Country Bites News snippets
May 12 – May 18, 2014
SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED
UK & IRISH
News
UK country duo The
Shires with “Nashville
Grey Skies” remained and Dolly Parton
with “Home” was added to the BBC
Radio 2 "A" playlist for the week commencing Saturday 17th May
2014. Miranda Lambert with "Automatic" stayed on the "B" playlist.
 |
| Phil Mack & Lisa Stanley Click to ENLARGE |
Phil Mack announced a “new” Keep It Country Music show. This
show will feature the absolute cream of American Country music on Thursday 5th
June Sky 192 & Freesat 402. There will be also repeats and a plus 1 channel.
All news will be posted on our KEEP IT COUNTRY MUSIC Facebook
page . ICYMI - Archive Phil Mack Country shows can be viewed
at www.muzu.tv
Frankie Davies "Superman" (published on May 11, 2014) is the
debut single
from 21 year old C2C2014 Pop Up stage Jersey based Singer/Songwriter. To be
released Fathers Day (15th June 2014), "Superman", was filmed
entirely on location in The Jersey Opera House, St Helier, is a tribute, a song
full of hope, written by a daughter for her Father as he battled through cancer
treatment. Pre-order on UK iTunes . Frankie will be playing the Fort San Antone
Festival (Great Birchwood Country Park, Lytham Road, Warton, PR4
1TE) this year with her all female band during Fri 17th - Sun 19th October
2014. The festival line up announced so far includes:
>> McKay, Emma Stevens, Hannah Jane Lewis, Frankie Davies, Sara Crockett, Laura Oakes and Emma Jade Garbutt. See Poster Graphic EARLYBIRD TICKETS cost £20.00 + £2.00 Booking fee from wegottickets.com
>> McKay, Emma Stevens, Hannah Jane Lewis, Frankie Davies, Sara Crockett, Laura Oakes and Emma Jade Garbutt. See Poster Graphic EARLYBIRD TICKETS cost £20.00 + £2.00 Booking fee from wegottickets.com
Nearest hotels are in Lytham or the Birley Arms just
outside Wrea Green both of which are a couple of miles away from the venue.
CMA presented Duncan
Warwick, the editor of noted British Country Music magazine Country Music
People, with the Wesley Rose Media Achievement Award Friday in Norwich,
England. The Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award recognizes
outstanding achievements in the media, which contribute to the development of
Country Music outside the United States. Radio, TV, print journalists, authors,
editors, television writers, producers, and PR companies who reside outside the
United States are eligible to win this award. Past UK recepients include: Wally
Whyton, BBC Radio 2 (1992), Tony Byworth, Byworth Wootton (1993), Mark Hagen,
VH-1 (1996), Terry Wogan and Paul Walters (2005), Alan Cackett editor of
Maverick Magazine (2008), Al Booth, BBC Radio 2 (2010) and Bob Harris OBE, BBC
Radio 2 (2013).
 |
| Duncan Warwick CMP Editor with his Wesley Rose Award |
“Ever since George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, and Randy
Travis came into my life it has never been the same. I totally immersed myself
in Country Music, and there are not words to explain how important it has been
in my life". Therefore I am honoured and humbled to be recognized by my
peers to be the recipient of the CMA Wesley Rose International Media
Achievement Award,” Warwick said.
Duncan began his career in music at Impulse Promotions, a division of Zomba Records, where he worked as a promotions representative. Warwick was later named Promotions Manager at Zomba Records overseeing the Jive division. He began contributing to Country Music People in the early ‘90s and helped introduce the Kickin’ Cuts chart that continues to be a feature of the magazine. Warwick was named editor of Country Music People in 2009 and continues to helm the publication, which has published more than 500 issues. The magazine continues to cover not only major label releases, but also traditional and classic Country Music, Americana, rockabilly, bluegrass, and Western swing. In addition to his work at Country Music People, Warwick is a regular guest on Keith Greentree's BBC Radio Norfolk Country show and has worked to expand Country Music’s radio presence in the U.K - “The way that country music is perceived in the U.K. has always been of concern to me and over the years I have done anything I could to further the cause,” said Warwick...Read more in the Full CMA Press Release
Duncan began his career in music at Impulse Promotions, a division of Zomba Records, where he worked as a promotions representative. Warwick was later named Promotions Manager at Zomba Records overseeing the Jive division. He began contributing to Country Music People in the early ‘90s and helped introduce the Kickin’ Cuts chart that continues to be a feature of the magazine. Warwick was named editor of Country Music People in 2009 and continues to helm the publication, which has published more than 500 issues. The magazine continues to cover not only major label releases, but also traditional and classic Country Music, Americana, rockabilly, bluegrass, and Western swing. In addition to his work at Country Music People, Warwick is a regular guest on Keith Greentree's BBC Radio Norfolk Country show and has worked to expand Country Music’s radio presence in the U.K - “The way that country music is perceived in the U.K. has always been of concern to me and over the years I have done anything I could to further the cause,” said Warwick...Read more in the Full CMA Press Release
In Case You Missed It: C2C Country
To Country March Festival 2014 Review
London O2 Arena: In Country Music People p54 April 2014 Issue Duncan wrote - "I
really don't think I've ever enjoyed live music less..Sorry folks, I couldn't
face the second day"....Read the Whole one page review! …."was
I annoyed with myself for even going"..."things move on and evolve
always have, always will..but now it has really gone too far"..."I'm
probably about 30 years older for what passes as country these
days"..."to them this is actually country music, or what the CMA,
the major record labels, country radio, and now even the BBC have convinced the
public is country music in their lust for world fame.
Country Music People have contributed a meagre 3 whole
pages covering both the 2013 & 2014 C2C festivals. However the late George
Jones who was their 13 page cover feature for June 2013
issue received a “massive feature as befits a singer of his magnitude” wrote
Warwick.
The Sony 2-CD "American
Heartland" compilation drew this response from CMP’s esteemed editor: "the
C2C crowd will love this triumph of marketing over substance."
Last year April 21, 2013 Warwick joined presenter Keith Greentree in the BBC Radio Norfolk studio to talk about the 2013 C2C Country To Country March Festival (Darius Rucker, Little
Big Town and Tim McGraw) and the 2013 Northern
Caithness Festival. Keith asked Duncan if he had a wonderful time at the O2
"Ummmmm... pretty much" on
Little Big Town he shared "They're
pretty good, actually they were great at the O2". On what sort of guy
Tim McGraw is – Sighs “He's alright Tim
McGraw...I'm not a great fan of his records and his music..when you see him
live he's absolutely got it!
Asked about the Northern Caithness Festival Duncan spilled: "Absolutely wonderful..closest to a biggish
Texas honky tonk dance hall that I've witnessed in the UK..completely different
to the O2" on Bobby Flores
"I had serious man love going on"
, on Connie Smith "absolutelutely wonderful..every inch the star and still
sounds wonderful"..on Rance Norton "absolutely lovely" >> Listen to the interview:
In late November 2013 was again a guest on Steve Cherelle's Big Country Show (with Keith Greentree sitting in) playing Duncan's favourite SIX songs of 2013. His top twenty or so looks like this.
In late November 2013 was again a guest on Steve Cherelle's Big Country Show (with Keith Greentree sitting in) playing Duncan's favourite SIX songs of 2013. His top twenty or so looks like this.
Duncan selecting
songs from Texan Amber Digby (Amazon Rank #143,508), My Darling Clementine (UK; Amazon Rank #32,356; “have not the best
British Country record ever, they've made the best two" DW Review); his song of the year, Robert Vincent (UK; Amazon Rank #94,955 in Music)), Texan Chuck Cusimano (Amazon Rank: #420,758 in Music), George Strait, the UK's Ags Connolly (Duncan's tip for 2014; Amazon Rank #85,940). Duncan took issue
with Florida Georgia Line who were
the front cover feature of the CMP September
issue (Was that an "O" hidden behind Tyler Hubbard's head) - "That single ("Cruise"), it
absolutely horrible, it's not country, it's not even good pop or good hip-hop,
it's not good anything, that's the trouble, I wouldn't mind if was a good
hip-hop record or a good rock record but its NONE of those. It doesn't even
have a good melody". Cruise was #1 for 6 months [6.2 million sales to
date] and I've no idea why or how? It's
the lack of melody that bugs me but it hasn't" he shared.
Duncan, a stalwart
of the stone-country Texan flavour, likes the real and classic traditional
country and many have had full blown page 5 STAR Album of the Month treatment. Despite
such critical acclaim they don't seem to sell very well in the UK with VERY
TINY retail sales. One such artist being a 5 STAR CMP Album of the Month from
>> Wanita described as “undisputedly Australia's queen of
honky tonk” and Terri Sharp's album 'Empty Frame' which drew a tremendous 5-star rating review from CMP’s editor. San
Antonio/ San Marcos Texan Arty Rodriguez is the cover feature in
the lastest issue of Country Music People in WHSmith stores.
UK CHART NEWS
Official UK Top
100 Singles Chart (Week
Ending May 24, 2014)
Conchita Wurst's “Rise Like A Phoenix” led an invasion of the Top 200 by songs from
Eurovision. Late starting its chart career because iTunes data for Saturday was
not available to OCC for last week's chart, Rise Like A Phoenix was the first
Austrian winner since Udo Jurgens' Mercie Cherie in 1966, and made a No.17
debut (15,661 sales). British entry Children Of The Universe by Molly jumped
33-23 (13,733 sales) However it is the Dutch runners-up The Common Linnets' (Ilse DeLange
and Waylon) with the fabulous “Calm
After The Storm” who catapulted 95-9, climbing 86 places (21,018 sales; following debut sales of 1,932
copies). The last time a non winning, non UK entry made it to the top 10 was in
1974!
Official UK Top
100 Album Chart (Week
Ending May 24, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) fell
42-46 in its 7th week with sales around 1,800 copies and an estimated new tally
of 49,200.
The Common
Linnets' eponymous first album landed at No.40 (2,004 sales). In Holland the
album has gone GOLD and PLATINUM in a week having reached 50,000 copies at
retail and sold over 25,000 copies. Ilse DeLange and Waylon received their platinum
record from the hands of DJ Edwin Evers of Radio 538. The previous Monday the
duo received their gold
record from the hands of presenter Humberto Tan in a
special themed broadcast of RTL Late Night. on the RTL Late Night showfor their
joint album. Gold record for Ilse DeLange and Waylon
 |
| The Common Linnets |
In terms of the UK The Common Linnets #40 album entry has charted better
than many major US country artists with most of them having received extensive
BBC Radio 2 playlisting along with appearances on BBC Breakfast. They beat out Emmylou
Harris/Rodney Crowell "Old Yellow Moon" debut at No.42 (4,077 sales),
Tim McGraw with TWO LANES OF FREEDOM debut No.43 (2,500+ copies sold), Brad
Paisley WHEELHOUSE No.69 (1,582 sales), Willie Nelson TO ALL THE GIRLS No.72
(1,452 sales), Rascal Flatts No.87, Darius Rucker "TRUE BELIEVERS"
No.89, The Band Perry PIONEER No.94, and Zac Brown Band UNCAGED No.92 (sales
possibly 1,000 copies)
Congrats @CommonLinnets! No. 9 in the UK Charts! Last time a non winning, non UK entry made it to the top 10 was in 1974! #eurovision
— EurovisionInConcert (@ESCinConcert) May 18, 2014
Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending May 24, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT
AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) stays at No.1 for a seventh week.
Sturgill Simpson with METAMODERN SOUNDS IN COUNTRY made a debut at No.2
buoyed by a recorded session on Radio 2’s Bob Harris Country.
Dolly Parton with her new set BLUE SMOKE (Masterworks) made a debut at No.4
Keith Urban’s FUSE re-entered
the Top 20 at No.5 in its 14th week.
Rosanne Cash with THE RIVER & THE THREAD moved 3-6 in
her 14th week.
The Secret
Sisters with PUT YOUR NEEDLE DOWN
(Decca) fell back 13-16 in their third (The album gets a Digital release on May
26th – UK iTunes pre-order).
On the Hotdisc Chart (May 18, 2014 Chart)
David Frizzell & Shelly West with the re-issued "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma"
(Collins/ Pinkard) held at No.1 on for a second week. Whilst Frizzell's
"Where Are You Spending Your Nights
These Days" climbed 15-12.
D K Davis with “Waitin’
On A Weekend” from the April #184 Hotdisc made a fresh surge 6-3 and from
that disc Ray Scott with "Gotta Quit Drinkin'" fell 2-4 and The Hayley Oliver
Band with “Bright Side Of
Life” fell back 4-5 and held onto
the No1 on the British and Irish Hotdisc
chart listing for a sixth straight week. On the British chart George Inglis
stayed at No.3 in his second chart week (16-14 Hotdisc Top 40) with his self
penned "A Horse Called Bob".
Tony Clarke
with his self penned “You & Me” made a 6-4 hop (27-21 Top 40) edging past Sam Hollyman
with “One Minute More” who held at
No.5 (26-22 Top 40)
Bertie Higgins with his countrified "Key Largo" (co-written with Sonny
Limbo) climbed a further 3 slots 9-6.
Other USA acts heading northwards were Allan Craig Miller
with "Cornfields" (10-7) Danny Griego
with “The Coast Is Clear” (12-11)
and Leah
Seawright’s “Country Girl 101”
rounded out the upper tier with a 13-10 shift.
James House with “Every
Time It Rains” from his album BROKEN GLASS TWISTED STEEL made a 5 place
jump (21-16).
Also making the Top 20 were Ally Lindeen with “Teardrops Dry” (co-written with Mark
Dowdy and Joie Scott) which rose 23-19 and David Wood’s co-write with Ronnie Guilbeau and
Rick Yancey titled “My Side Of The Fence”
posted a 28-20 leap.
Of note outside the Top 20 saw a 9 slot climb for
premier cut “Picture Of My Life”
from The Sonny
Walters Band improving 33-24.
UK COUNTRY
ALBUM RELEASES
(4 March 2014) Carrie
Ann Carroll - You Should Know [Import]
12 Tracks/ Time: 48:37 Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#749,079 in Music CD - MP3 - UK iTunes – CD BABY - Amazon.com
(21 March 2014) John
Hinshelwood - Lowering the Tone (Littleroots)
(12 May 2014) Sturgill
Simpson - Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (Loose Music)
10 Tracks/ Time: 34:26 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
(13 May 2014) Dolly
Parton – Blue Smoke (IMPORT)
CD -
Amazon.com - Smart Choice Music - (Deluxe Edition) [US
Exclusive Deluxe, 4 Bonus Tracks; "Get Up Get On Get Out",
"Olive Branch", "Early Morning Breeze" and "Angels In
The Midst" (£17.99; UPC 888430656826)
AUSSIE NEWS
Australian country star John Williamson will release his life story in July. The
long-awaited book is titled, not surprisingly, "Hey True Blue". His life story is also
all about Australia – his love of the land, the importance of family and what
it really means to be "true blue". The autobiography will release
through Penguin Books Australia.
Kristy Cox the Aussie bluegrass artist new album 'Living For The
Moment' (UK iTunes) is starting to grab attention
across the globe, with her first single >> 'One Heartbreak Away' charting on radio
across Australia, the US and CMC. Kristy is getting ready to head out on her
first tour since her relocation to Nashville after signing a recording contract
and releasing her new album with Pisgah Ridge in the USA. The tour will kick
off in Nashville at the annual CMA Festival in June. She then returns to Europe,
where she will perform 12 shows across England, The Netherlands, Germany and
France - including the IBMA award winning festival LaRoche held in August. (Press Release)
NEWS
Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News - May 16, 2014 - May 20, 2014
Little Extra Music has signed songwriters Jessi Alexander and JiM McCormick.
Jessi has written cuts for Reba McEntire, Miley Cyrus,
Blake Shelton, Lee Brice, Celine Dion and more. Jim has written songs for Tim
Mcgraw, Trace Adkins, Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood, Jamey Johnson, Ronnie Milsap,
Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Luke Bryan and more. "I had the good
fortune of signing JESSI to Disney Publishing in 2006, and we enjoyed some
great success together beginning with 'The Climb'," said Little Extra
Music Founder Lisa Ramsey Perkins. "She's gone on to write some amazing
hit songs and win a lot of awards, I now have the honor of working with her and
representing her catalog. I know there are a lot more hits to come from the
wealth of great music she's written!"
REPUBLIC RECORDS SVP/Promotion and Artist Development David Nathan will segue to the Big Machine Label
Group as SVP/Pop Promotion, effective immediately. He will serve as
a high-level executive liaison amidst the companies, spearheading promotion
efforts for a myriad of superstars and developing talent across Big Machine
Records, Republic Nashville, The Valory Music Co. and Dot Records, including
such artists as Taylor Swift, Brantley Gilbert, Florida Georgia Line, The Band
Perry, Cassadee Pope and Rascal Flatts. As the company continues to grow its
relationship with NASHVILLE’s #1 hit-making machine, it only makes sense to
invest in the future expansion of Scott Borchetta’s Big Machine Label Group - "We're
thrilled to formally welcome DAVID to the team," BORCHETTA said.
Kenny Rogers revealed he's dealing with skin cancer,
sharing a photo of his bandaged face on Instagram,
and urging everyone to get checked, since it's National Skin Cancer Detection
and Prevention Month. "The Gambler" went on to promise he'll be
"look(ing) great" in time for his concert this weekend in Knoxville,
Tennessee.
AWARDS
Billboard Music
Awards 2014: A look at the country artist nominees/winners, performances and
red carpet fashion BLOG Post
BABY NEWS
 |
| Holly |
SINGLE / ALBUM
NEWS
- Toby Keith (Show Dog-Universal Music) will
release the CD set 5 Rounds June 10. The 5 Rounds set includes the iconic Oklahoman's album releases
from 2008-2012: That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy, American Ride, Bullets In
The Gun, Clancy's Tavern and Hope On The Rocks. Out the week before
Father's Day, the collection will be available exclusively as a physical
release featuring these classic Toby hits: "She Never Cried in Front
of Me," "God Love Her," "American Ride,"
"Bullets in the Gun," "Beers Ago," and "Red Solo
Cup."
- Brad Paisley told Billboard his new album, due out
August 26, is titled MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK.
PRESS RELEASES
- Average
Joes recording artists Sarah Ross
(former “American Idol” contestant), Twang and Round and Lenny Cooper
(“Mud Digger King") will unofficially kick off the week that Nashville goes
Country on Tuesday, June 3 at The Second Fiddle in downtown Nashville. The
show, presented by Average Joes Entertainment with Marco Club Connection
and AristoMedia Group, is free to the public and will feature the three
acts.
- Angel Mary and the Tennessee
Werewolves (AMTW)
made time for one more home town performance, providing headline live entertainment
for Special
Olympics Tennessee's opening ceremony celebration at Lipscomb
University's Bison Square on Saturday night, May 17th.
- Charlie Daniels Band is set for
FOX & Friends All American Concert Series on May 30th
- Americana's Cross-County
Lines tickets are on sale. Buy early and save! For only
$35, you can see Patty Griffin, John Hiatt, Ashley Monroe, Joe Pug, Brandy
Clark, Parker Millsap and Luther Dickinson at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
on May 31.
ARTICLES
- Miranda Lambert had a few milestones to celebrate.
The day marked her third wedding anniversary to fellow country
singer Blake Shelton. The "Automatic" singer also attended a VIP
reception at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for her new exhibit, Miranda Lambert Backstage Access.
When you grow up wanting to be a country singer, the Hall of Fame is
something you think about being in when you’re well into your career, so
already being here now, just on my fifth album, it's crazy," Lambert
— who adds the honor to a list of accolades that already includes having
nine Top 10 country singles and the distinction of being the first singer
to win the Academy of Country Music's Female Vocalist of the Year award
five years in a row — told reporters before a reception celebrating the
exhibit's unveiling at the Hall's home in Nashville. Country Weekly Related Post and
Photos: Lambert Dreamed About Having Her Own Country Music Hall of Fame
Exhibit....
- 'It is as
conservative as the Wild West' – a classic country music feature from the
vaults. With Dolly Parton
coming to Glastonbury, The Guardian revisit her 1976 appearance
at Wembley's country festival in a classic Sunday Times piece, taken from
Rock's Backpages, the online home of music writing.
REVIEWS
One Stop Country The Music of Nashville: Season 2, Volume 2
One Stop Country Pete Kennedy - "I Am The One" (Single) -
One Stop Country Lady Antebellum
"Bartender" (Sin gle)
One Stop Country Rascal Flatts – “Rewind” - For good measure toss in the
success of the title track/lead single “Rewind,” and what you have is the most
engaging Rascal Flatts album of their career thus far. Though there is no doubt
about it that this album will still be classified as Contemporary County, it
also takes Flatts right to the edge of crossing over genre borders more than
anything that they’ve done in the past.
INTERVIEWS
Sherry
Lynn Video Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News
International
In late April Sherry Lynn's rip-roarin' good time >> "Girls Will Be Girls" video (Steal Heart Music) premiered on CMT.com. The "Girls Will Be Girls" clip offers a visual feast filled with fun images of classic cars, a bachelorette party and lissome line-dancers, while the song's hooky chorus and melodic riffs make for a toe-tapping sonic boom. Tom Frkovich (Kennedy Center, Amazon, United Way), produced the video, which was filmed in New Jersey. Various locations include the Tombstone Saloon (Buena), Joe's Lean To Garage (Franklinville) and Paulsboro High School (Paulsboro). Additional footage was captured at a private home in Paulsboro. Nicole Agostino (Silver Linings Playbook) and Frkovich shared director's credits.
"Girls Will Be Girls" is from Lynn's sophomore CD, A BEAUTIFUL LIFE. The 10-track, 33 minute, collection was released March 11 under the Steal Heart Music imprint.
CD - MP3
“Girls” Track 2 on the
album is currently being promoted, as the 2nd single, in Europe on the May #185 Hotdisc. On May 11, 2014 it
debuted at No.25 and in 2-weeks has climbed to a No.21 peak.
Last year, the entertainer
made her Grand Ole Opry debut alongside Country legend Crystal Gayle, singing
their hit duet "Beautiful Life." It was promoted in Europe
on the Hotdisc #174 disc making a
debut at No.25 and climbing to No.20 on the Top 40 chart. Sherry also
entertained crowds during CMA Music Festival week, released a popular holiday
video ("Christmas On My Mind") and played select dates throughout the
year.
About
Sherry
The New Jersey native was
born in Woodbury and now splits her time between Sewell and Nashville, TN. Sherry began her career in 2006 when she
opened for Sammy Kershaw at Pitman, New Jersey's historic Broadway
Theatre. Since then, Lynn has shared the
stage with Miranda Lambert, Crystal Gayle, the Oak Ridge Boys, LeAnn Rimes,
Randy Hauser, Gene Watson, John Rich and Chris Young. She cites her influences
as Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, Reba McEntire and Martina McBride.
Examiner's national Country
music correspondent, Lisa L. Rollins, named Lynn to their Top 5 Female Country
Newcomers of 2014 list.
Have a drink on us - and listen to the title cut"Girls
Will Be Girls"
One Stop Country (Album review) … there is no debate about it with Sherry Lynn; she is a country artist with country songs and if you are one of those that thinks that this type of country music has gone away simply because of what you are hearing on Top 40 country radio, then think again and check this album out.
One Stop Country (Album review) … there is no debate about it with Sherry Lynn; she is a country artist with country songs and if you are one of those that thinks that this type of country music has gone away simply because of what you are hearing on Top 40 country radio, then think again and check this album out.
Join Sherry Lynn during CMA
Festival 2014 for an acoustic performance on June 7th (16:00–17:00 in CDT) at
the Nashville Visitor Center stage that will be set up inside the Bridgestone
tower. She can also be found at Booth 701 during the CMA Fest -Graphic
CONNECT
with Sherry Lynn:
BOOKS
Details: Hardcover: 300 pages
Publisher: Ignatius Press;
Har/DVD edition (16 April 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1586178172
ISBN-13: 978-1586178178
Colin
Raye sounds off in his new book : Is country music dead?
Disposable, forgettable
music has been the order of the day for quite a while now and it’s time for
that to stop.
As a platinum-selling
country music artist and, more importantly, a lifelong fan of the genre, I’d
like to send out this heartfelt plea to the gatekeepers of the industry: Enough
already. I’d like to think that I am expressing what nearly every artist,
musician and songwriter (with perhaps a few exceptions) is thinking when I
contend that the Bro’ Country phenomenon must cease. It has had its run for
better or worse and it’s time for Nashville to get back to producing, and more
importantly promoting, good singers singing real songs. It’s time for country
music to find its identity again before it is lost forever.
Disposable, forgettable
music has been the order of the day for quite a while now and it’s time for
that to stop.....Thankfully there are a handful of artists out there currently
who are trying to keep integrity in the mainstream. Miranda Lambert is one of
them. There are a few others but not nearly enough to rescue the terminally ill
format. It must start with the gatekeepers. The true fans of country music deserve
nothing less. The artists of my era knew we weren’t as cool or great as the
true greats of the past but we did try to hold to a standard that they had set,
which built and sustained the Nashville industry and truly made country music
an American art form. It needs to be that way once again. Read more and watch
his interview on Fox News
MAGAZINES
Miranda Lambert photographed on April 10th at The Paramour Mansion in Los Angeles
with styling by Tiffany Gifford - Cover Pic - Image On Miranda: Alice + Olivia Gown, Haute Hippie
Belt, Samantha
Wills ring.
Image -Image - Image - Image- On Miranda: Olcay Gulsen dress, Gianvito Rossi
shoes. Shows her feminine side, posing in a silver strapless dress with a
sweetheart neckline and matching silver high heels.
Daily Mail : Miranda Lambert showcases her TINY waist in tight
silver dress as she opens up about weight loss and those divorce rumors
Miranda Lambert covers Women's Health magazine - Image She graces the June cover of Women’s Health magazine in a sweet summer dress,
talking about how she got healthy and what she’s doing to keep the weight off. In
a feature titled “Slim & Happy: How a Girl Who Loves Beer and Burgers
Dropped 20 Pounds.” “It’s really easy to
gain weight and it’s really hard to lose weight,” she tells the magazine. She says her trick is not to worry about
being perfect, but instead is, "Just staying focused. If I eat bad in the
morning, I try to do better at night or vice versa-- just not blowing it all
day long everyday.”
Previously, Miranda revealed she also starting working out with
a trainer. While the 30-year-old says she doesn’t get focused on the scale, she
admits she is enjoying the benefits of her new, slimmer self. “I guess if I had
to say the favorite part of my new body it would probably be my arms. I always
struggle with having big arms, so having smaller arms, more toned is definitely
a plus.” But, in typical Miranda fashion, she keeps it real, admitting she does
occasionally splurge with Cheetos.
LISTEN
The Hems are an acoustic folk duo drawing
influences from acts like Gillian Welch, the Stanley Brothers, and the Carter
Family.
The Hems (PHOTO)
acoustic duo Dusty McClellan and Jamie Zanelotti) released their first record,
Those Early Years last year. Filled with infectious harmonies like you’d expect
from a Welch/Rawlings tune the pair manages to keep their influences from
overpowering their own unique sound on tunes like “Rebecca” and “The Delaware
Line”. Sample the album on Bandcamp.com
SPOTIFY COUNTRY
For users of
this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent additions
and recommendations.
When it's free
and easy on Spotify who needs music piracy?
Felicity Urquhart – City of Light - 4 Tracks
released in Australia in Jan 16, 2014
Nikki Lane – All Or Nothin' - 12 Tracks
released May 6, 2014
Sturgill Simpson – Metamodern Sounds In Country Music - May 13, 2014
release, 10 tracks
Chatham County Line – Tightrope - 11 Tracks
released May 20, 2014
Skyline Ridge – Skyline Ridge - 4
Tracks released April 22, 2014
Mud Digger – Mud Digger 5 - brand new
Average Joes Entertainment compilation (13 tracks, released May 20, 20-14)
FREE DOWNLOADS
Jill & Kate (Jill
Pickering and Kate Rapier) (USA;
Pop/Acoustic/Folk; Nashville, TN; Website - Facebook) the C2C2014 Pop Up Stage duo recently wrote
a song called "Nick + Jess". Zooey Deschanel from "New
Girl" tweeted that she loved it (woohoo!)
So they have announced that
they’ve recorded and produced a version of the song >> Stream and
download the song (AAC Audio iTunes Format) at Soundcloud
Dualtone Summer Sampler is available for an email share at noisetrade.com Dualtone is an independent
record label based in East Nashville, TN. The label’s eclectic thirteen year
old catalog boasts 16 Grammy nominations, 4 Grammy award winners and over 200
albums. This Summer Sampler includes tracks from The Lumineers, Shovels &
Rope, Noah Gundersen, The Felice Brothers and many more.
Did you know that ReverbNation
(the distribution and promotional platform) reached over 3 million musicians in June
2013.
Each week they spotlight fresh independent talent.
One of the 5
featured recommendations for the week of May 20 - May 26 was Skyline Ridge (Rank #1 Mount Sterling, IL)
Their
song “Long Way Home” is available as a Free Download (MP3 128kbps) at Reverbnation
Skyline Ridge Songs
About: Skyline
Ridge
Members:
Matt & Hannah Bordenkircher Hometown/ Current Location: Mount Sterling,
Illinois
We
hunt, We sing, It's WHAT WE DO!! - Facebook Media Set Photos
Personal
interests: Hunting (Matt's 2013 bow kill - hannah's 2011 bow kill - taxidermy ), Fishing,
Camping, Boating, Horseback Riding,
Golf Carts, Dogs and Cats, Backroads
Skyline
Ridge consists of a young couple who have been playing music together for over
4 years now. Their blend of a modern country sound mixed with a touch of
bluegrass makes for a unique style that you wont find anywhere else. Matt and
Hannah Bordenkircher met in the summer of 2009 and soon thereafter began
sharing their passion for music and the outdoors. A few years passed playing
local bars and writing songs from the tree stand. All the meanwhile, their
relationship grew both personally and musically. In 2013, Matt and Hannah took
the next step in both facets of their lives by getting married in the Autumn (image), and making a trip to Nashville to record their 4
track EP as Skyline Ridge which was released April 22, 2014.
CONNECT
with Skyline
Ridge:
COUNTRY FASHION
Jaida Dreyer felt like the belle of the ball at the BMI
Pop Awards on 14 May. “Thanks to Haute Hippie for suiting me up!” she shared - Image
Taylor Swift spotted in New York was seen wearing a Rails ‘Jesse
Sailboat’ button-down blouse (Neiman Marcus) -
Fashion Pic Then Tay was caught arriving at the gym on May 18th wearing a Suno Deep V Romper
($650.00), an Anthropologie
Streamlined Satchel ($398.00) and a pair of Gucci Yellow Suede Pumps ($635.00)
- Fashion Pic
Julianne Hough wore Casadei Blade pumps to the Open Hearts Foundation
4th Annual Gala in Malibu, California. They feature pearly leather and 120mm
sculpted metal signature blade heel - Image
Before taking the stage to address the star studded
crowd, she posed on the red carpet wearing a cream wool and silk blend
one-shoulder cocktail dress with asymmetric panels along the waist by Roland Mouret.
The Footloose/Dancing With The Stars/ "That Song in My Head" country
pop singer worked her relatively new pixie cut with several strands pulled back
in voluminous twists. Julianne also accessorized with a dark brow (a bit too
defined in my opinion) and rococco red lip. She skipped the jewelry adding only
a single gold band = Classy!
COUNTRY GOSSIP
They were never ever even together. It seems the rumor that
Taylor Swift and Zach Braff were
dating started to pop up online on May 13, but the 24-year-old songstress' rep
quickly shut it down, which should come as a relief for anyone wondering if
such an odd pairing was a reality. "Despite the rumors, Taylor has never
been on a date with Mr. Braff, and he has never been to her home," Swift's
rep told Us
Weekly, adding, "Like, never. Ever."
Randy Houser and Jessa
Lee Yantz (Image) a singer-songwriter, who was a
contestant during season 10 of American Idol) have decided to divorce after two
and a-half years of marriage. Contacted by CMT.com, a representative for Houser
acknowledged the split, saying, "I can confirm Randy Houser and Jessa Lee
Yantz are getting a divorce. They are appreciative of the media's sensitivity
toward their request for privacy during this time." The couple married on
Sept. 2, 2011, in the Dominican Republic, two months after announcing their
engagement. The couple's son, West Yantz Houser, was born
on March 6, 2012. Houser's hit singles include
"How Country Feels," "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" and
"Goodnight Kiss."
Kellie Pickler: My Grandmother Died the Day After Her
Lung Cancer Diagnosis: Kellie Pickler says the fight against lung cancer is very
"near and dear" to her heart. Pickler recently joined with Lung Force, an
initiative sponsored by CVS, to raise awareness and money for lung cancer
research. "My grandmother, Faye Pickler, she's the one that raised me and the
woman I called Mom," Pickler told ABC News. "She was diagnosed with
lung cancer back in January 2002 and she died the very next day, she died the
very next morning."
Brantley Gilbert Bares His Soul About Breakup with Jana Kramer on
Just As I Am: For fans who want to know the intimate details of Brantley
Gilbert's breakup with Jana Kramer, you'll find the answers on his new CD JUST
AS I AM. "It was the real thing," he says of the romance. "We went at it. We went at it hard and
fast. It's definitely a love story that's a huge part of my life, always will
be, and I was proud to represent it on the record. It's part of that
chapter." Since he's been writing and recording, Brantley says he's always
been brutally honest about his life. So it really wasn't an option to leave out
even an unpleasant part.
Brantley Gilbert now has a new girlfriend, 21-year old Molly
Bouchon; she's a publicist in Nashville and she looks just like his X, Jana
Kramer - Image
Thomas Rhett got his end of the tour gift from Brantley Gilbert,
his very own brass knuckles - Image
Right before last week's big Met Gala in New York
City, Taylor Swift sent the fashion
world into a tizzy by announcing on Twitter that her cat Meredith had "attacked" her
custom Oscar de la Renta gown. Now, she's telling People magazine just what happened during
the kitty vs. couture showdown. "I’ve never seen more fashionable people
lose their composure quicker than when a cat walks up to a satin, custom Oscar
de la Renta gown and then decides to make a home inside of it,” she told
People. "She just passed, dug her claws in and started to roll…like when
you see a crocodile attack an antelope on National Geographic. That’s what she
tried to do to the dress.” But ultimately, Taylor says, Meredith didn't do much
damage. Even though the cat
"fancies herself as quite a hunter,” says Taylor, she adds, "She’s a
chubby housecat. She’s not very strong!”
http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2014/5/15/taylor-swift-gives-details-on-met-ball-dress-cat-attack.html
Luke Bryan Reveals the Song He and His Wife,
Caroline, Played Again and Again in College: Bryan lightened things up with the
sweet love song, "Play It Again." He thinks fans identify with
the fun story of a couple falling in love to a song on the radio. Luke says, "I think the reaction that the
girl has, 'Oh my God, this is my song,' that's such a real reaction and that's
what makes the song work." Luke and his wife, Caroline, had a song they
wanted to play again and again all through college -- Lenny Kravitz's
"Can't Get You Off My Mind."
TWEETS
Cassadee Pope @CassadeePope tweeted Good day, London! So far, SO good.
#Behindthescenes #seasonfinale @Nashville_ABC @clarembee♥ in @pinkpewter hair by @JKinigopoulos exclusive @Parlour3 pic.twitter.com/4cLqmxeECM
— pinkpewter (@pinkpewter) May 15, 2014
PHOTO
The Shires @ Gibson Guitar Studios, London May 14,
2014 by Frography (by Flex) – “The UK's most talented and exciting country duo,
The Shires performed at the first Sounds Like Nashville event last night
alongside Cassadee Pope. Crissie
Rhodes and Ben Earle are absolutely special” - Facebook Media Gallery
BIRTHDAYS
May 19: Mickey
Newbury - (1940)
May 23: Misty Morgan
(1945), Shelly West - (1958), Mac Wiseman (1925)
May 24: Rosanne Cash
(1955), Mike Reid (1947), Billy Gilman (1988)
May 25: Tom T Hall (1936), Carrie Newcomer (1958), Jessi Colter (1943)
May 25: Tom T Hall (1936), Carrie Newcomer (1958), Jessi Colter (1943)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.