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Newcomer Abi Unveils New Music Video For Breakout Single “A Day Without”

By on June 18, 2018 in In The Press

 

In May, twenty-year-old country music songstress Abi, released her breakout single “A Day Without” to critical acclaim. Upon its debut, “A Day Without” landed on Rolling Stone Country’s “10 Best Country and Americana Songs of the Week” and Taste of Country dubbed the track, “the kind of tightly-worded, universal artist statement a country newcomer needs to take a serious step forward.” The song’s strong connection to the passing of Abi’s father makes this debut especially appropriate.

 

Abi shares, “’A Day Without’ brings on a lot of different emotions for me. The sheer thought of losing someone is absolutely terrifying, as is the deep love you might have for a person with who you might feel like you cannot go on a day without them…I think that my father’s passing gave me a new perspective on life, and enabled me to channel much deeper emotions into my craft.”

 

For the video’s concept, Abi remained true to the song’s meaning in her own words, while leaving it open to the listener for interpretation. “We chose to focus on two themes of love and separation,” says Abi.  “So we chose a mother sending her child off to college for the first time and a girlfriend sending her boyfriend off into the military. Emotionally, I’m definitely very connected with the idea of separation,” she adds.

Inspired by everything from the marvelous pop expanse of The Beatles and Shania Twain, to the “storytelling” of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, Abi crafted her first song in third grade. She has since developed into a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, with an impressive resume under her belt. In 2014, Abi joined Jesse McCartney’s North American tour and 2015 saw Kelly Clarkson handpick Abi to open her massive summer headline run, while she hit the road alongside Pentatonix a year later. In 2017, her single “Matches” independently caught fire; striking the sweet spot between simmering country soul, twanging guitars and a fierce hook – “Light me up ‘cause baby we’re matches” – CMT fanned the flames an early champion.

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Alan Jackson Enters Songwriters Hall Of Fame

By on June 16, 2018 in In The Press

NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 14: Steven Tyler and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Alan Jackson pose backstage during the Songwriters Hall of Fame 49th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner at New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on June 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame) *** Local Caption *** Steven Tyler; Alan Jackson Photo Credit: (Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

“It’s such an honor to be included with all these people,” a humble and visibly moved Alan Jackson said as he became a member of the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame at the organization’s annual induction gala in New York City Thursday/last night.

 

Already a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Jackson’s latest career-defining honor places him alongside the greatest composers of all-time – from the likes of Irving Berlin and Cole Porter…to Motown greats Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland…John Lennon and Paul McCartney…film icons John Williams and Henry Mancini…rock greats Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards…R&B legends Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye…and country standard-bearers Merle Haggard, Harlan Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson.

 

“Tonight is special because it honors Alan for his greatest qualities – his words, his music, his imagination, his imagery, his honesty,” said longtime producer, songwriter and friend Keith Stegall, who presided over Jackson’s induction. “He is fearless; nothing is ever off limits.” Alan has a career-spanning partnership with Stegall, who also performed “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” a song the pair co-wrote with Roger Murrah.

 

“Most people I know are just working, trying to make a living, raise children, have a good time and enjoy life. Sometimes their lives are already hard…and they just want something that makes ‘em feel good or helps them get through a hard time – music is a relief from some of that sometimes,” Jackson noted as he received songwriting’s highest honor. “Keith said I’m just a singer of simple songs. And I am.”

 

To illustrate his point, the country icon shared a little-known story prompted by a backstage encounter moments earlier. “I ran into Clive Davis; hadn’t seen him in years. He was always real supportive of my writing early on,” he shared, “One day I wrote this song – it was for a woman. I couldn’t sing it. I called Clive [and said], ‘I believe Whitney [Houston] could sing this thing.’ He listened to it…called me back and said, ‘Boy, that’s a sweet song’.” Jackson brought the house down with laughter when he concluded, “He said, ‘But I’ll be honest with you, Alan – I don’t think Whitney has seen a washing machine in 15 years. I don’t think she could sing that’.” With that, the humble inductee noted, “I guess what I’m trying to say is I’ll always be writing about washing machines.” Jackson then offered up another of his signature songs, the simple-yet-stirring self-penned, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”

 

Jackson’s songwriting credits – saluted with his Songwriters Hall of Fame induction – are part of the fabric of modern country music. Beginning with his debut hit, “Here in the Real World,” and continuing as he began “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” Jackson’s personal observations on the world we live in have resonated – and continue to do so – around the globe. His pen has given us the haunting “Midnight in Montgomery”…the wistful “Remember When”…the life-celebrating “Drive”…the poignant “Little Man”…and the instantly-recognizable “Chattahoochee.” He’s shared life experiences with us in music and words; in fact, he’s been a songwriter on 24 of 35 chart-topping songs he’s recorded, the kind of accomplishment reserved for the likes of Haggard, Lennon and McCartney.

 

Jackson’s fellow inductees also honored at Thursday’s ceremony were John Mellencamp, Robert “Kool” Bell, Ronald Bell, George Brown & James “JT” Taylor of Kool & the Gang, Jermaine Dupri, Allee Willis, Steve Dorff and Jackson’s fellow Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson. Hall of Famer Neil Diamond, singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and veteran music executive Lucian Grainge were honored with other career awards.

 

Prior to Thursday’s induction, Jackson reflected on his songwriting in a comprehensive interview with Billboard and with Spotify, where he was showcased in a new installment of their Hot Country profile series.

 

The Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing the work and lives of composers and lyricists who create music. It celebrates and honors the contributions of our great popular music songwriters, while developing new writing talent through workshops, showcases, scholarships, and digital initiatives. Established in 1969, the Songwriters Hall of Fame honors those whose work represents a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the world’s popular music songbook. To qualify for induction, a songwriter must be a published writer for a minimum of 20 years with a notable catalog of hit songs. Jackson is one of just over 400 songwriters so honored.

 

Jackson’s induction to the Songwriters Hall of Fame comes just a year after he was enshrined as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the latest in a long line of accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years. On August 22, Alan will be saluted by the Academy of Country Music at the annual ACM Honors event in Nashville as the recipient of this year’s Cliffie Stone Icon Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, given to artists or industry leaders who have “advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.”

 

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ABOUT ALAN JACKSON:

The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.

 

Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica. He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular new tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown (along a stretch of Broadway known as the “Honky Tonk Highway”) featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.

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Video Premiere: Keith Urban Set To Debut GRAFFITI U World Tour

By on June 16, 2018 in In The Press

Tour buses and GRAFFITI U wrapped trailers, twenty-two in all, and a crew of ninety-three rolled into St. Louis Thursday for the launch of Keith Urban’s “GRAFFITI U World Tour 2018,” which opened Friday night at The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis.  It marks is first world tour in more than two years.

 

Marred by thunderstorms and a power outage that caused delays and minor equipment damage, Urban’s band finally took to the stage late Thursday night for their final run through.   The show promises brand new performances of songs never performed live, twists on some of his best-known and most loved #1 hits and a production spectacle to marvel.

The 58-city North American leg of his “GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR 2018,” promises to bring more of Urban’s unpredictable stage moments which have seen him in the audience

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BookFest Nashville Debuts November 2018

By on June 15, 2018 in In The Press

Lipscomb University Hosts Inaugural Festival of Books and Writing

Speaker Lineup Includes Renowned Authors, Poets, Novelists and Screenwriters

BookFest Nashville, a new festival celebrating books and writers, debuts November 8 – 9, 2018, on the Lipscomb University campus. Registration is now open at www.BookFestNashville.com.

 

BookFest Nashville attendees will enjoy lectures by and conversations with bestselling authors, world-class publishing professionals, filmmakers, poets and songwriters. Attendance will be limited to 500 registrants to ensure an intimate experience.

 

“Nashville is a magnet for writers,” says Ami McConnell, Founder and Festival Director for BookFest Nashville. “BookFest aims to empower, inspire, and connect them.”

 

Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment & the Arts will host the festival along with the Department of English & Modern Languages in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. BookFest Nashville sponsor and retail partner, Parnassus Books, will host book sales at the festival and will feature speaker’s books in store.

 

BookFest Nashville 2018 will feature sessions and panels spanning genres. This year’s lineup of speakers continues to grow, with these renowned experts already confirmed:

  • JT Ellison, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, No One Knows
  • Michael Bishop, author, Murder in the Music City
  • Stephanie Appell, manager of books for young readers, Parnassus Books
  • Ruth Chou Simons, bestselling author, Gracelaced
  • Melissa Chambers, romance novelist, Seaside Sweets and President of Music City Romance Writers
  • Colleen Coble, USA Today Bestselling novelist, The House at Saltwater Point
  • Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling novelist, Becoming Mrs. Lewis
  • Howie Klausner, writer & producer of “Space Cowboys,” “Soul Surfer,” author of Rocketman
  • Ariel Lawhon, critically acclaimed novelist, I Was Anastasia
  • Amy Parker, bestselling children’s author
  • Mary Laura Philpott, author & illustrator Penguins with People Problems, Emmy-winning co-host of
    “A Word on Words” Nashville Public Television
  • Karen Hayes, co-owner Parnassus Books, Nashville
  • Liz Cackowski, writer and producer, “Saturday Night Live,” “Community,” “Last Man on Earth”
  • Courtney Stevens, young adult novelist, Dress Code for Small Towns
  • Marjory Wentworth, Poet Laureate of South Carolina, co-author, Out of Wonder
  • MaryBeth Whalen, co-founder com, novelist, When We Were Worthy
  • Sarah Arthur, author, A Light So Lovely: The Spiritual Legacy of Madeline L’Engle

 

Ami McConnell is founder and Festival Director for BookFest Nashville. She is former Editor-in-Chief and Vice President, Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, and her editing credits include numerous New York Times bestsellers and award-winning titles. Ami has edited renowned authors Colleen Coble, Ted Dekker, Karen Kingsbury, Max Lucado, Frank Peretti, and Wm. Paul Young. She served on the Advisory Board of The Buechner Institute at King College and is an active member of the Women’s National Book Association. Ami is co-author with Candace Cameron Bure of Kind Is the New Classy (2018 HarperCollins). www.BookFestNashville.com.

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Eric Dodd Releases New Single “The Reason” During CMA Fest

By on June 15, 2018 in In The Press
Artist/songwriter Eric Dodd’s feel-good lyrics spilled over to a feel-good week for the Georgia native as he released his new single “The Reason” during CMA Fest in Nashville. Listen here.

 

“’The Reason’ is my real-life commitment song,” said Dodd. “It’s about looking over the edge, taking that leap, and realizing later it’s the best thing you ever did. I hope people listen to this song and think about giving all they have to their significant other and doing it unconditionally. I believe it’s more than just a love song; it’s a life song.”  

 

“The Reason” has already been added to playlists for Amazon Music (Introducing Country) and Apple Music’s Breaking Country and Cool Country. Dodd co-wrote “The Reason” with Michael Whitworth and Dan Fernandez, who also produced the track. Wide Open Country premiered the song on Thursday, June 7 calling it “heartfelt” and “anthemic.”

Eric Dodd has a little fun with fans during CMA Fest while taping a package for Center Stage Magazine.
Photo Credit Jami Fugate

“With a smooth, southern-tinged vocal, atmospheric guitars and clap-along drums, ‘The Reason’ doesn’t feel too far from tunes like Billy Currington’s No. 1 single “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” opined Wide Open Country writer Jeremy Burchard.

 

Dodd, who is an avid and accomplished golfer, followed the premier with an exclusive release party for fans on Friday June 8 at TopGolf in Nashville. The event was presented by Music Mix Daily including a Facebook Live performance and interview with Dodd hosted by Lesa Browning. Then Dodd took his sense of humor and natural charm to Bridgestone Arena for an interview with Missy Wolf from Center Stage Magazine. He then turned the tables and the microphone on fans asking, “What’s ‘The Reason’ you love country music?”

 

On Saturday, June 9, Dodd announced a surprise pop-up concert at the Blend Bar with Davidorff Cigars in downtown Nashville. Blend, which has locations in Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and Houston, was named Best Cigar Lounge in the World by Cigar Journal. The acoustic concert was attended by fans and industry supporters. Songwriter Moriah Donby and MV2 Entertainment artist/songwriter Nora Collins performed with Dodd as did high school bandmate and lead guitarist for Collective Soul Jesse Triplett, who produced Dodd’s first EP in 2016.

 

Dodd grew up in Lake Oconee, Ga. chasing golf balls and guitar. He had a natural gift for both. He earned a golf scholarship to Georgia College and State University, where he majored in business. When he wasn’t playing in golf tournaments, he was playing in frat houses with his band. He eventually transferred to the University of Georgia to pursue a music business degree and immerse himself in the fertile Athens music scene (R.E.M. and Drive-by Truckers).

 

He first gained national attention as a CMT Discovery Artist, but he honed his craft playing more than 200 dates a year throughout the southeast performing in clubs, SEC colleges, and music halls where his likable personality, sanguine lyrics, musicianship, and energetic stage presence earned him a faithful following in a region with strong musical tastes and a deep pool of talent.

 

As a songwriter, Dodd, who is signed to MV2 Entertainment, can be sweetly nostalgic and equally rambunctious. On “The Reason” he sings with equal parts ache and authenticity that was inspired by his family. Consequently, he writes about love and relationships with a heightened level of sincerity, respect, and honesty.

 

A romantic with a wild side, Dodd weaves seamlessly between rock, country, and Americana with a delivery that is believable and genuine. He has opened for Sam Hunt, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Sister Hazel, Cole Swindell, and Zac Brown Band.

 

Catch Eric Dodd on the road:

 

6/23 – The Tin Roof, Louisville, KY

 

7/3 – The Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee Summer Concert Series

 

7/9 – Triple Crown Bar, Davenport, IA

 

7/11 – The Local, Nashville, TN

 

7/26 – Mad Life Studios, Woodstock, GA

 

7/27 – The Country Club, Augusta, GA

 

7/28 – Veazey Jam, Greensboro, GA

 

8/11 – J. Peppers Southern, Kernersville, N.C.

 

8/31 – Oconee Brewing Company, Greensboro, GA

 

9/14 – University of Georgia, Athens, GA

 

 

10/20 – Rhythm and Blues Festival, Greensboro, GA

 

For information visit www.ericdoddmusic.com.
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Gretsch Presents The 5th Annual Georgia On My Mind Benefit Concert June 26th

By on June 15, 2018 in In The Press
Georgia is on the minds of music lovers as the list of performers continues to grow with the announcement today that John Berry, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Jamey Johnson, and Randy Houser, as well as Trea Landon have been added to the impressive lineup. The “Gretsch Presents the Fifth Annual Georgia On My Mind” benefit concert will be hosted for the first time by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and held Tuesday, June 26 (7:30 PM/CDT) at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. 

 

The celebration of the Peach State’s musical mavericks and chart-topping songwriters is hosted by the Peach Pickers – Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip – and benefits the Georgia Music Foundation, which supports music education and cultural enrichment programs in the state. Previously announced performers this year include Lauren Alaina, Travis Denning, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, and songwriters Pat Alger and Tony Arata, who are the recipients of the Georgia Music Foundation Flamekeeper Award, which is presented to individuals whose tireless work preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions.

 

Tickets are available now for $54.50 and $44.50 via Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, ryman.com,or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Tickets often sell out prior to the concert, which has gained a reputation over the past four years for surprise appearances by unannounced guests. Friends joining the Peach Pickers have included Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Big Boi of Outkast, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell, Kip Moore, T. Graham Brown, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie, Lee Brice, Craig Campbell, Tyler Farr, Otis Redding III, Dexter Redding, Billy Currington, Drivin’ N Cryin’, Brent Cobb, Jon Langston, Cole Taylor, and many more. 

 

“This is as close to a Georgia homecoming as you are going to get in Tennessee,” explained Davidson, who also chairs the Georgia Music Foundation Board of Directors. “The popularity and success of this event is so rewarding because it celebrates our homegrown talent and allows us to give back to deserving music education programs.”

 

This year, the Peach Pickers welcome Gretsch, the fourth-generation musical instruments company headquartered in Pooler, GA, as presenting sponsor. In celebration of its 135th anniversary this year, Gretsch has generously donated one of its USA Custom drum kits valued at more than $5,000 to be auctioned off online by Your Roctioneer via the GiveSmart platform. The auction, which is live now, will end during intermission at the June 26 concert at the Ryman. The drum kit will be played by the house band during the concert, then delivered or shipped to the auction winner. To register and bid online, visit https://gamusic.auction-bid.org/microsite/.

 

The Georgia Music Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 1994, has distributed nearly $300,000 in grants to deserving music education, preservation and outreach programs since the first “Georgia On My Mind” concert was held in 2014. Proceeds from the 2017 concert benefitted 17 schools and non-profit organizations. Among the recipients were Nuçi’s Space in Athens for its annual Camp Amped summer camp; the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House in Macon for its 2018 outreach programs; and the Georgia School for Innovation and the Classics in Hephzibah for the purchase of Orff instruments. Info on the grant program is available at www.georgiamusicfoundation.org.

 

About thePeach Pickers: All Georgia natives, the Peach Pickers have accumulated more than 70 No. 1 songs collectively and individually since 2010 and earned numerous awards and accolades. Their respective catalogs include hit songs “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “All About Tonight,” “Gimmie That Girl,” “Just A Kiss,” “When She Says Baby,” “Boys Round Here,” “It Goes Like This,” “We Owned The Night,” “I Don’t Dance,” “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” “Point At You,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” “Small Town Throwdown,” “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “Star of the Show,” and many more.
Platinum sponsor Georgia Tourism is proud to feature native Jason Aldean on the cover of the 2018 Georgia Travel Guide. Free copies are available at www.exploregeorgia.org.
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Country Singer Rory Feek Reveals His Feelings About Performing Solo, His Daughter Coming Out And More On “CBS Sunday Morning”

By on June 15, 2018 in In The Press

It has been nearly two and a half years since country singer-songwriter Rory Feek lost his wife and singing partner, Joey, to cancer. Now, as he’s started performing solo, Feek talks with Anthony Mason about singing again without her, his relationship with his daughters, and his life as a widower, in an interview for CBS SUNDAY MORNING to be broadcast Sunday, June 17 (9:00 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.

 

Feek tells Mason that he feels no different about his wife now than he did when she died in March of 2016.

 

“I feel just as married and just as in love,” Feek tells Mason. “And I feel like she’s just as much a part of our life as she was.”

 

Performing solo, however, has taken some adjustment. Together, Joey and Rory were a popular duo. Today, however, he admits he hasn’t quite figured out who he is on stage without her.

 

“It felt surreal and strange, a little wrong in some ways because I had kinda decided I wouldn’t,” Feek tells Mason. “But, on the other side, it felt strangely similar.”

 

Without Joey, Feek says he’s had to adjust to being a single father again. Feek had two daughters, Hope and Heidi, from a previous marriage before he met Joey. Together they had a daughter, Indiana.

 

For instance, just days after Joey died, Feek got a sense his middle daughter, Hope, had something to say.

 

“I said, ‘just tell me, Hopie,’” Feek recalls. “And she went on to tell me that her friend Wendy was more than her friend, that Wendy and her had been dating for almost a year. And that she was in love.”

 

Hope tells Mason she was afraid her father would judge her.

 

“Even more than that,” Feek says, “she’s asking me, ‘Are you still going to love me?’ And my first reaction, honestly, was I don’t think so.”

 

“You weren’t sure,” Mason asks.

 

“Because my conservative Christian faith that saved me – the first reaction is that challenges that immensely,” Feek says. “Am I supposed to shun my child now and say, ‘No, you can’t be in my life until you come around to thinking like I’m thinking’?”

 

Hope says she saw “panic” in her father, but understood his struggle.

 

“The only thing I try to keep in mind is it’s her life, it’s her choice, it’s her faith and my job is to love her even when it’s hard,” Feek says.

 

“Do you accept?” Mason asks.

 

“Yes,” Feek replies.

 

Feek also talks with Mason about the family farm, life without Joey, how people react to him in the supermarket and more.

 

CBS SUNDAY MORNING is broadcast Sundays (9:00-10:30 AM, ET) on the CBS Television Network. Rand Morrison is the executive producer.

 

Follow CBS SUNDAY MORNING on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and CBSNews.com. Listen to CBS SUNDAY MORNING podcasts at iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Radio.com and TuneIn.

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Spotify Announces New Hot Country Live Concert Series-Inaugural Show With Carrie Underwood In NYC July 4

By on June 12, 2018 in In The Press

Country music has long been a significant part of this country’s cultural fabric, and what better way to commemorate our nation’s birthday than with one of music’s superstars performing at one of the most iconic US holiday destinations! On July 4th, Spotify will bring the Heartland to NYC’S famed Seaport District, to celebrate the launch of Hot Country Live, the new live concert series that will serve as an extension of the popular flagship Hot Country playlist, which features more than 4.5 million followers worldwide. Multi-platinum selling and seven-time Grammy Award winning global music superstar Carrie Underwood will headline the inaugural Hot Country Live concert at the Seaport’s The Rooftop at Pier 17 concert venue, performing her biggest hits, including her current single “Cry Pretty,” from her first studio album on Capitol Records Nashville, which will be released on September 14. Chart-topping country music duo Dan + Shay, whose self-titled third studio album will be released on June 22, will open the concert event. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.

The Hot Country Live concert series will bring today’s most dynamic country music stars, many of whom are featured in the Hot Country playlist each week, to select cities nationwide. Spotify creates truly memorable experiences for artists and fans, and with the launch of Hot Country Live, will bring country music fans even closer to their favorite artists.

I’m thrilled to be a part of Spotify’s first ever Hot Country Live show, and can’t wait to celebrate the holiday playing live music under the stars.

– Carrie Underwood

According to Brittany Schaffer, Head of Artist and Label Marketing at Spotify’s Nashville office, “This year Spotify is making a concentrated effort to shine a spotlight on country music and to create a gathering place for country artists and fans to share and experience the people, stories, and spirit that define their community. This starts on platform in the Hot Country playlist and is brought to life through our unique live events, like Hot Country Live. I can’t imagine a better way to kick-off our premiere country music concert series then by bringing country fans the opportunity to honor America on the Fourth of July with Carrie Underwood and Dan + Shay!”

This show is brought to you in partnership with the Howard Hughes Corporation, which is revitalizing the Seaport District and transforming Pier 17 into an iconic entertainment destination that will be home to the Pier 17 Rooftop Concert Series that will launch August 1.

Spotify has been expanding their footprint in the country music world in 2018, most recently with the re-launch of their Hot Country Playlist, as an enhanced playlist featuring exclusive and original videocontent. Enhanced playlists, like the previously launched RapCaviar and ¡Viva Latino!, combine music and video into a single view. This allows users to listen to their favorite audio tracks as well as watch interviews and music videos featuring their favorite artists. Enhanced playlists bring storytelling back to music discovery—a theme that country music emphasizes as well. As part of Hot Country, Spotify will continue to roll out dynamic new content, playlists, live events and more that will appeal to country music fans worldwide and Hot Country Live is the next exciting step in their country music journey.

Check out the new Spotify Hot Country playlist below:

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Craig Campbell’s 6th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge Is A Success

By on June 8, 2018 in In The Press

Photo Credit: Sweety High

Red Bow Records Country star CRAIG CAMPBELL put his big-hearted values on display at yesterday’s 6TH ANNUAL CELEBRITY CORNHOLE CHALLENGE, hosting a star-studded afternoon of friendly competition to benefit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC).

Taking place outside Nashville’s City Winery, the fun-filled day scored with plenty of cornhole action – a bag-toss game popular with tailgaters all around the nation – plus a celebrity cast which featured Campbell and his wife Mindy, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Walker Hayes, Brett Kissel, NASCAR driver Scott Lagasse, Jr., LOCASH, Tegan Marie, Morgan Mills, Jerrod Niemann, Taylor Phillips, Dee Jay Silver, The Cadillac Three and Brett Young.

Fans bid for the chance to play against the stars in tournament fashion, with Craig Campbell ultimately taking home first place.

Tonight (6/6), Campbell will follow up at City Winery with the One Million Strong Dinner gala, where the total amount raised from this year’s event will be officially revealed. Having lost his father to colorectal cancer at 11 years old, the dedicated family man is one of FIGHT CRC’s national spokespersons, and has previously raised more than $300,000 for the cause.

But with Nashville’s beloved CMA Music Fest getting underway, Campbell’s big week is just getting started.

Tomorrow (6/7) Campbell will celebrate Throwback Thursday at his old haunt The Stage on Nashville’s Lower Broadway – the same honky tonk where he was discovered years earlier. Starting at 2 p.m. CT, the traditionally-minded star will deliver a set of ‘90s Country favorites for a show billed as Karaoke With Craig. Then at 9 p.m. CT he’ll bring out his own hits with a primetime set on the massive Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater.

On Friday (6/8), Campbell will release his highly-anticipated SEE YOU TRY EP – seven diverse tracks featuring his flirtatious chart-riser “See You Try” and two versions of the critically-acclaimed “Outskirts of Heaven.”

And finally on Sunday (6/10), he’ll finish up as the last artist to perform on the attention grabbing Chevy Riverfront Stage. That hit-filled set will get underway at 4:45 p.m. CT, and all of Campbell’s CMA Music Fest concert appearances are free and open to the public.

The week marks the beginning of a big summer for the fan favorite, who plans to headline select dates across North America following a standout 2017 which included Luke Bryan’s HUNTIN’, FISHIN’ AND LOVIN’ EVERY DAY Tour.

For more information on Craig Campbell and tour dates, visit www.craigcampbell.tv.

Reach out to him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

ABOUT CRAIG CAMPBELL:
Country singer-songwriter Craig Campbell’s neo-traditional sensibility and undeniable talent have made him a favorite of both fans and critics alike for nearly a decade. Since launching out of the legendary Nashville honky-tonk, The Stage, and into the Top 15 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with 2010’s heartfelt “Family Man,” Campbell has released two acclaimed studio albums and gathered over 1 billion radio airplay audience impressions. Singles like “Fish” have shown off the Lyons, Georgia, native’s down-home side, while the infectious romance of “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” rose into Country radio’s Top 10. A regular performer on the Grand Ole Opry and widely-praised entertainer, Campbell has been lauded by critical outlets like Rolling Stone Country and tastemakers like Country radio DJ Bobby Bones – who says “Seeing Craig perform live will change your perspective on what a well-rounded artist is.” He has been featured on NBC’s TODAY and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, and is a frequent supporter of both the USO and Fight CRC, where he serves as a national spokesperson in the campaign against colorectal cancer. Last June, Campbell hosted the 5th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge, and has raised over $300,000 for the Fight CRC organization to date. Following the release of his latest hit, the uplifting 2016 ballad “Outskirts of Heaven,” Campbell has revealed a flirtatious new single – “See You Try” – and a brand new, seven-song EP of the same name on Broken Bow Records is set for June 8. He recently wrapped up Luke Bryan’s HUNTIN’, FISHIN’ AND LOVIN’ EVERY DAY Tour, and is currently headlining select dates nationwide.ABOUT FIGHT CRC:
Fight CRC is a national nonprofit advocacy organization fighting for a cure. It was founded in 2005 by Nancy Roach, a nationally-recognized patient advocate who witnessed the need for colorectal cancer advocacy after her mother-in-law’s diagnosis. The organization plays an important role in rallying colorectal cancer advocates to action. Fight CRC is known for activism and patient empowerment throughout patient, academic, political, scientific, medical and nonprofit communities. With a mission focused on advocacy, research, patient education and awareness, the organization serves advocates in every state of the U.S. and many others around the world. Fight CRC is a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator and 93 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to colorectal cancer programs. To learn more, visit FightCRC.org.

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“2018 CMT Music Awards” Is A Night Of Firsts As Blake Shelton Wins His First-Ever “Video Of The Year” And Little Big Town Serves As Host 

By on June 8, 2018 in In The Press

The Sisterhood Band on the CMT Music Awards red carpet.

The loudest night in country music kicked it up a notch as the biggest stars in the genre and beyond took on Nashville for the “2018 CMT Music Awards.” In a night of firsts, Blake Shelton won his first-ever Video of the Year Award for “I’ll Name The Dogs;” Little Big Town hosted for the first-time; and Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line, Kelly Clarkson, Little BigTown, Sam Hunt and Backstreet Boys seized the moment to debut new music for the first-time anywhere. A slew of new artists walked away with their first buckles, including Dan + Shay (Duo Video of the Year), Carly Pearce (Breakthrough Video of the Year), Kane Brown (Collaborative Video of the Year with Lauren Alaina), Backstreet Boys (CMT Performance of the Year with Florida Georgia Line) and Ludacris (Female Video of the Year with Carrie Underwood). Carly Pearce and Kane Brown won the first awards  of their careers. Carrie Underwood’s win for “Female Video of the Year” extends her record for most “CMT Music Awards” wins with a grand total of 18.

The show kicked off with a star-studded tongue-in-cheek sendup that has the royal family in Nashville to escape the prying paparazzi, only to find themselves engulfed in the bachelorette party capital of the country. The sketch featured Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest, hosts Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Midland, Dustin Lynch, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Trace Adkins,Darius Rucker (as the Queen, no less), and Florida Georgia Line as Princes William and Harry.

Drake White on the CMT Music Awards red carpet.

Little Big Town got the crowd jumping with their first-ever live performance of the danceable “Summer Fever” surrounded by large gold orbs, while Blake Shelton took to the rooftop of his new restaurant, Ole Red, in downtown Nashville for an intimate performance of his hit “Turnin’ Me On.”

Bordered by a dramatic white curtain, Jason Aldean delivered a stirring rendition of his hit “Drowns the Whiskey,” while Kelsea Ballerini offered a beautiful twist on love with her hit, “I Hate Love Songs.”

Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborneshared the stage surrounded by fire for a hard-rocking version of Bentley’s single, “Burning Man.” Luke Bryan performed his summer anthem “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” aptly at dusk on the crowd-filled outdoor stage.

Florida Georgia Line turned the Bridgestone Arena into a cozy backyard get-together with the first-ever-live performance of their new single “Simple,” while Carrie Underwood dazzled the audience with her soaring power ballad “Cry Pretty.”

Sam Hunt roamed the streets Nashville’s famed Broadway before taking the outdoor stage in front of thousands of country music fans and fireworks for first-ever-performance of “Downtown’s Dead,” while Dan & Shay, in their first-ever CMT Music Awards appearance, delivered a sobering sweeping rendition of their smash, “Tequila.”

Chris Stapleton’s unmistakably powerful voice boomed through the streets of downtown Nashville for a priceless performance of “Millionaire,” while pop royalty Backstreet Boys got the entire house dancing with an electric first-time-ever performance of their new single, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” proving that great music transcends genres.

Accompanied by an all-female choir, Kelly Clarkson made her CMT Music Awards debut by reclaiming the classic “American Woman” as a fiery female-empowerment anthem from the forthcoming series “American Woman,” starring Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari and Jennifer Bartles, premiering tomorrow night, Thursday, June 7 at 10pm ET/PT on Paramount Network.

The evening concluded with a bang as Darius Rucker and The Troublemakers –Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Charles Kelley – turned the Bridgestone Arena into a local honky tonk with their first-ever-live performance of the seminal Drivin’ N Cryin’ classic, “Straight To Hell.”

Furthering its commitment to new artists, CMT’s Ram side-stage featured performances of CMT Next Women of Music artists Carly Pearce and Lindsay Ell, as well as CMT Listen Up Artists DevinDawson, LANCO and Russell Dickerson.

The A-list roster of presenters from music, television and film includes Backstreet Boys, Brett Young, Bobby Bones, Carly Pearce,Chrissy Metz (“This Is Us”), Cody Alan (Radio and TV Personality), Courtney Force (NHRA racing), Dustin Lynch, Garrett Hedlund (“Mudbound,” “Country Strong”), Hoda Kotb (“NBC’s TODAY”), Joel McHale(“The Joel McHale Show”), Jon Pardi, Kaitlin Doubleday (“Nashville”), Katie Cook (TV personality), Keith Urban, Lauren Alaina, Leon Bridges, Lennon Stella (“Nashville”), Lindsey Vonn (US Ski Team), Luke Combs, Maisy Stella (“Nashville”), P.K. Subban(Nashville Predators), RaeLynn, Rascal Flatts and Sugarland.

 

The winners of the 2018 CMT MUSIC AWARDS are:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR 
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced the morning of the show, with final voting held on social media during the live telecast.

  • Blake Shelton – “I’ll Name The Dogs”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

  • Blake Shelton –“I’ll Name The Dogs”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

  • Carrie Underwood feat. Ludacris – “The Champion”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

 

  •     Dan + Shay –  “Tequila”

 

 

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

 

  • Little Big Town – “When Someone Stops Loving You”

 

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

 

  • Carly Pearce – “Every Little Thing”

 

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR

Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

 

  • Kane Brown feat. Lauren Alaina – “What Ifs”

 

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • From CMT Crossroads: Backstreet Boys and Florida Georgia Line – “Everybody”

For more information, follow @CMT on Twitter and Instagram, use hashtag #CMTawards and like the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

About CMT

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press.

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