C2C

Monday, 9 September 2019

Country Bites News snippets August 26 – September 1, 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 – September 4, 2019 with Shannon McCombs
This week, Shannon talks to Exile about their new album called Garage Tapes. A very unique collection of songs!
Also find out about Craig Morgan’s new song, dedicated to his son who died. Plus… hear Trisha Yearwood talk about her big album release event!



UK NEWS
(27 Aug 2019) SONG PREMIERE: Ags Connolly Achieves Honky Tonk Greatness With “Wrong Again (You Lose A Life)”

WRONG AGAIN is Ags Connolly’s third studio album, following on from his highly-acclaimed offerings How About Now (2014) and Nothin’ Unexpected (2017). 

The traditional country singer-songwriter from Oxfordshire, England, took the reins on this latest effort, producing the album with a team of London-based musicians in the peaceful and intimate surroundings of Woodworm Studios in his home county. Ags also enlisted the expert help of accordionist Michael Guerra (The Mavericks) and fiddle player Eamon McLoughlin (Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell), both of whom had graced his previous album.

Single "Wrong Again (You Lose a Life)" dropped Aug 28 (Amazon UK - iTunes) and available to download and stream
The album is out November 1st via Finstock Music. ....Read More Glide Magazine.com

(28 Aug 2019) Country-Pop superstar Kelsea Ballerini is set to represent the world of country music at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park, London. The annual event, being held on the 15th September, sees an eclectic mix of musical talent grace the stage with acts from all genres showcasing their latest and greatest tracks to a 50,000 strong audience.
This year’s line up has a range of performances which includes legendary artists such as Status Quo, Pet Shop Boys and Simply Red. Performances from the event will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and the BBC Sounds app. Alongside the live radio broadcast, viewers will be able to watch the show live on the BBC red button and the BBC Radio 2 website. Highlights from the event will be available on BBC iplayer and the BBC Sounds app for up to 30 days after the event.
The show marks Kelsea Ballerini’s only UK performance for 2019, with her previous visits occurring during 2018 at the Country to Country Music Festival held at the O2 arena in London, SSE Hydro in Glasgow and 3Arena in Dublin
Full List of Performers:
Pet Shop Boys, Westlife, Status Quo, Clean Bandit, Bananarama, Emeli Sandé, Kelsea Ballerini, Simply Red

(30 Aug 2019) Ferris & Sylvester have released their brand new single ‘I Dare You’ (tagged Alternative iTunes) via LAB Records. The song launched with great streaming support and featured in high profile playlists including Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’, Apple Music ‘Best Of The Week’ and Deezer’s ‘Brand New UK’.
 'I Dare You' comes ahead of the band kicking off their largest headline tour to date next week.
 From hushed folk beginnings, ‘I Dare You’ explodes into an epic piece of blues-rock from the duo, calling to mind the likes of The White Stripes or The Kills.
Regarding the single Ferris & Sylvester say, “We’ve gone over to our dark side with ‘I Dare You’. It felt important to get this song out there. We made bold choices with it and it’s very unapologetic. We think this song shows another side to us, it blends dark folk with explosive rage and is grounded by our live performance, as all our songs are. We can’t wait to play it on the road.”

(1 Sept 2019) Lexie Green to co-host UK Country Music Awards
Award presenters announced by UKCountryRadio.com that Cambridgeshire-based country singer-songwriter Lexie Green is to be Allan Watkiss' co-host at The UK Country Music Awards. Lexie played their Live Music Night in York last month and Watkiss was impressed, not only with her performance, but with her personality. Glasgow-based singer songwriter Michael McMillan, UK country duo Jackson and Clarke and Bobby Logan will join UKCountryRadio.com' UK Country Awards stage to announce the Award winners. Award sponsors Graham L.Hall, Caroline Walker, the daughter of Radio Caroline DJ Daffy Don Allen, and representatives from Country Music Social Media, will announce the winners of the Awards they are sponsoring. Julie French, partner of the late Gary Perkins, will announce the winner of the inaugural Gary Perkins Angel Award, set up in his memory.
The event takes place at Radisson Blu East Midlands on Saturday 14th September and includes the announcements of the winners of all eight of our UK Country Music Awards, a three-course celebratory dinner, and live performances by Danny McMahon and his band, Helena Mace, Dirt Road Diary, Longstay, Grand Prairie, Wayne Jacobs, Paul Martin and Blueridge, Wayne Jacobs and Lexie Green.

(1 Sept 2019) Penny Jayne Black new album
Penny Jayne Black returns to Nashville next month to record her next album. It is currently slated to be released in early 2020.
The album will include the singles "I'm Fine" and "Steel Horse". The song is about a girl who falls in love with a bit of a bad guy. She's rebelling against her parents by going out with him. She knows they won't approve, but she thinks he's awesome and he rides a Harley so what's not to like. "Steel Horse" reached number 75 in the Music Row Country Breakout Charts when it was released as Penny's debut US single last year.
Penny is a double Finalist at the UK Country Music Awards - in the running for UK Country Artist Of The Year and UK Female Singer Of The Year, an award she won last year.

UK TOUR & GIG UPDATES

Devon Mayson (Sept-Oct), Hayley McKay (Sept-Nov), Helena Mace (Sept), Ray Peters Duo (Sept)
August 28: Danni Nicholls (Sept-Dec), Write Like A Girl (Sept-Nov),
 Native Harrow (Sept), Katee Kross (Sept-Dec), Raintown (Sept & Dec)
Asleep at The Wheel (Sept), Bailey Tomkinson (Sept), BCMA Showcase (Nov), 
CC Smugglers (Sept-Nov), Country In The Afternoon (Nov), Country Superstars (Sept), The Cactus Blossoms (Sept), Charlie Dore (Sept-Dec), Cheley Tackett (Sept), Danny McMahon (Sept), Don Felder Formerly Of The Eagles (Sept), Edwina Hayes (Sept-Oct), Emma Jade Garbutt (Oct), Emma Stevens (Oct), Erin Enderlin & Kayla Ray (Sept), Ferris & Sylvester (Sept - Oct), Hannah Johnson & The Broken Hearts (Oct-Dec),  Holloway Road (Sept), Ingrid Andress (Sept), James Barker Band (Nov), Jess Thristan (Oct), JoJo Siwa + The Belles (Oct-Nov), Judah & The Lion (Nov), Katy Hurt (Sept-Nov), Kelsey Bovey (Sept), Kezia Gill (Sept-Nov), Larry Gatlin (Nov), Leslie Stevens (Sept), Molly Tuttle (Oct), Morganway (Aug-Nov), Nashville Nights UK (Oct), Nathan Carter (Sept-April), Noah Guthrie (Dec), Noble Jacks (Nov), Pistol Pete Wearn & the Wildwood Flowers (Sept-Oct), Sally Barker (Sept), Sam Outlaw (Sept-Oct), Scotty McCreery (Oct), Tennessee Twin (Sept-Oct), Tyler Childers (Jan), Two Ways Home (Sept-Nov), The Grahams (Sept), The Haley Sisters (Sept-Oct), The Luck (Sept -Dec), The Lumineers (Nov), The Shires (Sept), UKCountryRadio.com Live Music Nights (Oct-Nov), Vic Allen (Sept-Nov), 
William Michael Morgan (Nov), Zoe Newton (Aug-Sept).

Link to Country Routes News Gig Page Image Map

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 5 September 2019)
30 August 2019 - 5 September 2019
Six weeks after it debuted at No.3, Ed Sheeran ft. Stormzy with "Take Me Back To London" advanced 11-1 (66,953 sales, including 10.6 million streams;  including 61,599 from sales-equivalent streams + 5,354 in paid-for sales). The climb in Ed and Stormzy’s chart position was thanks to the release of its music video and a remix of the track by producer Sir Spyro featuring rising star Aitch and Birmingham rapper JayKae.
Overall, Take Me Back To London racked up 67,000 chart sales this week, including 10.6 million streams.

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 5 September 2019)
30 August 2019 - 5 September 2019

Taylor Swift scores fourth Number 1 album LOVER DEBUTS ON TOP
Taylor Swift's seventh studio album LOVER debuted at No.1, earning the 29-year-old singer/songwriter her fourth straight No.1.
The album, which simultaneously spawned its fifth and sixth Top 75 singles in the form of "The Man" and "Cruel Summer", achieved consumption of 53,015 units last week, including 17,891 from sales-equivalent streams and 35,124 in paid-for sales. The 53,000 chart sales to take this week’s top spot were made up of 27 million track streams, 24,000 physical sales and 11,000 downloads.
That is substantially fewer than her previous No.1s: her last album, Reputation, had first week sales of 83,648 (including 41,795 from paid-for downloads) in November 2017; 1989 sold 90,336 copies on its August 2016 debut; and RED, which started her sequence of chart-toppers, sold 61,779 copies when it arrived at the summit in October 2012. As well as providing her biggest first week sale, 1989 is Swift’s biggest-seller overall, with consumption of 1,259,135 copies thus far, with Red on 694,532 and Reputation on 379,925. Her earlier studio albums, their peaks and sales: 2006 debut Taylor Swift * (No.81, 167,274 sales), 2008’s Fearless (No.5, first week sales of 33,829; 610,700 sales to date) and 2010’s Speak Now (No.6, first week sales 28,223 sales; 241,606 total units to date).
* Her self titled album TAYLOR SWIFT sold only 38 copies the week of its release date, and peaked 94 weeks later at #81 (12/09/2009). The album released on October 24, 2006 first appeared in the UK Chart at number 88 (05/09/2009). It was last seen on Chart at #99 (03/10/2009) and has spent 3 weeks on the UK Chart.

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 5 September 2019)
30 August 2019 - 5 September 2019
Midland with LET IT ROLL made a debut at No.1
Tanya Tucker with WHILE I'M LIVIN'  made a debut at No.2
Jessie Buckley with WILD ROSE - OST held at No.3 (20 weeks; #1 peak)
Eilen Jewel with GYPSY rose 5-4 (2 weeks; #4 peak)
Ward Thomas with RESTLESS MINDS fell 2-5 (29 weeks; #1 peak)
Vince Gill with OKIE made a debut at No.6
Chris Stapleton with TRAVELLER fell 1-7 (77 weeks; #1 peak)
Tyler Childers with COUNTRY SQUIRE fell 6-8 (4 weeks; #1 peak)
Lillie Mae with OTHER GIRLS held at No.9  (2 weeks; #9 peak)
Willie Nelson with RIDE ME HOME fell 7-10 (10 weeks; #1 peak)
Outside the Top 10
Keifer Sutherland with RECKLESS & ME fell 4-11 (18 weeks; #1 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES

(30 Aug 2019) Sheryl Crow - THREADS (The Valory Music Co.)
17 Tracks/ Time: 1:14:45 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut: #6 UK iTunes all-genres | Debut #1 US Singer/Songwriter iTunes Album Chart (#5 US iTunes all-genres)
The 17-track project features collaborations with Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Vince Gill, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards.

(30 Aug 2019) Country Music - A Film By Ken Burns (The Soundtrack) (Legacy)
The deluxe box set edition boasts five discs of music related to the artists and recordings in the film, including songs by Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton and George Strait, as well as photos, posters and memorabilia.

(30 Aug 2019) Sara Evans with the Barker Family Band - Live From City Winery Nashville (Born To Fly)
16 Tracks/ Time: 1:23:34 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #16 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#663 UK iTunes all-genres), Tues Sept 3: Off the top 200 | Debut # US Country iTunes Album Chart (# US iTunes all-genres)
The 16-song collection chronicles Sara, daughter Olivia and son Avery Barker live in concert and showcases through original songs and covers, including Beyonce’s “XO” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.”

(30 Aug 2019) Trisha Yearwood - Every Girl (Gwendolyn/Pearl)
14 Tracks/ Time: 49:36 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#22 UK iTunes all-genres), Tues Sept 3: #2 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#242 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #1 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#10 US iTunes all-genres)Yearwood’s latest offering includes 14 tracks — she’s joined by Kelly Clarkson for “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know,” Garth Brooks on “What Gave Me Away” and Don Henley in “Love You Anyway.”
Highlighting some of Yearwood’s favorite female songwriters (such as Karla Bonoff, Lucie Silvas and Ashley McBryde) and working once again with producer Garth Fundis — the studio boss behind many of Yearwood’s biggest hits, including her self-titled 1991 debut — Yearwood says she’s managed to recapture the creative spirit of breakout album.

(30 Aug 2019) Hayley Marsten - Spectacular Heartbreak (Hayley Marsten) AUS
11 Tracks/ Time: 46:55 Amazon UK - iTunes
Magic. Moving. Tragic. Confusing.
Those four words are not just the hook in its title track, but also the feelings that inspired Hayley Marsten’s debut record Spectacular Heartbreak. And anyone that’s listened to the Gladstone-raised songwriter’s first two impressive EPs knows Marsten’s well-versed in matters of the heart.
Those two releases, Evenand Lonestar (June 9, 2017 iTunes) were the mark of an artist evolving emotionally and creatively, searching her soul and finding the truth. In doing so, Marsten also found an audience. Lonestar debuted at #8 on the ARIA country charts and #1 on the Australian Independent Labels Chart, and the very personal single 'Coming Home' reached #1 on the KIX

(30 Aug 2019) Kelsey Ann - Take It from Me (EP; Kelsey Ann)
6 Tracks/ Time: 21:50 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com

(30 Aug 2019) The Grascals - Straighten the Curves (Mountain Home Music Company) | Debut #93 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#814 US iTunes all-genres)
12 Tracks/ Time: 37:49 Bluegrass / Acoustic Country Amazon UK
Straighten The Curves looks briefly backward even as it introduces a strong new addition in Chris Davis, who contributes solid guitar picking, stellar harmonies and compelling lead vocals that perfectly complement the singing of veteran members John Bryan and founding member Terry Smith. But though the lineup has changed, you wouldn’t know it from the sextet’s masterful performances encompassing their signature mix of bluegrass and country-flavored originals, country classics, gospel treasures and sparkling instrumentals.

(30 Aug 2019) Ashley Scire - Turn up the Night (EP; Ashley Scire)
5 Tracks/ Time: 15:08 Amazon UK - iTunes

(30 Aug 2019) Erin Rae - Lagniappe Session (EP; Independent)
4 Tracks/ Time: 17:05 Singer/Songwriter Amazon UK - iTunes 

(29 Aug 2019) Kalsey Kulyk - Kalsey Kulyk (Anthem Entertainment LP) CAN
7 Tracks/ Time: 24:03 Amazon UK - iTunes

(30 Aug 2019) Season Ammons - Steel Hearts (2019 Cobalt Blue Records)
10 Tracks/ Time: 42:49 R&B & Soul Amazon UK - iTunes

(30 Aug 2019) Racyne Parker - Tumbleweed Town (EP; Lost River Records)
5 Tracks/ Time: 18:33 Amazon UK - iTunes

(30 Aug 2019) Sandra Porter - Breaking Roots (EP, Sandra Porter)
5 Tracks/ Time: 21:23 Amazon UK - iTunes
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Sandra Porter is a country artist living in Atlanta, Georgia. Her powerful voice is impactful to the listener yet hauntingly intimate. She's honest, raw and intentional.

(25 Aug 2019) Wisper Cox - My Dream
10 Tracks/ Time: 32:46 Amazon UK - iTunes
Wisper has a larger then life heart with a contagious smile. Its been said many times that she is a small girl with a big voice.

(30 Aug 2019) Colorado - Sing Country Music (2019 Remaster)
12 Tracks iTunes
Debut #17 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#676 UK iTunes all-genres)

(30 Aug 2019) Johnny Gates - Johnny Gates (EP; Amuseio AB)
4 Tracks Amazon UK - iTunes

(28 Aug 2019) Ags Connolly - Wrong Again (You Lose a Life) (Single; Finstock Music) UK
Time: 3:07 Amazon UK - iTunes
Single "Wrong Again (You Lose a Life)" dropped Aug 28.  The album is out November 1st via Finstock Music.
Glide premiered the title track of the album. “Wrong Again (You Lose a Life)” is hard country in the best sense, with a twangy honky tonk sound that is brought to life by fiddle and pedal steel guitar. Connolly’s voice is smooth as can be, seemingly made to sing country tunes, and it’s easy to forget that he isn’t from Texas or Tennessee with his natural honky tonk croon. He also uses the kind of clever lyrical wordplay of legendary acts like George Jones, Webb Pierce, and Ray Price, solidifying himself as someone who can talk the talk and walk the walk. In an age where acts like Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, and Colter Wall have been building huge fanbases for playing real deal country music, Ags Connolly is a must listen as he deserves to be right up there with all of these acts. Glide Magazine

(30 Aug 2019) Breeze Redwine - Move This Mountain (Single; Breeze Redwine) UK
Time: 3:51 UK iTunes
Debut #40 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart
Genre: pop/rock/country | Hometown: Starston, Norfolk.
About: Award winning singer/songwriter from the UK, my dream is to one day earn a living from my music
Teen Star 2015 pre-teen national champion
Double overall world champion and also winner of 4 golds, 2 silvers at the 2016 World Championships of Performing Arts in Hollywood, USA

(30 Aug 2019) Natasha Magee - Nothing to Do With You (Single; Natasha Magee) IRE
Time: 2:53
About: Country Singer, Television Presenter and all round go getter!

(30 Aug 2019) Two Ways Home - Speed of Anything (Izmaluma Ltd) UK
Time: 2:55 Amazon UK - iTunes

CANADIAN NEWS
(30 Aug 2019) SPOTLIGHT TRACK Ashlynne Vince "Home" 
 Nashville has been Ashlynne Vince's home for the past 2 years where she is able to participate in Singer/Songwriter circles and work with many names you may recognize, including writing and releasing a song with Allie Brooks , Garth's daughter.
Her newest single, "Home" (released Aug 22 iTunes), really captures her Canadian spirit. You will feel "at Home" with this beautiful mid-tempo song - new but familiar, just like coming home!

NEWS
(26 Aug 2019) In Case You Missed It: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's new video series, Unbroken Circle: Exploring Country Music History with Carly Pearce, is available here.




The four-episode series showcases Pearce, along with collaborators Jeannie Seely, Emily Shackelton, busbee and Michael Ray, making connections between Country artists of the past, present and future by exploring the museum's galleries, its Frist Library and Archives and Historic RCA Studio B on Nashville's Music Row. The video series can be viewed on the museum's YouTube channel here.
"It's our new duty, as the next generation of Country music artists, to preserve Country music history and tradition," said Pearce. "I couldn't have been more honored to join the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in exploring this rich lineage of our genre alongside some of my favorite collaborators.

Carly Pearce: All sparkle for The Opry tonight Dress (Posh Nashville 1801 21st Ave S 37212 Nashville, Tennessee), Makeup (Libby Barnes) Instagram

(28 Aug 2019) Delta Rae's Kickstarter Reached $350,000!
With two days left in Delta Rae's miraculous Kickstarter campaign they are offering fans a chance to get Two New Albums just by pledging any amount and convincing a friend to pledge too.
£301,768 has been pledged of a £24,446 goal by 3,538 backers with 2 days to go.
Update: 5,160 backers pledged $451,457 to help bring this project to life.

AMERICANA NEWS
(23 Aug 2019) Dori Freeman expresses a mother's love for her daughter on "Like I Do," a jubilant ode to her own child that'll appear on Every Single Star (out Sept. 27). Listen here

(29 Aug 2019) A New Single From The Mavericks To Celebrate Their 30th Anniversary "Swingin'"
Premiered in Rolling Stone Country “I’ve loved this song since I first heard it way back when. I love the lyrics and I love John’s delivery. It’s a testament to the quality of the song that even after all this time it still resonates. And honestly, it’s a whole heck of a lot of fun to play!” — Raul Malo

(29 Aug 2019) The Americana Music Association announced 56 showcasing artists and bands to take the stage at our 20th annual AMERICANAFEST, which is now less than two weeks away. Nicole Atkins, Hayes Carll, Ruston Kelly, Nathaniel Rateliff & Friends and more are joining this year's stacked lineup of over 300 acts on Sept. 10-15 in Nashville, TN. Read more

(30 Aug 2019) Preview Ana Egge's Is It the Kiss here a week ahead of its release via Folk Alley

(30 Aug 2019) Watch Paul Cauthen's new video "Prayed For Rain" (Official Video)

AWARDS
(25 Aug 2019) Carrie Underwood to Host “the 53rd Annual CMA Awards” with Special Guest Hosts Reba Mcentire and Dolly Parton
Country Music’s Biggest Night™ Broadcasts Live Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8/7c on ABC
The Country Music Association announced Carrie Underwood will host “The 53rd Annual CMA Awards” with special guest hosts and Country Music Hall of Fame members Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton, celebrating legendary women in Country Music throughout the ceremony. Country Music’s Biggest Night™ broadcasts live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8/7c on the ABC Television Network.

Combined, the three hosts hold 124 CMA Awards nominations and 22 total wins, 11 of which are for Female Vocalist of the Year. In addition, the three superstars hold a combined 14 nominations in the Entertainer of the Year category, with Parton receiving the award in 1978 and McEntire winning in 1986.
“It’s an incredible honor to welcome Carrie, Reba and Dolly to the CMA Awards stage this year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to awarding the year’s best and brightest in the genre, ‘The 53rd Annual CMA Awards’ will celebrate the legacy of women within Country Music, and we couldn’t think of a more dynamic group of women to host the show.”
Final nominees for “The 53rd Annual CMA Awards” will be announced Wednesday, Aug. 28 live during ABC’s “Good Morning America” from their Times Square studio in New York and via livestream following the broadcast.
Watch The CMA Awards 2019 Host Announcement Video

(26 Aug 2019) The 2019 MTV Video Music Awards
They were broadcast on August 26, from New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande were tied this year for the title of most-nominated artist; they received 10 nods each. Billie Eilish follows with 9 nods; Lil Nas X got 8.
Video of the Year: WINNER: Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”
Song of the Year: WINNER: Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus]
Video for Good: WINNER: Taylor Swift: “You Need to Calm Down”
Best Direction: WINNER: Lil Nas X: “Old Town Road (Remix)” [ft. Billy Ray Cyrus] (dir. Calmatic)
Best Visual Effects: WINNER: Taylor Swift: “ME!” [ft. Brendon Urie] (visual effects: Loris Paillier & Lucas Salton for BUF VFX)

TV
(27 Aug 2019) In Case You Missed It: Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus won Song of the Year at Monday night's (Aug 26) MTV Video Music Awards. Watch their acceptance speech here.

(27 Aug 2019) MCA's Vince Gill performed "Forever Changed" on NBC's Today (Aug 27). Watch here. 

(30 Aug 2019) In Case You Missed It: RCA's Kane Brown and Marshmello performed during ABC's GMA Summer Concert Series (Aug 30). Watch "Lose It" here and "One Thing Right" here.

(29 Aug 2019) Black River's Craig Morgan appeared on Fox & Friends' All American Summer Concert Series (8/30). Watch "'The Father, My Son And The Holy Ghost" here; interview here.

(29 Aug 2019) Gwendolyn/Pearl's Trisha Yearwood sang "Every Girl In This Town" on NBC's Today (Aug 29). Watch here; interview here.

BABY NEWS
(27 Aug 2019) Crib Note: Curb's Rodney Atkins and wife Rose Falcon Atkins welcomed their second child together and Atkins' third, son Scout Falcon, Monday (Aug 26). He joins big brothers 20-month-old Ryder Falcon and 17-year-old Elijah. See the announcement on Instagram here.

MUSIC NEWS
(29 Aug 2019) Billboard: In First 5 Days, Taylor Swift's 'Lover' Has Earned Biggest Week For Any Album Since Her Own 'Reputation' in 2017
In its first five days of release, Taylor Swift’s LOVER has claimed the largest week for any album in the U.S., in terms of total units earned, since her last release, Reputation, in 2017.
According to initial reports to Nielsen Music through Tuesday, Aug. 27, Lover has earned over 750,000 equivalent album units in the U.S., of which more than 625,000 are in album sales. Lover was released on Friday, Aug. 23.
Until Lover, the largest week for any album in 2018 and 2019 — in terms of equivalent album units earned — was tallied by the debut week of Drake’s Scorpion, which earned 732,000 units in the week ending July 5, 2018.
As for Swift’s Reputation, it started with 1.238 million units (of which 1.216 million were album sales).
For the full tracking week ending Thursday, Aug. 29, industry forecasters expect Lover to earn around 825,000 to 850,000 equivalent album units, with album sales perhaps 650,000 to 700,000 of that sum.

PRESS RELEASES
(26 Aug 2019) Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore wrapped his limited BUD LIGHT DIVE BAR TOUR with three power-driven weekend shows in Indianapolis (8/20), Chicago (8/22) and Madison, WI (8/23), as the special live stint saw Moore captivate intimate sold-out dive bar audiences across a total of six U.S dates. The popular BUD LIGHT DIVE BAR series is known for bringing sell-out artists such as Post Malone, Lady Gaga, G-Eazy and John Mayer to stages where fans are only able to win tickets to be up close and personal to some of their favorite artists. Kicking-off in Detroit, MI on 8/15 and running through Madison, WI on 8/23, fans caught Moore in his element, returning “to the sorts of cozy spots where he cut his teeth in the early 2000s” (Detroit Free Press,) on the exclusive tour.
Photo Credit: Erick Orlando






















Moore just released his newest single “She’s Mine,” which debuts today as one of the most added songs at country radio and is taken from his upcoming fourth studio album. The track has been instantly praised by critics with Billboard spotlighting the track's “rollicking beat” and Rolling Stone highlighting the “anthemic heartland rock track” as “proof of both how much Moore’s sound has evolved and how his genre-blending approach to country-rock has always been a bud in various stages of bloom.”

(27 Aug 2019) Harlan Howard’s “Get Up Early In The Morning” Featured In Coors Light Commercial
The music of legendary songwriter, Harlan Howard, welcomes the morning with a feature in a new Coors Light commercial. Watch the advertisement here. His song “Get Up In The Morning,” performed by Roger Miller, creates a light-hearted, fun atmosphere, defining Coors Light as the “Official Beer of Saturday Mornings.”
“I’m pretty sure the band of country-misfits have gathered ‘round for a heavenly guitar pull. They are toasting Harlan Howard's good fortune for the use of his song, ‘Get Up Early In The Morning’ in the new Coors Light advertising campaign. Roger Miller’s version is ear candy! It was a pleasure getting to work with the creative genius that is Leo Burnett Agency, and specifically, Chris Clark for his brilliant song casting,” said Melanie Smith-Howard.
Harlan Howard has penned over 4,000 songs, including iconic hits like “I Fall To Pieces,” “Tiger By The Tail,” “Heartaches By The Numbers” and “Streets of Baltimore,” just to name a few. This success landed him induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

(29 Aug 2019) Grammy Award Winning Duo For King & Country And International Icon Dolly Parton Announce Their Poignant Duet Of The Hit Single “God Only Knows”
Two-time GRAMMY award winning duo for KING & COUNTRY announced their unprecedented collaboration with the world-renowned entertainer Dolly Parton on a brand-new version of their award winning single “God Only Knows,” as well as a powerful music video. The iconic Country Music Hall of Famer’s presence on the track takes the song to new heights, with shimmering acoustic guitars complementing the song’s message of hope. 


(30 Aug 2019) Craig Morgan has released his first new music in over three years today, sharing “The Father, My Son, And The Holy Ghost” written in memory of his son, Jerry.
In the mornings I wake up, give her a kiss, head to the kitchen
Pour a cup of wake me up and try to rouse up some ambition
Go outside, sit by myself but I ain’t alone
I’ve got the Father my son and the Holy Ghost
 Written, produced and released solely by Craig, the intimate and emotional song relates the grief, faith and hope he and his family have shared in the three years since Jerry’s passing.
“As difficult as this song was to write and as difficult as it is to sing, it gives me strength in my faith in God,” shared Craig. “My hope is it does the same for others.”
Stream and download “The Father, My Son, And The Holy Ghost” now at http://bit.ly/TheFatherMySonandtheHolyGhost

(30 Aug 2019) Sara Evans With The Barker Family Band Live From City Winery Nashville
Multi-platinum entertainer and the fifth most-played female artist at country-radio in nearly the last two decades, Sara Evans, along with her daughter Olivia Barker (16) and son Avery Barker (19), released a live album today, Live From City Winery Nashville (Born To Fly Records). The 16-song collection, recorded live from the family band’s sold-out concert at City Winery Nashville during their limited engagement City Winery and SiriusXM Y2Kountry present Sara Evans with The Barker Family Band – Bloodline Tour, showcases mesmerizing harmonies from Sara and Olivia on original songs and covers including Beyonce’s “XO” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” California trio Fairground Saints also guest on the closing track, Evans’ signature smash, “Born To Fly.”

(30 Aug 2019) Johnny Gates' Debut Solo EP
Four-Song Project Marks The Country Rocker's Inevitable Return To Nashville. Early Singles "Hell Outta Here" And "Dive Bar" Praised By Billboard And Sounds Like Nashville
Known for his "gift for fusing the infectious energy of rock with the story-driven soul of country music," (Sounds Like Nashville) singer/songwriter Johnny Gates released his debut solo EP today, available now across all digital retailers. The self-titled four-song project includes the previously released "Bandit, " the "infectious" (Billboard) "Hell Outta Here" and current single "Dive Bar."
Stream / Download Johnny Gates here:

(2 Sept 2019) Lady A Draws The Curtain on Vegas Residency
CMA "Vocal Group of the Year" nominee Lady Antebellum wrapped their first-ever Las Vegas residency, OUR KIND OF VEGAS, this past weekend at the Palms Casino Resort’s Pearl Concert Theater after hosting capacity crowds since its February launch. As the first Country act to headline the venue, Lady A combined a "mix of intimacy and spectacle” (Las Vegas Magazine) with "expertly designed concert production" (Las Vegas Sun) and multidimensional staging throughout the 15-date engagement. Additionally, the trio intertwined stripped-down performances each night that featured songwriters behind their fan-favorite hits including Busbee, Dave Barnes, Nathan Chapman, Corey Crowder, Dallas Davidson, Nicolle Galyon and Jordan Reynolds.
"It’s hard to believe that this chapter has come to an end. Every touring opportunity we’ve had led us to Vegas and having this residency has been such a milestone in our career," Hillary Scott said. "Thank you to the Palms and Pearl Theater for the opportunity to perform in a beautiful space and deepening our ability to connect with our audience and each other. It was a bittersweet feeling to step on that stage for the last time...but my goodness has it been a gift and we are beyond grateful.”
PEOPLE.com shares an exclusive behind the scenes look over the course of Lady A’s OUR KIND OF VEGAS residency here:

ARTICLES
(28 Aug 2019) Billboard: How Much Does Song Length Matter for Artists' Revenue?
Lil Nas X and Tool have something in common. Each set a record on the Hot 100 this year: Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” for shortest song to reach No. 1 in 54 years and Tool’s “Fear Inoculum” for becoming the longest ever to hit the chart, and the first to stretch over 10 minutes. Otherwise, the songs have few similarities. They differ in genre and style, and their lengths vary by more than eight minutes. “Old Town Road” topped the Hot 100 for a record 19 straight weeks, while “Fear Inoculum” was gone after one week, buoyed by Tool making its catalog available on streaming services for the first time, as well as the band’s return after a 13-year hiatus.
At 10 minutes and 21 seconds, “Fear Inoculum” is 24 seconds longer than the previous record holder, David Bowie’s “Black Star.”....Read More

(2 Sept 2019) Cowgirl Magazine Miranda Lambert COWGIRL's Queen of Country

INTERVIEWS
(26 Aug 2019) Episode #82: Dylan Jakobsen Off the Record Imogen Marshall chats to singer-songwriter Dylan Jakobsen about 'I Am,' his current radio tour, life as a touring musician and more...



(29 Aug 2019) Country Music - The Inside Track Ep 13 - Country In The Afternoon & Millport Festival, In this episode Samantha Melrose talks to Gavin Chittick about his country empire with events, Country In the Afternoon and Millport Country Music Festival. Listen on iTunes Listen to more Podcasts here

(30 Aug 2019) PICK OF THE WEEK Backstage at Nashville Meets London
Adrena Austin heads down for CountryLine as they meet the stars of Nashville Meets London 2019. Catch interviews with the likes of, Noah Guthrie, Robert Vincent, Twinnie and Lauren Alaina. Watch here

(2 Sept 2019) Canadian singer Elyse Saunders Interview by Christian Lamitschka For Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show. Text Interview HERE

WATCH
(27 Aug 2019) Parker McKay has unveiled the official video for her new single "Lately" (released July 12 iTunes) . The Preston Leatherman directed video, which premiered recently on Radio Disney Country, is a whimsical visual representation Parker dreamed up listening to the lyrics she wrote.
"I wrote “Lately” with Adam James and Jon Sherwood We were playing around with some ideas and I had this lyric pop into my head and thought the wordplay of 'I’ve been staying up too late, wondering what you’ve been up to lately' would be fun. Being from the North, I’m very practical and upfront and I wanted to write a song about how I always make things worse in my mind and would rather have bad news upfront than imagine the worst possible scenario." - Parker McKay



About Parker McKay:
Northeast native, singer-songwriter, Parker Mckay has established herself in Nashville as the breath of fresh air that pop-country needs. Her eclectic influences ranging from HAIM, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, and even Eminem are evident in her new take on country that is honest, conversational and has compelling melodies. Her powerhouse voice and engaging phrasing tie it all together.
Parker has opened for artists like Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Sheryl Crow and Martina McBride. She has been featured by Rolling Stone, Billboard, and CMT. She brings a unique perspective to the table and shows that it’s a powerful thing to be a vulnerable, confident and fearless woman in country music and has proven that boundaries are not important when it comes to what she is capable of in the industry.

(28 Aug 2019) Jordyn Stoddard Releases "Bad Baby" Music Video
Country-pop artist Jordyn Stoddard released an accompanying music video to her melody-driven, self-penned “Bad Baby" Directed by Doltyn Snedden, the video features a stunning Stoddard consumed by thoughts of a new relationship. Illuminated by moody lighting in a series of sultry scenes, the 21-year-old shares glimpses of a love interest's silhouette while creative artistry shines through in the raindrops, shadows and purply blue tones breathing life into Stoddard's latest single.



Born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla., Stoddard has already positioned herself as a triple-threat in Nashville — she sings with the soul of a seasoned veteran, strums a signature turquoise Taylor guitar and has developed her craft as a songwriter. Stoddard blends the best of country’s heart and pop’s energy, while her bubbly personality lends itself to create a unique crossover sound from a relatable artist.

COUNTRY FASHION
(28 Aug 2019) Twinnie filming shoot, classic look! Wearing a black tasselled bodice and flared lime retro outfit
Makeup (Mikey Phillips; NARS Cosmetics), Hair (R+Co; Sarah O’Brien), Styling (Natalie Read; London Fashion & Celebrity Stylist) - Instagram


(29 Aug 2019) Crissie Rhodes from The Shires shared a live concert photo and said "A fair few of you have asked about this dress. I am glad you love it, as do I too!! It’s actually been part of my closet since 2016 It’s the white version of the one I wore for the My Universe video shoot".  She was wearing a ivory lace Rosemary Midi For Love and Lemons dress (simply a dream dress for a dream girl) with a hidden back zipper and adjustable straps. The beautiful midi dress features an allover rose lace with a structured bodice with boning that follows yer chest into a deep v-neckline. With an asymmetrical skirt that gently follows yer every step.
























(Currently out of stock at ASOS and sold out at Dollskill.com see photo). It's available for rent at Fitzroy Rentals.com.

COUNTRY GOSSIP
(1 Sept 2019) Taylor Swift has thanked her fans for "one of the best weeks" of her life after 'Lover' topped the charts.
The 29-year-old pop superstar's latest studio effort became the highest-selling record in the US, eclipsing her own 2017 album 'Reputation', and she has admitted she "couldn't have imagined it going better".
In a video message posted on Instagram, Taylor gushed: "I just have to say to you guys, thank you so much for one of the best weeks of my life.
"I can't thank you enough. Like I couldn't have imagined it going better or being more fun, and getting to meet so many of you and seeing all the things you were saying about Lover online ... I just love you guys, and I'm really, really, really lucky and I know it every single day. Thank you so much."

(2 Sept 2019) Miranda Lambert honours 'sweet husband' during Atlantic City gig
Miranda Lambert gave a special mention to her "sweet husband" Brendan McLoughlin during her gig in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday.
The country superstar wed the New York Police Department officer in January, just two months after they met in the Big Apple when Miranda performed on Good Morning America with her group, the Pistol Annies.
Midway through the set on Saturday she paused proceedings to declare her love for her beau.
"Something about country music is usually a sad song," she told the audience. "You gotta have them, sometimes the sad song gets you through a sad time, isn't that right? Lucky for me, I’m not in a sad time anymore in my life."
The House That Built Me hitmaker then flashed her impressive wedding ring, declaring "Thank you to my sweet husband from Staten Island, by the way!" - as Brendan acknowledged his wife's gesture from the side of the stage.

PHOTO
(26 Aug 2019) The Nash News: Taylor Swift shared her honest opinion on Kelsea Ballerini, and let’s just say she’s a FAN GIRL

(1 Sept 2019)
Ireland singer Cliona Hagan shared on Instagram: A dream came true getting to experience the Grand Ole Opry last night not to mention seeing Vince Gill! #happygirl #grandoleopry
Swipe for photos: Instagram

BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead
Sept 2: Hank The Drifter - (1948), Paul Deakin (Mavericks) (1959)
Sept 3: Hank Thompson (1925), the late Tompall Glaser (Sept 3, 1933; died Aug 12, 2013 (aged 79)), Aaron Henningsen (The Henningsens) (1982)
Sept 4: Tom Gossin (Gloriana, 1981)
Sept 6: Buddy Miller (1952), Mark Chesnutt (1963), Jeff Foxworthy (1958), David Alan Coe (1939), the late Mel McDaniel Sept 6, 1942; died March 31, 2011 (aged 68)), Michelle Poe (Burns & Roe)
Sept 7: the late Buddy Holly (Sept 7, 1936; died February 3, 1959 (aged 22)), Angela Kaset
Sept 8: the late Harlan Howard (Sept 8, 1929; March 3, 2002 (aged 74)), Jimmie Rodgers (1897), the late Patsy Cline (Sept 8, 1932 died March 5, 1963 (aged 30)), Jake Owen (1981)

R.I.P
(27 Aug 2019) Beloved Guitarist Neal Casal Dies at 50
 Renowned guitarist, songwriter and photographer Neal Casal, known for his work with artists like Willie Nelson and Ryan Adams, died at the age of 50 on Monday evening. Casal’s death was confirmed in a post published to his Facebook page...Casal released a number of albums as a solo artist, beginning with 1995’s Fade Away Diamond Time. His short-lived band GospelbeacH released one of the best albums of 2015, Pacific Surf Line. As a guitarist, he played with a who’s-who roster of folk and roots artists, joining Adams’ band the Cardinals from 2005 through 2009 and contributing to studio recordings for Adams, Nelson, Lucinda Williams and Amanda Shires, among other artists. ...Read More at Americansongwriter.com

(28 Aug 2019) Muscle Shoals Musician and Songwriter Donnie Fritts Dies At 76
 Legendary songwriter and sideman Donnie Fritts, known for his work with Kris Kristofferson and other country legends, died Tuesday night (Aug 27) at the age of 76...
A highly respected musician and songwriter, Fritts’ songs were covered by dozens of artists such as Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Dusty Springfield, John Prine, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles and more. Known by his friends and peers as “Funky Donnie Fritts” and the “Alabama Leaning Man,” Fritts was notable for his easy-going demeanor, his soulfulness and a deep passion for his craft.
Born in Florence, Alabama, in 1942, Fritts became involved in the early days of the Muscle Shoals scene, working at the legendary FAME Studio. In the 1970s he began his 40-year stint as Kristofferson’s keyboard player, playing shows all over the world from Carnegie Hall to the 1970 Isle of Wight festival......Read More at Americansongwriter.com

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