Category Archives: New Music

Tailgate Time with Levi Riggs

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Levi Riggs offers customized song for football markets For the second time in six months, country music artist Levi Riggs has a hit song on his hands … but this one is requiring some special handling. Upon releasing is his second single, “Tailgate Time,” with a football theme, in late August as the 2010 gridiron season was beginning, Riggs decided to customize the song for a few specific markets, adjusting the lyrics to include high school, college and professional team references for some of his favorite teams. Riggs, whose first single, “F-150,” rose as high as No. 19 on the New Music Weekly Country Music Chart, created special versions of “Tailgate Time” for radio stations in Indiana (Purdue Boilermakers, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Indianapolis (Colts), other Midwestern states (Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, Iowa State Cyclones and Minnesota Vikings) and throughout the South (New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Arkansas Razorbacks) and the East (Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants and New York Jets). “Tailgate Time” speaks to one of Levi’s passions – the sport of football and being a fan. He co-wrote the song with Scott Rottler and Bart Skrzypczak with the blue-collar worker in mind, knowing how people this time of year look forward to the weekends, putting on the jersey of their favorite team and having a great time around America’s favorite sport. Riggs decided that listeners would have greater appreciation for his song if it spoke of their team. So, Levi spent countless extra hours in the recording studio creating customized versions of “Tailgate Time” for more than 30 separate markets. The work is paying off as “Tailgate Time” climbs the charts, opening at No. 206 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart and making steady progress in the past four weeks to No. 105 toward the projection that this song would eventually be another top 20 hit for Riggs. “We enjoyed writing this song and we are happy that people are having fun listening to it,” says Riggs. “I love football — I loved playing the sport and now I love being a fan. I get pumped up this time of year just with the anticipation of seeing the action, the big hits, the impact plays, and the strategy. Having played both sides of the ball, quarterback on offense and linebacker on defense, I watch the game from both points of view — trying to figure out what the linebacker is thinking the quarterback is trying to do and then thinking like a quarterback in how he’s going to cope with the intense linebacker. It’s great strategy and great fun.” Riggs’ popularity continues to escalate. More than 157,000 fans have listened to Levi’s songs on MySpace since the web site launched last April. He’s been busy with numerous interviews for television, radio and print. The 25-year-old Riggs graduated from Purdue with an honors degree in agricultural sales and marketing. As a student, he sang tenor for the world-famous Purdue Varsity Glee Club for four years, Continue reading Tailgate Time with Levi Riggs→

Darius Rucker: Charleston, SC 1966

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Darius Rucker is ready for the release of his new album, Charleston SC 1966 which hits store shelves next Tuesday. Darius Rucker is holding onto a steady and solid career in country music, and he’s giving credit where credit is due. The new album, titled “Charleston, SC 1966” is his personal tribute to legendary artist Radney Foster. The album’s first single “Comeback Song” is already climbing the charts. You can wait till release day to pick up your copy or pre-order the album through iTunes or Amazon. We here at CMNB want to know what you think of the new material.Country Music Photo Gallery

Blake Shelton’s Greatest Hits

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LOADED: The Best of Blake Shelton set for release November 9th. It’s hard to believe that Blake Shelton has been releasing hit after hit for ten years, but it’s true! Now Blake is putting all of his best work (so far) into one album for fans to enjoy. Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton will reach online and in-store retailers November 9th, and feature 7 of his greatest hits, as well as his new love ballad “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking“. Special pre-order packages are available at blakeshelton.com Track Listing for LOADED: The Best of Blake Shelton 1. Austin – Blake Shelton 2. Ol’ Red – Blake Shelton 3. The Baby – The Dreamer 4. Playboys of The Southwestern World – The Dreamer 5. Some Beach – from Blake Shelton’s Barn and Grill 6. Goodbye Time – Blake Shelton’s Barn and Grill 7. Nobody But Me – Blake Shelton’s Barn and Grill 8. Don’t Make Me – PURE BS 9. The More I Drink – PURE BS 10. Home – MORE PURE BS 11. She Wouldn’t be Gone – Startin’ Fires 12. Hillbilly Bone (feat. Trace Adkins) – Hillbilly Bone 13. Kiss My Country Ass – Hillbilly Bone 14. All About Tonight – All About Tonight 15. Who Are You When I’m Not Looking – All About TonightCountry Music Photo Gallery

Ronnie Dunn Moves Forward with Solo Album

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The breakup has passed and goodbyes were sweet. Now Ronnie Dunn is ready to get back in the studio. Ronnie Dunn, of Brooks & Dunn fame, has been reported to be working on a solo album that may be out in mid-spring of 2011. Ronnie is said to take on a producing role as well as being the main talent, according to Renee Bell, executive vice president of A&R at Sony Music Nashville. We wish Ronnie Dunn the best of luck and are sure the faithful fans will support him.

Taylor Swift Speak Now Track List

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Taylor Swift releases the track list for her upcoming album, Speak Now. We’re just a short month away from the release of Taylor Swift‘s new album, “Speak Now“, and fans are getting the first look at the list of songs included on the album. Speak Now Track List: 1. Mine 2. Sparks Fly 3. Back to December 4. Speak Now 5. Dear John 6. Mean 7. The Story of Us 8. Never Grow Up 9. Enchanted 10. Better Than Revenge 11. Innocent 12. Haunted 13. Last Kiss 14. Long LiveCountry Music Photo Gallery

Introducing Melanie Denard

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Powerful vocalist Melanie Denard makes her CMNB debut! Melanie Denard is about to punch country music right in the gut with her powerful voice, then cure the pain with her pure sweetness. This Georgia native is a newcomer to the mainstream country music industry, and she’s finding more and more welcome mats at every doorstep. Get to know Melanie Denard as she talks about her debut album “Dare to Live”. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rMkNOi3DiI]Country Music Photo Gallery

Mike McGuire Releases Debut CD

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Mike McGuire, formerly of the hit band Shenandoah, releases 6-track solo debut. It’s been a while since someone played “Two Dozen Roses” on the radio, but Shenandoah‘s drummer Mike McGuire doesn’t mind. That’s because Mike has been writing songs and singing demos. While his songs have been recorded by big artists like Darryl Worley and Reba, it tTurns out, those demos are really where the good stuff happens. After much convincing from friends and fans, Mike McGuire has finally released his own 6-track solo debut. “Six Pack” celebrates a digital release on Amazon, iTunes, and other online retailers. There is no word on retail distribution at this time. “I never dreamed I’d be putting out my own solo project.”, says McGuire. “I’ve always just been a harmony singer and songwriter, but I had so many songwriter friends and Shenandoah fans encourage me to make my own CD because they had heard me singing my song demos and wanted copies. So I figured it would be fun to do and just did it.” Country Music Photo Gallery

Introducing: The Secret Sisters

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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

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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