Thursday, 8 May 2014

Country Bites News snippets April 28 – May 4, 2014

Country Bites News snippets April 28 – May 4, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

The Shires with "Nashville Grey Skies" have been added to BBC Radio 2 "B" playlist for the week commencing Saturday 3rd May 2014.

"Now we heard Bob Harris not so long ago, one of his favourite new outfits is this one, me too they're The Shires..They are the Shires and the Nashville Grey Skies, like them a lot" Richard Allison - BBC Playlist
They made their national radio debut in session on Bob Harris Country. The band, Ben and Crissie, recently became the first ever UK country act to be signed to a major Nashville label, and they have just been recording their debut album in Music City. They told Bob about their history, their experiences of Nashville and why country superstar Brad Paisley offered to play on their album.
A new UK band and one I think are going to be very big indeed, The Shires, Ben Earle & Crissie Rhodes and this week their first single "Nashville Grey Skies" was added to the Radio 2 playlist following Ward Thomas into that elite grouping" said Bob Harris. Listen back to their BBC Radio 2 Session

UK dates added to the Blog Tour Page Kim Richey, Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo, Holly Williams, Jason Isbell, Tumbling Bones, Tia McGraff (Canada) and UK acts Gary Quinn, Kelly Lee & her band, Talia Smith, Sally Barker, Charlie Dore, Bex Marshall and Hannah Jane Lewis.

Darius Rucker , platinum-selling recording artist and C2C2013 star had a special announcement for his fans on May 3rd.

The former Hootie & The Blowfish singer turned country artist / Grand Ole Opry member who celebrates his 48th birthday next week (May 13, 1966) gave his European fans something to celebrate by announcing several upcoming European tour dates via Twitter. - Image . Sun 9th Nov (Melkweg, Amsterdam), Mon 10th Nov  (Grunspan, Hamburg), Weds 12th Nov (C-Club, Berlin),                            
Thurs 13 Nov (Theatrefabrik, Munich), Fri 14th Nov (Army Base, Spangdahlem, Germany), 16th Nov (Army Base, Rota, Spain)                                          
Tues 18th Nov (O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London), Weds 19th Nov (Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton),  
Thurs 20th Nov (Ritz, Manchester), Sat 22nd Nov (ABC, Glasgow) and Sun 23rd Nov (Vicar Street, Dublin) – Full details Blog Tour Page 

Callaghan the Lincolnshire born Americana singer-songwriter who has been based in America for several years pursuing her music has announced a Pledge Music campaign to help make her new studio album. 
She has recorded the first three tracks in Nashville with the talented writer and producer Dennis Matkosky.
 Featured exclusives items range from Callaghan's new album download (£6) to A Song Written For You: Provide Callaghan with 5 sentences about your life or the person you love and after a telephone conversation with you she will write and record a song for you. The recording will be acoustic with guitar and piano and yours to keep for ever. By arrangement Callaghan will also come to your home and perform the song live for you and your guests as part of a Callaghan house concert ($10,000 - £5,920!) So far with 55 days left 65% of the goal has been reached from 94 Pledges - Pledgemusic.com/callaghan

Sally Barker, “the voice that made Sir Tom Jones cry”, is making a welcome return to TwickFolk on Sunday 14 September at The Cabbage Patch Pub (67 London Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 3SZ) - Tickets

Americana International (July 10 - 13) were pleased to announce that the 4-week Radio 2 playlisted UK duo Ward Thomas have been added to this years line up - See Graphic

Pete Kennedy, the Birr, County Offaly, Republic of Ireland native and 2 time BCMAward Album of the Year winner has his latest album, I AM THE ONE featured on US iTunes this week! Released in America on May 6, 2014 as “an introduction to” it's  in "New and Noteworthy" category in Country, alongside Rascal Flatts, Hunter Hayes, Brantley Gilbert and the Nashville Soundtrack. "This is definitely the highlight of my career to date" said Kennedy on Facebook.
This 13 Track album includes all the tracks (apart from “Until the Lights Go Out”) from 2 previously released EP’s “The Nashville Sessions Vol.1 & Vol. 2” which gained back-to-back UK “Album of the Year” honours at the British Country Music Awards (BCMAwards). The album also contains “Georgia On My Mind” >> Listen on Soundcloud (Pete Kennedy & Eban Brown lead singer for "The Stylistics") and new US single
>> "I Dreamed". Singer/songwriter Jo-Leah has a track on the album, called "Crazy Country Girl", that she and Pete wrote together. Pete who is managed by Lee Williams the CEO of CMR Nashville will appear with the UK's Sam Hollyman during CMA Fest in Nashville on June 5th on the Arena Tower Stage see graphic

Alan West (NEO Music) the singer-songwriter C2C artist is putting on a Midwinterfest at The Derwent Hotel in Torquay on the weekend of Jan 16th, 17th and 18th, 2015! A weekend of concerts covering the country music spectrum in an intimate environment. Appearing the much hyped Raintown (Paul Bain and Claire McArthur), Ward Thomas (Radio 2 playlisted for 4 weeks), The Swing Commanders (Western Swing and Novelty songs), Winter Mountain (from Cornwall and Donegal, blending melodic folk songs) and The Gary Quinn Band (2013 BCMAward winner).
Resident for the weekend: Alan West, Steve Black, Adam Sweet & Dean Barnes.
Cost: £179 to include two nights bed, breakfast, evening meal and Sunday lunch plus of course  a weekend of music (Beginning with dinner on Friday and ending after lunch on Sunday). to book visit neo-music.net - Image

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending May 10, 2014)


Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) fell 12-21 in its 5th week with sales between 3,300 – 3,800 copies and an estimated new tally of 45,000.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending May 10, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) stays at No.1 for a fifth week
Charlie Worsham with RUBBERBAND (first released in Aug 2013) held at No.2. Rosanne Cash with THE RIVER & THE THREAD moved 6-3 in her 12th week.
The Secret Sisters with PUT YOUR NEEDLE DOWN  (Decca) made a bow at No.14. The album which hasn’t had any UK promotion yet is currently only available in physical format with a Digital release on May 26th – UK iTunes pre-order. 

On the Hotdisc Chart (May 4, 2014 Chart)  

Jamie O'Neal held at #1 for a third week with "The Sweetest Thing" to remain top the Hotdisc Top 40.
Ray Scott with "Gotta Quit Drinkin'" was a non-mover at No.2 . The Hayley Oliver Band with “Bright Side Of Life” held at No.3 to hold onto the No1 on the British and Irish Hotdisc chart listing for a fourth straight week.
D K Davis with “Waitin’ On The Weekend” held at #4. British artist Gary Curtis with “Crazy Love” climbed 7-5.
Markus Fox’s I’m Still Coming Home” made a 8-6 hop.
Canada’s Domino had a good week with “All We Need Tonight” climbing a further 5 slots to burst into the top 10 with a 12-7 leap. Moore & Moore with “Show Me Your Country” also bagged a Top 10 place with a 5 place northwards stride 14-9 passing the former No.1 Bertie Higgins’ "Just Another Day In Paradise" which moved south with a 6-10 slid.
US act Joe Allen with “Can’t Take These Things” made a further move up the chart with a 15-13 progression.
Lisa Lambert with “Living Room Waltz” co-written with Scott Nunley finally made the top 20 moving up two, 22-20 .

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES

(5 May 2014) Leah Turner - EP (Columbia Nashville)
5 Tracks/ Time: 17:59 MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 
(6 May 2014) Hunter Hayes - Storyline (Atlantic Nashville)
14 Tracks/ Time: 49:58 CD - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com - US iTunes

AUSSIE NEWS
Roo Arcus with “Out On The Farm” moved 4-1 to top the Country Tracks Top 30 Australia's leading chart. The previous 2-week No1 “All She Wrote” from Christie Lamb slipped 1-2.

Brisbane singer/songwriter Harmony James will release her third and highly anticipated album CAUTIONARY TALES on Friday June 13. The former jillaroo, who has always preferred to "drift in lonely outposts, learned her songwriting craft under wide-open skies. Now, thanks to the success of her first two albums, she hasn't been near a horse for a couple of years. Cautionary Tales was recorded mainly at the famous Alberts Studio on Sydney's lower North Shore and Ramrod Studios, also in Sydney, with long-time producer Herm Kovac and her regular band (guitarist Glen Hannah, bassist Jeff McCormack and drummer Steve Fearnley).The album features appearances from Mike Carr, Drew McAlister (McAlister Kemp), Brooke McClymont (The McClymonts) and Mark Sholtez.

Debut single “Deep End” is the first taste of Jared Porter’s soon-to-be released debut album – his major prize as the reigning Star Maker. It’s an annual search for an individual star that has the greatest potential to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the prize package which includes the recording of a full album with a leading producer, full use of a Toyota motor vehicle including fuel card for their winning year, guaranteed performance at major festivals throughout Australia, monthly media exposure in Country Music Capital News, introductions to many of Australia’s great industry personnel, a return flight to Nashville to attend the CMA Festival and a performance at the Global Artist Party and much more – valued at over $100,000.
If Jared’s sound reminds you of what’s happening overseas, there’s a good reason – the young man spent the first half of his life in his place of birth, America, where he sampled life and musical influences from Tennessee and California.
Listen to “Deep End” on Soundcloud.com

NEWS

  • Snapshot news Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News - May 2, 2014 - May 6, 2014 
  • Scotty McCreery Held Up At Gunpoint In Raleigh, NC: Scotty McCreery was visiting his friends at their apartment in Raleigh when three men broke in and held-up the five people inside. The incident happened at just before 2 A.M. when three men with guns forced their way into the apartment. The criminals made off with their wallets and cellphones.
  • A resident of the apartment called 911 from the bedroom immediately after his other friends were being held at gunpoint. “We Got Robbed,” he told the 911 Dispatchers. “They are all freaked out.” The gunmen forced McCreery and his friends to lay facedown on the floor with a gun held to their heads.
  • Jamey Johnson is a free agent: he’s no longer signed to Mercury Records. There’s currently no news on what his next music move might be.
  • Holly Williams has a new high-profile backup singer. Turns out that Gwyneth Paltrow joined her onstage at The Roxy in Hollywood.
  • Brantley Gilbert will embark on a six-day charity motorcycle ride on May 21 from Athens, Georgia, to Washington, D.C., where he’ll take part in a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Gilbert will stop in such cities as Atlanta and Columbia, South Carolina, as he promotes the May 19 release of his album Just As I Am. The ride is presented with Harley-Davidson, and Folds of Honor is the military charity that will benefit from the event.
  • Wayne Hancock is recovering from a motorcycle accident that left him with a collapsed lung and fractured elbow. He’s still hospitalized and his May shows have been cancelled so that he can recuperate. As with most independent musicians, Wayne’s income is wholly derived from performances and selling music and merch.
  • The CMA Music Festival and the 2014 Fest is shaping up to present a lineup that is destined to please fans and create numerous opportunities for music discovery during the Festival, happening Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8, in downtown Nashville. New in 2014, Samsung Galaxy presents the Samsung Galaxy Stage in Walk of Fame Park, where fans can experience great music and activities. Sam Hollyman and David Bradley from the UK are two of the artists appearing. See the full listings for the stages in the Press Release - Graphic
  • Chris Young had to stop his show to break up >> a fight Friday night in Glen Falls, New York. Two guys starting hitting each other right in front of the stage at the all-ages show. Chris told ABC News Radio, "I'm like, 'Man, just calm down. Chill out. There's no need for that. Don't bring people you don't like to the concert!'" Instead of insisting the guys be thrown out, Chris told them they could stay if they just stopped fighting. "I was like, 'Drink beer. Have a good time,'" Chris said.
  •  Florida Georgia Line 'don't really know' what 'bro country' means. "We've heard the term 'bro country', and I don't really know what it means," Brian Kelley told FOX411. "People like to label things I guess these days. What's country? What's not country?" But since day one, the band set out to create music that's “fun and that's fresh." "Our music's got all of our influences in one," Kelley explained.  "We just call it the Florida-Georgia-Line sound." And what do they have to say to those saying they're not country enough? "I think the fans, the award shows, that's kind of answered that," said Kelley. "It feels at home where we're at. We're having the time of our lives.
  • Brad Paisley lawsuit against his label blew up the blogosphere last week with headlines like, “Sony Music stole $10 million!” and “Brad Paisley is furious.” As with most things on the internet, believe everything you read ... or not. These breathless and shocking(!) reports stem from a filing made in March that was, in fact, a revision of a suit that has been on the books since 2010. The action stems from disagreements over audits of Sony by Paisley’s reps dating back to 2006. Further, Paisley’s lawyers assert he has been “underpaid in an amount in excess of $10 million since 2006.”
The 2014 CMA Music Festival will have fans rockin’ on the Riverfront with the >> announcement of performers for the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage. The lineup for the free daily concerts is packed with more than 50 artists, from Country Music legends to the brightest up-and-coming stars. CMA Award nominees Big & Rich will officially kick off the Festival when they take the stage on Thursday, June 5 (10:00 AM/CT). This will mark the first time the duo will hit the Riverfront stage together, setting the pace for the music-filled days to follow. Performers scheduled to hit the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage include Frankie Ballard, Big & Rich, Danielle Bradbery, Kristian Bush, Craig Campbell, Jason Michael Carroll, Terri Clark, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dan + Shay, Tyler Farr, Colt Ford, Gloriana, LoCash Cowboys, Lonestar, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis, David Nail, Jon Pardi, Parmalee, Eric Paslay, Kellie Pickler, Cassadee Pope, Collin Raye, Chase Rice, Maggie Rose, Corey Smith, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three, The Swon Brothers, Uncle Kracker, Clay Walker, Darryl Worley, Charlie Worsham, and Wynonna.

COUNTRY AWARDS
With a total of six nominations, Miranda Lambert leads the field for the 2014 CMT Music Awards. The nominees were revealed Monday morning (May 5) across CMT's digital platforms by the cast of the network's Party Down South through short video.
Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan follow Lambert with five nominations each, while Keith Urban and Taylor Swift are tied with four each. Blake Shelton and Hunter Hayes each pulled in three nominations, and two each went to Carrie Underwood, Cassadee Pope, Eric Church, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Antebellum, Pistol Annies, The Band Perry, Thomas Rhett and Tim McGraw. For a complete listing of the final nominees for the 2014 CMT Music Awards click hereVoting is now underway at CMT.com and continues until June 1 at midnight ET. Fans can vote online at CMT.com.

TV

Gwen Sebastian (Flying Island) and Season 2 “Voice” contestant returned to the show on May 5 on NBC to sing Blake’s new single “My Eyes” which features Sebastian. She was also asked to mentor Team Blake. “This Monday night I’ll be singing with my favorite Country & Western singer Blake Shelton. We’ll be singing the new single “My Eyes” and not only that, but they’ve asked me to be a mentor on the show to Blake’s team so it just feels like the best birthday present ever!” Sebastian said.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

  • Kristian Bush’s first solo album will be produced by Longtime Sugarland producer Byron Gallimore, the first single is expected this summer.
  • Rascal Flatts new album REWIND is available for iTunes pre-Order. You get a new song each week leading up to the May 19th UK release. 
  • Zac Brown Band is releasing an expanded edition of their EP, The Grohl Sessions Vol.1, with a bonus DVD featuring a 50-minute documentary on the making of the project. The new version of The Grohl Sessions Vol. 1 comes out May 19 at Walmart.
  • Joshua Scott Jones of Steel Magnolia fame will release his solo debut album, The Healing, in June 3.
  • Bryan White announced on his Facebook page that his Kickstarter-backed album, SHINE, will be released on May 27.
  • "I've been writing quite a bit, it's exciting!" Carrie Underwood told US Magazine of her upcoming fifth studio album. "It definitely has a different sound. There are some thematic things that are quite different. I love strong women. So I want things that I can get on stage and just feel empowered."
  • Rose's Pawn Shop are preparing to release their new album GRAVITY WELL and reaching out to fans to help get the record out to the world. So far 32 backers have pledged $1,352 of a $15,000 goal with 28 days to go of their Kickstarter Campaign
  • Shovels & Rope, the critically acclaimed duo of Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, are set to release their sophomore album SWIMMIN’ TIME (Dualtone Music) on August 26. Swimmin’ Time is the highly-anticipated follow up to the band’s 2012 breakthrough debut O’ Be Joyful, which garnered unanimous praise from the press. Swimmin’ Time features 13 new songs that maintain the elemental Shovels & Rope songwriting and sound while incorporating new ingredients to the mix.
  • This six-disc Bear Family box set of Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner’s recordings came out on May 5. Its available in the UK on Smart Choice Music (UPC 5397102168895) for £109.99, release Date May 26th 2014 – Press Release / Track List
 PRESS RELEASES
  • The Country Music Association (CMA) announced that legendary Southern Rockers The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) will return to Nashville this June to help kick-off the 2014 CMA Music Festival.
  • Joshua Scott Jones, best known as one half of the country duo Steel Magnolia, will release his debut solo album, THE HEALING, on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.
  • Natalie Stovall and The Drive are among the dozen plus celebrities who have teamed up with Ohio-based Veterans Matter to generate awareness about the issue of homeless veterans.
  • Americanafest NYC Will Offer Concerts Aug. 6-10, by a range of artists: Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell, Robert Ellis, Tift Merritt, Rosanne Cash, The Lone Bellow, Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale etc.
  • April showers…brought lots of new opportunities for Irene Kelley
  • Jason D. Williams' 'Hillbillies & Holy Rollers' (produced by Dale Watson) evokes spirit of Jerry Lee Lewis and Sun Records
  • Lindsay Lawler, Country recording artist and Highway Angel program spokesperson will hit the road later this month for her second consecutive Highway Angel Truck Stop Tour - and TravelCenters of America LLC (TA) has just announced its reprised role as host to this year's series of events. The tour, designed to promote a better trucking industry image through the exposure of the Truckload Carriers Association's (TCA) Highway Angel program.
  • Aaron Bozwell, a country singer-songwriter from Hendersonville, Tenn., has it all – almost. He has great songs, a powerful voice and a hot country backup band. He has a legion of fans that come to hear his music. All he really needs is the financial means to produce his new album, WHITE CLOUDS. It includes 10 songs that have been written in the past year. He has released four previous CDs, the most recent of which was 2013's It Ain't Over Yet. His new album, however, promises to be the best of all, by far. Bozwell has a team of top-flight Nashville musicians ready, willing and able to lay down the tracks for White Clouds. Bozwell needs $30,000 for studio time, musicians, engineering and mastering, not to mention marketing, promotion, a video and tour support. In order to generate this capital, he has launched YOU'VE GUESSED IT a Kickstarter campaign, which can be viewed at kickstarter.com.  So far 8 backers have contributed $300 pledged of $30,000 goal with just 14 days to go!
  • Dolly Parton with just a week to go before the music superstar releases her 42nd studio album BLUE SMOKE on May 13th to retail, offers up a few ‘bundles’ for those music enthusiasts that pre-order her latest musical endeavor.
  • Kellie Pickler will appear on ABC’s hit drama television series “Nashville” on Wednesday, May 7. Pickler performs her most recent single “Closer to Nowhere” from her current album The Woman I Am in the episode, which is titled “All or Nothing with Me” and was filmed at Fort Campbell. The episode also contains a special appearance by First Lady Michelle Obama.
  • Americana Awards Nominees are to be announced Monday, May 12
ARTICLES

  • Rachele Lynae Focuses on Musical Storytelling - entscoop.com
  • CMA Close Up: Brett Eldredge by Lorie Hollabaugh: Hits New Heights: Brett Eldredge opened the biggest year of his career in 2013, with a chart-topping smash, “Don’t Ya” (written by Eldredge, Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley). He also toured with Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift, and has made numerous media appearances, including atop a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But success wasn’t quick in coming to the hard-working artist…..
  • 'Nashville: On the Record' One-Hour Music Special aired Weds April 23: a documentary web series that follows the life of original songs performed on “NASHVILLE” written by singer/songwriters in the music scene, from the songs’ inception to on-air premiere. The series offers an intimate look into the songwriting process, from guitar demo to music video and all the steps in between.
  • USA Today: Hunter Hayes' own 'Storyline' is a work in progress ......Hayes speaks in short, rapid-fire bursts, new ideas forming in his head before he finishes expressing his previous one. He makes records the same way. While Storyline is a more fully realized work than its predecessor, it also suggests massive, still-untapped potential. "Hunter Hayes is nowhere near a finished project," says Gregg Swedberg, program director for Minneapolis country station KEEY-FM. "Look at some of the other artists who are really awesome musicians, like Keith Urban. They were so much older than Hunter was when they hit. They had a lot of time to grow up and get seasoned. Hunter has gotten really good, really fast and is still in the process of growing."…
  • radio.com Country Embraces Hip-Hop and Electronic Music, and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It…."It's our generation," said Jason Aldean. "And I don't think it's a big deal."....Dallas Davidson, one of the writers behind “That’s My Kind of Night,” doesn’t care what critics think — he’s just glad it became a hit. “The traditional country people are not going to like it,” he said, “but it’s 2013. The young kids and actually the people buying records, which is all that matters to me, they like the new stuff, and that song gives it to them.”
  • The Sunday Times That British twang: Country is being reborn — in Bedford, not Nashville.
  • The Tennessean; Country music stars get cooking: When the Zac Brown Band hits the road, they take their instruments, amps and 54-foot custom food truck called "Cookie." "We're Southern guys," says Rusty Hamlin, traveling chef for the Grammy-winning band, whose 2008 hit "Chicken Fried" catapulted them to fame. Before each show, Hamlin feeds up to 200 fans a gourmet Southern meal as they hang out with the band. "Nothing makes us happier than getting to know people around a plate of food."…
REVIEWS
Country Weekly  “Nashville” Stars Delight the Windy City…Deacon, Scarlett, Avery, Gunnar and Will Impress The Crowd At Joe’s Bar. They scrambled to buy tickets for the chance to get close to Deacon, Scarlett, Avery, Gunnar and Will. Yet, by the looks of the adoring sold-out crowd at Joe’s Bar in Chicago Friday night, they ended up falling in love with Charles, Clare, Jonathan, Sam and Chris. Make no mistake—there were the gaggles of 40-somethings swooning over Deacon, and 20-somethings admiring Scarlett’s Pink Pewter headband and blue sparkly dress she just might have borrowed from the fine ABC wardrobe department…

INTERVIEWS
Radio.com : Hunter Hayes Talks New Album ‘Storyline’ …."It's all about the search, no matter what you find. And it was a fun search."

BOOKS


 ‘Country Music’s Greatest Eats,’ is out with recipes from a ton of stars including Miranda Lambert who shared her mama's meatloaf with brown sugar, sausage and saltines. Zac Brown Band’s recipes include their Louisiana Blue Crab-Stuffed Catfish with Bacon-Mushroom Grits. Southern Living Country Music's Greatest Eats - Presented by CMT: Showstopping Recipes & Riffs from Country's Biggest Stars
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Oxmoor House, Incorporated (6 May 2014)
ISBN-10: 0848742974
ISBN-13: 978-0848742973

LISTEN

NPR First Listen: Sturgill Simpson, 'Metamodern Sounds In Country Music'.....In case you need a clue as to where Simpson is coming from, the title comes in handy: Metamodern Sounds in Country Music nods to the genre-expanding Ray Charles classic Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, and tells you he's going to fold country's conventions over on themselves as if he's trying to create some kind of musical space-time portal. The album drops 12th May 2014 available on  Amazon UK - Amazon.com - US iTunes See Maverick Magazine New To You feature - Image

New Singles: HIT or MISS?
Rachel Lipsky 'Bones' (>> Lyric Video) - Single Art  “Tipped to go pretty far” - Lee Williams, CEO CMR Nashville
The Denver, CO native and Nashville based IMEA Country Female Vocalist of the Year award, invited by Armed Forces Entertainment to perform for the troops overseas. This new single was released on 29th April 2014 (2014 Artemusic Records) and is available on Amazon UK - UK iTunes - US iTunes

Chasin' Crazy "That’s How We Do Summertime" >> Lyric video >> soundcloud.com
The Summer anthem for 2014? One Direction meets Chris Young? The singer Landon Parker at the start definitely sounded likes the C2C2014 star and country most eligible bachelor.
Chasin' Crazy - Click To ENLARGE










The debut single, released 14th April 2014 (RPM Entertainment) and now at country radio with an impact date of May 5, 2014. It is available on Amazon UK - UK iTunes - US iTunes
Just signed to RPM Entertainment, Chasin’ Crazy is a talented five piece ‘boy band’ (ImageImage) that also happens to play all of their instruments. Hailing from Nashville, TN they comprise Jimmy James Huner (Vocals / Lead Guitar Profile)
Landon Parker (Vocals / Acoustic Guitar Profile), Forest Miller (Vocals / Bass / Fiddle Profile), Travis Fincher (Vocals / Drums Profile) and Creigh Riepe (Vocals / Keys / Guitar / Banjo Profile )
In a video open casting call tweet Chasin' Crazy are described as: the very first country boy band in history, and their unique combination of energy, harmony and musical ability is quickly making them one of the most sought after commodities in country music.
Named by Roughstock as Ones To Watch For In 2014: The band has released a video showcasing their musical chops and youthful sound. The harmonies are strong, the production equally good and now may the easiest time for such a band to become popular as Country Music (as it currently sounds) is more popular with the 12-24 set than perhaps it’s ever been.
CONNECT with Chasin' Crazy:
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John Stone “Please Please” >> Sample of his Website
According to his website Country/Rock artist John Stone has been electrifying crowds in Nashville and throughout the country since his arrival in Music City in 2003. A native of Dogtown, Alabama the now Nashville based artist has toured with and opened for some of today’s hottest country acts (Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Craig Morgan and Gretchen Wilson).
This single published April 29, 2014 (WJO Distribution) is available on Amazon UK had an impact date of April 30th and will appear on an album titled “Frozen Margaritas and Left Over Pizza”.
CONNECT with Chasin' Crazy: Website - Facebook - Photo

Ben Rue – I Can’t Wait (Be My Wife) >> Lyric Video
The Silverton, OR native is 26 years old and worked on a family grass seed farm since he was 11 with his dad and two older
brothers. He had the opportunity to be a part of the first season of X-Factor making it into the top 80. He has just signed a recording contract with Sony Music Nashville. Ben has made his way to Nashville and become a “top up and coming singer songwriter”. On this new single, Ben delivers a great country version of the Runner Runner (Ryan Ogren) written pop track, "I Can't Wait." (writers: R. Ogren, J. Bailey, J. Berry, P. Munters, J. Ulrich). It was released on Amazon UK and UK iTunes (April 28, 2014). His EP "I Grew Up On That" dropped 5 Aug 5, 2013.  
CONNECT with Ben: Facebook - PHOTO 

Crystal Day "Drown" >> Video - Single Art
Hailing from Virginia she started her first band at the age of 12 and hasn’t stopped since, having performed in venues all over the world, including Charlotte Motor Speedway, Universal Studios, The Amsterdam Music Festival, and the Viper Room.
This country single sent to radio May 7, 2014 is described as “Introducing a new edgier sound to Nashville, Crystal Day brings attitude along with lyrics that sink deep” The single available on UK iTunes comes from her self titled album released Jan 1, 2014
CONNECT with Crystal Day: Facebook

Chase Likens “Caught In A Storm” >> Soundcloud
Hailing from Point Pleasant (currently residing in Austin, TX) Chase Likens is a Contemporary country music 22 year old singer, songwriter and actor. Yummy? This single impacts Country radio stations May 5, 2014. The single is being pitched by veteran radio promoter Jerry Duncan (Duncan Music Group), and will be available on iTunes.
CONNECT with Chase:   Facebook - Photo

Jerrod Niemann “Donkey” >> Lyric Video YES, these are the Actual Lyrics of Niemann's new Single: All the ladies like to ride, Oh the ladies like to ride, Oh the ladies like to ride, Oh the ladies like my D-O-N-K-E-Y......Down to the Honky Tonky, Its gonna get funky funky (hee haw hee haw) x2
The single has been released by Sea Gayle Records / Arista Nashville as the second single from his HIGH NOON album, that follows hot on the heels of his RIAA Gold-certified multi-week No. 1 smash, “Drink to That All Night.” “Donkey,” penned by Kyle Jacobs, David Tolliver, and Fred Wilhelm, will officially impact country radio on May 19. “If you’ve ever heard any of the projects I’ve put out in the past, I always try to put something on there and attempt to make people smile," notes Niemann.
Listen to what he has to say about it!


WATCH
  • Morgan Evans has released his latest clip for '”Like A Tornado”. The clip features Evans and a fiery mistress in a intense exchange that turns into a literal indoor tornado.
  • Bec Hance the Aussie Singer/Songwriter has a vodeo of "Nothing More To Say" from her Proud of My Country album.
  • Brea Lawrenson "Bottom Of The Bottle" Lyric video
  • Ashton Lane perform a bespoke song "One Night In California" in their Kitchen session they wrote with a lovely girl Charalyn Vashchenko. It's a upbeat romantic song and will be one that will go on their new album.
  • Laura Bell Bundy "That's What Angels Do" .The attractive country/ pop singer-songwriter and actress and ‘Hart of Dixie‘ star  is back to the music spotlight with brand new single following the release of her latest singles ‘Kentucky Dirty‘ and ‘Two Step‘, the singer continues promoting her upcoming second studio album, still untitled, scheduled to be released this year via Big Machine Records.
  • Brea, California native Sandra Lynn's "You Belong" song, recently shown the Phil Mack Show, was produced by Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) and written by Lori McKenna, Travis Meadows & Jeremy Spillman. It was released April 22, 2014 on a 3 track self titled EP (Silver Lining Music) available on Amazon UK and UK iTunes
  • CONNECT with Sandra on Facebook - Photo 

COUNTRY FASHION
Saturday May 3rd weekend marked the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Some of country’s biggest stars donned their fanciest duds and biggest hats for the event. Artists attended a variety of events throughout the weekend and walked the red carpet for the big race.
Miranda Lambert, Travis Tritt, Brothers Osborne, Eddie Montgomery (one half of country duo Montgomery Gentry) and Laura Bell Bundy were all spotted in Kentucky for “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” and Dierks Bentley and Kix Brooks took a few selfies before watching California Chrome pull away down the straight for a dominant win. California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza made a decisive move and quickly sprinted clear. They finished the 1 1/4 miles (2,000 meters) in 2:03.66. The 5-2 favorite stretched his winning streak to five and Art Sherman, 77, became the oldest winning Derby trainer.







































Travis Tritt @Travistritt tweeted My wife Theresa and I at the Kentucky Derby
Kix Brooks @KixBrooks tweeted: Hanging with cool dude @DierksBentley- and hot chicks
Dierks Bentley @DierksBentley tweeted me and cass and @mirandalambert @KixBrooks @BarbaraDBrooks at #KyDerby. who do y'all like in the race??! 20 mins!
Kix Brooks’ wife Barbara tweeted a photo showing that her husband is as good at the horsetrack as he is on stage, see photos at Taste Of Country
miranda lambert @cainhorses Kentucky Derby - instagram.com

The 30-year-old “Automatic” singer Miranda Lambert, who has been keen on keeping her svelte shape, proudly accentuating her trim waist. She looked adorable in a red-hot in a sleeveless knee-length dress, complete with a matching ribbon hat and heels. The Country singer wore a gorgeous Randi Rahm red guipure lace sleeveless dress, topped off with a red Giovannio fascinator. The netted A-line number was decorated with a see-through neckline and hemline
Keeping the lady-in-red theme going, she accessorized with red satin Charlotte Olympia Paloma fan pleat pumps (image), and a red Edie Parker confetti clutch (image).
Her hair was styled in loose curls and her light eyes were punched up with dramatic eyeliner and lengthening mascara - ImageView The Whole Set at Getty Images

Laura Bell Bundy the 33-year-old actress and singer came to the derby wearing a huge white sun hat, a gorgeous Darling Clothes white lace dress number, and matching heels. She wore Christian Louboutin pumps, Marcia Moran jewels a Swarovski ring carried a Sorial bag (beautiful, hand-crafted, Italian leather handbags - Facebook) and thanked Carol Bader for her look! Got my big hat on, so clearly I’m ready for the Kentucky Derby. Let’s do this thang! Spilled Laura - ImageImage - Getty Images Betting on horses and pretty rings...these are a few of my favorite things.

Robin Meade the News Anchor TV Talk Show Host and COUNT ON ME/ “Dirty Laundry” singer was seen at the Moet & Chandon toasts at the 140th Kentucky Derby. She wore a colourful turquoise and light purple lace effect off the shoulder gown which had a nude lining. The above the knee cut showed off her enviable pins. She completed her look with a matching ribbon hat, bangle, minimal jewels, wore beige open-toe platform sandals, gold nails, nude lippie and and carried a silver purse - Image - Image

Britni Knable, owner of HeadCandi Designs designed the hat worn by Jo Dee Messina, who kicked off the day when she sang the national anthem (Star Spangled Banner) at Churchill Downs.
Of course the “Woman’s Rant” singer and her custom-made hat were broadcast to millions nationwide and seen by a live crowd of nearly 165,000 race fans. “It’s kinda crazy when you start out designing Derby hats; it’s the thing you think about as being the greatest honor, like the gold medal of hat design in Kentucky. It’s a lot of pressure, but I am good under pressure,” Knable told The Buzz. To be sure the hat was just right, Knable traveled to Nashville before the race to consult with Messina’s stylist. Last year Caroline Bryan, wife of Luke Bryan, was such a fan of Knable’s designs that she wore two of them. The white and grey creation matched Jo Dee’s above the knee grey and black knitted patterned dress wore with black booties. Jo Dee placed her bet on “Wicked Strong” of which 15% of winnings would go to the victims fund – See Graphic

Dierks Bentley scrubbed up good sporting an attractive cream suit with coordinating under shirt, clean white and baby blue striped tie and sharp black shoes. This look was a far cry from the more accustomed reverse baseball cap and jeans look from the “I Hold On” singer-songwriter - Image
Related Post: (Daily Mail) Hat for every occasion! Stylish Kentucky Derby fans dazzle in gravity-defying bonnets as California Chrome races to historic victory.

Taylor Swift struck a pose turning heads on the red carpet at the 2014 Met Gala on Monday (May 5) in New York City attending the "Charles James: Beyond Fashion" Costume Institute Gala. The 24-year old “I Knew You Were Trouble” country/pop singer and red carpet darling with a classically beautifully look, wore a custom Oscar de la Renta gown of pale pink embellished satin accented with Lorraine Schwartz jewels (image) wore Christian Louboutin shoes and carried a Edie Parker clutch.
Old Hollywood glamour was the perfect styling Miss Swift’s gown–the bright red lippie (image ), the cat eye, the deep side part and curls–all perfectly on point (image) - Fashion Pic
The dress is made of blush satin faced organza with matte gold sequins, pearl beads, silver-lined seed beads, rose gold metallic threadwork leaves and organza petal embroidery. Taylor said, "Oscar de la Renta is the designer I've idolized since I was a little girl. Having an opportunity to wear a one-of-a-kind gown designed by him is a dream realized."
The gown almost didn't make it to the ball, though. Taylor tweeted Monday afternoon, "That moment when your cat casually walks up, then abruptly ATTACKS your custom satin Oscar de la Renta gown during your fitting for Met Ball."

Taylor Swift was spotted several times in New York City
a)  Wearing a Zooey Deschanel for Tommy Hilfiger Whimsy Shirtdress ($169.50) - Fashion Pic
b) Wearing an Oscar De La Renta Gingham Wool Blend Dress ($2,590), a pair of Yves Saint Laurent Brown Suede Lace-Up Oxford Pumps ($849.50) and her J.Mendel Midi Clutch ($1,650, Black) - Fashion Pic
c) Wearing a Michael Michael Kors shirt dress (Shop:Farfetch US Farfetch.com) - Fashion Pic

The Band Perry's Kimberly Perry was decked out in a yellow-and-white Christian Siriano gown for the recent 2014 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show. The band closed out the night with their hits "Better Dig Two," "Done" and "If I Die Young" following a fashion show featuring Siriano's designs. Neil Perry told The Tennessean, "I think creativity in wardrobe has been a country staple even long ago. The man in black, Johnny Cash himself, made a statement with his clothes and we like to carry on that tradition." Christian Siriano was on hand for the Nashville Symphony Fashion Show, too. The event raises money for the Nashville Symphony and their education efforts in Middle Tennessee.
Performing live Kimberly looked very sexy in a flimsy black lace number and beige coloured high heeled pumps - Live shot - Live Shot - Live Shot

COUNTRY GOSSIP
Brantley Gilbert may only be 29 years old, but he's got a lifetime of memories covering his body in the form of tattoos. The country star considers his body to be a canvas telling the story of his life through body art. Brantley explains, "When you look in the mirror you remember all the things you’ve been through and the things that are important to you and the beliefs you
have that are gonna take you through everything else that you hadn’t gone through yet." Like most parents, Brantley's mom and dad weren't happy when he started getting tattoos. It looks like Brantley has converted his father to the "dark side," though.

TWEETS

Paramour  @ParamourWayne tweeted Had fun hosting @CharlesEsten @JonathanJackson @clarembee @WillChaseMe @SamPalladio @RealCarmack of @Nashville_ABC!
  • Crissie Rhodes (The Shires) with 'Kevin' - @wardthomasmusic's travel companion - Image
  • Country Weekly: Secret Revealed: Miranda Lambert Was a Goody-Two-Shoes - Image
  • Sarah Darling - Retro Pic
  • Taylor Swift and BFF Karlie Kloss make a stylish pair in midriff-baring outfit and frilly mustard dress as they cuddled up at pre-Met Ball bash showing off their close friendship during Harry Josh's pre-Met Ball party in New York City on Saturday night - Image Read more: Daily Mail After their road trip along the coast of California, the gal pals shared some Instagram snaps of themselves prepping for the 2014 Met Gala. The singer and top model showed off their lipstick shades in a playful image with a caption written by Karlie reading, “Pre #MetGala glam party with @taylorswift”. - Image
BIRTHDAYS
May 5: Tammy Wynette (May 5, 1942; died April 6, 1998 (aged 55))
May 6: Jimmie Dale Gilmore (1945)
May 8: Billy Burnette (1953), Keith Harling (1963)
May 9: Sonny Curtis (1937), Hank Snow (May 9, 1914; died December 20, 1999 (aged 85))
May 11: Mark Herndon (Alabama) (1955)

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