Category Archives: Guest Post

Brantley Gilbert More Than Miles Video: Review

Posted on by

Brantley Gilbert’s More Than Miles Is A Story Worth Investing In – Video Review. Brantley Gilbert may be a tough country rock star, but he’s certainly good at love songs. Take “My Kind Of Crazy” for example, from 2010. It’s songs like that that really capture the essence of people’s emotions. Also, “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do“, from 2011, was another one that really hit the ball out of the park. Now, with “More Than Miles“, his latest release, Brantley sings of the agony of leaving the one he loves to go follow his dream, before realizing that he’s made the wrong decision. I read somewhere that this song was about his ex-girlfriend (fun fact: she was featured in the video for “My Kind Of Crazy“). Either way, for such an emotionally-charged song as this, it would have to have a good video, and I’m pleased with the results. The Video: Step by Step. For once I can actually say a country music video just follows the story of the song (simplicity is underrated these days), and depicts Brantley parking his truck in the drive of a motel, just outside Nashville’s city limits, almost like he can’t bear to go beyond. Though I think the sign for Nashville being right by a motel is a little unrealistic, but hey, we’ll go with it, it’s a music video! The story continues as Brantley stares at the photo on the dashboard of a girl, as shown in the lyrics, and he goes to get a room (in true slow motion dramatic style, of course). Again and again during the video it cuts back to a close-up of Brantley playing guitar and singing the song in the motel room, and we really get a little suspense of disbelief that he’s written the song in a motel room just like that. Because the video follows the song so well, it makes us believe the lyrics were written in truth (particularly given the ex-girlfriend theory mentioned above), and this is really the fundamentals of a country music video. We get shots of Brantley attempting to write songs, but screwing up the pieces of paper because he supposedly can’t write without the inspiration of his girl, he can’t focus because of the break-up. The filter on the camera is a grayish blue, and this symbolically sets the deepening mood as Brantley stares into the mirror in his room, and paces around leaning into walls and staring into space. When actually called out like that it seems a little false, but it works within the context of the video. Later, we get Brantley walking to a bar, where a band are playing, but he’s distracted by the lovers kissing and becomes contemplative. He even rejects the advances of a very attractive woman , who then seems to be approached by another guy ‘wanting a go’ as it were, and Brantley gives him the pass to go ahead. I was a little confused by this part Continue reading Brantley Gilbert More Than Miles Video: Review→

10 Random Questions with Chris Janson

Posted on by

10 Random Questions with Country Up and Comer Chris Janson! Missouri native Chris Janson has really made a name for himself in the country music world. He takes songwriting very seriously, and it’s something he is extremely good at. Performing since age eleven, he knew exactly what he wanted to do at a young age. Not only did he write Tim McGraw’s recent hit “Truck Yeah“, he’s also the spokesperson for Scentblocker and Mossy Oak. His new song titled “Better I Don’t” explains his personality perfectly, crazy, funny, and down to earth! He is also brave enough to answer my 10 random questions. At what age did you know that you wanted to pursue music? At 18 I headed to Nashville, started at Tootsie ‘s. Who were your influences growing up? Merle Haggard , Hank Jr , Guns n Roses. What artists do you currently listen to? Justin Moore and Tim Mcgraw If you could duet with any female artist who would it be? Noone. If you were a drink, what drink would you be? Moonshine – cause I ‘m authentic and come from the woods What is your favorite song that you have written? “Holdin Her” – cause it’s about my wife , my proposal and my baby girl Georgia . I wrote it with my best friend James Otto. Do you have any nicknames? Rocking Randel and Kelly calls me picky pants cause on the road I only like Mountain Dew , Bo Jangles and Crawfish. Do you have any bad habits? Mountain Dew Where do you like to shop? Do you have a favorite store? Adel Outfitters Is there anything you would like the fans to know? Yes. I’m a Christian. To keep up with Chris, find him on Twitter: @janson_chris! Listen to Chris Janson’s “Better I Don’t” Now! Brittany is a guest contributor! You can find more from her via Twitter.

Meet the Moonshine Bandits: Interview

Posted on by

Meet New On The Scene, Duo Moonshine Bandits – Exclusive Interview! Take some Johnny Cash and add little bit of the Beastie Boys, and you have The Moonshine Bandits! Although, you can’t really compare them to anyone because obviously, they are in a lane all to itself. Tex & Bird are two California boys just trying to make a name for themselves in the world of music. What genre you ask? Well, it’s safe to say they’re avoiding labels and have decided to do things their own way. Their music is country with a hip hop flavor, and that’s just how they like it. Their video “My Kind Of Country” made it to the #1 spot on CMT, and the fellas have also reached the No. 65 spot on the Country Billboard charts. I refer to their music as “cali country” or “country hip hop.”, I enjoy it because I feel it’s real. They’re just being who they want to be. They work hard and play even harder, and that’s heard in most of their music. So, I decided to ask the boys a few questions so we can get to know them better, check it out below. How do you know each other? We went to high school together in a small town called Los Banos, California. What genre do you consider yourself? There is no genre for our style of music……Yet. How long have you been performing together? Since 1999 we started performing at house parties and country parties. How many tattoos do you have? Way too many to count. We have a sponsorship deal with Dos Changos Locos Tattoo in Modesto, California. Whenever we find free time, we pop in there and they hook us up. They have very talented artists and they are like family to us. What do you usually do in your free time? We bbq, spend time with our familiy or visit our Shiners Bar we just opened. We don’t have much free time really. What artists influenced you growing up? Beastie Boys, Kid Rock, Johnny Cash, a lot of West Coast Hiphop as well. Is there anything you want the world to know about the Moonshine Bandits? Yes, there is a huge family that is growing world wide and it’s known as Shiner Nation. It’s a group of loyal people that has helped our career crush obstacles and we are forever grateful for them. Come join the Shiner Nation family and see that the hype will become a reality for you as well. The Moonshine Bandits are nothing short of rowdy outlaws that like to party! So, for all you party animals out there be sure to join Shiner Nation at www.moonshinebandits.com. If you haven’t had a chance to check out their music, I would totally recommend it. It’s wild, crazy and has plenty of personality! Watch their video for “My Kind Of Country” below, and hear for yourself. Moonshine Bandits, “My Kind Of Country” Official Video.

Brad Paisley Southern Comfort Zone Video: Review

Posted on by

Brad Paisley’s Southern Comfort Zone Video Is An Unlikely Masterpiece: Review I am a big fan of Brad Paisley so I was excited for the music video for “Southern Comfort Zone“, a brilliant song about Southern pride still encouraging people to see the world, and then be glad to come home! The video appears to have been recorded while Brad conducted the recent leg of his European tour, and The Band Perry even have a couple of cameos since they opened for him during the tour. In addition, he visited the Masai tribe that he donated cows to a couple of months back, and filmed the remainder of the video there. It’s a lot different than Brad’s previous music videos, and certainly very different from your average country music video. The idea behind involved Brad running through various cities, and seems designed to show an almost-seamless fit between places and his journey. Eight countries in eight days, apparently. Amateur Quality = Relatable. The beginning of the video consists of Brad playing the beginning of the song, just him and an acoustic guitar, by a truck, seemingly in the African safari. It is a delightful clash of cultures, but done more subtly than expected, and the writing across the screen to declare the title of the song and artist is in childish font. This pretty much sets up the whole ethos of the video, in that it is oddly, and yet fantastically, amateurish. Sometimes the camera doesn’t focus properly and you experience it focusing in and out. A lot of the time Brad is simply running down random streets in various cities and passers-by stare at him over their shoulder. The beginning and the end of the video where Brad is playing guitar is the live sound, and it doesn’t sound exactly like the polished studio recording. Some of the camera angles aren’t up to much and you get the feeling a lot of it’s been filmed on a handheld. Sometimes the camera holds its shot on completely unknown people and things. Whilst Brad is running someone occasionally throws him a new jacket which he catches and throws on like it’s nothing. He walks into a pub in Ireland and the crowd gathered sing the chorus of the song loudly and unabashedly. He plays guitar next to a real life giraffe and jerks it away slightly when the giraffe goes to try and eat it. Throughout Brad appears unassuming and without star status, he is simply ordinary. Everything is done with the utmost casual vibe, we get no theatrical expressions and sometimes the colors are fairly dull. And that makes me completely love this video. No Glam = Down To Earth While, I like the glitz and the glam and the creative videos that clearly have been worked hard on, there’s something about this that is fun, and perhaps even more interesting than other videos that have had hours of work and a lot of money put into them. This feels Continue reading Brad Paisley Southern Comfort Zone Video: Review→

10 Random Questions with Greg Bates

Posted on by

Interview with Country Music Newbie Greg Bates in 10 Random Questions! 24-year-old Tennessee native Greg Bates has a lot to be proud of right now! With his first single “Did It For The Girl” moving up on the country charts, fans seem pleased with how genuine his music is, and this pearl snap wearing country boy is definitely just as sweet and genuine as his music! I would describe Greg using the three “P’s”: polite, patient & passionate, but deep down inside, I’m sure there is a wild side he wants to let out, right? Well, let’s ask him some questions and get down to business! How does it make you feel to hear people talking about how “genuine” your music is? It’s the biggest compliment anyone could give to me and my music. When I was writing these songs and making this record, I really wanted people to listen to it and feel like they were getting to know me. My music is a representation of who I am and if “genuine” is the word that people choose to use then that’s alright by me. Describe yourself in three words! Happy, Sarcastic & Stubborn If you were stranded on an island and could only have one country album with you, what album would you pick? Randy Travis “Storms of Life”. You seem like such a nice well behaved kinda guy, do you ever let your wild side out? I have been known to let the wilder side of me show, but even then I’m pretty tame. I’m just an easy going guy that tries his best to stay out of trouble. What is the one food you can’t live without? Bacon. Where do you do most of your shopping? Do you keep up with clothing trends? I would hardly consider myself “trendy” when it comes to clothes. I’m pretty much a t-shirt, blue jeans, baseball hat, and cowboy boots kinda guy so I do most of my shopping at Target ha! If you had to pick only one, would you go hunting or fishing? Fishing! It’s way more relaxing and half the work! If you could do a duet with a female artist (past or present) who would you pick & why? Either Patty Loveless or Tammy Wynette. Both to me are the perfect example of classy ladies with the purest voices I’ve ever heard. Is there anything you want the world to know about Greg Bates? Anything you want your fans to know? I play country music because that’s what I love and that’s what I’m a fan of. Every note I play or sing is because somebody in the history of country music has influenced me and all I ever want to do is make country fans proud of my music. There ya have it! It seems Greg is just a good ol’ country boy looking to stay out of trouble. Feel free to follow Greg on Twitter and on Facebook! We can’t wait to hear what Continue reading 10 Random Questions with Greg Bates→

Country Music News Blog Internship Opening

Posted on by

CMNB Is Looking for An Intern In The Northwest Arkansas Area! Spring 2013 Internship: Staff Writer Bump Interactive, LLC, a growing web publishing and marketing company, is currently looking for an Intern to fill the general role of “Staff Writer”. This Intern will be responsible for researching and creating original articles exclusively for use on web-based magazine sites owned by Bump Interactive, LLC. Some duties may include, but are not limited to: Researching and building data files for individual artists and bands. Providing in-depth articles on assigned subject matter that meets pre-determined length, quality and content requirements. Building quality interviews and reviews. Representing Bump Interactive, LLC online through social media outlets Past experience is not required, but is appreciated. Minimum qualifications must include: Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person, over the telephone, and online Excellent spelling and grammar. Meticulous attention to detail. Ability to self-manage in a non-traditional work environment. Ability to present a professional image that represents the culture of Bump Interactive, LLC. A strong display of internet-savvy. A relaxed sense of humor. A LOVE of many genres of music, including and especially rock and roll and country/folk. Extra consideration will be given to those with web marketing, social media, journalism, graphic design, or past publishing credits. This position is excellent for those interested in web development and marketing, online journalism or entertainment publishing. Compensation This is an unpaid internship. Must be approved by appropriate supervisor for college (either University, Community College or other accredited institution) credit. Position Details Office located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 5-10 hours weekly (flexible schedule based on individual’s work load and other obligations.) Start Date: January 28th, 2013 End Date: April 29th, 2013 If interested, please respond with an email to our Director of Operations (molly@countrymusicnewsblog.com) including a short introduction and either your resume, or links to your previous writing samples.

Submit A Guest Post to CMNB

Posted on by

Write for CMNB By Submitting A Guest Post! At Country Music News Blog we are all about the fan experience! Now, we have a regular staff of writers that are (of course!) the biggest of country music fans, but believe or not, the country music scene has grown so much and there is such an amazing amount of talent out there, we can’t always cover everything. Here’s where you (the country music fan!) come in. If you’ve been to a show you loved, found a new group you can’t quit listening to, or just plain have an opinion you’d love to share about your new favorite song, we want to hear from you! Whatever you want to share, you’ve got the chance to be a guest contributor for CMNB! Guest Contributor Details:

Country Music Tours: Why They Matter

Posted on by

Why Country Music Touring Continues To Be The Life Of The Industry. I love when artists and bands tour. Particularly for the more popular ones, I seek out the dates before they’re released, get the pre-sale if I can, wait for half an hour on the website before it even lets you buy tickets. The excitement of being lucky enough to grab some seats near the front and the dismay at having to pay Ticketmaster huge booking fees, to do, well, not a lot; ordering for a few of your friends and texting them the seat numbers afterwards; making a countdown; updating Facebook about it; writing it on your calendar; listening to the support acts’ music on YouTube. And then the weeks leading up to it, dreaming and fantasising about what songs they’ll play, the things they’ll say to the crowd, what they’ll be wearing and whether they’ll do impromptu meet’n’greets after the show. Live shows are more than one event that lasts for 3 hours on a school night. They last for months, building up to the big day, particularly if you’re younger and you don’t get to go see people live too often, because your parents won’t pay for all of them. Impact On Industry. It’s important to the country industry too. Going back 100 years to travelling medicine shows, touring was a huge source of income for country singers, where recording was expensive and couldn’t always access hard-to-reach rural communities where the musicians lived. Back in the day the majority of advertisers stayed well clear of the ‘hillbillies’ and their ‘hick music’ on country radio, or at least country slots on radio before it became a popular format, so radio generally couldn’t pay the people who came on to play live (before it became largely record-based). So touring was very important, and it remained important for country music to be able to interact with its fans, as it is such a fan-orientated music. Today country touring is huge, and despite massive success in record sales and radio airplay it remains the biggest source of an artist’s income, for most anyway. This is because unless they’ve signed a ‘360’ deal, artists will get all the profits of a tour, after everything has been paid for, and I mean everything. The record label don’t get anything. In recent years the ‘360’ deal has come in, meaning 360 degrees of payments going to the record company, as in they get paid from everything an artist does. It’s a shame, but due to much of music going online and not brining as much extortionate profit as the industry was used to in the 1980s, they’ve become greedy and tried to extract more money from their roster. Connecting Artists and Fans. But touring – it’s a fantastic way to connect with your favorite artists. When you really love an artist, you establish your own personal emotional connection with them and their music, and seeing them live is a climax of musical perfection Continue reading Country Music Tours: Why They Matter→

Kelly Clarkson Don’t Rush: Single Review

Posted on by

Guest Post: Kelly Clarkson Forays Into Country with ‘Don’t Rush’ – Single Review. I, like I assume many others are, am still confused as to Kelly Clarkson’s nomination for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year (Olivia Newton-John Gate anyone?), as the only country I was aware of her making was the country mix of her previously pop song ‘Mr Know It All’ and a duet with Jason Aldean on ‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’. Correct me if I’m wrong. So in mind of this, it seems almost as if Kelly has made an effort to make country music to sort of prove her worthiness, duetting with Vince Gill (always a good start) on her new single, ‘Don’t Rush‘. I’m not doubting that Kelly could have a real country career if she wanted to and make proper country music, but this seems like an attempt to please all camps. The song is in a soul/R&B style that reminds me very much of Kelly’s first album, Thankful (music which I’m pretty sure she claimed not to have had much part in making, preferring rockier stuff, coincidentally), but from the off we’re confronted with a steel guitar. However, it doesn’t come across as being played in a very country manner, and reminds me more of the Hawaiian roots from which it originates. The sounds are far more focused on a soul swung beat, and the ‘country’ elements such as the steel guitar and the twangy electric guitar solo become part of the song as opposed to infusing it with country. You can barely even hear Vince, you have to actually listen properly just to hear his background vocals, and when they sing overlapping alternate “baby don’t rush”s towards the end, he just sounds like a session musician brought in to fill up the mix. Nothing is really made of his contribution whatsoever, and it feels as if she’s getting by on his name in order to get airplay on country stations. It is what I would call a ‘lazy Sunday’ song, a chilled, lying in the sun kind of soundtrack, and it’s pleasant enough on the ears without begging me to play it again. The chorus has a nice melody but not fantastic or terribly catchy. It just all sounds a little average to me, trying to hop on the back of her decidedly random CMA nomination and the fact she scored Vince Gill to join her in the studio. Or rather, sing quietly over her vocals after she’d long left to go get pizza. I have always liked Kelly Clarkson (Breakaway was the soundtrack to my 2005/2006), but with so many people attaching themselves to the country brand for the privileges involved these days, I’m automatically suspicious when I hear something like this. However, it’s not bad as such, just not as good nor as country as I expected, so if you would like to buy it you can get it on iTunes although I can’t currently find a link. Listen Now: Kelly Continue reading Kelly Clarkson Don’t Rush: Single Review→

Women In Country Music

Posted on by

Guest Post: Women In Country Music – Where Is Our Place? Historically, women have been ignored when charting the people and events of country music’s illustrative past. This has occurred both in the story of the music and of the industry respectively, yet women have often been seen as fans near-equally to men; the bored and lonely housewife who finds solace in the country music emanating from her kitchen radio. The women who are not socially permitted to reside in the classic Honky-Tonk, unless they want to be perceived as promiscuous, good-time women. Artist-wise they were the ‘girl singer’, the ‘pretty face’, generally marketed as more country pop, for commercial gain, their ‘repressed sex appeal’ being exploited. And they did not belong in the industry, as this was far too complicated for them. This is the general collective memory of women’s contributions to country music up until the 1960s/1970s, and often it’s simply not accurate at all. The scene was in abundance of Honky-Tonk singing women, female musicians, feisty souls who were pioneers in their field for saying what the ordinary women were desperate to speak out about. Patsy Cline has often been seen as revolutionary, but in comparison to these ladies of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, she was one of the first ladies of the Nashville Sound, designed to sell records with smooth arrangements and submissive to the patriarchal industry. Industry-wise it has been noted that very few women worked at record labels or similar establishments; however Jo Walker was the executive director of the CMA since 1962 (soon after its inception in the late 1950s) until 1991. This is significant because this period of time was arguably the most prosperous for the CMA and for country music commercially, nationally and globally. Through extensive promotional campaigns, fundraising events and construction of the Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum, CMA Awards, Country Music Foundation, and Fan Fair (among others), I would argue that she has been one of the most important and influential people ever to grace country music in any way, shape or form. Way to take one for the girls, huh? But her contributions are much-documented, admittedly. However, something that is often ignored is the role of women in country music fan clubs during the 1950s. Before the genre really invested in professional PR and fan clubs, they were set up by fans, run by fans, and were a vital promotional tool for the artists. And the best part? About 95% of the people fronting and organising these were women. They would disseminate regular publications (quarterly, monthly, etc) with updates about the artist, whilst also promoting other similar artists and those new and up-and-coming. They would encourage the fans they were reaching to spread the word of country music, to phone up radio stations and request that artist’s song, and would consult with the artist themselves as a PR partnership. There would be so much work that these women, often housewives and mothers looking for a Continue reading Women In Country Music→