Category Archives: New Music

Watch Now: Kelsea Ballerini – I Hate Love Songs Official Video

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Kelsea Ballerini - I Hate Love Songs

Black River Entertainment’s KELSEA BALLERINI is steering clear of romantic clichés in her playful new music video for chart-climbing single “I Hate Love Songs.” Slated to make its sneak peek debut on the big screens of CMA Fest 2018 during tonight’s concert at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, the full video will be available to watch on Vevo immediately following the world premiere. Filmed on a local soundstage, director Traci Goudie captured Ballerini pulling out all the stops to avoid the trappings of love from an interrupted proposal and failed kiss in the rain, to a Matrix-moment to narrowly escape a tossed bouquet from a bride. Leading up to the premiere, fans can get an inside first look at the behind-the-scenes making of the video exclusively on People.com and iHeartRadio.com. Returning to host the 3-hour CMA Fest special on ABC (airing 8/8 at 8/7c) for her second year alongside former tourmate Thomas Rhett, the showstopper will take the stage tomorrow night (6/9), for a vibrant set of fan-favorites from her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, including “I Hate Love Songs” – which Billboard claims “has all the makings of a career hit for Ballerini” – plus the history-making GOLD-certified, #1 “Legends.” On Sunday (6/10), Ballerini will participate in Xfinity Fan Fair X as the Artist of the Day from the CMA Close Up Stage before wrapping a jam-packed festival week of epic appearances. The bona fide trailblazer will then gear up to hit the road as Keith Urban’s special guest on the GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR, following her sold-out headlining THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR. Beginning on June 15 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, MO, the anticipated trek runs through November 3 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. After a stirring stripped-down performance of the cheeky ode (penned by Ballerini, Shane McAnally, and Trevor Rosen), which Rolling Stone praised as “marvelous” during the 2018 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday (6/6), she is next up for three nods at the 2018 Radio Disney Music Awards: The Bestest – Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist, Play It Again! – Radio Disney Country Favorite Song(“Legends”), and all-genre XOXO – Best Crush Song (“Legends”). The sixth annual event will take place at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, CA, and air on the Disney Channel, as well as additional Disney-branded platforms, on June 23. For more information on KELSEA BALLERINI, visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Buck Owens’ Final Capitol Records Never-Released Album Due Out August 17th.

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Buck Owens

 Omnivore Recordings, in conjunction with the Buck Owens Estate, will release Country Singer’s Prayer, Buck Owens’ final Capitol album from 1975, which has remained unissued until now. Street date for CD and Digital isAugust 17, 2018. By late 1975, Buck’s unequaled success at Capitol Records was finally winding down. His singles were no longer topping the charts, and after the untimely death of bandmate Don Rich the year before, Buck was starting to lose the fire that drove him through an unprecedented run of groundbreaking hits in the ’60s and early ’70s. His contract with Capitol was due to expire at the end of the year, and he and the Buckaroos readied one final album for the label in November 1975.  While several of Buck’s later Capitol recordings had not been topping the charts as before, his last single for them, “Country Singer’s Prayer,” failed to even make a showing.  Likely due to the indifference shown to that last single, the decision was made to shelve this final album, and assign the selection number to what was ultimately Buck’s last Capitol release, Best of Buck Owens, Vol. 6, which did include the last two singles originally intended for Country Singer’s Prayer: “Battle of New Orleans” and the title track.  While Buck would revisit some of these songs with producer Norro Wilson in Nashville after signing to Warner Bros. Records, the original recordings produced at Buck’s Bakersfield studio with the Buckaroos remained in the vault.  Country Singer’s Prayer will finally receive its release some 43 years late, taken from the original LP master tapes, in what was the intended sequence. Also included are the B-sides to Buck’s final two singles from the unissued album.  With new liner notes by Scott B. Bomar featuring interviews with longtime Buckaroos piano playerJim Shaw and Robert John Jones (a.k.a. Rocky Topp), who co-wrote “Country Singer’s Prayer,” this is a fascinating chance to experience Buck’s last intended Capitol album.  Track Listing: 1. John Law 2. Love Don’t Make The Bars 3. He Ain’t Been Out Bowling With The Boys 4. Drifting Away
 5. The Battle Of New Orleans 6. Country Singer’s Prayer
 7. California Okie
 8. A Different Kind Of Sad
 9. It’s Been A Long, Long Time 10. How’s Everything   Bonus Tracks: 11. Run Him To The Round House Nellie (You Might Corner Him There) 12. Meanwhile Back At The Ranch ] Produced at Buck Owens Studios in Bakersfield, California

Listen Now: LeAnn Rimes Duet With Stevie Nicks on “Borrowed”

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Leann Rimes Stevie Nicks Borrowed

Multi-platinum Grammy award-winning vocalist, LeAnn Rimes has released “Borrowed”, the final track from her Re-Imagined EP, but surprised fans by making the emotional ballad a duet with music icon Stevie Nicks. “Borrowed (Re-Imagined)” and Rimes full five-track EP Re-Imagined are both available on digital platforms worldwide. Written by LeAnn Rimes, Darrell Brown and Dan Wilson, the original version of “Borrowed” was featured on Rimes critically acclaimed “Spitfire” album (2013). Nicks hand-picked this song to be re-recorded from Rimes catalog. “I first heard ‘Borrowed’ in 2013~ LeAnn was singing it on The Tonight Show,” shared Nicks. “I stopped in my tracks and sat down on the floor and started to cry. I understood what she was singing about. I understood that the pain was real~ and I understood that it had happened to me… When the song ended, I called my assistant to tell her that one day, I would sing this song with LeAnn. It was our destiny. LeAnn is the best singer I have ever sung with. You can’t compete with her; you can only keep up with her. To sing with her is to be blessed. She teaches you; she takes you along for the ride~ she takes you on her journey~ and you arrive~ a much better singer. It has been my great pleasure to share this song with her~ and I hope someday we can do it again.” “Borrowed (Re-Imagined)” was produced by Darrell Brown, Waddy Wachtel, LeAnn Rimes and Stevie Nicks. “Stevie has been inspiring me as a songwriter and performer since I can remember,” says Rimes. “To know that my music has seeped its way into her heart the way her music has into mine is magical. Connecting with her, not only musically, but on a soul level, understanding what it’s like to be a woman with passion, a pen and a desire to tell the most authentic, heartfelt truth through song has been an experience that’s forever left an imprint on my life. “ For the past few months, the powerhouse vocalist has been surprising fans with re-imagined versions of some of her biggest hits over the course of her career: “Blue”, “How Do I Live”, “Can’t Fight the Moonlight”, “One Way Ticket” and “Borrowed”, all featured on the Re-Imagined EP. Rimes has performed these new renditions on her Remnants tour last year, and received such a positive response, that the two-time Grammy winner wanted to make them available to everyone. This EP serves as a personal thank you to her fans for their support. For more information on LeAnn Rimes, visit www.leannrimesworld.com.

Out Tomorrow: Leann Rimes “Re-Imagined”

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Leann Rimes Blue Re-Imagined on Country Music News Blog

In late May, Grammy Award winning and multi-platinum selling artist LeAnn Rimes surprised “American Idol” contestant Layla Spring and her little sister Dyxie Spring when she walked out on stage and joined them in singing her breakout hit “Blue.” Rimes made the country tune a worldwide hit when she released it back in 1996 where it remained #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart for more than three months. “I was honored to be asked by ‘American Idol’ to surprise Layla and Dyxie Spring on the season finale,” shared Rimes. “The ‘American Idol’ team can sure keep a secret! The sweethearts had no idea; it felt like a surprise birthday party!  The two of them bring so much joy to the world, and I hope I was able to give them a little of it back.” Following the intimate performance, “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced Rimes will be releasing a brand EP titled Re-Imagined on June 20. The project will feature five new renditions of some of her biggest classics including her previously released versions of “How Do I Live,” “One Way Ticket” and others as well as “Blue.” “I originally recorded the song ‘Blue’ right before I turned 12 years old,” Rimes explains exclusively to Taste of Country. “It is crazy to think how this one song changed the course of my life. After 24 years of performing the song it was due for a simple ‘Re-imagining’ of the arrangement for my Remnants tour last year. Starting out this version with just the bass guitar with me singing the opening word of the song just goes to show you how special of a song it is. I wanted to share this live version of the track with you and truly hope you enjoy as much as we did performing it. “ Fans can purchase and stream the new re-imagined  “Blue” as heard on the ABC hit show now on all digital platforms. Globally, Rimes has sold more than 44 million units, won 2 Grammy® Awards; 12 Billboard Music Awards; 2 World Music Awards; 3 Academy of Country Music Awards; one Country Music Association Award and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won “Best New Artist” making her the youngest recipient of a Grammy® Award. For more information on Rimes and her new Re-Imagined EP, please visit www.leannrimesworld.com.

Watch Now: Sugarland “Babe” Live From The Today Show

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Sugarland Bigger Album Release

Sugarland is celebrating the release of their brand new album “Bigger” in a very big way, with appearances on television, at the CMT Music Awards, and Nashville’s annual pilgrimage event, CMA Fest as well as on their “Still the Same” 2018 tour! Check out this hot performance of their latest hit “Babe“, co-written by Taylor Swift live from The Today Show!   Get Sugarland’s BIGGER album starting today, and visit our friends at CountryMusicOnTour.com for tickets to see Sugarland LIVE!

Out Friday: Craig Campbell’s New EP “See You Try”

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The wait is over for Red Bow Records hitmakerCRAIG CAMPBELL and his legion of Country fans. Five years after the Georgia native last released a new collection of tunes, his SEE YOU TRY EP arrives on June 8. Featuring seven tracks, which once again show off the smooth, expressive vocals and easy charisma that earn Campbell comparisons to icons like Alan Jackson, SEE YOU TRY finds the singer-songwriter maintaining his reputation for country authenticity – but also looking ahead to the future.   “For the past few years, I’ve created and found some of the best music of my career,” shared Campbell. “I’m beyond excited to release this EP and show the Country music world what I’ve been up to. I’m very proud of the music and can’t wait for everyone to finally hear these songs!”   Leading the project is the flirtatious new single “See You Try,” a hot-blooded barstool anthem that Rolling Stone calls “a big, bold song that shoots for the nosebleed seats of arenas everywhere.” The track is currently rising through the Country charts and has gathered nearly 1 million Spotify streams.   Meanwhile, SEE YOU TRY also includes two versions of Campbell’s “Outskirts of Heaven,” his most sincere and impactful single to date. Open hearted and full of faithful conviction, the uplifting critic’s hit is presented in both electric and acoustic settings.   Other standout moments on the highly-anticipated EP include the regretful romance of “Me Missing You,” the party-ready Tejano twang of “Mas Tequila,” the lusty rock ballad “Upstairs” and the slinky strut of “Kids in the South,” all written by top flight tunesmiths like Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Jim Beavers, Ben Hayslip and Campbell himself.   Here’s the complete track list for Craig Campbell’s SEE YOU TRY EP:   1. “See You Try” (James McNair, Tyler Hubbard, Bart Butler, Jordan Schmidt) 2. “Me Missing You” (Barry Dean, Jonathan Singleton, Dave Barnes) 3. “Outskirts of Heaven” (Craig Campbell, Dave Turnbull) 4. “Mas Tequila” (Craig Campbell, Jim Beavers, Chris DuBois) 5. “Upstairs” (Kelly Archer, Justin Weaver, Al Anderson) 6. “Kids in the South” (Chase McGill, Ben Hayslip) 7. “Outskirts of Heaven (Acoustic)” (Craig Campbell, Dave Turnbull)   In related news, Campbell will host his 6th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 5th at Nashville’s City Winery. As a national spokesperson for Fight CRC – a charity organization which supports research, education and awareness for colorectal cancer – Campbell raised over $200,000 for the cause with last year’s event, and hopes to top that mark as fans donate for the chance to battle another star-studded lineup in 2018.   A regular guest on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage, exceptional vocalist and critically acclaimed live performer, Campbell is on the verge of breaking out to superstardom after nearly a decade of success on the Country radio airplay charts and beyond.   Songs like “Family Man,” “Fish” and “Outta My Head” struck a chord after the singer-songwriter was discovered in Nashville’s famous honky-tonk, The Continue reading Out Friday: Craig Campbell’s New EP “See You Try”→

Watch Now: Blackberry Smoke – Best Seat In The House

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Blackberry Smoke News

An acoustic video for Blackberry Smoke’s “Best Seat In The House” is premiering today. Watch/share HERE. The video was filmed at Southern Ground Studios in Nashville, TN and features band members Charlie Starr (vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards). The song is from the band’s acclaimed new album, Find A Light, which debuted as the best-selling Country and Americana/Folk album in the country and entered at #3 on the BillboardTop Country Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart. Recent critical praise for Find A Light… “Blackberry Smoke is part of a lineage that shares a love of Petty, the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr., able to ride an Americana vibe or peel off a stomping riff and tie it all together without a hint of pretense.” “Blackberry Smoke shines through the darkness on the album’s 13 cuts” “…a self-produced set that runs a wide stylistic range from heavy rock to gentle balladry and twangy country…” “Blackberry Smoke have long been heirs to the road-warrior mantle established by their classic-rock and country heroes. And, with their sixth full-length album, Find A Light, the quintet has now firmly established an authentic legacy of their own.” “Blackberry Smoke’s electrifying amalgam of country, blues, roots, soul and classic rock is garnering big audiences across a wide spectrum of genres. And what’s more, they’re doing it with a sound that boasts some of the most hot-shit, high-wire guitar shredding around.” “There’s never a dull moment on Find A Light, and Blackberry Smoke has delivered another album that wends its way deep into our flesh and bone, blistering our souls and soothing our hearts.” “…Blackberry Smoke are traditionalists through and through, carrying the flame for good old-fashioned American rock & roll…The result is a splendid little record that simultaneously feels brand new and like a lost gem.” “They’re as constant as the North Star and as reliable as the Lone Ranger. Calmly, they survey the turmoil that surrounds us, stroke their beards for a moment, pick up their guitars and make another solid and reliable Blackberry Smoke album.” “…reveals a band that sounds ever more like itself: proud torchbearers of a Southern rock tradition, certainly, but a folk/rock/gospel/blues/country-driven original fivesome that can write both tender and party-ready, with at-times-unpredictable flavors.” “Flourishes of fiddle, organ and piano add depth to the band’s time- perfected rock ‘n’ roll sound, creating an album that is layered, diverse and fresh, yet still unmistakably Blackberry Smoke.” In celebration of the release, Blackberry Smoke will tour extensively throughout 2018 including a series of co-headlining dates with JJ Grey & Mofro as well as several shows with Lynyrd Skynyrd. See below for complete details. Self-produced by the acclaimed 5-piece band, Find A Light is Blackberry Smoke’s sixth full-length album and features 13 new songs written/co-written by lead-singer and guitarist Charlie Starr. In addition to the band members, the album also features special guests Robert Randolph (“I’ll Keep Ramblin’”), Amanda Shires (“Let Me Down Easy”) and Continue reading Watch Now: Blackberry Smoke – Best Seat In The House→

Little Big Town is Giving Us Summer Fever!

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Little Big Town Summer Fever

LITTLE BIG TOWN TO RELEASE NEW SONG “SUMMER FEVER” JUNE 6 THE FOURSOME WILL OPEN THE 2018 CMT MUSIC AWARDS WITH PERFORMANCE OF SONG THAT DAY Little Big Town is set to release the song of the summer, “Summer Fever,” Wednesday, June 6th to Country radio and all digital service providers.  LBT’s Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook will open the 2018 CMT Music Awards that same day with a performance of “Summer Fever” and continue as the night’s hosts for the duration of the show. The track, co-written by Fairchild, Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlowe, and Sam Romans features Fairchild on lead vocals and encapsulates the spirit of summertime with an infectious melody and nostalgic guitar tones set against the group’s famous four-part harmonies. “Summer Fever” was co-produced by Frasure and Shane McAnally and mixed by Spike Stent in Los Angeles.  “It’s always amazing when a song seems to just wait for its own perfect timing,” said Frasure. “Getting the chance to bring this song to life in the writing room with my co-writers, and through the opportunity to co-produce with my friend Shane McAnally has been a dream come true.  I can’t wait to hear this song coming out of a rolled down window this Summer.” “I dare you to sit still when this song comes on…it’s impossible,” said McAnally. “I don’t even dance, but something comes over me when this thing kicks in. I can’t wait for the world to catch Summer Fever.” Photo Credit: Williams + Hirakawa Summer Fever Creative: Milkglass

Watch Now: Kenny Chesney – Get Along

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Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney knew why he wanted “Get Along” as the first single from his deeply personalSongs for the Saints, coming July 27. Beyond the feel-good lope to its groove, the message of inclusion instead of rancor resonated in the wake of too much news overload, screaming talking heads and a world seemingly intent on the differences instead of coming together. He knew, too, there was no better way to show that notion of inclusion in action than through his own No Shoes Nation, a country without borders filled with all kinds of people determined to enjoy the moment. So beyond kicking off his Trip Around The Sun Tour at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, Chesney wanted to capture the fun, friendship, laughter and good times that have been bringing his fans together for years. “The whole point of the song is to look for your common ground instead of worrying about your differences,” Chesney explains. “And when I look out into the crowd, that’s what I see: people who are having a great time, getting along and making the most of every single minute.” Mostly documentary from the parking lots, the stands, the sand bar and the stage, the Shaun Silva directed clip has the same euphoria and spirit that marks the song. Beyond Chesney’s signature high energy performance, there’s a solo turn on an Engel cooler, a low impact group jam from rehearsal, a heroic take on “Get Along” from the Buccaneers pirate ship and an impromptu run through the song on a pontoon boat in the middle of one of the lots. “It takes a lot to try to keep up with the No Shoes Nation,” Chesney admits. “With their rolling Tiki Bars, tons of sand, Blue Chair Bay cocktails and wading pools. They have as much fun waiting to get into the show as they do at the concerts, and I love that! I wanted this video to be a mix of how their world works and the way their passion inspires all of us up onstage. “It made for a couple long days, doing a video the same time we were starting a tour…But I wouldn’t have changed anything for the world!” With Chesney playing to record crowds at most of his stadium shows, “Get Along” is already Top 10 and climbing onBillboard and MediaBase charts. Described by the 8-time Entertainer of the Year as “a song for times like these from an album about the places that save you,” this song sets the tone for an album about hope in the hard places, acceptance of what is and the resilience to rise up and make your way no matter what’s in front of you.

Introducing: Logan Robinson – Boat Docks

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Logan Robinson on Country Music News Blog

Just in time for summer, we got this fun little submission from North Carolina native Logan Robinson.  Give “Boat Docks” a listen and let us know if you’ll be adding it to your summer playlist! You can learn more about Logan Robinson on his website and Facebook pages below. You can also find his music on Spotify, ITunes, and Apple Tunes. https://www.loganrobinsonmusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/LoganRobinsonOfficial/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrrqTpfphkY