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Album Review: Miranda Lambert | ‘Platinum’

Miranda Lambert
With this brand new 16-track album entitled ‘Platinum’, Miranda Lambert’s 5th album seems both contemplative and playful rather than singing the revenge anthems like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Kerosene” that she’s been known for.  This is a Miranda who is having fun with a little self-effacing humor about aging (“Gravity’s a Bitch”), talks about life from the female perspective (“Girls”), the demands of beauty (“Bathroom Sink”), some really traditional and throwback country that I could imagine being played in the honky tonks on Broadway in the 60s (“All That’s Left” featuring the Time Jumpers), rip-roaring, rocking songs (“Somethin’ Bad” with Carrie Underwood), and tender ballads (“Holding On To You”). Overall, Miranda seems to be in a very contemplative place in her life for this album and wanting to share a less serious side of herself taking chances throughout the entire album. Continue Reading →

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Clay Walker Prepares for Fifth Annual “Chords of Hope” Concert Tuesday, June 3rd

Critically acclaimed recording artist, Clay Walker is gearing up to host the fifth annual Chords of Hope benefit concert on Tuesday, June 3rd at 3rd & Lindsley.  The concert, presented by The Big 98 WSIX, sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners, and produced by Clay’s charity, Band Against MS (BAMS), will help raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) research with proceeds going to the MS Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

 

Clay will be joined by Country hitmakers including Blaster Records duo, Montgomery Gentry and Broken Bow Records artist, Dustin Lynch. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show will kick-off at 7:00 PM with Mrs. Tennessee, Bethany Sharp, as the host. Tickets are still available through Eventbriteand www.bandagainstms.org.

 

Clay established BAMS in February of 2003 because he wanted to help others living with the same disease he has battled since 1996. To date, BAMS has raised more than 2 million dollars and increased MS awareness worldwide. Band Against MS, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3), or not-for-profit, public charity committed to providing educational information for those living with Multiple Sclerosis, funding programs researching a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, and funding programs helping those living with the disease.

 

As a true fan favorite with a devoted legion of followers across the country, Clay Walker has sold over 11 million albums; had 11 No. 1 hit singles, four RIAA Platinum and two Gold certified albums under his belt. His most recent ninth studio album, She Won’t Be Lonely Long,received critical praise from fans and media alike and he recently went back into the studio to work on new music for release later this year. He returned as the host of TROPHY HUNTERS TV on the Outdoor Channel for the 2014 season and can be seen in select theatres in the family-friendly drama movie, Alone Yet Not Alone. Walker also released his first self-penned book entitled Jesus Was A Country Boy (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster) in April 2013.

 

For show information and to learn more about BAMS, please visit www.bandagainstms.org.

To learn more about Clay Walker, visit www.claywalker.com.

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17 Artists Part of First-of-Its-Kind Morning Concert Series at CMA Music Festival – ‘Great American Country Breakfast Series’ – June 5-8

Popular stars of Great American Country hit original series Junk Gypsies and Farm Kings are set to appear at the 2014 CMA Music Festival June 5-8, in Nashville, to preview all-new upcoming seasons of both series. Junk Gypsies sisters Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes, and Farm Kingsbrothers Dan King and Pete King will appear throughout the weekend, with stops inside the AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X, and co-hosting theFriday-night concert at LP Field featuring performances by country music artists Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Eric Church, and more.

 

The Farm Kings and Junk Gypsies will also help introduce the Great American Country Breakfast Series. The first-of-its-kind morning concert series, hosted by social media maven and creator of #CMchat Jessica Northey, takes place inside the Music City Center, the home of the AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X venue, and kicks off each day’s festivities inside the popular destination. Daily lineups for the Great American Country Breakfast Series include:

  • Thursday, June 5: Canaan Smith, Lauren Alaina, Dustin Lynch, and Neal McCoy
  • Friday, June 6: Native Run, Brothers Osborne, Corey Smith, and Scotty McCreery
  • Saturday, June 7: Natalie Stovall and The Drive, The Henningsens, Laura Bell Bundy, and RaeLynn
  • Sunday, June 8: Rose Falcon, Leah Turner, Jamie O’Neal, and Kristian Bush

 

In addition, new country boy band Chasin’ Crazy, will appear at the #GreatAmericanBreakfast to premiere its seasonal anthem, “That’s How We Do Summertime,” which will be filmed as part of the band’s recently-green lit Great American Country special chronicling the launch of their country music career.

 

With daily Great American Country Breakfast series shows capped at only 250 guests per day, the Thursday show is already sold out. Limited ticket quantities remain for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows. Tickets are priced $50 each per day, and include:

  • All-star performances
  • Buffet-style breakfast with assorted beverages
  • Autographed photos
  • Ticket to a photo meet-and-greet with the daily performers
  • Entrance into the CMA Music Festival AT&T U-verse Fan Fair X venue
  • Special gifts from Great American Country

 

Attendees gain early admittance to the Music City Center, with doors opening for the Great American Country Breakfast Series daily at 7:15 a.m., followed by the performance program from 8:00-10:00 a.m., and the photo meet-and-greets immediately thereafter.

 

For information about Junk Gypsies and Farm Kings, visit www.GACTV.com. For information about the Great American Country Breakfast Series, including details on how to order tickets to these exclusive, intimate events, visit www.GACTV.com/breakfast.

 

 

About Great American Country

From Main Street USA to the biggest coastal cities and everywhere in between, Great American Country celebrates the best of American living with original lifestyle entertainment. Distributed in more than 62 million U.S. households, Great American Country honors America with series profiling families, exploring top U.S. destinations, and highlighting country music’s biggest stars and events. Learn more at GACTV.com. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Great American Country is wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI).

 

About Scripps Networks Interactive

Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) is one of the leading developers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. The company’s lifestyle media portfolio comprises popular television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively reach more than 170 million consumers each month. Companion websites complement on-air programming with video and social media that inform and inspire. The company’s global networks reach millions of consumers across North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. For more information, please visitscrippsnetworksinteractive.com.

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BMI Offers Two Stages Of Amazing Music During The 2014 CMA Music Festival

BMI Tailgate PartyNow in its third year, the BMI Tailgate Party is conveniently located at LP Field on the south lawn between the stadium’s south gate and the pedestrian bridge.  Free and open to the public, fans can catch performances from country music’s next big stars each evening of the fest before the nightly concerts at LP Field.   Past performers include Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett.

The lineup for BMI’s Tailgate Party is:

Thursday, June 5
5:15-5:45pm: Sara Haze
6-6:40pm: David Fanning
6:50-7:30pm: Josh Thompson

Friday, June 6
5:15-5:45pm: Michael Ray
6-6:40pm: Chase Bryant
6:50-7:30pm: Blackjack Billy

Saturday, June 7
5:15-5:45pm: Whiskey Jam
6-6:40pm: Chris Lane
6:50-7:30pm: Brett Eldredge

Sunday, June 8
5:15-5:45pm: Adam Craig
6-6:40pm: A Thousand Horses
6:50-7:30pm: Natalie Stovall & The Drive

The BMI/AT&T Songwriter Stage will host performances from some of Country music’s most talented songwriters.   Located in Fan Fair X at the Music City Center, the BMI/AT&T Songwriter Stage will air on AT&T U-Verse’s Country Deep channel and The Buzz and will also be available on demand, showcasing songwriter performances and interviews.

The lineup for the BMI/AT&T Songwriter Stage is:

Thursday, June 5th
1pm – 3pm: Ruth Collins, Levi Hummon, Emily Earle, Josh Dorr

Friday, June 6th
1pm – 3pm: Caitlyn Smith, Muddy Magnolias, Brooke Eden, Sonia Leigh

Saturday, June 7th
1pm – 3pm: Caroline Kole, Justin Adams, The Shuggah Pies, Danika Portz

Sunday, June 8th
1pm – 3pm: Sophie Rose, Haley & Michaels, Elizabeth Lyons, Gracie Schramm

As an initial point of contact for up-and-coming artists, BMI serves as a fundamental bridge, connecting promising talent with industry decision-makers, as well as invaluable opportunities, including performance slots on stages at CMA Music Festival, SXSW, the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza, the Hangout Music Festival, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and more.

For additional information and the latest BMI news, visit bmi.com, follow us on Twitter @BMI or stay connected through Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) Facebook page.

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Richlyn Marketing Welcomes The Doobie Brothers To Client Roster Band Finishing Nashville Album & Touring This Summer

Pictured Left to Right: Producer - David Lyndon Huff, Richlyn Marketing Publicist - Nicole Cochran, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons, Richlyn Marketing Founder - Kate Richardson, Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston, and John McFee.   Photo Credit:  Jeff White

Pictured Left to Right: Producer – David Lyndon Huff, Richlyn Marketing Publicist – Nicole Cochran, Doobie Brother Patrick Simmons, Richlyn Marketing Founder – Kate Richardson, Doobie Brothers Tom Johnston, and John McFee.
Photo Credit: Jeff White

Richlyn Marketing announces the addition of GRAMMY Award-winning rock and roll band The Doobie Brothers to its client roster. Richlyn Marketing will coordinate the marketing and public relations for the upcoming release of The Doobie Brothers’ highly-anticipated new album on Sony Music Nashville, as well as handle all tour press. For the project, The Doobie Brothers are recording their iconic hits with country music’s top artists, including Brad Paisley, Sara Evans, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band, Chris Young, Jerrod Neimann, Love & Theft and more.

Long-time Doobie Brothers’ manager Bruce Cohn and record producer David Lyndon Huff are spearheading the project. “The Doobie Brothers are such an important band in the history of music,” Huff says.  “The hits transcend time, so with this new collection we are just adding modern production and collaborations with the country stars.”

Katharine Richardson, partner of Richlyn Marketing, adds, “We could not be more excited to be a part of this landmark project. I am personally a longtime fan, so it is a dream come true to be working with this brilliant band. We are honored to join their team.”

About Richlyn Marketing
Richlyn Marketing was established by Katharine Richardson and Lynn Tinsey in 2007 and has become a vital force in the Nashville community and beyond. In addition to The Doobie Brothers, other clients include Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Oates, Martin Guitar, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, New York Times best-selling author Sharon M. Draper and ESPN analyst Doug Glanville.

About The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers have been delivering mind-blowing, roots-based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll for over four decades, selling more than 40 million albums and winning four GRAMMY awards. Boasting one of the most loyal fan bases in music, the band continues to write and record new material and tour the world. In 2011, the band marked a new chapter, filming a CMT Crossroads special with superstar Luke Bryan and appearing for the first time on the Grand Ole Opry. Their relationship with Nashville continues to unfold with the upcoming 2014 release of a new album on Sony Music Nashville.

For more information on The Doobie Brothers visit www.DoobieBros.com.

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Brand Expert Sheri Warnke Launches THINK! Media & Marketing In Nashville

SHERI WARNKEWith more than 25 years of media & marketing experience across the advertising, publishing and entertainment industries, proven marketing expert SHERI WARNKE has launched THINK! Media & Marketing to provide custom-tailored experiential marketing and brand solutions that bond a brand with its fans.

Based in Nashville, Tennessee and officially launched in Fall 2013, THINK!’s national client base represents a wide range of industries seeking to boost their company’s brands. THINK! specializes in creating branded partnerships, developing and executing unique marketing experiences that connect  a brand with its fans, and leveraging print, digital and social media to elevate a brand’s profile. Current clients include Athlon Sports, the media leader in sports content and the publisher of the largest men’s magazine in the US; Country Living Fairs, multi-city artisan and antique events that bring the magazine to life; Townsquare Media’s Mountain Jam and Taste of Country Music Festivals; The Patrón Spirits Company; and Made In Network, a media company and YouTube multi-channel network.

THINK! Media & MarketingWarnke served as the Country Music Association’s Senior Vice President Marketing and Communications, until introducing THINK! Media & Marketing in 2013. During her tenure, she worked with CMA and the entertainment industry to develop new equities, content platforms, and opportunities for consumer brands to partner within the Country Music format.

Warnke began her career working at Burroughs & Associates advertising agency, creating client campaigns and developing business strategies. She parlayed this experience into a highly successful ad sales career, working as a publisher, and sales director for major publishing companies including Hachette Magazine Group, Meredith Corporation, American Media and Playboy Media Group. She also managed several experiential events including Playboy Magazine’s 50^th Anniversary Club Tour and  the Hi Gorgeous Tour for O The Oprah Magazine before joining the CMA.

THINK! Media & Marketing President Sheri Warnke can be reached at SWarnke@ThinkMediaMarketing.com (mailto:SWarnke@ThinkMediaMarketing.com) and (615) 419-0952.

ABOUT THINK MEDIA & MARKETING: Launched in 2013, THINK! is an innovative full service marketing company focused on consumer engagement and acquisition, providing custom-tailored solutions to meet any marketing and sales objective. With a proven track record across a broad spectrum of categories including music, automotive, spirits, packaged goods, luxury, and travel and tourism, THINK! is uniquely positioned to provide out of the box thinking that incorporates both traditional and non-traditional marketing elements. Learn more about the company at www.thinkmediamarketing.com (http://www.thinkmediamarketing.com/) and engage with THINK on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thinkmediamarketing) , Twitter (https://twitter.com/thinkmm) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/thinkmm) .

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Jamie Lynn Spears Releases Her Much Anticipated The Journey EP

Jamie Lynn SpearsCountry music’s newest star, Jamie Lynn Spears releases her highly-anticipated EP The Journey to iTunes! After teasing each track on Instagram and a weeklong Spotify stream, fans can finally download the five track EP!

Jamie Lynn co-wrote all tracks on the The Journey, alongside some of the biggest names in Nashville’s songwriting community, including: Rivers Rutherford, Chris Tompkins, Liz Rose, Lisa Carver, Tyler Hayes, and Corey Crowder.

Jamie Lynn hand-selected the five tracks out of the 100+ songs she’s written over the years; her selection allows fans a glimpse into her journey in life, love, and career.

In “Shotgun Wedding”, Jamie Lynn’s personal lyrics mix with the up-tempo, banjo-driven track to open the EP with a rockin’ tune. Then kick back and relax, ironically enough, to “Run” with it’s feel-good groove to which you can’t help but sway. Slow down with Jamie Lynn’s debut single “How Could I Want More,” which brings back the true country elements of storytelling in the form of a love song that hits really close to home, especially for the newlywed. The fourth track “Mandolin Summer Sun,” will surely be the soundtrack to summer 2014 with it’s catchy, fun-loving vibe. “Big Bad World” is a perfectly understated track showcasing Jamie Lynn’s mastery of vocals and lyrics, and closes out The Journey demonstrating her depth of artistry.

Jamie Lynn shares, “The Journey is so personal, and I hope people feel like they are getting to know me just by listening to it! More than anything though, it’s for my fans. They have been so supportive and so patient!”

Patience and loyalty are definitely rewarded, and you can download The Journey on iTunes now!

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Jake’s Bakes: Some Warm, Tasty Goodness Delivered Straight To Your Door

Jake's BakesLooking for something warm, fresh, and sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth in Nashville? Maybe something to get you through your college exams or that long day at work? Well, you’re in luck! One of the best new local businesses around town is owned by Jake Veyhl called Jake’s Bakes, which opened Jan. 16, 2013.  Besides being warm, fresh, and homemade, you can get these delicious cookies delivered straight to your door in Nashville! Continue Reading →

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Country Star Chase Rice Commemorates Armed Forces Day With U.S. Navy Sailors At WMZQ Fest 2014

Chase Rice with U.S. Navy Sailors and Federal Goverment Employees at WMZQ Fest 2014 Photo Credit: Cody Cannon

Chase Rice with U.S. Navy Sailors and Federal Goverment Employees at WMZQ Fest 2014
Photo Credit: Cody Cannon

In honor of Armed Forces Day, country music hitmaker and entertainer Chase Rice met with several U.S. Navy sailors and federal government employees who came out to see him perform at WMZQ Fest 2014 in Bristow, Va. on May 17. Rice made the connection after meeting one of the sailors, a fan of Rice’s music, at an event earlier this year.

 

An avid supporter of our servicemen and women, Rice shared this sentiment and gratitude for their service, noting: “I have always had a deep admiration for our military, and I am thankful for the opportunity to bring awareness to their dedication to our freedom and to tell them ‘thanks’ for allowing me the opportunity to do what I love because of their sacrifices.”

 

Rice is currently touring with Dierks Bentley on the Riser Tour and continues to sell out his own headlining dates across the country as his Top 30 single “Ready Set Roll” climbs the country charts.

For more information, please visit www.chaserice.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook @ChaseRiceMusic.

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Joe Nichols’ “Yeah” Is Top 20; Video World Premieres On CMT

Joe NicholsIt’s been a big week for multi-platinum selling RED BOW recording artist Joe Nichols.   His new single, “Yeah” soared into the Top 20, landing at #19 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and #20 on the Country Aircheck/ USA Today chart, (powered by Mediabase).

The whimsical, love-at-first-sight anthem has been wowing fans at Nichols’ live shows from Las Vegas to Tampa and has become the chart-topping country artist’s second consecutive hit from his new album, CRICKETS, which also includes the #1 Gold-selling smash “Sunny and 75.”

On Friday morning, the music video for “Yeah” world premiered exclusively across Country Music Television (CMT), CMT Pure, CMT.com and CMT Artists App.

Directed by Wes Edwards, the video for “Yeah” shows off Nichols’ lighter side as the fun-filled, “comic”al nature of the song is captured through the use of animation and special effects.

Also on Friday, Nichols performed “Yeah” on the CBS syndicated and 2014 People’s Choice Award winning daytime variety program The Queen Latifah Show. Fans can find air times in their area by visiting: http://www.smarturl.it/5587gh

Additionally, BET re-airs each The Queen Latifah Show episode the following day at 1 am ET/ 12 am CT.

CRICKETS Is available now at iTunes: http://smarturl.it/GetCrickets

For more information on Joe Nichols and for tour dates in your area, visit:  http://www.joenichols.com

ABOUT JOE NICHOLS:

Multi-platinum RED BOW recording artist Joe Nichols is one of country music’s most praised traditional country artists. He has five #1 hits and eight Top 10 singles to his credit, including the recent chart-topper “Sunny and 75” as well as “Brokenheartsville,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and “Gimmie That Girl,” and Top 10 smashes like “The Impossible,” “If Nobody Believed In You,” “What’s A Guy Gotta Do,” “Size Matters” and “I’ll Wait For You.”

Upon bursting on the music scene Nichols won every “best new artist” award available in the field of country music: the prestigious Horizon Award from the Country Music Association; Top New Male Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music and CMT Breakthrough Video of the Year, as well as “new artist” awards from Billboard, Radio & Records and Music Row Magazine and a New York Times Best-Albums-of-the-Year nod.  Over the course of his career, Nichols has received four GRAMMY nominations, including Best Country Album and Best Country Male Vocal Performance (2 consecutive years) and Best Country Song for his #1 debut single “The Impossible.”

Nichols new album CRICKETS debuted in the Top 3 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and spawned the #1 gold-selling hit “Sunny and 75.”  His follow-up single, “Yeah,” is a Top 20 hit and rising.  This Spring/ Summer Nichols is criss-crossing the U.S. on tour with country superstars Lady Antebellum as well as his on own headlining dates.

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