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Trace Adkins is Keepin’ it Country:
Search Results for: Luke Laird
10 songs for Mother’s Day
Us here at Keepin’ it Country want to wish all the moms out there a happy Mother’s Day! Just in case you’re looking for a playlist of songs to help celebrate the weekend with your Mom, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite country songs about moms. Take a listen to our list below and let us know what YOUR picks are for mother’s day.
MAMA’S SONG – CARRIE UNDERWOOD
A personal song written by Carrie herself to her mom is our first pick for our Mother’s Day playlist. The music video features Carrie and her real life mom, as pictured to the side of this post, on her wedding day as she tells her mom that she doesn’t need to worry about her daughter, because she learned from her. “Mama’s Song” was the fourth single from Carrie’s “Play On” album, which was co-written by Carrie with Luke Laird, Kara DioGuardi, and Marti Frederikson. BONUS: The video also features Carrie’s real-life husband, Mike Fisher.
Check out the rest of our picks below:
Kacey Musgraves to perform television debut of new single
Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves will perform the television debut of next single “Blowin’ Smoke” on the Emmy Award-winning The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 10. Check for your local listings for broadcast time and network.
“Blowin’ Smoke” was shipped to radio this week and is the follow-up single to the top-10 hit “Merry Go ‘Round.” Kacey co-wrote “Blowin’ Smoke” with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird.
Kacey’s album Same Trailer Different Park was released on March 19th and hit the #1 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with sales of over 43,000. This makes her the first solo female artist in five years to accomplish this feat with a debut release, and just the seventh in the 22-year Nielsen SoundScan era.
Catch Kacey this Sunday on the 48thAnnual Academy of Country Music Awards where she is nominated for FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR and VIDEO OF THE YEAR (“Merry Go ‘Round”) for both artist and producer.
Kacey Musgraves’ Album “Same Trailer Different Park” Out Now
You have probably been hearing this name more and more frequently, and I have a feeling you will continue to hear it for a long time.
The Nashville singer-songwriter made her major record label debut yesterday with her album, Same Trailer Different Park. By the way, that might be one of my favorite album titles in recent memory.
Musgraves co-produced the album with Shane McAnally and Luke Laird, and co-wrote all 12 tracks. The lead single off of the album, “Merry Go ‘Round,” was recently certified gold by the RIAA for 500k downloads.
Musgraves is definitely a stand-out when it comes to songwriting. The former Nashville Star contestant has written a couple of other songs you already know. She co-penned Miranda Lambert‘s current sassy single, “Mama’s Broken Heart.” She also co-wrote the emotional track, “Undermine,” which was one of the songs featured on ABC‘s TV hit show, Nashville.
The 2013 ACM nominated singer is not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to her music, and her lyrics are as honest and real as they get. On top of that, her voice is just as genuine and honest as her songwriting which makes for the perfect mix. The highly anticipated album from the 24-year-old definitely did not disappoint. Go grab your copy from iTunes!
Continue reading for links and to watch a video of “Undermine”….
Brad Paisley to release iBook
Country’s own superstar Brad Paisley is turning into quite an author lately. The “This Is Country Music” singer will be releasing an iBook titled “Building a Wheelhouse” on April 9th. The iBook will feature interviews, pictures, videos, and interactive information on the making of his brand new studio album “Wheelhouse” – which will be released on the same day.
Both “Wheelhouse” and “Wheelhouse (Deluxe Edition)” are both available for pre-order right now on iTunes. Brad’s eighth studio album, which is being released on Arista Nashville, features his current single “Beat This Summer” and “Southern Comfort Zone.” “Beat This Summer,” co-written by Brad, Chris DuBois and Luke Laird, is the second single from the soon-to-be-released Wheelhouse album. The lead single, “Southern Comfort Zone,” recently became the entertainer’s 21st #1 hit.
Will you be picking up Brad’s interactive book or album on April 9th?
Jason Aldean taking fans back to 90′s
Platinum selling entertainer Jason Aldean will give country radio a dose of nostalgia unlike anything heard before when he releases his next single, “1994,” available on Play MPE today.
“1994” embraces hip-hop elements and takes listeners on a fun journey through the year Aldean was a senior in high school, Justin Bieber was born, OJ Simpson’s white Bronco sped across the nation’s TV screens and a gallon of gas only cost $1.09. When Aldean first heard the demo of the song, written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Thomas Rhett, he nearly fell out of his chair laughing and knew it was something totally different that he wanted to take a crack at recording for the record.
About the reactions he’s been getting about the single, he shared:
“I love that this song gets such a reaction from people. Country music in the mid-90′s was a big influence on my career, and I played all the songs that are referenced in ’94 back in my club days. Joe Diffie was rocking a sick mullet, and he was hotter than ever…just putting out monster hit after monster hit. It totally takes me back to those days, and it makes me smile every time I hear it.”
Critics prove that the song’s unique approach is well-received, with the Associated Press praising Aldean’s risk-taking by saying, “As much as Aldean has tested the conventions of country music in recent years, nothing comes close to the nerve it took to cut ‘1994’.” Additionally, Billboard labels it “the most downright fun country song to emerge this year” and claims that it “represents the blending of hip-hop to country like no other song before it.”
Aldean will debut “1994” next Tues. on TODAY (2/26) and on Wed. on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (2/27). While in NYC, he’ll also perform at the All for the Hall New York show at the Best Buy Theatre where he will join Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and more in raising money for the Country Music Hall of Fame and at his first-ever show at Madison Square Garden, which sold out a few weeks ago in less than 10 minutes.
The 2013 NIGHT TRAIN tour kicks off this Thurs. with a sold out first weekend and continues on to 24 cities through May. Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will open for Aldean on the tour which also includes sold out stadium shows at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium (4/13), two shows at Boston’s Fenway Park (7/12 and 7/13) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (7/20).
Academy of Country Music Awards Nominees
Nominees were announced earlier today for the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The show will broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7th at 8PM EST on CBS. Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan are set to co-host the ceremony.
Let us know what you think of the list!
Brad Paisley releases Wheelhouse track list
Country superstar Brad Paisley garners his 21st No. 1 single with “Southern Comfort Zone,” and today confirms the track listing for his 8th regular studio album, Wheelhouse, set for release on Arista Nashville on Tuesday, April 9.
Beginning today, fans will be able to participate in an interactive reveal of the Wheelhouse and Wheelhouse (Deluxe Version) album covers at bradpaisley.com .
The layered reveal experience includes a fan mosaic, hidden icons that unlock special items, an exclusive Brad Paisley making-of-the-album interview and information on how to enter a national sweepstakes.
Produced by Paisley, the 14 songs and 3 interstitials, along with the songwriters and any special guest collaborations, are indicated below. Paisley wrote or co-wrote all of the complete songs featured on Wheelhouse, including the lead hit, “Southern Comfort Zone.”
1. “Bon Voyage”
2. “Southern Comfort Zone” [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace]
3. “Beat This Summer” [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Luke Laird]
4. “Outstanding In Our Field” (Featuring Dierks Bentley and Roger Miller with Hunter Hayes on guitar) [Brad Paisley/Mike Dean/Chris DuBois/Lee Thomas Miller/Roger Miller]
5. “Pressing On A Bruise” (Featuring Mat Kearney) [Brad Paisley/Mat Kearney/Kelley
Lovelace]
6. “I Can’t Change The World” [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace]
7. “幽 女” [Brad Paisley/Justin Williamson/Randle Currie]
8. “Karate” (Featuring Charlie Daniels) [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace]
9. “Death of a Married Man” (Featuring Eric Idle) [Brad Paisley]
10. “Harvey Bodine” [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace]
11. “Tin Can On A String” [Brad Paisley/Ashley Gorley/Kelley Lovelace]
12. “Death Of A Single Man” [Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace/Lee Thomas Miller]
13. “The Mona Lisa” [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois]
14. “Accidental Racist” (Featuring LL Cool J) [Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller/LL
Cool J]
15. “Runaway Train” [Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace]
16. “Those Crazy Christians” [Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace]
17. “Officially Alive” [Brad Paisley]
Four additional tracks will be included on the Wheelhouse (Deluxe Version). Fans can preorder Wheelhouse and Wheelhouse (Deluxe Version) now on Amazon.com.
Joel Crouse releases debut single on Show Dog-Universal
Born and raised in Holland, Mass., Show Dog-Universal Music recording artist, Joel Crouse, penned his first song at the ripe age of 14, formed a band by age 15, graduated from high school by age 16, and signed a record deal by age 19. Now, at age 20, he has released his first single, “If You Want Some,” to country radio and iTunes on February 5. Crouse co-wrote the up-tempo party anthem alongside acclaimed songwriter Luke Laird (No. 1 Billboard singles include Blake Shelton’s “Hillbilly Bone,” Rodney Atkins’ “Take a Back Road,” Eric Church’s “Drink in My Hand” and Little Big Town‘s “Pontoon”) and his producer Jamie Houston (High School Musical, Christina Aguilera).
“My life has definitely changed in the past couple years,” states Crouse. “I’ve been on the road the last few months visiting country radio, and that’s just been incredible. I’m very thankful.”
Crouse grew up performing in his father’s church, but credits his grandfather for introducing him to country music.
“We called him ‘Big Guy,’ and he lived with us while I was growing up. I guess I was 12 years old when he first took me down to the music store, bought me a guitar and set me up with lessons,” shares Crouse.
Crouse was introduced to Houston through a mutual friend, Brandon Creed (Manager for Bruno Mars) shortly after Crouse graduated high school.
“We began working on music immediately and knew we both wanted to make a really cool sounding record,” Crouse reflects. “Jamie blows me away every time we’re in the studio because his ear is so unbelievable.”
Houston notes, “I think what was most unique about Joel — especially being the age that he is — was how hard of a worker he was in the studio. When we would write a song, he would sing in the room as we were writing it but then come back a few days later and he would have it all worked out — all the lifts, peaks and valleys — and he nailed it. I think he has a lot to contribute to country music stylistically.”
“For someone that young to know who they are as an artist is really impressive,” says Laird. “He’s just one of those that has a natural gift for the songwriting process, and just knows who he is as an artist.”
Crouse spent 2012 road testing his music for the fans, opening for Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, the Goo Goo Dolls, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker and will perform several shows with The Band Perry in 2013.
Kacey Musgraves releasing debut album
Mercury Records singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves will release her debut album, Same Trailer Different Park, on March 19th. The album is co-produced by Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Luke Laird and features her current single and top 15 hit “Merry Go ‘Round.” Musgraves wrote or co-wrote all tracks on the album.
About making the album, Kacey shares:
”The making of this record was such a fun and meaningful time for me. As a writer, singer and producer I learned so much throughout the whole process. I am proud and excited to present a project alongside Shane McAnally and Luke Laird that came from a very real and inspired place in my brain and heart.”
The 24-year-old Texas native has garnered massive critical acclaim with the release of “Merry Go ‘Round” and her reputation for portraying an honest and sometimes uncomfortable truth has been featured in multiple press outlets. Esquire named Musgraves as one of their “15 Music Artists to Watch” and said “This supernaturally effortless East Texan is a songwriter’s songwriter to the point where it’s going to be as fun hearing the songs that don’t wind up on the radio as the ones that do.”
Rolling Stone gave “Merry Go ‘Round” FOUR STARS and named it one of their “50 Best Songs of 2012” while NPR named her as their “Best New Artist of 2012” and included her in the “Best Music in 2013 preview.”
Musgraves recently received her first country music award nomination for New Female Vocalist for the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards held in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7. Fans can vote at VoteACM.com and GACtv.com/ACM January 21st – February 4th.
Little Big Town has invited Musgraves to open their Tornado Tour starting January 31st in Murray, KY and this summer she will join Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation stadium tour. For a full list of tour dates please visit kaceymusgraves.com.
Tim McGraw album details!
Country music icon Tim McGraw is revealing more details about his highly anticipated release “TWO LANES OF FREEDOM.” His first album for Big Machine Records will be released on Feb. 5, 2013 and is set to prove once again that on stage and on record, he remains dedicated to delivering music that is innovative, heartfelt and authentic.
“I feel like I’ve progressed in my work, and I’ve always strived to get better,” says McGraw. “On my last album, I was discovering some new sounds and new things that I wanted to do, scratching the surface of the direction I wanted to head. This album was a way to reach a little further back, to all that I’d done throughout my career, and bring both sides together—it’s a combination of that discovery, along with some rediscovery.”
On “TWO LANES OF FREEDOM,” the sense of nostalgia comes through on the hard-driving current single “One of Those Nights.” The reverie of that song, though, is countered by the humor and joy of “Southern Girl” or the feel-good hangover of “Mexicoma.” McGraw maintains that it was the album’s title track that really established the tone for the entire project.
“When we cut ‘Two Lanes of Freedom,’ there was such a freshness to it,” he says. “The track has this sort of Gaelic drive to it and really sets a palette for the whole record because it’s so visual—it has that summery, hazy image and I think that made the whole record open up for me.”
McGraw reaches some especially emotional depth in his performances on such songs as “Number 37405,” the lament of a singer-turned-convict. Most powerful of all might be “Book of John,” a wistful account of a family going through the journal left behind by its late patriarch. The album closes with “Highway Don’t Care,” a breezy yet complex track that features Taylor Swift (the song is featured as number 13 on the album as a nod to her) and Keith Urban.
Check out the official cover and track listing below and let us know what you think! Will you be picking up a copy next year?
