Friday 1 November 2019

Country Bites News snippets October 21 – October 27, 2019

Country Bites News snippets October 21 – October 27, 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 – October 31, 2019 with Shannon McCombs
This week… Shannon talks with Miranda Lambert, hear what she has to say about the upcoming awards show. Get the latest news about Toby Keith. A new first for Chris Stapleton and Willie Nelson. And hear a funny comment from Justin Moore as he adds up all of his animals!



UK NEWS
On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist Saturday 26 October 2019
B List
Taylor Swift – Lover

(21 Oct 2019) UK’s Debbie Nunn landed at No.17 on the Joyce Ramgatie compiled International Country Music Chart Top 200 Artists Chart (dated 8-14 September 2019)
Her single Live The Dream also made a bow at No.5 on The Top 40 Single Chart 8
1. Ron/Dallena Thompson - Redneck Preacher Man
2. Colin Paul - I Have Cried My Last Tear Over You
3. Dennis Ledbetter - Opposite Walls
4. Randy Moore - When A Woman Gets The Blues
5. Debbie Nunn - Live The Dream

(22 Oct 2019) Emma Stevens last official headline show of the year with her trio took place on 30th October at The Century Club in London (She shared "It’s going to be a magical night in a spectacular venue" )
Pete Woodroffe has remixed her song Atoms and she will be releasing it imminently with a BRAND NEW MUSIC VIDEO (Behind the scenes) . "Atoms will always be a song I cherish and out of all the songs I’ve written, this one will be hard to beat! Collaborating with Grammy award winner Charlie Midnight is always a dream, and to have written this song with someone I love so dearly is incredibly special to me" said Emma

(23 Oct 2019) CHATTERERS Named & Shamed  At the night and day cafe in Manchester tonight to see Logan Mize, support act Reverie Lane ruined first half of his set as they held a very loud chat at the bar just behind us. In all my years of watching artists I have never heard such ignorant behavior and I was totally disgusted. I would urge anyone attending the tour to give them the same treatment and talk all through their set.....I spoke to the tour manager and asked for a contact for the promoter - I am going to write a letter of complaint in the hopes that they are never given another support slot, its just not fair on the act that people have paid money to see...There is always some noise from the bar area but Reverie Lane took it to the next level. They were so loud we couldn't hear Logan over them

(24 Oct 2019) Bailey Tomkinson: Wow!! Thank you guys for 100,000 streams on Spotify!! Absolutely crazy. Another tick off my bucket list X x 'Movie Scene' has had 100,500 plays and Bailey has nearly 22,000 monthly listeners.

(24 Oct 2019) Tenille Townes in session The Country Show with Bob Harris
Tenille Townes one of the featured performers at Country Music Week joined Bob Harris live in the BBC Radio 2 studio to play some songs from her forthcoming album. BBC Sounds

(25 Oct 2019) Twinnie Lie To Me - Live from London
Twinnie returned from touring Europe and the UK with Kiefer Sutherland and she had the best time! She shared with fans a live version of new song 'Lie To Me' which is very special to her. You can listen below. Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements soon...


(25 Oct 2019) Emily Faye’s next single 'Looking For A Real Thing' will be released on Friday 8th November!
She wrote this song with Jake Morrell and Sue McMillan and shared:  Sometimes when you song-write you have a plan for the songs, and sometimes they come out of nowhere as if they just needed to be written. This song is the latter of the two and started from a guitar part Jake was playing around with. Pre Save the track on Spotify

Marian Waldron has dropped a brand new 12 track album with bonus track medley. Released on Oct 4th it’s available for download, streaming on all forums and CDs available at: www.marianwaldronmusic.co.uk

Titled ”The Next Chapter”, it’s the second follow up album to Marian’s debut album “With You’ released in March 2017. This 12-track album with a bonus Medley track is triumph having successfully released six singles, this long awaited album is here! 
The vocal delivery and Marian’s own stamp on some well-known covers is what her growing global fan base have come to expect of this accomplished female Irish Country artist. The album is Country Music at it’s best and one sure not to disappoint.
The Manchester born singer (Contact 197 Eccles Old Road, Salford, Salford, M6 8HA s), has been involved in the world of music, radio and latterly TV for the last 25 years.  Her first performance in front of anyone was aged 11, eventually progressing to backing singer, session singer and then lead singer of various bands before spending time living in New York and singing there. A life-long ambition and dream, Marian is now fulfilling her true passion.
Her Irish roots stem from Ballyhaunis and Lahardane, Co. Mayo., Ireland.
From a very young age she found her voice in singing the blue’s, Irish Country, Folk and many other genres. Marian is enjoying a wonderfully warm heartfelt welcome from fans new and old with her TV debut presenting the “Country  Favourites  With Marian” with Spotlight  TV on SKY 376.

(27 Oct 2019) On Sunday October 27 The Adelaides took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall supporting Charles Esten on tour! As well as supporting him, they also joined him on stage for some tracks, including covers of the likes of Nashville’s “Sanctuary” & “Shallow” from A Star Is Born…
The Adelaidesuk posted on Instagram ROYAL ALBERT HALL DEBUT. Let’s go!! .📸 Christie Goodwin


BREAKING NEWS
Kezia Gill named Hits Brits Champion
Ways to listen: ONLINE | ANDRIOD | iOS APPLE | TUNEIn

UK TOUR & GIG UPDATES
* UK Tour & Gig Updates *
Country To Country Festival 2020 (March 13-15, 2020),  Julia Cole (Nov), Buckle & Boots presents (Nov), Jess Thristan (Nov-Dec), Nashville Heart (Nov-Apr), Ray Peters (Nov-Dec), Belles & Gals presents Emma Jade (April), Dougie MacLean (Nov), Lucy Blu (Nov), Martha L Healy (Nov), Taynee Lord & The Crookes (Dec), Waiting For Wednesday (Nov-Dec) Dawn Landes (Dec), Edwina Hayes (Nov-Jan), Katy Hurt (Nov), Kelsey Bovey (Nov), Megan Louise (Dec), The Haley Sisters (Nov), A Thousand Horses (Nov), Cara Dillon (Nov-Dec), Kate Rusby (Dec),  Keith Urban (May 2020), Brothers Osborne (May 2020)

Link to Country Routes News Gig Page Image Map

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 31 October 2019)
25 October - 31 October 2019
On its fourth week at No.1, consumption of Dance Monkey – the introductory hit for 19 year-old Toni Watson, from Melbourne – fell by 4% to 81,198 units (including 71,624 from sales-equivalent streams + 9,574 paid-for sales).

Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber with 10,000 Hours hit a new peak climbing 20-17 (16,668 units). The single remained on the BBC Radio 1 "C" Playlist Friday 25th October

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 31 October 2019)
25 October - 31 October 2019
Foals finally secured their first No.1 album with Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost: Part 2 which debuted atop the chart on consumption of 20,505 units (including 2,890 from sales-equivalent streams and 11,186 paid-for sales of which 6,429 were on vinyl).

Daniel O’Donnell with his 60 track 3-CD Boxset latest POP release HALFWAY TO PARADISE made a bow at No.8 (8,973 sales). It came less than eight months after his last compilation The Gold Collection – like Halfway To Paradise, a 60 song, 3 CD set – reached No.23. Halfway To Paradise is the 57 year-old Irish country/MOR crooner 17th Top 10 album, 39th Top 40 album and 43rd Top 75 album in a career which has seen him chart at least one new title for an unprecedented 32 years in a row since his 1988 debut.

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 31 October 2019)
25 October - 31 October 2019
Keith Urban with GRAFFITI U climbed 2-1 (41 weeks; #1 peak) first week at No.1
Highwomen with THE HIGHWOMEN rose 4-2 (7 weeks; #2 peak)
Sheryl Crow with THREADS dropped 1-3 (8 weeks; #1 peak)
Keifer Sutherland with RECKLESS & ME rose 7-4 (26 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with TRAVELLER rose 6-5 (85 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Knight with ALMOST DAYLIGHT pushed 10-6 (2 weeks; #6 peak)
Zac Brown Band with THE OWL fell 5-7 (5 weeks; #1 peak)
Kacey Musgraves with GOLDEN HOUR moved 9-8 (68 weeks; #1 peak)
Florida Georgia Line with THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS made a debut at No.9
Jessie Buckley with WILD ROSE - OST rose 11-10 (28 weeks; #1 peak)
Outside the Top 10
Midland with LET IT ROLL fell 8-11 (9 weeks; #1 peak)
Megan McKenna with STORY OF ME made a re-entry at No.12 (5 weeks; #5 peak)
Brantley Gilbert with FIRE & BRIMSTONE fell 3-13 (3 weeks; #3 peak)
Ward Thomas with RESTLESS MINDS fell 12-14 (37 weeks; #1 peak)
Cody Jinks with THE WANTING made a debut at No.15





















COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES

(25 Oct 2019) Old Dominion - Old Dominion (RCA Records Label Nashville)
12 Tracks/ Time: 42:00 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#6 UK iTunes all-genres) | Mon Oct 28: #2 (#49 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #1 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#1 US iTunes all-genres)
Following a huge year that saw the group notch their fifth and sixth No. 1s on Billboard's Country Airplay chart and take home trophies at both the CMAs and ACMs, Old Dominion are ready to release what they call their most “pure” album yet.
The guys from Old Dominion—Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Geoff Sprung, Brad Tursi and Whit Sellers—announced they will release their third studio album on Oct. 25. The upcoming self-titled project follows the quintet’s 2015 debut album, Meat and Candy, and 2017 sophomore album, Happy Endings.
The band co-produced the album with Shane McAnally, who helmed OD’s two previous albums. The album has already spawned No.1 single, “Make It Sweet.” OD’s new single, “One Man Band,” is currently No. 9 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 19 weeks.

(25 Oct 2019) Toby Keith Greatest Hits: The Show Dog Years (Show Dog)
16 Tracks/ Time: 55:40 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #3 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#179 UK iTunes all-genres)
The collection features 16 songs, boasting four newly-recorded tracks, including “Don’t Let The Old Man In” and current single “That’s Country Bro,” as well as past hits “Red Solo Cup,” “Made In America,” “Beers Ago” and more.

(25 Oct 2019) Jon Langston - Now You Know (32 Bridge Entertainment/UMG Nashville)
6 Tracks/ Time: 20:39 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #61 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#633 US iTunes all-genres) The EP is comprised of six original songs all self co-penned, including “Now You Know.” Langston is also personally signing every physical EP that is purchased.

(25 Oct 2019) Jukebox Rehab - Wild (EP; JUKEBOX REHAB) 5 Tracks/ Time: 19:08 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #19 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#184 US iTunes all-genres) Band Members: Jon Montgomery-Vocals, Guitar Morgan Keene- Vocals, Guitar, Dustin Dryant - Vocals, Guitar , Mike Pitts - Drums
Hometown: Winston-Salem | https://www.facebook.com/JukeboxRehab/ (6,725 Likes)

(21 Oct 2019) The Franklin County Trucking Company - The Further Adventures of the Franklin County Trucking Company (Tri-Nut Records) 10 Tracks iTunes
Debut #111 US Country iTunes Album Chart

(25 Oct 2019) The Longmeyer Band - Good Times (EP; The Longmeyer Band)
5 Tracks/ Time: 18:52 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #160 US Country iTunes Album Chart

(25 Oct 2019) The Oak Ridge Boys - Down Home Christmas (Lightning Rod Records) CHRIST
11 Tracks/ 28:49 Amazon UK - iTunes

(25 Oct 2019) Abby Brown - Heart on Fire (Abby Brown / Pure Music Nashville) 
5 Tracks/ Time: 18:02 Amazon UK - iTunes
Hometown: Boulder, Colorado
Heart on Fire, the second EP from the critically-acclaimed Americana Singer/Songwriter Abby Brown, weaves a rich musical tapestry of heartfelt powerful original songs by Abby and, also, a cleverly arranged cover of Maren Morris' 'Sugar'.
Abby's second EP, released by Pure Music Nashville, produced by John Heithaus and Peter Young, features four new songs – three composed by Abby — and an artful cover of Maren Morris’ “Sugar” with a distinctive Americana bend that is sure to please fans everywhere.

(25 Oct 2019) Allison Moorer - Blood (Autotelic Records) |
10 Tracks Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #6 UK iTunes Singer-Songwriter Album Chart (#126 UK iTunes all-genres)  

(25 Oct 2019) Emily James - Dreaming (EP; Emily James) Track 3 forget the rest
6 Tracks Singer/Songwriter Pop Amazon UK  - iTunes

(25 Oct 2019) Grace Potter - Daylight (GEP Productions)
11 Tracks/ Time: 45:20 Rock Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #73 UK iTunes Rock Album Chart (#325 UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #4 US iTunes Album Chart
Comes after and reflects on a turbulent few years in Potter's life. She divorced, went through the breakup of her band, the Nocturnals, got married again (to Midnight and Daylight producer Eric Valentine) and had a baby son (now 20 months old). There was a point in all that when she left music entirely and predicted she wouldn't record again. "I was just kind of crispy after experiencing the dramatic and occasionally traumatic changes that had happened in my life," Potter explains. Billboard

(25 Oct 2019) Hannah Hokit - Hannah Hokit (EP; Hannah Hokit) 
6 Tracks/ Time: 18:08 Amazon UK - iTunes
           
(25 Oct 2019) Hannah Rose Platt - Letters Under Floorboards (Continental Song City) UK
11 Tracks/ Time: 42:50 Amazon UK - iTunes | Blog
Debut #42 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (below #700 UK iTunes all-genres), then off the top 200

(25 Oct 2019) Lacy Jo - Lacy Jo (Lacy Jo) Tracks 1 & 2 forget the rest
4 Tracks/ Time: 17:40 Amazon UK - iTunes
Deep, truthful and honest songs that say what we all wish we could. Genre: Country: Americana Folk: Singer/Songwriter

(25 Oct 2019) Puss N Boots - Dear Santa…” (EP; Blue Note Records) CHRIST
Debut #8 US Holiday iTunes Album Chart (#321 US iTunes all-genres)

(18 Oct 2019) BlackHawk - The Spirit of Christmas (Mirror Lake Records / BFD) CHRIS
10 Tracks/Time: 44:52 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com


(25 Oct 2019) Rissi Palmer - Revival (Baldilocks LLC) Track 1 & 7 forget the rest
9 Tracks/ Time: 37:32 Amazon UK - iTunes

(25 Oct 2019) Jess Thristan - The Live Sessions (Single; A&G Records) UK
3 Singles/ Time: 11:05 Amazon UK - iTunes

(25 Oct 2019) Lee Ann Kelly - Fall Before You Fly (Single; Kelly Leanne Cobbett) UK

(25 Oct 2019) Megan O'Neill - Rootless (Single; Grizzly Records) UK/ IRE  
Time: 3:49 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #81 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #95 | Sat 25 Oct: off the top 200
The track was played on Chris Country Radio all week and featured my Maverick.
Megan shared: Massive shout out to The Dunwells  for everything that they've done for this song, this entire album & personally for me. Love you guys! Shout out to my co-writer Mark Sullivan / mixing by Scott Halliday & Mastering by Stephen Ceresia!
The album is set for release in mid 2020 and has been produced by O’Neill’s long-time collaborators in The Dunwells, while the song was written when the Irish artist was living in London and felt like she had no desire to stay forever. Speaking about the song, which was played at C2C 2019 to a great reception, O’Neill believes that we all need to get away from life sometimes, though she believes that as she’s grown up, she’s realised how much she appreciates her homeland. “I think we can all relate to the feeling of sometimes wanting to pack a bag and run away and that’s not necessarily a bad thing,” O’Neill said. “Sometimes we need that escape from reality and everyday life. I love Ireland and I do feel a strong connection with it on every level – especially as I’ve gotten older”. - Source Maverick Magazine

(25 Oct 2019) Ward Thomas - I Believe in You (Piano) (Single, WTW Music Limited/ Sony Music Entertainment UK) UK
Debut #15 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart | Sun 27 Oct: off the top 200
Time: 3:25
Amazon UK - iTunes >> YouTube Official Video 4,700 Views in 3 days
However, this acoustic, stripped-back rendition completely flips the vibe of the track and really makes the heartfelt lyrics such as “all this work and your curtains are sure to rise” hit that little bit harder and gives them more feeling and sentiment such is the divine production. The simplicity of just a piano production also allows for Ward Thomas’ incredible vocal harmonies to really shine and showcases the effortless way their voices so beautifully blend together to create one remarkable vocal. - Laura Klonowski Belles and Gals  

CANADIAN NEWS
(28 Oct 2019) Madison Kozak Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut To A Standing Ovation
Songs & Daughters artist Madison Kozak topped her bucket list moment debuting at the Grand Ole Opry with a standing ovation on Saturday (10/26) night. It was a full-circle experience for the 22-year-old budding star, after first visiting the iconic venue 12 years ago with her father - the inspiration behind her breakout song, "First Last Name."
"I was a little kid in pink cowboy boots the first-time dad and i went to see the Opry," Kozak shared on Instagram. "We sat about 10 rows back and there were stars in my eyes as I sang along to Loretta Lynn sing 'Coal Miner's Daughter', a song she wrote about her first last name. talk about a full circle."
Welcomed into the legendary circle by Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Famer
Bill Anderson, the songstress had the packed house on their feet for "First Last Name." Penned by Kozak with Claire Douglas and James Slater, the career-launching tune secured her a record deal as the flagship artist for Songs & Daughters - the new female-focused label helmed by Nicolle Galyon in partnership with Big Loud. The recent Belmont University
graduate also introduced a nostalgic, unreleased track titled "Household," with her parents alongside family and friends from her birthplace of Lindsay, Ontario, showing hometown pride in attendance.
NEWS
(21 Oct 2019) CMA Fest Donates $2.2 Million To Foundation
The Country Music Association (CMA) has donated $2.2 million of proceeds from its summer Country music festival, CMA FEST, to the organization's charitable arm, CMA FOUNDATION. The four-day festival, which featured over 300 artists this year, has -- over time -- helped the foundation raise more than $27 million to benefit children's music education programs throughout the country.

(25 Oct 2019) Singer Chris Lane and Bachelor star Lauren Bushnell have made it official! On Friday (Oct. 25), the pair married before 160 family members and friends in an indoor “secret garden” ceremony in their hometown of Nashville, according to People. Read More: Chris Lane Marries Lauren Bushnell |

(25 Oct 2019) Cold River, Armiger Settle:  Cold River Pres. Pete O'Heeron and former Cold River artist Katie Armiger released a joint statement today (10/25) regarding settlement of their legal claims. Neither party has admitted any wrongdoing or liability, nor has any court ruled on the merits of their claims and counterclaims. "In order to avoid the expense, burden, and uncertainty associated with litigation, however, and in order to resolve the litigation completely, the parties have entered into a confidential settlement agreement." Read the complete join statement here. The court battle originated nearly four years ago (CAT 1/27/16) after the label reported Armiger was "taking a breather" (CAT 6/16/15). Cold River is in the process of ceasing operation (CAT 9/17).

(26 Oct 2019) Keith Urban is changing his whole approach to his music career: Keith Urban has a name for how he likes to share new music with his fans in 2019 and beyond. It's a phrase that Blake Shelton would appreciate, in more ways than one.
I call it sport recording: catch and release,” Urban says, smiling. Always at the frontend of a trend, Urban embraces how digital media platforms have revolutionized the music industry, especially when it comes to sharing new songs. For several years he's released one or two or even three singles prior to dropping an album, often not knowing when the album will come when he announces a new single. Read More: Keith Urban Is Changing How He Records and Releases Music 

(27 Oct 2019) Atlantic/WEA's Devin Dawson married Leah Sykes Sunday (10/27) in Franklin, TN. Dawson shared a photo of their marriage license on Instagram with the simple caption, "Licensed practitioners of love." He proposed to Sykes in March.
The couple said "I do" at the historic CARNTON plantation house and museum in front of 200 guests. The couple met while both were attending Belmont University in Nashville two and a half years ago.
After our first date I told my brother I didn’t want to let anyone else be with her,” Dawson shared with 
PEOPLE.com. “He told me to lock it down then! This is big because we never really talked love or relationships together at all.”

AWARDS
(21 Oct 2019) Bebe Rexha Receives ACM Music Event of the Decade Award
The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) has announced Warner Records' Bebe Rexha as an additional recipient of the ACM "Music Event of the Decade Award" for her song, "Meant To Be," with Florida Georgia Line [FGL]. The award recognizes recordings that have impacted Country music by artists who do not regularly collaborate. REXHA was presented with her award at a surprise backstage presentation at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles (Sunday Oct 20) while on tour with the Jonas Brothers.
“BEBE’s an artist who proves that music has no limitations," said ACM Interim Executive Dir. Rac Clark. "Artist collaborations are one of the biggest creative forces in all genres of music today. So when you put two artists like BEBE and FGL together, you’re going to get a great hit song and we are so thrilled to be able to recognize that.”

(23 Oct 2019) Party Crashers: Capitol's Luke Bryan received the Academy of Country Music's inaugural Album of the Decade Award for CRASH MY PARTY – alongside the album’s producer, Jeff Stevens, and his label – at a surprise presentation (photo below) during the 11th annual Opry Goes Pink Tues night (Oct 22). The honor recognizes an album's impact, success at radio of singles, concept, commercial media, sales and streaming, artistic merit and ACM Award recognition. "The Crash My Party album captured his vision and excitement with songs that you can’t get out of your head," says ACM Interim Exec. Dir. RAC Clark. Bryan is the final recipient of the seven new ACM Decade Award categories

(24 Oct 2019) The 2019 American Music Awards nominees include Luke Combs in the all-genre New Artist of the Year category.
Country category nominees are Kane Brown, Combs and Thomas Rhett, Favorite Male; Kelsea BalleriniMaren Morris and Carrie Underwood, Favorite Female; Dan + ShayFlorida Georgia Line and Old Dominion, Favorite Duo or Group; Brown's Experiment, Dan + Shay's Dan + Shay and Underwood's Cry Pretty, Favorite Album; and Combs' "Beautiful Crazy," Dan + Shay's “Speechless” and Blake Shelton's “God’s Country," Favorite Song. Billy Ray Cyrus picked up four nominations for his contribution to Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road." The AMAs broadcast live from Los Angeles' Microsoft Theater Nov. 24 on ABC.

(25 Oct 2019) ALABAMA, the most successful band in the history of country music, has been formally inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Last night, October 22, Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen were made official members during a commemorative Medallion Ceremony held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Musicians Hall of Fame founder Joe Chambers welcomed the group to the stage to receive the honor.

TOUR
(23 Oct 2019) Festive All: Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw will headline the eighth annual Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival April 17-19 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Additional performers include Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Lee Brice, Blanco Brown, Billy Currington, Jordan Davis, Gone West, Riley Green, Caylee Hammack, Hardy, Chris Lane, Jon Pardi, Jon Langston, LoCash, Runaway June, Cole Swindell and Morgan Wallen, with more acts expected to be announced in the coming weeks. More here.

TV
(21 Oct 2019) Lauren Alaina Honors Late Stepfather With New Music
MERCURY NASHVILLE's Lauren Alaina debuted a new song in honor of her late stepfather, Sam Ramker, during her performance on Monday night's (Oct 21) episode of ABC-TV's "Dancing With The Stars." Alaina and her dance partner, GLEB SAVCHENKO, performed a contemporary piece to her new song, “The Other Side,” marking the 1-year anniversary since Ramker's passing. Watch the moving performance here.


“He was always my champion. He was always my #1 fan, Now he’s my guardian angel,” Alaina shared on social media. “I wrote ‘The Other Side’ in SAM’s memory. I wanted to create a song that did him justice. He couldn’t hear me sing without crying because he was so proud of me ... I wrote this song so that he can live on, and never be forgotten.”
In week 6 they scored 26 from the judges (9, 8, 9) and were Safe
Previously on Week 5 "Disney week" Lauren & Gleb scored 23 (8, 7, 8) for their Samba "Under the Sea" >> YouTube 
Previously on Week 4 Lauren & Gleb scored 32 (8, 8, 8, 8) for their Foxtrot "Jolene"—Dolly Parton >> YouTube

(27 Oct 2019) In Case You Missed It: Capitol's Luke Bryan performed "What She Wants Tonight" on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (Oct 27). Watch here; interview here.

(24 Oct 2019) Warner/WAR's Chris Janson performed "Good Vibes" on Ellen (10/24). Watch here.

BABY NEWS
(22 Oct 2019) Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd Expecting First Child
Maren Morris is pregnant! The country and pop singer and her husband, singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd, have announced that they are expecting their first child — a baby boy — in March 2020.

"The irony is just too rich that after a year of living in the “GIRL” headspace, the universe would give us a baby boy to even things out. See you in 2020, little one," Morris wrote on Instagram in a post shared Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 22).
Hurd added, "Look at her...cannot believe this life with this girl." Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and the UKs Twinnie sent their congrats.

(24 Oct 2019) Crib Note: BMLG Records' Brett Young and wife Taylor welcomed their first child, daughter Presley Elizabeth, Monday (10/21). "I am so proud to be your daddy and I am quite certainly the luckiest boy in the world," Young posted on Instagram. "Side note, no boys till you’re 30."

MUSIC NEWS
(22 Oct 2019) Music industry exec says Spotify 'one fail away' as losses grow
As Apple Music, Amazon Music and others provide greater competition in the streaming music business, Spotify is ‘one fail away from becoming less relevant.’ The statement was made by a music industry exec close to the company.  As industry observer Ben Thompson pointed out last year in his Stratechery newsletter, Spotify’s upside is limited by its marginal costs—that is, the royalties it pays the record labels from which it licenses the vast majority of its music catalog. Despite its impressive continued growth in terms of users and revenue, Spotify’s margins are “a the mercy of the record labels,” Thompson wrote, and its losses are growing in absolute terms.

(24 Oct 2019) Labels Now Able To Pay Spotify To Promote Their Music
Spotify is testing a new ad platform that allows artist teams to promote music directly to fans without turning to third-party applications. Spotify users are already familiar with ‘Music For You’ notifications. These alerts appear on screen to inform fans and followers of an artist when their favorite musicians have a new release. It is a helpful tool that encourages fans to support the music they love in a crowded marketplace where nobody can remember every release date. And now, for the first time, those notifications are for sale.

(28 Oct 2019) Spotify Q3 revenue was €1,731 million, up 28% year-over-year.
Premium revenue was up 29% year-over-year to €1,561 million while ad-supported revenue came in at €170 million, up 20%. Operating expenses of €387 million increased 11% year-over-year with an operating profit of €54 million and an operating margin of 3.1%.

PRESS RELEASES
(22 Oct 2019) Garth Brooks Inducts Steve Wariner Into Musicians Hall Of Fame
Longtime friend and collaborator, Garth Brooks, inducted singer/songwriter/storyteller and multi-instrumentalist, Steve Wariner, into the Musicians Hall of Fame at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, Tenn Tuesday night after they performed their multi-platinum No. 1 hit "Long Neck Bottle," which Wariner co-wrote.
Wariner wowed the crowds with two instrumental performances that he wrote, including “Nashville Gent,” and “Four Bus Breakdown,” which he crafted for the show. Wariner also sang the ACM and CMA-winning smash “Holes In The Floor Heaven.”

(25 Oct 2019) Rex Allen - America’s Last Singing Cowboy is the latest release by Country Rewind Records and the first in a new series, referred to as the Western Heritage Series which will also feature The Son’s of the Pioneers and Tex Ritter. Rex Allen was a multimedia star before the term ‘multimedia’ was coined. He found fame as a singer, a song- writer, a Western movie star, a television actor and (in later life) as a narrator of Disney movies and TV shows. Rex Allen - America’s Last Singing Cowboy is being distributed by Select-O-Hits and available to order on Country Rewind Records website countryrewindrecords.com.

(25 Oct 2019)Dear Lonely,” the new single by multi-talented country, bluegrass, and gospel singer, Emily Miller. The West Chester, Ohio singer / songwrtiter has targeted the up-coming single for digital release on November 8. The single was self-penned by Miller with production by Colt Capperrune and recorded at Dark River Studios in Nashville.  Obtain the pre-release links for download and streaming on Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and Spotify here.

(25 Oct 2019) Country Music Maverick Walker Hayes Gets Back to the Basics As He Prepares for the Release of 8Tracks Vol. 3 – Black Sheep
Walker Hayes has been no stranger to forging his own path in the music industry. Cleverly titling his demos as 8Tracks and testing material directly with fans, Walker has continued to think outside traditionalist sensibility. In doing so, he has amassed a devoted following of fans who connect with his honest and relatable style. On December 6th, Walker will release his latest collection of truthful and personally resonant songs titled, 8Tracks Vol. 3 – Black Sheep, on all streaming and digital platforms.
8Tracks Vol. 3 – Black Sheep is currently available for 
pre-order with a stripped down version of his latest hit, “Don’t Let Her,” included for immediate download.

REVIEWS
(Oct) Allison Moorer – Blood (Autotelic/Thirty Tigers) 4.1/2 STARS by Alan Cackett Her new album, BLOOD, is a dark and melodious collection of carefully culled, personal and obviously honest songs whose time has come. Allison’s writing, which here strikes as an attempt at reconciling—or reckoning—the complicated and harrowing childhood that she endured with her sister, singer Shelby Lynne. …They are haunting yet empowering; enticing with lyrics and vocals that demand to be heard and the instruments achieve soothing qualities that, just as poignantly, become jarring. Though this album is no easy listen, at no time does it become too difficult to hear. If anything, it has an hypnotic quality that demands you listen again and again, however painful that might be, as the healing properties of the songs engulf you…Read Full Review

(27 Oct 2019) Music News Album Review Old Dominion - Old Dominion (Rating 4 STARS): This album sees them shift to a more polished sound to tap into that hunger. That is typified by Smooth Sailing, with its slick production and catchy chorus. For the first time, the band have had a hand in producing duties, alongside longtime collaborator, Grammy award winner Shane McAnally. Perhaps it is their involvement that's seen this sheen applied. Maybe it's their work writing for others in Nashville. Either way, it's worked…. Read More

(24 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Laura Cooney Country Music Week 2019: Striking Matches, The Garage, London live review Outstanding guitar playing, Great harmonies and chemistry between Justin and Sarah, Acoustic section was a highlight (Rating 5/5)

(25 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Logan Mize, Bush Hall, London live review GOOD Logan's vocals sounded great, A fantastic set list of catchy and memorable songs, Great atmosphere THE BAD The sound mix was a little off to begin with (Rating 4.5/5)

(27 Oct 2019) Brandy Clark showcases new music to a respectful London crowd! by Zoe Hodges
This was also the first time in a long time that Brandy would be playing with a full band as opposed to the last couple of times where she just played with Miles and Vanessa. I was keen to hear these songs we’ve come to know and love with percussion too. With support from Kyle Daniel it was set to be an interesting show....Brandy came out with her band to a round of applause and cheers from the crowd and they kicked things off straight away with Girl Next Door. It was feisty and full of energy. Brandy, who wore a beautiful western style, smart, black jacket, was smiling throughout as she looked around the Shepherds Bush Empire taking in the crowd. She encouraged everyone to start clapping along and the audience obliged. She talked to the crowd welcoming people from all over the U.K. and Europe. She knew fans had come from the US to see her too. She progressed with the upbeat songs as she played Big Day in a Small Town followed by another of her popular songs off her last studio album, Love Can Go To Hell - my favourite!... Read more at  The Writers Room.com

(27 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Temecula Road, Bush Hall, London live review …..Watching Temecula Road yesterday was like watching a completely different band from the one I saw back in 2017. Their confidence has rocketed, their songs are stronger and more mature, and their harmonies are ridiculously tight. If they keep up the quality that they’ve achieved with their current output, they could well give Lady Antebellum a run for their money in the coming years. The trio has come on leaps and bounds in the last two years, The harmonies are super tight, The new material is very strong (Rating 4.5/5) Read more
(27 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Tebey, Bush Hall, London live review
There's a lot of potential, The vocals were strong and Tebey's range is impressive, He has a great stage presence| THE BAD
It took a little while to get going (Rating 3.5/5)

(27 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Tenille Townes, Bush Hall, London live review Without a doubt she’s been the standout artist of the week and with the amount of talent she possesses, it’s only a matter of time until she dominates the genre and becomes one of its brightest stars. Out of this world vocals, Engaging on stage, A powerful performer (Rating 5/5)

(27 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Laura Cooney Country Music Week 2019: Scotty McCreery, Bush Hall, London live review
Scotty's distinctive vocals were excellent, A high-energy and entertaining performance, Warm, engaging and likeable stage presence (Rating 5/5)

(28 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Tyler Rich, Bush Hall, London live review… Very charismatic, Strong set of songs, He sounded amazing (Rating 4.5/5)

(28 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Tenille Arts, Bush Hall, London live review …Armed with a magnificent voice and an engaging stage presence, I’d like to see her back in the UK to play some longer shows. She was one of the best artists we saw at the Daytime Hubs over the weekend and there’s something special about her.
The vocals were impressive, I Hate This was a highlight, Let me wanting to hear more (Rating 4.5/5)

(28 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Kyle Daniel, Bush Hall, London live review Stellar vocals, Songwriting that hits you in the feels, Moving, emotional and powerful (Rating 4/5)

(28 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus  by Pip Ellwood-Hughes Country Music Week 2019: Charles Esten, Royal Albert Hall, London live review….For his encore Esten performed He Ain’t Me before welcoming The Adelaides back for a cover of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s A Star is Born song Shallow and a life-affirming rendition of Nashville’s signature song A Life That’s Good. It was moving, emotional and a fantastic way to end an incredible night of music. One of the best live performers in any genre, Boundless energy and fantastic songs, He's infectious and engaging to watch (Rating 5/5)

INTERVIEWS
(27  Oct 2019) Off the Record Podcast Episode #91: Introducing Nashville - In this special episode, Imogen marshall chats to three of the songwriters who were part of the 'Introducing Nashville' tour - Danielle Bradbery, Walker Hayes and Travis Denning, to talk all about the tour, their current and future projects and songwriting in Nashville.

(27 Oct 2019) Entertainment Focus Interview: Temecula Road discuss their new music and their evolution as a band

LISTEN
(28 Oct 2019) EF Country Podcast: Episode 4: Women in Country Music
As women in Country Music fight to be heard on radio and given the same opportunity as men, Pip Ellwood-Hughes
and Laura discuss the hot topic and share their thoughts. Listen on Spotify or Apple Music

WATCH
(Oct) Savannah Rae - Look Ahead (Official Video) Video shot by: Wolfhand Creative in Fresno, California

(25 Oct 2019) CMA nominated group Lady Antebellum immersed fans deeper in OCEAN, out Nov. 15 on BMLG Records, with the release of "What I'm Leaving For.”  Alongside the track's universal message of making sacrifices for the people you love, Lady A brings the lyrics of "What I'm Leaving For" to life with a collection of personal family memories.


"I wore out the demo for this song," recalls Dave Haywood. “I immediately related to it. It’s so hard stepping away from your family the way we do, and that song is such a great, beautiful way of articulating what we’re out here doing this for – our families, and those that we love and the fans that love us, too. This song is a beautiful picture of that push and pull of our journey."
(25 Oct 2019) The Mavericks - Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (Official Music Video) Video directed by Alejandro Menendez Vega


(27 Oct 2019) Two Ways Home - Out on the Road (writers Isabella Mariee, Lewis Fowler, Ben Jones) the second single from their forthcoming album Break the Silence. >> YouTube . Video filmed and produced by Declan Creffield.

(28 Oct 2019) Remember Monday’s Find My Way (>> Official Music Video). The single launch took place at Shoreditch Treehouse (34 Charlotte Road, London, EC2A 3PB) on Sunday October 20th.

COUNTRY FASHION
(24 Oct 2019) Twinnie was snapped back on stage at The Bush Hall, London supporting Logan Mize during Country Music Week.





























ROMANCE AND DRAMA: She wore a gorgeous white lace Nadine Merabi BELLA jumpsuit. The nude lining provides coverage, whilst accentuating the intricate sequin embellished lace detailing. It features self-tie fastening, detachable leather belt and concealed zip fastening. (Product £295).
She added House Of Windsor White Lainey western embellished stud boots (Product Regular price £44.99) and Tatti Lashes. Photography (Sonya Jasinski) | Source Instagram Swipe for photos

COUNTRY GOSSIP
(28 Oct 2019) Dolly Parton originally wanted Miley Cyrus to play Jolene in Netflix series
Dolly Parton originally wanted her goddaughter Miley Cyrus to play JOLENE in the upcoming Netflix show inspired by her music.
In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, the country legend explained that Miley wasn't available to play the homewrecker in the Jolene episode of the anthology series Heartstrings and so the role went to actress/dancer Julianne Hough.
"Years back when I used to think of Jolene, you know, before Julianne came on, I used to think... 'I'd love Miley.' She would have been great at that as well. But Miley was doing other things," she explained.
Dolly admitted Julianne was a breath of fresh air when she showed interest in the role, because "a lot of people" had auditioned.
"We wanted it (character) to be someone that kind of was described in the song, with auburn hair, ivory skin, the emerald green eyes, which she had all of that," the 73-year-old said. "All she had to do was put on this beautiful red hair and she was the most beautiful Jolene you could ever, ever get.
"She's such a great little actress. She's just got such a great spirit and she's a great singer."
The Jolene episode of the series will also feature Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Dallas Roberts, and Dolly, who will sing with Julianne.

TWEETS

(26 Oct 2019) The Adelaides
(26 Oct 2019) Scott McCreery at Bush Hall

LYRIC magazine As well as a cracking cover of ‘Take It Easy’ Scotty McCreery wowed the London crowd tonight with a brilliant version of Garth Brooks ‘Papa Loved Mama’ 🔥🔥 ‘If she’d have said no, this song would have been really awkward’ 😂
Gabi is here tonight to see Scotty McCreery sing ‘This Is It’ in London 💖

PHOTO
(22 Oct 2019) Step In Wolves: Lady Antebellum























BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead
Oct 28: Charlie Daniels (1936), Brad Paisley (1972), Roo Arcus (Australian country; 1972?), Ashliegh Lisset
Oct 29: Sonny Osborne (1937)
Oct 30: Timothy Schmitt (Eagles - (1947), T Graham Brown (1954), the late Patsy Montana (1914; died May 3, 1996 (aged 87)), Kassidy Osborne (SheDaisy) (1976), Jeannie Kendall (The Kendalls, 1954)
Oct 31: Kinky Friedman - (1944), the late Dale Evans (1912; died Feb 7, 2001 (aged 88)), Kate Campbell (1961), Darryl Worley (1964)
Nov 1: Bill Anderson (1937), Lyle Lovett (1956), Keith Stegall (1954) 
Nov 2: k d lang (1962), Beverley Mahood (1974),
Nov 3: J D Souther (1945)

R.I.P






















Outlaw country singer Joe Sun passed away in his Palm Bay, Florida home of natural causes on October 25, 2019. He was 76 years old. Joe Sun emerged in the late 1970s as one off the freshest and most distinctive vocalists to hit Nashville. In many ways, with his mix of soul, blues, honky-tonk, rock’n’roll and traditional country that he described as ‘blues-country’, he was too raw and cutting edge for the country mainstream. He did enjoy some success with the original version of Hugh Moffatt’s Old Flames (#14; Can’t Hold As Candle To You | >> Audio), High and Dry (#20), I Came On Business For The King (#27), I’d Rather Go On Hurtin’ (#20 >> Audio), Shotgun Rider (#23), Bombed, Boozed And Busted (#21), and the definitive rendition of Allen Reynolds’ now classic Ready For The Times To Get Better (#43), but by the mid-1980s he was no longer on the charts, and though he’d recorded for Ovation, Elektra and AMI, ended up without a US record deal. You can read an in-depth obituary to Joe Sun – www.alancackett.com

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