Country Bites News snippets Sept 8 – Sept 15, 2014

Country Bites News snippets September 8 – September 15, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

Taylor Swift's POP single “Shake If Off” was added to the BBC Radio 2 "A" Playlist for week commencing Saturday 13th September. She also remains on Radio 1 "B" playlist. Kacey Musgraves "Keep It To Yourself" remaining on the Radio 2 "C" list (first added week 16th August 2014). Dolly Parton's "Lay Your Hands On Me" has now been removed from the "A" playlist which was first added for the week 16th August 2014.

The Shires performed at BBC Proms in the Park in Hyde Park on Saturday Sept 13th alongside Earth, Wind & Fire, Rufus Wainwright and more! They played to 30,000 people and The Shires Ben Earle got to play on the same stage as Wainwright, one of his heroes. On Sept 11th they were at Decca Records talking about photos and a possible EP. For some reason their album which was due out in October now has a January 12, 2015 release (Amazon UK)

Ward Thomas thanked The Country Life for having them and hosting a very cool ball at The Natural History Museum in the presence of HRH Prince Michael of Kent. “We have now performed to a 26 meter long dinosaur skeleton”! they shared - Image

Ward Thomas play Hyde Park

BBC Introducing have Facebook photos  of highlights from their final stage of the summer festival season, at BBC Radio 2's festival in a day at Hyde Park. Ward Thomas were the headliners and other acts taking part were Nico Cara, The Buffalo Skinners, The Cadbury Sisters. Joe Dolman and Sam Brookes. All were 6 really exciting new acts who took to the stage and play to seriously big crowds!

Ward Thomas shared: "Words cannot describe how AMAZING yesterday was!! The whole day was very very cool! Still on cloud 9 and will be for a long while!!! BBC Radio 2 you have been amazing to us!! We can't thank you enough!!!" - Facebook

Watch them perform >> “Push For the Stride” at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park.

Earlier Ward Thomas joined Sir Terry Wogan in his teepee during a live broadcast from backstage at Radio 2 in Hyde Park on his (Sept 14th) Sunday morning show. The Petersfield Hampshire twins were discovered and on Weekend Wogan in February this year. Their country journey took off when their vocal coach who was session singer in Nashville first sent their song "Footnotes" to people in Nashville . Listen to the audio for “Push for the Stride” and great country twist on Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” on the BBC Page

Friends of the show @wardthomasmusic are here to sing for Sir Terry! http://t.co/HP4e3tLTEY pic.twitter.com/vfBMbrAdnd
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) September 14, 2014

Kacey Musgraves performance BBC Radio 2's Festival in a Day from London's Hyde Park - BBC Page - Photos

Set: Silver Lining, Stupid, Step Off, Mama's Broken Heart, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"(Nancy Sinatra / written by Lee Hazlewood), Merry Go 'Round, Follow Your Arrow

Katie Arminger was a brand new song out at country radio called "One Night Between Friends" (Cold River Records) which was released on Sept 9, 2014 (UK iTunes). Listen to the track in FULL on our Country JUKEBOX JURY for September 2014.

UKCountryRadio.com played songs from her last album "Fall Into Me" as their Album of the week. This fourth album from the Texas singer peaked at No.32 on the Billboard 200 and No.7  in the US Country Album Charts on the chart wek Feb 2, 2013 selling 11,666 copies. That easily surpassed the performance of her first charted effort, CONFESSIONS OF A NICE GIRL, which spent one week on Top Country Albums (No. 58) the week of Oct. 23, 2010

Hunter Hayes had big news that he is coming to the UK #HunterIsWantedUK (Part II) >> YouTube

23-year old Mike Ward has announced his brand new shiny website. The English country singer based in Manchester took part in series 2 reaching the final of The Voice UK after his mother completed an application for the show on his behalf. His single "Welcome Home" reached Nor 1 on the UK iTunes country chart on Sunday (Sept 7; if you discount Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" POP single purchases at Nos 1 & 2 on the chart). Copies of his new 6 track EP are available for purchase from his website

<<<  Any Buyers ?
Details of an official  EP launch to be announced

Innocent until proved Guilty: 

In the Sepember issue of Country Music People they report that 80-year old Country music mogul Mervyn Conn was arrested over historic allegations of the rape and sexual assault of a teenage girl in Wembley reported in the Brent & Kilburn Times and The Wimbledon Guardian. Arrested and taken into custody at Gatwick Airport on July 2014. To appear again at a police station in September.  See also The Sun

A woman is believed to have claimed that Mr Conn, who lives in Wimbledon, raped and sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager, between 1975 and 1977. The woman reported the alleged assaults, in the areas of Wimbledon, Westminster and Wembley, to police earlier this year.

The allegations were initially made to another police force and subsequently received by the Metropolitan Police in March this year. Mr Conn, who is known for launching the International Festivals of Country Music at Wembley Arena in the 1960s, is believed to have boarded a plane to Italy when officers took him to a police station for questioning.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command are investigating the allegations. In 1989 Mervyn Conn was convicted of serious sexual assault on his 19 year old receptionist Margaret Malloy, upheld on appeal. Mervyn Conn attacked her just 4 days after she started working for him.

[Source:The Front Page Headline of the Sun Newspaper dated Thursday 7th December 1989 says, 'GROPING MUSIC TYCOON GETS JAIL'.

In June 2012 Conn paid £90,000 to the taxman to settle his offshore finances and avoid a hefty fine. Music, which started at Wembley in 1969 and was an annual event for 23 years. He came out of retirement to relaunch the festival this year at Wembley, then in Northern Ireland, Switzerland and Germany. He worked with the biggest names in pop music in the Sixties and Seventies, and organised the Beatles’ first Christmas show in 1963. His autobiography, Mr Music Man, was published in 2010.

Conn didn't come from a country music background. He started out with Joe Collins, father of Joan and Jackie, staging spectaculars such as the Beatles' Christmas Show in the early 60s.

His house, originally a dairyman's cottage in Wimbledon that he bought 42 years ago is filled with memories of a life suffused with music. When Conn worked on musicals such as Annie and Tapping Harlem, he'd call over the musical director and the principal performers to run through the numbers on the antique piano before rehearsals proper started. On top of it stand numerous photographs of his encounters with the stars, including Marlene Dietrich, who always addressed him as "Mr Conn", and Margaret Thatcher, whom he invited to the opening night of the Red Army Ensemble concert during perestroika and whom he describes as "the most charming woman I've ever met".

Trivia: In June 2009 Mervyn Conn’s SW19 neighbour was ex Wimbledon champ Boris Becker who at the time had not introduced herself. Conn spilled: 'He often stays here and goes away for a couple of weeks,' he says. 'You can tell when he's here as there are lots of empty wine bottles out in the recycling.

Conn in June 2012 lived alone in Wimbledon, south west, London.

He has six children: Damien, 45, Oliver, 42, Scarlett, 41, Joseph, 37, Charity, 36, and Lily, 6.

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending September 20, 2014)

Taylor Swift's “Shake It Off” rebounded 6-4 its fourth week to its current peak (42,092 sales, 4-week total 158,601)

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending September 20, 2014)

Dolly Parton with BLUE SMOKE/THE BEST OF (Masterworks) ended its initial 12 week engagement in the Top 10, dipping 10-11 (6,000 estimated sales; 14-week total 202,023).

At No.104 is Sharon Corr selling 806 copies which proofs in 2014 selling 1,000 copies in one week will land a place on the Top 100.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending September 20, 2014)

Brad Paisley with MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK held at No.1 for a third week.

The UK’s Ward Thomas with FROM WHERE WE STAND (WTW Music) held at No.2 in their eighth week.

Popular Irish artist Derek Ryan fell 3-6 with THE SIMPLE THINGS (Sharpe Music) in his second chart frame.

Lee Brice’s new set I DON’T DANCE (Curb) makes a debut at No.7

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Albums  (Last updated Sept 15, 2014)

Kacey Musgraves with SAME TRAILER DIFFERENT PARK made a big jump to go to the top of the chart (#87 overall all genres Album chart) boosted by her Radio 2 Hyde Park Festival appearance in front of 50,000 music fans. Dolly Parton’s album BLUE SMOKE/ THE BEST OF slipped 1-2 as Brad Paisley’s new album MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK plummeted 5-27 in his third week at retail.

 Pre-orders for Tim McGraw’s new set SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN earned a new debut #8 and fresh interest in his music spurned his “Number One Hits” compilation to rise to #7  

Ward Thomas with their 8 week old debut album FROM WHERE WE STAND climbed 9-5 following their BBC Introducing headline stage Sunday performance in Hyde Park.

Red Sky July debut at #11 with SHADOWBIRDS. They were formed by husband and wife duo, Texas’ Ally McErlaine and Alisha’s Attic’s Shelly Poole and their close friend The Alice Band and The Ailerons’ Charity Hair. First conceived in 2009, Red Sky July started out as a project to help McErlaine through his recuperation after a brain aneurysm. >> Watch "Losing You"

Derek Ryan retreated 15-19 with his Aug 29th set THE SIMPLE THINGS.

The weeks No.1 Billboard Country Miranda Lambert with Platinum is way down the UK iTunes Country chart at just No.93 and nowhere to be seen on the Offical UK Top 20 albums.

1 Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park  (#87 overall Album chart)                       

2 Dolly Parton -  Blue Smoke - The Best Of (#126 overall Album chart)       

3 Taylor Swift - Red       

4 Various Artists - The No.1 Country Hits Collection – 100 Greatest Country Hits   

5 Ward Thomas - From Where We Stand (#363 overall Album chart)         

6 Dolly Parton -  The Very Best of Dolly Parton    

7 Tim McGraw - Number One Hits          

8 Tim McGraw - Sundown Heaven Town (Deluxe) (#538 overall Album chart)          

9 Various Artists - The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Vol. 2 (Deluxe)   

10 Various Artists - American Heartland: Legends of Country        

11 Red Sky July - Shadowbirds (#664 overall Album chart)

19 Derek Ryan   The Simple Things (#812 overall Album chart)

27 Brad Paisley Moonshine in the Trunk (#1137 overall Album chart)

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Singles  (Last updated Sept 15, 2014)

Taylor Swift with her official POP single “Shake It Off” held at No1 with the Deluxe album a non-mover at No.2 and posts a further 5 songs in the top 20.

Lady Antebellum’s juggarnaut single “Need You Now” fell 3-7  whilst another album preview track “Freestyle” appears at #9

Kacey Musgraves’ Follow Your Arrow moved up to # 12 (#850 overall singles chart) yet her Radio 2 playlisted single is not registering any noticable sales with more attention instead directed to her album.   

Mike Ward sank 7-118 with now tiny sales for new single and former No1 British Hotdisc track “Welcome Home”.

1 Taylor Swift - Shake It Off (#7 overall singles chart)        

2 Taylor Swift - Shake It Off (#7 overall singles chart)                    

3 Dolly Parton - Jolene  

4 Dolly Parton - 9 To 5   

5 Taylor Swift - Love Story         

6 Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble.           

7 Lady Antebellum - Need You Now (#538 overall singles chart)                

8 Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - Islands In the Stream    

9 Lady Antebellum - Freestyle (#563 overall singles chart)

10 Taylor Swift - 22       

11 Taylor Swift - You Belong With Me     

12 Kacey Musgraves - Follow Your Arrow (#850 overall singles chart)                    

On the Hotdisc Chart (September 14, 2014 Chart)

The Hotdisc chart is compiled from DJs and industry professionals' ratings of songs currently being promoted on the Rush Released CD.

They are not airplay charts, as airplay charts cannot work in Europe because there are no terrestrial country stations.

As of September 2013 it was reliably disclosed that 650 physical Hotdiscs are sent out with 350 digital versions for people to download.

As new songs from the September 2014 Hotdisc #189 began to impact the chart it ended Tony Stampley’s reign atop the Hotdisc Top 40 with "It Ain't All Good But It Ain't Half Bad" in his sixth chart frame falling 1-3.

Snagging Hotdisc Hot Shot Debut honours was US artist Ray Scott who crashed in at No.1 with "Drinkin' Beer" (co-written with Tony Mullins). Ray is one of the hottest acts in Europe at the moment as voted by the DJs. Hotdisc CEO Stuart Cameron writes “They absolutely adore his music with phenomenal airplay achieved for his latest offering.”

Scott’s last single “Gotta Quit Drinkin’” (HD184) peaked at No.2 for 4-weeks. Previous singles “My Kind Of Music” (HD180) spent 8-weeks at #1 after it debuted atop the chart on Dec 8, 2013.

”Still Screamin Your Name” (HD178) blew straight in at #1 with a 6-week chart topping reign and . “Those Jeans” (HD171) spent many week at Nos 1 (4-weeks) & 2.

The track previews Scotts self-titled full-length studio album, produced by Dave Brainard, which now has a release date of Oct. 7 featuring “Beer” and he he has enlisted Mark Stephen Jones to co-write “Ain’t Always Thirsty,” and Brandy Clark for “Wheels on The House.”

A couple of old timers Barry P.Foley & Doug Adkins enter the chart at No.2 with “Pretty Girls” (written by Barry P.Foley in 2002) which features the voices of America country artists Foley (Virginia) and Doug Adkins (Montana). Both artists are active in the Country Music scene in Europe. The song was recorded at McClain's Recording in Garland Texas. "The song that's absolutely storming Europe at the moment, very tongue in cheek, very funny” wrote the Hotdisc CEO.

The track Hotdisc runner up position has run close Ray close in the top of the charts battle. This jumpy little country boogie number is available at Amazon UK and CD Baby

"Pretty Girls" Graphic CLICK to ENLARGE

Two British records debut in the upper tier as Tony Clarke with his self-penned "I Am What I Am" (from CD I Am Coming Home), made a bow at No.5 and grabbed his third homegrown No.1 on the British & Irish Chart . Clarke’s most recent song “Put That Country Song On” (HD187) had a long 9-week chart run peaking at No.14. 

“You & Me” (HD185) peaked at No.13 on the Top 40 in a 13-week chart stay. His song “I’m A Country Star” (HD172) reached No.8.

With such good Top 40 rankings in 2014 he looks likely to land the Hotdisc Horizon Award act from all the eligible contenders in the past 12 months.
The Diablos, who have gone through a change in personnel, entered at No.9 (No.2 British & Irish) on their first week with "Right By Your Side" (Nieto/ Mansbridge) drawn from the album THE LONG ROAD. Their last single was “Bad Chrome Job” (Radio Edit) (HD180) which reached No.13 in a 10-week chart run. Previous highest ranks were “Wrong Guy” (HD173) at #11 and “Will I Get To Sleep” (HD175) also peaking at #11

Newbie USA acts Bruce Larson, gots a terrific start at No.6 for his debut European release, "Fishin' Pole Dancin'" (written by Troy Powers) whilst duo Native Run with "Good On You" (writers: Rachel Beauregard/ Bryan Dawley/ Steve Moakler) blew in at No.7 to join the other five new entries in the top quarter of the Hotdisc Top 40. The track is concurrently picking up radio station adds in America. Watch >>  Good On You" (Vevo Lyric Video). On September 23, 2013, Show Dog-Universal Music President, Mark Wright, announced the signing of Virginia duo, Native Run, to an exclusive recording contract, making them the first duo for the Nashville-based label. Produced by CMA Nominated Producer and BMI Songwriter of the Year, Luke Laird, the duo is currently working on their debut album. Very instrument-driven with acoustic guitar, banjo and mandolin," suggests the pair's Rachel Beauregard. "Country themes and very sing-able choruses." Bryan Dawley, her partner in music, appends, "We value songs that take common experiences and translate them in new and interesting ways. Things like love, heartache and life, but with our fingerprint on them."

Outside of the Top 10:

UK singer songwriter Mim Grey makes a debut at No.13 (#3 British & Irish) with “Travelling Star” (co-written with Cori Josias)

to further promote her album CHASING TIGERS. Her soulful last single “The Ways Of Love” (HD186) has charted for 11-weeks and after its No.24 debut it powered its way to a No.8 highest rank.

Popular singer-songwriter Dave Sheriff a stalwart of the Brit country scene from the UK lands a new entry at No.18 (#4 British & Irish) with his self penned number “Highway Number Nine” from his CD titled LET’S DANCE. Sheriff’s last visit to the chart was via “My Friend Jack (Daniels)” from the Hotdisc #179 which peaked at No.6 for 2 weeks.

Germany’s Mandy Strobel is the other Top 20 new entry at no.19 with “Corner Café” (written with Mark Merritt) from CD From Then Til Now, Vol. 3 & 4. This is the follow up to “My Heart, My Love, My Soul” (HD186) which reached No.28 in a 5-week stay.

Outside of the Hotdisc Top 20:

David Hingelfeldt Project is back with self penned  “Powder Keg” at No.24 hoping to overhaul the previous single “Fresno Silver Mine” (HD187) which reached #13.

New USA Hotdisc act Beau + Luci  came in at No.25 with their composed single “Fire” one place ahead of last weeks British No.1 from Mike Ward which fell 15-26.  BEAU (16) + LUCI (19) grew up in Waycross, GA and have been harmoniously blending the Organic Rock, Indie-Pop, and Modern Country Music genres with their own unique style since their first EP release in 2013. Their “Momager,” Allison, jokes about the girls being twins born two-and-a-half years apart, specifically referring to the way the girls finish each other’s sentences with an almost “sixth sense” of secret communication. As sisters, the two bring music to another level with their fantastic songwriting skills and harmonious vocals,” says Ron Holland of The Georgia Music Channel. Read much more and preview some new tracks here

US singer Sarabeth second Hotdisc single “Nowhere With You” ( Sarabeth Swagerty, Ashlee Hewitt, Dean Sams) has landed at No.29. Her previous single “That's The Sound” (HD187) fared better with a No.19 debut and reached No.8.

Fellow US Ashliegh Lisset an Independent artist and 19-year old Texas native released her sophomore single, “Target On My Heart,” (Phil Barton, Justin Weaver, Kelly Archer) to country radio in America via CDX. It has made a lowly Hotdisc European debut at No.37. The catchy, fiery, and soulful song is available on iTunes now, and already gaining attention from some industry tastemakers. #CMChat describes the fast paced tune as “jam packed with attitude, letting listeners know that the next three minutes twenty seconds are well worth their while.” Listen at  Reverbnation.com

>> Enjoy the SPOTIFY 12 track/ 42 minute Hotdisc 189 September Playlist using this ONLINE Web Player Link:

Hotdisc 189 September 2014 or the embedded tracks below

Note: The Playlist below requires you to already have your SPOTIFY application installed, and OPEN, and is ONLY for users of the online music streaming service.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES

(7 July 2014) Buck Ford - Somethin' Bout Those Cowgirls (self release)

10 Tracks/ Time: 34:52 MP3 - CD BABY - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music  - Amazon.com 

Nashville recording artist Buck Ford is a young, pure country singing sensation that focuses on keeping the traditional country sound and rhythm flowing. Bucks influences consist of George Strait, Merle Haggard, George Jones and Keith Whiteley, just to name a few. CD of the Month (August 2014 Country Music People, Duncan Warwick)

Listen to the title Track >> "Somethin' Bout Those Cowgirls"

(9 Sept 2014) Dustin Lynch - Where It's At (import)

15 Tracks/ Time: 50:18 CD - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 

(9 Sept 2014) Lee Brice - I Don't Dance ( Curb Records)

13 Tracks/ Time: 48:27  CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 

(9 Sept 2014) Brothers Osborne - Brothers Osborne (EMI Records Nashville)

5 Tracks/ Time: 20:43 US iTunes - Amazon.com

(15 Sep 2014) Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Mötley Crüe (Big Machine Records)

15 Tracks/ Time: 1:02:07 MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 

(15 Sep 2014) Red Sky July - Shadowbirds (Shadowbirds Records)

10 Tracks/ Time: 38:08 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes "If there are two themes that go hand-in-hand, it's love and loss. Alt-country trio Red Sky July – Shelly Poole, Charity Hair & Ally McErlaine - clearly understand this. Juxtaposing upbeat country guitars, gloriously wistful lyrics and a vocal performance that could easily front a Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks classic 'Losing You' (the single) is an exquisitely crafted masterclass in pop hooks, appropriated uniquely through the band's Americana-influenced sensibilities.

Top Tracks: Losing You, New Morning Light, Shadowlands, Any Day feat. Jack Savoretti

(15 Sep 2014) Lynne Hanson - River Of Sand (Continental Song City)

11 Tracks/ Time: 45:27 CD - MP3 - Amazon.com 

(15 Sep 2014) The Earls Of Leicester - Earls of Leicester (Rounder/Concord Music Group)

Americana/ Bluegrass / Folk  13 Tracks/ Time: 37:10 CD - MP3 - Amazon.com 

The Earls of Leicester is a tribute to legendary bluegrass artists Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. "This record is something I've been waiting my whole life to do," veteran Dobro master Jerry Douglas says of the self-titled debut by the new all-star dream team combo that he has assembled, organized and produced. Watch "On My Mind" and the EPK

(16 Sept 2014) George Strait - The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium (MCA Nashville) CD - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music (23rd) - Amazon.com 

(16 Sept 2014) Annalise Emerick - Field Notes

11 Tracks/ Time: 44:23 MP3 - Amazon.com  Three years of non-stop touring, a stint on the road with Grammy-nominee Seth Glier, a move to Boston, a first place win in the New England Songwriter’s Competition, and an inevitable return home to Music City: that’s what it took to inspire the debut, full-length album of Nashville singer-songwriter Annalise Emerick. Now, on September 16th, Emerick gets the chance to share her journey with the world in an intimate record of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.

(16 Sept 2014) Nu-Blu - All The Way (Rural Rhythm Records)

10 tracks/ Time: 33:25 CD - MP3 - Amazon.com 

(16 Sept 2014) Tim McGraw - Sundown Heaven Town (Big Machine)

18 tracks/ Time: 1:09:39 CD (22nd) - MP3 (22nd) - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com

AUSSIE NEWS

“Pieces” is the second single from 2014 Toyota Star Maker Jared Porter’s debut album East To West. The track is a duet with Kaylee Bell, 2013 Toyota Star Maker who was last month announced Female Artist of the Year for the second time at the New Zealand Country Music Awards. >> Listen to it on soundcloud.

Jared and Kaylee met for the first time at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 2014 however they weren’t complete strangers. Producer Andrew Cochrane had engaged Jared for harmonies on Kaylee’s Heart First album however the

recordings were created on separate days so Jared and Kaylee didn’t meet at the time. It was backstage at the Grand Final of Toyota Star Maker following the announcement of Jared as the new winner when he and Kaylee met. They clicked as mates straight away and the Star Maker bond was enough to inspire the two to meet up and do some writing and gigs together.

A version of Pieces was one of the songs that won Jared the title of Toyota Star Maker winner in 2014

Kirsty Lee Akers is back with her first new single since her “Naked” album (out on iTunes AU ). Leave It To Jesus is available to Pre-order on iTunes AU immediately and available on all major digital music platforms from September 26, 2014. This song was written and recorded entirely in Nashville with Emmy Award winning American songwriter, and Kirsty’s mentor Trey Bruce (Bruce has co-written eight number one singles on the Billboard charts).

There is a new music video "Canoe" made with Sara Storer (Judy Nadin artwork)

CANADIAN NEWS

Award-winning Country singer-songwriter, Victoria Banks, will release her third studio album, INDIGO (Victoria Banks/Fontana North) on October 7, 2014. The album will feature her current single “Ruined” which hit airwaves in August and showcases her evolved sound that can bridge various genres from Country to A/C, resonating with a wide fan base. “Indigo is a very intimate album for me. These songs were written with collaborators that I’m able to feel vulnerable with, so my co-producer and I wanted to capture that intimacy in the recording process too,” says Banks. “We built a lot of the tracks on bare bones sessions that I recorded alone in my home studio in the middle of the night. We didn’t want to box the songs into a genre. We just went where the songs wanted to go.”

NEWS

Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News

• September 9, 2014 - Miranda Lambert ("Shabby Chic meets Rock & Roll"), Lady A/ Baby A (Cash On Arrival), Josh Turner (Boy Oh Boy), Glen Campbell  (He'll Be Him), Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson (Knockouts),
• September 12, 2014 - ACM Honors in Nashville,  Florida Georgia Line (Roll The Teleprompter), Keith Urban (Urban Journeyman), Alan Jackson (Artist-in-Residence),
• September 16, 2014 - Florida Georgia Line (Game On), Garth Brooks (Show Of Fans), Cash Collection, Darius Rucker (Christmas album),

• George Hamilton IV suffered a heart attack last Saturday and was recovering in a Nashville area hospital.
• The Keith Urban concert at the Washington State Fair was postponed until next year due to the death of wife Nicole Kidman's father. Dr. Antony Kidman, 76, died in Singapore while visiting another daughter. He reportedly fell in his hotel room. The Urban show was moved to next year, on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015.
• Canaan Smith has taken the words of his romantic new single "Love You Like That" to heart. He tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Christy Hardesty over the Labor Day Weekend. Last Saturday (8/30) he tweeted , "This is what it's all about. Never felt more alive than right now." The couple got married on the front steps of a venue called The Taylor Mansion in Columbus, OH. Smith says his new wife is fun and can outdrink most of his guy friends. "She holds the parking lot record at Ohio State for shot gunning beer, so she's a trooper," adds the proud groom.

TOURS

Cole Swindell will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on October 7.

New faces at The Grand Ole Opry Maddie & Tae (Sept 23) , RaeLynn (Sept 26), Jackie Lee (Sept 30)

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids during a special show set for Tues, Sept 23rd. The Charlie Daniels Band, Eric Paslay, Maddie & Tae, and Brad Paisley are all scheduled to perform. During the show, photos and videos of special moments from 25 years of Country Cares For St. Jude Kids will be shared throughout OPRY performances.

TV

In one week Nashville ABC returns to screen in America. It will feature a tune Striking Matches wrote with Aarone Shuis called "I Like It" and will be performed LIVE by Chris Carmack

BABY NEWS

Congratulations to E1 MUSIC artist Daryle Singletary and his wife Holly on the birth of their second daughter, Charlotte Rose who was born on Sunday (Sept 14th) and joins her two older twin brothers, Mercer and Jonah, and older sister Nora.

"We welcomed Charlotte Rose Singletary into the world today at 2:05p," stated Singletary via his INSTAGRAM feed.  "She was 6 pounds, 10 ounces, 19 inches and her and mom are doing great.  Thank you LORD for Your blessings on me and my family."

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

Breelan Angel is gearing up for the release of the third single off of "Dirty Little Secrets!" She shares: I hit south Texas for a few days after that to get in a little bird hunting, one of my favorite outdoor activities. I must say life is good"

Rising star Sam Hunt’s EP X2C recently debuted on the Billboard charts . His 10 track debut album, Montevallo, produced by songwriters Zach Crowell and Shane McAnally, was completely co-written by the former college quarterback. The album will be released October 27, 2014 by MCA Nashville.

Ray Scott will release his self-titled full-length studio album on Oct. 7, produced by Dave Brainard, and featuring the album’s first release “Drinkin’ Beer.” Scott wrote the murder ballad “Papa And Mama” and enlisted Mark Stephen Jones to co-write “Ain’t Always Thirsty,” and Brandy Clark for “Wheels on The House.”

Introduction: Road dogs The Railers recently began their radio tour. Blurb: "Their talent and musicianship is undeniable, their energy is palpable and they captivate an audience with their incredible harmonies and songs! The Railers’ debut single, “Kinda Dig The Feeling,” is available now and impacts country radio on October 6th. Listen to the new single and Watch their EPK

PRESS RELEASES

• Sammy Kershaw goes Vintage Vinyl with George Jones tribute
• The Roys’ celebrate strong debuts on multiple charts with their fourth Rural Rhythm Records’ CD release, THE VIEW.  The disc will enter the Billboard Top 10 Bluegrass Albums chart next week at #2, and currently holds the #7 spot on AirPlay Direct’s Bluegrass/Folk chart.  THE VIEW entered Amazon’s BluegrassBestsellers list at #10 last week. The new album is driven by "No More Lonely," the upbeat first single released to radio in June.
• Lindsay Lawler finds a fan in Former Press Secretary with FOX News the Five Co-Host Dana Perino
• Lizzie Sider, 16-year old rising country artist will be bringing her “Nobody Has The Power To Ruin Your Day” bully prevention assembly Tour through the New York City area from October 6-15.
• Highway South Records (Detroit, MI) is pleased to announce the forthcoming EP release OH YEAH (November 4, 2014)  from its flagship national recording artist, David Shelby.
• AmericanaFest spotlights Mississippi during Festival & Conference Sept. 17-21
• Brad Paisley & Florida Georgia Line headline Third Annual Blue Ridge Music Festival May 30-31, 2015
• Montana native Kayla Adams' smokin' hot "Sober & Sorry" music >> video premieres globally today on THE BOOT.  The blonde bombshell returned to her Flathead Valley stomping grounds to shoot the companion piece to her hit single, "Sober & Sorry" (SSM Entertainment). Key scenes were shot at Casey's Bar in Whitefish, and moody lighting combines with fog machine vapors to instill a rock edge to the performance.
• Nu-Blu is set to take their contemporary style of bluegrass with an influential sound of country to New York City in an effort to promote their new album, ALL THE WAY, which becomes available tomorrow, September 16
• NPR Music and Folk Alley return to the “Music City” to webcast the 13th annual Americana Music Association’s Honors & Awards show on Wednesday, Sept. 17
• Chris Young proved the age-old adage that everything is bigger in Texas when he headlined a sold-out show at Billy Bob’s Ft. Worth over the weekend to a capacity crowd of nearly 6,000 fans.
• Lonesome River Band is set to release new album Oct 14th.

ARTICLES

Billboard 615: Crystal Gayle Says Country Hall of Fame Exhibit Gives Her a Chance to 'Look Back'

REVIEWS

For The Country Record Trisha Yearwood ‘PrizeFighter’ – Single Review ….But really, this song doesn’t feel enough like Trisha, it feels more like Kelly in all honesty. And maybe I’m wrong because I’m not overly familiar with the former’s back catalogue, but I have a feeling I’m not the only one who’s not totally sold. Let’s just hope radio plays the crap out of it so we can hear more from her once more.

LISTEN

Kenny Chesney “The Big Revival” (Audio) another hick song about beer and women!

Myon & Shane's long awaited new EDM (Electronic Dance Music) single, "Summer Of Love" is out.here. Finally after all the SoL remixes, they got to deliver the original track with the wonderful singer-songwriter Kyler England.

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?

Links below require you to have installed SPOTIFY and have the application open.

Lee Brice – I Don't Dance (Deluxe Edition) - 16 Tracks released Sept 9,  2014

George Strait – The Cowboy Rides Away (Live from AT&T Stadium) - 20 Tracks released Sept 9,  2014

Sammy Kershaw – Do You Know Me? A Tribute to George Jones - 14 Tracks released 15 July 2014 (1 STAR rating in Country Music People August issue)

Buck Ford – Country Never Goes Outta Style – His album Somethin' Bout Those Cowgirls was Country Music People’s August 2014 CD of the Month 5 STARS (Duncan Warwick, Country Music People) catch up on the 24-year olds back catalogue

Red Sky July – Shadowbirds - 10 Tracks released Sept 15, 2014

The Shires – Tonight - Single, playlisted by Radio 2 in August

Annalise Emerick – Field Notes - 11 tracks released Sept 16, 2014

Jess Moskaluke – Light Up The Night -  Canadian CCMA Female Vocalist 2014

Lynne Hanson – River of Sand - 10 Tracks released Sept 15, 2014

FREE 

For an email share on Noisetrade Take a tour through actress/songstress Minnie Driver’s musical history with selections that include her haunting version of Elliott Smith’s classic “Waltz #2 (XO)” (from her forthcoming album Ask Me to Dance, available October 7th) alongside tracks from her critically acclaimed albums Everything I’ve Got In My Pocket (2004) and Seastories (2008), all available from Rounder Records and received airplay on local BBC country shows.

WATCH

• Actress/Indie Country Singer/Songwriter Kailey Swanson has been performing since the age of 7 and writing since the age of 12. Kailey can be seen on screen in the Sundance award winning horror musical "The Legend of Beaver Dam" and Disney's "Kickin It". She released a new single in June 2013 to follow "Hooked" and "Forget About You". Kailey's  songwriting is unabashedly gut wrenching and soul-searching, all at once. With the confidence and swagger usually reserved for her peers, as well as the hooks and the looks to turn heads. Watch her buzz worthy Yallwire video >> "Secret Suitcase" published on August 21, 2014 showcasing this intriguing singer-songwriter at her best, doing her darnedest to shake off the haunting vision of a past full of secrets.
• Blake Shelton's new video, "Neon Light," was shot during stops on his current Ten Times Crazier tour.
• Shovels & Rope playing "The Devil Is All Around" Live at The Opry.
• Maddie & Tae perform “Girl In A Country Song,” on The David Letterman Show Friday, September 12th.
• Erica Lane live at Rocketown perfoms "Burden"
• Pop star Pink is going folk: she’s formed a duo with Dallas Green (City and Colour) called You + Me. Their album, Rose Ave., will be released October 14. Watch the lyric video “You and Me” at http://vevo.ly/41fp6c

COUNTRY FASHION

The Sept 9th Tuesday’s Fashion Rocks concert at the Barclays Center of Brooklyn in New York City.saw the stars bring out some head-turning style via skin-baring styles!

Miranda Lambert displayed her svelte figure for her big entrance in a black fitted pantsuit featuring leather stripes down the legs and on the jacket lapels, her silver diamanté bra exposed underneath chose a suit, adding a little flare. Later for her stage appearance she chose gold metallic booties and a red romper with a sexy cutout to show off her slimmed-down figure.

Plenty to be proud of! Miranda Lambert displayed her svelte figure in a black fitted pantsuit featuring leather stripes down the legs and on the jacket lapels, her silver diamanté bra exposed underneath. Read more Daily Mail - Images

Luke Bryan and Caroline Boyer also attend the event presented by Three Lions Entertainment. The “Crash My Party” singer sported a smart black blazer, plaid shirt and black pants whilst his lovely wife Caroline Boyer stunned hitting the red carpet showing off her enviable pins in the same sexy $4,775 Stella McCartney Red Fringed Stretch Cady Mini Dress previously sported by supermodel Jourdan when celebrating her 24th birthday in London in August. Both ladies worked single strapped heels and a black clutch, though Caroline opted for a bit more sparkle with matching red lips. The black, burgundy, and orange stretch-cady dress has sheer mesh panels and a rounded, see-through hem with embroidered cord – Image 

LeAnn Rimes was snapped out & about in California wearing a Bella Dahl (Product Detail  - Fashion Pic ) scoop neck tank and One Teaspoon ‘Bandits’ shorts (boutiquetoyou.com)

COUNTRY GOSSIP

Best known for her megahit “I Never Promised You A Rose Garden,” Lynn Anderson (66) was arrested this morning (Sept. 12) in Nashville charged with driving under the influence, according to the city’s WKRN. The 1971 CMA Female Vocalist Of The Year was apparently involved in an accident late Thursday evening when police noticed that she seemed impaired. Lynn admitted to officers that she had been drinking and taking prescription medicine before the crash.

This is the national flag of the United Kingdom. Miley Cyrus is paying her respects to the queen of England or Prince Harry or the fashionista Pippa Middleton as she twerks her way to the top of our hearts. Wait a second, those are not-so-British cowboy boots on her feet as well. Her feet say “Yeehaw” and her bodysuit says “Cheers.”

Taste of Country Miranda Lambert weighs in on Taylor Swift’s swap to Pop…Miranda Lambert is a fan of music — even if it’s not country music, strictly speaking. The country star recently weighed in on Taylor Swift‘s decision to make a pop record, gushing over her fellow songstress. “Absolutely!” Lambert responded to Broadway’s Electric Barnyard when asked if she thinks Swift can come back to country after releasing her forthcoming ’1989 album. “She’s an amazing writer, so if she comes back tomorrow and says, ‘I’m gonna make a country record now,’ we’ll listen to that and buy it, too.” Adds the ‘Automatic’ hitmaker, “I mean, it doesn’t matter. I’m just proud of her for doing whatever art she wants to do … it’s gonna be successful — it’s

Taylor Swift!” Lambert even talked specifically about Swift’s fun new single ‘Shake It Off,’ admitting she just can’t seem to get the catchy tune out of her head.“I think it’s awesome! It sticks in your head. I mean, I heard it one time and I was like singing it all day long,” the singer shares, adding that Miss Swift actually has a strong presence in her listening preferences. “I have a lot of her material on my iPod and I bought the new single — I’m a supporter of hers.”

Huffington Post Show and Tell It Like It Is: Elizabeth Cook Pulls Some Apron Strings in Nashville…..Elizabeth Cook's guilty pleasure is Nashville. Better make that Nashville, the setting for an outrageous TV show with fictional country-western singers,

songwriters and Music Row executives who play each other just as much as the music that made them famous.

Maybe some truth lies inside that friction, though. There's plenty of melodrama in the ABC series heading toward its third season later this month, but Cook, who will appear multiple times at AmericanaFest next week, admits she's a fan.....Asked halfway through this interview if she would appear with Tim Carroll, her rocking, guitar-playing husband, during the upcoming week, Cook calmly said, "Uh, no. Tim and I are divorcing."...Cook and Scarlett O'Connor, the Nashville character played by Clare Bowen, now have another thing in common besides goldie locks, striking looks and savory hooks. But Scarlett and Avery Barkley, who were together when the series began, split a lot sooner than this real-life couple that married in 2003.

Saving Country Music reports Saturday Night (Sept 13) Toby Keith made a tour stop at the Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana just outside of Indianapolis on his “Shut Up & Hold On” tour presented by Ford F-Series Trucks, and according to many of the concert goers, Toby was too drunk to perform, put on a terrible show, and now some fans are demanding their money back.

Sad that @LiveNation @KMClivenation and @TobyKeithMusic aren't acknowledging the drunk show on Sat! What a mess! #refundplease #tobykeith
— Ashley Mayhew (@AmberStarfish) September 15, 2014

Taylor Swift's last album, 2012's Red, straddled the line between country and pop. "But at a certain point," she says, "if you chase two rabbits, you lose them both." So this time, she set out to do full-on "blatant pop music." A casual fan won't notice much difference, but to Swift and her brand, it's a big step. She says she won't be going to country-awards shows or promoting the album on country radio. When she first turned in the record, she says the head of her label, Scott Borchetta, told her, "This is extraordinary – it's the best album you've ever done. Can you just give me three country songs?" "Love you, mean it," is how Swift characterizes her response. "But this is how it's going to be."…read more Rollingstone

One Direction's Harry Styles, a.k.a. Taylor Swift's ex, is a fan of Kacey Musgraves' music, but he doesn't want you to know about it. Harry tweeted this week, "It's impossible to listen to Kacey Musgraves too much. Don't tell anyone."

Kacey tweeted in reply, "Thank you?"

To try and eliminate scalping, Eric Church uses paperless tickets, which require a photo ID and the purchasing credit card to get in. He only allows eight tickets per household per show as well and says, “if you're a ticket scalper, don't even mess with us."

The Band Perry’s hired Kimberly’s husband, baseball player J.P. Arencibia to be a roadie. Baseball season's over soon so they’ll get to be together a lot more.

PHOTO

Check out Facebook Gallery photos (Frography (by Flex) Facebook) of two talented singer-songwriters who played the intimate

Culpeppers club UK in Essex on Saturday Sept 13, 2014. Australian singer-songwriter Aleyce Simmonds is in the UK on tour and was joined by Hereford's very own Sasha McVeigh who has had success over in the States with her her own US tour and played with Billboard country artist Dustin Lynch. See Sasha's tour dates in this graphic or visit out Tour Dates Page

BIRTHDAYS

September: 15 the late Raylene Rankin (Rankins) (1960; died cancer Sep. 30 2012 (aged 52)), the late Roy Acuff (1902; died November 23, 1992 (aged 89)), Ben Earle (The Shires) (1987)

September 16: David Bellamy (1950), Hank Williams (1923; January 1, 1953 (aged 29)), Carl Jackson (1953)

September 19:  Trisha Yearwood (1964), Jeff Bates (1963), Chase Rice (1986)

September 20: Stu Stevens (1937), Garth Fundis (1949)

September 21: Faith Hill (1967), Ronna Reeves (1966), Dickey Lee (1941), Don Felder (Eagles)