Category Archives: New Music

Spotlight on Songbyrd Music House: Washington DC

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The late afternoon sun drifts lazily through the large open windows of the Songbyrd Music House on 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan. Bartenders and chefs are preparing for the evening’s business, and owner Joe Lapan and publicist Peter Lillis sit at a high top table drinking coffee from the adjacent Record Café. [bctt tweet=”Read about #WashingtonDC’s newest #record café, restaurant & bar, and #musicvenue, @SongByrdDC “] This weekend marks the opening of the third piece of the Songbyrd Music House and Record Café—the performance space—and with a capacity to support around 200 people, it brings a new venue to Adams Morgan. Though Songbyrd first opened in April of this year, it did so merely as a place to buy some records, snack on a sandwich, and, uh, record your own vinyl track on a 1947 Voice-O-Graph machine. “We thought Adams Morgan deserves a decently sized music venue beyond what it currently has,” Lapan says. “You have your venues where you’re going to get live music that are similar size to ours, but not necessarily in this geography.” But Songbyrd is much more than just a larger venue for Adams Morgan, and all three aspects—record café, restaurant and bar, and music venue—work together as a complete home for music lovers. “Think about your house,” Lapan says, “it has these separate spaces that all function differently, but they’re all where you live.” Lapan’s metaphor is an apt one. The bar and café are comfortable and feel more akin to someone’s living room than commercial establishments, with cushioned seats, dim lighting, and exposed brick. Records are everywhere. This aesthetic carries even further into the music venue, where deep reds and dark woods have the look and feel of a ’70s basement. Coupled with the comfortable aesthetic is the emphasis that Lapan and co-owner Alisha Edmonson have placed on sound quality. The desire to provide high fidelity audio across a variety of genres and media led Lapan and Edmonson to have a sound system installed by ITI Audio, the folks responsible for the sound at U Street Music Hall. This sound system allows for everything from DIY punk bands to DJs spinning R&B and Soul to really elevate their sound and performance… Read more at WashingtonCityPaper.com

Hunter Hayes to release The 21 Project November 6th 2015

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Hunter Hayes has been exploring different ways to share new music with fans throughout the summer, and on Friday, Nov. 6 the Atlantic / Warner Music Nashville artist will offer up his latest creation with the release of The 21 Project. Featuring three discs – one acoustic, one studio and one live – the special collection will showcase the life of seven songs through each variation. Tracks will include Hayes’ current Top 25-and-climbing single, “21,” as well as a brand new song, “I Mean You.” [bctt tweet=”So excited for @HunterHayes #the21project! How about you? #CountryMusic”] “This project has been a lot of fun for me, because it really brings the focus back to the music and shows how a song grows from its original form into something we play on stage,” said Hayes, who co-produced The 21 Project with Dann Huff. “We’re making our fall tour all about the music and connecting with fans in a closer setting, and just enjoying music together.” The 21 Project is available for pre-order now at http://smarturl.it/HH21ProjectPR with a track listing as follows: 1.“21” (Dallas Davidson, Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Hayes) 2.“Young And In Love” (Hunter Hayes, Dan Omelio, Dave Barnes) 3.“Saint Or A Sinner” (Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Barry Dean) 4.“Where It All Begins (feat. Lady Antebellum)” (Hunter Hayes, Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott) 5.“Suitcase” (Hunter Hayes, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman) 6.“The Trouble With Love” (Lori McKenna, Hunter Hayes) 7.“I Mean You” (Hunter Hayes, Jimmy Robbins, Ashley Gorley) Hayes will embark on his 21 Tour on October 22, playing a limited run of dates. The always-innovative entertainer collaborated with Spotify to help route his upcoming tour, targeting college markets with high densities of fans who stream Hayes’ music. Current dates for the 21 Tour include: Thursday, Oct. 22 – Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, N.C. Friday, Oct. 23 – Kent State University – Kent, Ohio Saturday, Oct. 24 – West Point Eisenhower Hall Theater – Highland Falls, N.Y. Thursday, Oct. 29 – Purdue University – West Lafayette, Ind. Friday, Oct. 30 – Aebersold Recreation Center at Slippery Rock University – Slippery Rock, Pa. Thursday, Nov. 5 – Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green, Ky. Friday, Nov. 6 – Notre Dame University – Notre Dame, Ind. Saturday, Nov. 7 – Illinois State University – Normal, Ill. Saturday, Nov. 14 – University of Oklahoma – Norman, Okla.

Hot New Music from Country Music News Blog!

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It’s a great time in country music with many artists pushing out brand new albums before the 2015 CMA’s kick off! We’ve compiled a list of the hottest new albums that are already out, out today, and coming soon to help you find what you love! Of course, these are Amazon links so if you purchase from one of our links you will help support our operating expenses here at CMNB, but hey… something’s gotta keep the lights on! Cheers! ~WC~

Blake Shelton Dishes on the Single Life

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People Magazine seems to be just as interested in how the newly single Blake Shelton is doing these days as his fans are. In the next issue Blake makes the cover while a “close friend” of his dishes about how he’s doing now that he and Miranda Lambert are over. “Clearly he was upset during the breakup, but he’s not someone to sit around and lick his wounds,” says a close friend of the country singer. “He’s about moving forward and not looking in the rearview mirror.” [bctt tweet=”Find out how single life has been treating #BlakeShelton #CountryMusic”] Leaning on his Voice crew and costars and spending quality time with his male pals (the star recently returned from an annual hunting trip), Shelton – who announced his divorce from Lambert, 31, in July – “has bounced back very quickly,” says the friend. “He experiences all the same ups and downs as anyone else, but he is doing so well and is always the life of the party.” On set in Los Angeles, “Everyone wants to hang out with him,” says the friend. “He’s been upbeat and enjoying his time with the coaches. They are a tight-knit group.” “This is the most loving combination [of coaches],” Shelton – whose compilation album Reloaded: 20 #1 Hits comes out Oct. 23 – told PEOPLE earlier this summer. “We spend time together a lot mostly just talking [and ] having life discussions. That’s my favorite part of being on this show is those friendships that I’ve made. We love each other.” Shelton, 39, is also working on new music (“This is the most excited he’s been about an album,” says another source) and has lost at least 20 lbs. in the last several months. “There’s been a silver lining for Blake,” says the pal. “He has the time to take care of himself and he’s taken positive steps in his life to spend time with friends and family.” “I’m in a good place,” he told CMT recently. “I wasn’t, but I am now. It’s amazing how quickly life can turn around for you. I’ve had some pretty cool things in recent times that have happened, and I’m loving it.” Rumors of a new album, and of course his success as the most boisterous of the Voice coaches are also keeping Blake busy these days. You can find out more in the newest issue of People that hits the stands this Friday.

Leann Rimes to release Today Is Christmas

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Christmas has come early! Grammy Award Winning singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes will release her new Christmas album, “Today is Christmas”, on October 16, 2015. The album was recorded in Los Angeles at Capitol Recording Studios and Sunset Sound Studios; and was co-produced by Rimes, Darrell Brown and Niko Bolas. Rimes also co-wrote two original songs for the album, the title track, “Today is Christmas”, as well as “I Still Believe in Santa Claus”. [bctt tweet=”Preview @LeannRimes ‘Celebrate Me Home’ and watch the making of the recording with @GavinDeGraw”] Released by Kobalt Label Services, “Today is Christmas” will be available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon today, September 18, 2015. The pre-order will include an instant grat track, “Celebrate Me Home”, a holiday favorite that Rimes recorded as a duet with Grammy nominated artist, Gavin DeGraw. CLICK TO LISTEN HERE: http://smarturl.it/leann_cmh. To make the album even more merry and bright, Rimes also teamed up with hit recording artist Aloe Blacc for a soulful duet of the song, “That Spirit of Christmas”. “I try to remain in the Christmas spirit all year long”, says Rimes, “so I am hoping my fans will be right there with me – singing all the way into the New Year”. She continues, “I was able to collaborate with some incredibly talented vocalists and musicians to make this amazing record, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.” “Today is Christmas” Track List: 1. Today Is Christmas 2. We Need A Little Christmas 3. That Spirit of Christmas (Featuring Aloe Blacc) 4. I Still Believe In Santa Claus 5. Holly Jolly Christmas / Frosty The Snowman 6. Celebrate Me Home (Featuring Gavin DeGraw) 7. Must Be Santa 8. Christmas Time is Here 9. The Heartache Can Wait 10. Little Drummer Boy 11. Joy (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen / Angels We Have Heard On High / Hark The Herald Angels Sing) 12. Auld Lang Syne To celebrate the new record, Rimes announced that she will be hitting the West Coast on her annual Christmas tour which will be appropriately called, “Today is Christmas”. The tour kicks off in Tacoma, Washington on December 4th with Ellee Duke opening. For more information on LeAnn Rimes and her tour dates and tickets, please visit: www.leannrimesworld.com and visit www.youtube.com/user/leannrimesofficial.

Kenny Rogers Announces New Christmas Album and Tour

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Kenny Rogers will release his first new Christmas album in seventeen years on September 25th via Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville. Titled Once Again It’s Christmas, the festive set is Rogers’ first Christmas release since Christmas From The Heart (1998), and his sixth Christmas release overall. Since the release of his first-ever Christmas album, Christmas, in 1981, Rogers has embarked on an annual Christmas & Hits Tour, which continues this winter as the Once Again It’s Christmas Tour featuring Linda Davis. Rogers will perform holiday favorites, selections from his new Christmas album and his No. 1 hits at concerts across the U.S. and Canada. The tour currently includes 29 dates. Special VIP packages will be available for the tour dates that are not already on-sale. For the most up to date information on tour dates, tickets, VIP packages, and pre-order opportunities, visit: www.kennyrogers.com The eleven-song album, Once Again It’s Christmas, features several special guest stars. Jennifer Nettles joins Rogers on “Here It Is Christmas/Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; Alison Krauss is featured on “Some Children See Him”; Home Free collaborates with Rogers on “Children, Go Where I Send Thee”; Jim Brickman guests on “That Silent Night”; and Winfield’s Locket sings with Rogers on “There’s A New Kid In Town.” Rogers also co-wrote a powerful song called “The Light” with long-time bandmate Steve Glassmeyer and former bandmate, Warren Hartman. The song concludes the album. The new project was produced by Kyle Lehning and Hartman, who were joined by Darren Rust as co-producer for the song, “Children, Go Where I Send Thee.” Steve Sundholm and Jim Brickman produced “That Silent Night.” The Once Again It’s Christmas album cover art, unveiled here for the first time, is a photo taken by Rogers that he entitled “Red Tree.” He captured the wintry scene while shooting in Yakima, Washington, in December 2003. Rogers received an Honorary Masters of Photography Degree from Professional Photographers of America (PPA) in 2014 for his contributions to the world of photography. “I can’t tell you how much fun it’s been doing another Christmas album—it’s my favorite time of year. Recording a project like this means I was able to re-live some old memories singing some of the songs I was raised listening to and grew to love as a child. The process also allowed me to make many new memories working with some very talented people. I’m excited about all of the special guests who joined me for this, and hope you enjoy it, too,” Rogers said. The past several years have been some of the most active, creative, and rewarding of Rogers’ entire storied career. Once Again It’s Christmas will be Rogers’ third full studio release of all new recordings since 2011. In 2014, Rogers received his latest GRAMMY® Award nomination with Dolly Parton for “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” and in 2014 and 2015, Rogers’ career was showcased in a year-long exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2013, Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Continue reading Kenny Rogers Announces New Christmas Album and Tour→

DARIUS RUCKER RELEASES NEW SINGLE “HOMEGROWN HONEY”

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Capitol Records Nashville’s Darius Rucker released his new single, “Homegrown Honey,” to Country radio today. “Homegrown Honey” was written by Darius, label mate Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and Nathan Chapman. This is the first single from Darius’ fourth solo country album to be released in early 2015. “Homegrown Honey” is currently available for purchase at all digital retailers. “This is the first time I’ve gotten to write with my buddy Charles Kelley and their [Lady Antebellum’s] producer Nathan Chapman and I’m sure glad we did!,” shares Darius. Darius is working with producer Frank Rogers who also produced his three previous solo country albums. All three albums debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart and have produced a total of six No. 1 singles, including “Wagon Wheel,” “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” “Wagon Wheel,” Darius’ most recent No. 1, held the top spot for two weeks and garnered the 2014 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.   Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/dariusrucker/700-darius-rucker-releases-new-single-homegrown-honey-from-upcoming-fourth-country-album  

Brad Paisley – Country Nation – Official Video

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Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

It seems while Taylor Swift was busy twerking on Yahoo! Brad Paisley was making his own debut for his new single “Country Nation” on a brand new site that appears to be created/ran by WalMart. You can see the full video below: Besides being surrounded by Walmart ads, and even including Walmart employees in the video, we also learned that Brad Paisley is releasing his new album next Tuesday, August 25th. The album is titled “Moonshine in the Trunk” and I’m pretty sure there’s no twerking in these videos!

Kenny Chesney Reveals Big Revival Cover Today

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The Hollywood Reporter & Billboard.com Share Exclusive Peek NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 14, 2014) — It took Kenny Chesney time to find the songs that would become The Big Revival. But given the success of “American Kids” topping the Soundscan Digital Country Songs chart for the last two weeks since and hitting country radio hard, it’s obvious forging new paths is working for the man who’s been called “The People’s Superstar” by The Los Angeles Times. With an eye toward fresh and different, Chesney wanted an album cover to reflect just that. Not what was expected, not obvious marketing, or even keyed on any of the obvious notions of who he is. As he says, “I wanted a cover that was surprising… that suggests anything is possible. No matter where you are in your life, how tired or lost or demoralized, with a little faith and a little help, anything’s possible. Because it’s all within you. Or me.” To that end, Chesney chose a portrait of the bus from his freewheeling “American Kids” video, a vehicle both loaded with meaning and recast in ways that defy description. Transformed by the crazy paint job Chesney himself helped create, the bus becomes a transport to a world where everyone can explore their potential and celebrate being alive. Find out more straight from the source! http://ebmediapr.com/kennychesney/670-kenny-chesney-reveals-big-revival-cover-today-

Colt Ford Releases “Thanks For Listening”

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Showcasing his talent as a gifted songwriter and evolution as an artist, Colt Ford’s fifth studio album “Thanks For Listening,” releases on Average Joes Entertainment tomorrow, July 1, 2014. Simultaneously with the album release, Ford has been named NRA Country’s Featured Artist for July. On July 2, Yahoo Music will premiere Ford’s new video, “Dirty Side,” featuring Mattie Breaux from CMT’s popular Party Down South series. Available everywhere music is sold, “Thanks For Listening,” was produced by Shannon “Fat Shan” Houchins, Noah Gordon, Phivestarr Productions and Kevin Kadish. An exclusive version of the album sold at Walmart includes a full-length comic book, “The Average Joes,” which depicts Ford and fellow label mates as superheroes out to save the world. “Thanks For Listening” is the follow-up to Ford’s #1 Billboard country album, “Declaration of Independence.” “This record is a tribute to my fans. I can’t thank them enough for coming out to all the shows, keeping in touch on social media, and generally being supportive of my career,” commented Ford. “I’m very proud of this album, and so glad to have had many of my friends included on the recording as well.” Commenting on the new album, Billboard’s Chuck Dauphin said, “It’s without a doubt the most complete album of his career – with songs that will make you laugh, sing along, roll down the window, pump your fists in the air, and even wipe away a tear.” And Country Weekly said, “When it comes to star power, Colt Ford has it in spades on “Thanks For Listening.” The Albany Herald also praised the new album, saying, “Thanks’ surges from one high to the next.” Album release week kicks off tonight, June 30, with an 9pm ET Twitter Chat with Jessica Northey’s #CMChat, followed by an exclusive live in-studio album premiere on SiriusXM’s “The Highway Channel 59” tomorrow, July 1, 8:00pm ET and 11pm ET. Media appearances and features include Fox 411/Fox News Edge, Fox Entertainment Radio, SiriusXM’s “Freewheelin’” and “The David Webb Show,” SiriusXM’s “The Highway Channel 59” Guest DJ, GAC’s “Headline Country,” “Inside Music Row,” ZUUS, Billboard 615 and more. Ford will also be featured in Rolling Stone Country and on the cover of Country Weekly’s “Nash” magazine in the July 14, 2014 issue. Leading up to the album release, USA Today teased the new CD with an online listen to “She’s Like,” (f/Keith Urban), while Country Weekly also gave fans an online taste with “Washed in the Mud” (f/Randy Houser). NRA Country will likewise stream “Farm Life” (f/Justin Moore) and “Cut ‘Em All” (f/Willie Robertson) this week at NRACountry.com. “Thanks For Listening” is sure to resonate with Colt’s expansive fan base and appeal to new fans alike with its core messages of faith, family and hard work. An impressive line-up of guest artists helped deliver those messages including Keith Urban on “She’s Like,” Randy Houser on the gospel-like song, “Washed In The Mud,” Lee Brice on the coming-of-age “Sip It Slow,” and Jarrod Niemann on the romantic, “Crickets.” Continue reading Colt Ford Releases “Thanks For Listening”→