Sunday 1 December 2019

Country Bites News snippets November 18 – November 24, 2019


Cyber Monday Deals Image Map

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

BREAKING NEWS
This week, Shannon talks with Dustin Lynch about the huge impact his music is having online. Plus, hear what Garth Brooks has to say about his Stadium Tour. And… Rascal Flatts’ Jay Demarcus has BIG news about his own record label.
Country News – November 27, 2019 with Shannon McCombs



UK NEWS

On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist Saturday 23 November 2019
A List
Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber - 10,000 Hours
B List
Luke Combs - Even Though I'm Leaving added to the “B” Playlist
Sheryl Crow feat. Chris Stapleton - Tell Me When It's Over

(21 Nov 2019) Rock act Morganway released the video for their song ‘London Life’, which featured on their self-titled debut album released this past August.
Here it is on YouTube:

Here is a quote from Callum Morgan about making the video and its subject matter:
“I directed and shot the video with Richard Ecclestone, who is a professional music photographer. It stars Isla Jackson-Ritchie, who played Sarah in Netflix's Top Boy. She stars alongside Josef Altin, who was in Game of Thrones. We were granted permission to film in Rough Trade East, and Non Stop Vintage, the other stuff was captured somewhat spontaneously in public spaces.
We also used footage from our sold out show at The Green Note back in August. We wanted to blend raw, fan shot footage of the band amongst the narrative of the video. We didn't want the footage to detract from the story, and we felt this way the band becomes as much a part of the scenery, of "London Life", as opposed to being a distraction. It almost felt more authentic this way, rather than something purposely shot / mimed, and was deliberately cut quickly not allowing the audience too long to get any more drawn to the band.
The story is simple, the highs and lows of a couple finding their way in London, and ultimately something is lost in the relationship, and they both end up on their own.

(21 Nov 2019) Buckle & Boots will be heading back out to Nashville and play one of the city's most iconic venues The Bluebird Cafe! BCMA Male & Female Vocalists of the Year Gary Quinn & Kezia Gill will join Jenn Bostic and Trent Tomlinson on Tuesday November 26th in a Gary Quinn & Friends.

(22 Nov 2019) Country Line TV: Pick Of The Week Danielle Bradbery Sings On The New Charlie's Angels Soundtrack
"Once upon a time there were three very different little girls who grew up to be three very different women with three things in common: they're brilliant, they're beautiful, and they work for me. My name is Charlie."
#GirlPower: NashLine catches up with the incredible Danielle Bradbery as she stars on the new Charlie's Angels soundtrack.

(25 Nov 2019) Sarah Darling & Special Guests Christmas Show
Nashville-based, UK approved country singer-songwriter Sarah Darling will return to Islington’s Union Chapel for a very special Christmas show. Sarah will be performing a mixture of old & new songs in addition to traditional Christmas classics and will be joined by surprise guests from the UK country music and singer/songwriter scene. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.co.uk

Sarah Darling announces Christmas show at Union Chapel on December 2nd



Sarah’s latest single ‘Divide(Be Darling Records | iTunes | Lyric Video), cowritten with Cheyenne Medders
Jessica Sharman, featuring guest vocals from UK country duo Ward Thomas, dropped on Fri Nov 22nd. It received a world exclusive first play on Bob Harris Country on BBC Radio 2: "So here it comes Sarah Darling with Ward Thomas this is Divide. Isn't that gorgeous, dream country. Sarah Darling with Ward Thomas and they were on stage together at the Bluebird Cafe a couple of evenings ago with Catherine McGrath joining them too and that's a new single on its way a world exclusive Sarah Darling with Ward Thomas and the song is called Divide" - Bob Harris BBC Sounds
Despite this exposure pure sales were weak debuting at No.19 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart and climbing to a No.17 peak
Before disappearing off the top 200 (Nov 25)
The single follows her recently released cover of The Wreckers’ ‘Leave The Pieces’ and the hugely successful 5th album Wonderland, which reached the UK Official Country Artists Charts Number 1, paving the way for TV appearances such as BBC Breakfast and a host of critical acclaim from the music press. 

UK TOUR & GIG UPDATES
Updates: The Shires (April-May 2020) , Olivia Lane (Feb), Celtic Connections Festival 2020 (Jan-Feb), Hayseed Dixie (March-April 2020), Lennon Stella (Feb -Mar), The Secret Sisters (Jan-June), CMA Songwriters (March 2020), CC Smugglers (Dec),  Nathan Carter (Jan-Nov 2020), Callaghan (April) 

Link to Country Routes News Gig Page Image Map


UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 28 November 2019)
22 November - 28 November 2019
Written about her time as a busker, Dance Monkey spent its eighth consecutive week at No.1 for Tones And I – Australian singer/songwriter Toni Watson.
With consumption slipping 0.18% week-on-week to 82,796 units (including 73,897 from sales-equivalent streams + 8,898 pure sales).

In their seventh frame Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber with 10,000 Hours dropped 35-42 with 12,500 estimated units (streams + sales).

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 28 November 2019)
22 November - 28 November 2019

Westlife’s first studio album for nine years, and their 11th in all, SPECTRUM raced to a No.1 debut, opening atop the chart on consumption of 62,621 copies (60,754 paid-for sales + 1,867 from sales-equivalent streams. That’s the highest sale achieved by a No.1 for eight weeks and the fifth highest by a No.1 album thus far in 2019.
Their eighth No.1 and eleventh Top 10 entry, it includes five songs co-written by Ed Sheeran, and arrives at the summit 20 years and three weeks after their eponymous first album debuted and peaked at No.2 on pure sales of 83,032. Their last studio album, Gravity, sold 94,894 copies to debut and peak at No.3 this week in 2010.

Lady Antebellum with OCEAN made a debut at No.29 (3,664 units; including streaming units). It’s the seventh of eight studio albums to chart for country trio.
Their last album 2017s HEART BREAK made a debut at No.14 (5,679 sales; chart week June 22, 2017) before falling to #79 then #88 with a 3-week chart run with total estimated sales of 8K before falling off top 100.
Their UK breakthrough album NEED YOU NOW, a #8 hit from 2010 (60 weeks on the Top 100), remains by far their biggest seller here with a sales tally of 383,000 at June 2017.
747 failed to fly as high as its predecessors when it made a debut at No.12 selling 6,000 sales copies (chart week Oct 18, 2014; 6-week chart run 12-21-50-71-90).
In May 2013 GOLDEN opened a #7 debut in the UK on the Official Album Chart with opening 11,784 pure-sales (9-week chart run 7-19-36-54-66-65-79-87-97).


Falling off the Top 100:

Luke Combs with WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET (previous week No.27 debut, 3,800 total units) 

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 28 November 2019)
22 November - 28 November 2019
Luke Combs with WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET held at No.1 (2 weeks; #1 peak)
Lady Antebellum with OCEAN made a debut at No.2
Nathan Carter with IRISH HEARTLAND made a debut at No.3
Miranda Lambert with WILDCARD slipped 2-4 (3 weeks; #1 peak)
Hootie & The Blowfish with IMPERFECT CIRCLE fell 3-5 (3 weeks; #2 peak)
Sheryl Crow with THREADS fell 5-6 (12 weeks; #1 peak)
The Mavericks with PLAY THE HITS fell 4-7 (3 weeks; #4 peak)
Old Dominion with OLD DOMINION fell 7-8 (4 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with TRAVELLER held at No.9 (89 weeks; #1 peak)
Zac Brown Band with THE OWL held at No.10 (9 weeks; #1 peak)
Outside the Top 10
Highwomen with THE HIGHWOMEN held at No.11 (11 weeks; #2 peak)
Keith Urban with GRAFFITI U fell 8-12 (45 weeks; #1 peak)
Owen Mac with THANKS TO YOU made a debut at No.13

Official Americana Albums Chart Top 40 (Week Ending 28 November 2019)
22 November - 28 November 2019
Bonnie Prince Billy with MADE A PLACE (Domino Recordings) debuted at #3.

COUNTRY ALBUM & SINGLES RELEASES

(22 Nov 2019) Jason Aldean - 9 (Broken Bow Records)
16 Tracks/ Time: 52:12 Amazon UK
Debut #1 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#22, #21 UK iTunes all-genres) | Mon Nov 25: #3 (#90) | Debut #1 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#1 US iTunes all-genres)
Aldean’s aptly-named ninth studio project boasts contributions on 16 tracks from songwriters including Neil Thrasher (“Tattoos and Tequila,” “Some Things You Don’t Forget,” “I Don’t Drink Anymore”), Josh Thompson (“Champagne Town,” “Camouflage Hat,” “Dirt We Were Raised On”), Brantley Gilbert (“The Same Way”) and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard (“We Back”)

(22 Nov 2019) Various Artists - Come On Up To the House: Women Sing Waits (Dualtone Music) |
12 Tracks/ Time: 55:15 Singer/Songwriter Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #17 US iTunes all-genres
Track 7 Ruby's Arms by Patty Griffin 6:06
Track 8 Time - Rosanne Cash 4:36

(22 Nov 2019) Dick Jr. & the Volunteers - The Dance and How to Do It (Caroline County Record Company) |
8 Tracks/ Time: 28:22 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #6 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (# UK iTunes all-genres) | Debut #21 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#119 US iTunes all-genres)
The highly anticipated debut album from Richard Speight, Jr. is tentatively scheduled to release on November 22, Nerds and Beyond has exclusively learned. The album, from Dick Jr. & The Volunteers, came about last year via Kickstarter (407 contributors raised $36,549) where Rich, with producer Jason Manns, created a Kickstarter so fans could get perks...
The Dick Jr. & The Volunteers record release party event takes place on Tuesday, November 26, at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

(22 Nov 2019) Various - CMA Awards 2019-Country Music'S Biggest Night Polystar (Universal Music)
24 Tracks Amazon

(22 Nov 2019) Jamie Floyd - New Girl (Jamie Floyd Music)  
7 Tracks/ Time: 24:37 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com
Debut #28 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (outside #700) | Debut #28 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#157 US iTunes all-genres), then #7 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#58 US iTunes all-genres)

(22 Nov 2019) Benjamin Tod - A Heart of Gold Is Hard to Find (Anti-Corp)
10 Tracks/ Time: 33:19 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #16 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#97 US iTunes all-genres)

(22 Nov 2019) Jake Workman - Landmark (Jake Workman)
13 Tracks/ Time: 43:41 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #55 US Country iTunes Album Chart (#486 US iTunes all-genres)

(22 Nov 2019) Amanda Anne Platt - Christmas on a Greyhound Bus (EP, Organic Records) 5 Tracks/ Time: 17:24 Amazon UK - iTunes

(22 Nov 2019) Moriah Domby - Moriah Domby (EP; Moriah Domby)
5 Tracks/ Time: 15:54 Amazon UK - iTunes - Amazon.com

(22 Nov 2019) Blaine Larsen - Searching for Christmas (Search Ministries, Inc.) CHRIST
8 Tracks/ Time: 31:26 Amazon UK - iTunes

(22 Nov 2019) The Browns - Christmas in Our Hometown (StowTown Records)
11 Tracks/ Time: 32:46 Amazon UK - iTunes

(15 Nov 2019) Derek Ryan - The Hits (Sharpe Music) IRE
12 Tracks Amazon UK  (29 Nov) iTunes
Debut #4 UK Country iTunes Album Chart (#112 UK iTunes all-genres), then #3 (#66 all-genres)

(13 March 2020) The Shires - Good Years (Single; BMG Rights Management (UK) UK
Debut #6 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#212, #219 UK iTunes all-genres), then #5 (#160), then #4 (#146) | Sat Nov 23: #4 (#149; #145; #144 UK iTunes all-genres 58% of the No1 country track), then #5 (#160) | Sun Nov 24: #4 (#189 UK iTunes all-genres)
Once again using C2C Festival for massive exposure and a near 4-month pre-order period to stack up the sales numbers for best chart debut. "It's going to be amazing...Oh YES, New Year brand new from The Shires" - Bob Harris

(22 Nov 2019) Emma Stevens - Atoms (Radio Mix) (Single; Bright Star Records) UK
Time: 3:39 Singer/Songwriter Amazon UK - iTunes
This song is my heart and soul. It means so much to me to finally be able to bring you the new mix of “Atoms”

(21 Nov 2019) Hannah White - Never Get Along (Single; Sound Lounge Records)
Time: 4:29 Americana iTunes
UK Fri Nov 22: #109 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart

(21 Nov 2019) Laura Aston - Nothing Can Break Me (Single; Legacy Records) UK
Time: 2:57 iTunes
UK singer Laura Aston's 4th single, “Nothing Can Break Me” hit the charts on November 21st and the country star landed her 4th number 1.
4 Days at No.1 on UK Country iTunes Singles Chart & No.4 in the official charts on Google Play.

Debut #2 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #1 (#30, #32 UK iTunes all-genres) | Fri Nov 22: #1 (#31, #33, #35, all-genres), #2 (#35), #1 (#33, #32, #31, #34 selling 13.3% of the No1) | Sat Nov 23: #1 (#45 iTunes all-genres), then #2 (#54 iTunes all-genres), #3 (#58; #61, #68 ) | Sun Nov 24: #3 (#99 iTunes all-genres; selling 20% on the No. 1), then #5 (#203) | Mon Nov 25: #8 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (30% as popular as Dan + Shay's 10,000 Hours).

(22 Nov 2019) Laura Oakes - Welcome to the Family (Single; Laura Oakes) UK  | Debut #82 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #85, then #92, then #74, then #28 | Sat Nov 23: #37 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #32, ten #35 | Sun Nov 24: #69, #177 Mon Nov 25: off the top 200
Time: 3:13 Americana Amazon UK - iTunes
“OK the first of out world exclusives. This is country music Liverpool style from Laura Oakes, I'm a very big fan of Laura Oakes, I wish her all the luck in the world and that from a brand new CD / EP the track I've played on the radio and the first you will have heard anywhere it's called 'Welcome to the Family', 4 track EP due next year with a UK Tour to follow and I've playing that for Siobhan Maher-Kennedy and all our friends listening to this programme from Nashville” – Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 BBC Sounds

(22 Nov 2019) Louise Parker - I'm Moving to Nashville (Single; LouiseParkerMusic) UK
Time: 3:15 Amazon UK - iTunes
Debut #25 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #18, then #45, then #57 | Sat Nov 23: off the top 200 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart

(22 Nov 2019) Taylor West - Tennessee Whiskey (Single; Taylor West) UK
Time: 4:09 Amazon UK - iTunes - Stream
Debut #9 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #15, then #11, then #8 | Sat Nov 23: #20 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart, then #33 | Sun Nov 24: #43, then #152 Mon Nov 25: off the top 200
She shared “So excited to announce my rendition of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ will be available 22nd November on Spotify, iTunes & Apple Music! This is my first ever track to be released, and more will be coming real soon”
Taylor’s first live gig was at age 13 at her aunts wedding, her soulful tone and distinctive rasp gives her an identity easily recognized and always remembered.
The wedding was a turning point, the audience appreciation was overwhelming and emotional, Taylor realized in that moment that music was going to be her life. To be able to sing is a gift, Taylor’s voice is said to be “a special gift that mesmerizes and enchants the audience”.
Taylor is currently touring UK theatres in productions. She has performed at ’One Voice’ and ‘Rock for Heroes’ which have given Taylor a superb exposure to a wider audience of different age ranges and being able to sing different music genres.
In conjunction with UNIQ Recording Artists, with producers Mark Jaimes and Danny Saxon, 

(22 Nov 2019) Danny McMahon - Lonely (Single; Puzzlemaker Studios LTD) UK
Time: 3:14
Debut #5 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#213 UK iTunes all-genres), then #4 (#181, #148 all-genres), then #5 (#157, #185  UK iTunes all-genres) , then #6 (#194, #216) | Sat Nov 23: #16 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (selling 33% of No1), then #22, then #34 | Sun Nov 24: #42  then #145

CANADIAN NEWS
(20 Nov 2019) Justine Lynn - Joy to the World
A passionate and soulful singer and song writer, Justine Lynn is a Country artist hailing from Vancouver.
Justine brings her magic to a Christmas classic - Joy to the World. We are sure you will enjoy her country take on this wonderful song. - iTunes

(25 Nov 2019) LIVE COUNTRY is a clothing and lifestyle brand created by the Canadian Country Music Association.
The brand is all about allowing you to express your love for country music in a modern and fashionable way. It was created to capture the essence of country music and provide listeners a different avenue to showcase their pride because country is more than music, it's a lifestyle.  On Monday (Nov 25), Spotify Canada - Canada's leading streaming service - has partnered with Canada's only lifestyle brand dedicated to country music fans, LIVE COUNTRY to bring Canadian country artists and the people who love them closer together.
Creating the foundation of this partnership is the 
LIVE COUNTRY playlist. A rebrand of Spotify Canada's country fan-favourite Down Home Country, this playlist launched with Calgary's Mackenzie Porter as its cover artist to start. A collection of songs that continue to celebrate the best in country music north of the border, it will also create opportunities for artists to interact with fans on a whole new level - including exclusive artist merch items available to top streaming country music fans. Most importantly, the partnership will encapsulate the best that country music has to offer by recognizing that it's more than music, it's a lifestyle and a way of life. 

NEWS
(22 Nov 2019) Thanksgiving Day Performances 
Tune-in alert! Watch some of your favorite Sony Music Nashville artists perform live on Thanksgiving Day.
Get details on performances by Chris Young and Tenille Townes on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC HERE and Miranda Lambert's performance on The Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS HERE.

(23 Nov 2019) Maddie & Tae singer Maddie Marlow is a married woman! The country hitmaker married her longtime boyfriend and high school sweetheart, Jonah Font, on Friday (Nov. 22) in Tennessee.  Instagram post.
People reported the couple wed in front of about 150 friends and family members at a rural venue in Arrington, Tenn., not too far from Nashville. Marlow wore a custom-designed Anne Barge gown, while Font opted for a black tuxedo.
Seven is Marlow's lucky number, and she had seven bridesmaids standing with her, while Font was accompanied by six groomsmen.

AWARDS
(20 Nov 2019) Honor Role: The CMA presented industry honors both during last Wednesday's (Nov 13) 53rd CMA Awards and Tuesday's Nov 19) CMA Board reception. Journalist Holly Gleason was surprised with the CMA Media Achievement Award, which was presented to her by RCA's Miranda Lambert backstage during the CMA Awards. The same night, iHeartRadio's Rob Farina was honored with the CMA Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award presented by CAA's John Huie. During the CMA Board reception, The HQ's Ann Edelblute and The AMG's Bill Simmons received the CMA Chairman's Award from CMA Board Chair, BMI's Jody Williams. Country Aircheck's Lon Helton was honored with the J. William Denny Award, and Dale Morris & Associates' Dale Morris was presented the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence by Matthew Ramsey of RCA's Old Dominion. Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Owen of Alabama was honored with the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award. Read more about these honors and past recipients here.

(24 Nov 2019) American Honor Story: Country winners at Sunday night's (Nov 24) American Music Awards were Kane Brown, Favorite Male Artist; Carrie Underwood, Favorite Female Artist and Favorite Album (Cry Pretty); Dan + Shay, Favorite Duo or Group and Favorite Song ("Speechless"); and Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song ("Old Town Road"). Full list here.

American Music Awards 2019:
Country Winners
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRYKane Brown - WINNER; Luke Combs; Thomas Rhett
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY: Kelsea Ballerini; Maren Morris; Carrie Underwood - WINNER
FAVORITE DUO or GROUP – COUNTRYDan + Shay - WINNER; Florida Georgia Line; Old Dominion
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY: Kane Brown “Experiment”; Dan + Shay “Dan + Shay”; Carrie Underwood “Cry Pretty' - WINNER
FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY: Luke Combs “Beautiful Crazy”; Dan + Shay “Speechless” - WINNER; Blake Shelton “God’s Country”

(24 Nov 2019) Conway Ditty: Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage Management founder/owner Tony Conway will be honored with the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jan. 21 CMA Touring Awards in Nashville, hosted by Capitol's Jon Pardi. Conway was surprised with the news during last week's CMA Board of Directors meeting. "I have to give credit to all of the artists that have allowed me to represent them and to all the agents, managers, promoters and staff I have worked with the last 44 years," says Conway. He is the fourth recipient of the award, following Randy "Baja" Fletcher, Brian O'Connell and Louis Messina.

TV
(20 Nov 2019) In Case You Missed It: Gwendolyn/Pearl's Trisha Yearwood performed "Love You Anyway" on ABC's Good Morning America. Watch here.

(19 Nov 2019) In Case You Missed It: Pearl's Garth Brooks appeared on ABC's Good Morning America (Tues Nov 19). Watch here.

(20 Nov 2019) Dolly Parton and MCA's Kacey Musgraves were featured on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (Nov 20). Watch Musgraves' performance of "Glittery" here and interviews here.
Kacey Musgraves is celebrating the holidays this year with her very own special. The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show will air via Amazon Prime Video on Nov. 29, and during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, the singer gave some insight into the special.
“There’s a little bit of everything,” she told Fallon. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I’m a triple threat now, so just log that away. Dancing, singing, there’s comedy bits, there’s acting. It was a lot. My actual band, they played all the music in the special. I have a lot of wonderful guests that come and join me. It’s my take on the old-school Judy Garland Christmas, Cher show type thing brought to life in a modern way.” Read more Billboard.com

(24 Nov 2019) ACL Presents: Americana 18th Annual Honors Special | 55m 37s
Enjoy musical highlights from the eighteenth annual Americana Honors, showcasing the best and brightest in Americana, including Brandi Carlile, Elvis Costello, Rhiannon Giddens, Mumford & Sons, Our Native Daughters, and more. Watch HERE

(25 Nov 2019) Macon Music/Broken Bow's Jason Aldean sang "We Back" on ABC's Good Morning America (Nov 25). Watch here.

(25 Nov 2019) Monument/Arista's Teddy Robb made his national television debut on NBC's Today (11/25). Watch here.

(25 Nov 2019) Pearl's Garth Brooks appeared on Live With Kelly And Ryan (11/25). Watch here.

MUSIC NEWS
(Nov 2019) Why You Need To Sell Merch
While not every band is going to have merch for sale at their shows, foregoing this revenue option means the artist is not only missing out on a muc- needed revenue source, but also foregoing a valuable opportunity to strengthen their brand and build a stronger connection with fans.
Why pass up the chance to make additional revenue, build your artist brand, and cement a special connection with your fans?
It astounds me when I attend a concert and the artist does not have merch for sale — and it happens a lot. I don’t have stats, but I’d guess that two out of every three bands I see live do not have merch available for sale. While thousands of artists take advantage of the benefits of selling merch at gigs, too many others evidently don’t seem to think it’s important.
The reality is that selling physical products at gigs – t-shirts, hoodies, CDs, vinyl, USBs, etc. – is a game-changer for many artists. It can mean the difference between mixing your EP in your basement versus hiring a local professional in your city’s A-room studio. If you aren’t already taking advantage of the revenue boost merch can provide you, here are six reasons you need to have merch for sale at your next gig.
1. Physical product sales crush streaming revenue
We live in a streaming world, but let’s be honest, streaming won’t pay enough to buy you a set of strings. On average, it takes about 3,000 music streams to equal the profit from one CD sale and 5,000 streams to equal the profit of one t-shirt. The average emerging music artist makes much more money selling merch at their gigs than from streaming, which is why physical media is as relevant today as it ever was, especially for independent musicians. ....Read More

PRESS RELEASES
(19 Nov 2019) CMA’S New Artist Of The Year Ashley McBryde Announces One Night Standards Us Tour 2020
First 10 Cities in 2020 Headlining Tour Revealed; Tickets on Sale Friday, Nov. 22
The Tennessean’s Country Mile Podcast Featuring McBryde x Garth Brooks Available NOW
In 2017 The Washington Post noted Ashley McBryde’s “blue-collar storytelling and straightforward singing set her apart” and NPR’s World Cafe opined, “after a decade of being the best unknown performer in those dive bars, it's all paying off.” Fast-forward to March 2018, The New York Times dubbed Girl Going Nowhere a “vivid and accomplished major-label debut,” later including it on the year’s ‘best of,’ and in April the Los Angeles Times raved McBryde “is making country music without a safety net.” Her album sparked appearances on CBS’ coveted Saturday morning stage (later garnering an Emmy nomination for the performance), The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Late Night with Seth Meyers and more. It was a whirlwind two years for the Arkansas native.
 “After nearly a decade playing, driving to any gig I could, I don’t know how to describe it exactly, it just felt different – like things were about to change,” reflects McBryde. “On the road, in writes around town … I didn’t know it could get any better than that. Well, I was wrong!”

(20 Nov 2019) Josh Setterfield Releases NEW EP "Till Dawn"
The highly anticipated sequel EP “Till Dawn” from Josh Setterfield is here! Including the lead single "Us Again". The five-track EP (released Nov 21, 2019 iTunes) gives fans a well-rounded collection of songs which not only show Setterfield’s versatility and vulnerability as a songwriter but also a deeper understanding of who he is. The POP/ROCK EP includes successful singles “Broke” and “The Way God Made Me”.
Josh shared “I wrote these songs about experiences and feelings I’ve been through, each song shares a piece of who I am. It’s crazy how many people have related to them so far. It’s my favourite EP I’ve written and I’m proud to finally release this one.”
“Till Dawn” takes listeners on a ride of emotions, from remembering the feeling and the innocence of young love, to fighting the darkness of anxiety and depression. This EP from Josh Setterfield will hit home in more ways than one, recounting the good days and the broke days!
Since exploding onto the scene in 2016, his seamless transition to country after fronting a pop punk band saw Setterfield seizing every opportunity. His last EP “From Dusk” debuted at #3 on the iTunes country charts. Radio presenters warming to his sound which saw fan favourites “Feelin’ Love” & “Hometown” climbing the charts for several weeks to #1. 
Genre: Country/Pop-Rock | Hometown: Newcastle, AUS

(21 Nov 2019) Christmas 4 Kids, a non-profit organization that benefits hundreds of underprivileged children in Middle Tennessee, announced additional performers for its all-star lineup, including ACM Award-winning songstress Jamie O'Neal as well as Olivia Ooms and Adley Stump. The concert was scheduled for Monday, November 25 at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
"I’m so honored to join Phil Vassar and the other incredible artists at the Ryman benefitting the wonderful work of Christmas 4 Kids," said O'Neal. "After all, kids are what the season of giving is all about!”
Previously announced performers include Phil Vassar, Matt Ramsey of Old Dominion, Lonestar, Eddie Montgomery, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and more.

(22 Nov 2019) Filmore releases new song “London”
Fresh off his headlining Slower Tour, country music singer/songwriter Filmore returns with new track, “London.” The song is the first of several new releases coming soon from the Curb Records recording artist, but it was important for him to start this new musical journey with “London.” Listen to the song HERE and watch the new video HERE. Filmore is also set to join country star Lauren Alaina, fresh from her stint on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” for her That Girl Was Me Tour which kicks off at Nashville’s famed Exit/In on Jan. 15, 2020. Filmore will return to London to perform at C2C Country to Country in 2020.
 “As I continue to put out new music, I want to share more of both who I am as an artist as well as my personal experiences with fans,” says Filmore. “This song felt like the perfect place to start sharing the state I’m in. I first visited London for only 12 hours around this same time years ago and that trip helped inspire the song.”

(22 Nov 2019) Joe Diffie Releases First-Ever, Limited Edition Vinyl LP 'Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie!'
 Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie! releases the first-ever vinyl LP of his storied 30-year career with a track list that includes 11 of his signature hits re-recorded, as well as new single "Pride & Joy," which features soulful vocalist Marc Broussard. Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie! is now available exclusively on JoeDiffie.com. A limited number of 500 vinyls have been pressed, each vinyl has been numbered and signed by Diffie. "Pride & Joy," originally recorded by Stevie Ray Vaughan, is available to stream and download wherever music is available.

(22 Nov 2019) Scotty McCreery Debuts "In Between (Acoustic)" Music Video with iHeartCountry
 Just in time to kick off the holidays, Triple Tigers recording artist Scotty McCreery offered his fans a surprise gift with the release of “In Between (Acoustic).” The music video for the acoustic track, directed by Jeff Ray, debuted exclusively on iHeartCountry station sites and iHeart.com at 9:00 AM (EST). The audio track for “In Between (Acoustic),” produced by McCreery’s bass player Nathan Thomas, is available now. Listen HERE. The song and video are the first of three acoustic tracks coming from the country crooner as a new digital EP entitled The Soundcheck Sessions. McCreery will also release an acoustic track in December and January to complete the EP, with iHeartCountry properties continuing to debut the accompanying music videos.  

(22 Nov 2019) The Asheville-based Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters have released CHRISTMAS ON A GREYHOUND BUS, an EP for the 2019 holidays that features the insightful and witty songwriting and storytelling the Americana group is known for. On this release from Organic RecordsPlatt includes 5 selections — originals and covers alike — that are pleasantly outside the norm for a holiday release, packaged in a quintessentially New Traditional Country Music style. Listen to Christmas On A Greyhound Bus HERE. See BLOG POST

(24 Nov 2019) 2019 Marks Record Year For Chris Young On The Road “Raised On Country World Tour 2019”
plays to over 400,000 fans in 3 countries Multi-platinum entertainer Chris Young celebrated a record year on the road as his “Raised On Country World Tour 2019,” sponsored by USAA, played to over 400,000 fans in 3 countries in 2019. The headlining tour, which started May 5 in the UK and wrapped over the weekend in Lexington, KY, covered 35 states across the U.S. as Chris welcomed special guests Chris Janson, Eli Young Band, Dylan Scott, LOCASH, Jimmie Allen and Matt Stell on various dates throughout the year. Since launching the North American leg in May, Chris has played to over 400,000 fans, with headlining shows in Charlotte, Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Phoenix, San Diego, Oklahoma City and more, including a career-topping 21,500 fans from Philadelphia’s BB&T Pavilion. Read More & Pictures at  Chris Young.com

(25 Nov 2019) GRAMMY Nominee Miranda Lambert Wraps "Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour
After gracing 25 cities with a rollicking night of country music featuring a side of sass, the rotating, all-female Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour came to an end on Saturday, Nov. 23, in Greensboro, N.C. – but not before Miranda Lambert and company treated fans to a final weekend of what the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel called “the most exciting country concert of the year.”
As 
Billboard proclaimed of the tour’s New Orleans stop, the all-star lineup – which included Lambert’s Pistol Annies bandmates on all dates along with a rotating cast of Maren MorrisElle KingAshley McBrydeTenille Townes and Caylee Hammack – created “a mecca for fans of country artists telling honest, rich stories via massive vocal performances and with a healthy dose of spunk.” The New Orleans Advocate also praised the show, noting that “all night [Lambert] alternated fierce and fragile, bad and broken. Her pure, expressive country twang was well-suited for both. So, too, her onstage attitude: strong, self-assured, unafraid to live out loud and take charge.”

INTERVIEWS
American Songwriter recently hopped on a call with Ryan Hurd to discuss his early songwriting influences, his 2012 publishing deal, how he’s grown as a songwriter and landing on Lady Antebellum’s new album, OceanRead more.

LISTEN
Episode #93: Temecula Road and The CMAs
Imogen Marshall runs down her thoughts about the CMA 2019 Awards before diving into a conversation with Temecula Road from Country Music Week, talking about their new musical direction and touring with Scotty McCreery. Subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes & Spotify



WATCH
(20 Nov 2019) Watch the official music video for Carrie Underwood's new single "Drinking Alone" now!  The official music video for “Drinking Alone” by Carrie Underwood. Directed by Randee St. Nicholas


(20 Nov 2019) Fresh off the “Most Added” list with her new single “Whatcha Drinkin ‘Bout,” rising star Stephanie Quayle is teaming up with iHeartCountry to World Premiere the music video for her new song. The clip, directed by Ford Fairchild debuted on Wednesday, November 20 on iHeartCountry Daily, reaching over 2M Country music fans, and on iHeartCountry radio station websites.
"Making the 'Whatcha Drinkin 'Bout' video was the most fun I’ve ever had on set," shares Quayle.  "We sprinkled all kinds of Easter eggs throughout it — nods to each song on the new EP and some Flock of Quayle shout outs! My husband even plays my on screen cowboy...(and off)! I love all the characters and I think we can all find ourselves in each of them.  We’re all drinkin' 'bout something!"
Additionally, Women Of iHeartCountry will spotlight Quayle during the weekend of November 23 – 24. The nationally-syndicated show, hosted by Amy Brown from The Bobby Bones Show, will air across more than 130 stations to promote Quayle’s new EP and music video. Quayle will also be featured during the show’s “Ask Anything Chat”, where the Montana native answers questions from fans coast-to-coast.

(21 Nov 2019) Bellamy Brothers are "Over the Moon" in  >> new video, which exclusively premiered on Billboard.com.
 The "sweet ballad of new love" (Billboard.com / Annie Reuter) is also the title track of their new album released earlier this year. "The brothers' stunning harmonies are at the forefront of the song" (Billboard.com / Annie Reuter) as the video features them singing and dancing with their real-life loves on their ranch in Darby, Florida. Shot by Derrek Kupish of dkupish productions, the video contains familiar faces from the brothers' hit reality series "Honky Tonk Ranch" which is currently filming the third season. 

(22 Nov 2019) Molly Tuttle: "Sleepwalking" Official Music Video
"'Sleepwalking' is one of the more personal songs on the album," says Tuttle. "I wrote it by myself, digging into the anxiety I have felt for many years about the effects of climate change and the ever-rising cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I grew up). I wanted to symbolically incorporate my experience as a woman with total hair loss (Alopecia Totalis) into the video for the song, because that part of who I am also informed the lyrics, in a subtler way. I lost my hair early on in life, and at times that experience has made me fear change and hold onto the past.

 


(22 Nov 2019) Taylor Swift - Lover Remix Feat. Shawn Mendes (Snow Globe Lyric Video

(21 Nov 2019) MARBL The First Day of the Rain Official Video Directed, filmed & edited by Tomer Levi YOUTUBE 



Alt/Pop artiste MARBL doesn’t only share a visual story shedding light to heartbreak and loss we can all relate to, in the spirit of Wes Anderson. MARBL also raises awareness of unprotected animals, calling us to take action.

(25 Nov 2019) Drew Haley releases long awaited music Video for "Wildflower" Featured on Apple Hot Tracks. Watch HERE



COUNTRY FASHION

(22 Nov 2019) It’s A Dream: Megan McKenna featured in Notion Magazine: The Heart Of Megan McKenna
Blazer HOUSE OF HOLLAND, SEEN USERS
Coat COLLINI MILAN
Dress & Blouse ROBERTA EINER
Earrings STYLIST'S OWN
Gloves JUICY COUTURE
Shoes CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, MISTRESS ROCKS
Shirt ROBERTA EINER, MISTRESS ROCKS
Shirt & Trousers NATASHA ZINKO
Shirt & Dress ROBERTA EINER
Suit HOUSE OF HOLLAND


(24 Nov 2019) Taylor Swift: Artist Of the Decade performance (Los Angeles, CA; Nov 24, 2019)
Taylor Swift’s all Joseph Cassell sequinned gold strappy ensemble (including the pink cape worn later during her piano set) were custom created by her stylist and go-to costume designer Jessica Jones. She added Nouvel Jewelry earrings + EF Collection/Dru Jewelry/Kat Kim rings and Marc Fisher boots – Source Taylor Swift Style




























COUNTRY GOSSIP
(21 Nov 2019) Sam Hunt Arrested for DUI
Hunt was pulled over at about 6:30 Thursday morning. Get the details: Read More: Sam Hunt Arrested for DUI In Nashville | https://tasteofcountry.com/sam-hunt-dui/?utm_
Sam Hunt was arrested on Thursday morning (Nov. 21) on charges of driving under the influence and having an open container.
The country singer was pulled over after police responded to a report that a vehicle was going the wrong way in East Nashville. Nashville's WKRN-TV reports that an officer on the scene said Hunt smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and tried to give his credit card when pressed for a driver's license.
An arrest warrant also shares that his blood alcohol level was .173. The legal limit in Tennessee is .08.
Hunt was booked at Metro jail at about 6:30AM, the television station reports. Hunt was allegedly driving south in the northbound lanes of Ellington Parkway near Ben Allen Road and swerving in and out of his lane. Two empty beers were next to him and the "Kinfolks" singer admitted to drinking alcohol "recently" (per court documents obtained by WKRN).
Less than three hours later, the 34-year-old was released on a $2,500 bond. He'll appear in court on Jan. 17, 2020.

(24 Nov 2019) Taylor Swift fuels feud with Big Machine bosses during American Music Awards performance
Taylor Swift made a real fashion statement at the American Music Awards on Sunday night when she sent a message to bosses of her former record label during her performance.
The singer recently accused Scott Borchetta, as well as Scooter Braun, who acquired her former label Big Machine over the summer, of blocking her from performing her old hits at the AMAs, but Braun has always maintained there was never a problem.
Making a point as she kicked off her Artist of the Decade tribute, Swift wore a shirt featuring the titles of her past albums - Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation - the ones she recorded as a Big Machine artist.
While singing The Man, a song that imagines how the media would treat her if she were a man, Taylor was joined onstage at the Microsoft Theater by kids who also wore the same shirt.

BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead
Nov 25: Eddie Stubbs (Johnson Mountain Boys) (1961), Erin Hay (1970), Amy Grant (1960) 
Nov 26: Joe Nichols (1976), Linda Davis (1962), Mike Gossin (Gloriana),
Nov 27: the late Eddie Rabbitt (1941; died May 7, 1998 (aged 56), Jeannine Barry (UK), Kate Anderton (mother Lucy Angel)
Nov 28: Kristine Oliver (Sweethearts Of The Rodeo) (1956), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town) (1967), Randy Newman (1943) 
Nov 29: the late Merle Travis (1917; died Oct 20, 1983 (aged 65), Hannah Mulholland (Runaway June, 1990) 
Nov 30: Frank Ifield (1937), Mindy McCready (1975; died Feb 17, 2013 (aged 37)), the late Teddy Wilburn (1931; Wilburn Brothers; died Nov 24, 2003))
Dec 1: Kim Richey (1956), Travis Denning (1992)

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