Category Archives: Guest Post

The Problem With Award Shows: The Artists Who Should Win And Don’t

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Country Music Awards: Who Isn’t Winning That Should? Every time the nominees list for a country award show is announced, there’s always a little bit of controversy. Each fan gets angry if their favorite hasn’t been included, for example the snubbing of Carrie Underwood at this year’s ACM Awards for Entertainer of the Year, or when an artist gets nominated that people feel haven’t earned their place, for example Kacey Musgraves for Female Vocalist of the Year at the very same awards. Everyone has their own idea about who deserves that coveted award, because it’s a simple matter of aesthetics. However, for me, there are a few that pop up again and again as snubbed, and they are as follows. This is just a small selection of a few artists I would like to see winning or being nominated for major awards, and you are welcome to suggest more in the comment section below! Too Many Men? The problem with mainstream country is that the scene is crowded with male solo artists. In comparison, the female and group categories are not picking from such a huge list of artists, and thus we get a very similar selection for each awards show. The duo categories are usually so lacking that Sugarland, who haven’t released an album since 2010, continue to be nominated in each award show on a near-constant basis. They’ve been on hiatus for a good year or more, yet is there any other major label duo who is a clear choice for that nominee spot? True, the award shows should be about good music period, but the fact is they’re part of the corporate machine, and there is simply no other duo that springs to mind to fill that position. However, the male categories are always crowded, and well-known yet still smaller acts like Lee Brice get somewhat forgotten among the rabble. Then there’s a personal favorite of mine, Eric Church, who is now beginning to be recognized, but still encounters the problem of often being nominated and rarely winning. Acts such as Darius Rucker who are hitting #1 on Country Radio get ignored entirely (to my knowledge Darius didn’t even go to this year’s ACMs). Not the Right “Sound”? As for women, Miranda Lambert seems to be on a roll of late winning awards, and clearing up at last year’s CMA Awards. But the Pistol Annies, the band she’s a member of, remain firmly in her shadow, and as far as I know they haven’t been nominated for a single major country award yet (correct me if I’m wrong!). In fact, I feel if it weren’t for Miranda, they wouldn’t be invited to every show, and they certainly wouldn’t have performed with Blake Shelton at the ACMs in April. Ashley Monroe too, also a member of the Pistol Annies, perhaps explained by her more traditional-orientated output, is hugely critically acclaimed and not awarded. But if we’re looking for less traditional sounds that are more likely to be nominated, Continue reading The Problem With Award Shows: The Artists Who Should Win And Don’t→

My Top 3 Country Artists and Why I’m A Fan For Life

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Guest Post: My Top 3 Favorite Country Artists and Why I Will Be A Fan For Life! For this week’s feature, my editor suggested I write about my top 5 favorite artists. This proved more difficult than I could have imagined; not only to pick them but to limit what I said – we’d be here for hours if I didn’t! My list of favorites go on, but here is a snapshot into my musical loves. I hope you enjoy. 1. Miranda Lambert Several years ago, when I was about 15, I watched a special on the Biography Channel on the women of country music (who knows why they were showing that the in the UK!), and among others, they showed Miranda Lambert, then a bright young star with an attitude and a recent sophomore release. Upon the further advice of friends I checked out her music, and fell in love with the headstrong but vulnerable nature of Kerosene, her debut major label record. ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ was edgier, and it took a while for me to get used to it, my previous favourite artist being Dolly Parton, and it contrasted with Miranda’s self-titled independent release, a far more traditional country effort. But with versatility like that, I was in my element. I was pretty shy in my teens, and Miranda’s attitude, determination and rebelliousness so appealed to me when I was too scared to come out of my own skin. She was feisty, curvy and beautiful, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who disagrees. I have remained a huge fan of Miranda over the years. She does things differently. She’s at the top of the tree but still experiments with new sounds, ideas and technology that’s a little to the left of the mainstream, whilst remaining commercially relevant. I believe every word she sings even though half the time she’s not even written it, and to me that’s worthy of my devotion any day. 2. Brad Paisley In November 2007, the CMA Awards aired in the UK (they haven’t done so since). I was watching for Taylor Swift, but when she was dancing alongside this man playing guitar with another favorite Kellie Pickler, I sat up and took notice. The song Brad was playing was ‘Online’. I instantly went out and bought the album ‘5th Gear’, and it remains one of my favorite albums to this day. Not only is Brad an amazing (too many superlatives) guitar player, he was the first artist I discovered who knew how to incorporate comedy into his songs, and as someone who likes to spend most of the day laughing, this was a big hit with me. I loved his love songs too; the quirky nature of ‘If Love Was A Plane’ and ‘Little Moments’, totally sold me. I now have Brad’s entire album collection, and his CMT Crossroads with John Mayer helped me bond musically with the man I now share my life with (as he has a massive mancrush on John Continue reading My Top 3 Country Artists and Why I’m A Fan For Life→

Dolly Parton: What She Taught Me About Being A Woman

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Dolly Parton and Everything She Taught Me About Being A Woman! I’ve learned a lot from Dolly Parton. As a woman, I don’t think I’m alone in searching for a role model who accurately represents my own struggles and my sense of overwhelming ambition to escape the confines of a life unsatisfied. Dolly’s ‘rags to riches’ life certainly seems to fit that mold, and you’d be hard pressed to find an interview or public appearance where she doesn’t mention it in addition to its influence in a great deal of her songs. Dolly as a Model of Success. While I haven’t had a personal interaction with the rural experience that Dolly describes, she has been inspiring to me in the motivation to find your way out of a difficult situation, and to want to strive for better. She worked extremely hard to get where she is today, and as someone who was unhappy where I began in life, I find her example very powerful. To view the things she has achieved in comparison to her origins, why should I, with a better start in life than her, not become successful? Dolly as a Star On Her Own Terms. In addition, she has been able to become a global star, be accepted by Nashville but also by legions of fans of other genres, and at times transcend the limitations of country, where perhaps it might have negative perceptions, for example the UK. She has been able to do exactly what she wants, and never appears to have gone by a rule book. I mean, she left a national syndicated television show at the height of its success, only to write one of the biggest selling songs in music about it, become a movie star in her own right and then open a hugely successful theme park. I could list all her crazy achievements here but I might just go beyond my word limit. Dolly as a Rule Breaker. So she has taught me you don’t have to follow the rules, and that brings me to my main point – Dolly taught me so much about being a woman. The thing that’s so remarkable about her success, particularly as a businesswoman, is that she is a woman. To have managed that during the 1970s and 1980s when women were still burning their bras and feminist scholars were abstaining from sex in protest, Dolly dressed up like a small town prostitute and became one of the most respected women in the industry. It is this that taught me the most. Dolly exploited the male perception of female beauty, by exaggerating it, mocking it, and taking the power into her own hands. On the one hand she was selling herself as a sex symbol, yet at the same time shifting the power from men to women and exposing the farce of expectations of female beauty for what it really was. Feminist is perhaps seen as an ugly word (although it shouldn’t be), but Dolly Continue reading Dolly Parton: What She Taught Me About Being A Woman→

Country Music Delivers Beyond the South

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Why I Love Country Music: Reaching Beyond Borders. I have a confession to make: I wasn’t raised on country music. No, it’s not that I just lived in New York and one day took a vacation to Nashville and it was all there in front of me. I mean I’ve never actually been to America. I have lived in England all my life, and being still in my early twenties I have never been able to afford to travel outside Europe. I discovered country music through watching American Idol, the artist who introduced me being Carrie Underwood. Although I tend to dislike country pop now, I still love her and hold her music dear because of the nostalgia I feel for the music I grew up with, through my teenage years. I was 13 at this point; a pop music fan as any young girl is, but being a bit of a social outcast and not really being interested in the rock that my few friends listened to (it was just too aggressive for me), country seemed to hold a happy medium of sorts. To me, the country/pop that I was exploring held more lyrical meaning for someone who was writing songs at the time, and had a lot of pent-up emotions, than pop music did. In addition, it was friendlier than rock music; the hyper-male aggression that that involved just didn’t suit me, being a young, timid, middle class teenage girl. But the more country music I heard, the more it seemed to speak to me; I found Dolly Parton when I was 14 and her girliness yet honed craft of emotional songwriting, combined with her feminine pride and exploitation of conventional female beauty, made sure that she became my idol. She also introduced me to so much other music, particularly that pre-2000 that I had no idea about. I knew nothing of the poverty she had suffered or her rags to riches story in relation to my own life, I knew nothing of life in the South or the kind of middle-of-nowhere small towns that inhabit them. In England, even small towns and villages are no more than an hour or so’s drive away from a city. The geographically extended community of country music was alien to me, yet it was this precise extended community feeling that attracted me. I didn’t connect with many of the people at my school. Isolation is a key component of country music’s appeal; it brings together like minded people who are otherwise miles apart. I felt like I suddenly belonged somewhere, and on the internet nobody is going to judge you. Or at least, it doesn’t feel like they are. With the internet now, increasingly country music fans (particularly the younger ones) are from wider walks of life. Country has lured them because it has promised a friend, something to support them in their toughest times and offer a song to cry to. Online forums and social media are perpetrators of this, Continue reading Country Music Delivers Beyond the South→

Lady Antebellum Downtown New Single Review

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Review: Lady Antebellum Offer Up Sassy New Single Downtown! Anyone who knows me knows I am not the biggest fan of Lady Antebellum, it’s just not my kind of music. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I listened to newly released single “Downtown.” The new tune will be featured on the trio’s brand new album set to release later this year. Modern Country and Sass! I can’t say that this song is terribly country but then that’s not what I expect from Lady A anyway. It does, however, have a modern country beat and a lot of tone-y electric guitar work, particularly in the solo, that gives it a swaying bluesy feel. In this respect, it is a great song for the bars and clubs to get people up dancing, and I can see it being hugely popular there. Hillary Scott takes the lead vocals on this one with Charles Kelley backing up, and I think this was the correct decision, as his husky vocals can seem a little too laid back for this kind of track. Instead, Hillary brings out some so far unnoticed sass that a lot of people have been complimenting her on. I mean, we need more sassy females right? This adds a certain sexiness to the song which I’m sure isn’t going to hurt its sales and airplay at all. Smooth Vibe and Punchy Beat. Musically, we have a bassy guitar riff, simple yet effective, and it’s underlying the verses really enhances it, and let’s it fester as an earworm. The pre-choruses strip down to begin anticipation for the release of the chorus, which delivers, with a punchy drum beat, incorporating a variety of bluesy ornaments and flairs. From here, we run into the more interesting second verse, which in true modern country style builds on the drum part, with more decoration and a fuller mix. We also get some counterpart going on with the spoken vocals of the boys showing their appreciation in between Hillary’s vocals and beats of the second pre-chorus. The song appears to be trying to combine a smoother vibe and a more punchy one, if you listen to the way in which the instruments are used; I would say they pull it off. One thing I think country fans will have an issues with, however, is the vocal effects used on Hillary at the end of each chorus. I’m not technically- minded enough to explain what they used, but it does bother me a little and pushes the song more towards the pop domain. Appealing Lyrics! Lyrically the song reminisces of a love where they would always go out Downtown, and party, and hang out, and now their life together is boring and the song’s narrator is itching to get out again, be shown off, and generally have a good time. The line “you might be tired, but I’m not” pretty much sums up the song, and as previously mentioned Hillary’s sass really works here. Maybe this is for the Continue reading Lady Antebellum Downtown New Single Review→

Sarah Darling 10 Random Questions

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Interview: Sarah Darling Fills Us In By Answering 10 Random Questions. Sarah Darling is just a small town girl from Iowa with a big dream and a big voice. Her single “Home To Me” has been attracting attention all over country radio, and you can now find her on tour with Scotty McCreery starting February 14th and through the Spring. She also made a special appearance on ABC‘s “The Bachelor” Monday, February 4th as the musical guest, and had viewers wanting more from this talented artist! I put my 10 questions to the test to see if I could find out more about the darling herself. 1. At what age did you know you wanted to be a singer? I’ve been singing since I could walk and talk! My first solo was in preschool where my music teacher told my mom I was going to be a singer. 2. What was your favorite song of 2012? I love “Merry Go Round” by Kacey Musgraves. 3. Do you have a favorite place you like to perform? Hands down playing the Opry stage. 4. Do you have any pets? I have a shichon puppy! He looks like a teddy bear, maybe the cutest dog in the world. 5. If you could duet with any male artist who would you pick? I would love to duet with Michael Buble. His voice is like butter. 6. What is one thing you can’t live without? Coffee and my Bible. 7. What was the last movie you saw? “You’ve Got Mail,” I’m a chick flick girl all the way. 8. Sweet or spicy? Sweet. 9. What do you like to do in your free time? When I’m not on the road I’m in my kitchen creating something delicious. 10. Is there anything you want the world to know about Sarah Darling? Darling is my real last name. So I really am a darling 🙂 You can follow Sarah on twitter @_sarahdarling, and be sure to check out her brand new EP “Home To Me“ if you haven’t already! She’ll be heading out on tour with Scotty McCreery this month! Darling also participated in a “Twangout” #CMchat on Monday, February 4th, and CMNB’s MissMolly was one of the panel members!! Get more on Sarah Darling here. Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

10 Random Questions with Sunny Sweeney

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Sunny Sweeney Answers Our 10 Random Questions! She hails from good ol Texas and never goes anywhere without her guitar, Sunny Sweeney is about as country as they come. She signed with Republic Nashville in 2009, and by 2010 her single”From A Table Away” had hit radio stations across the U.S. In 2011, her second single debuted, and it’s one of my favorites! “Staying’s Worse Than Leaving” sends a great message to women everywhere who are in bad relationships. This year has already brought big things Sunny’s way as she is currently nominated for an ACM Award for “New Female Vocalist Of The Year“! Fans can vote up until Feb 4th (get the info here!). So, I decided to catch up with Sunny for my 10 random questions, check it out! 1. At what age did you know you wanted to pursue music? During college 2. What artists did you listen to growing up? I listened to old school country – Merle, Loretta and Jessi Colter 3. What artists do you currently listen to? These days I listen to Randy Houser, Miranda Lambert, Tom Petty and Merle, Lorretta & Jessi. I guess you could say I’ve branched out a little. 4. One thing you can’t live without? My pillow 5. Favorite animal at the zoo? Giraffe or the monkeys at central park zoo with glow in the dark butts 6. Candy or ice cream? Junior Mints 7. Beer or whiskey? Beer. I get crazy when whiskey is in my veins. 8. Do you have a life motto? My past made me what I am today. Proud? Not of everything. Regrets? No. 9. What can we expect in 2013? Any big plans? Lots of writing, touring and meeting new fans! 10. What would you like to tell the world about Sunny Sweeney? I’m supposed to be doing this music thing. It’s hard. I’ve devoted my life to it and I am here to stay! You can follow Sunny on twitter @GettinSweenered, and be sure to vote! Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

10 Random Questions with Phoenix Stone

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Guest Writer Brittany Vance Asks Phoenix Stone 10 Random Questions! Is it just me or is Phoenix Stone such a kick ass name? His name really does match his music, unique. Stone is a true southern boy from Tampa, FL who discovered the spotlight as a teen. He was signed to Warner/Chappell record label, and worked with folks like The Backstreet Boys. However, I believe his pop days are probably long gone. His current single “100 Proof Moonshine,” which he wrote and produced on his own, has been getting a lot of attention, and he was also named one of the “25 Most Beautiful People Of Nashville 2012.” All I have to say is, any friend of moonshine is a friend of mine! Plus, he was brave enough to take on my 10 random questions… so, consider me a fan. 1. How does it feel to be one of the “25 Most Beautiful People Of Nashville 2012?” I was honored and flattered but I’ve never really considered myself beautiful haha 2. What artists do you currently listen to? Eric Church – any classic rock like guns N roses and Fleetwood Mac recently 3. If you could duet with any female artist who would you team up with? Kelly Clarkson or Sheryl Crow 4. How many tattoos do you have? 5 5. Beer or Wine? whiskey or moonshine for me 6. Do you have a favorite sport? White water rafting, UFC or baseball 7. Favorite Restaurant? Roosters BBQ in Nashville 8. Do you have any bad habits? Probably 🙂 9. What can we expect from you in 2013? Full length album and continuing to tour. 10. Is there anything you want the world to know about Phoenix Stone? That it takes a long time and it’s a long road to being an “overnight sensation” work hard and let your passion for music lead you…all the rest will fall into place. You can follow Phoenix on Twitter @phoenixstone1! Watch: Phoenix Stone “100 Proof Moonshine” Official Video. Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

10 Random Questions with Jack Ingram

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Get to Know Jack Ingram a Little Better with These 10 Random Questions! From the lonestar state of Texas, Jack Ingram puts a unique twist on the country music sound. In 2005 his single “Wherever You Are” was in the top 40 on the U.S Country Chart. A few other hits you may remember, “Lips Of An Angel” a brilliant Hinder remake and “Barefoot & Crazy.” In 2008 Jack won the Academy Of Country Music Award for top new male artist. What has Jack been up to lately? Well we decided to check in with him for our 10 random questions and find out. 1. How would you describe your music career using only three words? Good, getting better. 2. What is your favorite song that you’ve written? It’s a 3 way tie: the next song, the last song and whichever one is your favorite. 3. What is your favorite album of all time? Of mine?! If I could have all things come together the way they did for “ELECTRIC” every time- I wouldn’t never b**ch about any of my albums. 4. What artists do you currently listen to? I love John Fullbright. Always listen to my favorite singer/songwriters. 5. Do you have any bad habits? I drive way too fast! 6. Beer, Whiskey or Wine? Beer, whiskey and wine…but mostly Bud Light! 7. Where is your favorite vacation place? Anywhere my wife & kids wanna go! My job is pretty d**n good so I don’t sit around dreaming about an escape route! 8. Describe yourself in three words? Inside my head. 9. What are your future plans? Any new music coming our way? I WILL RELEASE NEW MUSIC IN 2013. THAT IS A PROMISE. From that point forward I plan on releasing more and more music consistently. I am also working on a movie project that could be a ton of fun and include a bunch of my musician friends! 10. Is there anything you would like the Jack Ingram fans to know? If you love everything I do- you’re right! If you hate everything I do- you are as well! If you never really think of me at all- I wish you would! If you are looking forward to hearing Jack’s new music for 2013 be sure to follow him on Twitter @JackIngram for all the latest information! Head back to 2009 and enjoy Jack Ingram’s “Barefoot and Crazy”! Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

10 Random Questions with Billy Gilman

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Checkin’ In with Billy Gilman with 10 Random Questions! We all remember Billy Gilman from back in 2000 when his song “One Voice” was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Country Music Charts. The Rhode Island native can be found in the Guinness Book Of World Records for the youngest singer to reach No.1 on the top country album chart. His latest song “The Choice” features 18 other country artists including Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire and Leann Rimes. The song is about giving to those who are needy, and each song downloaded will buy 1 pair of shoes for children in need. Gilman has a big voice but an even bigger heart. We caught up with him for our 10 random questions, and this is what he had to say: 1. How have you changed or grown since we first heard you at 11 years old singing “One Voice?” I think between the ages of 12 and the age I am now, which is 24, everyone makes those natural leaps in maturity .I got to see a lot of the world at a very young age, and dealt with more adults in a business sense, so i think I matured at a pretty young age. But also, I really have become more chill. I was always a hyper and very animated kid. Kind of embarrassing when I look back lol. 2. What is your favorite song that you’ve written? I’m proud of them all but of course certain ones stand out. Like The Choice. I’m very proud of that song and the mission it supports. 3. What other artists do you currently listen to? Just downloaded The Lumineer’s new record. It’s great. 4. Where is your favorite place to perform? I think The Grand Ole Opry. There’s something spiritual about it. 5. Any new projects in the works? I have some songs that I am really proud of that will hopefully be heard in early 2013 keep your fingers crossed. At the end of the day I have to believe that the people and companies that release my new music are releasing it because they see the growth and they see the future. Not just a fast dollar. That’s hard to find. 6. Where is your favorite place to eat? I love mom and pop kind of places and home cooked food. I also like to cook so I stay home. In RI I love West Bakery and in Nashville I love Mafiosso’s — I love pizza that’s good. 7. If you could duet with any female artist who would it be? There’s a few I think would be cool to sing with. I have always liked Allison Krauss’ voice. 8. If you could have a superpower what would you pick? To find one good politician. 9. Do you consider yourself trendy? Do you follow clothing trends? Some people say I am, but I don’t feel I am nor try to be. I don’t follow anything — I just Continue reading 10 Random Questions with Billy Gilman→