Out Friday: Craig Campbell’s New EP “See You Try”

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The wait is over for Red Bow Records hitmakerCRAIG CAMPBELL and his legion of Country fans. Five years after the Georgia native last released a new collection of tunes, his SEE YOU TRY EP arrives on June 8. Featuring seven tracks, which once again show off the smooth, expressive vocals and easy charisma that earn Campbell comparisons to icons like Alan Jackson, SEE YOU TRY finds the singer-songwriter maintaining his reputation for country authenticity – but also looking ahead to the future.   “For the past few years, I’ve created and found some of the best music of my career,” shared Campbell. “I’m beyond excited to release this EP and show the Country music world what I’ve been up to. I’m very proud of the music and can’t wait for everyone to finally hear these songs!”   Leading the project is the flirtatious new single “See You Try,” a hot-blooded barstool anthem that Rolling Stone calls “a big, bold song that shoots for the nosebleed seats of arenas everywhere.” The track is currently rising through the Country charts and has gathered nearly 1 million Spotify streams.   Meanwhile, SEE YOU TRY also includes two versions of Campbell’s “Outskirts of Heaven,” his most sincere and impactful single to date. Open hearted and full of faithful conviction, the uplifting critic’s hit is presented in both electric and acoustic settings.   Other standout moments on the highly-anticipated EP include the regretful romance of “Me Missing You,” the party-ready Tejano twang of “Mas Tequila,” the lusty rock ballad “Upstairs” and the slinky strut of “Kids in the South,” all written by top flight tunesmiths like Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Jim Beavers, Ben Hayslip and Campbell himself.   Here’s the complete track list for Craig Campbell’s SEE YOU TRY EP:   1. “See You Try” (James McNair, Tyler Hubbard, Bart Butler, Jordan Schmidt) 2. “Me Missing You” (Barry Dean, Jonathan Singleton, Dave Barnes) 3. “Outskirts of Heaven” (Craig Campbell, Dave Turnbull) 4. “Mas Tequila” (Craig Campbell, Jim Beavers, Chris DuBois) 5. “Upstairs” (Kelly Archer, Justin Weaver, Al Anderson) 6. “Kids in the South” (Chase McGill, Ben Hayslip) 7. “Outskirts of Heaven (Acoustic)” (Craig Campbell, Dave Turnbull)   In related news, Campbell will host his 6th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 5th at Nashville’s City Winery. As a national spokesperson for Fight CRC – a charity organization which supports research, education and awareness for colorectal cancer – Campbell raised over $200,000 for the cause with last year’s event, and hopes to top that mark as fans donate for the chance to battle another star-studded lineup in 2018.   A regular guest on the historic Grand Ole Opry stage, exceptional vocalist and critically acclaimed live performer, Campbell is on the verge of breaking out to superstardom after nearly a decade of success on the Country radio airplay charts and beyond.   Songs like “Family Man,” “Fish” and “Outta My Head” struck a chord after the singer-songwriter was discovered in Nashville’s famous honky-tonk, The Continue reading Out Friday: Craig Campbell’s New EP “See You Try”→

First Listen: Kenny Chesney – Songs For the Saints

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Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

New Song is the Title Track from Album Due July 27 When Kenny Chesney made Songs for the Saints, he was in the midst of evacuating friends from the handful of Caribbean islands, flying in generators, water, medical supplies and tools to the ones starting the clean-up and writing as in-the-moment as he ever has. With his Trip Around The Sun Tour now off to a resounding start – it played to a sold-out 51,312 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend – he’s ready to start sharing the music with his fervent No Shoes Nation. In trying to hone in on the song that embodies the deeply personal song cycle to introduce Songs, Chesney settled on the title track. Lean, stretched across a single acoustic guitar figure that’s picked with resolve and a certain strength, “Song for the Saints” will be available everywhere on June 1. “There’s so much to say, and so much music on this record,” Chesney offers. “Knowing where to start was hard andeasy, because this is the song that really holds everything together. It’s a tribute to those islands and their unstoppable spirit. Even as people were coming off the islands – some just to not tax the limited resources – so many of my friends were digging in, trying to figure out what needed to be done and getting on to the work of clearing debris, creating habitable space for those staying and reminding all of us how Island Strong they all are.” Songs for the Saints captures the transformation of vulnerability into unspeakable strength and courage. Tempering the devastation that Hurricanes Irma and Maria left across the bracelet of islands known as the Saints with an unstoppable elation and celebration, the album renders the essence of the freedom the songwriter/superstar found there – and the deep joy and humanity the residents demonstrate on a daily basis. “When I arrived on St. John, on a day off after taking a ferry all by myself, I walked down a street in a very special place and heard George Jones floating out a door of a bar,” he remembers. “I walked in, sat on a barstool and found people from all over the country who had hearts like mine: dreamers who were free spirits, living a way that made sense to them. I left that day, went back out on tour, but kept going back, because it was a place I not only fit, but felt like I could disappear. I was a young adult, and I made some of the best friends of my life on those islands – and this is my way of giving back.” Compare Ticket Prices to See Kenny LIVE! With “Get Along,” the banjo-driven hit celebrating what we have in common instead of being offended by our differences hit, residing firmly in the Top 10, the horse of a different color for the album’s tone offers the collective truth that defines Songs for the Saints. As Chesney says, “It’s a song for times Continue reading First Listen: Kenny Chesney – Songs For the Saints→

Out Tomorrow: Michael Ray – Amos | Featuring “Her World Or Mine”

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Michael Ray News

From his current Top 20 single “Get to You” about breaking down emotional walls to exploring the bond between father and son in “Real Men Love Jesus,” Michael Ray is no stranger to sharing his sensitive side with fans. In “Her World Or Mine,” the latest track released from Ray’s forthcoming album Amos, he examines both sides of a breakup and how painful moving on can be. <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/3A85JE2ugiI” frameborder=”0″ allow=”autoplay; encrypted-media” allowfullscreen></iframe> One of us still has our picture taped up on the dash One of us took that one from Mexico, threw it in the trash One of us don’t even notice When the radio plays that song One of us breaks down and has to pull over Whenever it comes on No there ain’t no in between When it comes to her and me One of us moved on, one of us got stuck One of us is drinkin’ just for fun One of us is drinkin’ to get drunk One of us sleeps good One of us hates to face the night Just depends if you’re talkin’ about Her world or mine The track couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time in Ray’s personal life. “When I was in the studio recording this song, I struggled to get through it sometimes,” recalls Ray, “I thought ‘Man, I am living every lyric of this song right now.’ At the time, I was going through a tough breakup, and on this album, I really want my fans to see me for me and be able to relate to that.” “Her World Or Mine” is the third track available to fans from Amos. It follows lead single, “Get To You” and “Fan Girl,” which Rolling Stone describes as a “pop-heavy heap of electronics, guitars, R&B grooves and synthesizers.” Amos Track Listing with songwriters: “Fan Girl” (Matt Jenkins/Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne) “One That Got Away” (Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rose/Jesse Frasure) “Summer Water” (Heather Morgan/Lee Thomas Miller) “Get To You” (Abe Stoklasa/Pavel Dovgalyuk) “Forget About It” (Luke Laird/Jaren Johnston) “Her World Or Mine” (Brett Beavers/Jamie Paulin/Travis Denning) “You’re On” (Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins) “I’m Gonna Miss You” (Corey Crowder/Matt McGinn) “Dancing Forever” (Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally/Matt Ramsey/Trevor Rosen) “Girl From Spring Break” (Ben Hayslip/Emily Weisband/ Rhett Akins) “Drink One For Me” (Josh Thompson/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite) Pre-order the album here. Amos is available everywhere June 1. For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com. About Michael Ray Country singer-songwriter Michael Ray was a hit right out of the box, scoring both with critics and on the charts. With Country Aircheck boasting there are “big things on the horizon for Michael Ray” and his live shows lauded by USA Today as simply “lip-smacking good,” the Florida native backed up that praise with two number ones from his 2015 self-titled debut album with “Kiss You in the Morning” and “Think a Little Less.”  His sophomore album, Amos, named for his grandfather and produced by the legendary Scott Hendricks (Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton) will be released June 1. The album has already Continue reading Out Tomorrow: Michael Ray – Amos | Featuring “Her World Or Mine”→

Watch Now: Blackberry Smoke – Best Seat In The House

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Blackberry Smoke News

An acoustic video for Blackberry Smoke’s “Best Seat In The House” is premiering today. Watch/share HERE. The video was filmed at Southern Ground Studios in Nashville, TN and features band members Charlie Starr (vocals, guitar), Richard Turner (bass, vocals), Brit Turner (drums), Paul Jackson (guitar, vocals), and Brandon Still (keyboards). The song is from the band’s acclaimed new album, Find A Light, which debuted as the best-selling Country and Americana/Folk album in the country and entered at #3 on the BillboardTop Country Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Albums chart. Recent critical praise for Find A Light… “Blackberry Smoke is part of a lineage that shares a love of Petty, the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr., able to ride an Americana vibe or peel off a stomping riff and tie it all together without a hint of pretense.” “Blackberry Smoke shines through the darkness on the album’s 13 cuts” “…a self-produced set that runs a wide stylistic range from heavy rock to gentle balladry and twangy country…” “Blackberry Smoke have long been heirs to the road-warrior mantle established by their classic-rock and country heroes. And, with their sixth full-length album, Find A Light, the quintet has now firmly established an authentic legacy of their own.” “Blackberry Smoke’s electrifying amalgam of country, blues, roots, soul and classic rock is garnering big audiences across a wide spectrum of genres. And what’s more, they’re doing it with a sound that boasts some of the most hot-shit, high-wire guitar shredding around.” “There’s never a dull moment on Find A Light, and Blackberry Smoke has delivered another album that wends its way deep into our flesh and bone, blistering our souls and soothing our hearts.” “…Blackberry Smoke are traditionalists through and through, carrying the flame for good old-fashioned American rock & roll…The result is a splendid little record that simultaneously feels brand new and like a lost gem.” “They’re as constant as the North Star and as reliable as the Lone Ranger. Calmly, they survey the turmoil that surrounds us, stroke their beards for a moment, pick up their guitars and make another solid and reliable Blackberry Smoke album.” “…reveals a band that sounds ever more like itself: proud torchbearers of a Southern rock tradition, certainly, but a folk/rock/gospel/blues/country-driven original fivesome that can write both tender and party-ready, with at-times-unpredictable flavors.” “Flourishes of fiddle, organ and piano add depth to the band’s time- perfected rock ‘n’ roll sound, creating an album that is layered, diverse and fresh, yet still unmistakably Blackberry Smoke.” In celebration of the release, Blackberry Smoke will tour extensively throughout 2018 including a series of co-headlining dates with JJ Grey & Mofro as well as several shows with Lynyrd Skynyrd. See below for complete details. Self-produced by the acclaimed 5-piece band, Find A Light is Blackberry Smoke’s sixth full-length album and features 13 new songs written/co-written by lead-singer and guitarist Charlie Starr. In addition to the band members, the album also features special guests Robert Randolph (“I’ll Keep Ramblin’”), Amanda Shires (“Let Me Down Easy”) and Continue reading Watch Now: Blackberry Smoke – Best Seat In The House→

Little Big Town is Giving Us Summer Fever!

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Little Big Town Summer Fever

LITTLE BIG TOWN TO RELEASE NEW SONG “SUMMER FEVER” JUNE 6 THE FOURSOME WILL OPEN THE 2018 CMT MUSIC AWARDS WITH PERFORMANCE OF SONG THAT DAY Little Big Town is set to release the song of the summer, “Summer Fever,” Wednesday, June 6th to Country radio and all digital service providers.  LBT’s Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook will open the 2018 CMT Music Awards that same day with a performance of “Summer Fever” and continue as the night’s hosts for the duration of the show. The track, co-written by Fairchild, Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlowe, and Sam Romans features Fairchild on lead vocals and encapsulates the spirit of summertime with an infectious melody and nostalgic guitar tones set against the group’s famous four-part harmonies. “Summer Fever” was co-produced by Frasure and Shane McAnally and mixed by Spike Stent in Los Angeles.  “It’s always amazing when a song seems to just wait for its own perfect timing,” said Frasure. “Getting the chance to bring this song to life in the writing room with my co-writers, and through the opportunity to co-produce with my friend Shane McAnally has been a dream come true.  I can’t wait to hear this song coming out of a rolled down window this Summer.” “I dare you to sit still when this song comes on…it’s impossible,” said McAnally. “I don’t even dance, but something comes over me when this thing kicks in. I can’t wait for the world to catch Summer Fever.” Photo Credit: Williams + Hirakawa Summer Fever Creative: Milkglass

Watch Now: Kenny Chesney – Get Along

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Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney knew why he wanted “Get Along” as the first single from his deeply personalSongs for the Saints, coming July 27. Beyond the feel-good lope to its groove, the message of inclusion instead of rancor resonated in the wake of too much news overload, screaming talking heads and a world seemingly intent on the differences instead of coming together. He knew, too, there was no better way to show that notion of inclusion in action than through his own No Shoes Nation, a country without borders filled with all kinds of people determined to enjoy the moment. So beyond kicking off his Trip Around The Sun Tour at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, Chesney wanted to capture the fun, friendship, laughter and good times that have been bringing his fans together for years. “The whole point of the song is to look for your common ground instead of worrying about your differences,” Chesney explains. “And when I look out into the crowd, that’s what I see: people who are having a great time, getting along and making the most of every single minute.” Mostly documentary from the parking lots, the stands, the sand bar and the stage, the Shaun Silva directed clip has the same euphoria and spirit that marks the song. Beyond Chesney’s signature high energy performance, there’s a solo turn on an Engel cooler, a low impact group jam from rehearsal, a heroic take on “Get Along” from the Buccaneers pirate ship and an impromptu run through the song on a pontoon boat in the middle of one of the lots. “It takes a lot to try to keep up with the No Shoes Nation,” Chesney admits. “With their rolling Tiki Bars, tons of sand, Blue Chair Bay cocktails and wading pools. They have as much fun waiting to get into the show as they do at the concerts, and I love that! I wanted this video to be a mix of how their world works and the way their passion inspires all of us up onstage. “It made for a couple long days, doing a video the same time we were starting a tour…But I wouldn’t have changed anything for the world!” With Chesney playing to record crowds at most of his stadium shows, “Get Along” is already Top 10 and climbing onBillboard and MediaBase charts. Described by the 8-time Entertainer of the Year as “a song for times like these from an album about the places that save you,” this song sets the tone for an album about hope in the hard places, acceptance of what is and the resilience to rise up and make your way no matter what’s in front of you.

William Shatner and Neal McCoy Team Up For Charity

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Neal McCoy News

William Shatner’s Priceline.com Hollywood Charity Horse Show Sponsored by Wells Fargo Returns June 2 to Los Angeles Equestrian Center with Neal McCoy On Saturday, June 2nd, William Shatner’s Priceline.com Hollywood Charity Horse Show, Sponsored by Wells Fargo, which has become one of Los Angeles’ most highly anticipated celebrity-driven charity events, will return for another year, helping raise critical funding for Los Angeles-area organizations.   Each year for nearly three decades, the celebrated actor and cultural icon’s philanthropic horse show and dinner, supports some of the city’s most crucial charitable organizations, primarily those focusing on benefiting children with special needs and U.S. military veterans through a variety of outreach and therapeutic programming.   Says Shatner, “For years I have witnessed the indelible mark that horses can leave on people. I have seen children who are unable to walk ride atop horses, and completely break out of their shells, and I have seen the lasting connection humans can have with this incredible animal.”   He continues, “It’s a beautiful thing, and that is why I am bringing back the Priceline.com Hollywood Charity Horse Show, Sponsored by Wells Fargo, for yet another year, because it is just that important and the services these organizations provide to the community are nothing short of remarkable and essential.”    This year, one of the country music world’s most beloved acts, Neal McCoy, will return for his second year. He previously performed at the 26th Annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show dinner in 2016, and was so profoundly moved by the experience that he decided to return, this time with his full band. Says McCoy, “To be involved with William Shatner and his team in any way is exciting. After being part of his Hollywood Charity Horse Show a couple years ago, we were excited about being part of it again this year. Not only is it a wonderful time for families, but to be able to contribute to some wonderful causes the Shatner team supports. We are really happy to be coming back!”    In past years, other musical acts have included Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan, Roadcase Royale, Joe Walsh, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Brad Paisley, Ben Folds, Willie Nelson and Wynonna Judd.    The Priceline.com Hollywood Charity Horse Show, Sponsored by Wells Fargo, will return once more to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (480 Riverside Drive, Burbank), Southern California’s premier equestrian facility, with a free hour-long Arena Show, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. The show will bring together a collection of world-class reining horses and their riders competing for top honors in the 3,000-plus-seat Equidome.     The must-see Arena Show will treat spectators to impressive performances. There will be a freestyle reining competition, a riding demonstration by AHEAD with Horses, and a not-to-be-missed  performance of the National Anthem and ‘God Bless America’ by retired Naval petty officer Generald Wilson, who most recently blew away American television audiences when he performed at the NFC Championship game in Philadelphia earlier this year.    There will also be a featured performance by DIAVOLO, Continue reading William Shatner and Neal McCoy Team Up For Charity→

CMA Fest: Go For The Music, Leave With A Puppy!

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Muttnation Adoption Drive at 2018 CMAFest

For the third consecutive year, Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation will be entertaining CMA Fest fans with Music City’s cutest canines, all available for adoption to caring, qualified families. Partnering with Nashville Humane Association, MuttNation will have adorable adoptablesavailable each day from 11-3pm at the MuttNation rig located inside the Music City Center. Bev Lambert, Miranda’s mom and co-founder of MuttNation Foundation, will be on-site to have photos taken with each adopting family. With MuttNation’s support, more than 100 shelter dogs have been rescued by country music fans at CMA Fest over the past two years. “MuttNation’s mission is to promote the adoption of shelter pets, spay & neuter, and to let everyone know why these things are so important. Since country music fans are the most passionate people out there, CMA Fest is a great place to accomplish these goals,” said Lambert, who has 8 rescue dogs. “And it’s the world’s best feeling when you make the perfect match between a rescue and a new owner, knowing it’s creating such an incredible bond that will grow deeper and stronger every day. It just fills my heart with happiness to be part of something so special.” When asked how you can tell when you’ve found the right dog, Miranda told the crowd of more than 1000 MuttNation “citizens” gathered during CMA Fest last year, that “your dog will come to you.” As she was speaking, Bandit walked up to Fran & Mark Anziano and, from that moment on, has been part of their family. Keep an eye on MuttNation socials to see advance pictures of some of this year’s adoptable dogs photographed with Bev and Miranda: instagram.com/muttnation; twitter.com/muttnation;facebook.com/muttnation Another feature at the booth will be a one-of-a-kind MuttNation branded Epiphone guitar signed by Miranda, available via online rafflethroughCrowdRise at this link: www.crowdrise.com/muttnationguitar There will also be great MuttNation merchandise and the MuttNation Fueled by Miranda Lambert pet collection by Petmate, proceeds from sales of both benefit MuttNation Foundation. Petmate is also offering all CMA Fest fans a 25% discount for online purchases over $4.99. Use Code CMAFEST on Petmate.com anytime from June 6-12. About MuttNation Foundation Founded by Miranda and her mom, Bev Lambert, in 2009, MuttNation is a donation-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the adoption of shelter pets, advance spay & neuter and educate the public about the benefits of these actions. MuttNation also works with transport partners to assist and relocate animals under threat of euthanasia and during times of natural disaster. With a goal of finding a forever home for every shelter animal, MuttNation supports animal rescues across the country, hosts adoption events throughout the year, provides positive reinforcement for the shelter adoption experience, works to raise awareness for its causes and develops and implements initiatives to further its mission-driven goals.  www.muttnation.com About Miranda Lambert Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is the most decorated artist in ACM history as well as the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, having been bestowed this honor for Continue reading CMA Fest: Go For The Music, Leave With A Puppy!→

Win a FREE Fender Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster Guitar!

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Free Fender Guitar

It’s not often that we share contests here that are not our own, but when we saw this one come across our desk we KNEW we couldn’t leave our loyal readers out of it! Our friends at The Music Zoo are giving away a FREE Fender Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster, signed by Brad himself! Click the image below or this link to enter, and good luck to all of you! This is the brand new Brad Paisley Road Worn Tele from Fender. A unique guitar for the Country music superstar, this Tele is unique with its body that has a pawlonia core with spruce top and back that make the guitar incredibly lightweight, with an enhanced “V” neck profile to the maple neck, a ’64 Tele bridge pickup wound to Brad’s preferences, a Twisted Tele neck pickup, and 9.5” radius with modern medium jumbo frets! A great guitar with standout looks thanks to the silver sparkle finish and matching black and silver paisley pickguard. Entry only requires email address. See complete rules here.

Luke Combs, Leon Bridges To Collaborate For ‘CMT Crossroads’

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Luke Combs Crossroads

RIVER HOUSE/COLUMBIA NASHVILLE’s LUKE COMBS will join forces with GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist LEON BRIDGES for a special edition of CMT-TV’s “CMT Crossroads” series. The performance is set to take place over Broadway in downtown NASHVILLE for an outdoor concert experience on TUESDAY, JUNE 5th. The free taping is open to fans at 5th and Broadway in NASHVILLE; gates will open at 7p (CT), and the show will begin at 8:30p (CT). The CMT-TV premiere is set to air on THURSDAY, JUNE 28th at 10p (ET/PT).