Tag Archives: Dixie Chicks

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Trinity Bradshaw

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Trinity Bradshaw is a budding artist you ought to pay attention to. This country singer-songwriter is making a name for herself here in Canada with several notable accomplishments under her belt. The 21-year-old native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island was named 90.3 Amp Radio’s Amp Radio Rock Star earlier this year, a competition that saw her and others being judged by top music execs. She was also declared the winner of Sugar Crisp’s The First 15, a Canadian national songwriting competition, in 2011.

 

2013 is proving to be an exciting year for the young artist. Trinity is set to play at some major festivals, including Musexpo in California, the Calgary Stampede and Big Valley Jamboree. Moreover, her self-titled debut EP will be released tomorrow (May 7th) and we’re certain that it will be just the beginning of what is to come from this Canadian talent.

Natalie Maines Releases Her First Solo Single…

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Ironically titled “Without You” … a song with the same title as a Dixie Chicks song off their album “Fly”. However, Natalie Maines assures that you will be hearing a whole lot less dixie and a whole lot more rocker on her upcoming album. Natalie explains that she wanted to create a definitive separation between Natalie the Dixie Chick and Natalie the solo artist.

Natalie’s album, entitled “Mother”, will hit shelves on May 7th and will include ten (10) tracks, produced by Ben Harper. Of the ten tracks, one (1) will be a Pink Floyd cover, while another is co-written by Natalie’s fellow bandmates, Martie Maguire and Emily Robinson.

To get a sneak peek of Natalie’s first single off her album, click here.

Keepin’ It Country Presents: Sarah Davidson

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Sarah Davidson, a Georgia native, grew up as one of six kids. So, naturally, Sarah had to find some way to stand out in her crowded Valdosta home. Fortunately, the solution came easily: the natural entertainer simply had to open her mouth and sing. Fast forward years later and Sarah is ready to share that fresh, powerful voice with the world and reenergize country music with a rare woman’s take on lighthearted, good-time music. Sarah’s next stop on her path to sharing her talents with country music? That would be our Keepin’ It Country Presents Stageit Stage on March 21st at 9:00 p.m. EST, and we could not be more honored to have her join us!

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Tiffany Houghton

Tiffany Houghton.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with country up and comer, Tiffany Houghton, while she was visiting New York. Upon meeting the Texan talent, she apologized profusely for her “messy” hotel room and excitedly told me about her adventures in the big apple.

Although she may be only nineteen, and technically, a Nashville newbie, Tiffany Houghton has always been driven by her love for music. When I asked Tiffany how she got into performing, without skipping a beat, she responded “Oh, I was born. I’ve always loved music. They say that I could sing before I could talk. I’ve always loved to perform,” She tells us. “I’d get on our kitchen counter and sing to the family. But I really got professionally into music when I was 10 and moved to NY, and did some Broadway and musicals and some acting.”

Dixie Chicks Replace Lady Antebellum at Craven Country Jamboree

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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.”

Dixie Chicks Welcome Baby

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Congratulations to Dixie Chicks‘ member Emily Robison! Emily and her husband Martin Strayer welcomed their new daughter into the world on Tuesday, September 4th at 3:01 am. Violet Isabel Strayer weighed in at 8.6 lbs and baby and mother are doing well.

Emily shared the good news on Twitter:

“9/4/12@ 3:01 a.m. we welcomed Violet Isabel Strayer to the world! (8.6lbs) Thank you all for your kind tweets:) Mom and baby are doing great!!”

Emily’s husband is a band member for her duo Courtyard Hounds. It’s the fourth child for Emily, who has three with her ex-husband Charlie Robison. It’s the ninth baby for the country music trio, who have not released a new album since 2006′s “Taking The Long Way.” While the Dixie Chicks are in hiatus, members Emily and Martie formed their own group and have been touring as the Courtyard Hounds.

Top 10 Country Songs for Memorial Day

Tim McGraw.

Us here at Keepin’ it Country want to wish our American friends a happy Memorial Day weekend. We also want to thank all those who have, will, or currently are serving their countries overseas. The sacrifices that have been made, and will be made, by the men and women serving their countries will never be forgotten. Even as a Canadian, I still want to thank everyone for what they’ve done protecting freedom not only in the United States today, but around the world.

While there are tons of songs in country music that pay tribute to the troops, we had the difficult task of narrowing it down to just our top ten. Take a look at our top 10 playlist for Memorial Day and let us know what your favorite songs for tribute are on our Facebook page or in the comments to our post.

EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Nicolle Galyon From “The Voice”

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Nicolle Galyon is a study in contradiction.  She grew up in the tiny town of Sterling, Kansas, but thrives in the big city of Nashville.  She writes songs for country music, but she’s trained in classical piano.

With that said, it makes sense that country singer Nicolle would end up on rocker Adam Levine’s team on NBC’s smash singing competition “The Voice.”  As you will find out, she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The 27-year-old moved to Nashville after graduating from high school.  She enrolled in Belmont University’s Music Business program and was focusing on a career behind the scenes in the music business.  But her undeniable talent wouldn’t let that happen.  She secretly began writing songs in her spare time.  Thanks to the urging of her friends, she entered a few of her songs into the Songwriter’s Showcase Series at Belmont.  Her success there opened up some doors, which opened up more doors, which led her to a publishing deal with Warner Music Nashville, where she has been a staff songwriter since 2007.

Several of her songs have made it onto records — including a pair by a certain American Idol alum.  But the voices singing those songs — telling her stories — weren’t hers.  That’s one of the main reasons she auditioned for “The Voice.”  She decided her love of music was greater than her fear of failure.  Score one for love.

The auditions were back in October, how hard was it to not say anything to anyone?

Anti-Valentines Day Anthems

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We recognize that not everyone is oh-so-happy around this time of year. With that being said, we thought we’d put together the best of the best anti-love songs by some of our favourite country artists. Whether you’re dealing with a bad breakup or simply boycotting Valentines Day, these songs should be on constant repeat!

Top 10 Live Tracks (2000 – Now)

Kenny Chesney. photo credit: iheartradio

There’s nothing we here at Keepin’ It Country love more than live music, so it only made sense to put together a list of some of our favorite live tracks to share with you all, our lovely readers! This particular list is made up of only live tracks from 2000 – 2012, mostly because trying to go through the entire live history of country music turned out to be a bit daunting. Also, all tracks in consideration had to have been released commercially at some point, so no bootlegs here! (Though that could easily be another list.)

Now that the fine print is out of the way, check out our picks below!

10. Love & Theft – “Don’t Wake Me” – Live in Savannah EP

Love & Theft’s performance of “Don’t Wake Me,” off of the band’s Live in Savannah EP, highlights everything that’s great about the group. Three (now two) great looking guys singing perfect harmonies on killer pop-country songs. Any cut from this album could have made our list, but this was a personal favorite. The band gained certain notoriety when Taylor Swift wrote “Hey Stephen” about member Stephen Barker Liles, but if Love & Theft can keep their moment going with live shows like this one there’s a good chance they’ll give Rascal Flatts a run for their money in a few years.

9. Kenny Chesney – “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy – Live Those Songs Again

Kenny Chesney has long ruled the country music touring circuit; one of the few acts in any genre that can consistently sell out stadiums, so it should be no surprise that he made our list. “Tractor” is a reminder of exactly what makes Kenny so fun to see live. It’s a fun summertime party with the best soundtrack.

Check out the rest of the list after the jump!