Country Bites News snippets April 22, 2019 – April 28, 2019

UK News, UK Chart News, Album & Single Releases, US News, Music News, Videos, Fashion, Birthdays

BREAKING NEWS

Country News – May 1, 2019 with Shannon McCombs

UK NEWS

On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist for the week commencing Saturday 27 April 2019

C Playlist

Kiefer Sutherland - Something You Love

(23 April 2019) Molly Adele Brown is one of the brightest names in Nashville. Not only is she carving out her niche within the music industry by fusing Americana and Pop music, but she is devoted to helping Nashville’s homeless community and spreading love and kindness throughout Music City.

For these reasons, Molly Adele Brown was invited to perform at the Women of the World concert in London, England on Monday, May 6. 

The performance will feature an international, all female songwriters round in the heart of London.

Other artists scheduled to perform include Emma Moore, Irene Skylakaki, Lorana, Ettie and Katherine Moynihan.

Performance Information:

Date: Monday May 6, 2019

Venue: The Slaughtered Lamb, 34-35 Great Sutton Street, EC1V 0DX

Doors: 7:30 (8PM Start) | Tickets available: www.emmamoore.co.uk/shop

About Molly Adele Brown

Molly Adele Brown is excited to be breaking in to international market. Don’t be fooled by the infectious smile and fun-loving, quirky personality – Nashville Ameri/Pop singer-songwriter Molly is a force to be reckoned with! There is steel behind those ice blue eyes and fire in her spirit. While Molly may be fun loving, she is equally serious and passionate about social injustice – always looking out and fighting for the underdog.

Some highlights from the past year include performing at Nashville’s CMA Festival, WSMV Today, RNBW Writers Round, Montauk Music Festival as well as over 100 shows between Nashville and New York. She has also participated in the 2017 and 2018 Country Radio Seminar and sung the Canadian National Anthem at the IACP Conference at the Gaylord Opryland convention center. For more about Molly Adele Brown, visit http://mollyadelebrown.com/

Twinnie very excitedly announced that I'll be joining the ‘Next Women Of Country’ UK tour with Cassadee Pope and Logan Brill!

UK Dates

Thu 9 May 2019 - The Fleece, Bristol (12 ST Thomas ST, Bristol, BS1 6JJ) | Ticketmaster UK

Fri 10 May 2019 - Arts Club, Liverpool (90 Seel Street, Liverpool, L1 4BH) | Ticketmaster UK

Sun 12 May 2019 - O2 Institute3 Birmingham, Birmingham (78 Digbeth High Street, B5 6DY) Ticketmaster UK

Mon 13 May 2019 - O2 Academy Islington, London (Angel Central, London, N1 0PS) | Ticketmaster UK

Wed 15 May 2019 - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow (King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, 272A St Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5RL) |  Ticketmaster UK | Ticketweb @ 8:30 pm

Tickets available on Ticketmaster UK

Twinnie’s (Twinnie Lee Moore) new single “Better When I’m Drunk” has been unmissable on the new UK station Country Hits Radio with heavy rotation since the station launched.

The 3-track Better When I’m Drunk (EP/ Single Amazon UK), released on March 1st debuted at #7 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#498 UK iTunes all-genres) and the next day climbed to #1 (#137 UK iTunes all-genres) by Tues March 5 it was #35 (below #1500 UK iTunes all-genres)

Talking about the EP Twinnie comments, “I grew up in the north of England where typically people tell it how it is. I was always inspired by that honesty and I guess that shaped me as a songwriter. Living in a world of social media where everything and everyone is perceived to be perfect, I wanted to write songs that were honest and authentic to me. I really carried that thought throughout this creative process and I have no shame in highlighting my flaws and being vulnerable. Each song shows a different side of my personality and is an introduction of what to expect from my debut album.”

Find out more about Twinnie in Imogen Marshall’s Off The Record PODCAST dated April 8, 2019 (Episode #63) she chats to the Yorkshire singer-songwriter about her new EP 'Better When I'm Drunk,' 'Hollywood Gypsy' and her relationship with Nashville. Subscribe on Apple or Spotify listen here:

2 year on since Jade Helliwell’s duet with a busker Dawid Osial went viral (See Blog) her Facebook likes increased by 60,000, she has played several UK festivals and she won the BCMA Female Vocalist twice! Now she plays her very first headline show in London:

Thurs 23 May 2019 - Zigfrid von Underbelly, London (11 Hoxton Square London N1 6NU) Tickets £9.25 Full Band 7:30 PM

UK TOUR & GIG UPDATES: 

Austin Jenckes /Lisa Wright (May), Danny McMahon (May), Elles Bailey (Nov-Dec), Hootie & the Blowfish (Oct), Kiefer Sutherland (Aug-Oct) ,Tenille Townes & Striking Matches (Oct), The Haley Sisters (May-June)

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 2 May 2019)

26 April 2019 - 2 May 2019

The shortest No.1 in the UK since 1963, at just 112 seconds long, Lil Nas X’s viral victor, Old Town Road, spent its second week at the summit with consumption up a further 5.40% week-on-week at 84,648 units, (including 78,493 from sales-equivalent streams + 6,155 in paid-for sales).

The track, which also remains at No.1 in America for the 20-year-old from Atlanta, is indebted to audio streaming, where it is far ahead of the field, although it trailed at No.8 on video streams and is No.4 on paid-for downloads.

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 2 May 2019)

26 April 2019 - 2 May 2019

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? bounced 2-1 for Billie Eilish, although its sales were down for the third straight week, falling 20.55% to 15,134 units (including 11,131 from sales-equivalent streams + 4,003 pure sales). The last album to be No.1 on lower consumption was Ed Sheeran’s Divide, which topped the chart on sales of 13,975 copies 87 weeks ago, in August 2017.

Eilish topped the chart for the third time in four weeks because BTS’ Map Of The Soul: Persona EP – the first ever No.1 on the album chart by a South Korean act – suffered a 72% dip in sales week-on-week to slide to No.7 (7,350 sales).

Americana/ Alt artiste Jade Bird achieved substantial exposure for LOVE HAS ALL BEEN DONE BEFORE, which reached No.31 on the radio airplay chart in January, and current single, "My Motto", which peaked at No.45 last week. Both songs are on the eponymous first album of the 21-year-old singer/guitarist from Northumberland, which debuted at No.10 (5,414 sales).

Official UK Country Album Top 20 (Week Ending 2 May 2019)

26 April 2019 - 2 May 2019

Jessie Buckley with WILD ROSE - OST held at No.1 (2 weeks; #1 peak)

Steve Earle & The Dukes with GUY rose 3-2 (4 weeks; #1 peak)

Kacey Musgraves with GOLDEN HOUR lifted 7-3 (51 weeks; #1 peak)

Francis Rossi & Hannah Rickard with WE TALK TOO MUCH rose 6-4 (6 weeks; #1 peak)

Molly Tuttle with WHEN YOU'RE READY fell 4-5 (3 weeks; #4 peak)

Brooks & Dunn with REBOOT fell 5-6 (3 weeks; #5 peak)

Ward Thomas with RESTLESS MINDS rose 9-7 (11 weeks; #1 peak)

Florida Georgia Line with CAN'T SAY I AIN'T COUNTRYclimbed 18 (10 weeks; #2 peak)

Maren Morris with GIRL rose 10-9 (7 weeks; #1 peak)

Yola with WALK THROUGH FIRE puhed 15-10 (9 weeks; #1 peak)

Outside the Top 10

George Strait with HONKY TONK TIME MACHINE held at No.11 (4 weeks; #4 peak)

Carrie Underwood with CRY PRETTY rose 13-12 (32 weeks; #1 peak)

Keith Urban with GRAFFITI U fell 11-14 (18 weeks; #2 peak)

Reba McEntire with STRONGER THAN THE TRUTH fell 2-15 (3 weeks; #2 peak)

Megan McKenna with STORY OF ME made a re-entry at No.18 (3 weeks; #5 peak)

Official Americana Albums Chart Top 40 (Week Ending 2 May 2019)

26 April 2019 - 2 May 2019

Jade Bird with her eponymous first album made a debut at No.1.

COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES

(25 April 2019) Justine Lynn - Justine Lynn (EP) CAN

4 Tracks/ Time: 12:50 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

From a variety of influences, Justine Lynn's EP shows so many different aspects of her and her artistry and you will love it! Country with a little bit of blues!

(26 April 2019) Kiefer Sutherland - Reckless & Me (BMG)

10 Tracks/ Time: 39:09 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#8 UK iTunes all-genres)

(26 April 2019) Randy Rogers - Hellbent (Tommy Jackson/Thirty Tigers

11 Tracks/ Time: 35:48 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #1 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#14 US iTunes all-genres)

The first release from the group in more than three years was produced by Dave Cobb and features 11 songs, including lead single “Crazy People” and a cover of Guy Clark’s “Hell Bent on a Heartache,” written by Clark with Chris and Morgane Stapleton.

(26 April 2019) Dylan Scott - Nothing to Do Town (EP; Curb Records)

6 Tracks/ Time: 17:22 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #3 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#100 UK iTunes all-genres)

Produced by Matt Alderman, Curt Gibbs and Jim Ed Norman, the six-track EP features five songs co-penned by Scott, including single “Nothing To Do Town.”

Debut #2 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#12 US iTunes all-genres)

(26 April 2019) Adam Yarger - Between This Beer and Me (EP; Adam Yarger)

6 Tracks/ Time: 20:48

Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #5 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#144 UK iTunes all-genres)

(26 April 2019) Maddie & Tae - One Heart To Another (EP; Mercury Nashville)

5 Tracks/ Time: 16:30 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #11 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#318 UK iTunes all-genres), then #3 (#88 UK iTunes all-genres), then #2 (#65 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #23 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#354 US iTunes all-genres)

The duo’s debut release on Mercury features five tracks, predominantly co-written by Maddie Marlow and Taylor Dye, including single “Friends Don’t.”

(26 April 2019) Sarah Ross - Nervous Breakdown (Average Joes)

12 Tracks/ Time: 36:02 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Produced by Jim Kaufman, Ross’ full-length debut includes the title track, written by Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Clark, Trevor Rosen and Shane McAnally; “Doin’ Just Fine,” co-penned with David Fanning and Curt Gibbs; and a duet with Asking Alexandria’s Danny Worsnop on “All I Want to Know.”   

(26 April 2019) Felicity Urquhart - Frozen Rabbit (ABC) AUS

11 Tracks/ Time: 38:56 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Debut #4 AUS Country iTunes Album Chart (#46 AUS iTunes all-genres)

The beloved country singer returns with her first album in a decade.

(26 April 2019) Darryl Worley - Second Wind: Latest & Greatest (BFD/The Orchard) |

15 Tracks/ Time: 52:34 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #57 UK Country iTunes Album Chart

(26 April 2019) Austin Merrill - Whiskey & Water (EP; Covered Wagon Records)  

5 Tracks/ Time: 17:16 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #129 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#1061 US iTunes all-genres)

Merrill was the sole writer on his debut EP, which consists of five tracks and was produced by Mark Bright.

(26 April 2019) Derek Ryan - Derek Ryan Live (Sharpe Music) IRE

24 Tracks/ Time: 1:27:36 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Debut #4 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#141 UK iTunes all-genres)

(26 April 2019) Cormac Neeson - White Feather (7Hz Productions) UK  

13 Tracks/ Time: 47:17 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #12 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#388 UK iTunes all-genres)

Genre: Country, Blues, Delta, Folk

Home Town: Belfast

The first solo album by The Answer lead singer, Cormac Neeson. Neeson’s maiden solo venture, entitled White Feather, will propel him into the life affirming world of Country Soul, Celtic roots and laid back folk rock. Through a series of crafted, introspective songs, Neeson will deliver a fantastic new sound, drawing heavily on his deeply personal experiences of upheaval and seismic change over the last number of years.

(26 April 2019) Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes - Bowerbird (Mountain Fever Music Group) 11 Tracks/ Time: 32:36 Genres: Bluegrass Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #56 UK Country iTunes Album Chart

(26 April 2019) Kolby Cooper - Good Ones Never Last, Pt. 1 (EP; Bpm)

6 Tracks/ Time:  23:48 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #9 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#57 US iTunes all-genres)

(26 April 2019) Steel Blossoms - Steel Blossoms (Billy Jam Records)

10 Tracks/ Time: 33:41 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Debut #40 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#488 US iTunes all-genres)

Steel Blossoms is the musical collaboration of Sara Zebley and Hayley Prosser, artists (and former elementary school teachers) who met by chance at a festival in their home state of Pennsylvania, where each was performing with separate groups. 

They recognized an instant chemistry and a shared perspective; an appreciation for life’s moments, ironies and quirky little truths.

The two began to write together, while also growing more involved in the music scene in and around Pittsburgh. 

Sara and Hayley made their way to Nashville and Steel Blossoms quickly bloomed as regulars at Music City honkytonks, and as house concert favorites. Soon, the duo began playing top flight clubs, concert venues and festivals across the US, sharing the stage with artists including Rhonda Vincent, Tracey Lawrence and Collin Raye.

A debut EP, Year Number One, was released in 2015, followed by a full-length album, Country Enough, one year later. Steel Blossoms caught the ear of multi-award-winning songwriter, Jerry Salley, who had become the Creative and A&R Director of Nashville’s newest Americana label, Billy Jam Records. In early 2019, Steel Blossoms became the first act signed to the emerging label.

https://www.facebook.com/steelblossoms (14,227 Likes)

(26 April 2019) Josh Ritter - Fever Breaks (Pytheas Recordings) |

10 Tracks/ Time: 45:22 Singer/Songwriter Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Debut #49 UK iTunes all-genres)

(26 April 2019) Mallary Hope - Out of My Hands (Curb Records)

17 Tracks/ Time: Christian & Gospel Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

(26 April 2019) Kezia Gill - Dead Ends & Detours (Copper Music) UK  

6 Tracks/ Time: 19:33 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Debut #22 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#709 UK iTunes all-genres), then #20 (#527; #448 UK iTunes all-genres), Sat April 27: #32 (below 800), Sun 28 April: off the top 200

"A piece of genius" - SJ Birds 

(26 April 2019) Aryn Michelle - Nothing Can Take Me Away (EP; True Renaissance)

4 Tracks/ Time: 14:39 Spiritual: Praise & Worship Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Aryn Michelle is a faith-based singer/songwriter and her new EP “Nothing Can Take Me Away” releases April 2019.

https://www.facebook.com/arynmichellemusic (2,317 Likes)

(26 April 2019) Tammy Moxon - Drive Me Sane (Tammy Moxon; Independent) AUS

12 Tracks/ Time: 40:18 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Singer/Songwriter, Australian Country Music. Tasteful, contemporary original music with a traditional twist. Teamed up with ARIA/APRA and Golden Guitar Winning Producer, Shane Nicholson to release her second album, Drive Me Sane.

(26 April 2019) Sarah Kroger - Bloom (Integrity Music)

13 Tracks/ Time: 59:43 Christian & Gospel Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Sarah Kroger is a Nashville-based, Catholic worship leader and songwriter whose love for music started at a young age. With parents involved in music ministry, she grew up in a musical home and has been singing in church choirs since she was a child. Her passion is to create a safe and prayerful space through her music in which people can encounter the heart of God in a profound way. She has released two albums, YOUR TIME (2011) and HALLELUJAH IS OUR SONG (2013).

(26 April 2019) Lucy Blu - Row Your Own (Single) UK

Time: 2:42 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Debut: #2 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #3 (#178 UK iTunes all-genres) | Sat April 27: #17 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart | Sat April 28: #54 | Mon April 29: #121, then off the top 200

(27 April 2019) Louise Parker - Chances Are (Single; Louise Parker) UK

Time: 2:41 Country/Pop Amazon UK - UK iTunes

(27 April 2019) Gary Quinn - Bumpin' into You (Single) UK

Time: 3:38 Amazon UK - UK iTunes

Debut #5 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#235 UK iTunes all-genres) | Sun April 28: #15, then #22 | Mon April 29: #33, then #40, then #52 | Tues April 30: Off the top 200

CANADIAN NEWS

(25 April 2019) ELI BARSI "Poems & Paintings from a Prairie Girl "

Canadian Recording Artist Eli Barsi introduces her first book ' Poems & Paintings from a Prairie Girl'. This unique project combines the mixed medias of art & poetry written by musician / songwriter / painter, Eli Barsi. Created with purpose and destination, this book features 34 poems; adapted from some of her popular songs, as well, many new selections, accompanied by 44 photos of her heart felt paintings resting between an inviting satin hard cover. . .

In an ever-changing world where we find ourselves becoming lost in the noise of our distracted lives, this book gives you an excuse to go somewhere else, somewhere quiet.  Poems & Paintings is an accessible, colourful and relatable read. Both the artwork and poetry in this book display honesty, real life, faith, true stories, rural lifestyle, devotion and passion.

NEWS

(27 April 2019) Wedding Belle: Big Loud's Jillian Jacqueline married her guitarist Bryan Brown in Nashville Saturday (4/27).

TOURS

(23 April 2019) Tour Support: Show Dog's Toby Keith kicks off the first leg of the That's Country Bro! Tour May 26 at Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City, Iowa. Schedule here.

TV

(25 April 2019) MCA NASHVILLE’s Jordan Davis made his debut on ABC-TV’s “Strahan And Sara” Thursday (April 25). DAVIS performed his current single, “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot,” for the studio audience. View DAVIS’ performance here.

MUSIC NEWS

(26 April 2019) Taylor Swift has recruited Panic! At the Disco star Brendon Urie for her new single ME!

The “Look What You Made Me Do” singer announced the news about her latest single on Thursday night (25 April), hours before its release, as part of an interview with TV newswoman Robin Roberts in Nashville, Tennessee.

"ME! is a song about embracing your individuality and really celebrating it and owning it," Taylor said. "I think that, with a pop song, we have the ability to get a melody stuck in people’s heads, and I just want it to be one that makes them feel better about themselves."

The catchy tune features empowering lyrics such as, "I'm the only one of me, you're the only one of you" and "You can't spell awesome without me".

For the video, which Taylor directed alongside Dave Meyers, she and Brendon star as a French couple arguing about their "children" - Taylor's real-life cats - before the singer leaves following the row and breaks into song about why she should be accepted for who she is.

Taylor Swift - ME! (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco) 29.4 million YouTube streams in less than 24 hours

Available for purchase and streaming at iTunes & https://taylorswift.lnk.to/MEEM?

Photo Gallery at popsugar.co.uk

The colourful video features a variety of themes and looks for both Taylor and Brendon, with fans quick to point out the clear Mary Poppins inspiration and the snake at the beginning - a recurring motif during her Reputation album era - turning into butterflies

Following the release of the track and video, Brendon took to Instagram to praise his collaborator, writing alongside a picture of the pair together: "Wait. This really happened?! Like for real?!?! Well I can’t begin to describe how incredible it has been to work on this song and video. So I will simply say: Thank you @taylorswift for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful story. So much f**kin love and respect. #ME!”

Taylor Swift's 'ME!': A Wholesome Simplification, And an Unexpected New Path - Billboard

Taylor will open the 2019 Billboard Music Awards with the premiere performance of her new single ME! at the awards ceremony (1 May 2019).

Swift and Urie are joining previously announced 2019 awards show performers BTS and Halsey, Ciara, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Daigle, the Jonas Brothers, Khalid, Madonna and Maluma, and Urie's band Panic! at the Disco at the MGM Grand Garden Arena prizegiving in Las Vegas, hosted by Kelly Clarkson.

PRESS RELEASES

(23 April 2019)  Michael Ray may be on the highest of highs after an incredible year of sold-out shows, a No. 1 single and traveling around the world performing for fans, however, he’s no stranger to heartbreak as he shares a thoughtful and honest perspective about love and loss in his latest single “Her World Or Mine.” (See the Video >> HERE)

(27 April 2019) Maddie & Tae drop "One Heart To Another” EP

Platinum-selling duo Maddie & Tae are "setting the stage for a bright journey" (Sounds Like Nashville) with their eagerly-awaited new EP ONE HEART TO ANOTHER (Mercury Nashville), released on Friday April 26, 2019. 

Featuring five tracks, predominantly co-written by Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Marlow and Taylor Dye and produced by Jimmy Robbins and Derek Wells, the highly-anticipated project represents stories of love, loss and redemption. 

One Heart to Another offers the "confessional" (Rolling Stone) "Friends Don’t," the quickly applauded new single "Die From A Broken Heart," touting 36 million streams and fresh at country radio following undeniable fan and critical demand - and the recently released "Tourist In This Town," a song Music Row praises for its "spunk, vocal verve and tempo." The swaggering kiss-off "New Dog, Old Tricks," a winking, hip hop-inflected anthem that marks the first outside cut Maddie & Tae has recorded and vulnerable title track "One Heart To Another," round out the boldly honest collection, which shows "a more sophisticated side" (Associated Press). Related BLOG POST

(28 April 2019) MATT STELL MAKES MEMORABLE OPRY DEBUT

Rising star Matt Stell made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, April 27th, sharing the iconic stage with Martina McBride, Charles Esten, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, and more. 
The “Prayed For You” singer/songwriter was introduced by Seely and received a rousing welcome from the audience, including throngs of friends, family, and fans who made the trip from Arkansas to cheer on the hometown singer, as he stepped into the Opry’s hallowed circle to perform “Everywhere But On” and a heartfelt rendition of his debut single. Stell had just returned to Nashville from a sold-out hometown show in Little Rock, AR hours before stepping onto the Opry stage.

PHOTO CREDIT: 2019 Grand Ole Opry Photos By Rachael Black

 Matt Stell continues to turn heads with his current single, “Prayed For You” (Spotify) a song he wrote with Ash Bowers and Allison Veltz, which has already garnered over 42 million on demand streams and over 360,000 consumption units.

(28 April 2019) Grand Ole Opry, Wsmonline.com To Salute Randy Travis In Honor Of The Legendary Entertainer’s 60th Birthday

New Memoir ‘Forever and Ever, Amen’ to be Released on May 14

Legendary country superstar Randy Travis will make a special appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage Saturday, May 4 to celebrate his 60th birthday. The Opry’s flagship radio station 650 AM-WSM and its digital counterpart have named Travis their Artist of the Month and will mark the Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member’s 60th with a week of special promotions and programming, including Travis’ Opry birthday appearance, beginning Monday, April 29. Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life will be released on May 14 and is available for preorder now at foreverandeveramenbook.com.

Randy Travis fans Charles Esten, Josh Turner and Charlie Worsham are all scheduled to appear on the Opry on Travis’ birthday, as is his fellow Country Music Hall of Famer Don Schlitz, who wrote or co-wrote a number of Travis’ biggest hits, including “Deeper Than The Holler,” “Forever And Ever, Amen,” “Heroes And Friends,” “On the Other Hand” and “Point Of Light.”

REVIEWS

(24 April 2019) Album Review - Intertwine by Sabine, released 3rd May 2019. Review by Simon J. Birds The UK Country Music Showcase

WATCH

(22 April 2019) ACM-Winning Group Lanco release new music video for underdog Anthem "Rival” 

Their HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR UK trek will launch May 1st at London’s O2 Academy Islington, with opener Bailey Bryan.

Double-PLATINUM Arista Nashville band LANCO released their new music video "Rival". The first track from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, which already boasts over one million streams, follows their No. One selling and critically acclaim debut HALLELUJAH NIGHTS. In the music video directed by Peter Zavadil and filmed in Nashville, LANCO brings together a diverse crowd from all walks of life who have overcome judgement cast by others. They amplify the power of unity by bulldozing through defeating moments together alongside a compelling live performance.

Fans can watch the music video for "Rival" here.

(23 April 2019) Aubrie Sellers - A Thousand Miles From Nowhere (Cover)

Directed by Chris Phelps Director of Photography: Adam LaBrie

(25 April 2019) Erin Rae - Bad Mind (>> Official Video) written by Erin Rae McKaskle

COUNTRY FASHION

(23 April 2019) Taylor Swift attends the TIME 100 Gala in New York City, NY on April 23, 2019

Taylor was wearing a dusty pink and lemon strapless hand-pleated J. Mendel Spring 2019 gown worn with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and custom pleated bolero, lemon Chloe Gosselin 'Tori' sandals (685 EUR Product) . The romantic aesthetic continued to her ethereal updo, and dewy makeup.

Dress: Photo Credit: taylorswiftstyle.com | Instagram

Shoes Photo Credit: taylorswiftstyle.com

Taylor Swift uses songwriting as a way of "justifying things" that have happened to her.

The singer made an appearance at the Time 100 gala in New York on Tuesday night (23 Apr 19), where she performed a medley of her songs including old classic Love Story and newer hits such as Shake It Off.

Speaking to the audience in between songs, Taylor admitted she finds the process of penning hit tunes cathartic, as it helps her process everything she has gone through - good and bad.

"I've always known it was the main pillar of kind of my sanity as well, like I always looked at writing as sort of like a protective armour," she mused. "Which is weird, because you think of writing about your life, that's usually like a vulnerability, but I think that when you write about your life, it gives you the ability to process your life.

"I use it as a way of justifying things that have happened to me. Whether they're good or bad. I like to honour the good times and really process the bad times when I write."

Taylor is famous for using her past relationships as inspiration for her songs - she wrote I Knew You Were Trouble about Harry Styles and Dear John about John Mayer, while Jake Gyllenhaal is believed to have been the subject of her track We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.

Fans were desperately waiting for Taylor's new music, with the 29-year-old teasing a big announcement for Friday.

Mural Announcement | Nashville, TN | April 25, 2019: Taylor wore off-the-shoulder set by Rococo Sand: ‘Embellished Plissé Crop Top’ - $220.00 (off white) and a ‘Embellished Plissé Mini Skirt’ - $220.00. She added a Jennifer Meyer ring and Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist Sandal in St Tropez’ sandals - $398.00

Taylor Swift – ME! (feat. Brendon Urie of Panic! At The Disco)

A) Wearing a Monique Lhuillier Fall 2019 v-neck full tea length dress with floral embroidery, which was styled with one-of-a-kind tourmaline and opal earrings by Alison Lou adding Roger Vivier Embellished Two-Tone Patent-Leather Slingback Pumps ($995.00).

B) Alexander McQueen Floral Embroidered Jacket ($2,990.00) and customized Floral Embroidered Pants ($1,040.00) adding  boots like the Durango Western 11″ Narrow Square Toe ($139.95).

C) Wearing a Marchesa Notte Textured Tulle Tea Length Gown ($995.00).

D) In the dance break segment with a rainbow of Victoria Hayes suits and matching bags.

E) Wearing a AW2019 Ruffle Top (Not available online), Monica Ivena Starbie Skirt adding Luisa Alexander ‘Holy Pink’ Sapphire Ring ($3,540.00) and Rebecca De Revenel Cora Crystal Hoops ($395.00). - Image

She also wore a few custom pieces by her longtime tour costume designer Jessica Jones including this ultra-retro mod heart dress adding Christian Louboutin heels - Image . Additionally she was seen in a minty Wizard of Oz ensemble sporting a pink bob. - Image

All the Easter Eggs From Taylor Swift's New 'ME!' Music Video – ELLE.com

COUNTRY GOSSIP

(25 April 2019) Kacey Musgraves and BTS eager to collaborate

Country singer Kacey Musgraves and K-pop superstars BTS are keen to team up in the studio together to create a new crossover smash hit.

The boy band is currently riding high on the success of its latest single Boy With Luv, which features Halsey, and now the group is eyeing a collaboration with another big American musician.

Kacey first revealed she was a fan of BTS in a pre-recorded video for Radio.com, in which she admitted she was envious of the bandmembers' rainbow-coloured hair.

"BTS how do you get such beautiful hair? I like all of your colours a lot," she asked.

The Follow Your Arrow hitmaker, who has six Grammys to her name to date, then added, "Also, we should collab, think about it!"

The video was shown to the seven members of BTS, who credited their stylish looks to having "one of the best hair designers in the world" in their native South Korea, before addressing Kacey's duet proposal.

"Please!" replied excited singer RM. "We're jealous of your trophies. So many!"

Kacey has yet to respond to the enthusiastic message, but she will likely get the chance to discuss the idea with BTS in more detail at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, where both acts are nominated.

PHOTO

Tiers Of Joy: WSM-AM/Nashville's Bill Cody (c) celebrates his 25th anniversary on the station with Suzy Bogguss and Lee Roy Parnell. Watch artists' greetings here.

BIRTHDAYS

April 29: James Bonamy (1972), Stephanie Bentley (1963), Duane Allen (Oak Ridge Boys) (1943), Willie Nelson (1933), Michael Ray (1988)

April 30: the late Johnny Horton (April 30, 1925; died Nov 5, 1960 (aged 35), Robert Reynolds (Mavericks) (1962), Carolyn Dawn Johnson (1971), Tyler Wilkinson (WIlkinsons) (1984)

May 1: Tim McGraw (1967), Rita Coolidge (1945), Wayne Hancock (1965), Helen Darling (1965), the late Sonny James (May 1, 1929; died Feb 22, 2016 (aged 87),

May 2: Ty Herndon (1962), Larry Gatlin (1948), Claire McArthur Bain (Raintown), Lucy May (UK)

May 3: Scott 'Cactus' Moser (Highway 101) (1957), Shane Minor (1968), the late Dave Dudley (May 3, 1928; died Dec 22, 2003 (aged 75)), Eric Church (1977), Gwen Sebastian (1974), Sarah Harris (Trinity River Band) (1993)

May 4: Stella Parton (1949), Randy Travis (1959), Cookie Rankin (Rankin Family) (1965), Tim Dubois (1948), Raelynn (1994) 

May 5: Tammy Wynette (1942), Hannah Morris (Southern Halo)