NASHVILLE RECORDING ARTIST AUSTIN WAHLERT PERFORMS AT RFD-TV’S THE AMERICAN AT AT&T STADIUM

Posted on by
Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Following Performance in the FanZone for The American Semi-Finals at the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards On Sunday, February 19, Nashville recording artist and former professional bull rider Austin Wahlert performed at RFD-TV’s The American presented by Polaris Ranger at the legendary AT&T Stadium, following in the footsteps of country music superstars such as Justin Moore, Jewel, and William Michael Morgan. The Colorado-native and Rocky Mountain CMA Songwriter of the Year performed his single “Thin Blue Line,” a song that was written in memory of those lost in the Dallas police shooting, to honor first responders and military at the event. His performance was preceded by a one-hour concert on Friday, February 17 in the FanZone for The American Semi-Finals at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Wahlert, who also performed at the 10th Round at the Wrangler’s National Finals Rodeo in 2014 and the Mandalay Bay Stage in December of 2016, has had great success in both America and Europe, where his song “Long Live Cowboys” hit #7 on the international chart and broke the top 100 on the pop chart. His latest album I WILL WIN has been described by Real American Cowboy Magazine as a “ballsy album with songs that challenge your realities and make you swell inside, some even make you re-commit to things that you’ve left behind.” The album can be purchased here.

WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC EXTENDS WORLDWIDE CO-PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP WITH THiS MUSIC

Posted on by
Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Warner/Chappell Nashville today announced that it has extended its worldwide co-publishing partnership with leading Nashville-based music publishing company, THiS Music. Under the agreement, Warner/Chappell will continue to publish and administer THiS Music’s repertoire. THiS Music was formed in 2006 by owners Rusty Gaston, Tim Nichols, and Connie Harrington, and was launched in partnership with Warner/Chappell Music. “Rusty Gaston is a force of nature,” said Ben Vaughn, President, Warner/Chappell Nashville. “His relentless drive and passion for growing songwriters’ careers is legendary on Music Row and beyond. The company that he, Tim Nichols, and Connie Harrington built together just celebrated its 11th year of success – an incredible achievement – and everyone at Warner/Chappell is thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship and looking forward to making more great music together.” Rusty Gaston, Owner, THiS Music, added, “We’re thankful to have Warner/Chappell as a partner who understands, believes, and empowers the philosophy of THiS Music. They have expertly helped fuel our success for more than a decade, and we’re very happy to keep growing together.” THiS Music has a roster of some of today’s brightest artists and songwriters, including: Deric Ruttan, who co-wrote Jason Aldean’s current rising single “Any Ol’ Bar Stool”; Emily Weisband, who recently won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Thy Will”; and two-time ASCAP Country Songwriter Of The Year, Ben Hayslip, who co-wrote Thomas Rhett’s No. 1 hit “Star of the Show.” Additional songwriters on THiS Music’s roster include Nichols, Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Marv Green, JT Harding, Molly Reed, Chris Yarber, and country artist Drew Baldridge. 

ARKANSAS NATIVE DAVID ADAM BYRNES SIGNS WITH SILVERADO RECORDS

Posted on by
Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Silverado Records announced the signing of Arkansas native David Adam Byrnes. Byrnes has released two previous studio albums and tours extensively. He’s opened for some of country music’s biggest names, including Hank Williams Jr., Chris Young, Thompson Square and many others. He was a featured act at 2016’s Nationals Final Rodeo at the Mirage in Las Vegas, alongside now label mate, Joe Diffie. David is represented by Arlis Albritton and Tayler Bock of Full On Management. Upcoming shows include the RelayLIVE event in Nashville on April 1st and two more dates in May with Daryle Singletary. “David is an exceptional talent, and just radiates country music in everything he does. We’re thrilled to have him on the label, and are really looking forward to sharing some amazing new music with his fans,” said Silverado Records VP/A&R Aaron Chesling. Byrne’s music is traditional country music through and through, with his Arkansas roots prominent in every song he sings. With his true country sound Byrnes joins the label to create multiple albums, with new music coming soon. “I am so excited to start this new journey with the amazing folks at Silverado Records,” says Byrnes. “They truly believe in me as an artist, writer, and performer. I love their family atmosphere, approach to the music business, and overall passion. It’s a perfect match and I can’t wait to get to work!”

DUSTIN LYNCH UNLEASHES NEW SINGLE “SMALL TOWN BOY”

Posted on by
Dustin Lynch on Country Music News Blog!

Second Taste of Upcoming Album Follows #1 Success of “Seein’ Red”  Currently Touring With Florida Georgia Line, Joining Brad Paisley This Summer After keeping fans on the edge of their seat all day Thursday (2/16) with a mysterious, slow-building teaser that has blown up on social media, hit making Broken Bow Records star Dustin Lynch has just announced “Small Town Boy” as his next single. A soulful country groove built for windows-down cruising with a special someone, “Small Town Boy” is available on all digital outlets and spinning on Country radio today (2/17). Written by Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and Kyle Fishman and produced by Zach Crowell (Sam Hunt, Carrie Underwood), the track’s cool-handed declaration of love is a natural counterpoint to Lynch’s hot-and-steamy fourth straight #1, “Seein’ Red,” and the second taste of his upcoming third album. More details about the project will be announced soon. “’Small Town Boy’ is about being in love with someone for who they are and what makes them unique. I grew up in the small town of Tullahoma, TN, and that town made me who I am. It’s somewhere I long to always go back to and visit … my family is still there,” shares Lynch. “So this song reminds me of my hometown and what true love really is – that’s being in love with the real in somebody and not the fake.” Currently pumping up massive, sold-out crowds on Florida Georgia Line’s DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR, Lynch will go on to join Brad Paisley’s LIFE AMPLIFIED WORLD TOUR beginning in May. In addition, the tried-and-true star has partnered with Pepsi MidAmerica to send two grand prize winners on a VIP VEGAS EXPERIENCE. Look for Lynch on cans of Dr. Pepper across Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee, or visit http://www.pepsimidamerica.com/dustinlynch for more details. For more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com. ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH: Since releasing his PLATINUM debut single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has catapulted onto the country music scene, with four consecutive #1s, two Top 5 albums, Platinum-level certifications and back-to-back summers on one of the biggest tours in country music (opening for Luke Bryan). Racking up over 83.7 million views on YouTube/VEVO, scoring 173.8 million plus streams on Spotify, soaring to #1 on the MTV Music Meter and selling 3 million digital sales, he brings a fresh combination of traditional influences and edgy intensity to the genre. Producers Mickey Jack Cones, Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten showcase his progressive sound throughout his sophomore album, WHERE IT’S AT (Broken Bow Records), which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart upon release and has tallied over 1 million tracks sold to date. Realizing his long time dream of creating a fashion line, Lynch recently launched Stay Country. “Stay Country isn’t just a brand, it’s a lifestyle,” says Lynch. “It’s where I grew up. It’s home to the rivers I’ve fished, the deer stands I’ve perched, and the dirt roads I’ve roamed. It inspired Stay Country.” The line of accessibly-priced men’s and Continue reading DUSTIN LYNCH UNLEASHES NEW SINGLE “SMALL TOWN BOY”→

COUNTRY MUSIC TRIO TEMECULA ROAD PREMIERE MUSIC VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE “WHAT IF I KISSED YOU”

Posted on by
Temecula Road on Country Music News Blog!

Country music trio Temecula Road  — sisters Emma (vocals/mandolin) and Maddie (vocals) Salute together with longtime friend Dawson Anderson (vocals/guitar) — has partnered with Vevo and YouTube to world premiere the music video for first single “What If I Kissed You.” View the video at: bit.ly/trkissedyou . The clip, shot in the picturesque Antelope Valley in their home state of California and directed by Evan Kaufmann, features the trio alongside newly engaged YouTube and Musical.ly sensations, Cole LaBrant and Savannah Soutas on a flirty fun-filled date exploring new love in the western Mojave Desert. The poetic track, written by Jimmy Robbins, Sara Haze and Mike Daly and produced by Daly, is set to release digitally today, February 17 at http://smarturl.it/TRIfIKissedYou. Named after the town they grew up in, the threesome, known for their original music and impeccable harmonies, were just revealed as Radio Disney’s multi-genre NEXT BIG THING – one of only two breakout country artists since the program’s inception. Temecula Road have electrified audiences opening for standout country acts Martina McBride, Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, Eli Young Band and Love And Theft and will be performing March 11-12 as part of this year’s C2C Country Music Festival at the O2 Arena in London. For a complete listing of tour dates visit TemeculaRoad.com. With talent far beyond their teenage years and an infectious, youthful energy, Temecula Road has already amassed a sizeable and loyal following online with their series of song covers.  A recent mashup video of the trio singing portions of 2016’s top 20 country songs in a mere 3 minutes garnered them over 7 million views online and 84,000 shares on Facebook alone. ABOUT TEMECULA ROAD: Called out by The Huffington Post as one of the top country artists to watch in ‪2016, Temecula Road‪ spent the year opening for Martina McBride, Josh Turner, Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, Eli Young Band and Love And Theft and joined Jessie James Decker on a nationwide, sold out tour. Their covers have earned praise from Carrie Underwood, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay, Cam, and RaeLynn. The group is featured weekly on Radio Disney Country’s social media giving fans a behind the scenes look at their lives as musicians on #TemeculaRoadTuesdays. ABOUT DISNEY MUSIC GROUP: Disney Music Group is home to Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, Disney Music Publishing, Buena Vista Records, and Disney Concerts.  The labels’ genre-spanning rosters include (Grammy nominated) Demi Lovato, Jordan Fisher, Sofia Carson, ZZ Ward, R5, Zella Day, Breaking Benjamin, Bea Miller, Sabrina Carpenter, Joywave, Olivia Holt, Tini Stoessel, Forever In Your Mind, Jorge Blanco, and more.  DMG also releases family music and film and television soundtracks such as the chart-topping, Oscar-nominated “Moana” soundtrack, the Oscar and Grammy-winning “Frozen” soundtrack, the Grammy-nominated recordings for “Star Wars,” “Zootopia,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the “Aladdin” original Broadway cast record, “Saving Mr. Banks,” and “Bridge of Spies.” Upcoming soundtracks include “Beauty And The Beast,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” and “Descendants 2.”

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER CONFIRMS SUMMER WOLF TRAP CONCERT WITH SPECIAL GUEST LUCINDA WILLIAMS

Posted on by
Mary Chapin Carpenter

PERFORMANCE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF CARPENTER’S DEBUT ALBUM Mary Chapin Carpenter will return to Wolf Trap on August 12 for a special concert coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the release of her acclaimed debut album, Hometown Girl. Very special guest Lucinda Williams, who wrote “Passionate Kisses,” which Carpenter later recorded, will open the unique performance. Tickets go on-sale Saturday, March 18 at 10:00am ET (fan club pre-sale will launch tomorrow at 10:00am ET). Additional events celebrating the 30th anniversary year will be announced shortly. The Wolf Trap concert will feature material from throughout Carpenter’s acclaimed career, including songs from her most recent album, The Things That We Are Made Of. Released last year to widespread acclaim on Lambent Light Records via Thirty Tigers (webstore, iTunes, Amazon), the album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton) and features eleven new songs written by Carpenter. The Associated Press calls it, “…an evocative collection of songs,” while The Huffington Post declares, “…Carpenter is now at the height of her musical career, painting a compelling, relevant piece of art tinged with mixed feelings of grief and joy, all without preaching or darkening our minds with sadness.” Additionally, NPR Music featured the album in their “First Listen” series. Most recently, Carpenter collaborated with Peter Wolf for a special duet of “Cry No More.” Their rendition of the song is featured on Amazon’s Valentine’s Day playlist. Listen here. Over the course of her acclaimed career, Carpenter has recorded 14 albums and sold over 14 million records. Beloved by fans and critics alike, she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations) and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Previously, in 2014, Carpenter released her debut orchestral album, Songs From The Movie, which was arranged and co-produced by six-time Grammy winner Vince Mendoza. Since it’s release, Carpenter has performed alongside the New York Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the London Concert Orchestra, the L.A. Philharmonic and the National Symphony Orchestra among many others. MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER TOUR DATES July 21—Steamboat Springs, CO—Strings Music Festival July 30—Bayfield, WI—Big Top Chautauqua August 12—Vienna, VA—Wolf Trap* *with very special guest Lucinda Williams

2017 PEPSI SPRINGJAM FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCED

Posted on by

The second annual Pepsi SpringJam, set for April 28 & 29, 2017 at Aaron Bessant Park in beautiful Panama City Beach, promises two days of some of the hottest names in music, and organizers have released the exciting full lineup for the event. Headliners Sheryl Crow and Darius Rucker will be joined by Colbie Caillat, A Thousand Horses, LOCASH and “Nashville” television star Charles Esten, and the latest additions include Craig Campbell, Delta Rae, Will Thompson, Lauren Alaina, Sammy Arriaga and Gal Friday Band. “The full lineup for the Pepsi Spring jam is creating a lot of excitement,” says Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe. “Spring is always a great time to be at the beach, and having so many of Nashville’s favorite acts joining headliners Sheryl Crow and Darius Rucker gives country music fans even more reason to come put their toes in the sand in Panama City Beach.” Early Bird ticket rates remain in effect for a limited time at $199 for VIP Pit and just $69 for General Admission – plus taxes and fees. A limited number of $59 single-day tickets are currently available. Children six years of age and under may enter for free. Two-day General Admission Military Tickets are also $69 plus taxes and fees, and that price will not increase. A limited number of $30 Two-day and $20 One-Day Early Entry Passes are also available. These passes are an add-on to a festival ticket and allow ticket holders to enter the festival 30 minutes before the main gates open. This is great advantage in getting to the front of a ticket section. Visit http://springjampcb.com/tickets/ for more information. Pepsi SpringJam Preferred Lodging Partners offer the best of Panama City Beach’s resorts and condominiums. Each partner is also an authorized ticket seller for the 2017 Festival. Click here to learn more about the lodging partners. Security of patrons, artists and staff is of the utmost importance at the Pepsi SpringJam, and organizers have elected to adopt a policy of only allowing clear bags onto the festival grounds. The policy is similar to that of other music festivals and sports events and will expedite fan entry into the festival. For more information about what is permitted, visit www.SpringJamPCB.com. To purchase tickets and to get updates about the festival, artist lineup, directions, parking, lodging packages and more, visit www.SpringJamPCB.com.

2017 ACM Award Nominees!

Posted on by
ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

This morning, the nominees were announced for the 52ndAcademy of Country Music Awards, taking place on Sunday, April 2, 2017 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and airing on the CBS Television Network (live 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON CBS, SUNDAY, APRIL 2, FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS Keith Urban Leads with Seven Nominations; Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris Each Receive Six Nominations; Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw Each Receive Five Nominations; Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Chris Stapleton Each Receive Three Nominations   [bctt tweet=”52nd @ACMawards nominations announced today! Don’t miss #ACMawards LIVE April 2 8pm on #CBS ” username=”CMNBlog”] Nominations were announced today for the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, honoring country music’s superstars and hottest emerging talent. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will return to host for the second consecutive year. The ACM Awards® are produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2 (live 8:00-11:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. Ten-time ACM Award winners and multi-platinum trio Lady Antebellum announced the nominees in five categories, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year live today on “CBS This Morning.” “Entertainment Tonight” hosts Nancy O’Dell and Kevin Frazier announced additional nominees on ETonline.com. Keith Urban leads with seven nominations in five categories, including his seventh for Entertainer of the Year and 10th nod for Male Vocalist of the Year. Urban is nominated twice, as both artist and producer, in the Album of the Year category for Ripcord.  He received an additional two nominations, for both artist and producer, in the Single Record of the Year category for “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” which is also nominated in the Song of the Year category. Seven-time Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert received six nominations and is once again nominated in the Female Vocalist of the Year category.  Lambert received her fifth nomination in the Album of the Year category for The Weight of These Wings. Lambert’s “Vice” received nods in the Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Video of the Year categories.  Also, she received two nominations for “Vice” in the Song of the Year category, as both artist and songwriter. First-time ACM nominee Maren Morris earned six nominations in four different categories. Morris received nominations in both Female Vocalist of the Year and New Female Vocalist of the Year categories. She is also nominated twice for Album of the Year, as both producer and artist, on HERO.  Morris is twice nominated as both artist and producer in Single Record of the Year for “My Church.” Reigning Vocal Duo of the Year Florida Georgia Line leads group nominations with five nods, including their fifth Continue reading 2017 ACM Award Nominees!→

Billy Dean Set for Induction into Florida Artists Hall of Fame

Posted on by
Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Country music hitmaker Billy Dean will be inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame on Thursday, February 23.  Dean, a Florida native, will enter this year’s class along with former Eagles member Don Felder, comedy songwriter and performer Jim Stafford, and poet-anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins. “I have a deep and eternal love for my home state of Florida and all her beauty and majesty,” says Dean.  “I’m proud of my southern roots. Floridians are as diverse as the nature that surrounds her, and what an honor it will be to hang in the halls of her great capitol, next to some of my heros like Tom Petty and Don Felder, only a few short blocks from where my mom lives today. Thanks to all my friends for this great honor.” Established by the Florida Legislature in 1986, the Florida Artists Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida either as performing or practicing artists in individual disciplines. The Florida Artists Hall of Fame Wall is located on the Plaza Level in the rotunda of the Capitol building in Tallahassee. Inductees receive a commemorative bronze sculpture commissioned by the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The induction ceremony takes place at the Thomas Center for the Arts in Gainesville, FL. The event starts at 5:30 pm.  The event is free and open to the public. About Billy Dean In his music career spanning more than 25 years, Dean has claimed eleven top ten Billboard country singles, including five #1 hits: “I Miss Billy The Kid,” “Somewhere In My Broken Heart,” “If There Hadn’t Been You,” “You Don’t Count The Cost” and “It’s What I Do.” Dean recorded eight major label studio albums, three of which have been certified gold by the RIAA, as well as a greatest hits album which is also certified gold. Earlier in his career, the Academy of Country Music named Dean Top New Male Vocalist and also awarded him Song of the Year for “Somewhere In My Broken Heart.” In 2000, Dean sang harmony vocals alongside Alison Krauss on Kenny Rogers‘ rendition of “Buy Me A Rose,” which earned a GRAMMY®. In addition to his successful recording career, Dean has also acted in several movies and appeared in numerous television shows

DUSTIN LYNCH Notches Fourth Straight #1 With “SEEIN’ RED”

Posted on by

First Taste of New Album Keeps His Hot Streak Alive, Partnering With Pepsi MidAmerica to Send Fans on a VIP Vegas Experience  Broken Bow Records star DUSTIN LYNCH has taken “Seein’ Red” to the top of the charts, posting his fourth straight #1 single. A propulsive, passionate anthem of unrestrained desire, “Seein’ Red” is the first song released from Lynch’s upcoming third album, details of which will be revealed soon. Leading Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for the fourth time in a career that is still picking up steam, the Tennessee heartthrob and classic-country lover feels emboldened by fans’ reaction to his lusty, modern jam. “Thank you to my Country radio family for blessing us with four in a row. You all continue to support our lives in so many ways,” said Lynch. “This kicks off the next chapter of music for us and I’m so excited to share it with you soon!” Co-written by Kurt Allison, Steve Bogard, Tully Kennedy and Jason Sever, Taste of Country has proclaimed “Seein’ Red” “unapologetically sexy,” while Rolling Stone praises Lynch’s vocal delivery as “one of his most soulful and assured to date.” It follows the three-peat GOLD and PLATINUM #1 success of singles “Where It’s At,” “Hell of a Night” and “Mind Reader” from his sophomore album, WHERE IT’S AT. Lynch is currently thrilling sold-out crowds on Florida Georgia Line’s 2017 DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR as the featured supporting artist, joining a lineup that also includes Chris Lane as well as Seth Ennis, Ryan Follese and Morgan Wallen on select dates. The high-octane tour heads to the deep South next weekend (2/16 – 2/18) with shows in Mississippi and Louisiana. In related news, the country star has partnered with Pepsi MidAmerica to send fans on a VIP VEGAS EXPERIENCE. The text-to-win and online contest will run through March 17 while Lynch is featured on cans of Dr. Pepper products all across Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. Two winners will receive the VIP prize of a trip to Las Vegas which also includes a private meet-and-greet with Lynch, plus a three-night hotel stay and round-trip airfare from St. Louis, Missouri. Entries are being accepted now at http://www.pepsimidamerica.com/dustinlynch. “Teaming up with Pepsi to be on the can of one of my favorite drinks is a dream come true and so dang cool! Never has Dr. Pepper tasted so good … Hope to see you at a show soon!” shared Lynch. For more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com. ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH: Since releasing his PLATINUM debut single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has catapulted onto the country music scene, with four consecutive #1s, two Top 5 albums, Platinum-level certifications and back-to-back summers on one of the biggest tours in country music (opening for Luke Bryan). Racking up over 83.7 million views on YouTube/VEVO, scoring 173.8 million plus streams on Spotify, soaring to #1 on the MTV Music Meter and selling 3 million digital sales, he brings a fresh combination of traditional influences and edgy intensity to the genre. Continue reading DUSTIN LYNCH Notches Fourth Straight #1 With “SEEIN’ RED”→