Carrie Underwood Teases “Champion” Track

Carrie Underwood

Country megastar Carrie Underwood gave fans a quick taste of her upcoming track “Champion” during Saturday night’s Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and the L.A. Rams and those fans are going rabid for more! Check out something special from @carrieunderwood that aired tonight during halftime! #SBLII #TheChampion pic.twitter.com/YBL77YsgbQ — SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) January 7, 2018 Rumor has it this track will be debuted during the 2018 Superbowl which takes place February 4th. In the meantime Carrie is nursing injuries obtained during a fall at her Nashville home over the holiday season. Those injuries include a broken wrist and an undisclosed amount of cosmetic damage to her face that, according to her social media posts, required 40-50 stitches and will leave her looking quite different than what fans expect. Though we doubt fans give a hoot if she’s got a burlap bag and her favorite sweats hiding her looks completely as long as she still sings the same!

Coming Soon: New Single “Tequila” From Dan + Shay 1/10/18

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As Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) teased on social media last week, fans are just days away from a taste of the duo’s brand new music. “Tequila,” their first offering in nearly a year, will be available to radio and all streaming partners this Wednesday, January 10. Co-written by Smyers alongside Jordan Reynolds and Nicolle Galyon, the reflective single is much more than just your typical drinking song. The breakout duo are amping up the momentum from an exceptional 2017, which saw them amass more than 230 million streams, sell out shows in four international territories and earn a half-dozen award nominations – all between celebrating two marriages and a baby. The first new country duo in SoundScan recorded history to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums Chart, Dan + Shay collected their second RIAA Platinum certification in 2017 for “From The Ground Up,” the first single off of their sophomore Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville release Obsessed. Soon after they notched their third consecutive No. 1 song with the Gold-certified “How Not To.” Dan + Shay are currently in the studio working on their upcoming project, due later this year.

Watch Now: Sugarland Still The Same Official Video

Sugarland Still The Same Official

With sweeping verses and an anthemic chorus, Sugarland certainly gave fans exactly what we were hoping for with their first release in over 5 years titled “Still The Same“. From Jennifer & Kristian: “We said new music by the end of the year and we meant it! We are thrilled to announce our new single, “Still The Same”, is available now. The title of the song is so meaningful to us. We always knew we were going to make music again, so this has been the best of both worlds. We were able to take time to feed our personal passions, and we’re excited to come back together and create music as a band again. We can’t wait for you to hear it!” Sugarland’s first LIVE show back together in five years will be next week when they be perform LIVE from Times Square on Dick’s Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 at 8/7c on ABC.

Scotty McCreery Announces First Album in 5 Years

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SEASONS CHANGE FOR SCOTTY McCREERY –   NEW ALBUM DUE MARCH 16 Singer Returns with first LP in 5 Years; Debut Album on Sony Imprint, Triple Tigers Records Earlier this year, Scotty McCreery released his single, “Five More Minutes,” a song People called an “emotional walk down memory lane” that pleads for more time with the people and experiences that are important in his life. The ACM, BMI and CMT Award winner wrote the Top 20-and-climbing hit song that The Tennessean says “pulls heartstrings” just two weeks after the passing of his grandfather. Now, the North Carolina native expands on his reflections about life with his highly-anticipated third studio album, Seasons Change, due March 16 on Triple Tigers Records, a Sony Music imprint – his first album on the label. The project was produced by Frank Rogers (McCreery’s See You Tonight, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker), Derek Wells (guitarist for Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldridge, Little Big Town), and Aaron Eshuis (producer for Ryan Hurd, songwriter for A Thousand Horses, Joe Nichols, Cole Swindell). Autographed copies of Seasons Change bundled with exclusive merchandise options will be available for pre-order at ScottyMcCreery.com beginning Wednesday, December 20. The official online retail stores’ pre-order, including iTunes and Amazon, will begin on January 12, 2018. In the five years since he released his last album, the now-24-year-old, McCreery, grew up, built a life outside the spotlight, left college, performed around the world, lost one record deal and gained another, released a book, moved to Nashville, and more. In September, he proposed to his long-time girlfriend Gabi Dugal in the mountains of North Carolina. All of these experiences serve as the foundation of Seasons Change. “In the last five years, I have grown from a teenager to a man, moved out on my own, lost my grandfather, proposed to the love of my life, and learned more about myself than I could have imagined,” said McCreery. “This all shows up in the 11 songs on Seasons Change, and I cannot wait to share this music with my fans after such a long time between releases.” “For the first time, I wrote all the songs on my album,” McCreery continued. “It’s kind of my journal of the last few years: the ups and the downs. Whenever I think things are not going well, I’ve learned to just wait it out because the seasons change. If you want to know who I am and where I’m at right now, listen to this album. I feel like I’m having a conversation with everyone that listens. It’s that personal.” Seasons Change features songs spotlighting his love for his fiancée (including one song written a week before he proposed), his adventures with his lifelong friends, his reflections on life, and coming to terms with the man he has become. The album marks a first for McCreery, as it’s the first time he’s co-written all the songs on an album. Among his co-writers are Jessi Alexander (Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton), Monty Criswell Continue reading Scotty McCreery Announces First Album in 5 Years

Singer-Songwriter Ruby Joy Ketchum, 16, Signs Exclusively With BMI

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Singer-songwriter Ruby Joy Ketchum,16, daughter of BMI award-winning songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum and celebrity stylist Gina Ketchum, has signed  with BMI for exclusive publishing. “Having grown up going to BMI number one parties and having the awards hang on our walls at home, I am excited to now myself be a member of the amazing family and community of songwriters here,” says the talented young songwriter. Two of Ruby Joy’s original songs are set to be in the soundtrack of a Disney feature film being released in early 2019 (working title, not yet released.) She will also be traveling to Ireland in 2018 to work with fellow writers on an upcoming BBC TV program. Ruby Joy received a standing ovation earlier this year for her performance of the Patsty Cline hit, “Have You Ever Been Lonely?” at the Grand Ole Opry. That was not, however, her first time on the Opry stage. “My mom and dad introduced me on the Opry Stage when I was 11 days old. I literally took my naps in my dad’s guitar case stage right.” She then went on to perform as his bass player on the same stage at age 9. “Since I grew up around music every day, I can play many instruments.” With her effortless 3 octave range of graceful lead vocals and harmonies, Ruby Joy is writing and recording with all genre writers and will continue traveling and writing in the coming year. Stay tuned for her release of original music, with the launch of her YouTube channel in early 2018. “There’s always an extra reason to celebrate when the daughter or son of a successful BMI songwriter follows in their footsteps and signs with us. Such is the case with Ruby, whose father Hal Ketchum, signed with BMI at the beginning of his career.  Ruby is a breath of fresh air, just as her dad was when he emerged on the scene. We are thrilled to welcome Ruby into the BMI family!” says Jody Williams, VP creative of BMI Nashville. “Ruby Joy is such a unique talent. From the moment I met her, I could feel that she oozed creativity. Her sound is unlike anyone else on the scene; she’s a true individual and the staff at BMI can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.” adds Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Executive Director, Writer-Publisher Relations.

Listen Now: Americana Band Reveille – “Miracle”

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Raleigh, NC Americana band, New Reveille, who recently signed a label and management deal with Loud & Proud Records, have launched their PledgeMusic store today where fans can pre-order their debut album.  Exclusive items are also available including signed vinyl test pressings, hand-written lyrics, instruments, unique experiences such as Skype cello or violin lessons, an acoustic house concert, and more.  All pledgers will get an instant track download of an early recording of the song, “Miracle.”   Yesterday, the band premiered their first “Living Room Sessions” video for “Miracle” with Americana blog, Mother Church Pew who said, “These days, having a banjo in your band doesn’t make you Americana. All the elements have to be in place—stellar songwriting, outstanding musicianship, creative innovation, and a unique ability to connect with those who listen. Raleigh, North Carolina-based Americountry outfit New Reveille has it all, banjo included… With sweetly-rendered multi-part harmonies, yearning string arrangements, and lyrical depth, ‘Miracle’ gives us a glimpse of the raw talent and stripped down beauty New Reveille possesses.” Watch it HERE and on their PledgeMusic page now. Nashville based Producer / Engineer Ben Fowler, a Multi-Platinum, Grammy Award winning, ACM Engineer of the Year nominee, has signed on to produce their debut Loud & Proud Records release. Fowler most recently has made albums with Jerrod Niemann, Sarah Evans, Lucy Hale, Kip Moore, Rascal Flatts, and Ruby Amanfu to name a few. In the past, he’s worked with Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and George Harrison, among others. “I’m incredibly excited about working with New Reveille,” says Ben Fowler. “They have a depth to their sound vocally and instrumentally that is uniquely their own, and I look forward to getting in the studio with them.”  Singer Amy Kamm adds, “we are inspired by the opportunity to tell our stories through our songs, both in the studio recording our new album and on the road performing for fans. We’ve prepared for this moment, and 2018 is the time for New Reveille to take a major step forward.”   New Reveille, Amy Kamm (lead vocalist), Daniel Cook (banjo / guitar), George Hage (lead guitar), Kaitlin Grady (cello), and Autumn Brand (violin), self-released their debut album, Cannonball in 2013.  They sold out their very first show at Deep South The Bar and soon were playing to standing room only crowds with their powerfully crafted songs, incredible showmanship, and eclectic live shows.  They also won the prestigious American Advertising Gold Addy award for their “Babylon” video (155,000 views on YouTube) which Daniel Cook wrote and directed.   The band name, New Reveille, a tribute to Cook’s military grandfather who played reveille in the mornings, could also mean a “new awakening,” which is how the band members view their signing to Loud & Proud Records, and what it means for their future.   New Reveille Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Listen Now: Dolly Parton’s ‘Holly Dolly Holiday Jukebox’ on Spotify

Dolly Parton Christmas Playlist on Spotify

“I just love this time of year. The season, spending time with family, the movies and the music! I put together a special ‘Holly Dolly Holiday Jukebox’ on Spotify for you all that I sure hope you’ll enjoy.” – Dolly Parton Listen and share Dolly’s playlist on Spotify here: http://bit.ly/hollydollyjukebox   Gift Dolly’s very first children’s album, I Believe In You here: http://smarturl.it/dollyibelieveinyou     FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOLLY PARTON, VISIT: www.dollyparton.com Facebook: Facebook.com/DollyParton Instagram: Instagram.com/DollyParton Twitter: Twitter.com/DollyParton Tumblr: OfficialDollyParton.tumblr.com Google+: Plus.Google.com/+DollyParton

Listen Now: Jerrod Niemann – I Got This

Curb Records hitmaker JERROD NIEMANN is back at Country radio this week with the fun, upbeat song, “I Got This,” from his latest studio album THIS RIDE. Penned by a trio of Country’s hottest writers – Rodney Clawson (Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan), Josh Osborne (Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt) and Luke Dick (Eric Church, Miranda Lambert) – the “strutting indie-pop jam” (Rolling Stone Country) was one of the Top 3 most added songs at Country radio with 33 stations on board first week.   “‘I Got This’ really represents how my new music has evolved,” shared Niemann. “It has the vibe and groove that draws me towards songs. We used some of our very favorite tones and textures in the studio to amplify and uplift the lyrics and melody. Hopefully everyone will be toe tapping and singin’ along.” Recently, Neimann had the chance to talk all about THIS RIDE and new tune “I Got This” with Suzanne Alexander for GAC’s Great American Playlist and Cody Alan for CMT Hot 20 Countdown. The singer-songwriter also shared the accompanying music video, which was filmed by director Ryan Hamblin in a vibey studio in Nashville. Later this month, Niemann will join the USO’s 76th annual star-studded holiday tour as the musical guest. Led by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., he’ll have the opportunity to visit with and perform for service members stationed internationally. “After a life-changing USO tour last year, I couldn’t be more excited to give my appreciation to service members overseas during the holidays,” enthused Niemann. “While I can’t yet say where and when we’re going yet, I’ll send updates with the troops once we get there.” ABOUT JERROD NIEMANN: Fueled by a nearly decade-long career, prolific Nashville hitmaker Jerrod Niemann has dug deeper that ever before with THIS RIDE – his first album for Curb Records which includes the uplifting duet “A Little More Love” (with Lee Brice) and his romantic follow-up single “God Made A Woman.” Known for clever wordplay and attention-grabbing lyrics, the highly engaging singer-songwriter last topped Country charts with his PLATINUM-certified anthem “Drink to That All Night,” a multi week #1 from the 2014 album HIGH NOON – on which he co-wrote eight of the 12 tracks. Niemann first burst onto the scene in 2010 with his critically-acclaimed major-label debut, JUDGE JERROD & THE HUNG JURY, which skyrocketed on the strength of his PLATINUM-certified #1 smash “Lover, Lover” and GOLD-certified Top 5 “What Do You Want.” His second release, FREE THE MUSIC, included Top 15 “Shinin’ On Me” and poignant ballad “Only God Could Love You More.” From Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, and CMT Award nominations, to headlining and touring with some of country’s hottest acts – Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban – Niemann continues to make his mark by creatively pushing boundaries all while offering a sincere nod to the legends before him. For additional information on Jerrod Niemann, please visit www.jerrodniemannofficial.com.

Listen Now: Candi Carpenter – Nights And Weekends

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Up and coming Nashville-based country singer Candi Carpenter is proud to debut her acoustic music video for her new song, “Nights and Weekends”, which premiered yesterday on Country Fancast. “Nights and Weekends” came to life as a therapy session with one of her co-writers who’d just finished working a double shift at a restaurant in Nashville. It was also inspired by Candi’s father, who rarely gets to see his wife during the day because of his third shift work schedule. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKkDzIWDIg&feature=youtu.be   “I hope this song will encourage people to keep going and hang on to their dreams, even when money is tight and work is wearing them down,” says Candi. The video was a production made up of Candi’s friends, and fellow artists- Hannah Bethel, Jenny Garner, Melanie Bresnan, and Aaron Kessler (left to right) who all helped with the acoustic performance, while Derek Oxford shot and edited the video himself. Truly Alvarenga handled set design, and Baumgartner Sound and Design supplied the beautiful handmade speakers that are featured in the video:   www.baumgartnersoundanddesign.com More about Candi Carpenter “I write my best songs when men piss me off,” says Candi Carpenter, whose fiery first single, “Burn The Bed” tells the story of a scorned woman’s cheating husband. Her aching, soulful voice has drawn comparisons to Janis Joplin and Patsy Cline, while critics have dubbed her “the modern Loretta Lynn” of country songwriting. “A lot of people say I have a crazy story,” she says. “Maybe I do, but I think we’re all messed up in our own way. That’s why I write about the bad, the ugly, and the good that makes it all worthwhile. The hurt, and the healing, and everything in between.” Candi’s musical roots are buried deep in memories of stained glass windows and dog eared hymnals, as she toured the midwest with her family’s gospel band. At age 11, she crashed a Vince Gill concert by writing “Can I yodel for you?” on the back of a ticket stub. Later that year, she signed her first production deal in Nashville. She traded high school for a small room at The Shoney’s Inn downtown, and the stages of honky tonk dives like Tootsies and The Broken Spoke Saloon became her classroom. She performed every night until the bars closed down, hiding from the police in the bathrooms.

Listen Now: Luke Combs – One Number Away

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Sony Nashville artist and fast-rising favorite Luke Combs is quickly making a name for himself in the country circles with his roots-true sound. Take a listen to his newest hit-in-the-making “One Number Away” expected on the airwaves in January 2018! Recorded at Sony Music Nashville offices when Luke was Live@1201. [bctt tweet=”Take a sneak preview at @LukeCombsMusic’s next single #OneNumberAway at Country Music News Blog!” username=”My_CountryMusic”]