Sunday, 16 September 2018

Country Bites News snippets September 3, 2018 – September 9, 2018


UK News, UK Chart News, Album & Single Releases, Country News, Canadian News, TV news, Press Releases, Gossip, Birthdays, R.I.P
Link to Country Routes News Gig Page Image Map


BREAKING NEWS

Country News - 12 Sept 2018 with Shannon McCombs
BIG names in the news this week! Let’s talk legends, Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee… Shannon will tell you about the Urban Cowboy Reunion Tour. Shania Twain racks up several awards at the CCMA’s and Terri Clark goes into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame! Garth Brooks dishes out advice on how to listen to his new single… Plus, hear what Sugarland has to say about the timing of their reunion.



On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist for the week commencing Saturday 8 September 2018
A Playlist:
Kylie Minogue – A Lifetime To Repair
Carrie Underwood - Love Wins added to the “A” Playlist

(3 Sept 2018) Following a packed summer of festivals including Cambridge Folk, Buckle & Boots, and Black Deer; tour dates and radio airplay across the UK including multiple BBC radio appearances, London-based Americana duo O&O announced the Sept 21st release of their long-awaited debut EP ‘ Truth Comes Out’, and revealed the lead single of the same name, available to stream now ( listen here) and to download immediately for fans who pre-order the EP (iTunes).

Along with the title track, this new release features a total of four brand new songs including previous single ‘ Tears In The Rain’, the video for which premiered last month on The Bluegrass Situation.
The duo - Orian Peled & Obadiah Jones - said: “This summer has been momentous for us in getting to share our music with new audiences across the UK and we cannot wait to share our debut EP with everyone. This collection of songs came together over five busy months and several trips to Liverpool in the midst of our summer tour. Writing and recording the tracks one by one allowed us to try new writing styles and sounds as each new song was influenced by the ones that came before.”
Describing the single: “‘Truth Comes Out’ was inspired by the gritty sound we got from plugging Obadiah’s guitar into an old reel-to-reel tape machine that our producer, Alec Brits, has in his studio. That distorted sound led us into the most rocky territory we’ve explored so far and influenced the darker themes of betrayal in the lyrics.”
O&O showcased songs from the new release at Apples & Pears in Shoreditch, London (26 Osborn Street, London E1 6TD) on Sept 14th (Free Entry Event).

(4 Sept 2018) Singer-songwriter Emily Maguire announced the publication of her third book 'Meditation Mind', a book of poetry inspired by my Buddhist practice.

 She shared: 'Meditation Mind' is a collection of short, stream-of-consciousness poems all written in 2015 while I was unable to play my musical instruments due to chronic tennis elbow.  Struggling with depression, I was desperate to do something creative to distract my mind and so I started writing a poem a day.  I've practised Tibetan Buddhism since 1999 and my morning practice is Sarasvati (who features on the cover of the book).  I would finish my meditation, make a coffee and sit down to write a poem in my journal.  I wrote over 250 and have no memory of writing any of them.
 To celebrate the launch of 'Meditation Mind', she is doing a series of very intimate gigs later this year in bookshops and Buddhist centres across the UK.  These events will be a mix of poetry readings and acoustic songs with Emily on guitar and her husband Christian Dunham on double-bass.  There will be a short Q&A at the end.
The last gig of her 2018 UK tour took place at The Slaughtered Lamb in London on Saturday 15 September.
MEDITATION MIND UK TOUR
An evening of poetry and songs
Thur 8 November 2018 - Brendon Books, Taunton (Old Brewery Buildings, Bath Place, Taunton) £7.50 Event
Sat 10 November 2018 - Restore, Oxford (charity) (Manzil Way, Cowley Road, Oxford) £10
Mon 12 November 2018 - The Book Shop, Bridport (14 South St, Bridport)
Fri 16 November 2018 - Octavo’s Book Cafe & Wine Bar, Cardiff (West Bute Street, Cardiff CF10 5LJ) £6.98 Event
Sat 17 November 2018 - Chapter One Books, Manchester (Chatsworth House, 19 Lever Street, Manchester,) FREE register
Thur 22 November 2018 - The Haslemere Bookshop, Surrey (2 Causewayside, High Street, Haslemere GU27 2JZ) £6 Event
Sat 24 November 2018 - The Big Comfy Bookshop, Coventry (Fargo Village, Far Gosford Street, Coventry CV1 5ED) £11 Event
Thur 29 November 2018 - Hunting Raven Books, Frome (10 Cheap Street, Frome)
Fri 30 November 2018 - St James Wine Vaults, Bath (10 St James Street, Bath,) £11.25 BA1 2TW
Thur 6 December 2018 - Sakya Buddhist Centre, London (106 Chepstow Road, London W2 5QS) £13.16 Event
Sat 8 December 2018 - Sakya Buddhist Centre, Bristol (121 Sommerville Road, St Andrews, Bristol BS6 5BX) £6.98 Event

(5 Sept 2018) C2C and SJM Concerts Present: Country Music Week Daytime Hub
Country Music Week Daytime Hub announced taking place at The Borderline (Orange Yard, Manette Street, London W1D 4JB)
Sat 27 October 2018 - Keywest, Sarah Darling, Lainey Wilson (Broken Bow artist), Jake Morrell www.axs.com
Sun 28 October 2018 - Cassadee Pope, Kerri Watt, Fairground Saints (Californian country trio) and Foreign Affairs www.axs.com

(5 Sept 2018) Ryan Kinder Confirms UK Shows In October & New Single 'Stay'
One of the standout acts from this year's British Summer Time at Hyde Park and C2C Festival in London & Glasgow, Nashville-based artist  Ryan Kinder has confirmed his third trip to the UK, opening for Drake White on his headline tour this October, including dates in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Bristol. This follows the recent release of his soulful latest single 'Stay' and the accompanying lyric video - watch here.

(5 Sept 2018) Catherine McGrath played her first ever show in Sydney, Australia (opening for Morgan Evans). She shared: There were people who KNEW THE WORDS TO MY SONGS?! "Literally on the other side of the world.. what?!"

(6 Sept 2018) Jade Helliwell: I’m Playing A Showcase In Nashville!
The Batley country singer and current BCMA Female Vocalist of the Year was excited to be playing alongside The Adelaide’s, Jess Clemmons and  Scotland’s Kevin McGuire. 6 - 8pm Sept 20th

(10 Sept 2018) The Long Road Festival, a major new Country, Americana and Roots music festival took place within the grounds of Stanford Hall in Leicestershire from September 7th – 9th 2018.
The festival has been curated by Tennessee-born radio presenter Baylen Leonard and featured stars from the US and the UK. The first wave of acts announced included Lee Ann Womack, Billy Bragg, Angaleena Presley, The Shires and Danielle Bradbery.





The Long Road Festival, Day One: Ward Thomas, Wandering Hearts, Elles Bailey and More
uDiscover reviewed the first day of the new festival of country and Americana talent from the UK and beyond, set in rural Leicestershire.The latest point on the compass, The Long Road Festival, opened its doors for the first time on Friday (7 September) in the serene setting of Stanford Hall, near the market town of Lutterworth in Leicestershire. The early summer had seen the arrival of another new roots festival, Black Deer, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and the British live calendar is now liberally peppered with similar celebrations up and down the country, from Nashville Meets London to Buckle & Boots.

udiscovermusic.com (Review) The Long Road Festival, Day Two: Lee Ann Womack, Parker Millsap, Laura Oakes: Home-grown UK talent rubbed shoulders with visiting American notables at the first full day of Long Road delights.
udiscovermusic.com (Review) The Long Road Festival, Day Three: The Shires, Billy Bragg, Ashley Campbell -

Lyric Magazine The Long Road Festival Highlights:
Britsinboots.com Overheard at The Long Road Festival: 20 Best Quotes at Brits In Boots
* Note * The festival will return in 2019 Fri 6th - Sunday 8th September, 2019
Our lowest price Weekend & Camping tickets are now available from just £85 + booking fee, as well as payment plans that start at just £17 a month for 5 months. Tickets

UK CHART NEWS
Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 13 September 2018)
7 September 2018 - 13 September 2018
Pipped at the post last week, when it was overhauled at the last gasp by Eastside, Promises coasted to the summit for Calvin Harris & Sam Smith on consumption of 61,813 units, including 44,633 from sales-equivalent streams and 17,180 pure sales..

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 13 September 2018)
7 September 2018 - 13 September 2018
Hip-hop heavyweight Eminem’s Kamikaze attack on the chart was a success following the surprise release storming to the top of the album charts, while spinning off three Top 10 singles for the 45-year-old.
The album dropped suddenly Friday (August 31). Eminem’s 10th solo studio effort, it racked up first week sales of 55,115 copies (including 30,041 from sales-equivalent downloads + 25,074 pure sales) to become his 10th No.1 album.

Clare Bowen with her eponymous first album made a debut at No.65 (1,359 sales). The 34-year-old Australian actress best known for her role Scarlet O’Connor in US musical drama Nashville

Official UK Country Album Top 20 (Week Ending 13 September 2018)
7 September 2018 - 13 September 2018
Clare Bowen with CLARE BOWEN made a debut at No.1
The Shires with ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE slipped 1-2 (20 weeks; #1 peak)
Kacey Musgraves with GOLDEN HOUR held at #3 (23 weeks; #1 peak)
Catherine McGrath with TALK OF THIS TOWN fell 2-4 (6 weeks; #1 peak)
Devil Makes Three with CHAINS ARE BROKEN rose 8-5 (2 weeks; #5 peak)
John Prine with THE TREE OF FORGIVENESS fell 5-6 (21 weeks; #2 peak)
Brothers Osborne with PORT SAINT JOE fell 6-7 (20 weeks; #2 peak)
Wandering Hearts with WILD SILENCE fell 4-8 (30 weeks; #1 peak)
Gretchen Peters with Dancing With The Beast climbed 12-9  (16 weeks; #2 peak)
Chris Stapleton with FROM A ROOM - VOL 1 fell 9-10 (70 weeks; #1 peak)
Outside the Top 10
Steve 'N' Seagulls with GRAINSVILLE made a debut at No.11
Luke Combs with THIS ONE'S FOR YOU TOO fell 7-12 (14 weeks; #5 peak)
Kenny Chesney with SONGS FOR THE SAINTS fell 10-19 (6 weeks; #3 peak)

Official Americana Albums Chart Top 40 (Week Ending 13 September 2018)
7 September 2018 - 13 September 2018
1 NEW Runaway Passenger [Tagged Singer-Songwriter]
2 NEW Weed Garden Iron & Wine [Tagged Alternative]
3 3 From The Fires Greta Van Fleet [Tagged Rock]
4 4 Ruins First Aid Kit [Tagged Alternative]
5 2 High Water I Magpie Salute [Tagged Rock]
6 5 Isacc Gracie Isaac Gracie [Tagged Alternative]
7 7 Be More Kind Frank Turner [Tagged Alternative]
8 6 God's Favourite Customer Father John Misty [Tagged Alternative]
9 11 Adios Glen Campbell
10 10 9 Nation Of Two Vance Joy [Tagged Alternative]
Outside The Top 10
11 9 A Deeper Understanding War On Drugs
13 1 EGO Lucie Silvas [Tagged Pop]

COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES
(7 Sept 2018) Megan Rose - Brave This (EP;  Scarlett Audio) 
original release date: 24 July 2018
4 Tracks/ Amazon UK - UK iTunes
Debut #28 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#913 UK iTunes all-genres), then #9 (#489)
Country music with an urban touch.  https://www.facebook.com/meganrosemusicuk/ (550 Likes)

(7 Sept 2018) Sister Hazel - Wind (Croakin' Poet Records)
7 Tracks/Time: 22:33 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #3 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#181 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #1 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#20 US iTunes all-genres)

(7 Sept 2018) Various Artists - Country Gold (2018 Ministry of Sound Recordings Limited)
60 Tracks/Time: UK iTunes
Debut #2 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#53 UK iTunes all-genres)

(7 Sept 2018) Runaway June - Self-Titled (Wheelhouse)
5 Tracks/Time: 16:35
Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2NXWmVn
Debut #43 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#1415 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #92 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#723 US iTunes all-genres), then #47 (#288 all-genres) then #3 (#61)
Produced by Dann Huff, the trio’s debut EP features five songs, including the lead single “Buy My Own Drinks,” co-written by Runaway June’s Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholl and Jennifer Wayne along with Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear, and a cover of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You.”

(7 Sept 2018) Larry Stewart - Shifting Gears (5 West Music)
10 Tracks/Time: 38:23 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #9 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#102 US iTunes all-genres)
The 10-track collection was produced by Gordon Kennedy and features five songs co-written by Stewart, including the lead single “What’s That Cowgirl See In Me” and “If It Wasn’t For The Radio,” which features vocals from The Frontmen of Country (Stewart, Richie McDonald and Tim Rushlow).

(7 Sept 2018) Ben Danaher - Still Feel Lucky (2018 Soundly Music)
11 Tracks/Time: Singer-Songwriter Folk Amazon UK - UK iTunes
Debut #2 US Singer/Songwriter iTunes Album Chart (#44 US iTunes all-genres)

(7 Sept 2017) Abby Anderson - I’m Good (EP; Black River)
5 Tracks/Time:15:39 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #19 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#931 UK iTunes all-genres), then #17 (#743), then #10 (#494) | Debut #6 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#69 US iTunes all-genres)
She was an active presence on the CMA Music Festival campus in June. The debut EP includes the lead single, “Make Him Wait,” co-written by Anderson, Tom Douglas and Josh Kerr, and “Dance Away My Broken Heart,” co-written by Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure.

(7 Sept 2018) Kathy Mattea - Pretty Bird (Captain Potato/Thirty Tigers)
12 Tracks/Time: Folk Singer/Songwriter Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #29 UK Singer/Songwriter iTunes Album Chart (#698 UK iTunes all-genres), then #998 | Debut #4 US Singer/Songwriter iTunes Album Chart (#126 US iTunes all-genres) then #184
She has released fourteen studio albums, two Christmas albums, and one greatest hits album. Most of her material was recorded for Universal Music Group Nashville's Mercury Records Nashville division between 1984 and 2000, with later albums being issued on Narada Productions, her own Captain Potato label, and Sugar Hill Records.
The 12-track acoustic project was recorded over the course of a year with Tim O’Brien producing and features takes on the Wood Brothers’ “Chocolate On My Tongue,” Joan Osborne’s “St. Teresa” and Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode To Billie Joe.”

(7 Sept 2018) Ruston Kelly - Dying Star (Rounder Records)
14 Tracks/Time: 53:09 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #8 UK Singer/Songwriter iTunes Album Chart (# UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #1 US Singer/Songwriter iTunes Album Chart (#15 US iTunes all-genres)
Ruston Kelly writes and performs the kinds of songs that inspire novels and movies. You could call him a bastard disciple of Kurt Cobain and Townes Van Zandt, and he’d be totally cool with that.

(7 Sept 2018) Ben Somers - Poor Stuart (Rock Creature Records) UK
12 Tracks/ Time: 46:47 Amazon UK - UK iTunes Ben Somers is a multi instrumentalist from London UK. Trained in jazz and raised on bluegrass ,country and folk music , he is as much an active singer/songwriter as he is a busy session musician. He grew up listening from the wings of many theatres and venues to his father , Steve Somers playing with the likes of Glen Campbell, Billie Jo Spears, Lonnie Donegal and more.

(7 Sept 2018) William Elliott Whitmore - Kilonova (Black River Entertainment)
10 Tracks/Time: 31:12 Americana Amazon UK - UK iTunes
Debut #33 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#1408 UK iTunes all-genres)

(7 Sept 2018) The Farm Hands - Good Things (Pinecastle Records)
13 Tracks/Time: 44:01 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #34 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#1410 UK iTunes all-genres)

(7 Sept 2018) Bailey Tomkinson - Hey Ace (EP; FBP Music) UK  
5 Tracks/Time: 21:09 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com -
Debut #35 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#1411 UK iTunes all-genres)
Pop/ Country | Singer-songwriter, 18, St Ives, Cornwall, UK. I was born in Derbyshire, UK and have lived in Milan, Italy as well as Brussels, Belgium

(7 Sept 2018) Mike Farris - Silver & Stone (Compass Records Group)
12 Tracks/Time: 52:43 Americana Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #73 UK Country iTunes Album Chart

(7 Sept 2018) Martin McDaniel - Just the Beginning (EP; Martin McDaniel) 
6 Tracks/Time: 21:29 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #12 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#129 US iTunes all-genres)
Home Town: Opp, Alabama

(7 Sept 2018) Molly Stevens - Here & Now, Vol. 1 (EP; 2018 Marrow MP Records)
6 Tracks/Time: 20:46 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #22 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#171 US iTunes all-genres)
Nashville TN based and Macon, GA Native Molly Stevens grew up in Macon, GA, singing in church and at many revivals led by her grandfather, a celebrated preacher around the Southeast. Molly has toured with acts such as Jamey Johnson, Lindi Ortega, Darlingside, Billy Joe Shaver, Mindy Smith, Griffin House, Angie Apparo, the Indigo Girls, Christian Lopez, Natalie Stovall and The Drive, Elizabeth Cook, Bonnie Bishop along with many others. Molly is a powerhouse vocalist who lays her soul on the stage for all to feel. www.mollystevensmusic.com

(7 Sept 2018) Jillian Jacqueline - Side B (EP; 2018 Big Loud Records) Debut #29 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#938 all-genres), then #10 (#493 all-genres) | Debut #72 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#557 US iTunes all-genres), then #35 (#232 US all-genres)
6 Tracks/Time: 19:20 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

(7 Sept 2018) New Reveille - The Keep (Loud & Proud Records)
13 Tracks/Time:39:32 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #106 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#827 US iTunes all-genres)
Band Members: Amy Kamm, Daniel Cook, Autumn Brand, Kaitlin Grady, George Hage. Americana/alt-country band from Raleigh, NC. On The Keep, their inaugural album for Loud & Proud Records, New Reveille’s distinctive talents find common ground in traditions that stretch back to and beyond early America. On that foundation, through their varied gifts, they build a unique sound that encompasses the virtues of music that came before and the promise of what it might yet become.

(7 Sept 2018) RaeLynn - Origins (The Valory Music Co., LLC)
12 Tracks/Time: 40:37 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

CANADIAN NEWS
(4 Sept 2018) Lindsay Ell To Headline Monster Energy Outbreak Tour
Announced by Outbreak Presents, Lindsay Ell is set to headline the final Monster Energy Outbreak Tour of 2018. Tickets go on sale starting on September 7th at outbreakpresents.com and lindsayell.com.
Lauded as "one of the most exciting and talented young artists in country music" (Forbes), Lindsay Ell is a triple threat: accomplished musician, unique vocalist and songwriter. Her first full-length album, THE PROJECT, debuted at No.1 on the Country Album Sales Chart in August 2017 and was lauded as Billboard's 'Best Country Album of 2017.'
Following her breakout Top 20 hit at U.S Country radio and momentous No.1 at Canadian Country radio with "Criminal," Ell recently excited legions of fans via social media announcing her next single is the tantalizing and lyrically-mesmerizing "Champagne." A song critics praise "demands your attention" (Taste of Country), "Champagne" officially hits airwaves in the U.S. on September 17.
Ell is currently supporting Sugarland's Still The Same Tour and will soon join Keith Urban's Graffiti U World Tour for select dates this fall before embarking on her Monster Energy Outbreak Tour headline run.

NEWS
(4 Sept 2018) Start Spreading The News, I'm Leaving Today: Arista's Cam has postponed her Road To Happiness Tour and announced she's switched record labels, too. "I had planned these shows to celebrate the release of my new music with you, but for reasons I can't get into here, I decided I would not release my forthcoming album through Sony/Nashville," she said in a Facebook post. "This is an incredible step forward with RCA/New York and means this new music will have the best launch possible and the perfect tour will be happening with this music at a later date. ... The venue will honor your purchases with a refund and I will be back soon to give you the show you deserve with new music, a clear conscience and a happy heart." No word from either label at press time.

(4 Sept 2018) Signage: As previously reported (BN 9/4), Capitol's Lady Antebellum have signed with Big Machine Label Group's BMLG Records. “Our extreme belief in Lady A, admiration of their amazing career and the greatness they have yet to achieve, as well as being their biggest fans,” says BMLGR President Jimmy Harnen, “makes this the thrill of a lifetime.”

It is also the grand reuniting of a large musical family. [BMLG Pres./CEO] Scott Borchetta and I worked with Linda Davis, HILLARY's mom (as well as her father, Lang Scott), when we were both at DREAMWORKS. [BMLG RECORDS Dir./National Promotion] Michelle Tigard Kammerer worked closely with LADY A when they signed to CAA, and [BMLG RECORDS VP/Promotion] Matthew Hargis and I helped break the band at radio on their debut album. The long associations, close ties, and the group's always incredible music is literally why we do this."
LADY A's Hillary Scott added, "We have been truly blessed throughout our career to work with some of the brightest people in music. We've watch BMLG become the powerhouse they are from the sidelines and couldn't be more excited to become part of their family. We hope to honor all the people who have been part of our story over the last [ten] years -- can't wait to work with some old friends again and are excited for where it takes us all together!"

(6 Sept 2018) Emmylou Harris To Be Featured In Forthcoming Country Music Hall Of Fame Exhibit
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME member Emmylou Harris will be featured in a new Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum (CMHOF) exhibit, "Emmylou Harris: Songbird's Flight." Running from Friday, October 5th, 2018 until Sunday, August 4th, 2019, the exhibit will showcase Harris' musical and personal journeys.
“Emmylou Harris has spent a lifetime teaching master classes in integrity, musicality, individuality, and harmony, by example rather than by admonition," noted CMHOF CEO KYLE YOUNG. "She seeks, finds, and inspires the best in others, whether in melody and rhyme, or in kindness and generosity. We are privileged to pay homage to the career and contributions of one of Country music’s most important and visionary artists.” Added Harris, “From my first album, in 1975, the Country music world has embraced me with open arms. This exhibit at the Hall Of Fame makes me realize once more how grateful and honored I am to be part of such a remarkable musical family.”

AWARDS
(5 Sept 2018) Dolly Parton To Be Honored As MusiCares Person Of The Year
Country icon Dolly Parton will be honored as the 2019 MUSICARES Person Of The Year at the 29th annual "Musicares Person Of The Year Gala" on Friday, February 8th, 2019 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Proceeds from the event support MUSICARES, which provides financial, medical, and personal support to music people.
"DOLLY PARTON has always been and continues to be a courageous trailblazer and indomitable inspiration for creators and artists, so for us to have the opportunity to honor her at our annual 'Musicares Person Of The Year Gala' is to pay tribute to a true pillar of strength and someone who we all look up to and cherish," said MUSICARES Pres./CEO Neil Portnow. "With her legendary talent, she has forged a career that spans decades, and her gifts as a performer resound on both stage and screen. DOLLY also knows the power of philanthropy, and she has used her stardom to contribute to a wide range of causes from natural disasters to education and literacy programs." Added Parton, "I am so excited and humbled to be honored as MUSICARES Person Of The Year. It's even more special knowing the gala benefits music people in need. I can't wait to hear all of the great artists singing my music."

(10 Sept 2018) I Beg Your Garden: The 54th ACM Awards will broadcast live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena April 7 on CBS.

TV
(6 Sept 2018) Emmy-nominated ‘Pickler & Ben’ returns for second season on Sept. 17 with distribution in 175 markets
NASHVILLE – Emmy-nominated daytime talk show “Pickler & Ben” returns for its second season on September 17th. The show is quickly becoming a household name and will be distributed in 175 markets – a 483% increase over the 30 markets at the launch of season one. Hosted by Kellie Pickler and Ben Aaron, and recorded in front of a live studio audience in Nashville, “Pickler & Ben” features the best in lifestyle and entertainment. Its first season, which debuted in September 2017, wowed audiences with its heart and spirit,

(9 Sept 2018) In Case You Missed It: MCA's Kacey Musgraves performed “Space Cowboy” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Friday (Sept 7). Watch



(9 Sept 2018) Capitol's Carrie Underwood performed "Game On," the opening theme of NBC's Sunday Night Football, (Sept 9). Watch the Twitter Video.

(10 Sept 2018) NBC's The Voice is making changes, and they've brought in country's Kelsea Ballerini to help shake things up. The "Peter Pan" hitmaker revealed on Monday (Sept. 10) that she'll be joining Season 15 of the show as a bonus coach for the series' new "Comeback Stage."

MUSIC NEWS
(3 Sept 2018) Chris Evans announced he will be leaving the BBC Radio 2 after eight years at the helm, and 13 years at the station.
"I'm leaving. I'm leaving Radio 2," he told listeners, but promised he'd stay on air until Christmas.
Explaining the decision, he said: "Some of us are mountain climbers and if you get to the top of your favourite mountain and you stay there, you become an observer. "I want to keep climbing."
The broadcaster took over from Sir Terry Wogan in 2010, and regularly attracts 9m listeners - more than any other breakfast show in the UK.
Although it is too early for his successor to be anointed, Evans wished them well.
"Whoever takes over this show, good for you because it's the best. It's the best."
The star revealed his decision shortly after 8:10 BST, after hinting at a "big announcement" throughout his Monday morning show.

PRESS RELEASES
(4 Sept 2018) Multi-PLATINUM entertainer Dierks Bentley and the world’s leading live entertainment company Live Nation ascended 8,000 feet for a seminal experience this weekend, launching the inaugural Seven Peaks Music Festival. Set against the heart-stopping mountain view of Buena Vista, CO, fans traveled from 49 states and as far as Australia, coming together for three days of one of the most-uniquely curated festival lineups this year. On Sunday, fans settled in for the much-anticipated finale of the weekend, starting the day in their campsites and enjoying the friendships made with their fellow campers. With standout performances across the day on both stages, Bentley took the stage for his headlining set to a staggering reaction. Bentley invited many friends to join him for his full-throttle set including LANCO’s Brandon Lancaster who hopped up on stage for John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold,” while Trombone Shorty accompanied Bentley on "Mardi Gras.” Elle King returned to the stage for “Different For Girls," who also joined Bentley, The Travelin’ McCourys and Trombone Shorty for a special spin on Johnny Cash’s “Jackson” and Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” closing out a memory-filled Labor Day weekend.

(5 Sept 2018) Jason Aldean’s “Girl Like You” Allures Country Radio Today Following 21st Career Chart Topper
 Following his 21st career No. One and multi-week chart topper "Drowns the Whiskey" featuring Miranda Lambert, this year's three-time CMA nominee Jason Aldean releases his follow-up single to Country radio today with "Girl Like You.” Serving as the third release from his record-breaking eighth studio album REARVIEW TOWN, Aldean continues the momentum behind the multi-week chart topper and RIAA's only PLATINUM Country song released in 2018, "You Make It Easy,” as he blends together sensual rhythms with powerful vocals.
“Our fans have always been along for the ride when we mess around with different sounds,” said Aldean. “I’ve always loved big guitars and a good groove, but we’ve never really done it like this before. So, it’s cool that we can do that coming off something like ‘Easy’ and ‘Whiskey.’”
Written by Jaron Boyer, Josh Mirenda and Michael Tyler, "Girl Like You" details a new-found infatuation and addiction with a girl unlike any other. "The blustery production matches Aldean’s angst-filled vocal delivery" (Rolling Stone) that he is known for as it's already been dubbed a "thrilling live song" (Taste Of Country).

(7 Sept 2018) Jason Aldean Raises Over $620,000 During Third Hometown Concert For The Kids
This year’s three-time CMA nominee Jason Aldean returned to his hometown of Macon, GA last night for his third Concert For The Kids charity event at the Macon Coliseum which raised over $620,000 for Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health. Aldean has now raised nearly $2 million for the regions only dedicated pediatric facility, serving central and south Georgia that enhances the lives of children through patient care, research and education

INTERVIEWS
10 Questions with ... Cody Johnson Link

(10 Sept 2018) Alice Wallace Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

COUNTRY FASHION
International artist Marta has been chosen by London-based designer Ada Zanditon to curate the music for the Ada Zanditon Couture’s Spring Summer 2019 collection presentation during London Fashion Week. The playlist for the show will be composed of Marta’s favorite current and retro tracks, including some of her very own music from her album The Story, which was released earlier this year. See BLOG POST (Feb 19, 2018):

International sensation, Marta, invites fans to listen to her tale with debut album, THE STORY





















“I really want people to feel the story of the collection when they come to my presentation and Marta is not only a great songwriter but also a musician and singer who understands the essential relationship between visuals and music,” Zanditon said. “I knew from our conversations about music and fashion that Marta would create the soundtrack that will provide the right mood for my presentation. Marta is a talented singer-songwriter who brings vocal and visual richness to her music. I love her ambition and passion. I am very excited to have Marta modeling for me and providing the music for my presentation during London Fashion Week.”
"I’m extremely honored and excited to be walking in the fashion show and creating the soundtrack. I truly believe in the Ada Zanditon brand and what it stands for and how she embraces female empowerment,” said Marta. “It has always been my dream to walk the runway at London Fashion Week and to show others that no matter your shape or size, if you’re 5’2" or 6’, you can make your dreams come true.”
Besides curating the music for the show, Marta will also be walking the runway, modeling looks from the collection. The show will take place on Sept. 15 at the Fashion Scout Freemason’s Hall Presentation Space from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit 
londonfashionweek.co.uk or www.adazanditon.com.

COUNTRY GOSSIP
(7 Sept 2018) Carrie Underwood scrapped her upcoming performances at two English festivals due to illness.
The Before He Cheats singer was set to perform at The Long Road country music festival in Leicestershire, England on Saturday (08Sep18) and BBC Radio 2's Live in Hyde Park in London on Sunday, but it was announced that she had pulled out of her sets due to ill health.
Representatives for her record label Universal Music Group Nashville wrote on Facebook, "Carrie Underwood has been forced to cancel several upcoming promotional activities in the UK, including appearances at The Long Road Festival and Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park, due to illness. She looks forward to resuming promotion for her new album, Cry Pretty, soon."
They also revealed that an upcoming "fan event" due to take place in London had been cancelled as well.
Carrie has not commented on the cancellations and it has not been specified what illness she is battling.
She last performed at Tuckerville festival in the Netherlands at the start of September.

PHOTO
(4 Sept 2018) I Volunteer As Tribute:Dean Miller, Jeannie Seely, WSM-AM/Nashville's Bill Cody, Mary Rogers, Randy Hart and Larry Gatlin (l-r) celebrate King Of The Road: A Tribute To Roger Miller.

















(7 Sept 2018) Hakuna Ma'Vodka: BMLG's Scott Borchetta (c) co-hosts mornings with WLHK/Indianapolis' Dave O’Brien (r) and Casey Vallier while in town for the Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard Powered by Florida Georgia Line Sunday (9/9). Listen to their interview with Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley here
















BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead
Sept 10: Rosie Flores (1950), Ashley Monroe (1986)
Sept 11: Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum, 1981)
Sept 12: the late George Jones (Aug 12, 1931; died April 26, 2013 (aged 81)), Kelsea Nicole Ballerini (1993)
Sept 13: Bobbie Cryner (1961), the Bill Monroe (Sept 13, 1911; died: September 9, 1996 (aged 85)), Pat Algar (1947), Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts) (1975) 
Sept 14: Beth Nielsen Chapman (1958), John Berry (1959), Danielle Peck (1978) 
Sept 15: Raylene Rankin (Rankins) (1960), the late Roy Acuff (Sept 15, 1902; died Nov 23, 1992 (aged 89), Ben Earle (The Shires) (1987?)
Sept 16: Terry McBride (McBride & The Ride) (1958), David Bellamy (1950)

R.I.P
(6 Sept 2018) Burt Reynolds Dead At Age 82
Actor and pop culture icon Burt Reynolds died (Sept 6) at the age of 82. Known best as a leading man in the late 70s and early 80s, REYNOLDS' films were often a favorite among the Country music listening audience, including iconic movies like "Smokey And The Bandit," where he starred alongside Country Music Hall Of Fame member Jerry Reed; "Best Little Whorehouse In TEXAS," where he co-starred with Dolly Parton; "The Man From Left Field," in which he starred with Reba McEntire; and "Deliverance," which gave us the track "Dueling Banjos." REYNOLDS also released a Country album via MERCURY RECORDS in 1973 titled "Ask Me What I Am."
One of REYNOLDS' most popular film roles in "Smokey And The Bandit" landed him in the Country Music Hall Of Fame (CMHOF), in a way, as the car from that classic film is on display in the MUSEUM.
REYNOLDS continued to write, direct, act, and produce well in to his 80s. He had been suffering from heart-related issues for years, and he reportedly passed away from a heart attack, according to TMZ.
Both Parton and McEntire have released tributes to REYNOLDS, with Parton sharing via Facebook, "Oh, how sad I am today, along with BURT's millions of fans around the world, as we mourn one of our favorite leading men. I know we will always remember his funny laugh, that mischievous sparkle in his eyes, and his quirky sense of humor. You will always be my favorite sheriff. Rest in peace, my little buddy, and I will always love you." MCENTIRE's Instagram post stated, "My good friend has started a new journey. Rest in peace, my friend. I'll never forget the wonderful times we spent together."8


No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.