Category Archives: Guest Post

CMNB Welcomes You to 2014

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It’s been a long holiday break here at the CMNB headquarters, but we’re happy to be back behind the newsdesk! There’s been a few changes in staff as our writers have graduated on to bigger and better things. We’ll keep you posted on where MissMolly and HaleighT turn up, but in the meantime, you’ve still got me, the ole’ WhiskeyChick. We are currently accepting guest posts and albums for review, and we’re looking forward to one heck of a concert tour season in 2014 to cover for you!   Rumor has it Garth Brooks will be hitting the road with wife, Trisha Yearwood. George Strait will be making his last big go-round on the Cowboy Rides Away tour, and who knows who’s going to fill the big man’s spot in the arenas next? Perhaps Jason Aldean? Luke Bryan? Brad Paisley? And when will Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban take the stage next? Of course, let’s not leave out the ladies either… Taylor, Martina, Carrie, Miranda, Kacey and more are already prepping their 2014 concert tour season as well! Of course, as always, we’ll keep you posted as we get the news. Until then, let’s brave out the rest of this harsh winter together and keep our country rockin! Cheers! ~WC~

Travis Tritt & Friends Concerts Scheduled For Jan. 13 & 14 at the Franklin Theatre

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Travis Tritt & Friends Concerts Scheduled For Jan. 13 & 14 at the Franklin Theatre Shows To Kick-Off Tritt’s 25th Anniversary Of Music Career Grammy award-winning artist and Country music hitmaker Travis Tritt will return to the Music City to host two special acoustic concerts, Travis Tritt & Friends, at the historic Franklin Theatre on Jan. 13 and 14 in Franklin, Tenn. The appearance marks Tritt’s first Nashville-based concert since 2002 and his first ever all-acoustic performance in Nashville. As a member of the famed “Class of ‘89” in Country music, these very special shows will kick-off the 25th anniversary of Travis’ career. James Otto and Marty Stuart are among the list of guests scheduled to appear with Tritt. More performers and concert lineups will be announced in the coming weeks. The two shows, featuring acoustic performances by Tritt and his guests, will showcase some of Tritt’s biggest hits performed in an intimate setting punctuated by personal stories and anecdotes about Travis’ life and musical influences. In addition to witnessing this unique concert event, ticket holders will receive an autographed copy of Tritt’s current album, The Calm After… and a commemorative laminate. Tickets start at $100 per person, per show and will go on sale Nov. 27th at www.FranklinTheatre.com A Marietta, Georgia native, Travis Tritt formed Post Oak Recordings in 2012 and released his new album The Calm After… through the label this past July. Included on the album is a duet with Tritt’s 15-year-old daughter, Tyler Reese. The song, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” is a cover of the 1980s pop hit. Together, they released a video for the track, which is available for viewing here. Four of the songs on the album, co-produced by Randy Jackson, were either written or co-written by Tritt. The Calm After… is currently available on iTunes and other major digital retailers. Travis Tritt’s twenty-five year career has produced millions in album sales, two Grammy award wins and multiple No. 1 singles on the Country radio charts, including “Help Me Hold On,” “Can I Trust You With My Heart” and “Foolish Pride.” Tritt was dubbed one of “The Class of ‘89,” which included Country music superstars Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, all whom dominated the charts in the early 90s. Among his eleven studio albums and numerous charted singles are nineteen Top 10 hits including “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde,” “Love Of A Woman” and “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.” Tritt formed Post Oak Recordings in 2012 and is currently on the road with his band performing dates across the United States. For a complete list of upcoming tour dates, please visit www.TravisTritt.com.    

Amber Hayes Releases FREE Holiday Track “Uh Oh, Looks Like Snow” To Fans

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Country artist Amber Hayes has released a special holiday track, called “Uh Oh, Looks Like Snow.” The song is currently available as a free download for fans through Hayes’ website and to newsletter subscribers. The fun wintertime tune tells the story of a girl who wishes for a snowstorm so she can stay in and cuddle with her loved one. The upbeat track was co-written by Hayes and Bill DiLuigi. “This time of year is all about giving back,” said Hayes. “My fans have been so supportive, and without them, I would not be able to make a career doing what I love. I want to give back to my fans with this song. Hopefully, it will put a smile on their face.” This holiday season, fans can also see Amber Hayes in the major motion film “Cowgirls N’ Angels,” which is scheduled to air on the Starz network starting Dec. 4.  The movie features three of Hayes’ songs, including her 2010 Top 40 Music Row single, “C’mon,” which can be heard in the “Cowgirls N’ Angels” preview trailer here.  Hayes plays a honky tonk singer in the film and performs the song as part of a prominent line dancing scene.  Also included is “Always There For Me,” a previously unreleased duet with Lonestar front man Richie McDonald, who has a cameo as her father in the same scene.  “Right As Rain” is the third Hayes track featured in the film.  All three songs are included on the official “Cowgirls N’ Angels” soundtrack, available on iTunes or Amazon.com. To see when “Cowgirls N’ Angels” will air in your area, click here. The Timothy Armstrong-directed “Cowgirls N’ Angels” stars Oscar-nominated actor James Cromwell (“Babe,” “L.A. Confidential,” “The Green Mile,” “The Artist”) Bailee Madison (“Bridge To Terabithia,” “Brothers,” “Just Go With It”), Alicia Witt (“Friday Night Lights,”  “The Mentalist”) Frankie Faison (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “The Wire”) and Jackson Rathbone (“Twilight” films) among others. “Cowgirls N’ Angels” follows the adventures of young Ida Clayton (Bailee Madison), who joins a group of female rodeo trick riders in a quest to find her real father. Oklahoma native Amber Hayes first broke onto the Country music scene after her starring role as Kathy Twitty in the 2008 Conway Twitty musical, “It’s Only Make Believe.”  Amber released her debut EP C’mon in 2010, landing two Top 40 singles (“C’mon,” “Wait”) on the national MusicRow Country Breakout chart. In October 2012, she released her sophomore album, Any Day Is A Good Day.  Shortly following, Billboard’s The 615 named her as “One To Watch in 2013” and she opened up for one of her biggest musical influences, Reba McEntire, in Durant, Oklahoma.  Amber’s title track of her album, “Any Day Is A Good Day,” scored Amber her first Top 30 record. For more information about Amber, visit www.AmberHayesMusic.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.      

Austin Webb Releases Music Video For “Slip On By”

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(Nashville, TN – Dec. 11, 2013) – Streamsound recording artist Austin Webb has released a music video for his Top 40 single, “ Slip On By.” Shot and directed by Stephen Shepherd in Nashville, Tenn., the music video can now be seen on CMT.com, VH1.com, Zuus Country, and other select music video outlets and streaming websites. “I’m really proud of this music video,” commented Webb. “Stephen Shepherd is an amazing talent and really did an incredible job. The cast and crew were eager, energetic and very easy to work with.” “Slip On By” is a sentimental ballad that stresses the value of time and not living in regret. The harmonious tune plucks on the heartstrings of growing older and emphasizes the importance of not letting time ‘slip on by.’ “The story is real and relatable and Shepherd brought the lyrics to life,” Webb added. “The video provides a visual for the story line exactly as I envision it to be.” The single, “Slip On By,” is currently at Country radio and charted Top 40 this week on the Mediabase Country chart. The song marks Webb’s debut Top 40 release. 2013 was a big year for the newcomer. Webb was named by Country Weekly as “ One To Watch in 2013,” and was featured as the “ Who’s New” artist in the Nov. 4 issue of the magazine. The Greenville, S.C. native just recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut and this week, Webb will appear as part of The Country Party on Fremont Street in Las Vegas.  Webb’s appearance will follow the Las Vegas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday (Dec. 12).  Webb will also make an appearance on OK! Television. The interview will air on stations across the country. Webb is signed to Streamsound Records, the Nashville-based label founded by Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sugarland) and veteran industry exec Jim Wilkes. For more information on Austin Webb, visit www.AustinWebbMusic.com and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.  

Jaida Dreyer Reprises Songwriting Role on ABC Hit Television Series, Nashville

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(Nashville, Tenn. – November 20, 2013) – Streamsound recording artist Jaida Dreyer will have another song featured in the hit television series, Nashville, airing on Nov. 20. The song, “Dreams,” will be performed by Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere). Dreyer is no stranger to the music of Nashville, as her track, “This Town,” was featured on the show in late October. “Dreams,” is a haunting ballad of the ongoing struggle many artists face as they achieve their dreams of fame in Music City. “Dreams,” is now available on iTunes here. About Jaida Dreyer: Jaida Dreyer’s debut album, I Am Jaida Dreyer, is produced by Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sugarland), and is now available at iTunes and other major digital retailers. The album features a special guest appearance by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush on the track “Boy Who Cried Love,” who co-wrote the song with her.  A talented songwriter in her own right, Jaida was involved in writing or co-writing all of the songs on her debut release. Signed to Streamsound Records, Dreyer is focusing her time on writing and recording new music. For more information on Jaida, and to check out live performances from her radio tour, visit www.JaidaDreyer.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.    

The Toby Keith Foundation To Open Doors To Cost-Free Home For Children With Cancer

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After years of planning and fundraising, The Toby Keith Foundation will officially open their doors to love and hope at OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home away from home for pediatric cancer patients and their families. “We’ve been working on the Korral for 10 years and we’re finally going to open,” said Toby Keith. The Grand Opening Event is set for Thursday, November 21, 2013, with the official ceremony starting at 11:00am. Find out more directly from Show Dog Universal!

Vince Gill To Be Honored with CRB Career Achievement Award

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Vince Gill will be honored with the 2014 Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Career Achievement Award at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell will perform a tribute to Gill as well as presenting him with the prestigious award during the event. The CRB Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance or leadership has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio. Previous winners of this award include Dolly Parton, Brooks & Dunn, Merle Haggard and George Strait. “Vince Gill is unquestionably one of the greatest artists in the country genre,” said Bill Mayne, Executive Director of CRS. “His body of amazing work continues to evolve, and his performances inspire us all. He is a remarkable ambassador for Country music with his talents, grace, class, leadership, humility, humanity, style and wicked sense of humor. We are very proud to present Vince with this richly deserved honor.” With more than 17 studio albums recorded and more than 26 million copies sold, Gill has had an incredible career as a singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist. He has won 20 Grammys and 18 CMA Awards, including CMA Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year and CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. He has already been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony unofficially kicks off Country Radio Seminar each year. CRS 2014 will be held at the downtown Nashville Convention Center February 19-21, 2014. Previously announced, the 2014 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees are Larry Wilson and Mike Brophey as the Radio category inductees and Paul Schadt and Jim Denny as the On-Air category inductees. About Country Radio Hall of Fame: The Country Radio Hall of Fame was founded in 1974 to recognize outstanding indiviuals working in the broadcasting industry who are promoting the Country radio format. The Hall of Fame has two categories: Radio and On-Air Personality. The awards ceremony is held the evening prior to the Country Radio Seminar and has become recognized as the unofficial kick off of the annual radio convention. About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. CRS 2014 will be held Feb. 19-21, 2014, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center. The regular rate of $499 is now in effect. The on site registration rate will be announced closer to the event. Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.   Photo Credit: Jim Wright     Read more at AristoPR!

Austin Webb To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut Nov. 9

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(Nashville, Tenn. – Nov. 1, 2013) Streamsound recording artist and Country music newcomer Austin Webb will make his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday, Nov. 9 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. Webb will perform during the Opry At The Ryman shows, scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The evening’s lineup includes performances by Holly Williams, Sam Palladio, Del McCoury Band, Sons of Fathers and more.  Tickets are available for purchase at Opry.com.  The Opry can be heard on 650 WSM-AM, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and Opry.com. “Being asked to perform at the Grand Ole Opry is the highest honor I’ve ever known,” said Webb. “I’m blessed, humbled and grateful to have this opportunity.” Austin Webb is signed to Streamsound Records, the Nashville-based label founded by Grammy award-winning producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sugarland) and Jim Wilkes.  The newcomer’s current single, “Slip On By,” is at Country radio and is #45 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.  The song is a sentimental ballad that stresses the value of time and not living in regret. This harmonious tune plucks on the heartstrings of growing older and emphasizes the importance of not letting time “slip on by.”  Country Weekly named Webb as “One To Watch in 2013,” and he is currently featured as the “Who’s New” artist in the Nov. 4 issue of the magazine. The Greenville, S.C. native’s music straddles the line between the two genres he grew up listening to most: Country and Soul.  Citing influences like Joe Cocker, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Guy Clark, Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt. For more information on Austin Webb, visit www.AustinWebbMusic.com and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.   Read more at AristoPR!

Toby Keith Releases Drinks After Work Album with Exclusive ‘ZinePak The ‘ZinePak, only at Walmart, is most indepth album pack

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NEW YORK – Country music fans everywhere cheered when singer-¬songwriter Toby Keith announced his upcoming album Drinks After Work would be available on October 29, 2013. To add to the excitement, Keith is showing his fans extra love by partnering with entertainment company ‘ZinePak to create the ultimate deluxe version of Drinks After Work. Fans can pre-order the pack driectly from Wal-Mart at http://smarturl.it/DAWzinepak Find out more directly from Show Dog Universal!

Why Sad Songs Are The Best

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Why Sad Songs Mean The Most To Me! If I were to bring out a ballpark figure, I’d say that 90% of my favorite songs are sad, or negative in some way. That’s not a reflection on me as a person! I’m probably one of the happiest and smiliest people you’ll meet, but I don’t think I’m alone on this one. Country music was borne out of hard times and heartbreak, serving the needs of the forgetten, underappreciated and non-privileged working class of America, and coming into its own during times such as The Great Depression. For me, part of the appeal of country music is its dedication to being just about the most depressing, most lonesome music you can find. Sad music tells you that you are not alone in how you’re feeling. Sad music indulges you and helps you cry, making yourself feel better. Sad music puts you in the frame of mind that allows you to dwell on the problems in your life and your own inner heartbreak, which you would otherwise ignore and suck it up for the outside world. Sad music makes us more thoughtful human beings. I’ve also found that sad lyrics are some of the most beautiful around. Negative emotions are almost always complex, and the lyrics which reflect that are the most observant yet poetic and artistic that I have yet to come across. While simplicity in music is welcomed, as a big fan of language, I love the way it can be used to delve into the very heart of emotions, to both convey and understand them in equal parts. But sadness isn’t the only negative emotion. Angry songs can provide you with the confidence to stand up for what it right, and allow you to rent your frustrations. For women, angry songs about sexism and poor treatment can give them the strength to rise above it, in addition to producing feisty, sassy songs that on another level are tons of fun. Even hope is a negative emotion. It is, ultimately, dissatisfaction leading to pondering the possibilities of a life lived without that dissatisfaction. When you say “I hope”, you are wishing for something better than what currently exists. But some hope is more determined than others. Often it is frail and a desperate attempt to outlive the dissatisfaction without it deepening into depression; this is a key characteristic of country songs. Take the Pistol Annies latest record, ‘Annie Up’. Songs like ‘Unhappily Married’ and ‘Being Pretty Ain’t Pretty’, perfectly summarize this chronic dissatisfaction, but instead of fighting for better they find a kind of resigned peace in their situation. Kacey Musgraves’ recent release ‘Same Trailer Different Park’ also looks at the lives of ordinary people, but tracks like ‘Silver Lining’ actively strive for better, with even the pessimistic ‘Blowin’ Smoke’ being full of characters who spend their lives dreaming of a different existence. Still, they are all songs of negativity. It is no coincidence that the song often awarded “best Continue reading Why Sad Songs Are The Best→