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Toby Keith Releases “Drinks After Work” Today
Toby Keith‘s new single “Drinks After Work” arrives at country radio today. The ode to happy hour celebrates “havin’ fun, two-for-one” and the end of the “ball and chain for the suits and skirts – it’s just drinks after work.” The track is the first single from Keith’s forthcoming album, due out later this year.
Keith is currently headlining the Hammer Down Tour, presented by Ford F-Series, with support acts Kip Moore and Drake White. He is partnering with Ford Trucks to send one fan speeding toward some amazing prizes in the Hammer Down Sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will receive a new 2014 Ford F-150 with EcoBoost®, as well as an exclusive backstage barbecue with Keith prior to one of his shows. Entries are now being accepted at www.TobyKeith.com/Ford.
Exclusive Interview: Introducing Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves
When I spoke to Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves, they were amidst a radio tour in Paris, Texas. They were also in search of the Eiffel Tower wearing a cowboy hat. Believe it or not, shortly after our interview, they Tweeted a pic that they had found it.
Although this may sound silly, it’s a perfect anecdote about this family band, a determined, but fun-loving group determined to make their dreams come true. Whether those dreams involve finding the Texan Eiffel Tower or making great music, they’re well on their way.
Kenny Chesney shares details on new album
With “Pirate Flag” beaming out at the stroke of midnight, Kenny Chesney figured the time was right to release the title of his much anticipated April 30 Blue Chair/Columbia release. “Life On A Rock,” co-produced with longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon, captures the thematic core of the 10 song set that’s been recorded and mixed in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Jamaica, Key West, London and Nashville, Tennessee.
Kenny says about the title:
“It all depends on what kind of rock you’re looking at. Just living here on this planet, we’re all living life on a rock; but for me, and for this record, it’s about the way life is when you live on an island. Everywhere you go, there’s everyone you know; you know everything about them, and they know everything about you… and well, that’s just a whole other way to be.
“And coming from Luttrell, Tennessee, I can tell you, ‘life on a rock’ isn’t all that different from life in a real small town. It’s slower, it’s easier, it’s more invested and it’s also more about really enjoying the moments as they are, when they are.”
While the driving “Pirate Flag,” an anthem of rebelling against the day-in, day-out, has already been singled out by USA Today as their Song of the Week atop their Grammy-based Listen Up! column, Life On A Rock is a varied platter of music, ranging from introspective ballads to staccato shuffles, a duet with Willie Nelson and a bit of reggae. It also celebrates a way of life most people live without ever realizing.
“At the end of the day, what defines life for most people, certainly for me, are the people you share it with. When you live in close proximity, you share the highs and lows of every day life and become close in ways you can’t even explain. Years go by… People move on… But that time, those friends remain with you no matter where you go. That’s where the treasures of being alive are found.
“When I first went to the islands, I met a lot of people who were making a life beyond anything any of them knew… They were boatmen, bartenders, waitresses, real estate folks. They were all loving life, living a dream and coloring outside the lines with this real sense of freedom; they took a country singer from East Tennessee into their tribe at a time when having friends outside everything I knew was important. Time passes, life moves on, but those friends lasted, and this album in a lot of ways is about the power of that kind of friendship to endure.”
Endurance is something Chesney understands. Kicking off his No Shoes Nation Tour March 16 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, the 8-time Entertainer of the Year will bring summer alive for fans across 46 concerts at a mix of football stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters. Life On A Rock, indeed.
DVR Alert: Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young Head to Nashville
ABC’s Nashville, that is. The two country music artists are slotted to make cameos on ABC’s newest smash hit musical drama as party goers at a celebratory bash thrown by fictional country music sensation, Juliette Barnes (played by Hayden Panettiere). Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young, who will appear as themselves, attend the party, which is intended to celebrate the success of Barnes’ and Rayna James’ (played by Connie Britton) duet, “Wrong Song”.
The episode featuring Brantley and Chris will air on Wednesday, January 23rd a 10:00 p.m. on ABC.
Dixie Chicks Replace Lady Antebellum at Craven Country Jamboree
Organizers of the Craven Country Jamboree thrilled country fans this week with the announcement of the Saturday headline acts for their 2013 concert – the Dixie Chicks.
When Lady Antebellum was forced to cancel their appearance due to Hillary Scott’s pregnancy, the organizers scrambled to find someone special for the show. “We knew we had to find something extra special to replace Lady Antebellum when the band canceled their summer dates due to Hilary Scott’s pregnancy,” said Kim Blevins, director of marketing. “We are extremely excited that we can offer a taste of country music royalty to the Craven Country Jamboree. And it won’t be a regular show – not only will our fans see Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, the three original members, this is a greatest hits package. The Craven date will be one of the only opportunities fans of the band will have to see them live. This is an incredibly special moment for Chicks fans and the Craven Country Jamboree.”
Exclusive: Interview with Blu Sanders
You might have heard of Eli Young Band. Or Kelly Clarkson. Or One Tree Hill. If you have heard of any of these, chances are you have met Blu Sanders and have loved Blu Sanders. Blu Sanders is a singer/songwriter from West Texas who has shared his talent with the masses with such songs as a guitarist for Eli Young Band and writer of “Get In the Car and Drive;” writer of Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill‘s “Don’t Rush;” and One Tree Hill season 7, episode 2′s “Hands.” We got the chance to sit down with Blu and talk to him about his career, life, performing, writing, and even his “not safe for work” texting … Read on to learn more about this multi-talented artist who we were so fortunate to get to know!
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Cherie Oakley
Did you watch the first season of “The Voice”? Have you ever heard the Reba McEntire #1 hit song “Turn On the Radio”? Were you tuned in when Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill debuted their new song, “Don’t Rush,” on the 46th Annual CMA Awards? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our latest interviewee should be no stranger to you!
She’s a little bit of Pop, a little bit of Country, and a whole lot of talent…Her name is Cherie Oakley and we were lucky enough to sit down with her and talk about songwriting, song recording, song performing, and some of the incredible artist encounters she has experienced in her musical career so far!
Kellie Pickler Signs With Black River Entertainment
Kellie Pickler has finally found a new home! The country music sweetheart was just announced this morning as the newest addition to the artist roster at Black River Entertainment. The label is already home to Craig Morgan, Due West, Glen Templeton, and Sarah Darling.
Gordon Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment, was pretty excited about the announcement. He shares:
“What’s not to love about Kellie? She’s real, she adores her fans, she’s rooted in and committed to country music and she’s genuine. How can you ask for more than that?”
Kellie added exactly why she chose the label for her new home. She left Sony Music Nashville earlier this year.
“In looking for a label partner, I was really drawn to the Black River family because they hold similar values that I do. From our initial meeting, it was clear to me how much the entire team respects the artists’ musical vision, and I’m really looking forward to getting back into the studio to record and release new music to country radio.”
Kellie released her latest album “100 Proof” earlier this year. Only two singles were sent to radio from the album – lead off single “Tough” followed by the title track. “100 Proof” was produced by Miranda Lambert producer Frank Liddell and shows off the real country side of the North Carolina native. Check out the picture of the signing below:
Due West to Make Opry Debut
Black River Entertainment’s Due West have a pretty big day this Friday night. They’ll be making their Grand Ole Opry debut at 7 pm CST in Nashville, Tennessee. The trio’s latest single “Things You Can’t Do In A Car” is at country music radio right now and has already sold over 20,000 copies since being released in May.
The single was produced by Garth Fundis and written by the group’s own Brad Hull. It’s the lead-off single from their upcoming 2013 release on Black River Entertainment. The project is still untitled and there’s no release date yet.
Congratulations to the boys! Check out their lyric video for their single, and check them perform it live this Friday night:
Darius Rucker Renews Publishing Contract
Darius Rucker has renewed his publishing contract with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) this week. The worldwide publishing agreement includes work on his upcoming album due out early 2013, as well as his previous country solo efforts “Learn To Live,” and “Charleston, SC 1973.”
“We’re thrilled to extend our already successful relationship with Darius Rucker. Darius has raised the bar with his upcoming album and we look forward to many more years of hit songs, including the newest single, ‘True Believers,’” said UMPG Nashville EVP/GM Kent Earls.
Darius is just as excited to stay with UMPG. He shares:
“UMPG has been a partner from the beginning– since ‘Learn To Live’– and they are as passionate about my music as I am. For me, that’s what’s it’s all about. I can hardly wait to share this new music with the fans.”
Darius’ new single, “True Believers,” is available right now on iTunes. Have you picked up your copy yet? What’s your favorite Darius song?
