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TIN PAN SOUTH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL 2017

Posted on December 6, 2016 by admin

Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

The popular Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival turns 25 next year, and dates have been set for March 28-April 1, 2017. Regions Bank returns for the tenth year as the presenting sponsor of the event. In addition, the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) turns 50, and the NSAI-owned Bluebird Cafe celebrates 35 years of providing an iconic stage for songwriters next year.Produced by NSAI, Tin Pan South reigns as the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. This year, over 350 talented songwriters performed 92 shows at 10 of Nashville’s top music venues. Thousands of music fans attend the event annually to hear writers tell stories behind hit songs they have written and perform those songs as they were originally composed. Stay tuned to tinpansouth.com in the coming months for information about venues, lineups, the popular Fast Access Passes and more. About NSAI: The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization. Established in 1967, the membership of more than 5,000 spans the United States and 10 foreign countries. For almost 50 years, NSAI has been dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music. For more information, visit nashvillesongwriters.com. About Regions Financial Corporation: Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $125 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage, and insurance products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,600 banking offices and 2,000 ATMs. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Billboard ‘Icon’ Shania Twain on Her ‘Triumphant’ New Album & FameAfter 50

Posted on December 5, 2016 by admin

Billboard‘s 2016 Women in Music ‘Icon’ Shania Twain opens up about new music, fame after 50, and more. On her new album: “I do most of my writing in the bathroom,” Twain says with a laugh. “Or in the basement. Or on the beach.” She wrote much of the new album at her house in the Bahamas, though one song was written in a hotel closet. “It’s a strange thing, but I do need that isolation. I need to feel alone and intimate with my thoughts.” She describes the finished product as “kind of schizophrenic musically,” but maintains she’s “the glue.” Don’t expect a wronged-woman credo like Beyoncé’s Lemonade. “I talk a lot more about pain,” she says, “but I didn’t feel the need to be that literal about anger or hate. It’s very triumphant in the end. I felt like, ‘Whew! I made it through the album! I made it through writing all the songs!’ It was an emotional roller coaster, and the lyrics reflect that.” On getting back to songwriting: “I’m very satisfied being a creative person,” she says. “I need that more than I need to be a performer. Songwriting, for me, is kind of like cooking; everyone has to cook sometimes. Why not write songs?” On writing about her struggles: “It has been a real tug-of-war, trying to come to terms with very extreme emotions and explain it to people in the format of a song,” FULL INTERVIEW HERE Save

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE NOTCH ANOTHER MULTI-WEEK #1 WITH “MAY WE ALL”

Posted on December 5, 2016 by admin

Hopeful Hit Featuring Tim McGraw Is the Duo’s 12th Chart Topper Nashville, Tenn. (December 5, 2016) – Superstar duo FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE continue to dominate the Country genre, notching yet another multi-week #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and also topping the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Airplay chart this week with their latest GOLD-certified single “May We All” (featuring Tim McGraw). Providing even more evidence that Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are one of the most successful duos in Country history, “May We All” is FGL’s 12th #1 overall and second from their BMLG Records latest album, DIG YOUR ROOTS, which also debuted in the top spot this August. “Can’t think of a better way to end the best year of our lives than a #1 with one of our musical heroes, Tim McGraw! We had a blast working together and getting to spend the day shooting the video with Tim was a dream all itself,” shared Kelley. “Thank you Country radio for all the love and support, this still is the greatest feeling! And to our fans, y’all are everything to us. Can’t wait to see you out on tour in 2017!” A hopeful, big-picture anthem that features heartfelt vocals from one of the duo’s heroes, Tim McGraw, “May We All” was written by Rodney Clawson and Jamie Moore. The song follows the 2X PLATINUM success of “H.O.L.Y.,” which ruled the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an astonishing 18 weeks. The accompanying cinematic music video was directed by TK McKamy and has already amassed over 17 million views on YouTube. The groundbreaking short film – which features McGraw and casts the duo as a pair of race car-driving brothers – can now be viewed here. Along with “May We All,” DIG YOUR ROOTS showcases even more special collaborations with FGL’s early musical influences – like pop phenomenon Backstreet Boys on “God, Your Mama, and Me” and reggae luminary Ziggy Marley on “Life Is a Honeymoon.” The winter leg of their arena filling DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR gets underway January 27 in Tallahassee, Florida, with special guests Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane. Since introducing their breakout vibes in 2012, FGL has earned prestigious honors from the AMA, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, Billboard Music Awards and CMT. Their previous releases – 2X PLATINUM debut HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES and PLATINUM ANYTHING GOES – have attributed to sales surpassing 26 million tracks and more than 3.5 million albums worldwide. With their massive debut, FGL’s “Cruise” is the only Country single to ever be certified DIAMOND for sales exceeding 10 million copies and overtook the record for longest #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. For more details, visit FloridaGeorgiaLine.com.

TUNE-IN ALERT: MIRANDA LAMBERT PERFORMING ON “LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS” AND “THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW”

Posted on December 5, 2016 by admin

Miranda Lambert - The Weight of These Wings - On Country Music News Blog

GRAMMY Award-winner Miranda Lambert will appear on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC 12:35/11:35C) tonight, December 6th, performing “We Should Be Friends” off of her latest album, The Weight Of These Wings. Then, on Wednesday, December 7th, Lambert will perform her smash hit single, “Vice,” on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (syndicated, check local listings). About Miranda Lambert: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert touts six studio albums to her repertoire; Kerosene (2005), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007), Revolution (2009), Four The Record (2011) and Platinum (2014), the latter earning Lambert a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album, in addition to her previous GRAMMY win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2010 for “The House That Built Me.” The Texas native released her sixth album, The Weight Of These Wings, on November 18, 2016. The first song released from The Weight Of These Wings, “Vice,” hit the Country Radio airwaves on July 18th touting a tally of 109 first week monitored reporting stations spinning the new song. Her second single “We should be friends” arrives at radio on December 12, 2016.

The Cleverlys Sign with Moonstruck Management

Posted on December 5, 2016 by admin

Moonstruck Management is excited to announce they have signed The Cleverlys to the agency. Their one-of-a-kind comedy/music blend can only be described as a “GrassHipPop Fushion” with hilarious covers from “Gangnam Style” to Beck’s “Loser” taking them to some of the hottest stages around the country. “We are so excited to partner with Moonstruck! Josh has been stalking us for a while now, and I noticed his hard work and dedication to his stable. Even at gun point I can feel the love. This is going to be an amazing kidnapping…I mean partnership,” said Digger Cleverly. Rolling Stone Magazine says Digger’s “out-of-date eyeglasses are as thick as his hillbilly accent, but whose comic sensibilities are a hilariously off-kilter hybrid of Homer & Jethro and The Office.” The publication highlighted The Cleverlys’ “uncaged cover of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ‘By the Way‘ from their latest six-song EP, Cash Crop, released on the Average Joes Entertainment label and produced by Noah Gordon. Cash Crop is available now on iTunes. Digger is joined by his faux-family band are all accomplished musicians, their influences include Bill Monroe, Tony Rice, Public Enemy and Mott the Hoople. As heard from their previous releases, Cash Crop showcases the group’s ability to put a bluegrass spin on cover songs from any genre. The genius arrangements of covers by Digger Cleverly has created incredible viral success with millions of views. “I have been a fan of The Cleverly’s for the last 4-5 years. Their stage show is one of the most entertaining and well-crafted shows in music today,” said Josh Trivett. “I booked them for the 2016 Huck Finn Festival in California that Moonstruck Management was organizing. Once again, we watched them wow a crowd like no other band. I was so excited when Digger called me back in September and couldn’t be more excited about the future.” Moonstruck Management will soon announce The Cleverlys’ 2017 tour schedule, so be sure to sign up for news at TheCleverlys.com. Also please join them on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel because you seriously can’t begin to know what’s coming next!

"Larry’s Country Diner" To Feature Guests Wilson Fairchild, Gary Morris, Bobby Bare, Joey and Rory and Jim Ed Brown

Posted on December 5, 2016 by admin

Hit television series, “Larry’s Country Diner,” will continue to entertain audiences nationwide on RFD-TV with some fan favorite episodes from earlier this season. In December, the series will feature guest stars Wilson Fairchild, Gary Morris, Bobby Bare, Joey and Rory and Jim Ed Brown. With a stellar lineup of some of country music’s greatest artists and entertainers, along with stories and family-friendly entertainment, it will be an exciting month on “Larry’s Country Diner” that fans won’t want to miss. Tune in on Thursdays at 8pm / 7pm CT and Saturdays at 11pm / 10pm CT to RFD-TV. Enter your zip code here to find RFD-TV in your area. Upcoming Episodes of “Larry’s Country Diner”: *All episodes repeat on Saturdays at 11pm / 10pm CT Thursday, December 1 – Wilson Fairchild Thursday, December 8 – Gary Morris (Re-airing) Thursday, December 15 – Bobby Bare (Re-airing) Thursday, December 22 – Joey and Rory (Re-airing) Thursday, December 29 – Jim Ed Brown (Re-airing) To inquire about how to attend an upcoming taping, where you can have a front row seat at “Larry’s Country Diner” and be part of the on-camera studio audience, please call Gabriel Communications at 800-820-5405. Fans can also participate in Renae The Waitress’s weekly Diner Chat via phone where she shares behind-the-scenes secrets of the show, answers viewers’ personal questions and features exclusive interviews with celebrity guest stars on Thursdays at 2 p.m. CST. For more information on Diner Chat, please visit larryscountrydiner.com/dinerchat. Owned and produced by Gabriel Communications, “Larry’s Country Diner” is one of the top-rated programs airing on the RFD-TV network, which is No. 9 among all cable networks in growth since 2011. It receives 1.6 million viewers per month. For more information on “Larry’s Country Diner,” please visit larryscountrydiner.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter! ABOUT “LARRY’S COUNTRY DINER”: “Larry’s Country Diner” is a unique down-home variety show, which integrates interviews and music in an entertaining weekly format, taped LIVE in front of a studio audience in an old-fashioned diner setting. The show features regular characters including Larry Black, Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps, Renae The Waitress and avid church gossip, Nadine, along with special guest appearances by country music artists of yesterday and today. Since its initial airing on August 3, 2009, “Larry’s Country Diner” has produced over 200 episodes and has become one of the most popular shows on RFD-TV, garnering 1.6 million viewers monthly. For more information, please visit larryscountrydiner.com. “Larry’s Country Diner” is a product of Gabriel Communications. Owned and operated by longtime disc jockey Larry Black, Gabriel Communications was created in 1996 and specialized in “Reunion” videos. The success of these videos spurred the creation of more than a dozen more “Country’s Family Reunion” projects, featuring hundreds of songs and stories as well as Country’s Family Reunion News, a monthly newspaper which highlights the music of yesteryear. For more information on “Country’s Family Reunion” products, please visit: cfrvideos.com.

GRANGER SMITH INJURED ON TOUR; HOSPITALIZED

Posted on December 5, 2016 by admin

From our friends at CountryMusicOnTour.com

GRANGER SMITH INJURED ON TOUR; HOSPITALIZED Nashville, TN (December 3, 2016) – Granger Smith was injured Saturday night while performing a show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. Granger was standing on a monitor when it gave way, bringing Granger crashing off the stage into a metal barricade. Miraculously, Granger managed to get up and finish the set through excruciating pain, which ended with the crowd singing “Backroad Song.” After visiting a nearby Emergency Room, he was transferred and admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in New Brunswick, NJ and doctors confirmed two completely separated, broken ribs and a punctured and partially collapsed lung. The latest reports are encouraging and Granger hopes to get back home to his family in Texas to rest soon. All shows and appearances through the weekend are canceled and further information about subsequent shows will be forthcoming.

OLIVIA LANE SHINED AT THE 93RD ANNUAL NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TREE LIGHTING (12/1)

Posted on December 4, 2016 by admin

Rising newcomer Olivia Lane shined at the 93rd Annual New York Stock Exchange Tree Lighting on Thursday (12/1) as she performed a vivacious four-song set, including “Lightning,” “Make My Own Sunshine,” “My Heartbreak” and her holiday single, the Brenda Lee classic, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” All of the songs are featured on her deluxe self-titled EP, available now. National radio personality Trey Morgan emceed the event, which also included performances by The Radio City Rockettes, 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons, Santa Claus and a special appearance by supermodel and entrepreneur Christie Brinkley. Lane’s deluxe edition of her self-titled EP, produced by GRAMMY-nominated musician and 2015 Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) “Studio Recording Award” honoree Ilya Toshinskiy, has been well-received by media and fans alike with Taste of Country naming the Texas native “Country’s queen of righteous heartbreak songs” and Rolling Stone noting here as an artist “who leads with her sass and robust voice.” The talented singer-songwriter has writing credits on seven of the nine songs on the project. With the early success of the “She Fits” tour contest, Lane recently told The Boot she is gearing up to “connect one-on-one with fans and try out new music” for what is sure to be an “intimate gathering.” Fans can still enter to win a house party from the charismatic singer herself right in their own living room or backyard. Known for her effervescent personality and powerhouse vocals, Lane has been selected for iTunes Country New Artist Spotlight, named an Entertainment Weekly “Breaking Big” artist, featured as one of Rolling Stone Country’s “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know” and spotlighted in CMT’s Listen Up Music Discovery Program. The fresh-faced newcomer has been immersed in the craft and tradition of Country music since she was a little girl, eager to follow in the footsteps of her mother who was a Country singer. In college at USC, she honed her calling studying music, songwriting and acting. Immediately upon graduation, Lane moved to Nashville to pursue her lifelong dream of a career in Country music. OLIVIA LANE (Deluxe Edition) is available here. For additional tour dates and information on Olivia Lane visit www.olivialane.com. Reach out to her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

JORDAN SMITH’S ‘TIS THE SEASON SOARS TO #1 ON ITUNES HOLIDAY ALBUM & AMAZON DIGITAL ALBUM CHARTS

Posted on December 2, 2016 by admin

Merry Christmas from Country Music News Blog

JORDAN SMITH’S ‘TIS THE SEASON SOARED TO #1 ON ITUNES HOLIDAY ALBUM & AMAZON DIGITAL ALBUM CHARTS AFTER UNFORGETTABLE TV PERFORMANCE LIGHTS UP NBC’S CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS FOR CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE DEBUT PUBLIC TELEVISION SPECIAL ‘TIS THE SEASON AIRS ACROSS THE NATION THIS DECEMBER HOLIDAY TOUR UNDERWAY WITH AMY GRANT & MICHAEL W. SMITH New York, NY (December 1, 2016) – Following a powerhouse performance at NBC’s Christmas In Rockefeller Center last night, JORDAN SMITH’s first holiday album, ‘Tis The Season [LightWorkers/Republic Records], holds strong in the Top 3 of iTunes Overall Top Albums Chart today. The chart-topping singer and the “best-selling artist in the history of NBC’s The Voice” illuminated New York City last night during the prestigious tree lighting at Rockefeller Center as he performed “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”. Following his recent return to The Voice, ‘Tis The Season enjoyed a 699% increase at iTunes, capturing #1 on iTunes Holiday Album and Amazon Digital Album charts. Moreover, all of his tracks achieved a 1,000% increase on iTunes. Check out the stunning performance of “O Holy Night” from The Voice HERE. It’s been a banner week for the vocalist. On Monday, he graced the stage at CMA Country Christmas and delivered his blockbuster rendition of the classic “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Hollywood Life claimed, “JORDAN dominated the Christmas jam in a sultry, jazzy rendition,” adding “JORDAN offered the audience his signature long, Adele-like voice and his amazing personality.” Country Living went on to say, “JORDAN SMITH stole the show at CMA Country Christmas.” JORDAN has absolutely dominated the holiday season. During his returned to The Voice, his label and coach Adam Levine surprised him with a special plaque commemorating his status as the “best-selling artist in the history of the show” with over 7 million tracks sold to date. He teamed with Amy Grant of “Grown Up Christmas List” for a duet of “Silent Night” on the Hallmark Home & Family: Home for the Holidays special. He appears on HARRY 12/6. Throughout this month, his very first public television special entitled ‘TIS THE SEASON airs across the nation. Check local listings for airing dates and times, and visit JORDAN’s web site for updates throughout the holidays! Right now, JORDAN is in the midst of a Christmas tour with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith until December 18. Check out remaining dates below. Produced by legendary Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster, ‘Tis The Season sees JORDAN take on 12 Christmas classics with his own stunning style, spirit, and soul. These include standards such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night” featuring the Grammy and Emmy Award winning The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Among the albums’ many highlights, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” is a modern take on the timeless classic, and is Jordan’s personal favorite. Check out the full tracklisting below. “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” ‘Tis The Season Television Special Performance: LINK: http://vevo.ly/6T7mc6 Continue reading JORDAN SMITH’S ‘TIS THE SEASON SOARS TO #1 ON ITUNES HOLIDAY ALBUM & AMAZON DIGITAL ALBUM CHARTS →

Darin and Brooke Aldridge Continue Their Journey With FASTER & FARTHER

Posted on December 2, 2016 by admin

Arden, NC (December 2, 2016) – Mountain Home Music Company announces new music from acclaimed husband/wife Bluegrass duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge. FASTER AND FARTHER, their sixth CD for the label, is due in stores on February 10. The first single is now available on iTunes with your pre-order purchase. Fans can enjoy a “sneak peek” studio video below. Darin and Brooke continue their musical journey as they drive forward with this ground-breaking new collection. “Kingdom Come,” the lead-off track, sets an edgier tone for the album and declares the band’s musical mission. This gas-up-and-go song is powered by Brooke’s turbo-charged vocal and launched by the guitar work of the song’s writer and one of the album’s iconic special guests, Pat Flynn. While not a thematic album, FASTER AND FARTHER, uses natural landmarks as metaphors for the heart and presents an inspiring project from masters of the genre. “Mountains Of Mississippi” spotlights the undeniable power of Brooke’s vocal command complimented by guest vocalist and Country Music Hall of Famer, Vince Gill. “This River” is an impressionistic spiritual ballad with Darin on lead vocal. “Cumberland Plateau,” written by John Cowan and Darrell Scott, syncs three-part harmony into a longing for heart and home. Cowan brings his bass groove and trademark vocal to several cuts, including “Lila” from his days with New Grass Revival. “Fit For A King” is one of several Gospel music inclusions that are an important part of the band’s heart. Track List Kingdom Come (P. Flynn) Fit For A King (C. Jackson, J. Rushing) Highway Of Heartache (C. Jackson, J. Rushing) This River (J. Cowan, D. Lowery) Someday Soon (I. Tyson) Mountains In Mississippi (L. Shaffer, D. Duff, J. Fleenor) Eugene And Diane (C. Jackson) Lila (P. Flynn) Still Falling (L. Shaffer, D. Duff) Sacred Lamb (Traditional) Cumberland Plateau (J. Cowan, J.D. Scott) Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You (J. Salley, D. Wilkinson) ABOUT Darin and Brooke Husband and wife duo Darin and Brooke Aldridge hail from North Carolina and bring a touch of the hills to their rich harmonies and impeccable musicianship. Their distinctive sound has made them one of the hottest acts in acoustic music today. They have graced the top of the Americana/Roots, SiriusXM, Bluegrass and Gospel charts, received multiple nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA),the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) and Inspirational Country Music (ICM). The two have appeared on PBS, Great American Gospel, The Bluegrass Road, Presley’s Country Jubilee, RFD-TV, Rural-TV, Daystar Network, Blue Highways TV, Song of the Mountains and Music City Roots to fan and critical acclaim. Their previous CD, the still-popular SNAPSHOTS, debuted at the #8 spot on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums Chart and generated the engaging “Tennessee Flat Top Box” video that was featured on CMT, CMT Edge, GAC, Bluegrass Ridge TV and The Bluegrass Situation.