Category Archives: Artists

Interview: Krystal Keith Talks Music, College and the Country Scene

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Krystal Keith Shares About Her New Music, Getting A College Degree, and Breaking Into Country Music. A lot of folks probably assume that when you have a famous parent, life is going to be a cake walk. Well, for Krystal Keith, having Toby Keith for a father no doubt helped open a few doors or window, but this is one new artist that is hard at work on her own terms. She recently debuted with her four song EP which features current single “Daddy Dance with Me.” The song was originally written for her father, but it has clearly hit home for a lot of fans having already garnered over half a million views for its official video on YouTube! While four songs is less than half of the typical full album, Krystal puts them to good use demonstrating a range vocally and musically that proves she has a lot to offer country music from touching sentiment in “Daddy” to sassy pearls of wisdom in “Can’t Buy You Money.” Amidst the delightful lyrics, Keith’s strong voice and natural twang make each track worth more than just one listen. Be sure to check it out, available on iTunes now. While she’s hard at work prepping for her full length release, Whiskey and Lace, and getting the word out on her EP, Krystal was kind enough to take a little time to fill me on her music, the benefits of postponing a music career for college and her take on the state of country today. Q: How did you get inspired to write the song “Daddy Dance with Me”? I wanted a song that I could give to him, looking through all the father daughter songs, and it dawned on me, what the hell am I doing? I’m a songwriter. I never expected it to go on an album, it was originally just for him. It was just me and a piano, and it was pretty powerful. Q: Obviously you’ve grown up in the thick of the music industry, when did you decide that you want to make music on your own? There was never a time that I didn’t want to be musician or thought that I was a musician. Anyone that was in my living was subject to performances. I think my parents always knew it was coming, and my parents never really encouraged or discouraged it when I was younger. I started writing when I was 9 or so and my Dad saw that potential in me, I guess, and fostered that in me some. Q: So, you’ve got this EP, what else can fans expect from you for the rest of 2013? We’re crazy busy with the EP. I’ll spend most of the summer finalizing decisions, and launch the album and hopefully have a radio tour at the end of the summer. Then I’ll start getting back on the road, hopefully. I Toured last summer and that probably was most fun I’ve ever had with a group of Continue reading Interview: Krystal Keith Talks Music, College and the Country Scene→

Interview: Scott DeCarlo Radio Ready and Ready to Rock

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Interview: Scott DeCarlo Brings Fresh, Rockin’, Radio Ready Sound to Country Music! There sure are a lot of new talents making their voices heard on the country scene this year, and one of the most promising has got to be New Jersey native Scott DeCarlo. He has one fresh, summer perfect, radio ready single, “Havin’ A Good Time,” circulating right now (listen below!), and it is sure to make you want to ditch the the 9 to 5 and head out for a cold drink and some sunshine (As I write this, it is a beyond beautiful day outside, and I really want to do just that!). We took a few minutes to chat via phone recently, and DeCarlo shared with me that he wrote the song in between his move from NJ to Nashville, where he’s lived for about a year now. He said that basically, “I’m an all around have a good time kind of guy,” and from the amount of joking around he did during the interview, I’d say that’s probably true. Scott struck me as not only a down to earth kind of guy, but also someone who’s willing and able to roll with the punches, an attribute that folks need if they’re gonna make it in a tough industry like the music biz. On top of his easy going personality though, he’s really got the talent to make in the long run, and I think that’s pretty clear in his current single alone (so be sure to listen!). In addition to pushing “Havin’ A Good Time,” DeCarlo is working on a self-financed EP, and he already has about twelve or so songs in the works. When asked to classify his “sound” he said it has a “real edgy rock” vibe, and he claims a wide variety of influences from his mother’s favorite, Elvis to Queen to Skynyrd. So, hopefully, we can expect to hear more from him soon! Be sure to give him a listen below, and find him rabble rousing on Twitter and Facebook! One thing Scott wants you to know about him…the music is real! “I would want them to know the music is genuine, its not contrived. I’m not trying to be anything I’m not, keeping it real. Doing what I hear in my head, not adhering to any standard.” Listen: Scott DeCarlo “Havin’ A Good Time.” Love Instagram? Have a little fun with Scott and send him your “Havin A Good Time” pics using #HavinAGoodTime!

George Jones Funeral Open To Public May 2nd

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George Jones Funeral Open To The Public May 2nd and To Be Broadcast on Multiple Stations. Country legend George Jones passed away last week, Friday, April 26th, and his funeral arrangements have officially been announced. The funeral, which will be open to the public, will take place at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN on Thursday, May 2nd. The services will begin at 10:00am (central), but the doors will open at 9:00am. For the many fans of Jones who cannot attend, television networks CMT, GAC, RFD, FamilyNet (national) and WKRN 2, WSMV 4, WTVF 5, WZTV 17 (local) will be broadcasting the service live. Via radio the services will be available on WSM 650AM and SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse (Ch. 56), and online fans can listen at wsmonline.com and watch at opry.com. The service will include music from Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill w/ Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson, Ronnie Milsap, Kid Rock, The Oak Ridge Boys, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, and Wynonna. Former First Lady Laura Bush, Kenny Chesney, Grand Ole Opry VP&GM Pete Fisher, Governor Bill Haslam, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Barbara Mandrell, and CBS News’ Chief Washington Correspondent Bob Schieffer will all make special remarks. Fans are encouraged to leave their own personal messages remembering George Jones here.

Eric Church at The Forum, London, April 2013 – Review

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Eric Church Brings His Rock and Roll Country LIVE to London – Show Review. If you are a country music fan living in the UK, or know any, it will have been hard to escape the buzz that has been building leading up the Eric Church live show for months. But it was no ordinary country gig buzz; this is the first time he has ever played in the UK, following the fast increasing line-up of acts who have suddenly visited this side of the Atlantic in the past twelve months. Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, The Band Perry, and the inaugural Country to Country festival; yet for many Church was the first less commercial (but still mainstream) country artist to visit, and that was important. There was no support act, so excited fans filled the theater, waiting (perhaps impatiently), until 8:45pm when Eric graced the stage, although they enjoyed screaming at the various sound guys who milled about beforehand. Eric began with ‘Creepin’’, which really got the crowd going, singing along enthusiastically and holding their hands and drinks in the air. About half of the songs played were from his award-winning 2011 album Chief, but he made sure to include older tracks from his previous two albums, like ‘Pledge Allegiance To The Hag’, ‘Lotta Boot Left To Fill’ (which was a huge crowd pleaser in particular), ‘How ‘Bout You’ and ‘These Boots’. During this song half the standing section of the audience took off one boot and held it in the air, two people even throwing theirs on stage. Continuing in the revelry, Eric held the boots in the air during the remainder of the song, and then signed them before throwing them back, no doubt really making someone’s day! Eager and fully enjoying themselves, the crowd were really behind Eric during the show, getting 100% involved in tracks like ‘Keep On’, ‘Sinners Like Me’ and ‘Drink In My Hand’. In response, Eric barely stopped grinning, and seemed genuinely surprised and ecstatic when the audience were screaming every word, a sea of movement as they danced. Although deciphering his Southern drawl was difficult at times when he spoke to the crowd (the microphone blurred his words) he was very interactive, riling everyone up into a huge party, although he kept simply talking to the crowd a minimum, focusing on the music and getting as many songs in as possible. The band disappeared for the acoustic set, that included the 2013 ACMs version of ‘Like Jesus Does’, which was beautiful, and ‘Two Pink Lines’. It really showed Eric’s prowess as a genuine country musician behind all of the crashing guitars and drums, that sometimes gets lost. The atmosphere throughout was incredible, and was brought to an absolute peak when he performed the final song of the night, ‘Springsteen’. I have known nothing like it at any gig I have been to, and many I spoke to afterwards said it was the best show they’d ever seen. Every member of Continue reading Eric Church at The Forum, London, April 2013 – Review→

Listen: Randy Rogers Band New Album Trouble

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Listen Now: Randy Rogers New Album Trouble, Releasing April 30th. Randy Rogers Band will be releasing a brand new album, Trouble, this Tuesday (April 30th), but you can stream it now! Just hit “stream now” below and follow the prompts to hear the track “Never Got Around to That“! Trouble is the Texas based group’s fifth studio album, and features eleven brand new tracks including “Trouble Knows My Name” featuring none other than Willie Nelson! For extra insight into this great new album hear the story behind the story of “Never Got Around to That.” Listen to Trouble, “Never Got Around to That” Now! Trouble Complete Track Listing. 1. Goodbye Lonely 2. Fuzzy 3. Speak of the Devil 4. Flash Flood 5. Trouble Knows My Name (ft. Willie Nelson) 6. One More Sad Song 7. If I Had A Heart 8. Don’t Deserve You 9. Had To Give That Up 10. Shotgun 11. Never Got Around To That

Country Music Community Responds to George Jones’ Passing

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Country Music Stars Respond to Passing of Icon George Jones, Share Memories and Send Condolences. This morning (Friday, April 26th) the country community was deeply saddened by the news of legend George Jones‘ passing. There has been a truly overwhelming outpouring of fond memories, kind words, and condolences being shared, and I sincerely hope that Jones’ family and friends can find some solace in the fact the their loved one is going to be so well remembered by so many. Almost immediately after the news was released, messages from stars, fans and industry folks began flooding the top social media platforms. Appropriately the hashtag #GeorgeJones, was trending within what seemed like just minutes on Twitter.Below, find some of the statements and tweets that have been shared and released throughout the day. Artists Respond to Passing of George Jones. Alan Jackson: “Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be the greatest singer and interpreter of real country music – there’ll never be another. Like the song says, ‘You know this old world is full of singers, but just a few are chosen to tear your heart out when they sing. Imagine life without them…Who’s gonna fill their shoes.’” Loretta Lynn: “It’s a sad day for country music and a great loss for those of us who knew him. I was blessed to call George my friend. He was one of the best country singers there ever was. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and all of his family. It’s a sad, sad day.” Brad Paisley: “George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things. How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know. And one of the greatest friends you could ever have. We miss you already, George. Brad” Easton Corbin: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all time heroes, George Jones. Georges’ music was real and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you Continue reading Country Music Community Responds to George Jones’ Passing→

George Jones, the legend, has passed.

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As I sit here on this rainy spring morning, trying to compose one of the most heartbreaking pieces I’ve ever had to write, I’m finding I can’t get past the tears to see my keyboard. George Jones has passed away. From his team: Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure. Born September 12, 1931, Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time. “A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.” Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and he played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music. Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.” Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.” By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980, when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance. In 1983, Jones married Continue reading George Jones, the legend, has passed.→

Giveaway: Randy Rogers Band New Album Trouble

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Your Chance to Win A Copy of Randy Rogers Band New Album, Trouble! Randy Rogers Band will be releasing their brand new album, Trouble, next week, but before you head to the store, we’ve got your chance to win right here! This is the group’s fifth studio album and it features eleven brand new tracks that you’re not gonna want to miss. There’s even a guest appearance from one of country’s favorite legends, Willie Nelson! For your chance to win, follow the directions below. Giveaway Guidelines: Step 1: (If you aren’t already!) Follow us @CMNBlog and @rrbchoir on Twitter! Step 2: Send out the following tweet: “I entered to win a copy of new album #Trouble from @rrbchoir via @CMNBlog and you can too! Details here http://ow.ly/kyZbB #CountryMusic” Step 3: When we receive your tweet, you’re entered to win! Important Info: Winners will be randomly selected and notified individually via Twitter. Prizes provided by Total Assualt. Tweets must be received by 12:00pm Saturday, May 4th. Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one. Trouble Complete Track Listing: 1. Goodbye Lonely 2. Fuzzy 3. Speak of the Devil 4. Flash Flood 5. Trouble Knows My Name (ft. Willie Nelson) 6. One More Sad Song 7. If I Had A Heart 8. Don’t Deserve You 9. Had To Give That Up 10. Shotgun 11. Never Got Around To That

Country Artists To Perform At 2013 Billboard Awards

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Taylor Swift Leads In Billboard Music Award Nominations. Country Music will be represented in Las Vegas yet again, as another award show is coming up. Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves and The Band Perry are all scheduled to perform at this year’s Billboard Music Awards. The show will air live Sunday, May 19 on ABC from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Country Nominees: Swift has a pretty good chance of taking at least one award home, seeing how she has 11 nominations for the night. Swift is in the running for Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Female Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Social Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Album, Top Streaming Song (Video) and Top Country Song. Swift is also up for the Milestone Award. Jason Aldean is up for three awards: Top Male Artist, Top Country Artist and Top Country Album. Luke Bryan also has three nominations: Top Country Artist, Top Country Album and Top Country Song. Hunter Hayes is up for Top Country Artist and Top Country Song. Carrie Underwood is nominated for Top Country Artist and Top Country Album. Lionel Richie is nominated for Top Country Album and Eric Church and Florida Georgia Line are also up for Top Country Song.