Country Bites News snippets
August 11 – August 17, 2014
SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED
UK & IRISH
News
Dolly Parton with “Lay Your Hands On Me” was adding to the “A” BBC Radio 2 Playlist for the week commencing August 16, 2014. Emma Stevens with “Make My Day” and The Shires with “Tonight” remain on the
“B” playlist as Kacey Musgraves with
“Keep It to Yourself” is new on the “C” list.
Ward Thomas got an album review for WHERE WE STAND in
the Birmingham Mail - "This is a gorgeous record with every track
beautifully crafted" - Image
Singer-songwriter Amy
Wadge co-wrote two songs on Ed Sheeran's 8 week UK No1 million selling new
album “x” and will be out gigging again in the next few weeks. Visit amywadge.com to find out where she is playing.
UKCountryRadio.com descibed Sam Hollyman’s live music night at Kennys Fish & Chip restaurant in Doncaster as a “Great show” where he performed a number of self-penned songs and some country classics (including a version of Johnny Cash's “Hurt”) - Image
His new single “Feeling Good” ( Vocal Pop) was released by KEMC Records on Aug 19, 2014 on iTunes. In America it made No.90 appearance on US iTunes Vocal Chart before dropping to #319, rebounding to #219, then #441 and has fallen off the Top 1000 tracks. It is yet to appear on a UK iTunes chart despite the news that a recent video of his Michel Buble Birmingham concert footage had been shared by over 200,000 people on social media with over a 7 million reach.
A brand new American Country Music Video Show CM&T (Country Music and Travel, yes not CMT Europe!) broadcasting the most current videos directly from the USA is coming to SKY TV Channel 192 and Freesat 401.
Scotland’s Janey
Kirk was interviewed on BBC Radio Norfolk on Keith Greentree’s Rodeo
Norfolk country show. She was in the area to perform at the Phil Mack Country
Weekend at Hemsby Norfolk. Tracks played included "Love Triangle" and
her latest European single "Streets Of Loneliness" being promoted on
Hotdisc. Find her on Facebook.
ICYMI listen here:
Phil Mack sent out a massive thank to everyone who
was at the Seacroft Hemsby event for the Country weekend. Over the coming weeks footage
will be posted on Facebook along with clips from the concerts on upcoming shows
(Marisa D'Amato, Steve Cherelle, John Permenter, Jacqui
Sharkey, Phil Mack and Trevor Loughrey - PHOTO - Fans: Image - Image )
Phil said “All the artists were absolutely brilliant, and the Ryan Turner band were out of this world , Ryan , Kenny , Joe
and John were joined by World class fiddle player John Permenter & Steel
guitarist Sarah Jory, making the band , as most people commented one of the
best they
had EVER witnessed on stage , all the artists they
backed commented on what a buzz it was to have this set up backing them.
Marisa D'Amato from Malta actually stated that she has toured the world ,
including Nashville and would rate this band as the best she has ever seen ,
high praise indeed” Young 16 year old Irish act Ben Troy proved a storming success as did ALL
the artists .
As one of eight acts Ward Thomas (joining Sister Sledge, T'PAU and more) are to play The
Country Life Fair Royal Reception & Grand Ball event on Weds Sept 10th at
the Natural History Museum in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
Tickets £65 at countrylifefair.co.uk - Graphic
The YeehawUK Country Music Festival takes place 5th
& 6th Sept 2014 at Rockingham Castle, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
near Corby LE168TH.
YeehawUK will be an all day event with camping on-site
also available.
(07950 705603 Tickets - yeehawuk.com/tickets )
(07950 705603 Tickets - yeehawuk.com/tickets )
Friday night acoustic artist list is:
Jess Roberts (England), Jeannine Barry (with special
guest Chase Allen), Gary Quinn (Ireland), Millers Daughter & Goldie Reed
Saturday Artist list:
Ashton Lane (Scotland), Raintown (Scotland), Chase Allan
(USA), Raihanna Estrada (USA), Aleyce Simmonds (Australia), Penny Rae Band
(USA), Ward Thomas (England), Ade Payne (UK), The Shires (England), Fitzwallace
(England), M Callahan (USA) and Dexeter (UK).
Yes it will be the Glasgow battle of the Lady A’s. As
Pop/Country duo Raintown (vocalists Claire McArthur
and Paul
Bain) described by UKCountryRadio.com’s CEO Allan Watkiss “the UK’s answer to US super group Lady Antebellum” go head-to-head with fellow country/pop act Ashton Lane (musicians: Esther
O’Connor (lead vocals, guitar), Tim O’Connor (guitar, vocals)) who describe themselves as “Scotland's answer to Lady Antebellum”
Kent based Sarah
Lucy Dole and her band Starlane
accepted the “Diamond Don” award (Image) presented to them at the East Texas
Performing Arts Community Theatre and Musical Concerts in Jefferson, TX on 16th
August - easttexasperformingarts
This was their first official Country Music Award and
apparently the Texans in the audience couldn't get enough receiving a standing
ovation from a packed house. "You held us in a trance" was one
comment. Sarah paid tribute to band members Jax Titmus, Andy Green, Jon Smith,
and Simon Craig who all worked so hard.
Watch the band perform in the "Buckle Up" video and read the Maverick Magazine album review (Alan
Cackett)
Raining On A Sunday: Country in the Park 2014 in Harlow on Sunday
10th August 2014 which was to feature the John Taylor Band, Kickin’ Country,
Ian Highland Band, Dane Stevens, Texas Tornados, Lass Vegas and Russel Kemp was cancelled
due to severe weather parts of England affected by high winds and rain brought
by the remnants of what was Hurricane Bertha!
The Rubber Duck
Country Music Festival takes
place 21st August - 25th August at Narborough Community Playing Fields Chalk
Lane Narborough Nr. King's Lynn Norfolk PE32 1SR
The Miller Tells
Her Tale celebrated with a
Special Extended 500th Anniversary Show on 17 August 2014. The programme is a
weekly 2 hour podcast featuring music primarily by independent Americana, roots
and singer songwriter fare. Hosted by Karen Miller who began with an Americana
hospital radio show in Edinburgh at the age of 16 was first introduced to
SpydaRadio's Mike Chapman by promoter Bob Paterson during SXSW in 2001. She was
immediately offered a slot on his internet station which eventually folded.
Karen has worked in radio-related jobs all her adult life working in marketing
at Classic FM and helped produce BBC Radio Scotland’s Americana/Country show
Brand New Country for 5 years.
A shortened 1 hour version “Now That's Americana with
Karen Miller” of TMTHT goes out on Thurs: 18:00 - 19:00 and Fri 02:00 - 03:00
& 10:00 - 11:00 in the UK on 24/7 Internet sataion CMR Nashville on "Europe's
#1 Country Music Radio Station"
You can check out the latest TMTHT playlist and listen
to the show at www.themillertellshertale.co.uk
For “The Miller Tells
Her Tale” shows No.472 onwards visit - mixcloud.com/tmtht
Subscribe to TMTHT on iTunes
UKCountryRadio.com's Will “BigDawg” Downie started a new County Star Wars feature on his UK Interative Saturday show on the
Internet station whose slogan is “playing the Hottest Country Music for the UK”
Two country artists go head to head where listeners
are asked to cast their vote for their favourite. The winner is announced on UKCR on Saturday at 6pm. The station has 2,033
Facebook likes and 2,193 Twitter followers.
The first week was Montogomery Gentry v Brooks & Dunn with a 5 to 4 vote (a 0.04% voter
turnout on the Facebook Voting Post)
The second week saw Faith Hill pitched against hubby Tim McGraw ! To vote fans just needed to comment against the
Facebook Link with Faith or Tim. 7 People "liked" the Facebook post and just 3 people voted one
being UKCountryRadio.com presenter Simon Large!
This weeks Country Star Wars is between George Strait and Alan Jackson. So far the Facebook Voting Post has received a mere 4
likes with 2 people voting for both artists.
In March 2014 The Guardian stated that “country music has never been more popular in Britain”. You would never think so from the reaction so far to “Big Dawgs County Star Wars”
UK CHART NEWS
Official UK Top
100 Album Chart (Week
Ending August 23, 2014)
Dolly Parton with BLUE
SMOKE/THE BEST OF (Masterworks) retreated 2-3 (10,905 sales; down 35% on
previous week 16,665 copies; 10-week total 167,221). Parton's pair has been in
the Top 7 throughout its 10 week chart frame!
Taylor Swift’s now fellow
POP pal Ed Sheeran's lock on the
album chart continued with his second album X registering its eighth straight
week at No1 (8 week sales of 488,711). The only other album in chart history by
a male solo artist to spend its first eight weeks at number one is Phil
Collins' ...But Seriously, which turned the trick in 1989/90.
In their 4th week on the
chart UK duo Ward
Thomas (20 year old twins Catherine and Lizzy) with their full
length début album, FROM WHERE WE STAND (WTW
MUSIC) fell one more slot 94-95
selling probably around 930 copies (based on #94 Pixie Lott’s self titled
selling 934 copies) to add to their debut sales week of 2,473 with an estimated
5-week haul of 5,300 copies.
On The Independent Albums chart FROM WHERE WE STAND fell 3 places
11-14 whilst their BBC Radio 2
playlisted single “Push For The Stride”
left the Independent Singles Top 40
after spending 5 weeks on the chart and a No.20 top rank.
Their two official videos >> “The Good And The Right” published on Apr 8,
2014 has received 25,814 views and >> “Push
For The Stride” published on July 9, 2014 has to date
received 40,733 views.
Official UK
Country Album Chart (Week
Ending August 23, 2014)
The UK’s Ward Thomas with FROM WHERE WE STAND (WTW Music) stays
at No.1 for a fourth straight week
Johnny Cash with OUT
AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) held at No.2 in its 20th chart frame.
Lady Antebellum with NEED
YOU NOW moved back to the top 3 (6-3)
in their 142nd week.
Kacey Musgraves with SAME TRAILER
DIFFERENT PARK (Decca) slipped back 3-4 in her 70th chart
frame.
Puss N Boots with NO FOOL NO FUN (Blue Note) fell back 4-9 in their second week.
UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Albums
(Last updated August , 2014)
Dolly Parton’s album
BLUE SMOKE/ THE BEST OF remains at
the top with UK country duo Ward
Thomas new debut album FROM
WHERE WE STAND slipping 2-3.
Renewed
interest in Taylor Swift’s new
POP single and forthcoming album “1989” helped propel 3 of her back catalog
sets into the top 10 as RED moves
10-2, self titled debut at #6 and FEARLESS (Platinum Edition) blowing
in at #7
The Sony compilation American
Heartland: Legends of Country moved 7-9. Pre-orders for Brad Paisley’s new album due
Aug 25th saw it fall 9-11. Of note: The “world’s first” a cappella country
vocal group Home Free with CRAZY LIFE have picked up interest with
a No.11 slot.
1 Dolly Parton
Blue Smoke - The Best Of
2 Taylor Swift - Red
3 Ward Thomas - From Where We Stand
4 John Denver - The Ultimate Collection
5 Dolly Parton - The Very Best of Dolly Parton
6 Taylor Swift - Taylor Swift
7 Taylor Swift - Fearless (Platinum Edition)
8 Various Artists - Country - 101 All Time Greats
9 Various Artists - American Heartland: Legends of Country
10 Johnny Cash - The Essential Johnny Cash
11 Brad Paisley - Moonshine in the Trunk
12 Home Free - Crazy Life
UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Singles (Last updated August 19, 2014)
Taylor Swift now an official POP artist with a POP
album is still appearing on the chart as her brand new single “Shake It Off” comes straight in at Nos
1 & 2 with purchases from both the stand and Deluxe copy (UK of “1989” ? Brad Paisley with his preview track “Crushin' It” fell 1-3.
Dolly Parton now posts 3 songs in the Top 10 headed by her
signature tune “Jolene” which moved
2-4 .
Ward Thomas whowith there former BBC Radio 2 “A” playlist with “Push For the Stride” fell 4-15 as their UK pals The Shires
with their now Radio 2 playlisted single “Tonight”
(Decca UK iTunes.) moves up 16-10 and first single
“Nashville Grey Skies” bullets at
No.12.
1 Taylor Swift - Shake It
Off
2 Taylor Swift - Shake It
Off
3 Brad Paisley - Country
Nation
4 Dolly Parton - Jolene
5 Taylor Swift - I Knew You
Were Trouble.
6 Taylor Swift - Love Story
7 Lady Antebellum - Need
You Now
8 Dolly Parton - 9 To 5
9 Dolly Parton & Kenny
Rogers - Islands In the Stream
10 The Shires - Tonight
On the Hotdisc Chart (August 17, 2014 Chart)
Jim Reeves’ duet with Barbi Franklin re-make of "How's The World Treating You" (written by Chet Atkins, Boudleaux Bryant) from his monster H&H Records 8 CD collection enjoyed
a second successive week atop the Hotdisc Top 40
chart.
Joe Stampley's son Tony Stampley with "It Ain't All Good But It Ain't Half Bad"
(Tony Stampley/ John Swat/ Philip Douglas) climbed four places 7-3. Both Stampley
and the late Jim Reeves mark birthdays on August 20th.
Bertie Higgins’ “Cowboys
Of The Caribbean” fell 2-4.
David Wood with “Who Left The Door To Heaven Open” (wriiten by Betty Duke) rose 6-5.
On their 6th week on the charts US acts Brian Collins’ “Never Really Left” 9-7 and Owen Howell with "Let's Start A Party" 10-8 saw their singles rebound as Texas native SaraBeth with "That's The Sound" held firm at
No.11
Outside the Top 10:
Kaylee Rutland with title cut “Good Day To Get Gone” climbed 18-16, Sonia Leigh with “Put
It In Your Pocket” (co-written with Bobby Huff) progressed 23-18 as David Shelby
with “Southern Drawl” made a 24-19
hop. Another US act M Callaghan slated to perform very soon in the UK
at the YeehawUK Country Music Festival (Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire)
received a 29-24 surge with “Wrecking My World” (co-written with Michael
Hunter Ochs). The track taken from an EP Trailer Park Paradise is the follow up
to HD186 June single “God’s Green Earth” which reached No.3, the popular
“Chicken On A Chain” (HD183 March 2014) logged 2 weeks at No.1 and 2013’s “Baptized By Your Love” peaked at No.5 for 2
weeks
Charlie Boston with lifted
19-14 with “How I Only Wish I Could Fly”
to secure the No.1 on the British & Irish Hotdisc chart holding
off the challenge from Hotdisc newbie and former The Voice UK finalist Mike Ward with "Welcome Home" which climb 20-15 on the Top 40 remaining in the
runner up No.2 slot on the British
standings.
Scotland’s Janey
Kirk who performed at the Phil Mack International event in Norfolk saw her
title track “Streets
of Loneliness” (video at Yahoo.com/vevo-new-releases) breeze up
39-33 (#6 - #4 British & Irish Hotdisc)
UK COUNTRY
ALBUM RELEASES
(28 April 2014) Larry
Gatlin - The Pilgrim / Rain Rainbow (2-On-1; Morello Records) CD
(26 July 2014) Amanda Rheaume - Keep A Fire (AGB
Bannatyne)
(11 Aug 2014) Johnny
Rodriguez - The Definitive Collection The Mercury Years 2-CD set
(18 Aug 2014) Blackberry
Smoke - Leave A Scar Live In North Carolina [2CDs+DVD] [CD+DVD] Amazon UK - Amazon.com
(18 Aug 2014) Various - Look Again to the Wind: Johnny Cash's Bitter Tears Revisited
11 Tracks/ Time: 52:21 (Gillian Welch;David Rawlings,
Emmylou Harris; The Milk Carton Kids , Steve Earle etc) CD
- MP3 - Smart Choice Music
(19 Aug 2014) Chase
Rice - Ignite the Night (Dack Janiels Records)
CD (import) - US iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com
CD (import) - US iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com
(19 Aug 2014) Joel Crouse - Even The River Runs CD - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
(19 Aug 2014) Randy Travis - Influence Vol. 2: The Man I Am
CD
- MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com
(19 Aug 2014) Ray
Stevens - Gospel Collection
12 Tracks/ Time: 38:10 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
(25 Aug 2014) Shooter
Jennings - EP DON’T WAIT UP (For George) (Black Country Rock)
5 Tracks CD - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
BLUEGRASS NEWS
Nominees for the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Awards
were announced at a press conference in Nashville, Tennessee, with The Boxcars leading the pack with ten
nominations for the band and their individual members. They’re followed by Blue Highway with nine nominations, and
The Del McCoury Band with six
nominations. (A full list of nominations appears at ibma.org ) Awards are voted on by the
professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association
(IBMA), the trade association for the bluegrass music industry. Results of the
balloting will be revealed at the International Bluegrass Music Awards on
Thursday, October 2, hosted by artists Lee Ann Womack and Jerry Douglas. The
Awards Show is the centerpiece of World of Bluegrass event, to be held
September 30-October 4 in Raleigh, NC.
AUSSIE NEWS
CMC Rocks The
Hunter to relocate to
Queensland In 2015:
CMC Rocks, the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest country
and roots music festival, will move to the picturesque Willowbank Raceway site in South-East Queensland next March (March
13-15, 2015) with Seven-time Grammy-winning trio and Multi-Platinum selling
artist Lady Antebellum set to headline,
festival organizers Rob Potts Entertainment Edge, Chugg Entertainment and
Foxtel’s Country Music Channel announced. Now named CMC Rocks QLD, Queensland
has nabbed the Country Music Channel festival from the Hunter Valley ( Hope
Estate in the Hunter Valley) after seven years in the NSW wine country in a
major coup for the state. The event, scheduled
for three days next March, is expected to attract more than 5000 international
and interstate visitors to Ipswich. - cmcrocks.com
- Official CMC Rocks 2015 Press Release
CMC Interview:
John Williamson
CANADIAN NEWS
Michelle Wright received a call from her manager Brian
Ferriman letting her know that his wife and her long time business manager Sue
Ferriman who has been dealing with ALS for the last several years passed away.
Every year, Spencer Smith Park n Burlington, Ontario, welcomes people from all over the world to sample some of the best ribs from some of North America's top ribbers.
This year marked the 19th anniversary of Canada's Largest Ribfest, an event that the National Post has dubbed "the Superbowl of Ribfests." Elyse would love to see you! Come on out for the "Superbowl of Ribfests" and enjoy some music, food and more. Admission is FREE! Spencer Smith Park, 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON.
Find Elyse on FACEBOOK
NEWS
Country Aircheck's
Insider Artist News:
August 15, 2014: Cold Shoulders (Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Blake
Shelton); Garth Brooks (Peach Combing); Luke Bryan (Playa Anytime)
August 19, 2014: Kenny Chesney (Kenny's Roadhouse), Taylor Swift (Pop
Goes The Country), Garth Brooks (Garthlanta), Darius Rucker (Who Made The
Cut?), Bucket Broncos (The Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS), George Strait (CMT:
Ride Goes On Forever), Brad Paisley (My Country Nation), Gwen Sebastian (Farm
Girl)
The latest social media phenomenon to take root is the
Strike Out ALS
Ice Bucket Challenge, in which celebrities, sports personalities and
us ordinary folk are doused with an ice-cold bucket of water to raise money and
awareness for Lou Gehrig’s disease. The NY Daily reports that there are
currently more than 50,000 ice bucket videos on YouTube, with famous faces like
>> Taylor Swift and Jamie King, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill
Gates stepping up to the challenge after being nominated by their similarly
famous friends. It’s no wonder really that it’s gone viral: they take two
seconds to watch and the payoff is that you get to see your favourite sleb in a
wet T-shirt.
The ALS Association is an American nonprofit
organization that raises money for research and patient services. Amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with various causes
>> Zac
Brown Band Challenge accepted! This one's for you Hunter
Hayes and Vineyard Vines. They challenge Jimmy Buffett, Foo Fighters, Bob
Lefsetz and Garth Brooks. >> Cole
Swindell challenges Luke Bryan to the Ice Bucket Challenge.
>> Blake
Shelton, Carson Daly and Adam Levine accepted the Ice Bucket
Challengeas did >> Carrie
Underwood and hubby Mike Fisher
Along with >> Jennifer
Nettles and Brandy Clark .
The UK’s Ward Thomas don’t to things by halve either >> Facebook Video
The UK’s Ward Thomas don’t to things by halve either >> Facebook Video
No Alan Jackson
retrospective would be complete without including one of his vintage cars, and
the new Alan Jackson exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame in
Nashville features his most precious set of wheels -- the 1955 Ford Thunderbird
he bought at age 15. Alan and his father, Gene, restored the car, but Alan had
to sell it to get the down payment for his first home. Alan's 25 Years of
Keepin' It Country opens August 29, and the T-Bird will only be on display for
the opening weekend.
Singer Joanna
Smith is off the market! Smith wed her longtime boyfriend in an
intimate ceremony over the weekend, officially becoming Jo Eldridge in the
process. The songstress, donning a beautiful, long, white spaghetti-strapped
gown, married Tripp Eldridge in a small ceremony. She paired her dress with
silver jewelry and even put a thin belt over her wedding dress, giving her a casual,
yet glamorously country look. Smith and Eldridge — shown here — are all smiles
while cutting their cake during the wedding. Ironically, Smith has a single
called ‘Gettin’ Married.’ Following its release she dropped two more singles in
‘Georgia Mud’ and ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ with Columbia Records Nashville before
the label restructured and put her on BNA Records.
Norwegian recording artist Arne Benoni recently signed a recording contract with London-based H & H Music
Ltd., a move that will expose Benoni and his music to an
international audience with special marketing emphasis in the UK and Europe.
“I can’t tell you how excited this makes me feel,”
Benoni says. “To get the opportunity to
work with an established company like H & H Music, to further my career and
get my music in new markets – it’s truly incredible. I am looking forward to a long relationship
with them and to meeting and performing for the new fans this opportunity will
surely bring.”
Benoni credits Larry Jordan, producer of the Jim Reeves
recordings released by H&H Music, with bringing him together with H&H
Music. Arne himself played and sung on a number of these newly overdubbed and
re-mastered Reeves releases.
AWARDS
Tickets for "The
48th Annual CMA Awards" and "CMA
Country Christmas" will go on sale to the public Sat, Sept 6th.
Pricing for the "CMA AWARDS" start at $110
for Upper Level seating. Tickets for “CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS” are $25 for Upper
Level seating and $50 for Lower and Club Level seating. Exclusive pre-sale access for both events is available
to subscribers of CMA’s free email newsletter CMA EXCLUSIVE, plus fans who like
CMA on Facebook (Facebook.com/CMA), and follow CMA’s @CountryMusic official
account on Twitter (Twitter.com/CountryMusic).
CMA Leak: We voted, did you? CMA Members, VOTE for
Gwen (and Blake): CMA Musical Event of the Year for "My Eyes"
Pick Box 14 for Small Town Throwdown (Brantley
Gilbert) or Box 15 Somethin' Bad (Miranda Lambert with Carrie) - Image
Darius Rucker is to announce final nominees for The 48th Annual CMA Awards on
Wednesday, Sept. 3 on Good Morning America live from New York City. At
daybreak, Rucker will perform “Homegrown Honey,” the debut single from his
upcoming new album to be released in early 2015. Rucker will also announce the
final nominees in five CMA Awards categories live from the “Good Morning
America” studios in the heart of Times Square on the ABC Television Network.
The announcement will air in the 8:30 AM/ET half-hour segment of the top-rated,
morning news program.
Following the announcement, at 10:00 AM/ET, Rucker
will be at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square to announce the finalists in
the remaining seven categories along with the announcement of the CMA Broadcast Awards for Personality and Radio Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large,
and major market), as well as the finalists for the CMA National Broadcast
Personality of the Year.
MUSIC NEWS
Billboard Behind Myspace's Troublesome
Second Act by Glenn Peoples:
Myspace is trying to achieve what made Steve Jobs and Tina Turner legendary: a
successful second act. But the former king of social networks has failed to win
over consumers and musicians since its re-launch as a music discovery platform.
In the latest example of its ongoing transition, Myspace laid off nine people
at the end of June, just seven months after the company shed 5 percent of its
workforce. Other staffers have left for better opportunities, including Joseph
Patel, who ran Myspace's editorial team before leaving for The Fader, and Neda
Azarfar, who joins the Recording Academy. Myspace does not reveal the number of
its employees. It is part of the 650-person Interactive Media Holdings division
of parent company Specific Media.
Myspace's January 2013 re-launch had a mix of high
awareness and low expectations. Media coverage had been high since news broke
in 2011 that Justin Timberlake was part of Specific Media's $35 million
acquisition from News Corp., which paid $600 million for the site in 2006. It's been a year-and-a-half of near-anonymity.
"You know they are failing with this one question: when was the last time you saw a MySpace link
or reference on Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest or Instagram?"
asks Gretchen Fox, co-founder of the Made To Order Agency.
Billboard U.K. to Introduce Age-Based
Rating System for Online Music Videos
"If something's got an 18 stamped on it, then
kids are going to want to watch it all the more," he told the BBC. “It's
like when a video gets banned -- everyone hunts it down." Nicki Minaj's
Smoking-Hot 'Anaconda' Video is definitely one that gets the age rating!
SINGLE / ALBUM
NEWS
Republic Nashville's Florida Georgia Line (FGL) will release their new album ANYTHING GOES
on Tues, Oct 14th.
“Tyler and I’ve been really blessed to have an amazing
team – an extended family – who push us continually to be better and think
differently," said FGL’s Brian Kelley it's a little surprising to see no
special guests on the track listing for their new album, Anything Goes. n an
interview after the duo's performance on ABC's Good Morning America Friday,
FGL's Tyler Hubbard tells ABC News Radio, "Things just didn't quite work out
to collaborate right now with anybody." Of course, the guys could always
add a superstar to one of their tracks at a later date. At the same time,
Florida Georgia Line isn't looking to add a big name to one of their songs just
for the sake of creating a buzz. Read more + “Anything Goes” track listing
find Album artwork at instagram.com
Trisha Yearwood has signed with Sony Music Nashville's (SMN) RCA
imprint and will be releasing her PRIZEFIGHTER album later this year. “Trisha is
one of Country music’s brightest stars. Her versatility and passion have put
her at the forefront of countless industries -- she is a best-selling author, a
culinary maven, and an EMMY award winning television personality, but first and
foremost, Trisha is an unparalleled recording artist who has sold millions of
albums and is respected as one of the greatest female vocalists in Country
music," said SMN Chairman/CEO GARY OVERTON. "We’re honored to welcome
her to the RCA NASHVILLE family, and look forward to her fans hearing her
highly-anticipated new music.”
Yearwood added, "I can't even find the right
words to express how excited I am to be releasing new music! I chose the title
'PrizeFighter' because it feels like an anthem for all of us. It's about
fighting for what you believe in, and never giving up, even when it's hard.
It's a message we all need to hear. I'm so looking forward to working with the
amazing staff at SONY. Music is what feeds my soul, and I'm grateful to them
for giving me the chance to share what I love.”
Folk singer-songwriter, Heather McCready is celebrating the release of a new single.
"Summer
Song” is a charming cover of the 60's classic hit song by singing
duo, Chad and Jeremy.
Heather McCready's delicate voice is perfect for the
melody and her dreamy new arrangement is nothing short of enchanting. McCready
is no stranger to new releases as she has put out five CDs in five years. And
now she can boast two singles to boot.
Chad and Jeremy's original song entitled >> "A Summer Song" (writers Chad Stuart,
Clive Metcalfe and Keith Noble) was said by many to be one of the most
beautiful songs ever written.
Chad and Jeremy were an English singing 60s folk rock
duo comprising Chad Stuart (born 1941,
Windermere, Cumbria) and Jeremy Clyde (born March 1941 in Dorney,
Buckinghamshire). They were part of the British Invasion, a large influx of
British rock and pop musicians to enter the American music scene. It was first
recorded in June 1964 and reached #7 on the US Hot 100.
Heather's 2014 arrangement by producer and arranger,
Milo Deering, doesn't disappoint. It is, in fact, a refreshing production,
expertly produced and overflowing with sophisticated folk-style charm. Heather's
delicate voice, great harmony and a beautiful string arrangement make this new
single release of "Summer Song" truly special. It achieves a unique
serenity and sort of timelessness not often found in today's music. Now, some
fifty years since its debut, Heather McCready uses her gifts of music and calm
to pay tribute to the magic of Chad and Jeremy's original hit song.
Heather shares: “It
is a bittersweet song about saying good-bye. Good-bye's are hard for me,
especially when I'm somewhere I feel loved and appreciated. You make me feel
that way. And those hours are treasures to me. You give me that. And so, this
song is for you. It's my hope to give you some beautiful moments too. Sit back
and imagine you are there. We will be walking amongst the trees and that gentle
warm summer breeze is with us too. It is perfect in our "Summer Song".
PRESS RELEASES
- Stacy Burk releases new Single, “Mix A Little”
- Country
music newcomer Clare Dunn recently
became the highest charting
independent female artist on the Music Row Country Breakout chart in 10
years. Her debut single, “Get Out,” currently hit #15 on the Music Row chart.
- Oak Ridge Boys lead singer Duane Allen has received
high honors from his native Lone Star State. The award-winning
singer/songwriter/producer has been inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
- Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio now available on iHeartRadio
- Florida Georgia Line to headline
Friday night & Blake Shelton to Headline Saturday Night at Kicker
Country Stampede 2015 (June 25–28, 2015)
- Countdown
to Chase Rice's 'Ignite the
Night' begins until Album Drops Aug. 19
- Kenny Chesney’s Flora-Bama-Jama rocks just over 40,000
- The Roys sign exclusive worldwide booking agreement with Buddy Lee Attractions
- Renowned
Songwriter Max T. Barnes to team with Gina Jeffreys and Rod
McCormack in Australia
- Alabama and Cracker Barrel Old Country Store announce exclusive ANGELS AMONG US:
HYMNS & GOSPEL FAVORITES: DELUXE EDITION CD, available Sept. 8, contains
three exclusive bonus tracks not found on the regular edition.
- Montgomery Gentry “ignites” fans and critics alike with
brand new single,“Headlights,” impacting country
radio (Aug 18), available for download Sept 2nd
- In
celebration of blues icon Chris
Smither’s 70th birthday, Signature Sounds will release Link of Chain: A
Songwriters Tribute to Chris Smither on September 30, 2014 (Featured
artists include Bonnie Raitt, Loudon Wainwright III, Mary Gauthier, Josh
Ritter, Eilen Jewell, Peter Case, Tim O’Brien, Jorma Kaukonen, Aoife
O’Donovan & Patty Larkin)
- On August
4, country and bluegrass legend Ricky
Skaggs and Sharon White (of
country music's The Whites) celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary. Now
on September 30, 2014 they release their first-ever studio album,
HEARTS
LIKE OURS.
- Jake Owen throws a Giant Beach Party for fans in
Nashville: Taking it up a notch from the wildly successful block party
last year, the capacity crowd gathered for the talented singer’s free
concert, where he performed a dynamic set, including his
PLATINUM-certified, #1 summer anthem “Beachin’.”
ARTICLES
American Songwriter Writer of the Week: Angaleena Presley …Pistol Annies member Angaleena Presley has put
her entire experience into her debut solo album, American Middle Class, out
October 14. This Kentucky-born coal miner’s daughter recently opened up to us
about finding inspiration in the everyday, her love for cooking, and the
eternal flame she continues to carry for Elvis…….
INTERVIEWS
For The Country Record Hannah
Jane Lewis On Her Upcoming EP, A Whirlwind Year And Country Music’s Rise In The
UK
BOOKS
Every song tells a story and, in his new book NASHVILLE SONGWRITER (The Inside Stories Behind Country Music's Greatest Hits), music biographer Jake Brown reveals these stories - and one of Music City's best-kept secrets.
A hit song resonates across
generations, genders and backgrounds.
These #1s become "our songs."
They are the soundtrack to our lives. The songs themselves become timeless,
and the stars who sing them become legends. The book exposes the fact that the
majority of hits were written or co-written by an elite club of Music City
songwriters, 20 of whom are exclusively interviewed within its 300-plus
pages. Presented in one volume are the
"stories behind" many of the most memorable songs of our lives.
Writers featured include Craig Wiseman, Dean Dillon, Bob DiPiero, Bill
Anderson, Sonny Curtis, Tom Shapiro, Kelley Lovelace, Rivers Rutherford, Tom T.
Hall, Wayne Carson, Chris Dubois, Dallas Davidson, David Lee Murphy, Freddy
Powers, Jeff Silbar, Brett James, Ashley Gorley, Lee Thomas Miller and Neil
Thrasher. As a bonus, exclusive commentary from Country music superstars Willie
Nelson, Merle Haggard and John Rich is included. (Via Press Release)
Format: Kindle Edition Print Length: 320 pages Publisher: BenBella
Books (9 Sep 2014) Amazon UK – Amazon.com
MAGAZINES
Taylor Swift and Jennifer Garner are just two of the
amazing ladies being highlighted in the 20 Women Changing the World feature
from Marie
Claire magazine’s September 2014 issue. Several years ago, Taylor
stumbled onto a blog by Maya Thompson, a mom who documented the life and death
of her son Ronan. “It absolutely devastated me,” Taylor said. “She had to watch
her 3-year-old die and was able to do nothing about it. I woke up in the middle
of the night with a verse about his story.”
Read the article Taylor Swift Has Given Grief a Voice (by
Max Chafkin) and watch the sneak peek video
LISTEN
Blake Shelton has debuted “Neon Light” the lead single from
Shelton’s upcoming 11th studio album, Bringing Back the Sunshine, which is set
to release September 30. He has 12 consecutive No.1 singles under his belt.
Will this be #13? Hit or Miss?:
REVERBNATION is the home to over 3.64 Million Musicians, Venues, Labels, and Industry Professionals
Makayla Lynn is a Top 5 Featured Artist: August 19, 2014 - August
26, 2014
Rank #1 CA Halifax, Nova Scotia, NS, Canada
Genre: Country / singer/songwriter / folk/ Guitarist,
pianist
Influences: Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lady
Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and soooo many more!
Her featured song is “Don't Quit Your Daydream” (co-written by
Makayla Lynn and fellow Nova Scotia writer Ryan Roberts)
Makayla Lynn is a young singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from NS, Canada.
She is a young girl with no fear, an unbelievable
talent and huge dreams; a combination that will certainly lead her to an
unstoppable career in the music industry.
At just 13
years old Makayla Lynn has already penned over 50 songs and released 3 cds
of all original work.
At the tender age of 9 she self released a 6 track EP
I'LL JUST KEEP BEING ME (UK iTunes)on June 1, 2011, the 8 track
album THE MUSIC IN ME ( UK iTunes) dropped 25 May 2012 and 7 song
set DAYDREAM (UK iTunes ) dropped June 2, 2014.
Makayla traveled to Nashville to record the Daydream
album.
She is currently backed by a team in Nashville of
A-list musicians and producers with an album that is sure to turn heads in the
Canadian, US and International markets. Daydream contains original work
co-written with Nashville and Maritime hit writers.
Makayla has aleady landed opening spots for Lady
Antebellum (Cavendish Beach Music Festival) and with country rocker Dallas
Smith.
She has been fortunate enough to spend time and share
stages with Carrie Underwood, The Dixie Chicks, Dwight Yoakam, Kenny Chesney,
Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Tanya Tucker, Bill Anderson, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw,
Kid Rock and countless others.
She has had the pleasure of opening for Country Music
legend Ricky Skaggs, as well as Canadian Female Vocalist Kira Isabella, Chad
Brownlee, Charlie Major, Josh Macumber and others.
In August 2014 she was nominated for an International
Music and Entertainment Award for her album “Daydream” - Image - Photos
"This girl (Makayla Lynn) is absolutely amazing.
Everyone should follow her!" - Dallas Smith
CONNECT with Makayla Lynn:
WATCH
Taylor Swift Dancing
to FGL’s “Cruise” at CMT Awards 2013
Brad Paisley debuts "Country
Nation" on My Country Nation's YouTube Channel rather bland and reworked fare?
Carrie Underwood: The
Making of Sunday Night Football's Intro 2014
Ryan Adams enlisted Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, to
co-star in the Vevo video for “Gimme
Something Good,” the
lead single from his forthcoming self-titled album out September 9 via
Pax-AM/Blue Note. His first release in two years, is loud and lovely, shot through
with minor-key guitar riffs and swirls of B3 organ that worship at the altar of
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. There’s an ’80s vibe to the chorus, an
anthemic, fist-pumping quality that suggests he’s back to writing songs for the
arena, not the coffeehouse.”
The colorful and quirky Ray Scott is putting the finishing touches on a brand-new album,
set for release later this year. One of the tunes from the album, “Drinkin’ Beer,” has become a fast fan
favorite after its premiere on iTunes in July. “Drinkin’ Beer” features Ray’s
unique, traditional-minded style along with his flair for understated humor.
Chasin' Crazy “That's How We Do Summertime”
Chasin' Crazy “That's How We Do Summertime”
Gwen Sebastian "Small
Town Soul" to compliment her new radio single
Jim Lauderdale stopped by the American Songwriter office to play a few
tunes, including >> “I’m
A Song,” the title track from his 26th record, a double album
that marks his return to traditional country music. Before he starts playing,
Jim shares the story of how he got his guitar (affectionately named “Coco”) as
well as some insight into how he wrote “I’m A Song,” how it inspired the rest
of the record and where he finds inspiration.
Holler Annie, aka Angaleena
Presley has a lyric video
"Ain't No Man" of at Yahoo Ram Country. It's a song that celebrates
female complexity and the fact that our quirks empower us when we have the
courage to own and flaunt them,” Presley says of her song.
Ashton Lane perform a cover of "Don't You Wanna Stay" (Jason Aldean
and Kelly Clarkson) . They have brand new songs on iTunes! Get 7 FREE MP3 Songs ashtonlanemusic.com
Recently Ashton Lane, described as “Scotland's answer to
Lady Antebellum”, who are are Esther O’Connor (lead vocals) and Tim O’Connor
(guitar, backing vocals) celebrated their 10th Wedding Anniversary
on 11 August 2014.
COUNTRY FASHION
Taylor Swift appeared on The Tonight Show starring
Jimmy Fallon on August 13, 2014 wearing a black and pink print short-sleeved Bec and Bridge
‘City of Roses Tee Dress’ $180.00 (Product Detail - Fashion Pic) which is actually a sneaky
crop top and pencil skirt combo. The 24-year-old’s fabulous pins that have to
go on for decades were made even better wearing 5.5” Prada ‘Ankle Strap Platform
Sandals’ ($850.00; Product Detail - Fashion Pic) She shunning her signature red
lippie for a sugary pink shade, with her blonde tresses smoothed out on this
occasion.
Who's that girl? Taylor Swift plays the teenage geek
in braces and specs for Jimmy Kimmel skit....It's hard to spot the celebrity
behind the geeky kid in thick glasses with braces on her teeth. Read more: Daily Mail
Taylor also appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers in New York City on August
13, 2014
Wearing a black and white leather-inset dress comes
from the Jonathan
Simkhai Fall 2014 collection (Product
Detail - Fashion Pic ) making it two new designers
for two TV appearances. Worn with: lace-up Bionda Castana ‘Dekota Leather and Mesh Pumps’
($880.00; Product Detail - Fashion Pic )
Taylor Swift embracing a more girly silhouette was
spotted leaving the Smile Coffee Shop in NYC on August 14, 2014 wearing a Cece by Cynthia Steffe Fall 2014 dress (Fashion Pic) and carried a Prada ‘Saffiano
Lux Tote’ ($2240.00; Product Detail) and wore Sam Edelman
‘Sawyer Oxford’ heels.
Taylor Swift appeared in a Fall 2014Keds ad wearing a Keds ‘Rally Sneaker in Yellow Mustard’ cardigan
($50.00; Product Detail - Fashion Pic ) To complement her yellow and
to bring out the plaid print of her Reformation ‘Tap Shorts’ she wore ‘Rally’ Keds
in mustard yellow with matching laces.
We have loved your "Country" Fashion Taylor as you now go POP!
We have loved your "Country" Fashion Taylor as you now go POP!
TWEETS
Brad Paisley tweeted @BradPaisley "I’m at @NASA's
Apollo launch pad in FL! Leaking my new song, American Flag on the Moon. Take a
listen @Astro_Reid
PHOTO
Check out the UK’s Hannah Jane Lewis' EP &
Campaign Photo Shoot (Frography
(by Flex)
BIRTHDAYS
August 18: Steve
Wilkinson (Wilkinsons)
August 19: Lee Ann
Womack (1966), Clay Walker
(1969), Eddy Raven (1934)
August 20: The late Jim
Reeves (1924; died July 31, 1964 (aged 40)), Rudy Gatlin (1952), John
Hiatt (1952), Tony Stampley
August 21: Kenny
Rogers (1938)
August 22: Holly Dunn
(1957), Collin Raye (1960), Mila Mason (1963)
August 24: Kristyn
Osborn (SHeDaisy) (1970)
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