Country Bites News snippets December 10 – December 16
SOURCES/LINKS show in RED
Country Routes News Blog would like to thank those of you who have taken the time to visit the site and read the Blog Links.
I hope you have found them useful.
Wishing you Best Wishes this Christmas and Health and Happiness in 2013
Wishing you Best Wishes this Christmas and Health and Happiness in 2013
Enjoy this tune by Jo-El Sonnier while you read the news
UK & IRISH News
The January feature of Country Routes Magazine is an article on a new venue/club at the Top Club, Usworth, Washington which recently restarted by couple Eileen & Barry Mitchinson. The venue is huge with a great stage and lighting and easily accessible from the motorway (2 mins off), with a very friendly atmosphere. Their next show is Friday, February 8th with the Whiteline Fever band - c/c £3. They had a very successful night on Nov 7th with a trio of multi instrumentalists - the very popular, Jet Taylor (BCM nominee for best newcomer) Billy Davis (a wizz on banjo/mandolin) and new gal on the block, Zenne, who plays with acoustic guitar / foot pedal for the back beat
CMA Director of International Relations Bobbi Boyce, recently presented Ken Macleod, of Radio Tay in Scotland, with the CMA International Broadcaster Award.
"I'm thrilled with my award,” said Macleod. “I love this music and the many, many talented singers and musicians who produce it. I also enormously enjoy introducing the music to the audience at Radio Tay and their loyalty and support for the shows for the past 32 years is very important to me. But this award from CMA is truly special. It's recognition from my peers in the Country Music world that I have contributed something to preserving and promoting this wonderful music. That means a great deal to me. As we say here in Scotland, I'm well chuffed!"
Macleod has been the presenter of “It's Country” since the show debuted on Radio Tay in October 1980. The longest-running program on Radio Tay, “It’s Country” airs each Wednesday and Sunday.
Guests over the years have included Boxcar Willie, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Rodney Crowell, Crystal Gayle, Vince Gill, Tom T. Hall, George Hamilton IV, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, Reba, Gene Watson, Tammy Wynette, and others including many British and Irish Country artists.
His support of the format extends beyond the studio. He has organized bus trips to theaters in Scotland to attend various Country Music concerts including The Highwaymen, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers and supports local Country Music clubs both on air and with personal appearances.
Apart from Country Music broadcasting, Macleod is also involved in community and education initiatives and has won four national broadcasting awards for his community work. A golf tournament, which Macleod established and organized for 18 years, has raised almost £200,000 for Radio Tay's "Cash For Kids" charity.
The CMA International Broadcaster Award recognizes outstanding achievement by radio broadcasters outside the United States who have made important contributions toward the development of Country Music in their country (CMA World Press)
Glasgow pop/country duo Raintown update us with their 2012 news and promote their brand new original Christmas single “I Still Believe” in this CMR Nashville interview with Lee Williams the owner of Internet station CMR Nashville (“Europe’s #1 country music station”) and President of the British Country Music Awards >> Audio Link
The January 2013 front cover of Country Music People features The Mavericks. Cover Picture
Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival takes place on 29 March 2013 at 19:00 until 1 April 2013 at 01:00. at the Halkirk Riding Centre. The 2013 Line up includes:
Connie Smith & the Sundowners (USA), Will Bannister (USA), Bobby Florres & the Yellow Rose Band (USA), Kimberly Murray (USA), and Bob Manning, Rance Norton.
From Faroe Isles: Evi Tausen
From Holland: Music Road Pilots
From Ireland; John McNicholl, Jason McGilligan
And the UK home grown talent includes: Manson Grant & The Dynamos, Slange Ava, The Kate Bain Band, The Chicken Pickers, Nashville Union and the Thurso and Wick Youth Bands
On Monday (Dec 12), Taylor Swift and One Direction’s Harry Styles they visited tourist hotspot Bowness-on-Windermere with Harry’s sister Gemma and her boyfriend.
Taylor forked out for toys from the World Of Beatrix Potter for friends back home in the US.
The next day, Harry went even further to impress Taylor by taking her to a traditional British pub. After a walk in the Peak District, they hit the Rising Sun Inn in Hope Valley, Derbys. (Source www.thesun.co.uk)
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| Rising Sun Inn |
Pub manager Sarah Walker, who met 'Haylor' when they ate at her pub the Hope Valley, told The Mirror, "Taylor said she was loving being in Britain and she also seemed to like being in the country."
“And she was excited about her birthday and about flying home for Christmas. She said she didn’t mind the cold, but it will be a lot warmer in Nashville. They were both lovely and she’s a honey.”
Sarah spoke to BBC Radio Sheffield's Allan Watkiss about her surprise customers on Tuesday (Dec 11) where Swift and Styles dined at the Peak District eatery with two friends joining the pair for a traditional English cuisine (Turkey and trimmings).
UK CHART NEWS
On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Week Dec 8, 2012)
Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” is up #13-11
On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Week Dec 22, 2012)
Taylor Swift’s RED is up from #31-27
Official UK Country Album (Week Dec 1, 2012)
Lady Antebellum hold the Top 3 slots with NEED YOU NOW at #1, 2CD Import OWN THE NIGHT/ NEED YOU NOW holds at #2 and OWN THE NIGHT is at #3.
Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale make their debut at #12 with new release BUDDY AND JIM on New West Records.
Frank Jennings held on to the number 1 position for a second week on the Hotdisc Top 40 with his latest single "Born And Raised In Black And White" and also tops the Hotdisc British & Irish Chart for a second week.
BLUEGRASS NEWS
THE ROYS recently connected with entertainment icon Marie Osmond for an episode of her popular new Hallmark Channel TV show, Marie!
Lee and Elaine share insights unique to performing siblings with Marie and discuss their new CD and career goals. The award-winning duo is honored to be the first Bluegrass artist to appear on the show, and they perform their current Top 20 single "Still Standing." The song is an uplifting tale of triumph over adversity that features Elaine's passionate lead vocal and Lee's poetic harmony; the track is from The Roys' most-recent disc NEW DAY DAWNING (Rural Rhythm Records). The episode aired Thursday, December 13 at 12 Noon - "You hear people say they feel immediate connections with some folks," notes Elaine Roy. "But I have to say that we actually felt like we'd known Marie forever." Her brother Lee notes, "I have never met anyone more warm and welcoming. It was an exciting experience to bring Bluegrass to such a unique platform." (Rural Rhythm Press)
AUSSIE NEWS
Australia's greatest country export, Keith Urban, has been nominated for a Golden Globe award.
The 'Somebody Like You' singer has been nominated for Best Original Song for his track 'For You' which he wrote for the film Act Of Valor. Urban's wife Nicole has also been nominated for two awards for her role in fim The Paperboy, and the TV series, Hemingway & Gellhorn.Two more Aussies were also nominated, including Hugh Jackman for his role in Les Miserables, and Naomi Watts for the movie The Impossible. The Golden Globes will be held on January 13, 2013 and will be hosted by comedians Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.
NEWS
Jo Dee Messina and her longtime label Curb Records have parted ways, her publicist has confirmed. Messina landed her first Top 10 hit for the label in 1996 with "Heads Carolina, Tails California." Six of her 12 Top 10 singles reached No. 1, with the most recent being "My Give a Damn's Busted" from 2005. Messina has not released a full-length album since Delicious Surprise in 2005. She is currently working on new album to be released early next year, her publicist said (www.musiccityusanews.com)
Taylor Swift celebrated her 23rd birthday with the release of her 23rd music video. “I Knew You Were Trouble” which premiered, December 13th on MTV and MTV.com. As soon as I started writing this song, I knew it was different from anything else on the record, so I knew I wanted the video to be different from anything we’d done ever done,” Swift said. “I wanted to tell the story of a girl who falls into a world that’s too fast for her, and suffers the consequences”
Lady Antebellum’s previously announced performance at NEBRASKAland DAYS in North Platte on June 21st, 2013 has been cancelled," event organizers write on the website for the show, which was scheduled to take place June 21 in North Platte. "Hillary Scott is expecting her first baby and will not be able to travel and perform through the summer."
According to The Boot due to the Hillary’s bundle of joy likely arriving around June, it appears some fans will miss out on seeing Lady A on the road next summer. Concerts the trio had already scheduled for summer 2013 have now been wiped off their calendar. (Source-www.musiccityusanews.com)
Lindsay Anderton from the trio Lucy Angel is expecting a baby girl due Jan 14. Bellylicious "Bootylicious" Destiny's Child - Beyonce Knowles featuring Lucy Angel . Congratulations for the new coming angel! >> YouTube
Jason Aldean has been added to “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” and will help thousands ring in 2013 in Times Square. He’s joining the likes of Taylor Swift for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2013.” Jason and Taylor will be performing live in Times Square on Monday, December 31st on ABC.
Beginning at 10:00 p.m., ET, Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy will return to interview the revelers in Times Square. Fergie returns to host the Los Angeles-based portions of the specials. The bi-coastal celebration will include over 5 ½ hours of special performances and reports on New Year’s celebrations from around the globe, and with Ryan Seacrest leading the traditional countdown to midnight from Times Square in New York City. (www.musiccityusanews.com )
Colt Ford has been chosen as the NRA Country Artist Of The Month for December. Simultaneously, he is also celebrating his first nomination as “Breakthrough Artist of the Year” on the fan-voted Fox television broadcast of the American Country Awards live from Las Vegas on December 10, at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
His latest album, Declaration Of Independence, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Country Album chart, is one of the most noteworthy country releases of the year. He closes out the year, joining some of country music’s biggest artists in teaming up with NRA Country to celebrate his support of our brave men and women in uniform, appreciation for the great outdoors, and love of family.
"I have lived my life and built my career around core values my parents instilled in me: love of God, family, friends, America, and hard work. I share those ideals with my NRA Country family. I embrace the chance to be a role model for my kids and all of the other young country kids who are the future of this great nation. God Bless America. My Name is Colt Ford and I am NRA Country."
Each month a new country music artist will be featured on NRACountry.com, highlighting what makes them ‘NRA Country.’ Past featured artists include: Justin Moore, Lee Brice, Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Sunny Sweeney, Rodney Atkins, Gretchen Wilson, Josh Thompson, Love and Theft, Easton Corbin, Heidi Newfield, Aaron Lewis, and TV personality Storme Warren.
>> YouTube
What is the NRA’s reaction to the Newtown school shooting?
Twenty children and six women died in the assault on Sandy Hook school by a lone gunman who then took his own life. He had earlier killed his mother. Victims
On Sunday President Barack Obama told residents at a vigil in Newtown the US must do more to protect its children.
He said he would use the powers of his office to prevent a repeat of the tragedy, adding that the nation shared the townspeople's grief. "We can't tolerate this any more," Mr Obama said. "These tragedies must end and to end them we must change”
Dare Obama cross the NRA?
According to National Public Radio, of the 61 mass shootings in the USA over the past 30 years, 80% were committed with guns that were obtained legally. Is this the best argument for gun control?
When it comes to the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms, we again have to look at the sense of responsibility of the parents and individuals versus whether we need more gun laws and bans.Violent video games and television has evolved since the late 1990s, and – with it – violent acts like the school shooting in Newtown. Instead of keeping children from playing those games and viewing the television programs, many parents purchase them as birthday or Christmas presents for their kids…Read more. Music News Nashville Editorial http://www.musicnewsnashville.com/an-editorial-about-the-newtown-school-shootings
The National Rifle Association canceled a Twitter event with country music star Colt Ford on Friday, just hours after a deranged gunman killed 26 people in a Connecticut elementary school.
Colt Ford, NRA Country’s December “artist of the month” was slated to take over the group’s official Twitter account to tweet to fans starting Friday afternoon.
An announcement on that Twitter account posted Friday reportedly read “Apologies for the inconvenience, but the @ColtFord Tweet & Greet will be rescheduled. Please check back for more info!”
By Saturday morning that tweet was no longer visible on the NRA Country account. The group did not immediately respond to the Daily News’ request for comment on whether the event was canceled because of the unfolding tragedy in Newtown, Conn.
SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
On The Twelfth day of December the Eve Selis Band shared with fans a new seasonal album A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS for $12 starting 12-12-12!! Listen /Buy at eveselis.bandcamp.com
The release of Ashley Monroe’s LIKE A ROSE has been pushed back to March 5. From the press release: “The great Vince Gill and I have written a brand new song that I love so much I have to put it on my new album,” Monroe says to explain the new street date. On December 22, Monroe and Gill will play two songs from Like a Rose at the Opry.
PRESS RELEASES
Rural Rhythm Records is proud to announce they have signed Dave Adkins & Republik Steele to the label. A new single,
"That's Just The Way I Roll" written by Tim Stafford, Steve Gulley and Terry Herd, will be released to radio later this month. The song is the title track of their upcoming new album scheduled for release early 2013. (Press Release)
Lisa Matassa, a Long Island resident, shared her personal thoughts about subjects as diverse as Hurricane Sandy's impact, songwriting and the launch of her second musical career. Matassa spoke excitedly of the Watertown, Tennessee video shoot for her current single, "Somebody's Baby," directed by Traci Goudie (Hunter Hayes, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin). The video has logged over 2.49 MILLION YouTube views to date and is included on her new, enhanced EP, SOMEBODY'S BABY.
The Country songstress also performed an acoustic version of "Wouldn't You Like To Know" (a Matassa co-write with Don Rollins and Jody Gray), from the disc. The episode marks her debut on the popular show Inside Music Row
Watch the interview >> YouTube - Kirt Webster / Webster & Associates
Kenny Rogers is teaming up with the Bergen Performing Arts Center and the Englewood Fire Department in Englewood, New Jersey, with the help of sponsors Fisher-Price and Mattel, to collect toys this holiday season for children in need in Bergen County, New Jersey, including areas severely hit by Hurricane Sandy. Always an important event in the community, the annual holiday toy drive will carry special significance this year taking into account the devastation Hurricane Sandy caused throughout the state of New Jersey. Rogers, who brought his 23-city Christmas and Hits Tour with special guest Billy Dean to the bergenPAC on Wednesday, December 19, will match monetary donations up to $10,000 to purchase toys for the drive. Webster & Associates Public Relations
Ricky Skaggs' album MUSIC TO MY EARS garners praise from The Associated Press, The Chicago Tribune,CMT, GAC, Country Weekly, Elmore Magazine, Relix Magazine and No Depression, Among Others. "I'm always humbled when I read reviews of a new project I've just done," says Skaggs. "The kind words from seasoned writers and young writers alike really encourage me to keep making music." Absolute Publicity, Inc
Fresh off of scoring his third consecutive No. 1 single, Jake Owen has been added to the list of country stars set to take the Country Thunder stage in Twin Lakes, Wis., July 18-21, 2013. Additionally, Sarah Darling and Dean Alexander join the line-up, which includes previously-announced performers Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town and more. Lady Antebellum’s previously-announced performance at Country Thunder on July 21st has been cancelled, as Hillary Scott is expecting her first baby and will not be able to travel and perform through the summer.
Streamsound Records recording artist Austin Webb will release his debut single, “It’s All Good,” to Country radio Dec. 17.
The track is a rhythmic and soulful nod to “relaxing, lovin’ the girl you’re with and treating her right,” notes Webb, whose laid-back sound incorporates the two musical genres he grew up listening to most: Country and Soul.
Webb co-wrote “It’s All Good” with friend and frequent collaborator Jake Mitchell. The track is Webb’s first single from his upcoming 2013 full-length album release, produced by Streamsound’s Byron Gallimore. The Grammy-winning producer has worked with and produced No. 1 hits for acts including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Sugarland and Lauren Alaina, among others.
“‘It’s All Good’ really captures good love and good times in a lighthearted and groovy manner,” says Webb. “It’s about waking up beside a good looking woman and just forgetting the problems of daily life. It only took about a half a pack of cigarettes to write!”
A Greenville, S.C., native, Webb cites iconic artists and songwriters like Joe Cocker, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Guy Clark, Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt as major influences. He currently lives in Nashville and has been visiting radio stations for the past two months on a national radio tour. (aristopr.com)
ARTICLES
New Artist Spotlight: Florida Georgia Line © 2012 CMA Close Up by Bob Doerschuk - www.musicnewsnashville.com
WATCH
Joker Brad Paisley premiered the official music video of “Southern Comfort Zone,” during a live Ustream on December 10, at 2 p.m. Central Time / 3 p.m. Eastern. Fans worldwide could chat with Brad immediately following the video’s premiere via Ustream’s social stream and Twitter by tweeting #bradpaisleychat.
Missed it? Watch it back on www.ustream.tv
Brad’s live 24 Hour Music Video premiere on Ustream garnered over 10 Million Twitter Impressions. After 10,000 miles, eight countries in eight days, two cameras, one tractor, one Maasi giraffe and six jackets – Paisley had a video.
The video created 10,285,980 impressions and reached an audience of 2,965,144 followers – during the broadcast alone
Since it was released the single has sold 205,854 downloads (Billboard Country Digital Chart 13 Dec 2012 selling 12,212 copies a weekly drop of 27%)
COUNTRY FASHION
Check out the American Country Music Awards Blog Post - Link
COUNTRY GOSSIP
What would Taylor Swift say? Harry Styles kisses pretty brunette in New York as One Direction perform at Z100's Jingle Ball
One Direction hit the red carpet for Z100's Jingle Ball in New York on 7 December 2012.
Harry Styles had a romantic moment with Taylor Swift at a Jingle Ball after party in New York last week.
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| Taylor at the Z100 Ball |
The One Direction singer, 18, was snapped lifting his new girl up as they recreated the dance scene from hit 1987 film Dirty Dancing following the concert at Madison Square Garden.
'It was brilliant. The song came on and they just started dancing together,' says a source.
'They didn't know it from start to finish, but towards the end they had a little chat, then she took a run and jumped into his arms. Everyone was laughing and egging them on.'
Taylor, 22, and Harry continued their fun by doing some karaoke with the other 1D boys and their friend Ed Sheeran, who'll be supporting Taylor on her North American tour next year.
The pair returned to the UK before One Direction's performance at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball on Saturday and were reported to be relaxing in a romantic cottage near Manchester.
'They've been there since Sunday,' (9 Dec) the insider tells The Sun.
'Taylor's management and security were in a nearby hotel with instructions that she will call them when she's ready to leave.
Keith Urban says sitting between Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj on the upcoming season of FOX’s American Idol is “Juicy, very juicy!” Keith arrived in California of Wednesday (Dec 12) and took a few minutes to joke with reporters at a press event.
On the serious note Keith admits that he likes what he is doing with American Idol saying, “I like it, I get along great with everybody. So, for me it’s been fun.”
The countdown to FOX’s American Idol 2013 premiere is on! FOX has announced all the details you’ll need to make sure you catch the Season 12 debut. Starting on Wednesday, January 16th at 8PM ET/PT you’ll be able to tune in and watch as the new panel of judges hits the road and crosses America in search of the next great talent. The very next night you’ll get another two hours of American Idol at 8PM ET/PT with more of the auditioning fun. So that’s 4 hours of Idol fun in the very first week. The season continues the next Thursday, January 24th. Music City USA News
Kelly Clarkson is officially engaged to her boyfriend of a year, Brandon Blackstock, the singer announced on Twitter Dec. 15.
"I'M ENGAGED!!!!!" the 30-year-old wrote. "I wanted y'all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night! I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever."
Clarkson even shared a photo of her gorgeous ring -- a yellow canary diamond.
"Everyone has been asking about my engagement ring, so here it is :)" she wrote, posting a photo. "It's a yellow canary diamond with diamonds around" Just last month, Clarkson stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and revealed that although Blackstock hadn't proposed yet, she knew he was going to.
"... We are totally going to get married. We love each other. We are totally going to get married one day," Clarkson gushed about Blackstock, who is Reba McEntire's stepson. "He's got two children and I'm new," she added, "I mean he's got to put a ring on it at some point! But I'll wait it out" (Music City USA News)
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