Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Nashville

Q It Up Live Features Headlining Performers Through End of the Year

Jennifer Swirsky — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:27:42 +0000

Newly-launched artist management firm, XYQ Artist Management, will host Q It Up Live, a star-studded concert series at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in downtown Nashville. Concerts will be held once every other month through the end of the year. The series kicks off this Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. CDT featuring country music headliner, Darryl Worley, and supporting acts Danielle Peck, Sarah Darling, Mo Pitney and Friends of Lola. Adam Wurtzel from WSMV Channel 4 News’ More at Midday will host, and a silent auction and raffle will benefit the American Red Cross and local non-profit for the hearing impaired, Songs For Sound.

The silent auction will give fans the chance to bid on a diverse array of celebrity autographed items and experiences, including a signed guitar from country star Jake Owen, a ride in a two-seater Indy race car during the week of the Indianapolis 500, presented by IndyCar, and merchandise from Jack Daniel’s and Roper. In addition, Herta Racing will present a prize package that includes a meet and greet with driver Alex Tagliani, a personal tour of his race car and garage, and an autographed team hat. Additional items are being added to the auction daily.

General admission tickets for Wednesday night’s Q It Up Live concert series kick-off show can be purchased online in advance at www.qituplive.com or at the door for $10. VIP packages including food, two Jack Daniel’s drinks and an exclusive gift are available for $35.

The Q It Up Live concert series, in partnership with the American Red Cross, Songs For Sound and The Big 98 WSIX “Nashville’s NEW Country,” is sponsored by Jack Daniel’s, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Roper. Additional concert series line-ups will be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.qituplive.com.

Nashville Renewed For 2nd Season

Jeanna D. — Mon, 13 May 2013 01:32:31 +0000

Nashville fans received exciting news this week! ABC has renewed the hit drama, and it will be back for another season.

I am a super fan of this show and watch it religiously. The cast, the writing, the music… it’s all so great. I also might be a complete fan girl for Deacon and Rayna!

If you have not checked out the show yet, you really should give it a shot especially if you’re a country music fan.

Congratulations to everyone involved with Nashville! Millions of us can’t wait to watch and hear some more stellar music.

Catch Sarah Darling on CNN’s “100 Places to Eat Like a Local”

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:10:38 +0000

Are you planning a trip to Nashville in the near future? If so, one of the questions you are probably asking yourself is “where can I find the best Nashville food?!” Lucky for you, during a worldwide quest to uncover “100 Places To Eat Like A Local” in various cities, CNN made a stop in Nashville and asked rising country star, Sarah Darling, to reveal one of her favorite local eateries. Tune in to CNN’s “News and Views” network, HLN, to see what Sarah picked!

You can catch Sarah on “100 Places To Eat Like A Local” on HLN at the following times:

Thursday, May 2: 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 3 p.m. EDT
Saturrday, May 4: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. EDT
Sunday, May 5: 9 a.m., 10 a.m. EDT

DVR Alert: Nashville Cast on The View 3/27

Jeanna D. — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:14:09 +0000

So let me do a fangirl squeal for my current favorite TV show… Nashville!

The cast of the ABC hit series will be guests on The View this morning. There will be appearances from co-stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere as well as musical performances from Charles Esten, Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio, and Jonathan Jackson.

Set your DVRs, fans! The View airs on ABC at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. CT.

Plus, there is an all new episode of Nashville on ABC at 10 p.m. ET./9 p.m. CT.

PS: I’m not-so-patiently waiting for Rayna & Deacon to reunite!

Kacey Musgraves’ Album “Same Trailer Different Park” Out Now

Jeanna D. — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:17:53 +0000

Kacey Musgraves.

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”….

Musgraves is currently on the road with Kenny Chesney on the No Shoes Nation Stadium Tour. For info & tickets, check out: www.kaceymusgraves.com.

Stop by NPR to get a first listen of the album: http://www.npr.org/2013/03/10/173745915/first-listen-kacey-musgraves-same-trailer-different-park.

And watch this video of Musgraves singing one of my favorite songs this year, “Undermine,” with co-writer Trent Dabbs:

DVR Alert: Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young Head to Nashville

Jennifer Swirsky — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 01:43:17 +0000

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.

See Your Favorite Country Acts From “The Voice”

Jennifer Swirsky — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 15:16:00 +0000

Several alumni from NBC’s “The Voice” will be sharing the stage in Franklin, Tennessee this weekend at Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant! Scheduled to perform are the following acts:

Cherie Oakley – Season 1 (Team Christina)
Patrick Thomas – Season 1 (Team Blake)
Adley Stump – Season 2 (Team Blake)
Jordan Rager – Season 2 (Team Blake)
Nicole Johnson – Season 3 (Team Blake)
Rudy Parris – Season 3 (Team Blake)
2Steel Girls – Season 3 (Team Blake)
Cecelia Westbrook – Season 3 (Team Christina)
Jessica Cayne – Season 3

While all the tables for the event are sold out, there is still a waiting list. If you are in the Franklin, Tennessee area, contact Puckett’s to have your name placed on the list. If you are unable to obtain entry, have no fear — the show will be streamed live online on Puckett’s website, as well as singer, Nicole Johnson’s Ustream. Make sure you tune in on Saturday night, January 12 at 8:00 p.m. CST to watch alumni from “The Voice” and friend of the site, Cherie Oakley, as they come together to bring their talents to Tennessee!

Catch Up on ABC’s “Nashville” This Weekend

Jennifer Swirsky — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:53:00 +0000

If you haven’t jumped on the “Nashville” bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for?! If your reasoning is that you missed an episode or two and feel as though you are now too far behind, well, fear no more. CMT has the cure to your “Nashville” woes, as it will be airing all six episodes back-to-back this Sunday, January 6th, beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST. So, set aside your day, tune in, and catch up.

New episodes of “Nashville” air on Wednesdays on ABC at 10:00 p.m. EST.

Nashville Is On the Globe

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:15:30 +0000

The Golden Globe, that is. This morning, the nominees for the 2013 Golden Globe Awards were announced, and Nashville certainly made a showing; and we mean both “Nashville” the television show and residents of Nashville whose names you might recognize from the world of country music.

In the category of Best Actress, Television Drama, ABC’s “Nashville” was represented by a nomination for Connie Britton (who plays Rayna James in the highly coveted television series). In the category of Best Supporting Actress, Television, ABC’s “Nashville” was again represented by a nomination for Hayden Panettiere (who plays Juliette Barnes). Also getting nods for their involvement in film projects are Keith Urban and Taylor Swift. Keith lent his vocals to the soundtrack for “Act of Valor” with his song “For You,” while Taylor’s “Safe & Sound” was included on “The Hunger Games” soundtrack.

Good luck to the Nashville noms! Tune in on January 13 to see if any of the Golden Globes make their way back to Music City!

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Kennedy Noel

Jennifer Swirsky — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 22:58:39 +0000

Have you met our friend, Kennedy Noel? If not, there is no better way than to get to know a bit about this talented, eloquent, hard-working fifteen-year-old who will, undoubtedly, take the music world by storm soon enough! You might recognize Kennedy from an episode of ABC’s hit show, “Nashville,” where she played an extra – you know, that teen who caught Juliette stealing nail polish on camera, which set Juliette’s career and life into a downward spiral (tsk tsk Kennedy!). You may also recognize Kennedy from Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You” music video, as well as the young musical genius who played piano behind Kelly during her performance of “Because of You” at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Needless to say, Kennedy has done huge things in her small time here, and now that we have gotten to know Kennedy, we can easily say that she has a long, successful road ahead of her and we are incredibly excited to be along for the ride!

Have you ever wondered how a teenage singer/songwriter juggles her dreams and her reality? Have you ever wanted to know what it was like to grow up in a family of musicians? Have you ever thought about what musically inclined families do to ring in the holidays? If you answered “yes” to any of these things, look no further. World, meet the incredibly talented, up-and-coming Kennedy Noel!

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?

KN: Well, I’ve grown up in a musical family where music is always around. My dad is a musician, so I grew up on a tour bus traveling the world. I started to sing before I could talk, so it’s always been my way to communicate to the world. I started playing piano at the age of 8 when I played for Kelly Clarkson’s performance on the 2006 Grammys, and started songwriting when I moved to Nashville at the age of 11.

(Check out Kennedy playing piano during the 2006 Grammy Awards below)

KIC: How would you describe your musical style?

KN: I would describe my music as “edgy-pop.” I love having an edge to my sound and having a rasp in my voice, however, I am still only 15 and can’t help but to have a little pop in me.

KIC: We know you are a teenager who is juggling music and the life of an every day, teenage girl. How do you balance school, friends, and working toward a career in music?

KN: I’ll be honest, it’s hard! School is definitely the number one priority. Like any normal kid I have homework and projects to work on, so that can sometimes take over my life. However, I always like to make time for creativity and friends. The moment I’m done with homework, I go straight to playing the piano and listening to songs!

KIC: We recently sighted you as an extra on the hit show “Nashville” and, years ago, we saw you in an acting role in a music video, as well as on the show “Majors and Minors.” Should we expect to keep seeing you on the small screen?

KN: Absolutely! I started acting when I was 5 and I lived in LA. I love acting and hope to keep doing it for a long time. I am constantly flying back to LA for auditions and working on my craft.

KIC: If you had to choose between music and acting, which would you choose? Why?

KN: You know, I don’t think I could pick between the two. Music has always been around and has been a way for me to express myself, and acting has always been a way for me to have fun and try new things. I think being in front of a camera is just as fun as being in front of a microphone.

KIC: What inspires your songwriting?

KN: I really like to pull from my life experiences and my friend’s experiences. It’s hard for me to write about things I’ve never experienced or witnessed. I have to believe what I’m writing about.

KIC: In what direction do you want your music to go as you continue to grow and progress?

KN: I really want to keep working on my edgier style and push towards a vintage rock sound. I love to cover Old 80′s rock songs and make them my style.

KIC: Since you are living in Nashville, do you feel pressure to perform a certain genre of music?

KN: Not really. I do get asked the question of “Oh, are you a country singer?” when I say I’m from Nashville, but once they hear my voice, it’s obvious I’m not country.

KIC: If you could collaborate with anybody, who would you choose and why?

KN: I would love to collaborate with either Best Coast or Owl City. I love Best Coast because she’s like a 60′s throwback with an edge and I would love to do a song with her like that! I also love Owl City. I think Adam Young is brilliant as a songwriter and a musician, so I’d love to see what would happen if we put our heads together.

KIC: What is your favorite song of your own? What is it about and what inspired you to write it/perform it?

KN: My favorite song I’ve written is called Losing Who I Am. I wrote it after going through a hard experience where I ended up losing who I was in the process. The song speaks for itself because you can hear everything that was happening in my head and what it took to get out of it. It actually took me writing that song to find myself again.

KIC: If you had to give up your entire album collection that you own, what one album would you hide somewhere so you could keep it?

KN: This is such an awesome question! I would keep Paramore’s RIOT! album. I think it’s one of the best albums I’ve heard.

KIC: What is your all time favorite country song?

KN: Crazy by Patsy Cline.

KIC: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

KN: Hopefully on tour with an album!

Quick Fire Round! Since the holidays are here and you had huge YouTube success last year with a Christmas song/video, we thought we would keep this round solely focused on the holidays!

KIC: What one gift do you want to find under the tree this year?

KN: Owl City’s All Things Bright and Beautiful record on vinyl.

KIC: White Christmas or Christmas on the beach?

KN: Definitely white Christmas.

KIC: Presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

KN: Christmas day! The excitement is the best part!

KIC: What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

KN: We have a Christmas sing-a-long party every year with all our friends.

KIC: Favorite reindeer?

KN: Blitzen

KIC: Favorite Christmas song?

KN: Ingrid Michaelson’s Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

KIC: Sleep in on Christmas Day or wake up early?

KN: Sleep in. I need my sleep to enjoy what’s happening.

KIC: Favorite Christmas movie?

KN: By far – Elf!

Thank you, again, to Kennedy Noel for taking the time to answer our questions! We would like to invite all of our readers to take a look at a video of Kennedy performing a Christmas song she penned herself last year. This video had great YouTube success in 2011, and after you take a look, you will understand why! And, if you love Kennedy’s song, it’s available on iTunes!