Wednesday 11 June 2014

Country Bites News snippets May 26 - June 1, 2014

Country Bites News snippets May 26 – June 1, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News
Dolly Parton with “Home” remained on the BBC Radio 2 "A" playlist for the week commencing Saturday 24th May 2014. Miranda Lambert with "Automatic" stayed on the "B" playlist. The Common Linnets the #2 Eurovision song “Calm After the Storm” are new on the “B” Playlist as The Shires with “Nashville Grey Skies” leave.

"Played some gorgeous music this morning, lovely" Sara Cox - 27/05/2014
The Shires BBC Radio 2 Wallpaper - CLICK to ENLARGE
"Hey, That's The Shires country duettists and they're from the UK, rather like Ward Thomas setting the country scene alight, we'll be deighted to see them next Sunday along with brilliant Irish Songer-writer Brian Kennedy"  Weekend Wogan - 01/06/2014 
A message from The Shires! Ben & Crissie give you a >> little update on what they're up to! Watch a new live video for "I Just Wanna Love You

X Factor and C2C2014 Pop Up stage artist Carolynne Poole has been added to the line up for our Fort San Antone Festival! Tickets available from We Got Tickets.com



Jess Roberts the 21 Year old singer-songwriter from Lytham St Annes has some sweet songs, all original songs, on her new 4 track EP titled THERE'S AN OLD SAYING which was released on 24th May 2014. Its available digitally on Amazon UK, UK iTunes
Listen to her music on Soundcloud, Spotify Jess Roberts – There's An Old Saying and Listen and Buy the EP in Digital or Physical Format via her Bandcamp Page

4000 Miles To Nashville EP Review: Jess Roberts – There’s An Old Saying….What I heard was a an achingly soulful voice, signing a beautifully penned song that managed to sound new and fresh, but with a strong traditional country influence at the same time. You won’t believe that Jess is from Lancashire. and if the aforementioned Nashville needs another English actor then look no further – she’s your girl.....It’s worth noting at this point that the guitar playing from Dan Gordon and Luke Thomas, Martyn Roper on Double Bass and Matthew Cleghorn on mandolin compliments Jess’ singing perfectly, and I love that the EP is recorded in live acoustic style, which is my personal favourite.....In case you wondered, the guy on the front cover of the EP is Jess’ Dad, and the title There’s An Old Saying, it’s the first line from the fourth song on the EP, What you Never Had.
Watch Jess Roberts & Hannah Jane Lewis performing >> “Life That's Good” from the TV show Nashville by Lennon and Maisy Stella in the store room at HMV Blackpool.

Lynne Butler writes: Here's a new band on the scene and they are looking for backers for their Kickstarter project. The band are: Richard Collins, phil capaldi, mike Nichols and pete brown. 41 backers have so far pledged £3,007 of a £8,900 goal with 20 days left to go.

Hank Wangford - Spoken Word Session (Duration: 28:46): UK country singer Hank Wangford joins BBC Radio 2’s Janice Long and performs the Spoken Word Session - BBC Page.

UKCountryRadio.com: are now counting up the votes for nominations for listeners favourite UK Country Artist and Listeners' Club Song of the Year Awards. They will be a special programme at 12noon on Sunday 8th June, when Charlie Brown will announce the finalists. There will be ten finalists for the UK Country Artist of the Year Award. These will go forward to a vote among UKCountryRadio.com's presenters and long-time subscribers.
The Hicksville Band are currently preparing to record their second album, and were shown on the Smith & Rogers Country Show on Sky Channel 192 or Freesat 402 on Thursday 5th June.
UKCountryRadio.com's Spotlight UK Artists that will be featuring each month during June. June 6-8: Pete Boddis; June 13-15: The Redhillbillies; June 20-22: Cherry Lee Mewis and June 27-29: Jet Taylor.
Red Dirt Skinners play UKCountryRadio.com's Live Music Nights at Ambience Cafe Bistro, Gillygate in York on Saturday 28th June and at Kenny's Fish & Chip Restaurant, Conisbrough, Doncaster on Sunday 29th June.
Read more in UKCountryRadio.com 's Listeners' Club Newsletter for June. 

Another Country with Ricky Ross, Radio Scotland (Sunday 27 July, 8pm): BBC at the Quay presents Steve Earle - a solo performance from one of Americana's leading singer-songwriters along with Irish musician Sharon Shannon and her big band and Scotland's very own Roddy Hart. This programme will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Wales and Radio Ulster. To make the distribution of tickets as fair as possible they are operating a random draw for tickets. You can register for tickets at any time until Monday 16 June at 4pm > BBC Page Details

Joining Lee Williams (CEO CMR Nashville) at thr CMA Fest CMR Nashville will be Sam Hollyman who will be appearing on various shows CMR Nashville are staging. Lee will also be interviewing 20 plus artists for future programmes. The venues are:
Thursday 5 June (Bridgestone Arena Glass Tower 12 – 1), Pete Kennedy/Sam Hollyman/
Friday 6 June - Manuel's 1-6 - Nine acts inc. Pete Kennedy/ Sam Hollyman/Allan Craig Miller/Sonia Leigh/Shantell Ogden/Justine Blazer/Connie KisAnderson/Erica Sunshine Lee etc
Saturday 7 June - Bridgestone Arena Glass Tower. 2-3 pm American Young/Shantell Ogden/Pete Kennedy/Sam Hollyman
Sunday 8 June - CMA Walk Of Fame Stage 10.45 am. Sam Hollyman and The Shantell Ogden Band – See Flyer
Sam was slated to be signing autograph's at the World Famous Tootsie's booth on Friday 6 June at 10-12 in the Music City Center Fan Fair hall.
CMR Nashville are proud to be nominated by the ICMA (Independent Country Music- Association) as Best Indie Favourite Country Music Radio Station in the world, and only station from outside the USA. Check out all the nominees in all categories, and see many of the artists CMR Nashville (deemed Europe's #1 Country Music Radio Station) plays. The 2014 Official ICoMA Award Nominees at icmanet.com

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending June 7, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) rebounded 68-32 in its 9th week with sales around 3,000 copies and an estimated new tally of 53,600. In Canada it has sold 23,272 copies.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending June 7, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) stays at No.1 for a nineth week.
Rosanne Cash with THE RIVER & THE THREAD (Deeca) jumped back up 6-2, bolstered by an interview on BBC Radio 2.
The Secret Sisters returned to the chart with PUT YOUR NEEDLE DOWN (Republic Records) as the album got its first UK digital release this chart week.
Rascal Flatts with REWIND (Big Machine) recoiled 2-4 in their second week. In her second week. In her second week 
Cassadee Pope with FRAME BY FRAME (Decca) slumped 3-18 in her second week on the chart. As the album price rocketed to £15 on Amazon for the CD and £9 for the digital release its Amazon UK Rank fell to #3,045 in MP3 Albums and #13-52 on UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Albums.
Brantley Gilbert with JUST AS I AM (Big Machine) made a bow at No.6 
Dolly Parton with her new set BLUE SMOKE (Masterworks) fell 7-14 on her third week

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Songs
Long-time favourite Dolly Parton’s retro song “Jolene” amazingly still continues to top chart joined by “Islands In the Stream” at #5 and her latest BBC Radio 2 “A” playlisted single “Home” at no.6
 Taylor Swift who no longer figures on any Billboard chart after RED left the Billboard Top 200 and falls short of Top 50 Catalog albums still finds favour in the UK, with  “I Knew You Were Trouble” at No.3 and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at No.7. Lady Antebellum’s juggernaut Grammy winning “Need You Now” fails to go away at No.4. The top 30 is dominated by nine digital tracks sprinkling the chart from the More4 “Nashville” ABC TV show album The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Vol. 2 (Deluxe) which was release May 23, 2014 on UK iTunes
2. Hayden Panettiere  “Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet”
8. Nashville Cast “Black Roses” (feat. Clare Bowen) [Full Band Version]
10. Charles Esten & Lennon & Maisy “Believing”
11. Sam Palladio, Chaley Rose & Jonathan Jackson “I Ain't Leaving Without Your Love”
16. Connie Britton & Hayden Panettiere “He Ain't Gonna Change” (B. Miller Version)
21. Chaley Rose “Carry You Home”
26. Lennon & Maisy “A Life That’s Good“
27. Hayden Panettiere - Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet (Orchestral Version) 
29. Hayden Panettiere & Jonathan Jackson  “Everything I'll Ever Need”

On the Hotdisc Chart (June 1, 2014 Chart)  

David Frizzell & Shelly West with the re-issued "You're The Reason God Made Oklahoma" (Collins/ Pinkard) held at No.1 on for a fourth week. Whilst Frizzell's "Where Are You Spending Your Nights These Days" moved 10-7 with a three place climb.
Bertie Higgins with his countrified "Key Largo" held at No.2. Allan Craig Miller with "Cornfields" climbed 1 place, 4-3.
Leah Seawright’sCountry Girl 101” made further progress with a 8-5 hop.

Gary Curtis with his April Hotdisc #184 single "Crazy Love” (penned by Anthony Smith, Jeff Ross and Nicole Witt) slipped back 2 rungs 6-8 and held at the top on the British and Irish Hotdisc chart for its second week at the summit ahead of The Hayley Oliver Band’sBright Side Of Life (7-10 Top 40; #2 British). Other UK representation saw Tony Clark’s self penned “You & Me” advanced 17-14 on the Top 40 and 4-3 British. Sam Hollyman with “One Minute More” was a non-mover at No.19 on the Top 40 and No.5 British. Sam who “hit the ground running” is in Nashville this week for the CMA Festival. He already has a #1 under his belt in 2014 with the single "Where I Wanna Be" on the British & Irish Hotdisc Chart. His manager and CMR Nashville CEO Lee Williams states “Exciting times lay ahead for this extremely talented young lad from Staffordshire with whispers professionals in Nashville are keepi ng a very close eye on the developments of Sam with talks of performances”. Back on April 7th Sam travelled to Ireland for a Radio tour to introduce himself to the Irish public and promote his then new Hotdisc single.

Nashville-based artist Shantell Ogden also being promoted in Europe by Lee Williams (CMR Nashville/Django Promotions) saw her single “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” nudge up on slot 24-23 from her new album BETTER AT GOODBYE.  Maverick Magazine in the UK called “Love Shouldn’t Hurt” a “three-minute harmony-led heartbreaker” in their 5 star review of the album.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES


(15 April 2014) Red Molly - The Red Album (Self release)
13 Tracks/ Time: 41:52 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(12 May 2014) Nashville Cast - Clare Bowen As Scarlett O'Connor, Season 1 (UMG)
(12 May 2014) Nashville Cast - Clare Bowen As Scarlett O'Connor, Season 2 (Decca)
9 Tracks / Time: 31:41 MP3 - UK iTunes 
(12 May 2014) Nashville Cast - Hayden Panettiere As Juliette Barnes, Season 1 (UMG)
16 Tracks/ Time: 55:43 MP3 - UK iTunes 
 (12 May 2014) Nashville Cast -  Hayden Panettiere As Juliette Barnes, Season 2 (Decca)
9 Tracks/ Time: 28:41


(20 May 2014) Bronwynne Brent -Stardust (self release)
 Contemporary Folk, Music, Singer/Songwriter, Alternative Folk
12 Tracks/ Time: 41:42 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - CD BABY - Amazon.com
(26 May 2014) Brantley Gilbert - Just As I Am (Decca (UMO)/ Valory Music)
11 Tracks/ Time: 45:01 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes Smart Choice Music (Deluxe Edition) - Amazon.com

(26 May 2014) Ilse Delange - After The Hurricane Greatest Hits & More (IMPORT) CD 
(27 May 2014) Jamie O'Neal - Eternal (Shanachie)
11 Tracks/ Time: 41:21 CD (June 9) - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 
(27 May 2014) BettySoo - When We're Gone (12 Tracks) Bandcamp.com

(27 May 2014) Zoe Muth - World Of Strangers (Signature Sounds)
10 Tracks / Time: 43:20 CD (June 9) - MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com -
(27 May 2014) Joey and Rory - Country Classics: A Tapestry of Our Musical Heritage [US Exclusive] Smart Choice Music 

(27 May 2014) Jamie Lynn Spears - The Journey (Sweet Jamie Music)
5 Tracks: Time: 17:27 MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 
(31 May 2014) Special Consensus & Friends - Country Boy: a Bluegrass Tribute to John Denver 10 Tracks / Time: 41:53 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Amazon.com 

(2 June 2014) Miranda Lambert - Platinum (RCA/ Sony Music Entertainment)
16 Tracks/ Time: 58:15 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com

(2 Jun 2014) Bonnie Raitt & Lowell George - Ultrasonic Studios 1972 (Iconography)
16 Tracks/ Time: 1:17:29 CD - MP3
(2 June 2014) Pete Molinari - Theosophy (Cherry Red Records) CD - UK iTunes
(3 June 2014) Megan & Liz - Simple Life - EP (Hidden Cow, Inc.)
7 Tracks/ Time: 25:27 UK iTunes - Amazon.com  

AUSSIE NEWS
Toyota Star Maker Jared Porter will appear at the CMA World GlobaLive! Concert a gateway concert to the 42nd CMA Festival which runs from June 5 to 8. The concert will be held on an outdoor stage on Broadway and First Avenue in downtown Nashville and the concert, which is open to the public, will feature performances by country artists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, and the UK. Jared’s first single "Deep End", is the first release from his upcoming album East To West (due out July 4 – UK iTunes) and was produced by Brisbane-based Andrew Cochrane [Kaylee Bell and Kaylens Rain].

US country-rocker Gary Allan will be headlining the CMC Rocks North Queensland 2014 festival which is returning to Reid Park, Townsville, on Saturday 27 September. International artists The Mavericks (USA) and Blackjack Billy (USA) will be joining him, along with national favourites, Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Morgan Evans, The Sunny Cowgirls, Amber Lawrence and young local performer, Karrie Hayward - Graphic - Tickets www.cmcrocks.com

Finalists in the 2014 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards were announced:
In Country Work of the Year, the finalists are:
"Be With You Tonight", written by Tim Nichols, Jay & Mark O'Shea, recorded by O'Shea...
"Flying With The King" written by Colin Buchanan, Lee Kernaghan & Garth Porter, recorded by Lee.
"The Girl, The Bottle, The Memory", written by Nicholas Wolfe, recorded by The Wolfe Brothers.
"I Learned The Hard Way", written and recorded by Chelsea Basham.
"Thank You Angels", written by Jay & Mark O'Shea & Matt Scullion.

"Loose Change" is the second single to be lifted from Brisbane, Queensland native Livi Robins' self titled EP (released Jan 14, 2013; UK iTunes). Livi wrote the song with Mike Carr (Waiting On A Bus – Kaylens Rain, Little Bit Small Town – Kaylee Bell) and Vaughan Jones (This Town Is Me - Troy Cassar-Daley, She's So You - Luke Austen) while she was recording her EP in June last year at Hillbilly Hut on the NSW Central Coast. Livi Robins was raised in South East Queensland on a diverse diet of Steve Winwood, Paul Simon and Dolly Parton. Livi says, “From before I knew I could sing, I would imagine what it was like to
sing on a big stage. Livi scored a spot on X-Factor in 2010. In the >> video Lee Hanly (Makeup) and Silver Goddess provided "Unique, soulful, handmade jewellery designs"
CONNECT with Livi:
 photo Homepage_zpsed80f180.png photo facebook_zpsc6fe26ab.png photo twitter_zps621beec6.png

CANADIAN NEWS
Tim Hicks will be releasing his brand new album 5:01 on August 5th! Pre-order for 5:01 will be available on iTunes Canada starting on July 8th.

Terri Clark's new album, SOME SONGS  (Fan funded Pledge Music project) will be released September 2 featuring five tracks co-written by Terri herself. The album was produced by the renowned Michael Knox (Jason Aldean). Five of the 10 tracks were co-written by Clark and Brandy Clark (The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert) has songwriting credits on two tracks. 
The >> lead off single released May 27, 2014 is available on Amazon UK &  UK iTunes +

NEWS

Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News - May 27, 2014 - May 30, 2014 - June 3, 2014

Angaleena Presley (best known for being "HOLLER ANNIE" in the group Pistol Annies) has signed with Slate Creek Records; she’ll release a solo album in the Autumn. “Part of what I loved about Garth Fundis and Jim Burnett at Slate Creek is that they understood where I wanted to go creatively," she said. "Producing this album was important to me because of its content - I’ve lived every word of it and knew exactly how I wanted it to sound.”

Jennifer Nettles was deeply inspired by poet laureate Maya Angelou, who passed away Wednesday (May 28th). She >> spoke to syndicated radio personality Blair Garner, host of NASH-FM's America's Morning Show.

John Jennings, long time producer, writer, producer & band member with Mary Chapin Carpenter is battling metastatic kidney cancer. (Indiegogo.com Campaign)

NRA country Artist of the Month pending? Scotty McCreery and his tourmates are definitely prepared in case they encounter troublemakers. The singer posted a photo to Twitter showing guns of every size and style, laid out in front of his tour bus. After a home invasion earlier this month, McCreery is letting everyone know he’s prepared. It seems fans and McCreery’s followers think the gun joke was pretty fun — he’s keeping his sense of humor following a pretty scary situation. The tweet with the photo was favorited over 3,200 times and retweeted almost 1,000

Little Big Town (Capitol Nashville) will return as hosts of CMA annual "CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock" television
special, which will air on ABC-TV Tuesday, August 5th.

Texas Country chanteuse Misty Rae Carson will wrap up the 2014 CMA Music Festival with a live concert on The Buckle Stage
in downtown Nashville on Sunday, June 8. On the heels of Carson’s June 2 debut single release, her performance will begin at 10:30 a.m. and feature songs from her debut EP “Mystery,” from which her debut single, “Woke Up One Day,” earned the #3 Top 5 most downloaded and streamed songs  with the digital distributor in its first week.

Duo Maddie and Tae (18-year-olds Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye) are the first signing to BMLG’s Dot Records MusicRow has confirmed. Marlow is from Sugar Land, Texas and Dye is from Ada, Oklahoma, which is also the hometown of Country superstar Blake Shelton.

Travis Tritt Claimed Disrespect by Brantley Gilbert: Travis Tritt is a Georgia boy with a hall of fame career – more than 40 country hits and a couple of Grammys dot his resume. Brantley Gilbert is a Georgia boy with a career on the upswing – his new album, “Just As I Am,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart last week with an impressive 200,000-plus copies sold and he’s charted three No.1 hits the past couple of years. On Saturday night (May 31st), Valory Music Group artist Gilbert headlined the Blue Ridge Music Festival in Salem, Virginia, with Thomas Rhett, ABC Nashville actress and singer Clare Bowen, and Travis Tritt opening for him. But Tritt, a Marietta native, took issue with the setup at the Blue Ridge Music Festival in Salem, Virginia, where he opened for Gilbert Saturday night, and seemed to imply a lack of respect between the new country generation and their elders. In a series of tweets that started late Saturday, Tritt said, “Even though @BrantleyGilbert only gave us 8 feet of stage, we had a great time performing for everyone @BlueRidgeFest tonight. Great crowd!” ...Read the rest of tweets
Comments at Saving Country Music



Brad Paisley Taunts Westboro Baptist Protestors: Country star takes selfie with picketers outside Kansas show....Paisley doesn't drink. Which makes it pretty ironic that protestors from the controversial Westboro Baptist Church picketed the country star's show in Bonnor Springs, Kansas, on Sunday, holding signs denouncing drunks...Read more

#CMAfest Week is Here! Press Release
CMA Close Up Stage (Schedule) - CMA World
Bud Light Stage (Schedule) - CMA World
Big Machine Records full #CMAFest #FanFairX booth schedule - Twitter Post
Discounted tickets to #GreatAmericanBreakfast during #CMAfest - CMA World
AT&T U-VERSE® Fan Fair X - CMA World
AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X - CMA World
Rollingstone Country: 30 Must-See Acts at CMA Music Fest 2014 -  
500+ artists, 11 stages - Live stream CMA World

Alabama announced via Twitter (@TheAlabamaBand) their triumphant return after 19 years to kick off the sold-out Nightly Concerts at LP Field Thursday, June 5 during 2014 CMA Music Festival in Nashville. Celebrating their 40th anniversary as a group, it has been 19 years since they performed at Fan Fair, now CMA Music Festival. The last performance of the band was in 1995 when the event was held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. The Country Music Hall of Fame members are the most awarded band in Country Music history with 230 accolades to their credit, along with 43 No. 1 hits, and 74 million records sold.
“We are excited and looking forward to performing as a group for the first time in 19 years at LP Field for CMA Music Festival,” stated Alabama’s Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, and Randy Owen. “It has always been about the fans with us, and we realized that the best way to celebrate and share our 40th anniversary was to do what we do best – play live music for the fans that we love at the biggest Country Music festival in the world.”

BABY NEWS

Juliette Barnes Is Pregnant!
How are the Nashillve TV script writers going to deal with this for Season 3?  A one-night-stand quickie with Jeff Fordham as she returns to her Edgehill Records home. Could it be Avery Barkley’s whilst they made beautiful music together? Will The Wentworth’s be back on the scene for three-some romp as Juliette reveals she'd secretly fallen back in love with Charlie?
In the REAL World Hayden Panettiere is headed to mommyhood! Hayden is pregnant and expecting her first child with "Dr. Steelhammer", her fiance Wladimir Klitschko (WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, IBO and The Ring world boxing champ), a source revealed exclusively in the new issue of Us Weekly. "Hayden is totally pregnant!" the insider told Us of the Nashville star, 24 (Hayden Panettiere; birthday: August 21, 1989; Hometown: Palisades, NY) who has been engaged to Klitschko, 38, for a year.
On and off since meeting at a book party in 2009, the Heroes alum and her 6-foot-6 boxer beau dated for two years before splitting in 2011. By the spring of  2013, however, they were back together and ready to spend the rest of their lives with each other.
Speaking about her future with Klitschko in an interview with the May 2013 issue of Glamour just a few weeks after Us broke the news of their engagement, the petite blonde actress expressed her desire to start a family.
"I've lived a very big life, and I don't feel my age, and I feel like I was born to be a mother," she said. Motherhood is the most beautiful, exciting thing, and there's nothing that I feel like I can't accomplish while having children in my life."
She even joked about what her kids with Klitschko might look like. "He's got bowlegs and I've got knocked knees, so they're going to have straight legs," Panettiere quipped during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in November 2013. "And they'll be normal height."
The actress announced her engagement to the professional boxer back in October 2013 then coordinating between her family in the U.S. and her fiancé Wladimir Klitschko's brood in the Ukraine, the current fighting in the Eastern European nation put all of her plans on the back burner. On 6 December 2013 Klitschko and Hayden visited the Euromaidan-protests in Kiev >> Video. His brother Vitali is one of the leading figures of these protests. "Everything that’s happening in Ukraine definitely put a hold on things. But we have time," the Nashville star, 24, told Parade Magazine on April 26. In the meantime, she said she "didn't mind getting frisky with her fiancé". She could hadly fight off  Wlad advances!! Read more/ Photos at Daily Mail

MUSIC NEWS
Reports have been circulating for months that Amazon is prepping the launch of a music streaming service. BuzzFeed reports that the service will be available to Amazon Prime subscribers and will only offer music that is at least six months old. It could debut this summer and work across multiple devices. Back in March, Billboard reported that the company had presented labels with an “insanely” low offer for licensing music.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
Little Big Town are giving fans a taste of what's to come from their sixth studio album. The group will be releasing "Day Drinking," , to radio June 3rd, the lead single from the highly anticipated project. Just in time for them to perform it on the 2014 CMT Music Awards on June 4, “Day Drinking,” written by Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Phillip Sweet and co-writers Barry Dean and Troy Verges, was produced by Jay Joyce and features Fairchild on lead vocals.

Jana Kramer new single “Love” (Single Review) (Elektra Nashville/W.A.R) has been released May 27, 2014 on UK iTunes
This is VERY strong single, if this doesn't strike radio's fancy, nothing from solo female artists not named Carrie or Miranda (and sometimes Taylor) will! If this song isn’t one of 2014’s biggest hits by this Fall, programmers everywhere will be at fault. The time is ripe for Jana Kramer to ascend to the next tier of stardom and “Love” should be the song to help get her there.
>> Listen in FULL at warnermusicnashville

Taylor Swift has raised the expectations for her next album quite a bit. She recently >> met with reporters in Shanghai, China, during her ongoing Asian leg of her RED tour, and addressed the project. Taylor noted that with her RED tour soon coming to an end, she can focus more on the album. She added, “I’ve already been working very hard on it and it’s already my favorite thing that I’ve ever created.” Chances are strong that she’ll continue to write songs that draw from her personal experiences -- something she said she’s done since she was a pre-teen. She has a good reason for doing so. She >> told reporters, “I think I really just love the unity that it brings me and the audience because chances are they’ve felt exactly the same way I felt when I wrote the song and I think it kind of reminds everyone -- and it reminds me -- that the human experience isn’t so lonely. It doesn’t have to be so lonely.”
RED is now 2x Platinum in China and has spent 85 weeks in the top 10 of the album chart (physicals only)

Kenny Chesney has spent the past six months working hard on his upcoming album for Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville label. >> "American Kids" (Trailer) is the set to be the lead single and will be released June 20, 2014 to radio and June 23, 2014 to retail.
Florida Georgia Line teased a lyric from their upcoming sophomore album via Twitter on Friday May 31st. It reads, "You ain't gotta say it girl I know what you like…we do it #everynight." The tweet also included the hashtag, "#awwwwebouttochangeitupagain."

Pam Tillis told the The Tenessean she also plans to sing a few songs that haven’t been recorded — which she plans to fix soon. Tillis said she is gearing up to head back into the studio in addition to playing a slew of summer shows. All of that work means she won’t have time for her favorite summer hobby: gardening. She said she plans to plant some cover crops and try again in the fall. “You can say in your article that Pam Tillis likes to talk dirty,” she said!

PRESS RELEASES
Steve Gulley is back to his roots with his new single and album FAMILY, FRIENDS & FELLOWSHIP on Rural Rhythm Records.
Steve’s first single from the album certainly accomplishes his goal with the uplifting gospel standard “Victory In Jesus” which has a fresh feel with those Steve Gulley signature vocals and performed by an All-Star Bluegrass cast including Tim Stafford (Guitar), Adam Steffey (Mandolin), Ron Stewart (Banjo & Fiddle), Mark Fain (Bass) with harmony vocals by Bryan Turner. Produced by Steve Gulley and recorded at the Curve Recording Studios in Cumberland Gap Tennessee, FAMILY, FRIENDS & FELLOWSHIP contains 14 songs with a wide range of songwriters including many Steve Gulley original songs along with songs written by contemporary songwriters and standards.

Country stars and outdoor enthusiasts Love and Theft and Josh Thompson were due to kick off their CMA Music Fest week performing at NRA Country’s 2nd annual Fan Club Party on Thursday, June 5th, taking place at Margaritaville in downtown Nashville (322 Broadway). Dubbed “Kegs and Eggs,” fans attending the NRA Country Connected Fan Club Party were to be treated to breakfast, followed by riveting acoustic performances from musical guests Love And Theft and Josh Thompson and a special surprise guest, plus a personal artist meet and greet. About NRA Country: Respect. Honor. Freedom. It's a lifestyle and a bond between the best and brightest in country music and hard-working Americans. Note: The National Rifle Association (NRA) is a formidable opponent, however, when it comes to grass-roots organizing. It has more than 4 million members who feel passionately about gun rights. Nearly 90 percent of NRA members oppose the banning semi-automatic weapons

Charlie Daniels talks about each song from his latest album, OFF THE GRID during the exclusive video track by track available at charliedaniels.com or on >> YouTube

Joshua Scott Jones solo debut album, THE HEALING, releases on Tuesday, June 3rd, but eager fans can get an early listen as Country Weekly offers up an 'Exclusive First Listen,' available here The album takes fans on a musical journey which exposes Jones' past including the break-up from duo, Steel Magnolia to his personal struggle with addiction as well as the struggles and recovery in rehab.

George Strait’s final tour stop at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas as the June 7 date approaches, but those attending the star-studded show will want to pack lightly for the event. Due to stadium security policies aimed at enhancing public safety, AT&T Stadium limits the size and style of bags allowed inside the 100,000-seat capacity venue.

As the smoke continues to rise, Dolly Parton’s latest music video for her forthcoming single, "Home" premiered exclusively on VEVO Wednesday, May 28th.  View the video >> online here

Kenny Chesney joins Stones, Springsteen, U2 and more in Top Ten Live Acts from 1990-2014.

Missy Robertson of A&E’s Duck Dynasty hit reality TV show releases the summer collection of her fashion line Missy Robertson by Southern Fashion House after a successful launch of the line’s spring collection. (Via Press Release ) More information
on the line can be found on the new website shopmissyrobertson
Sounds Like Nashville: New from Nashville & our first showcase and new music releases
Larry's Country Diner June Lineup Something to Smile About: June 7 (Mark Wills), June 14 (Dan Miller), June 21 (Mickey Gilley and Paul Harris) June 28  (Carolyn Martin)

“New York City Country Girl,” Ali Isabella returns to Nashville for CMA Music "New York’s country music phenom", Ali Isabella will be returning to Nashville for a number of high profile performances during Music City’s very busy CMA Music Festival week. This talented singer/songwriter is only 18, but has already achieved many major career milestones. She has opened for Reba McEntire and LoneStar at the world famous Wembley Arena, London, England in March 2012.

Irene Kelley: May flowers & many more things growing… (Newsletter)

Lucy Hale’s highly anticipated album, ROAD BETWEEN, is available for fans from June 3rd. Catch Lucy on “Ram Country on Yahoo! Music as she performs three songs from Road Between starting June 4.

Hall of Fame member Jean Shepard releases Long-Awaited Autobiography for CMA Music Fest: "Down Through the Years" Provides First-Hand Account of Grand Ole Opry Matriarch's Over-60-year Career.

ARTICLES
Archive NY Times: Nashville: Sound: Country Music In Decline by Robert Palmer, Special to the New York Times (Published: September 17, 1985)  ….. Nashville's country music stars are really wailing the blues these days. Audiences are dwindling, sales of country records are plummeting and the fabled Nashville Sound, which defined country music for decades and made this comfortable, tree-shaded Tennessee city one of the world's leading recording centers, may soon sound as dated as the ukulele.....
Billboard: Miranda Lambert Talks 'Platinum' Song-By-Song: Exclusive Interview

REVIEWS
For The Country Record: Brantley Gilbert (feat. Justin Moore & Thomas Rhett) ‘Small Town Throwdown’ (Single Review) ...With something so polarizing and something so samey, it dominates the market than saturates the market, and quickly burns out. That’s not to mention the way one-trick-pony (or just cashing in on a good thing) songwriters are struggling to come up with even slightly different angles and titles. I mean, ‘Small Town Throwdown’? Really? When did you ever witness anything in a small town that is equivalent to a “throwdown”?......it’ll probably appeal outside of the straight bro-country demographic, and there’s the stragglers from deceased rock radio who will lap this up like little punk ass kitties. Get ready to become fully acquainted with the bro kingdom.
For The Country Record Miranda Lambert ‘Platinum’ – Album Review
For The Country Record: Maggie Rose ‘Looking Back Now’ (Single Review) >> Official Video
UK Countrymusic.net  (Rating: 8/10) Dolly Parton “Blue Smoke – The Best Of” Album Review

INTERVIEWS
For The Country Record Exclusive: Country newcomer Abigail Rose thinks the tides might soon turn in favor of women on country radio. Her debut EP, See Me Now, was released late last year and her (hilarious) bro-country parody of Lorde’s “Royals” has been building buzz on YouTube......Listening to the maturity and strong narrative voice displayed in her songwriting, you’d probably think she’s got at least a few more years on her than she actually does. But the May 28th announcement of her publishing and production deal came just a day before Abigail’s 18th birthday…..

MAGAZINES
IB International Bluegrass Vol.29 No5 May 2014

CLICK to ENLARGE


















A hard-rocking rebel and a platinum pistol: Eric Church and Miranda Lambert star on the cover of our their Country Issue, celebrating the launch of RollingStoneCountry.com. 
A new website fully dedicated to the genre — with a special Country Issue (on stands Friday)

Miranda Lambert's Musical Response to Tabloid 'Crap' "Platinum" standout "Priscilla" draws parallel between her and the former Mrs. Presley read on Rollingstone.com


Rolling Stone Goes Country...a new website dedicated to the genre – they're celebrating in a special issue......(Editors Note) It's a perfect time for it: Now more than ever, music is all mixed up again. Listen to country radio today, and you'll hear heavy-metal guitar solos, hip-hop rhythms and EDM flourishes alongside pedal steel and twang: Country now encompasses all of American pop, decked out in cowboy boots and filtered through Music Row. Listen to pop radio, in turn, and you might hear Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum or Florida Georgia Line....Read more: Rollingstone.com

Rollingstone: 10 New Artists You Need To Know…Meet the most buzzworthy new acts in country and Americana
Road Test: Western Kentucky 26 year old native Kelsey Waldon (photo) ("A razor-sharp lyricist and a singular singer). “We’re big fans of her old-school southern style done with modern hand, that is as equally informed by Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark as it is by the classic ladies of country.”
Sounds Like: Tammy Wynette on a trip to Whiskeytown, as unafraid of heavy twang and spitfire pedal steel as coffeehouse confessionals. For Fans Of: Loretta Lynn, John Prine, Caitlin Rose.
All songs featuring Jeremy Fetzer (Electric Guitar & Acoustic Guitar), Brett Resnick (Pedal Steel Guitar), Daniel Parks (Acoustic Guitar), Christian Sedelmyer (fiddle), Skylar Wilson (Piano & Keys), Scotty Murray (Baritone Guitar), Michael Rinne (Upright, Electric Bass & Baritone Guitar), Josh Hunt (Drums and Percussion). Additional vocals by Anderson East, Erin Rae McKaskle, and Margo Price.
Kelsey
Why You Should Pay Attention: Waldon came to Nashville from Monkey's Eyebrow, Kentucky – a town that can count its residents on fingers and toes – to attend Belmont University, with a backpack full of Guy Clark records and denim to match. But the swiftest education came on the stages of local dive bars, where she found that people listened best when she sang honestly about the realities of her dirt-road upbringing. On her debut LP, The Goldmine, Waldon makes music like someone raised on both "White Lightnin'" and Wilco, tackling troubled pasts, cheatin' hearts and what happens when we don't all worship the same
American dreams. "My daddy's gone to rehab/I'm just trying not to do the same," she sings before a rollercoaster Telecaster riff.
Read more : Rollingstone.com

Watch Kelsey Waldon performing >> "One Time Again" and "Town Clown" at Music City Roots live from the Loveless Cafe on May 28, 2014.
Billboard Feature - Kelsey Waldon says that while her style of country offers a more traditional slant, she can certainly identify with many of the lyrics on the radio these days. She just chooses to go a different route. "I definitely know about those things," she admits. "I grew up on a dirt road, and can remember when it was paved, actually. I don’t feel I have to say it a million times, I
write about what I know and what inspires me – which is usually the stories of people I grew up with, and also the people I know now. My music has been inspired by the many honky-tonks and bars, which I actually work in one. I think the best stories are the ones that people don’t want to tell.  I don’t want to hold back in the lyrics."....I don’t know why people who are still doing traditional country music have to be considered 'throwback.’ We’re doing country music now. I don’t want to be pinned as a throwback artist, I would rather be considered an all-around artist living and recording in 2014."
Kelsey Waldon's “The Goldmine”, premiered exclusively at USA TODAY as the first single (released April 29, 2014 UK iTunes) off her upcoming album of the same name (out June 24) which was crowd-funded ($5000 goal reached on Indiegogo)
Policymic: The 9 Real Country Music Stars of Our Generation - Somewhere between Folsom Prison and all those dirt roads with the girls in painted-on jeans in the moonlight, country music got taken over by bros. But there's a part of the country world most people haven't heard — a young part where some of the world's best songwriters are creating something that's respectful of their forefathers but still fresh. Here are nine young countryartists keeping country alive.
CONNECT with Kelsey Waldon:
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LISTEN

Hit or Miss? Listen to Cassadee Pope performing "Wasting All These Tears", "I Wish I Could Break Your Heart","11" and "Happy" in her UK acoustic showcase first broadcast May 31st 2014 on CMR Nashville "Europe's #1 Country Music Radio Station"


Abalone Dots an all female Swedish bluegrass and country outfit performed "The Way That I'm Living" as the house band with Sticko-Per Larsson and Sanna Hogman on the Bingo Lotto show 27/4/2014. It was first released on April 16, 2012 on the 13 Track Chocolate & Cigarettes ( Sony Music Entertainment) available on UK iTunes

Ricky Ross featured an interview and session with Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter Eliza Gilkyson on BBC Radio Scotland - BBC Page
Jessica ClemmonsWichita Lineman” (Glen Campbell cover) taken from the new album 'Here We Go Again'
Officially sent to country radio digitally. Sam Hunt feels destined to be the next big star in Country music. You may think he's just another "Bro" even with a song like this, but listen to his songwriting. There’s perhaps no artist that I’ve been more excited to see hit radio with an official single than new MCA Nashville artist Sam Hunt. With “Leave The Night On,” Hunt is set to do just that. While he’s not known for his own songs in his own voice just yet,  thanks to Keith Urban, Billy Currington and Kenny Chesney, we have heard Sam Hunt songs on Country radio thanks to “Cop Car,” (Keith Urban single: Zach Crowell/ Sam Hunt/ Matt Jenkins) “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington single: Marc Beeson, Sam Hunt, Josh Osborne) and “Come Over,” (Kenny Chesney: Sam Hunt/ Shane McAnally/ Josh Osborne) respectively.

SPOTIFY COUNTRY
For users of this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent additions and recommendations.
When it's free and easy on Spotify who needs music piracy?

**NOTE ** Playlist below requires you to have installed the software
 and to have your SPOTIFY application OPEN:
Miranda Lambert – Platinum - 16 tracks, Released June 3, 2014

Megan & Liz – Simple Life - EP - Debut at top 5 on UK Country iTunes Chart - 7 tracks, released June 3, 2014
Jamie O'Neal – Eternal - 11 tracks, Released May 27, 2014
Linda Martell – Color Me Country - Released June 3, 2014 - This LP (Plantation PLP-9) emerged in 1970, was the only album released covering her music.
Randy Travis – Hymns: 17 Timeless Songs Of Faith - 17 tracks, released June 3, 2014

CMA Association (CMA Playlist)

FREE DOWNLOADS
  • Josh Ritter “Joy To You Baby”! Recorded Live from the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin, Ireland last summer see details in Newsletter
  • http://www.joshritter.com/newsletter-2014-05-21/
  • UK Duo Rob Childs and Maria Lee "It Is What It Is" (written by Kacey Musgraves-Luke Laird-Brandy Clark) a cover from the Same Trailer Different Park album.
  • Ray Scott's Rayality EXCLUSIVE Deluxe Edition for an email share from noisetrade

WATCH
  • Nikki LaneRight Time
  • The Secret Sisters "If I Don't" Live On Soundcheck. They will be supporting Iron & Wine in June (except Raleigh) and will be announcing more Nickel Creek support dates for late summer. "Sure, Put Your Needle Down is as old-fashioned as a handwritten letter. But there is more to it than that. Because with T Bone Burnett at the helm, this is no lazy exercise in nostalgia. These songs bounce, buzz and bubble along with timeless life. And jeez louise, those harmonies"! writes Simmy Richman (5 STAR Review Independent UK)
  • Ashton Lane Kitchen Session, Esther O'Connor & Gareth Davies Jones cover Cara Dillon's "Garden Valley" get 7 free songs at www.ashtonlanemusic.com
  • Miranda Lambert: Everything You Need to Know about ‘Platinum
COUNTRY FASHION
Connie Britton (Rayna James in ABC TV Drama Nashivlle) and Tony Goldwyn attended the Variety Studio held at Palihouse on Thursday (May 29) in West Hollywood, California. The ‘Nashville’ actress wore an Andrew Gn Resort 2014 white cotton dress with contrasting black organza and detailing on the bodice and hemline cut in a sophisticated fit-and-flare silhouette. Classic shape, demure length amped up with a pair of deep-red pumps for a winning look – Fashion Pic

Miranda Lambert started her own shoe line last year because she could never find a comfortable cowboy boot with a high heel. Her collection also includes flip-flops & sandals and the longer she works with the designer, Miranda says the more the shoes are starting to look like her - Image

Taylor Swift during a Shanghai Press Conference (May 29) discussed the final weeks of the RED Tour and how she’s looking forward to the material for her upcoming fifth album, she wore a gingham dress by Michael Kors ('Gingham Stretch Poplin Dress’ - $870.00) - Image
Taylor Swift arrived at Narita International Airport in Tokyo on Saturday (May 31) wearing a French Connection Elizabeth Embroidered Dress ($89.99), a pair of sandals similar to these from Quiz ($49.78), her Tod’s Sella Tote ($1,496.06), an Anthropologie Ropy Headband ($32.00) and a pair of earrings identical to the Choies Daisy Earrings ($14.99) - Fashion Pic

COUNTRY GOSSIP

Industries newest BFF's.
Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves are so close Katy's even seen Kacey in the buff.
The two lovely singers, who recently taped an episode of CMT Crossroads together, graced the cover of the new issue of Billboard magazine, and in the interview, Kacey confirms that Katy has seen her naked.  "A couple times, and it won't be the last," she adds. How did the two get together in the first place?  Katy tells Billboard that after she heard Kacey's debut hit "Merry Go 'Round," she instantly connected with it, so she tracked her down online and reached out to her about collaborating.  The songs they wrote together didn't end up on Katy's PRISM album, but the two remained friends.
Further occasions for dressing-room exhibitionism will come in August, when Musgraves joins Perry’s arena tour for 15 dates and the better part of a month.
Katy on Kacey: "She's not just a country artist, she's a crossover. She puts on a pop-country show, and she brings it."
Kacey: "My parents aren't crazy conservatives, they're actually pretty open minded. But my grandparents are, and where I'm from, East Texas, is the Bible belt. It gave us perspective because we both have that. We both left those worlds."
Katy: "We left those worlds, but we kept our compasses."
Katy wears a summery floral print for the cover, while Kacey flaunts a black dress with a white star and psychedelic print.
Watch >> Cover Shoot God created woman and Kacey Musgraves! WOW! Thank you Billboard - Image
Perry and Musgraves were photographed by Lauren Dukoff on April 17, 2014 at Sony Pictures in Culver City.
Kacey Musgraves is featured in the latest issue of Us magazine revealing what she carries around in her purse. Some of those items include a leather notebook to jot down song ideas, Dior lip balm, a workout DVD and snacks such as Blue Diamond Almonds and gummi bears. (See Photo )
Kacey Musgraves has made the Maxim Hot 100 of 2014! Kacey is #70 on the list! This issue hits stands on June 3rd!
A day earlier, the mag revealed ten sexy singers are on the list including Carrie Underwood (No. 56), Kellie Pickler (No. 46) and Rihanna (No. 11).
* God created woman and Kacey Musgraves! WOW! Thank you Billboard – IMAGE !!

  • Dierks Bentley has plenty of experience living out the title of his latest single, >> "Drunk on a Plane." Though he's sure to stay sober while piloting his own plane to and from concerts, Dierks and his band and crew have been known to imbibe while flying the friendly skies - "I'm pretty proud of the fact that my band, just my band alone, and the crew had some help too. We have drunk a Southwest plane completely dry of alcohol," Dierks says. "I mean, just, halfway into the flight, you know, it's just like, 'We have no more booze thanks to you guys. Your band has completely decimated our supply.'"
  • Horsin’ Around: Miranda Lambert is planning her upcoming Platinum tour around even more horse shows. She says with a laugh, "I'm trying not to let myself take away from my career, but I already marked on the calendar, 'Cannot tour this weekend and this week. I have a horse show.'" Miranda's obsession started last November when husband Blake Shelton bought her a Gypsy Vanner show horse for her birthday. That's when Miranda decided to begin taking proper English riding lessons. She adds, "I knew how to ride a little bit here and there, but I wanted to learn for real. So, I've been three times a week, every week since January first." There have been mishaps along the way, though. "A couple times I've jumped and she didn't," Miranda says with a laugh. "My horse didn't, so that was fun, but you gotta hit the dirt a couple times to be a real cowgirl, I guess."
  • Miranda has now added two Welsh Cob horses to her stable -- one named Sayeth, as in "Sayeth the Lord," and another named Ellie. Her love for those horses runs just as deep as her affection for her large pack of adopted dogs.
  • Miranda Lambert and her husband Blake Shelton are tired of constant speculation about their relationship, in particular whether they plan to start a family, so she says people will only know they are having children after she has given birth. She said: "The only way that anybody will actually know I'm pregnant is when you see a child." Miranda talked tabloid rumors on >> CBS NEWS
  • Brantley Gilbert has some friends living with him right now who just had a baby and while he likes to help out with the little guy, who’s his godson, he draws the line at changing diapers.

TWEETS
Carrie Underwood:



PHOTO
  • The Shires - in Worcester on UK radio tour - Image
  • Something must be done: Gretchen Peters posted a Facebook photo: We are very disappointed with the baggage handlers at Edinburgh Airport for our EasyJet flight to Milan this weekend. Nick's prized USA Fender Telecaster arrived in Milan airport completely destroyed.
  • Jessie James Decker: My look today!! Borrowed my mamas dress from top shop!! Didn't realize how big my boobs have gotten from pregnancy and nursing!!! Ahhhh #dollypartonboobs #milkmommy - Image
  • Sarah Darling posted: From my appearance on the Grand Ole Opry last night! Here with Deana Carter and Ricky Scaggs!
  • - Image
  • Charlie Daniels "Can't Imagine" Living Anywhere Else Than His Tennessee Estate!
  • A recent trend in the wedding world is known as a shoot called “Trash the Dress.” This is something Jillian Hughes Photography had been wanting to do and Tarryn had a great idea to do a “Southern Style: Trash the Dress.” So they figured what a better bride to team up with than Caroline Bryan, wife to bro’ country singer Luke Bryan. Luke Bryan's wife, Caroline, trashes wedding dress in photoshoot. Before and After - Its My Kinda Party!
BIRTHDAYS
June 2:  Rusty Milner (Marshall Tucker Band) (1958) , Emma Jade (UK turned 20)
June 3: Jamie O'Neal (1968) 
June 4: The late Freddy Fender (1937; died Oct 15, 2006 (aged 69)), Kasey Chambers (1976) 
June 5: Brett James (1968), Gail Davies (1948)
June 6: Lisa Brokop (1973)
June 7: M C Potts (1968)
June 8: Vernon Oxford (1941) 

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