hers

WATCH
Angela Hesse heats it up in her fun new music video, "Hot Summertime" 
 >>  YouTube

Jana Kramer makes her Grand Ole Opry debut, as seen on Noteworthy at the Opry on GAC TV >> YouTube

Miranda Lambert has launched an interactive version of her "Fastest Girl In Town" Video & Mobile App. Driving into new territory with her “Fastest Girl In Town” video, Miranda Lambert teams with cutting edge technology companies Interlude, Sonic Notify, Mobile Roadie and Halo Media to create a multi-layered, digital campaign that can be experienced through an interactive version of the video and her new mobile App which is out now.
The interactive version, available at www.mirandalambert.com/interactive, gives fans the groundbreaking opportunity to customize the music video experience. The technology of interactive video company Interlude allows the viewer to seamlessly switch between multiple camera angles throughout the extensive car-chase scene, creating an endless number of custom experiences. (Sony Press Release)

Aussie duo Kasey Chambers & Shane NicholsonAdam & Eve  taken from their new album WRECK & RUIN which will be released September 7th.
>>  YouTube  
The album’s first single Adam & Eve is loaded with religious imagery. There are serpents and sin and storytelling that’s part fairytale and two shakes Biblical. “There is no symbolic connection between us and Adam and Eve. I don’t know if that story ended that well anyway,” smiles Nicholson.

Boston-based Americana singer-songwriter Amy Black has a new video in honor of her latest single, "Whiskey and Wine," not to mention a growing fan base and critical acclaim. While the song title might not seem too titillating to most, for Black it was somewhat of an adventurous stretch; that is, when one considers she was reared in a no-alcohol zone.
I’m a minister’s daughter," Black told Examiner.com, "and one thing we didn’t have in the house growing up was alcohol. It wasn’t until I was out of college that I actually had my first drink, you know, my own drink. From that point, I built up a pretty impressive liquor cabinet. You could say I was an amateur mixologist for about a year."
The New England artist, who's been compared to the new Mrs. Robert Plant, Patty Griffin, and who's opened for Chris Isaak, shot her new music clip along the Boston Harbor in her quest to capture the track's contemplative nature. The tune's storyline is one that both laments and marvels at how two people so different could still love one another.
"I wrote ‘Whiskey and Wine’ on a Sunday morning," Black shared. "I’m pretty sure I was looking at the liquor cabinet when the words for the song came to me. I loved how the W's sounded next to each other and the idea of two people being as different as the two libations. "From there, the song just flowed like it was meant to be written," she continued. "I was very happy with it, but I never expected that so many people would feel that it was about their life. I’m continually amazed to see how it strikes a chord. The reality of life and relationships is that they both often aren’t as good as we hoped they would be. This song is about facing that that disappointment and trying the best you can to be OK with it."
"Whiskey and Wine," which is one of nine originals contained on Black's sophomore disc titled "One Time," has been described by the Boston Herald as "a compelling" offering, wherein "the beautifully imagined sound and soul of her originals make her a newcomer of note."
  >>  YouTube   

COUNTRY GOSSIP
Reba McEntire is the latest country name in the frame for an 'American Idol' Judge Spot. She too was recently been questioned about taking up a spot but she says — rather emphatically — that we won’t see her on ‘American Idol’ this fall.
No, no, no!” the singer assured during an interview on CMT radio. “I like to play somebody else’s character like on ‘Malibu Country’ and the ‘Reba’ show.”. She went on to say - “I don’t think I’d be able to critique somebody. I don’t speak too hard — that’s against my nature.”

Taylor Swift and Conor Kennedy were spotted eating lunch at The Pancake Pantry in Nashville, then it was dinner at Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Only a handful of fans approached them, one group not switched on for a Taylor/Conor scoop even asked Conor to take a picture of them with Taylo.

Emmylou Harris launches “Woofstock” to Help Rescue Dogs - “I have a dog rescue organization called Bonaparte’s Retreat, and this is a fundraiser for that,” she said. Emmylou will perform at the event along with Buddy Miller, Shawn Camp, Mike Farris, Ella Mae Bowen and The Whites. There will be food and drinks available for the human concertgoers and fun for the four-legged creatures as well with high-end doggie day care The Farm at Natchez Trace offering pet pedicures.

COUNTRY OLYMPICS  /   TWEETS
American Idol winner Phillip Phillips’ coronation single “Home” has leapt from number 84 to number 9 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 this week following multiple TV spots in women’s gymnastics segments in NBC’s Olympic coverage.  >>  YouTube
The track which has a Mumford & Sons meets Fleet Foxes vibe was downloaded 228,000 times last week (a whopping 472 percent increase), and even 11 days after its first Fab Five placement, it’s still no. 1 on the iTunes singles chart.

Unofficially, some have dubbed Jana Kramer as "country’s favorite newcomer." And officially, she's become the new voice behind Nationwide Insurance's well-known “On Your Side” commercial jingle. The commercials debuted in America during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympics.

Jason Aldean tweets “let me get this straight... am i missin somethin here…Badminton is an Olympic sport, but baseball and softball are not?”

MarkWills: Feeling like a sissy but EVERYTIME I see an Olympic athlete cry during the National Anthem, I CRY!

PHOTO
Cambridge Folk Festival Slideshow (John Prine, Toy Hearts, Gretchen Peters, Karine Polwart, Clannad etc) - Link 

Miranda Lambert Live at the 2012 CMA Festival - Image
 

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