Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » CMAs

Country Music Blog Rodeo: The Year of the Country Crossover

Nicole Piering — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:32:19 +0000

Over the last few years, country music has certainly expanded beyond the old stereotype of boots, big hair and ten-gallon hats. Artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum have huge pop hits, the Zac Brown Band & Jason Aldean sell out Madison Square Garden and the Scotty McCreerys and Tate Stevens of the world rise to fame via televised talent shows. On the flip side, Mumford & Sons get played on country radio, UK-lite-rocker Ed Sheeran tours with Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson performs on the CMA’s. Over the last few years, it has become commonplace for country musicians to dabble outside of their genre, and if January of 2013 is any indication, this trend is only going to continue into 2013.

Interestingly enough, I grew up claiming that I loved all music “except country.” (Seriously – I think I wrote that on my Myspace…don’t judge me, I’m from NY.) However, after being taken to see Rascal Flatts at Madison Square Garden, my perspective on the genre completely changed and I was hooked. Now I’ll listen to anything from Garth to Reba to Taylor to Jason. However, if you were to ask a purist of country music, they’d probably argue that Rascal Flatts is just a boy (err, man) band in cowboy boots, Taylor is a dubstep-loving pop act and Jason’s renegade hick-hop style bastardizes country music. Yet, on the heels of Aldean selling out a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden in mere minutes, I’d argue that the biggest development of country music in 2013 will be the pure magnitude of its reach and ability to cross over, while also openly welcoming those who dabble and stretch the ideas of what typical “country” is.

Although the country community doesn’t completely accept anyone who simply tosses in a twang (Jessica Simpson, I’m looking at you), its doors have certainly opened more freely in recent years, a trend which only seems to be continuing into 2013. It didn’t take much work for Darius Rucker to go from Hootie to honkytonk because he did so genuinely. Likewise, Kelly Clarkson garnered an, albeit hotly-contested, CMA nomination and performance slot without even releasing a country album. Likewise, The Voice Season 3 winner, Cassadee Pope joined Team Blake and recently signed with Universal Republic Nashville, despite the fact that pre-Voice, she fronted a pop-punk band that toured with Fall Out Boy. Finally, as I write this, “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons is getting spins on country radio stations, while “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers is on CMT, only further proving the new found ability of country music to play nice with other genres.

The reach of country music will only continue into 2013, so why put limitations on it? ABC’s Nashville has put music city on the map in a huge way, Keith Urban finally represents the genre on American Idol and Blake Shelton was named Entertainer of the Year at the CMA’s due in large to his hijinks on both The Voice and Twitter. It’s time that country music fans accept the fact that country music isn’t our little secret anymore, and embrace the fact that we just may have to share our biggest stars and their music.

In many ways, it’s highly possible that 2013 could be the year that CMT Crossroads becomes way more than just a TV show, as country music is truly blending beyond traditional genre lines, and as a fan, I can’t say that I mind. Speaking as someone who once claimed to dislike country music, I can freely admit that I have no problem hearing Hunter Hayes on my favorite pop station sandwiched between Fun. and Pitbull. I have no problem with country acts winning every reality singing competition out there, and I certainly have no problem with going to see my favorite country artists at the iconic Madison Square Garden. Alternately, as a country blogger and true fan of the genre, I have no problem hearing Mumford & Sons sandwiched between Trisha Yearwood and Eric Church on country radio. I also have no problem with artists like Kelly Clarkson or Jewel transitioning from pop to country. Lastly, I take no issue with going to see a country act like Kenny Chesney and being introduced to an opener who may not be country, but is certainly brilliant, like Grace Potter.

Frankly, it’s an exciting time to be a country fan, and I’m buckling up to see what 2013 has in store for both our favorite genre and artists as country music explodes further into the mainstream. As true country fans, we can take pride in knowing that long before The Voice, Blake was singing about “Austin” & “Ol’ Red,” while Miranda Lambert & Chris Young were once on Nashville Star, a show most don’t even remember existed. Although it may be tough to have to share our faves with fair-weather fans, we can at least take pride in saying “I knew them first” when our favorites explode into superstars.

Blog Rodeo Roundup: See What Everyone Else Is Saying About Country Music in 2013!

CountryMusicTattleTale.com: 2013 Will Bring A New Sound to Country Music!

FocusOnThe615.com: Artist to Watch in 2013!

TwangNation.com: Americana’s Influence On Country Music!

UrbanCountryNews.com: Roots On The Rise – The Most Exciting Music Trend of 2013!

UkCOUNTRYmusic.net: Country2Country Festival-A Potential Turning Point for US Country Music In The Uk!

CountryMusicPride.com: Country Music In 2013!

ForTheCountryRecord.com: Country Music & Twitter!

CountryMusicNewsBlog.com (HaleighT): Word of Mouth in 2013!

CountryMusicNewsBlog.com (WhiskeyChick): 2013 – The Year of Social Media In Country Music!

CountryMusicNewsBlog.com (MissMolly): 2013 North of Nashville – The Ozarks Go Country!

CMchatLive.com: 2013 – Insights From Country Music Industry Experts!

CountryMusicIsLove.com: Country Artists Passing The Torch In 2013!

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Cherie Oakley

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:23:40 +0000

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!

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you became a singer/songwriter/reality TV contestant?

Cherie: Loaded question, but here goes! I grew up singing with my family as well as singing solo. I did a lot of musical theater, country music festivals, banquets, weddings pretty much anywhere I could. I got my first manager at age 5 in NYC and began auditioning for television and films as well. I moved to Nashville in 2002 and that’s when I decided I wanted to focus on developing my skills as a songwriter. I sang demos around town and wrote whenever I wasn’t working a desk job. I toured as a BGV [Background Vocalist] for different artists for a little over 5 years when I got my first song cut. With the songs success I was able to pull off the road and focus more seriously on my dreams as a solo artist and songwriter. That’s when I heard about The Voice and auditioned (last minute) via skype, sitting in my kitchen.

KIC: How would you describe your musical style?

Cherie: Pop/Country

KIC: We know that you are currently hard at work on your first solo album (and we cannot wait to hear what you are working on!), but let’s talk about your first hit song. What was the song? Who recorded it? Where were you when you first heard it on the radio? How did you feel in that moment?

Cherie: My first song ever cut was “Turn On The Radio” by Reba McEntire and it went #1. LOTS of pressure when you come out of the gate with all of that! I don’t remember where I was when I first heard it on the radio … I do remember when I first heard it though … it was in a studio during its final mix … It was extremely surreal … My favorite time to hear it is when I am shopping somewhere … I still get all giddy and overwhelmingly thankful!

KIC: When you are writing songs, from where do you draw your inspiration? Do you prefer writing alone or with someone else?

Cherie: I don’t like writing alone actually … I come up with ideas all the time alone and I’ll finish a song I co/wrote alone but I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with other people. Sitting in a room with a songwriter who is unbelievably creative inspires me to think outside of the box … to try new things. It’s an amazing experience to bounce ideas back and forth and come up with something you know you couldn’t have alone. AND it’s just more fun!

KIC: Do you typically have an idea in mind, write the song, and then shop around for someone to record it, or do you write with a particular artist in mind and gear your work toward that person?

Cherie: I try to come up with a couple of ideas, both melody and overall subject matter before I go into a writing appointment. I write sometimes knowing certain artists are about to go in and record but I always write something I myself would say, or would like to sing …

KIC: You recently tweeted that you sang background on Kelly Clarkson’s new country song “Don’t Rush” (featuring Vince Gill) and performed “Don’t Rush” on the CMAs. How did you score that gig? How awesome was it to sing on such a highly coveted awards show?

Cherie: I’ve been blessed enough to stay in town and work on various records as a background singer as well as write. I was called by Dann Huff (the producer of that song) to sing BGV’s on the record. I knew ahead of time that the song would be performed on the CMA’s but figured Kelly’s touring background singer would sing my part live. Fortunately and unfortunately her background singer was unable to make it last minute due to the hurricane in NY. I was called on Tuesday to sing at the CMA’s which were on Thursday. There was no time to rehearse or anything, but that was ok, everyone knew I already knew the song because I recorded it. So, I just showed up, hung out with Kelly, her band and management team for a while and then hit the stage! It was an absolute blast! Of course I was a fan of Kelly’s voice (who isn’t?) and her music (again, who isn’t?) but I was BLOWN AWAY by her adorable and incredibly down to earth personality. I’ve worked with so many artists that I’ve learned what not to do from, but I thought, “wow, an artist I could actually learn what TO DO from!” You have no idea how refreshing it was. I adore her. I had a blast … Honored to be there.

KIC: Alright, you have had one of your songs (“Turn On the Radio”) recorded by the Queen of Country Music, Ms. Reba McEntire. What goes through a songwriter’s head when she finds out that one of the most notable vocalists in country music history has chosen to record her song?

Cherie: Well, this was also my first cut so many many things went through my mind. Reba called and asked me personally if she could have the song because she knew it was originally written for me (when I had a record deal). The entire experience was completely surreal! Reba has been an inspiration to me since I was a little girl … She was warm and friendly and it seemed oddly familiar. You talk to her and somehow you feel like you’ve known her for years. She has that way about her. She’s amazing. The entire experience I know will never happen quite like that again. It was one of those “God things” I like to say …

KIC: Speaking of Reba, you are also a background vocalist on the theme song for “Malibu Country.” Should we expect to see you guest starring on that show in some capacity anytime in the near future?

Cherie: Expect? No, probably not. But hey, you never know! This life has proven far too crazy for me to ever count anything out all together.

KIC: Segues are easy when we are interviewing someone with so much involvement in the entertainment world! While we are on the subject of television, let’s talk about your stint on “The Voice” and as a member of “Team Christina.” What is your best memory of that experience?

Cherie: I do have some good memories with Christina, but none that didn’t involve a full crew, mics and television cameras … The memories that come to mind to me first are the ones with the friends I made … Mostly with my roomie Casey Weston (who is an awesome artist by the way!). We would just make each other laugh until we cried sometimes! Those are my favorite memories and the ones I miss the most.

KIC: If you could work with anyone in music, who would be your dream collaboration? If you could write for anyone in music, who would be your dream artist to record one of your original songs?

Cherie: Well, this answer will change in the future I’m sure, but for right now … I would love to write with Taylor Swift. I’m a big fan of her writing, although she would NOT need me at all! I’d love to write a song that Adele would sing … I LOVE her voice! And I would love to write a song for/with Kelly Clarkson. After just working with her, I’m just over the moon about her!

KIC: As we mentioned above, you are finishing up your first solo album and anticipate having it fully recorded within the next month. What can we expect to hear from you?

Cherie: More songs like “Turn On The Radio” and good ballads too. I like my music to be fun and put people in a good place emotionally. I want to be careful not to get too heavy. If I write something that’s pretty dark or heavy I want to be sure to have enough fun rockin’ stuff to balance it out.

KIC: Did you have a hand in writing every track on your album, or did you come across a song or two from another songwriter that you just could not turn down once you heard it?

Cherie: I did not write every song on my album. I did co/write most. There are some on there that I heard and I thought, “I gotta have that song!” I think every artist who is also a songwriter needs to always be open to listening to other songwriters songs as well.

KIC: When do you anticipate your solo album will be released?

Cherie: Hoping to have it done by the end of this month, or before Christmas at the latest.

Keepin’ It Country Quick-Fire Round:

1. Who’s your celebrity crush?

Cherie: I don’t really believe in celebrity crushes because I’m married and we are both in the business and will probably end up meeting that person one day! I do still have a crush on my hubby though! Does that count?

2. All-time favorite country song?

Cherie: “Smile”

3. The Voice…be honest…are you “once Team Christina always Team Christina”?

Cherie: Nope

4. Guilty pleasure?

Cherie” “American Horror Story” on FX

5. Facebook or Twitter?

Cherie: Facebook

Since it’s the holiday season:

6. Dark meat or white meat?

Cherie: White

7. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Cherie: Both depending on when we visit family or vice versa

8. Winter Wonderland or beach holiday?

Cherie: Beach baby!

9. New Years Eve – go out or stay in?

Cherie: Stay in – I’m a homebody!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Cherie for taking the time to sit down and talk to us about her experiences. It was an honor and a privilege to get to know more about such a phenomenally talented musician! For more information on Cherie, you can check her out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cherieoakleymusic and Twitter at @cherieoakley.

Keep checking back here for the latest on Cherie’s upcoming projects! And for a sneak peek at the incredible vocals you are sure to find on Cherie’s solo album, take a look at this video of her performing “We’ve Got Tonight”:

Our Top 10 Favorite CMA Awards Moments

Jennifer Swirsky — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:18:49 +0000

1. All things Miranda and Blake! We just cannot choose between Miranda and Blake’s heartfelt, emotional acceptance speech after winning “Single of the Year” for “Over You,” Miranda’s fiery performance, Miranda’s classy acceptance speech for “Female Vocalist of the Year,” Blake’s confusion during his speech for “Male Vocalist of the Year,” and Blake’s acceptance for “Entertainer of the Year.” The Shelton household has a lot of redecorating to do because they are bringing home many new trophies after last night’s show!

2. Mmmmmotorboatin’…Brad Paisley teaching the pure and innocent people of the world just what Little Big Town is doing out there in the ocean…We would like to thank Brad for the entertainment and sex education we received at an hour that was far too early for such content on basic television!

3. Couples couples everywhere! Count ‘em, folks. There were four separate married couples sharing the stage at one time or another last night. Four! Miranda and Blake shared an award, as did Karen and Jimi of Little Big Town and Shawna and Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square. And Faith Hill and Tim McGraw performed during a tribute to Willie Nelson. Country music breeds rock solid marriages … and wildly successful spouses!

4. Speaking of Willie Nelson, how about that tribute to the singer-songwriter? Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton, and Keith Urban joined forces to pay homage to this country music sensation. The one question we have is whether Toby Keith was hanging out in Willie’s bus, trying to get herbally inspired for his next great bus song…

5. Kelly Clarkson goes country, and does it in a big way! You might know her as a typically angry rock-pop, boy-bashing songstress. However, in case you have been living under a rock for the last ten years, Kelly has always had a Texas drawl and southern charm. That is why it comes as no shock to us that she is continuing to cross the aisle into country music territory. Kelly hit the stage with another huge name in country music, Vince Gill, and seduced America with her latest baby-making single, “Don’t Rush.” It will be interesting when the statistics for 2013 babies come out — how many of them will be born on or around August 1? #blamekelly

6. Carrie’s wardrobe. One dress after the other was to die for. And one slit after the other was higher up her one, perpetually bare leg. Stunning; breathtaking … there aren’t words that do Carrie justice. One thing we know is that those babies conceived during “Don’t Rush” should all be fighting the stork for just a small piece of the genetic jackpot Carrie hit!

7. Little Big Night! The mega-talented, but often under appreciated quartet finally scored big, winning vocal group and single of the year, due in large to their massive summer hit “Pontoon.” While they were on track to become the Susan Lucci of the CMA’s, they finally nabbed a pair of coveted trophies. It only took an odd combination of motorboatin’ and a whole lot of Jesus to score them the win…Who knew the man upstairs was a voting member?

8. Brad Paisley. We’d argue that there’s no better award show host than Paisley, who is quick on his feet, witty and charming without ever coming off contrived. Oh, and he randomly busts into the Gangnam Style dance! He’s also got a knack for knowing how to add the perfect amount of sentiment without coming off saccharine. We have to applaud his short homage to Andy Griffith, as well as his musical shout out to New York and New Jersey in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Very few could parlay Alicia Keys “Empire State of Mind” into “Southern Comfort Zone” into a full-out gospel choir. Amen, Brad Paisley. Amen.

9. Shut outs. Although it was a huge night for some of country’s faves, a few others were surprisingly shut out. Most noticeably missing from the line of acceptance speeches were the incumbent Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, and the guy with more momentum than a Night Train, Jason Aldean. While we didn’t have to bust out our shocked faces for Taylor being left out, we’d have bet on Aldean nabbing a trophy. Same for Lady Antebellum, who we felt was a shoo-in for vocal group of the year. Carrie Underwood AND her flawless legs also failed to score any trophies this year, but with legs like that, and Mike Fisher, we’re sure she’ll be just fine.

10. Humility and pure talent. The CMA’s aren’t a show about covering yourself in fake blood, floating over the audience or stage-crashing. There’s a genuine feeling of community and camaraderie (exemplified by Miranda Lambert’s acceptance speech), and at the end of the day, it seems that country music is one big family. Sure there are some egos and some smoke and mirrors, but at the end of the days, the CMAs stand out in a sea of award shows because they seem much more genuine. It’s shows like this that remind us WHY we love country music.

Let us know which moments you loved, hated, loved to hate! We can’t wait to hear your most favorite and least favorite parts of the night!