Thursday 1 August 2019

Country Bites News snippets July 22 – July 28, 2019

UK News, UK Chart News, Album & Single Releases, US & Canadian News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Articles & Videos, Birthdays

BREAKING NEWS
Country News – July 31, 2019 with Shannon McCombs
This week… Hear what Old Dominion has to say about their single, "Never Be Sorry." And did you know that Billy Ray Cyrus is back on the charts - and has been at #1 for 17 weeks?!! Shannon tells about a new place online to find All Things Johnny Cash! Plus, learn what T. Graham Brown has in common with Garth Brooks and Muhammad Ali. And there’s more…. News from The Oak Ridge Boys and David Ball!



UK NEWS

On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist Saturday 27 July
A Playlist
Tayor Swift - You Need To Calm Down
B Playlist
Twinnie – Social Babies added to the “B” Playlist
C List
Lady Antebellum - What If I Never Get Over You
OUT
The Adelaides - Good Love removed from the B playlist

(27 July 2019) Pistol Pete Wearn & the Wildwood Flowers to release debut single

New collaborative Americana project release “Young, Free & Beautiful” on 20th August Pre-Order the Single HERE

Stafford, 27th July 2019 – Stafford-based Pistol Pete Wearn & the Wildwood Flowers are delighted to announce the release of their debut single “Young Free & Beautiful” on 20th August 2019.  The single will be accompanied by a music video of BTS footage from their time in the studio working on the upcoming EP Pistol Pete Wearn & the Wildwood Flowers.
Described as: The harmony-drenched & wistful single comes ahead of the release of the full EP & supporting tour in September 2019 & follows on the heels of the band’s well-received first live appearance on the acoustic stage of theStafford Castle’s Summer Sunday Music Festival last weekend.

“I’ve known Helena & Olly a long time, after meeting and playing together at open mic nights, but it’s great to be collaborating more seriously” said Wearn. “I’m very privileged to be working with such wonderful musicians & it’s been liberating to work on some different material from what I’ve done in the past”.
Pistol Pete Wearn and the Wildwood Flowers is released in September 2019, and the band will be touring to support the record.

Pistol Pete Wearn & the Wildwood Flowers EP Launch Tour September 2019:
Fri 20th Sept, The Garden Room, Alnwick. House concert
Sat 21st Sept, Paradiddles Music Cafe Bar, Worcester
Sun 22nd Sept, The Dog House, Stafford (with Dan Hartland)
Tue 24th Sept, The Hen House Presents, Malaga Drift Coffee Lounge & Bar, Manchester (with Dan Hartland)
Wed 25th Sept, Green Note, London
Sat 5th Oct, Leek Blues & Americana Festival, Leek

(26 July 2019) Country Music Week October madness
This will herald the announcement of the 2020 C2C Festival,
The Cadogan Hall show that features Danielle Bradbery, Chris Lane, Travis Denning, Rachel Wammack and (newly announced this week so not on the poster yet) Walker Hayes will also double up as the C2C 2020 announcement night.

UK TOUR & GIG UPDATES

Link to Country Routes News Gig Page Image Map

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 1 August 2019)
26 July 2019 - 1 August 2019
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s Senorita dethroned Ed Sheeran for the second time, relegating his Beautiful People collaboration with Khalid to No.2. After suffering a 3.40% reduction in consumption in the previous frame, Senorita returned to growth, with combined sales up 1.8% at 68,159 units (including 58,937 from sales-equivalent streams + 9,222 pure sales)
In five weeks on release, the track has now sold 321,430 copies.

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 1 August 2019)
26 July 2019 - 1 August 2019
Ed Sheeran’s fourth studio album, NO.6 Collaborations Project, racked up a commanding second week at No.1, despite consumption sliding 51.3% week-on-week to 60,902 units (including 31,216 from sales-equivalent streams + 29,686 pure sales).

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 1 August 2019)
26 July 2019 - 1 August 2019
Keifer Sutherland with RECKLESS & ME 5-1 (13 weeks; #1 peak)
Willie Nelson with RIDE ME HOME fell 1-2 (5 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with TRAVELLER rose 4-3 (72 weeks; #1 peak)
Jessie Buckley with WILD ROSE - OST fell 3-4 (15 weeks; #1 peak)
Carrie Underwood with CRY PRETTY fell 2-5 (45 weeks; #1 peak)
Ward Thomas with RESTLESS MINDS rose 7-6 (24 weeks; #1 peak)
KD Lang with INGENUE advanced 14-7 (148 weeks; #1 peak)
Lucas Nelson/ Promise Of The Real with Lucas Nelson & Promise Of The Real rose 10-9 (16 weeks; #8 peak)
JJ Cale with STAY AROUND fell 6-10 (13 weeks; #2 peak)
Outside the Top 10
Chris Stapleton with FROM A ROOM - VOL 1 fell 9-11 (108 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with FROM A ROOM - VOL 2 fell 11-12 (77 weeks; #1 peak)
Buddy & Julie Miller with BREAKDOWN ON 20TH AVE. SOUTH fell 8-14 (5 weeks; #3 peak)
Sarah Darling with WONDERLAND held at No.17 (4 weeks; #1 peak)



COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES

(26 July 2019) Justin Moore - Late Nights And Longnecks (Valory)
10 Tracks/ Time: 33:44 Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#46 UK iTunes all-genres), then #2 (#68) | Debut #1 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#3 US iTunes all-genres) | Mon July 29: #1 (#5 US iTunes all-genres)
Moore’s fifth studio album features guitar player Brent Mason and Paul Franklin on pedal steel and boasts 10 tracks, all co-written by Moore, including first single, “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home.”

(26 July 2019) The Luck - Ready to Run (Common Market Media) UK
9 Tracks/ Time: 34:38 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #2 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#94 UK iTunes all-genres), then #1 (#60 all-genres) Sat July 27: #1 (#87 UK iTunes all-genres) | Mon 29 July: #1 (#205 UK iTunes all-genres) | Tues 30 July: #4 | Weds 31 July: #7 (#276 UK iTunes all-genres)  | Thurs 1 Aug: #15 | Debut #164 US Country iTunes Album Chart |
Genre: Indie | Band Members: Max Luck, Esmay Luck | Hometown: London
Brother and sister Country/Americana duo from the UK, Max and Esmay Luck.
Tracks featured on BBC Radio 2, BBC Sport and Spotify editorial playlists
Interviewed by Baylen Leonard on Country Hits Radio

(26 July 2019) Mason Ramsey - Twang (EP; Big Loud/Atlantic)
5 Tracks/ Time: 15:03 UK iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #14 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#689 UK iTunes all-genres) | Sat July 27: off the top 200 | Debut #86 US Country iTunes Album Chart (below #700 US iTunes all-genres) | Sat July 27: #8 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#62 US iTunes all-genres)  | Mon July 29: #25 (#196 US iTunes all-genres)
Marking the first time Ramsey is credited as a co-writer, the five-song EP includes the title track, “Puddle of Love” and “How Could I Not.”

(26 July 2019) Mac Powell and The Family Reunion - Back Again (Mac Powell Records)
15 Tracks/ Time: 51:08 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #5 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#172 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #4 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#39 US iTunes all-genres)

(26 July 2019) Casey Donahew - One Light Town (Almost Country Records)
15 Tracks/ Time: 51:12 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #7 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#303 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #2 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#4 US iTunes all-genres)

(26 July 2019) Nate Kenyon - Songs About You (Dirt Rock Empire)
15 Tracks/ Time: 52:31 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #14 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#137 US iTunes all-genres)

(26 July 2019) Gethen Jenkins - Western Gold (5 Music)
11 Tracks/ Time: 42:46 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut Sat July 27: #11 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#62 US iTunes all-genres) | Mon July 29: #24 (#191 US iTunes all-genres)
Ass kickin', rig rockin', tele bangin', cold beer drinkin', old schoolin' REAL COUNTRY! If you even THINK you might like country music.... You will LOVE this band...
With his powerful, gut wrenching, baritone sound, Gethen Jenkins is on a fast train to stardom. Gethen is an award winning singer and songwriter from Huntington, West Virginia. His songs are of considerable depth and meaning, driven by passion, and full of heart and spirit which are sure to run the gamut of human emotions.

(26 July 2019) Avenue Beat - Avenue Beat (EP; The Valory Music Co. / Tape Room Records)
4 Tracks/ Time: 10:51 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #106 US Country iTunes Album Chart
Band Members: Sami Bearden • Savana Santos • Sam Backoff
Brash. Bright. Fresh. Wildly melodic. Avenue Beat are three girls from Quincy, Illinois who grew up ingesting social media platforms, theater groups and hanging out with older kids – and turned into the notes of a chord that lands somewhere between Taylor Swift ascending and Billie Eilish at her most real.

The genzennial collective of Sami Bearden, Savana Santos and Sam Backoff are strong, smart, fun – in love with life, each other and getting on with it – the 21-year-old besties capture the fresh face of new feminism, while blowing off being told who girls are supposed to be. Avenue Beat’s debut self-titled EP was co-produced by lead singer Savana, David Garcia and Ashley Gorley. With the stretched staccato vowels of the hilarious self-empowering “Delight,” the sisters-sticking-together euphoria of “Be A Bro,” angst-rejecting post-break-up “Ruin That For Me” or their self-induced euphoria of “Broke,” Avenue Beat beckons listeners with pillows of narcotic harmony and glistening melody – only to sucker punch them with lyrical truths that cut right to the gut.
On July 22, 2019 Big Machine Label Group proudly announced the signing of 21-year-old trio AVENUE BEAT to a joint venture between The Valory Music Co. and Tape Room Records. https://www.facebook.com/avenuebeat/ (3,350 Likes)

(26 July 2019) Claire Bufalino - Party of One (Claire Bufalino)
7 Tracks/ Time: 27:15 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com

(26 July 2019) Louisa Branscomb - Gonna Love Anyway (Compass Records)
11 tracks/ Time: 39:58 Bluegrass/ Folk / Americana Amazon UK - iTunes

More than 40 years after first penning the award-winning bluegrass classic, “Steel Rails,” Louisa has released a new interpretation of the song. Co-produced with bassist Missy Raines, the song will appear on Louisa's new album GONNA LOVE ANYWAY set for release July 12th on Compass Records. The collection features a phenomenal group of singers and instrumentalists all performing their versions of Branscomb’s songs, including Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Alison Brown, Becky Buller, Stuart Duncan, Jenni Lyn Gardner, Steve Gulley, Sierra Hull, Kimber Ludiker, Bryan McDowell, Missy Raines, Molly Tuttle, Jeanette Williams, and Celia Woodsmith, as well as Louisa herself.

(26 July 2019) Mary And Brianna - Whiskey and Lust (EP; Vivaio Records)
5 Tracks/ Time: 16:01 Country Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com

(26 July 2019) Rachel Messer - California Sunrise (EP; Rachel Messer)
4 Tracks/ Time: 15:21 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #49 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#420 US iTunes all-genres)
Influences: Dolly Parton, George Strait, Johnny Cash
Rachel Messer is an 19 year old singer and songwriter from West Virginia. She sings classic Country & Western music from the heart with a vocal range that astounds audiences everywhere she performs.
After winning the “Coalfields Got Talent” contest in 2015, Rachel got serious about her music career. In 2016 she wrote and recorded her first single entitled “Jesus and My 6 String”. https://www.facebook.com/IAmRachelMesser/ (6,600 Likes)

(26 July 2019) Suzie Brown - Under the Surface (Suzie Brown)
10 Tracks/ Time 33:41 Pop/ Singer-Songwriters Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
A 1970s-inspired folk-pop songwriter, Suzie Brown has chased her unique muse for a decade, making modern-day roots music that nods to the soul singers, heartland rockers, and blues artists who came before her. Gluing the sound together is the unforced voice and honest, autobiographical songwriting of a Renaissance woman who's not only an acclaimed musician, but also a part-time cardiologist and full-time mother.

Brown digs deep into her personal life with her sixth album, Under the Surface. It's an honest record that finds her fronting a full-sized band, with layers of Telecaster twang, southern soul, and swirling keyboards underscoring her autobiographical songs about mortality, money, motherhood, and friendship. Written during the fleeting moments of free time between her shifts as an Advanced Heart Failure/Heart Transplant cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and her never-ending duties as a mother of two, the record finds her peeling back the surface to stunning results, receiving nods from the NewSong Music Competition, the Great American Songwriting Competition, and the International Acoustic Music Awards along the way.

(26 July 2019) Taylon Hope - Taylon Hope
10 Tracks/ Time: 35:08 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
           
(26 July 2019) Josh Wolfe - Amber Morning Sky (Josh Wolfe / Tone Tree Music)
8 Tracks/ Time: 33:42 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #94 US Country iTunes Album Chart

(26 July 2019) Chuck Hawthorne - Fire out of Stone (3 Notches Music)
10 Tracks/ Time: 36:51 Folk Amazon UK


(26 July 2019) Emma King - The Sun and the Blues (EP; Great British Songwriting Co) UK 4 Tracks/ Time: 14:56 Amazon UK - iTunes

(29 July 2019) Ryan McNicholl - Songs I Wish I Wrote (EP; Ryan McNicholl) IRE
6 Tracks/ Time: 24:25 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #2 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#209 UK iTunes all-genres)

(26 July 2019) Elles Bailey - Deeper (Single; Outlaw Music) UK
Time: 3:59 Blues Amazon - iTunes
Taken from Road I Call Home 8 Mar 2019

(27 July 2019) Emily Frith - Out (Single; SoSlam) UK
Time: 3:33 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #43 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #34, then #62
Genre: Pop / Country-Pop / Singer-Songwriter | Hometown: Southend-On-Sea
Influences: Taylor Swift / Maren Morris
Belles & Gals Review: Belles And Gals

(26 July 2019) Emily Faye - Barefoot (Single; Emily Faye) UK
Time: 3:40 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #14 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #19, then #25 | Sat July 27: #40, then #84 | | Sun July 28: #46

(26 July 2019) Lisa Redford - Let Go (Single) UK
Time: 3:26 Amazon UK - iTunes
Taken from Edge Of Love EP (May 2019)

(26 July 2019) The Wandering Hearts - When the Party’s Over (Single; Decca Records Release) UK Pop iTunes
Cover of Billie Eilishs' "When the Party's Over" first released on October 17, 2018 (Interscope Records) which reached #21 on UK Single Chart.

(26 July 2019) Tracey Shield - Loving You (Single; GingerDog Records) UK
Time: 4:40 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #6 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (below #250 UK iTunes all-genres), then #4 ,then #5 (#211 UK iTunes all-genres) | Sat July 27: #6, then #7, then #12 | Sun July 28: #46
Tracey Shield is a Singer, Songwriter and Actress, originally from Coventry in England
Tracey got a taste of stardom after winning her heat of "Stars In Their Eyes" on ITV performing as Celine Dion, coming 3rd Overall in the Grand Final with 131,000 Votes. Since filming the show Tracey has developed her own show "An Evening with Celine Dion' which she has performed to thousands of audiences all over the world.
Tracey has performed globally on some of the world's largest cruise ships performing in her own shows; An Evening with Celine Dion & Love Rocks. Tracey's 10-track American set FOUND dropped 14 Aug 2018.

BLUEGRASS NEWS
Rhonda Vincent & The Rage nominated for four 2019 IBMA Awards GRAMMY Award winning Vincent nominated for 'Female Vocalist Of The Year' & 'Collaborative Recording Of The Year' for duet with Dolly Parton

CANADIAN NEWS
Big Cut For Jessica Mitchell, Patricia Conroy And Dave Thomson As Trisha Yearwood Includes "Workin' On Whiskey" On Her New Album
Canada has talent. A big congratulations to Jessica Mitchell, Patricia Conroy and Dave Thomson for writing Workin' On Whiskey which Trisha Yearwood has included on her new album. Hopefully it will become a single. Other Canadians that have scored big with major cuts include Steven Lee Olsen, Deric Ruttan, Tebey, Gordie Sampson, Victoria Banks just to name a few. Here is Workin' On Whiskey.

(29 July 2019) Madison Kozak Debuts With "First Last Name"
Gifted singer/songwriter MADISON KOZAK's highly anticipated song "First Last Name" is available now, following the headline-grabbing announcement of her signing as the flagship artist to Songs & Daughters. The newly minted female-focused label is an unprecedented partnership between Big Loud Records and award-winning songwriter Nicolle Galyon, providing female creatives a platform to tell honest stories about real life while shining a spotlight on a new generation. 
Bringing today's release full circle, "First Last Name" is the song that changed everything for Kozak - from landing her a publishing deal with Big Loud during her Junior year at Belmont University, to catching the attention of Galyon at a performance last fall. After hearing the song, Galyon was inspired to establish Songs & Daughters alongside Big Loud partner Seth England, both confident that Kozak and "First Last Name" were the perfect introduction for the exciting new venture.

NEWS
(23 July 2019) Nicolle Galyon To Head Big Loud’s New Female-Focused Imprint, Songs & Daughters
At a press conference Monday night (July 22) at NASHVILLE event space RUBY, hit songwriter and producer Nicolle Galyon announced that she is partnering with BIG LOUD RECORDS for a new imprint to be called Songs & Daughters. It will be NASHVILLE’s first female-focused label of note. Galyon will be Pres. of the venture, which she conceptualized with BIG LOUD partner Seth England.

Their first signing is 22-year-old CANADIAN artist Madison Kozak, a student at Nashville’s Belmont University. Her debut single, “First Last Name,” drops on Friday, July 26th. Kozak is also signed to BIG LOUD’s publishing division, BIG LOUD SHIRT.
Country singer-songwriter, Madison Kozak, was born and raised in rural Ontario, Canada. Having grown up in a musical household, she discovered her passion for entertaining at an early age. At just 10 years old, Madison was selected to perform at the Havelock Country Jamboree, a music festival drawing an audience of 30,000 people. Past performers include Dierks Bentley, Josh Turner, LeAnn Rimes, and Reba McEntire.

(23 July 2019) LOCASH Signs Co-Publishing Deal With BMG Nashville
Preston Brust and Chris Lucas of WHEELHOUSE RECORDS' LOCASH have signed a co-publishing deal with BMG NASHVILLE. The duo has experienced songwriting success through their own songs, including "I Know Somebody" and "One Big Country Song," as well as Keith Urban's "You Gonna Fly," and Tim McGraw's "Truck Yeah," among others.
“We’ve long admired PRESTON and CHRIS–both creatively as songwriters and artists," said BMG Nashville'S Sr. Creative Dir. Jake Gear. "We’re excited to have these guys as part of the BMG publishing team and ready to plug in creatively to maximize their writing for both LOCASH records and to continue their success of cuts on other artist projects. Their drive and hustle are absolutely infectious. This is going to be fun.”

(22 July 2019) Lauren Alaina To Guest-Host Middays On KKGO/Los Angeles In August
Mercury Nashville’s Lauren Alaina will guest host the midday show on MT. WILSON FM Broadcasters Country KKGO (GO COUNTRY 105)/LOS ANGELES from Weds, August 7th through Friday, August 30th
“We are thrilled to partner with such an amazing talent for the month of August. Lauren Alaina has a huge following in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, and will have fantastic stories to share,” said KKGO Station Mgr. Michael Levine.

(25 July 2019) Tour Support: Riser House/Columbia's Mitchell Tenpenny will kick off his Anything She Says Tour at Nashville's Marathon Music Works Oct. 10 with support from RCA's Seaforth

(25 July 2019) The HI Life: Miranda LambertMaren MorrisRandy HouserDustin LynchKassi AshtonTim NicholsNatalie HembyLuke Dick and Bob DiPiero are among the artists and songwriters on the lineup for BMI's fifth annual Maui Songwriters Festival Dec. 5-7. Hosted by SiriusXM's Storme Warren, the festival will feature events in venues across the island, including Fleetwood’s on Front St., Fairmont Kea Lani – Maui and the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Full schedule here.

(29 July 2019)  Rising country-pop sibling duo Lexanna are gearing up to release their sultry new single "Dagger In Your Heartsoon. They are going on a nationwide tour with American Idol alumni, Cade Foehner, along with balancing being full-time musicians with being college students.
Lexanna comprise Lexi and Savanna Cummings and are a sister duo hailing from Tampa, FL both attending Lipscomb University in Nashville. Their single "Parachute" (written by Bobby Terry) dropped 26 April 2019. Related BLOG POST New To You: Sister duo Lexanna release new single “Parachute” (Review)
(29 July 2019) LeAnn Rimes will embark across the East coast on her seventh annual "You And Me Christmas Tour" this Winter. Rimes will kick off the project in Waterloo, NY on Saturday, November 30th and continue through 10 additional cities, including Pittsburgh, Atlantic City and Augusta before wrapping things up in Jacksonville, FL on Sunday, December 15th.
“I can’t believe it’s my seventh Christmas tour,” said Rimes. “We are back this holiday season singing all your favorites, from Christmas classics, to new music, to my hits. There is something for everyone, so come on out and see us

(29 July 2019) Our biggest dreams for Delta Rae - Stretch Goals
We are nearing the halfway point in our miraculous Kickstarter campaign to fund our first independent release of sister albums: The Light & The Dark. In the first 29 days we have raised nearly 1,000% percent of our initial goal, WHICH IS INSANE. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We have been meeting daily to discuss what this means for our future. Your belief in us and incredible generosity has inspired a creative revolution for Delta Rae. Initially we promised The Light, The Dark, The Live Album, two expansive tours, and a couple of music videos.

(29 July 2019) Gilroy Shooting – Country Artists, Staff Safe: A shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, CA outside San Jose has resulted in reported injuries, but Country radio staffers and country artist teams had departed the event and are believed to be safe. Performances by Caylee Hammack, Waterloo Revival and King Calaway concluded at 3pm local time, and staffers from 15-year event sponsor KRTY had departed the venue prior to the shooting.
News sources report that 16 people were shot, four people (including a suspect), were killed, and that a suspect is still not in custody.
On Instagram Caylee Hammack shared "WE ARE OKAY! We left right before all this must’ve happened and we are okay. Waterloo Revival, King Calaway and us all played today but we believe are all safe and away from the festival now. This makes me sick. There was so many smiling faces today, just enjoying the beautiful day together. My heart and prayers go out to the 11 injured". #gilroygarlicfestival
As the Country music industry struggles to come to grips with another mass shooting at an event where national Country music acts headlined, reactions have been coming in from insiders in all facets of the business. Most simply expressed deep sadness over yesterday’s shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival In Gilroy, CA, which claimed the lives of three people, including two children, and injured a dozen others.
RED LIGHT’s Mary Hilliard Harrington, who manages several Country artists including Hammack, had one of the most impassioned responses. Referencing the ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL mass shooting in 2017, she wrote on INSTAGRAM, “It’s the second time in two years I’ve gotten this same call, and the flashbacks to @route91harvest kicked in. Yet, the news this morning is focused on mean tweets, impeachment and debates instead of the victims and their families. How much do we all have to endure before WASHINGTON gets off its ass and does its job to keep the public safe? Thoughts and prayers are NOT enough … This is complete bullshit.”

AMERICANA NEWS
(22 July 2019) Tyler Childers - All Your'n (Official Video) 297,926 views >> YouTube

(22 July 2019) Malin Pettersen - «Pause» (Official Music Video) >> YouTube Video by Solveig Selj released by Die With Your Boots On Records on 7 June.
First single, the beautiful and mellow “Pause” is about the fear of failing to remember fond memories and experiences. More specifically, the fear of dementia, and the hope that if one was to start to forget everything after a certain point, at least let it be after you got to a good place in your life.
The Ameripolitan nomination brought Pettersen back to Tennessee, and after the awards, she found time to record an entirely new album along with a handful of young Nashville cats, scheduled for 2020.

(26 July 2019) The Highwomen create an anthem for inclusion on "Crowded Table," a heartfelt chapter of the supergroup's forthcoming self-titled debut (out Sept. 6). Listen here

(26 July 2019) Aubrie Sellers is looking for a partner in crime on "Drag You Down," an exemplary showcase of her signature garage country sound that serves as the first taste of her sophomore album (out soon). Listen here

(26 July 2019) Dori Freeman cherishes a new friendship on "Another Time," a dreamy, folky preview of Every Single Star (out Sept. 27). Listen here
“I ended up spending the weekend with this girl whose music I really admired, and we became fast friends,” Freeman told Billboard. “There aren’t as many ‘love’ songs about platonic friendships, especially the bond between women which can feel especially magical, so I decided to write one. There was one instance in particular that inspired the song. We were riding in a hotel shuttle one night after the festival (and a glass of wine or two) and sang Shania Twain songs the whole drive back."

AWARDS
(23 July 2019) Academy Of Country Music Reveals First Round Of ACM Honors Lineup
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC has revealed the first round of artists participating in the "13th Annual ACM Honors" ceremony, taking place on Wednesday, August 21st At Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Keith Urban, Chris Janson, Maddie & Tae, Barbara Mandrell, Trisha Yearwood, Ashley Mcbryde and Tenille Townes have been added to the lineup. The show will recognize a previously announced group of special award recipients, including Brooks & Dunn, Martina Mcbride, Miranda Lambert and many more

TV
(22 July 2019) RCA Nashville's Kane Brown made an appearance Monday night (July 22) on NBC-TV's "Late Night With Seth Meyers." Brown performed his song, "Short Skirt Weather," from his sophomore album, "Experiment." View that performance here.

(23 July 2019) Columbia's Tenille Townes played "Somebody's Daughter" on NBC's Today (July 23). Watch here.

(24 July 2019) Big Machine's Midland performed "Mr. Lonely" on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (7/24). Watch here.

(29 July 2019) In Case You Missed It: Black River's Abby Anderson performed "Good Lord" on NBC's Today Watch here.

BABY NEWS
(23 July 2019) Valory's Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren are expecting their third child, a daughter, who will join big sisters Ada James and Willa Gray. Rhett shared on Instagram, "Excited to share that I will now be paying for three weddings. I feel so blessed to say that our third child is on the way and it’s a girl!"

MUSIC NEWS
(28 July 2019) Leona Lewis has married her longtime boyfriend Dennis Jauch in an intimate Italian ceremony. The former The X Factor U.K. winner, 34, exchanged vows with the 30-year-old choreographer at a Tuscan vineyard, south of Florence, in front of 180 guests on Saturday (27July 2019), according to Hello! magazine.
Leona wore three show-stopping looks for her big day, including a stunning full-length white tulle gown as she walked down the aisle to Schubert's Ave Maria.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

(26 July 2019) Paste Magazine: The Highwomen Gather 'Round a "Crowded Table" on New Single: "Crowded Table" is the second single from the new supergroup featuring Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby and Amanda Shires

The Highwomen: “Crowded Table” The new (but long-teased) supergroup/collective/movement led by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Maren Morris and Amanda Shires have shared the second single from their album, a harmonic ballad about family—or, at least, whoever it is you go home to—and inclusivity that will probably make you cry. “Crowded Table” was written by Hemby, Carlile and Lori McKenna, and if you’re a fan of those three ladies and their respective brands of earnest lyricism, we’re betting your heart is going to swell when you hear this tender tune. The four main Highwomen sing in unified, breathtaking harmony throughout. “I want a house with a crowded table,” they croon, “and a place by the fire for everyone.” And then they leave us with this loving reminder: “Everyone’s a little broken, but everyone belongs.” 

CBS This Morning: The Highwomen: Meet country music's new all-female supergroup

Related NEWS: See Dolly Parton Join the Highwomen, Linda Perry at Newport Folk Festival
Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, Amy Ray also joined headlining act “The Collaboration”
There’s no question: this year’s Newport Folk Festival belonged to women. Billed simply as “♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration,” Saturday’s enigmatic headlining act turned out to be a Brandi Carlile Variety Show, or a one-hour, female-centric set specially curated by the Highwoman herself. “Newport has always been on the right side of history,” said Carlile, recalling several footnotes in its storied history: from the 1963 performance by civil rights choir Freedom Singers, to Bob Dylan’s controversial embrace of electric guitar. “In its 60th year, Newport is going to have its very first all-female, headlining collaboration,” continued Carlile. “Thank you for being on the right side of history again!”
Dolly Parton Surprise Guest at Newport Folk Festival, Crowd Goes WILD, July 27, 2019

Dolly Parton Joins Brandi Carlile and the Highwomen at Newport Folk Fest: Watch

Apart from her own band, show host Carlile ushered in a stream of both the festival’s veterans and virgins; among the first-time Folk Festers was, quite surprisingly, Dolly Parton. Introduced by Carlile as an “incomparable unicorn legend,” Dolly herself emerged from backstage in a golden yellow pantsuit, embroidered with roses and sequin wagon wheels. “Me and Rhode Island have a lot in common,” she said. “We’re little, but we’re loud, and we do big things!”…. Read More Rollingstone.com

Dolly Parton and the Collaboration close out Saturday at Newport Folk Festival 2019



PRESS RELEASES
LONDON (29 July 2019) — Joe Nichols has announced the release of brand new acoustic versions of two of his hit songs - ‘Yeah’ and ‘Sunny And 75’ - both out this Friday (2nd Aug), the first new music since the ‘Never Gets Old’ album and the ‘Never Gets Old: Traditional Country Series’ covers collection. Fans tuned into the Chris Country Radio breakfast show to hear the premiere of ‘Sunny And 75’, and ‘Yeah’ will get a world exclusive first play on the BBC Radio 2 Country Show Thursday (1st Aug) from 9pm BST.
UK Dates
Monday 23 September 2019 - Thekla, Bristol (The Grove East Mud Dock BS1 4RB)
Tuesday 24 September 2019 - Night & Day Cafe, Manchester (26 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Lancashire M1 1JN)
Thurs 26 September 2019 - Borderline, London (Orange Yard, Off Manette Street, Soho W1D 4JB)
Friday 27 September 2019 - Bodega, Nottingham (23 Pelham Street NG1 2ED) 
Nichols said: “As just a taste of what we’ll be playing over there, I wanted to give y’all a couple of acoustic songs from the previous couple of records; ‘Sunny And 75’ and ‘Yeah’, and that’s a little bit of what to expect coming up for the show - so, hope to see everybody there. I’m excited, I can’t wait!”

(29 July 2019) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year Janie Fricke announces the release of 'It Ain't Easy: The Complete Hits' through Real Gone Music on August 9. This 41-track, 2 CD compilation includes many of her 18 number one hits including "What're You Doing Tonight," "It Ain't Easy Being Easy," "He's A Heartache (Looking For A Place To Happen)," "Tell Me A Lie" and more.

ARTICLES

(25 July 2019) Billboard It Took Over 20 Years For a Song to Tie the 16-Week Hot 100 No. 1 Record -- Why Now Twice In Two Years?
In the spring and summer of 2017, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's "Despacito" remix with Justin Bieber lasted 16 weeks atop the Hot 100, a run matched this week (chart dated July 27) by Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road" (also rocket-boosted by a remix, this one featuring Billy Ray Cyrus). Is this the new normal for the Hot 100? What accounts for the steroid era-like effect on the stats in this period of the chart's history? 

Five Burning Questions: Billboard Staffers Discuss Lil Nas X's 'Old Town Road' Tying the Hot 100 Record For Weeks at No. 1

There's a handful of reasons for the difference in eras, the biggest of which is the largest complicating factor in nearly all chart discussions of the past half-decade: STREAMING. The addition of streaming to Hot 100 calculations has largely taken control in determining the size and longevity of hits out of the hands of radio programmers and into the hands of the fans…. Read more 
(25 July 2019) Billboard Sheryl Crow on Getting Her Due and Making One Last Album
“How many people here are in their 30s?” Sheryl Crow demands of the audience, guitar slung across her back in the middle of a set at Toronto’s Budweiser stage. The response, while audible, is unimpressive.
She then asks about those in their 40s, to a slightly more substantial cheer. When Crow wonders aloud how many people are in their 50s, though, the roar is almost deafening. She grins, strumming the opening chords of “Still the Good Old Days,” a collaboration with Joe Walsh from her 11th studio album, Threads (out Aug. 30), about living it up in middle age….Read more 

(26 July 2019) Paste Magazine: Fall More in Love with Linda Ronstadt with First Trailer for The Sound of My Voice. An icon for not only female rock musicians but also the rock genre as a whole, Linda Ronstadt is a pioneering artist in the music industry, and the forthcoming documentary Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice is showcasing just how memorable she is.
The documentary (Opening in September) is directed by Rob Epstein (The Times of Harvey Milk) and Jeffrey Friedman (Howl). The directing duo, along with James Keach (David Crosby: Remember My Name) and Michele Farinola (Undefeated), also produced the film.
Watch the trailer

REVIEWS
(July 2019) Tamara Stewart - THE TRUTH THE MUSIC & ME (CD Review) ....This album is full of crafty melody and lyrics that find the shortest path to the truth. In Tamara Stewart’s twenty years as a songwriter she’s been restlessly perfecting her craft and she does not let go, back down or settle for less. Listening to her, it’s easy to observe that despite all of the harsh reality she has experienced, she’s still an incurable romantic. Despite numerous setbacks in her life and musical career Tamara Stewart continues to be a vital, forward-moving performer who requires the attention of the masses...Read More

INTERVIEWS

(23 July 2019) Belles & Gals Interview with Matt Spracklen (DJ for the ‘Country Hits’, podcaster, TV judge)
DJ for the ‘Country Hits’ radio station, as well as a podcaster and a TV judge too.
Extract:  And what is it that has grabbed you about the UK country scene?
“What really grabs me is when an artists is clearly influenced by authentic country music sounds. Having spent a long time studying music in Nashville, I know the sense of family and community in the country music scene and I’m really seeing that play out across the UK scene too now……. Read More

WATCH
(23 July 2019) Lexi Wyman - Until I Don't (Official Music Video) YouTube

(27 July 2019) Yola, Brandi Carlile, and the First Ladies of Bluegrass (Sierra Hull, Missy Raines, Molly Tuttle, Becky Butler)  Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves” Newport Folk Festival  July 27, 2019



(29 July 2019) Carrie Underwood surprises elementary school students at CMA Fest | CMA Foundation. The surprise visit from Carrie was a great reminder of the impact music has on a child’s life. Watch the students stand taller after meeting with Underwood and performing "The Champion" on the Nissan Stadium stage. >> YouTube

PHOTO

(23 July 2019) 






















(26 July 2019) Sister Before Mister: Capitol's Mickey Guyton (r) with Westwood One's Elaina Smith. Listen to Guyton's episode of Breaking Thru here.


(26 July 2019) Hi, Women: The Highwomen (Natalie HembyBrandi CarlileMaren Morris and Amanda Shires, l-r) talk origins and ambitions, group chemistry, lifting up women in country music and more with Apple Music’s Beats 1. Watch here.

(27 July 2019) Sarah Darling: Last night was dreamy! 📷 Matt Bradshaw (UK based Sports Photographer) at Nashville Meets London Festival.

BIRTHDAYS
RICKY SKAGGS CELEBRATES 65th BIRTHDAY, 60 YEARS IN MUSIC
Last Thursday, July 18, country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs celebrated his 65th birthday, marking 60 years since he struck his first chords on the mandolin. 

At a concert stop in Stephenville, Texas, Skaggs' good friend and Texstar Ford Summer Concert Series sponsor Doug Montgomery made sure to host the celebration appropriately by surprising him with a guitar-shaped birthday cake.

Over the course of his six decade career, Skaggs has racked up 12 #1 hit songs, 15 GRAMMY Awards, 13 IBMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, eight CMA Awards, two Dove Awards, and throngs of additional honors including inductions last year into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame.
On 60 years in music, Skaggs reflects:
"Wow, it's hard to believe that 60 years ago my dad put a little mandolin in my bed early one morning after driving all night to get home from a job he was working up in Ohio. Home was where his heart was, the mountains of eastern Kentucky, the love he had for my beautiful mom, our family and his love for playing music. He instilled that same love for family into my heart as well. I've traveled so much in the last 60 years, played lots of places around the world, seen things I never dreamed of, things that I'd only seen in world history books at school. I got to play with so many of my heroes and those that had influenced me as a young boy. But with all of that behind me, I can say nothing, and I mean nothing, means more to me than family. My faith in Jesus Christ, and the love of my family have been the foundation stones I've built my career upon. I wouldn't record a song that I'd be ashamed to sing in front of my mother. Sixty years sounds like a long time, but it's gone by so fast I can hardly believe it. I'm so thankful that I've had good people to work with all along the way. I'm also very thankful to all the fans who bought tickets to come out and see our shows and all the music that you've bought over the years. It's much appreciated. There's more music to come, more towns to play. God bless all of you."

Birthdays in the week ahead
July 29: Martina McBride (1966), James Otto (1973), Ashley McBryde (1983)
July 30: Neal McCoy (1958)
July 31: Heather Myles (1962), the late Bonnie Brown (The Browns July 31, 1937; died July 16, 2016 (aged 77)), Chad Brock (1963), Zac Brown (1978)
August 1: Cindy Burch (Burch Sisters) (1963), George Ducas (1966), Frankie Davies (Jersey)
August 2: the late Hank Cochran (Aug 2, 1935; died July 15, 2010 (aged 74))
August 3: Mick Flavin (1950), the late Randy Scruggs (Aug 3, 1953; died April 17, 2018 (aged 64)), Whitney Duncan (Post Monroe, 1984) 

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