Daryl Wayne Dasher Brings Old School Sound with New Album

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Daryl Wayne Dasher Brings An Old School Country Sound with New Album, Great Big Sky. Independent country/folk/Americana artist, Daryl Wayne Dasher released his sophmore album, Great Big Sky, today (Tuesday, April 23rd), and the new record is currently available via iTunes. The new project is the follow-up to his 2009 solo debut, Long Road Now. “Making this album took more out of me than anything I’ve ever done before. There were many steep emotional ups and downs during the writing process, recording, and especially the mixing of ‘great big sky.’ I liken it to going on a really long hike on the Appalachian Trail. There are many seemingly pointless ups and down, moments of vision and joy, moments of being totally drained both emotionally and physically, times when you ask “why am I doing this?” and times of perfect clarity.” -Daryl Wayne Dasher Dasher pulls together a more traditional country, folk and Americana sound with lyrics and themes pulled from daily living and experience. With this listeners will find eleven genuine and original tracks that boast a very real quality and talent that provides a refreshing reprieve from the usual suspects being marketed out of the Nashville scene. Be sure to follow the iTunes link above to give Great Big Sky a shot, and find more from Dayrl on his own site and of course, Twitter (@dwdmusic)

Josh Charles Hits Country Scene with Wasted On Love

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Josh Charles Breaks Onto Country Music Scene, Offers Up Single “Wasted On Love.” Josh Charles is one of those folks who is not only talented, but also a down to earth person, trying to find a way to pursue his passions. Luckily for us, his passion is country music, and he is offering up a traditional country sound with relatable and genuine lyrics. These qualities are right at the forefront of his current single “Wasted On Love,” and it’s one of those easy going tunes that you’ll listen to once or twice and then catch yourself humming along to later when you’re cleaning the kitchen or getting ready for bed. It’s just the kind of song that sticks with you. After listening to the single more than a few times myself, I had the chance to “meet” (via phone) the man behind the music! He let me know that really, he just tries to be himself, and that kind of honesty goes a long way when your profession is centered on country music. He may just be getting his start with “Wasted On Love” and previous single “Life Ain’t Fair,” but having performed gigs opening for the likes of Blake Shelton and working on new music, including a full album hopefully soon, Josh is in the early stages of really making a name for himself. This is one on the rise artists that I sincerely think is worth a few minutes of your time! So, take a break from your busy day and enjoy his music below. Then be sure to find him on Twitter (@JoshCharles) to let him know what you think. Listen: “Wasted On Love.”

Willie Nelson Concert Proceeds to Benefit West, Texas

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Willie Nelson’s Previously Scheduled Show In Austin Now to Benefit West, Texas. Following the tragic and deadly fire and subsequent explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas that has impacted the entire community in the area, Willie Nelson has reworked his already scheduled April 28th Austin, TX show into a benefit concert. All proceeds will go to help West Volunteer Fire Department now dealing with the aftermath of this week’s events. The announcement was originally made via Twitter, and then later posted on Nelson’s website along with an interview featured on Texas Monthly. The previously scheduled concert on 4/28 at @thenewbackyard will now benefit West VFD Details to come soon — Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013 Willie, a Texas native, actually grew up very close to the West community, and tweeted his condolences after the news broke. West has been in my backyard all my life.My heart is praying for thecommunity that we call home. #westtx — Willie Nelson (@willienelson) April 18, 2013 It never ceases to amaze me how some folks are so ready to provide aid when it is needed, and Nelson has yet again earned my respect by practicing what he preaches! Amidst a week full of pain and loss, our hearts are with everyone in West, TX.

George Jones Hospitalized In Nashville with Fever

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George Jones Suffering from Fever and Irregular Blood Pressure In Nashville Hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with country icon George Jones, as he has been hospitalized in Nashville, TN due to a fever and irregular blood pressure, both discovered after a routine check up. Jones has been working towards a final concert in Music City in November of this year as part of an extended “good-bye” tour. Unfortunately, he has had to cancel more than one show over the past year or so because of health related issues. The 82 year old artist is still considered one of the most important country music artists in the industry, having influenced generations of aspiring artists and fans alike. After over 50 years in the music biz though, he has called it quits on recording, and is currently working on a final project along with Dolly Parton. We sincerely wish him the best, and hope for a speedy recovery.

Thunder On The Mountain Presents: LIVE Google+ Interview with Rose Falcon

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Thunder On The Mountain and CMNB Bring You a LIVE Google + Interview with Rose Falcon! The inaugural Thunder On The Mountain festival is coming to the Ozarks June 6th – 8th, and we’ve teamed up with them to bring you exclusive, LIVE interviews with some of the awesome folks on their amazing line-up! Between now and June, we will be featuring these interviews via Google +, and will be asking not only our questions, but your questions too! The series kicks off on Monday, April 22nd, and we will be chatting with the talented and lovely Rose Falcon who recently released an EP titled 19th Avenue, Vol. 2! The hangout will start at 2pm central, so don’t be late! You can watch the chat below, and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook! Thunder On The Mountain presents…Rose Falcon!

Thunder On The Mountain 2013 Ticket Giveaway

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Your Chance to Win Tickets to the 2013 Thunder On The Mountain Festival in Ozark, AR! The first ever Thunder On The Mountain country music festival is very quickly approaching (taking place June 6th-8th), and we can hardly contain our excitement! We are so excited, in fact, that we are giving away a pair of three day passes to one very lucky reader! This new fest boasts a fantastic line-up including headliners Toby Keith and Luke Bryan along with Gretchen Wilson, JT Hodges, Big & Rich, Thompson Square, Shooter Jennings and many, many more. Added bonus, the concert event is taking place on Mulberry Mountain nestled in the beautiful Ozarks! So, don’t miss this chance for a great weekend of live music, fun events, and gorgeous surroundings…for free! Just follow the directions below. Giveaway Guidelines: Step 1: (If you aren’t already!) Follow us @CMNBlog and @THUNDERontheMTN on Twitter! Step 2: Send out the following tweet: “I entered to win tix to @THUNDERontheMTN ft @TobyKeithMusic and @LukeBryanOnline from @CMNBlog and you can too: http://ow.ly/kd0oe” Step 3: When we receive your tweet, you’re entered to win! Important Info: Winners will be randomly selected and notified individually via Twitter. Prizes provided by Thunder On The Mountain. Tweets must be received by 12:00pm Tuesday, April 30th. Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one.

Concert Season Is In Full Swing

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HaleighT’s Favorite Time of the Year is Here. Even though the weather has been toying with my emotions, I realized something today…concert season is officially here! No, there isn’t an actual date on everybody’s calendars to confirm this, but trust me it has begun. Attending concerts is definitely in my top three things to do on a regular basis, so I rarely go too long without seeing a live show. So when I say concert season I mean multiple shows, back-to-back, every week (it can be stressful and the most fun you will ever have at the exact same time). Looking back in my concert-going files, I seem to remember this magical season starting a bit earlier in the year. But whatever the case, this year’s season started in April for me and I’m thrilled! I’ve decided to give those of you who aren’t quite seasoned in concert season a few pointers. 1. Know when to say no. Just because there are four shows in one week in your area, doesn’t mean you have to attend them all. Yes, multiple shows in one week are tons of fun. But you need to make sure you don’t get sick of fighting with the crowds too soon, you have a whole season ahead of you. 2. Plan ahead. When you do make it to some shows, give yourself a budget (unless you’re loaded). You don’t want spend all your money the first night on shots and shirts. Decide what night you will go all-out with dinner, a cab, merch and plenty of drinks. The other nights, eat at home, drive yourself, take pictures and stick to the drinks that don’t require any form of identification. 3. Pace yourself and hydrate. If you do feel the need to sip on the sauce a few nights in a row, make sure you don’t over do it. You don’t want to be hungover the next day or you’ll never enjoy the next nights show. Plenty of water is always smart. 4. Go with good company. Make sure you go to shows with a good friend or a good group of them. You’ll be cursing yourself on the inside if the person sitting/standing next to you won’t shut up about their horrible ex that you really don’t give two you-know-whats about. Those are just a few tips that I hope help you out. I’ve got more in this crazy head of mine that I have acquired over the years, so keep your eye out for them. Until then, catch a show and enjoy!

Casey Donahew Band Stand Off-New Album

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The Casey Donahew Band Released Their New Album, Stand Off. The Casey Donahew Band has released their new album, Stand Off. The album has 11 tracks, including their current single “Whiskey Baby.” The guys have a pretty busy week of shows, but Saturday they will be in my part of the woods where they will play at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. Be sure and check tour dates to catch them play some of your CDB favorites, plus songs from the new album! Also keep your eyes open for the official music video for “Whiskey Baby” coming soon! Stand Off Track Listing: 1. Lovin Out of Control 2. Whiskey Baby 3. Pretending She’s You 4. Not Ready to Say Goodnight 5. Small Town Love 6. Sorry 7. Homecoming Queen 8. Missing You 9. Loser 10. Put the Bottle Down 11. Go to Hell

The Lone Bellow In Memphis, TN: Show Review

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The Lone Bellow: Cry, Dance, Smile and Shout…Live From Memphis, TN! I’ve been listening to The Lone Bellow for quite a few months now. “You Never Need Nobody” is one of those songs I sing in my car on every commute home. A unique blend of country, folk and gospel, the trio’s heartfelt melodies pull you in and simply won’t leave you alone. If I had to describe this band in one word, it would be “emotional.” It’s rare to come across music that triggers such a wide range of feelings. Every song on their self-titled, debut album makes you want to cry as hard as you can, dance as much as you can, smile as big as you can and shout as loud as you can – all at the same time. I was blessed with the opportunity to see trio, made up of lead singer Zach Williams, guitarist Brian Elmquist and mandolin player Kanene Pipkin, in an intimate setting at 1884 Lounge in Memphis, Tennessee. Elmquist and Pipkin, also vocalists, harmonize with Williams in a way that makes you wonder how three people who are so musically compatible managed to find one another. My favorite concerts have always been the kind where you can literally reach out and touch the artist. This was one of those concerts. There were moments when I closed my eyes and forgot where I was. There were moments of dancing and there were moments of tears. I guess you could say I was all kinds of emotional, and I wasn’t the only one. Aside from their stunning execution, my favorite thing about The Lone Bellow’s performance was that you could feel the raw emotion radiating from their vocal chords and fingertips. What’s more, after the show, the band was much obliged to chat with their fans, sign autographs and take photos. They were approachable and relatable. It’s quite apparent that they love what they do and appreciate those who feel the same way. If you haven’t heard The Lone Bellow, please do yourself a favor and do so – right now. I guarantee you will be crying, dancing, smiling and shouting before you know it. Brittany is a guest contributor! Find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/beedab or Twitter, @BrittanyBigfish.

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→