Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Shania Twain

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Trinity Bradshaw

Tia — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:38:12 +0000

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.

You have a self-titled debut EP set to be released this week. How was the whole process of creating it?
The process was so fun and exciting – especially because I have written/co-written the tracks! We took our time on each track so that the perfect sound and emotion would be heard. I couldn’t be more happy with the final product!!

Can you describe what fans will hear on this record?
Listeners will be taken on a journey of love, life, and tons of real emotion! I can only hope that they will feel inspired from at least one of the songs … or two.

How would you best describe your sound?
Pop influenced country and lots of fun!!

How do you balance elements of pop and country in your music?
I definitely do not “try” to make it sound a certain way … it just happens. I believe that the musical composition of every song happens naturally and is 100 percent real.

What was it like to hear yourself on the radio for the first time?
Surreal. I still get butterflies when I listen on my iPod. It’s very exciting to hear the words and emotions that were once written on paper, turned into a wonderful and meaningful production!

Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing?
Life. I tend to overanalyze the way of life, and it’s definitely not a simple journey. There are ups and downs and in-betweens … a great subject and way to inspire.

What or who motivated you to turn your love of music into a career?
It just felt right at a very young age. Even before I knew how the music industry worked, I was singing and writing songs because it made me feel alive. My parents eventually asked me if I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, and of course, I said yes.

Who are your role models in the country music industry?
I am influenced by many different artists and genres. Successful people are successful because of the hard work and dedication towards something. To be more specific, I would have to say Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, just to name a few!

What can we can expect from you after the release of the EP?
I’m going to keep doing the only thing I know how to do. My time will come. In the meantime, I am going to have fun and enjoy the ride!

Be sure to check out Trinity’s self-titled EP, including the lead single “Big Town,” which is currently being played on Canadian country radio!

Connect with Trinity:

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Tiffany Houghton

Nicole Piering — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:06:31 +0000

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.”

Growing up, one of her first gigs was a “dream come true” and involved performing for both the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers. “I must’ve been 11 and one of the first times I performed, this sweet old man chased me down to get my autograph, and I thought I made it. It was so fun, I LOVED that.”

Only weeks after her eighteenth birthday, the pint-sized powerhouse packed up her life and headed for Nashville. While such a decision would be hard for anyone, Tiffany knew it was what she needed to do. “I have a deep rudder. I knew no matter what happened that I always wanted to do this. I don’t think I knew that it was going to be as hard as it was those first few weeks, but I knew that it was the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do with my life.“

Today, Tiffany has called Nashville home for about 14 months, and has placed her focus squarely on country music. Since moving to Nashville, she’s been introduced to the world of co-writing, and she tells us, “I write because I can’t not write.” For such a young artist, her lyrics have an uncanny depth and power, which she says she’s drawn from real life experiences. “I’ve written in a journal since I was 7 years old, I’ve always just pulled lyrics from my stories. And I tend to be a little dramatic so it works perfectly for song writing.”

Although each song on her EP is unique and a favorite in its own right, Tiffany named “Different” as the one song people should listen to if they’re only going to pick one. “Out of all my songs, I think that’s the one people need to hear. They need to know that our differences make us beautiful and I think it’s hard to remember that all the time.”

Also on her EP, her first single “Only One.” She recalls that the song was inspired by a devastating “little high school breakup.” However, that boy (who is surely kicking himself now) proved to be a great muse and led to quite the epiphany. “I looked at the clock and it was 4:38…I came to this realization where I was like ‘he was the only one,’ and then I was like what if I said that differently like ‘wait, he’s only one.’ And I like freaked out and sped home…that song kinda wrote itself to be honest; it all spilled out.”

One highlight of the EP is the touching ballad, “Like He Treats her,” inspired by none other than Tiffany’s own parents. Now, prepare to “Awww” outloud. “My parents have always been such an inspiration to me and…my mom was 18 years old when they got married.” Tiffany says about the track. “Today, they’re so in love and they’ve been such a great example to me of what true love is. And so I wrote that song when they were leaving to go on their little Sunday walk and they were holding hands and I was just like ‘Awwww!’ I wrote it for them for their 25^th anniversary.”

Tiffany lists artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Faith Hill and the Dixie Chicks as her inspiration, and we can completely hear the influences. If she could tour with anyone, she doesn’t hesitate in naming Hunter Hayes. She’s also a big fan of Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, and Luke Bryan. (Ed. Note: Who isn’t?!) “I looooooooove me some Luke Bryan.” She smiles. “He is so cute”

Tiffany has one simple message for her fans. “I love them. This year has been so wonderful to see my fans and watch my fan base grow, and see how engaged they are.” She continues, “They legitimately care about the things I have to say and my music. It’s so uplifting and they help me every day to continue pursuing this.”

As she kicks off 2013, Tiffany plans to continue to write and record music. She’ll also be releasing music and videos online while performing around Nashville. Right now she’s focusing on recording and releasing individual singles that she can’t help but share, and we can’t wait.

“When I was a kid, on weekends, my Dad and I would go pick up a new CD at Barnes & Nobles and listen to it for the next few weeks on the way to school.” Tiffany tells us. “I decided I want to be that for some little girl.” And, we think she’s well on her way.

Lightning Round:

All-time favorite country song: “Black Eyes, Blue Tears” by Shania Twain

Guilty Pleasure: Nutella

Celebrity Crush: Channing Tatum

Last Song Listened To: The new Fall Out Boy (her manager is a HUGE fan) song – “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark”

Favorite American Idol Judge: Paula Abdul…Oh, and Keith Urban!

Favorite Broadway Show: Wicked

We’d like to thank Tiffany for taking the time to talk with us! For more information on Tiffany Houghton, check out her official website, ‘like’ her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter and check out her Youtube page.

Here’s Tiffany’s first single “Only One”:

Shania Twain Hits Vegas Stage

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:30:43 +0000

Canadian country queen Shania Twain is finally back performing for fans – with a two-year Vegas residency that she kicked off last week. The 90-minute show is the new headlining act at Cesar’s Palace on the Strip, where she performs all of her biggest hits. It’s already started off on December 1st with great reviews from fans and critics alike – so here’s hoping we’ll get a new tour from Shania!

She shared with reporters last week:

“The show is very fun for me. I was a bit worried that we were staying in the same place. Was I going to lose that edge? But I’ve never had a show this exciting before.”

It’s the first time she’s taken the stage in eight years. There’s still plenty of tickets left for future dates of her “Still The One” shows at Cesar’s Palace through Ticketmaster.com. What do you think about country stars moving to Vegas? Who do you think would have a great show?

A Look Back at AMAs Fashion

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 22:39:16 +0000

This Sunday marks the 40th Anniversary of the American Music Awards, and when we think of decades past, we think of one thing — crazy fashion choices! So, in anticipation of this year’s big show, we decided to do a little fashion policing of our own (sorry Joan), because though the awards are really about the music, the thing that seems to get the most lasting buzz is the red carpet do’s and don’t's! Below are our staff’s picks for country music’s fashionistas and fashion faux pas in AMA history!

Our Top Five Fashionistas of the Years Past:

You can’t have a Top Five without featuring Carrie Underwood. No matter the occasion, no matter the year, Carrie always seems to find the absolute most stunning ensemble possible. This golden girl shined on the red carpet, and we have no doubt she will do the same at this year’s awards.

Remember back when Miley Cyrus was better known as Hannah Montana? We do. We also remember a time Miley had a brief stint as a country artist, recording “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” with her dad, Billy Ray. Sadly, Miley left our genre, but we haven’t forgotten her. This adorable, age-appropriate red dress had a little bit of sass and a little bit of class. Coupled with the gold accessories, Miley looked like a wholesome teenager whose alter ego was raking in the big bucks worldwide.

The man, the myth, the legend. How we miss us some Garth. There is nothing like a good ole country boy in head-to-toe black on black on black on black. Nothing screams a night of partying like a stellar black get-up. Ten bucks that the night of those awards, Garth didn’t go down till the sun came up.

At first we were kind of torn about this look…as torn as Kellie’s dress. But we have to admit, Ms. Pickler looks fantastic on the red carpet. She looks young, fun, flirty, and fabulous. Country music is typically so conservative that it is a fun change of pace to see a country artist kick it up a notch, go out on a limb, and dare to be different. Way to go, Kellie!

You know us here at Keepin’ It Country. We consider Kelly Clarkson one of ours, and in 2004, when Kelly hit the red carpet, she looked so stunning that all music fans were blown away. In this gorgeous red dress, Kelly turned heads and dropped mouths. We could not overlook this particular fashion choice of Kelly’s … the good ones are so few and far between.

Okay, now let’s have some fun! Our Top Five Fashion Faux Pas of Years Past:

Typically we would say a man in black can’t go wrong, but Tim has disproven that theory. The hat, the beard, the leather pants … Sorry, Tim, but while Garth was looking all Rico Suave in his black on black, we have to tell you that we neither liked it nor loved it on you.

Like husband like wife. Faith … what, pray tell, were you thinking? The hair, the lipstick, the pants … You look like Courtney Love wearing the decorations of a sushi restaurant. The only things that lend a little bit of credibility to this picture are the two awards in your hands!

Shania is evidently a Christina Aguilera, circa 1999, fan. Or an Aladdin fan. Either way, she is striving for the genie in a bottle look and, while she pulled that off swimmingly, this outfit is a red carpet drowner. Sad thing is, if you do a Google search for Shania on the red carpet, this is just one of many fashion crimes Ms. Twain has committed.

Maybe this was a good look back then? Maybe? I mean, this does date back to when Reba’s music videos competed with Michael Jackson’s for length. We will cut her a little bit of slack on the 1980s hair, but we cannot be as forgiving on the dress. It almost screams Little Mermaid, before The Little Mermaid was even released. Perhaps this was photo was the inspiration Disney needed? A little bit of Ariel, a little bit of under the sea, a little bit of Ursula, and a whole lot of speechlessness.

And, the worst dressed country artist at the American Music Awards, as chosen by our staff, is *drumroll* …

HILLARY SCOTT in her Magic Eye ensemble! Hillary, consider yourself arrested by this fashion police squad. We can’t even look at you for more than a split second, as we fear we will be hypnotized. This saddens us, because we are almost positive your dress is the next place someone can find a Jesus face. We just don’t want to stare long enough to prove that theory!

Who will sink and who will swim on this year’s red carpet? Who will take home the highly coveted AMA trophies and who will go home empty-handed? Whose performances will dazzle and whose performances will daze? Don’t forget to tune in this Sunday, November 18th, at 8:00 p.m. EST on ABC to find out!

To watch the red carpet arrivals LIVE online, click on the video below on Sunday!

Video streaming by Ustream

Pretty Little Liar Turned Country Artist

Jennifer Swirsky — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 23:47:32 +0000

Lucy Hale, best known for her role as Aria Montgomery, eclectic teenage stalkee who dates her older and nerdier high school teacher on ABC Family’s “Pretty Little Liars,” is ready to venture out from in front of the lens and spend some time in the recording studio.

Hale, a Memphis native and “American Juniors” winner (yes, we just took you back to 2003, when Deborah Gibson made her “comeback” and the Thompson sisters from Season One of “The Voice” were cute little teeny-bopping kiddos) recently signed a recording deal with Hollywood Records and hopes to revisit her country music roots. Hale cites her influences as Shania Twain, Faith Hill, and Britney Spears. One of these things is not like the other, huh? Well, Hale explains that she grew up listening to Twain and Hill, but Spears lit a fire in Hale to pursue a musical career.

Hale is scheduled to hit the recording studio later this year with a single and album due out in 2013. Best of luck to Lucy Hale as she enters into the country music community! Something tells us she will be widely accepted by musicians and fans alike.

Saddle up, Lucy! –A

EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Ray Gibson

Tia — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:10:46 +0000

You read it here first: Canadian singer/songwriter Ray Gibson is an artist that the country music world undoubtedly needs to watch out for.

Hailing from Maple Ridge, Vancouver, this eighteen year old is turning heads with both her originals and covers. She even caught the attention of country superstar Carrie Underwood. The artist posted Ray’s cover of “Good Girl” on her Facebook for all of her fans to see on Ray’s eighteenth birthday – what a great present! If that weren’t enough, the newcomer is working alongside Canadian country artist Aaron Pritchett. The two have been writing together and have recorded videos of them singing some of Aaron’s songs. Ray also won the Carly Rae Jepsen cover contest for her rendition of “Call Me Maybe”.

Her covers range from songs by artists like Adele, Lil Wayne and Katy Perry to Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. Ray’s original songs, such as “Couple More Kisses” and “Barefoot On The Beach” showcase her incredible vocal range and writing talents. Something interesting to note is that this young artist has taught herself to play both the guitar and piano and plays the instruments solely by ear!

Now, this YouTube sensation is starting to write original material and is looking ahead to creating her own record and performing for fans. She will be writing songs in Los Angeles this summer and Nashville in the fall.

We caught up with Ray to talk about her influences, what she loves about the country genre and plans for her future in country music.

Trust us when we say that you won’t be disappointed by this girl’s gift: her voice.

How did you get involved with music?
I got involved with music because my family and my grandparents would always be listening to country music, so naturally I started loving it too. My parents and grandparents always put me on their lap at the piano and I’d follow along. By age four I was making up my own songs and playing what I heard on the radio. I taught myself guitar at age fifteen also. As for singing, I always sang just for the fun of it, whether I was cleaning or driving!

You have a song on your YouTube page called “Couple More Kisses.” What does the song mean to you?
This song is about being laid back and not needing much, other than someones love and not the materialistic things. I wrote it in Los Angeles with a man named Paul Duncan who is a fantastic writer! There are a lot of people who are into the fancy cars and diamond rings, but that’s just not my thing. There’s a line in the song that is probably my favourite – it’s about thrift store clothes. I think 99% of my closet is thrift store items!!

Who are your musical influences?
There are so many! My number one musical influence is Taylor Swift because of who she is as a person, what she has been through and the fact that her lyrics are amazing. She talks about everyday situations, from people being mean, to boys breaking your heart – she says it all and I can really relate to her.

Hunter Hayes is also a great influence! I got the chance to meet him last week at his show. It is so inspiring to hear his story. He was saying how he blocked out all negativity and just worked and worked on his music, as well as how he chose to stay in on Friday nights rather than go out and party. I think that’s so important. And that’s what really spoke to me! Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban - all of my other favorite artists are very influential as well, but those are my top two idols!

On your YouTube page, you have some great covers of songs by Hunter Hayes, Justin Bieber and Carrie Underwood, among others. What draws you to doing these covers?
First of all, I love all of these artists, so that’s the main reason! Hunter’s songs are really relatable and the melody and lyrics are so great! Justin Bieber and Carly Rae Jepsen have very fun songs and they are both Canadian, so I just had to cover their songs! Carrie Underwood has always been one of my favourites. I would always vote for her when she was on American Idol! I covered her “Good Girl” video because of the beat, the lyrics and the melody – it was all amazing. And to my surprise, on my birthday I found out that she actually posted my cover of “Good Girl” to her Facebook page! So that was an amazing surprise!

Who would you love to tour with?
My dream would be to tour with Hunter Hayes because I just think he’s one of the most talented people out there! He plays so many instruments, has an amazing voice, is incredibly kind and is very inspiring. I look up to him so much! There are so many artists I’d dream of touring with. Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood would be amazing to tour with because I look up to them all. I don’t think I could choose between Hunter and Taylor though!

You recently started covering some of Aaron Pritchett’s songs with the man himself. Can you tell us what it’s like to collaborate with him?
Aaron is awesome! It’s a lot of fun. We never practiced before we covered them, so it was just kind of in the moment! He’s very supportive and is nice enough to let me sing with him. We winged both of the covers we did just in one take, because of course we were just having fun! Being a fan of someone and then having the privilege to sing with them is so awesome!

Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing?
I get a lot of inspiration to sit down and write when someone or something affects me. High school comes with many doubters when you do anything that is different, so they can really get to you. But they are also perfect examples of inspiration. When somebody personally upsets me or if someone makes me really happy, minutes after I’m out of that situation, I will start writing.

When did you realize you wanted to make a career out of singing and songwriting?
I always dreamed about how cool it would be to be able to sing and play music as a career ever since I saw Shania Twain perform at the Pacific Colosseum a few years back, but I never believed it could happen. I wanted to be a police officer for the longest time, but then as soon as Aaron Pritchett got ahold of me, I started thinking “Hey, it would be really cool if I could do what he does!” I know that if I did anything else other than music, I wouldn’t be happy. It’s the only thing I can depend on and it’s the only thing that I want to do. So now I am working hard to try and make a career out of it!

What do you love most about country music?
I love all music, but when it comes to country, I believe it’s the most “real”. It tells a story in each song. With country music, once you are a fan, you are always a fan. I love the slow, sad country music and I also love the upbeat songs like Kenny Chesney‘s or Zac Brown Band‘s songs. If it’s a rainy day, country music is perfect. When it’s a sunny day, country is perfect. Country music is probably the reason why I’ve got through so many difficult times in my life. When you are able to relate to a song, it makes you feel like you aren’t alone and gives you some hope.

That’s what I love most about country music, apart from the fact that it reminds me of my grandpa whenever it’s playing. If it weren’t for him, I probably would not have been introduced to such an amazing genre.

Thinking long-term, where do you hope your passion and love for music takes you?
Anywhere that allows me to play my music. Whether it’s at a little coffee shop or bar in the middle of nowhere or a stadium – either is fine with me. I hope one day I can meet my idols and inspire other people like they do to me. But in the end, I just want to play my music because I don’t know what else I’d do without music.

What can our readers expect from you next?
You can expect some originals coming up! I am going to Los Angeles in July for a month and will be writing and recording more originals that I’m very excited to share with you. There are some that are already finished, so they will be coming in a few months. Of course, I will always be making more YouTube covers so you can expect those as well! But yeah! A lot of music trips coming up so you can expect some videos and pictures and lots of originals coming!

Connect with Ray:
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube

Check out Ray’s cover of Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl”:

VIDEO: Kelly Clarkson Covers Shania Twain

Jeanna D. — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:30:34 +0000

Kelly Clarkson has always had a special bond with her fans, and has involved them in her career since the beginning. After all, Clarkson and her fans have literally been together since she first stepped on the American Idol stage back in 2002. The multi-Grammy award winner is currently on the road, and takes the time to acknowledge the fan support at each tour stop by thanking them for voting for her and being with her the last 10 years.

Throughout the Stronger Tour, the powerhouse singer has been taking fan requests via Twitter. Every show, she picks a different request to perform. Alternating between her own songs and covers, she paid homage to Shania Twain by performing “You’re Still The One” at her tour stop in Windsor, Ontario last week. Of course, Clarkson and her band did a beautiful job with the song.

We love the fan request idea, and it has given us some amazing covers from KC.

The Stronger Tour is a must see! For tour dates and information visit: www.kellyclarkson.com.

PS: It is not a country cover, but Kelly did a fantastic cover of Paramore’s “The Only Exception” over the weekend. Check it out here: http://youtu.be/44YuCZIPmjw

Country Ballads Compliation Album To Be Released Jan 24th

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:01:59 +0000

The world’s best-selling, multi-artist album series “NOW! That’s What I Call Music” will be trying their chances with a country music album on January 24th. They’ve put together some of country music’s biggest ballads of the last few years on a compilation album titled “NOW! That’s What I Call Country Ballads” just in time for Valentine’s Day. The album will be released both digitally and physically in stores wherever music is sold.

Some of the stars featured on the album include Taylor Swift, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum, and Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson. Some of the inclusions are interesting and may surprise some fans. See the official track listing below and make sure to let us know what you would have chosen if you had the power to make your own ultimate country music ballad album.

NOW That’s What I Call Country Ballads (CD, digital)

1. Taylor Swift – Forever And Always (Piano Version)
2. Keith Urban – Tonight I Wanna Cry
3. Rascal Flatts – What Hurts The Most
4. The Band Perry – If I Die Young
5. Martina McBride – I’m Gonna Love You Through It
6. Luke Bryan- Do I
7. Jake Owen – Don’t Think I Can’t Love You
8. Lady Antebellum – American Honey
9. Jason Aldean/Kelly Clarkson – Don’t You Wanna Stay
10. Shania Twain – Forever & For Always
11. Carrie Underwood – I Told You So
12. Sara Evans – I Could Not Ask For More
13. Kenny Chesney – Better As A Memory
14. Dierks Bentley – Come A Little Closer
15. Chris Young – The Man I Want To Be
16. Darius Rucker – Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It
17. George Strait – I Saw God Today
18. Alan Jackson – Remember When

Country Stars Make TLC’s Top 10 Weddings Of 2011 List

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:25:50 +0000

TLC put together a countdown of the top ten weddings of 2011, and some of country music’s biggest weddings made the cut. Shania Twain, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, Kellie Pickler and Kyle Jacobs, and LeAnn Rimes and Eddie’s weddings all charted in the chart. Kate Middleton and Prince William were named the number one wedding of the year. No surprise there! TLC just aired the special tonight. Country music had the most weddings charting out of all genres!

What would you consider to be the biggest country music wedding of 2011?

ABC To Get Fans Up Close With CMA Special

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:43:00 +0000

The Country Music Association and ABC announced today that they will air a “CMA Up Close Presents Road To CMA Awards” which will air on local ABC affiliates October 28th and November 9th. It’s a 30-minute program focusing on past CMA awards highlights and artist interviews.

Artists in the special include Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Kristin Chenowith, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and Chris Young. They will all share their favorite memories from the CMA Awards of the past and what it was like to be nominated and performing for the first time at the award show.