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→

George Strait Gives It All He’s Got

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George Strait Wows HaleighT With His Final Tour. In January, I got to witness the opening weekend of George Strait’s Cowboy Rides Away Tour. It was an over-the-top weekend that will forever be burned into my memory. For starters, It was my birthday weekend. Who wouldn’t love to see King George for their birthday? I don’t know of a single soul who would pass that opportunity up! I went with some of my best friends and we loved every second of it. The fact that we were in the nose bleed section didn’t bother us at all. They’ve got a great sound system at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Martina McBride was the opening act and boy did she entertain. Yes, we were anything but close to the stage, but thankfully our ears work just fine. That woman is talented! She gave me goosebumps. I know that isn’t a shock, she’s amazingly talented. But hearing “Broken Wing” live…that damn near changed my life! George took the stage and you would have thought there were 1 million people in the arena. Everyone went nuts, obviously. It was basically like when Dusty took the stage in Pure Country, only 10 times more intense. Now I’ve been to a George Strait concert before, so I recognized the differences in his normal show and his Cowboy Rides Away show. This time George did a whole lot more talking. He told stories, almost before every song he would tell the audience who wrote it and why. He performed his hits in chronological order, almost as if going back in time. It was amazing. Even though the show was almost three months ago, it seems like it was yesterday. What blows my mind even more is the fact that this Friday, April 12, I will be seeing George again! Yes, you read that right. In a few days I will be sitting in the Verizon Arena in Little Rock (better seats this time) watching history…for the second time. What makes it that more special is that I’ll be sitting next to my Mama! The woman who helped mold my obsession, will be singing along with me as George gives it all he’s got.

Wade Bowen At The Longhorn Saloon-Show Review

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Wade Bowen Makes His Way To Fort Smith, Ark. Last Thursday (April 4) Wade Bowen made a stop at the Longhorn Saloon in Fort Smith, Ark. Being so close, I obviously made a little trip down I 540 to catch his show. The night began with Hellcat Susie and their high-energy set. I had never seen these boys before, but I was impressed. The mixture of songs was money, with classics and some of their originals thrown in. They announced that their new album would be available soon and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. When it was time for Bowen to take the stage, everyone was pumped and ready to listen. He played music from his album The Given that was released last spring (“A Battle Won,” “Say Anything,” “Before These Walls,” “Saturday Night” and more) and some of his earlier hits. Although I enjoyed the show as a whole, my favorite moments were when Bowen played “Mood Ring” and his version of “Please Come To Boston.” Looking ahead, Bowen will be playing Red Rocks Amphitheater May 26 with Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue and Casey Donahew Band. More dates for the annual “Hold My Beer & Watch This” tour with Randy Rogers are in the process of being confirmed. The annual “Bowen Classic” will be June 2 and 3 in Waco, Texas, with all proceeds going to “The Bowen Family Foundation.” On top of his busy schedule, Bowen is getting ready to start on a new album! So y’all catch a show near you and keep your ears open for talk about new music!

Katie Armiger Is Smokin In Playin with Fire Video

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Katie Armiger Really Sets Things On Fire with Her Latest Video. Katie Armiger debuted her newest music video for single “Playin with Fire” earlier this month. At first, I really loved this song because I thought it was a strong female voice with a strong female perspective. The more I listen though, the more I really can’t decide how to read it. The video doesn’t really clarify anything for me, either. The song is essentially telling the story of a woman who knows a man is bad news, but continues a relationship with him anyway because it feels good (does it?). That theme alone is entirely contradictory and confusing, not to mention setting a poor example for women. It’s true that folks, men and women alike, get wrapped up in similar situations often, but is this the kind of message we should be promoting as sexy and modern? Watch: Katie Armiger “Playin with Fire.” [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aD3jO-yPuw] To me the moral of this story moves counter to common sense, and encourages the idea that women really, deep down, want to be abused in some way. I’m sure the intention of the song writer’s, and no doubt, Katie, was to provide a sexy, catchy, radio friendly tune, and the song does meet that criteria. And honestly Armiger is undeniably talented with vocal chords that sound like they could belt out just about anything, and make it sound beautiful and powerful. Her vocal skill is partially why it took me a few listens to realize that the message behind the lyrics was so derogatory. The video too, also well-made by professional standards in its own right, provides a contradictory image of the woman in the song. She is working with her hands, getting messy with tools in a garage somewhere, building some complicated piece of machinery (turns out its a giant blow torch), but she is still super feminine with perfect make-up, cleavage popping out everywhere, form fitting clothes and sky high heels (because that’s what I wear when I’m wielding potentially dangerous machinery). So, yes, ladies be strong, but not too strong, don’t mess up your make-up! Also, be in control of your relationship, but not really since whoever you’re with is probably hurting you in some way. This song, along with the video, takes women backwards a few years…decades, to the world where women just take what’s dished at them. Worse to me though, it’s pretending to be a kind empowering tune for women, feigning control (“I’m already crazy and I feel fine”/”I know you’re like playin with fire but I like the burn”) and strength (all that fire in the video, and using tools, etc). Despite my criticisms here, I genuinely am excited to hear/see more from Armiger as I’m sure her star will continue to rise, but I just hope that what comes next is a little less feeding into female stereotypes and a little more original.

George Strait New Album Love Is Everything Due May 14th

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King George Releases New Album Love Is Everything on Heels of 2013 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour! George Strait has officially announced that his new album, Love Is Everything, will release on May 14th! Exciting! Can we just take a moment to appreciate the fact that King George has been at this whole making music for a living thing for decades, and he is still, essentially, the biggest deal ever (he recently set an all-time attendance record of 80,020 fans at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, y’all). That’s not easy, and I really hope someone is taking notes. We’ve already had a taste of what’s to come from the new album with current single “Give It All We Got” which is included with the other 12 tracks that will be featured on the new project. In addition to his The Cowboy Rides Away Tour (featuring Martina McBride), Strait and his team are working hard to make the current single his 60th #1 Hit. The song is sitting a 15 on the charts right now, but no doubt, it will hit #1 soon enough. To find out about the “60 For 60” initiative, go here. Stay tuned for more news on the upcoming album, and be sure to check out the remaining dates on his tour below!

2013 ACM Awards Recap

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A Quick Look At Last Night’s ACM Awards From HaleighT’s Eyes. Last night was the 48th Annual ACM Awards in Las Vegas. This year Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan hosted the event and for their first time together, I’d say it went pretty smooth. The night started with a performance of Shelton’s new single, “Boys Round Here.” Sheryl Crow, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and The Pistol Annies joined Shelton, making it the first of many collaboration performances of the night. Like I said, there was a number of collaborations and something most had in common was the horrible sound coming over my TV speakers. Being that the majority of the performances sounded “off,” I’m going to say that it was an issue with the sound techs and hope that I’m right. Easily my favorite performance of the night was Eric Church singing “Like Jesus Does.” He sounded spot on, just like he does on his albums and just like he does every time I see him live. It wasn’t flashy, just simple and enjoyable. I think he made a lot of people proud. I was super pumped to watch George Strait and Garth Brooks perform together (like they kept announcing), but that wasn’t quite what happened. The piano began to play and I immediately screamed because I knew I was about to hear “The Dance.” When Brooks didn’t sing the entire song and the music faded into Strait’s “The Cowboy Rides Away,” I thought, Oh this is going to be awesome! They are singing a part of both songs and then they’ll sing one together! But that didn’t happen. Prior to their performance, the academy kept saying that the two would be performing together for the first time ever and I just think that was a little bit of a let-down. Either way, it was great to see them both on the stage performing at all and especially in tribute to Dick Clark. The segments of the show, where we were taken to the Fan Jam were definitely the times to refill my drink. Again, the sound was just awful. I could barely hear Jana Kramer over her backup singers during her song “Whiskey” and I don’t know what was going on during Paisley’s performance with John Mayer. Let’s just hope they work the issue out for next year. The grand finale, the Entertainer of the Year award went to Luke Bryan. It was a wonderful moment, where it seemed like everyone was standing and cheering for him and numerous people were very emotional as he accepted his award. It was really something special to see his fellow artists and friends genuinely happy for him. The award was definitely deserved. Below are a list of side notes from the show, the winners and a list of performers. Some Side Notes: – Taylor Swift really needs to work on her dance moves or just stop. – The Pistol Annies are even cooler for being so supportive of the winners (they kept Continue reading 2013 ACM Awards Recap→

Introducing New Country Artist Joel Crouse

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Interview: Joel Crouse Is Just Getting His Start with a Debut Album on the Way and 16 Dates On Taylor Swift’s Red Tour! There seem to be so many new faces emerging on the country scene these days, and we’re happy to see that one of those faces is the talented and hard working Joel Crouse! Currently signed with Show Dog – Unviversal, Crouse has a lot of new developments coming down the pipeline including finishing up his debut album (no title yet, but he says they’re basically torn between 2-3 options!) and hitting the road for 16 dates on Taylor Swift‘s 2013 Red Tour! Not too shabby, am I right? Despite having plenty to keep him busy at the moment, Crouse took a few minutes to chat with me about these exciting events, how he got into country and more. Needless to say, Joel is pretty pumped about the upcoming tour dates, and he shared, “Its getting more real now as we’re starting to prepare for it and get the band together and I’m just getting so excited.” Touring with big name acts isn’t exactly new for him though having opened for folks like Darius Rucker and Toby Keith. He even once did a gig with the 90’s alt band Goo Goo Dolls! Besides having significant cred in the live show department though, Crouse is also genuinely passionate about his music and songwriting. For the upcoming album, he co-wrote each of the songs and stated that he really tries to write from a real stand point. He elaborated with the following, “Living…that’s where I get my inspiration, especially when we travel so much and see so much and are exposed to so much. I think it comes really from when I travel.” This up and comer grew up in Massachusetts, and so I was curious if he’d always been exposed to country music or if, like some artists, he discovered the genre in some other way. The answer was definitely that Joel is country born and bred, “For the longest time, it was like the only kind of music we were allowed to listen to. My grandpa was from Alabama, and he moved in with us when I was young and the outlaws were more his thing. But my parents listen to contemporary country. Then my brother and sister, all they did was watch CMT and go to concerts!” These days, he says that there are a lot of amazing and talented artists to listen to and find inspiration, but he named Keith Urban, Eric Church and Zac Brown Band off the top of his head as the folks he really enjoys. I have to say, I can’t argue with those options (you know I love some ZBB!). My general impression from Joel is that he is a very real, very genuine person, and if this rubs off in anyway on his album, I’m sure we’re in for some really good music! Indicating just that was his response when Continue reading Introducing New Country Artist Joel Crouse→

Chris Janson Better I Don’t Video

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Chris Janson’s Debut Music Video for “Better I Don’t” Offers a Fun First Impression! Chris Janson recently kind of came of left field for me with his funny and relatable single “Better I Don’t,” and I’m sure glad he did. Janson might be new to me, but the songwriter definitely isn’t new to country having gotten his start at the iconic Tootsies Orchid Lounge at 18, penning tunes for major stars like Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah,” and now working on a debut album. The catchy and fun song makes a strong case for sobriety, but at the same time keeps things lighthearted. The video for “Better I Don’t” manages to maintain the same balance, and offers Janson to give fans a peak at his charming side. Needless to say, the video is a lot of fun, and a great way for Chris to break into the country scene as a performing artist. Watch it below, and be sure to find Janson on Twitter! Watch Chris Janson’s Official Music Video for “Better I Don’t.”

Tune In to CMchat Vegas Twangout This Week

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CMchat Heads to Vegas to Interview Country Artists Before the 2013 ACM Awards! Jessica Northey and CMchat are at it again, and doing their best to bring your favorite artists straight to your computer screen! This time the Twangout(s) will be taking live from the 2013 ACM Awards central…Las Vegas! We’ll be sure to feature the live video chat for you here, but don’t just watch, get involved! Follow #NashVegasLIVE and CMchat on Twitter to get in on the conversation and submit your questions to your favorite artists! You’ll find all the details below. See you there! HaleighT and MissMolly Jump Into CMchat Live on Friday, April 5th! MissMolly Twangs Out with CMchat Live on Saturday, April 6th! NashVegas Live 2013 Confirmed Artists: Randy Houser Florida Georgia Line The Band Perry Love and Theft Kip Moore Easton Corbin Eric Paslay Jon Parti Kelligh Bannen Craig Morgan Craig Campbell Kellie Pickler Sheryl Crowe Joe Nichols The Pistol Annies Scotty McCreery Gary Allan Eli Young Band Lee Brice Gwen Sebastian Ray Scott Parmalee Kristen Kelly Jerrod Niemann DeeJay Silver Chris Jansen Joel Crouse Dates & Times: Thursday, April 4th 5pm – 6pm CST Friday, April 6th 8:30am – 12:30pm, 1:45pm – 3:30pm CST Saturday, April 7th 8:30am – 12:30pm, 1:45pm – 3:30pm CST

Could Kellie Pickler Be Any More Adorable?

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Kellie Pickler Charms On Dancing with the Stars and Late Night! I honestly don’t really get that into reality shows, but if these show’s producers keep casting Kellie Pickler, I’m all in. Seriously everyone, could she possibly be any more adorable? Excuse me while I gush, but she is such a warm, real, funny person. It also turns out that not only does she have super vocal skills, she’s also a really great dancer! She is simply doing a fantastic job on Dancing with the Stars right now, having perfectly delivered a Cha Cha, a Jazz and a Jive routine, all superbly! This is one gal that really knows how to roll with the punches whether its shaving her head to support a friend, traveling overseas to help entertain the troops or joke around with a late night talk show! I for one am totally in favor of seeing (and hearing) way more of Pickler! Kellie Pickler Super Adorable and Charming On CBS’s Late Late Night with Craig Ferguson. In Case You Missed it DWTS Week 1 Amaaaazing Cha Cha Routine!