Introducing: The Secret Sisters

The Secret Sisters aren’t so secret anymore! With a classic sound and some serious celebrity encouragement, The Secret Sisters bring authenticity, chillingly great harmonies, and timeless appeal to their debut album. Legendary T Bone Burnett and Jack White (of The White Stripes/Raconteurs) are backing these ladies %110 as they break the cycle of digital mastering and magical autotune and instead just sing from the heart. Take a look! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv83BELkZxg] You can sign up for a free download from the gals at TheSecretSistersBand.com. The Secret Sisters will be touring w/ T Bone Burnett, Neko Case, Elton John and more in The Speaking Clock Revue.Country Music Photo Gallery

Introducing Austin Boggs

Introducing Austin Boggs, new to Nashville, and new to CMNB! With a smooth voice, wise lyrics, and a strong backing band, it’s hard to believe that Austin Boggs is only 21 years old, and still unsigned! Take a listen to his music, and a look at his story and tell us what you think. For 21 year-old rising star, Austin Boggs, country music has been a part of his life from a very young age. Growing up in a small southwestern Virginia town, he quickly found that writing and singing came easy because of the tradition and heritage of the small town life. His older brother Josh took him to a Ralph Stanley festival at the age of 14; from that moment on Austin knew he wanted to be a performer. Josh recalls Austin’s reaction to this live performance, “I’ll be up there next year.” Less than a year later he began playing on WNVA 106.3 FM during the Local Talent Show, beginning his journey. Marion Levy, founder of Rounder Records, describes him as a young Tony Rice. Austin formed a bluegrass band called the Midnight Ramblers. The name was chosen because it was the only time the guys could get together and practice because they were all still in high school. The Ramblers soon found out that maybe this was going to be more than just earning a little extra money on the weekends as they found themselves playing in every state on the East coast and two International tours. After releasing three bluegrass albums as founder and lead singer for The Midnight Ramblers Austin decided to take the advice of those in the bluegrass music industry and pursue a career in the country music field. In February 2010 he felt the need to be where country music was, so he moved to Nashville. He spent the next few months meeting with songwriters and with producer Sean Gasaway to select songs that represented him as a musician. In August 2010 a seven-song demo will be released. From the first time that I walked into the Ryman at the age of 18 and chills ran down my spine, I knew this is where I belonged and I would sing there some day. This isn’t just a dream of mine but a goal and I will not give up until I succeed. Country Music Photo Gallery

Coal Miners Daughter – Listen Here!

Loretta Lynn, Miranda Lambert, and Sheryl Crow team up for this re-release of the hit song Coal Miner’s Daughter. How the time does fly! Forty years since Loretta Lynn’s career-defining song “Coal Miner’s Daughter” released, she shakes things up in country music by inviting Sheryl Crow and Miranda Lambert to perform on her own tribute album. Take a listen, courtesy of Billboard.com “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn by billboard The new version of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which will be available as a digital single on Sept. 28, is the centerpiece of the upcoming Nov. 9 Columbia album, “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn”

Thompson Square – Are You Going To Kiss Me Or Not – Video

Thompson Square wastes no time asking Are You Going To Kiss Me Or Not. The husband/wife duo, Thompson Square, received a good deal of complimentary criticism for their debut video “Let’s Fight” so it’s no surprise that they didn’t waste any time getting their sophomore single to the air. “Are You Going To Kiss Me Or Not” hit CMT’s airwaves last week, and from the looks of things, this couple’s goin’ nowhere but up! Thompson Square   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos Country Music Photo Gallery

Jennette McCurdy’s Debut EP

iCarly’s Sam Puckett steps out on her own: Jennette McCurdy debuts in country music with her first EP, Not That Far Away. Jennette McCurdy may not be a name you’re familiar with, but ask your daughters who Sam Puckett is and just watch their eyes light up! That’s because Sam Puckett is the character Jennette plays on the hit Nickelodeon show iCarly. Make no mistake though, Jennette is not suffering a bad-wig-induced identity crisis nor a coming-of-age breakthrough. She’s simply a talented, well-rounded girl with a knack for comedy, and a stellar voice. Not just stellar… phenomenal! Unlike other current pop stars, her live performances add to the rich, developed, controlled, and all-around quality her voice carries. Take a listen to the clip below and tell me Taylor could pull that off! Then, when you hear that I’m right, hop over to http://www.jennettemccurdy.com and buy her debut EP. Heck, buy 2 copies! One for you and one to replace your daughter’s copy of Fearless! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHqV1NdOLa0]Country Music Photo Gallery

Taylor Swift World Premiere – Mine

Follow along LIVE as Taylor Swift premieres her brand new video for the song Mine. Taylor Swift joins CMT hostess Katie Cook to offer a world premiere of her new video for the single “Mine”. The track is from her upcoming album “Speak Now” and has had Taylor Swift fans on the edge of their seats for a few weeks now, ever since her live announcement of the album’s title. You can already download “Mine” on iTunes, and the rest of the album should be made available October 25th. Taylor Swift Teaser: “Mine” Taylor Swift | CMT iPhone App | New Country Songs And here’s the full video! Taylor Swift – Mine – Full Video Taylor Swift   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos Country Music Photo Gallery

Little Big Town Releases The Reason Why

New music from Little Big Town hits store shelves tomorrow! Little Big Town‘s latest studio album, “The Reason Why” will be available for purchase tomorrow at all online and retail outlets. The album features the already-chart-topping “Little White Church” (video below) as well as some of what the band refers to as their most stellar work. In the three years since their last album, LBT has gone through a lot of changes, from changing record labels to some members becoming parents, and touring long and hard. They’re hoping that fans recognize the growth and experience they’ve had as a group and find it shining through in this album’s sound. For a great rundown of what to expect on this new album, check out The Tennessean’s feature article on Little Big Town. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B077Dw_zDe0] Country Music Photo Gallery

Kenny Chesney – Hemmingway’s Whiskey – Deluxe Edition

More details emerge for Kenny Chesney’s upcoming album, Hemmingway’s Whiskey. Kenny Chesney offers fans a little more than just new music on his upcoming album, “Hemmingway’s Whiskey” which releases September 28th, 2010. The album is now known to include two bonus tracks, “Ain’t Ever Going Back Again” and “I Didn’t Get Here Alone“. Fans will also have the option of purchasing a companion DVD where Kenny takes the time to discuss each track off the new album. Adding a few songs is kind of the same approach we take to our shows. Every record is different, every night is different.” says Kenny. “You start feeling good and you want to do 10 extra minutes, 20 extra minutes, extra 3 hours — whatever it is. This is exactly the same. We put two extra songs and conversation on the record because there are fans that have been a part of my life for a long time and really love our music and have really invested a lot emotionally. You can call it ‘going the extra mile’ or whatever. I wanted to give them something special. Based on the warm reception the album’s first single, “Boys of Fall“, has received, I have no doubt that “Hemmingway’s Whiskey” will be Kenny’s best-selling release yet. Can’t wait for the DVD? Here’s a track-by-track rundown of the album, taken from this interview Kenny Chesney did with Billboard Magazine: 1. “Boys Of Fall” (Casey Beathard/Dave Turnbull) Kenny Chesney: “Boys Of Fall” is a perfect description of how I grew up and where I grew up. That song meant so much to me and I thought, ‘Wow, there’s a lot of kids out there and a lot of people that have that feeling in their lives.’ There’s a line in the song that says, “In little towns like mine, that’s all we got.” And that’s the way it was in East Tennessee, and still is. I’ve got a lot of guys from East Tennessee out on the road [with me] that grew up the same way, and I played them that song when [writer] Casey Beathard gave me the CD of just him on a guitar playing it. I made everybody come on the bus and said “listen to this.” I knew we had something that was very common. A lot of people that listen to my music and that are passionate about what we do out on the road… I’ve been pretty perceptive over the years, and I think that we kind of grew up the same way. I see myself a lot in my fans, and I think vice versa. I hope so anyway.” 2. “Live A Little (Love A Lot)” (Shane Minor/David Lee Murphy) Chesney: “That song is what I try to live by. When I heard ‘Live A Little (Love A Lot),’ that’s pretty much the definitive sound we create out on the road. If there’s a predictable song on the record, for me, this might be it. And I don’t think that’s Continue reading Kenny Chesney – Hemmingway’s Whiskey – Deluxe Edition

Jamey Johnson – The Guitar Song

Jamey Johnson’s new double-disc album, The Guitar Song, takes a spin at the CMNB. Jamey Johnson knew he had big shoes to fill when his last album “That Lonesome Song” achieved such phenomenal success, and with his new double-disc album “The Guitar Song” he fills them and then some! Jamey Johnson’s big commercial success came at a time when country music fans were primed and ready for something authentic and true. His outlaw attitude, traditional country style, and tribute to the harsher side of a musician’s life was the perfect remedy for the sugary-sweet pop-country that was giving us all a cavity. When word came around that Jamey was going back into the studio, fans were all down on their knees just praying that he would continue on the musical path that he set himself on and he did just that. My first thought when I slipped “The Guitar Song” into my player was that I knew these songs already. With the exception of his excellent cover of Vern Gosdin‘s “Walkin’ the floor“, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The entire collection is refreshing, heartfelt, and gritty all at once. It’s definitely material that will transcend era’s and leave Jamey to be cited in the future as one of the greats because he fits into the category so well. “The Guitar Song” is the perfect example of storytelling through song, starting with the very first track. It sucks you in, brings you down, and lifts you right back out again, all with Jamey’s signature sound. Take a moment to watch Jamey talk about how this album came about: Jamey Johnson – The Guitar SongCountry Music Photo Gallery

Cracker Barrel Presents Rodney Atkins

Rodney Atkins is next in line with a Cracker Barrel Exclusive album September 6th. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has released the news that fledgling country music star Rodney Atkins will release his next album with the popular restaurant chain. Cracker Barrel Presents Rodney Atkins will be available on September 6th, and will feature four #1 hits, including “These Are My People,” “Watching You,” and the current Billboard Top 20 and rising single “Farmer’s Daughter” which is approaching 300,000 digital downloads in just a few short months. The CD will also feature the previously unreleased song “More Like Your Memory (Always Takes Me Back),” and will be available only at Cracker Barrel. Like millions of Americans, Rodney enjoys stopping at Cracker Barrel when he’s on the road, sitting for awhile on the front porch, and having a great meal. “I love seeing a ” Cracker Barrel Up Ahead” sign on the road cause we all know that whenever you stop by, you are guaranteed to get a great meal – just like home. I’m excited to team up with the Cracker Barrel family and to make this new CD available exclusively to the folks stopping by.” said Rodney. Menu favorites for Rodney include the open roast beef sandwich, biscuits n’gravy, hash brown casserole, chicken n’ dumplins and of course a “big ol’ glass of sweet tea with lemon”. “Rodney is a great performer and his shows appeal to fans of all ages, and that’s the same appeal that Cracker Barrel offers to multi-generational families,” said Peter Keiser, Cracker Barrel’s Vice President of Marketing. “We expect that this special CD will provide some good times for a lot of people.” The previously unreleased song on Cracker Barrel Presents Rodney Atkins, “More Like Your Memory (Always Takes Me Back),” is one of the first songs that Rodney wrote that opened the door to get to produce his own records with long-time co-producer, Ted Hewitt. Country Music Photo Gallery