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How Country Artists Express Their Love on Valentine’s Day

By on February 14, 2018 in Music, The Latest

How do some country artists express their love on Valentine’s day? Read below to find out!

Lucas Hoge

Lucas Hoge
I Iike to put my own touch on Valentine’s day instead of making a reservation and ordering something to be delivered, I’d rather be at home with my wife having made her favorite things!

 

Cypress Spring- 
Tyler Ackerman- The best Valentine’s day gift I’ve ever given was a huge teddy bear!! It was bigger than her and more expensive than my whole outfit!!! The best gift I have ever received was bullets for my gun. We usually celebrate with dinner and a movie and give each other little gifts like candy and our son gets candy as well.
Kalan Miller- I usually do the card and flowers, then dinner and a movie thing. I never really get anything other than a card.
Paul Roche- I’m probably the least romantic in the band. I might splurge with a dinner and a movie.

Dustin Collins
I love celebrating Valentine’s day with a classic date night, dinner and a movie.

Tommy Chayne- 
This year I think I’m going to set the smoke alarms off on purpose and hide and act like a firefighter. Suit and all. “I hear you’re burning for love,” then proceed to dance to “macho man.” Yeah that’ll be perfect.

Southern Halo-
Natalia—I like to make heart-shaped sugar cookies for all of our neighbors, friends and family. They’re so good, and what better way to tell someone you love them than to make them cookies?!
Christina—I buy sweet surprises for my sisters, friends and family, because they’re all my valentine!
Hannah— I hug everyone I encounter that day to let them know they are loved!

Colton Swon of Swon Brothers – 
The best Valentines gift I have given I would say, is the year I surprised Caroline with a private chef that gave us cooking lessons in the comfort of our own home. We played our own version of chopped in a house full of lit candles and roses! Best gift I’ve received was a small stuffed animal giraffe from my fiancé. One of our first dates was at the zoo and we will never forget it because we saw two giraffes mating. When I saw the stuffed animal I lost it and knew exactly why she had gotten me a giraffe. Every time I look at I still crack up. When celebrating Valentine’s day it’s go big or go home. One of my favorite days of the year.

Craig Wayne Boyd- 
Last year’s Valentine’s Day fun with my wife Taylor included oysters, getting tipsy and getting our ring tattoos. This year, we’re going on “dates” with the other men/women in our lives. Taylor and I decided to take the older two kids, Jax and Kota, out separately to do something special! 

Glen Templeton
As an artist based on tradition I express love on Valentine’s Day with tradition…an entire day of “whatever you wants” and “anything you say’s” Roses, a box of candy (That I usually end up eatin’), a card and that special gift, followed by a good evening supper make for another day to indulge in gratitude for my soul mate…​​

Shelby Lee Lowe-
The best Valentine’s gift I’ve ever given would have to be tickets to Bonnaroo.
I usually celebrate with a low-key dinner somewhere that is fancy (within my budget). If that doesn’t work out, there’s always Cracker Barrel.

Hailey Verhaalen-
I would say the best valentine’s gift I have received was probably the stud emerald earrings (My birthstone) that my dad gave me one year a while back. They are my only pair of real diamond earrings, and they are beautiful! From a significant other though…. I would say tickets to the Grand Ole Opry. It was SO cool being there for Valentines Day 🙂
Celebrating depends on the year and if I’m in a relationship or not. This year, I will celebrate Valentine’s day on February 15th instead by buying myself 50% off chocolate once it goes on sale 😉 #SingleLife

Dave Cohen (reigning ACM Piano / Keyboard Player of the Year):
In the 1st grade I gave my crush a box of chocolates. But unfortunately ,her dog ate them and got sick. Everybody survived 🙂 I celebrate myself by taking the day off work and sleeping!

Carolyn Routh (of the Americana/Country group Nu-Blu):
A few years ago, Daniel (my husband) and I didn’t get a chance to do anything special for Valentine’s Day because we had a show that night. When we arrived at the venue, the promoter gave me a box of chocolate covered strawberries. It was so thoughtful and sweet of him to think of me. I will always remember this unexpected surprise.
Daniel and I are usually out on tour during Valentine’s Day, so we try and go out to eat someplace special. Sometimes we just cuddle up on the bus and watch a movie. Having a little alone time is always the best way to celebrate no matter where we are.

Haley Mae Campbell-
I remember when I was in high school, I woke up on Valentine’s morning and went into my bathroom to get ready for school. There was a pretty pink bag with balloons attached sitting on my bathroom counter, and inside I found all three of the Urban Decay “Naked” eyeshadow palettes! Not sure who tipped off my dad for that one, but it was definitely an awesome gift that I still use to this day!
Personally, I’ve always loved Valentine’s Day, whether single or attached. My first album, “Hugs & Disses,” came out on Valentine’s Day 2015, so I always celebrate the anniversary of that project! This year I’m attending a Phoebe Bridgers concert at Cannery Ballroom, which might be the most anti-Valentine’s Valentine’s activity ever (if you know Phoebe’s music, you know what I mean). I absolutely can’t wait!

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Sandra Lynn Releases FIGHT EP: Chapter 1 Of 3-Part Series

By on January 20, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit:  Daria Nagovitz

Country music singer-songwriter, Sandra Lynn released a new EP, titled FIGHT, yesterday on iTunes, Spotify, GooglePlay, and Amazon. The new release is Chapter One of a three-part series, to be released throughout 2018, and features four new tracks, including “Fight,” “Rest In Pieces,” the EP focus track “Somebody Kissed Me At A Bar,” and “From The Outside.”

FIGHT is a testament to how Lynn has grown as an artist as she reveals deeply felt emotions and puts them into the music. “These songs touch on the vulnerable and intimate details we ladies like to talk about behind closed doors with one another,” she says of FIGHT, which features contributions from hit songwriters such as Rachel Proctor, Shane Stevens, Matthew West, and Melissa Pierce, including her collaboration with Jake Scott (“From The Outside”). “The songs convey the push and pull in relationships, which take work; sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t. I want listeners to feel that friction, but to also come away with a hopeful feeling that what’s meant to be will always work itself out. Fight for what you love, work for what you want, and don’t take relationships for granted.”

Photo credit: Daria Nagovitz

Taken together, the songs on FIGHT tell a story about a couple who are struggling to save their relationship (“Fight”), but eventually realize they must call it quits (“Rest In Pieces), though one isn’t so sure they’re over their former love when someone new tries to sweep them off their feet (“Somebody Kissed Me At A Bar”). The final song, “From The Outside,” delivers the larger message of Lynn’s story, which is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. “What might appear to be happy on the outside might, in fact, be broken on the inside,” she says. “I hope the takeaway is not to wish for someone else’s life because you never know what goes on behind closed doors.”

Lynn’s new song, “Somebody Kissed Me At A Bar” is set to receive support through Spotify, and the music video debuted exclusively yesterday via CMT.com and CMT’s 24/7 digital all-music channel, CMT Music. Click here to view the video.

FIGHT was recorded at Ocean Way Studios and is produced by Grammy award-winning producer/engineer, Ben Fowler (Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Sara Evans, Maddie and Tae).

Back in 2017, in mixing tradition with her own contemporary flair, Lynn released “Hey California;” which debuted on Radio Disney. The video for the single aired on Great American Country (GAC), The Country Network, The Heartland Network, and on CMT Music. 

Lynn currently splits her time between Los Angeles and Nashville, where she’s immersed herself among Music City’s creative community and has worked with some of Nashville’s most successful songwriters and producers including Rascal Flatts,’ Jay DeMarcus, Dave Brainard, Ross Copperman, Jeremy Spillman, Hall of Famers Gary Burr and Tom Schuyler, Tia Sillers, Victoria Banks, Paul Brandt, Mike Mobley, as well as ascending young songwriters Bobby Hamrick and Dave Pittenger. Lynn has also made a name for herself on the live circuit, opening for Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney, Cole Swindell, Kenny Rogers, Jana Kramer, and Josh Thompson, as well as performing during CMA Fest, the KNE New Music Stage at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, and playing local Nashville venues, including 3rd and Lindsley and The Listening Room.

For more information about Sandra Lynn, visit www.SandraLynnMusic.com and her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

FIGHT EP Track List:
1. Fight (Rachel Proctor, Shane Stevens, Matthew West)
2. Rest In Pieces (Courtney Cole, Jeff Pardo, Melissa Pierce)
3. Somebody Kissed Me At A Bar (Brooke Eden, Dave Pittenger, Justin Wilson)
4. From The Outside (Sandra Lynn, Jake Scott)

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Country Newcomer Kassi Ashton Releases “California, Missouri”

By on January 20, 2018 in In The Press

Newcomer Kassi Ashton, recently named “Who to Watch” by Huffington Post, The Tennessean, and radio personality Bobby Bones’ Class of 2018, releases “California, Missouri” to all digital partners yesterday. Listen HERE.

 

Quickly making a name for herself with her soulful voice and authentic songwriting, Kassi shares, “This is the song I always knew I wanted to write. It’s an intro in to everything I am.” In the deeply personal song, Kassi digs into her experience as a self-described black sheep, ridiculed for her individuality and ready to break away. “I want the people who live here [California, Mo.] to hear it and know that I love them, but I also want them to know how bad it hurt,” she continues. “I also want them to realize that the hurt and the beauty is what made me who I am completely.”

 

In addition to writing the autobiographical “California, Missouri,” Kassi created the concept and graphics for the song artwork. “This is my introduction to the world,” she says. “I wanted people to get more than just a pretty picture.” Comprised of seven layered images all shot at her father’s farm, Kassi aimed for “high fashion editorial in front of a cliché, but honest, rural country background.” The multiple layers each have significant meaning and range from one of her high school senior pictures, a time when the young songwriter says, “dreams were still dreams,” to a pile of junk outside her dad’s shop and a horse trailer. Kassi explains, “I’ve always tried to make beauty out of a mess – and I’m kind of a creative mess – and it’s unconventional. I like things that are unconventional and skipped over.” One of the final images is of three-year-old Kassi performing at her grandparents’ home. Thinking back on all of those years with one goal in mind, Kassi shares, “I’ve thought about this my entire life – every day since I was that age – and now I’m living it.”

 

For a more in-depth, unapologetic view into Kassi’s “California, Missouri,” visit www.KassiAshton.com.

 

www.KassiAshton.com | Facebook @KassiAshton | Instagram @KassiAshton | Twitter @KassiAshton

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Country Icon Mel Tillis Passes Away At Age 85

By on November 19, 2017 in In The Press

Following a lengthy struggle to regain his health, country music legend Mel Tillis passed away early this morning at the Munroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Florida. Tillis battled intestinal issues since early 2016 and never fully recovered. The suspected cause of death is respiratory failure. Tillis was 85.

 

The Country Music Hall of Famer leaves behind six children (Pam Tillis, Connie Tillis, Cindy Shorey, Sonny Tillis, Carrie April Tillis, and Hannah Puryear), six grandchildren, a great grandson, a sister (Linda Crosby) and brother (Richard Tillis), the mother of five of his children (Doris Tillis), his longtime partner (Kathy DeMonaco), and many lifelong friends and fans around the world.

 

The Tillis family asks for your prayers and will soon release more information regarding funeral services in Florida and Nashville.

 

Lonnie Melvin Tillis was born in Tampa, Florida on August 8, 1932. Throughout his 60+ year career, the Grand Ole Opry member recorded more than 60 albums, had 35 Top Ten singles, six #1 hits (“I Ain’t Never,” “Coca-Cola Cowboy,” “Southern Rains,” “Good Woman Blues,” “Heart Healer,” and “I Believe In You”), was named the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year, and was elected a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He wrote over 1,000 songs, 600 of which have been recorded by major artists including Kenny Rogers (“Ruby, Don’t You Take Your Love To Town”), George Strait (“Thoughts Of A Fool”), and Ricky Skaggs (“Honey, Open That Door”). Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) named Tillis Songwriter of the Decade for two decades. In February of 2012 President Obama awarded Tillis the National Medal of Arts.

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Delta Rae: Big Percussion. Big voices. Why You Need To Know Them.

By on November 3, 2017 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Music, The Latest

One of my new favorite groups is signed to Big Machine/Valory Music Company, Delta Rae.

Delta Rae formed in 2009 and are originally from Durham, NC.  The 6-piece band is comprised of Liz Hopkins and Brittany Holljes, who front the group taking lead vocals.  Harmonies by Eric Holljes (vocals, piano) and Ian Holljes (vocals, guitar).  Mike McKee on drums and Grant Emerson on bass.

Their new single just released to country radio is “No Peace in Quiet”, a beautiful ballad written by Eric Holljes during a difficult time in his life following a break-up.  Finding himself very alone in his apartment following the break-up, the song flowed out of him as he struggled to come to terms with a loss he blamed himself for and seeking some solace in music.  It’s a very personal song for him that is even difficult for him to talk about, much less take lead to sing it.  Liz takes the lead singing this song with harmonies from all.  A mesmerizing and heartfelt song.

Ever since I first saw this group perform a few years back, they have stood out to me.  Intriguing and just different from everyone else out there.

Their passion for the music, energy, harmonies, and larger-than-life performances create magic from their stage.  It’s not something that can be defined or explained by simple words.  They must be experienced live, then you’ll understand the special, intriguing qualities that make this group different and ones you need to watch.

Watch the video for their current single; “No Peace In Quiet” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7J446geYJI

 

 

 

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Album Review: Kelsea Ballerini | UNAPOLOGETICALLY

By on October 29, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, Music

Picking up right where THE FIRST TIME left off, Kelsea Ballerini brings us her sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, releasing Friday, November 3rd.

Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the last couple of years, you have no doubt witnessed the skyrocketing rise of Kelsea Ballerini in country music; everything from multiple #1 hits from her first release to her first headlining tour to CMA, ACM, and GRAMMY nominations.

Ballerini is a vibrant, sparkling star that has helped new female artists bust those doors open at country radio, which has been difficult for female artists to break through and get airplay in during recent years.  She is the first new female artist in years to achieve a #1 hit song, much less multiple #1 songs, off her debut album on Black River Entertainment.

This album covers the last two and a half years of my life in the order of how it happened. I released The First Time when I was 21. I was so new, and I was so excited to just be able to go out on radio tour and play shows. The things that I was going through in my personal life at the time I didn’t share; I wrote about them instead. So, this is the first time that I’m able to actually talk about my life and the amazing things that have happened – and the not so amazing things that have happened – over the last few years. I feel like being able to lay it all out as it happened, in order, honestly feels so liberating and freeing. Being able to sing that truth every night is going to be a such a big gift.

This album is no sophomore slump, as so many in the past have experienced.  As much as I loved THE FIRST TIME and wore it out in my car’s cd player, this album shows such growth and beautiful lyrical imagery from Ballerini that it has become my new favorite.

It is extremely-difficult for me to pick a favorite off of this 12-track release because I find something that I love in each and every song, but here goes:

“Graveyard” holds the strongest of lyrical imagery and this mid-tempo tune is probably my favorite as she sings of lost love that hurt her and not wanting to be “another heart in your graveyard”.

“Roses” is a mid-tempo tune that has that feel of exuberance as she looks back at how good a love once was with fond memories, but her heart has now healed and she is finally at a place in life where ready to move on.”

“End Of The World” will tug at your heartstrings as Ballerini sings of how she “thought the stars had lost their shine”.

“Unapologetically” brings Ballerini full circle as she sings of being “unapologetically in love” and how “it doesn’t phase me when they call me crazy”.  She is obviously singing about the love she has found in fiance, Morgan Evans, who is signed to Warner Music Nashville.

There is so very much to love about this album.  Ballerini shares her heart and her truth on this release as she brings you on her personal journey of heartbreak, personal growth, discovery of who she is, who she wants to be, and is living her life “unapologetically” out loud.  It is beautiful and a must-have for your music collection.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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Grammy-Nominated Country Sensation Cam Releases Much-Anticipated New “Single,” Diane, Today!

By on October 27, 2017 in In The Press

Available for Download and Streaming, “Diane” Was Written and Produced by the Team Behind Cam’s Platinum-Selling #1 Smash, “Burning House”, The Most-Downloaded Song by a Female Country Artist Released Since 2015.

Photo credit: Dennis Leupold

Acclaimed, multi-award-nominated songstress Cam is sure to delight fans anxious for new music as she previews her 2018 Arista Nashville/RCA Records sophomore album with the release of “Diane,” the forthcoming collection’s debut single, available now HERE.

Inspired by the storyline of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” the driving, tempo-rich track delivers a sonically refreshing tale of love and regret and commiseration.  The song was co-written by Cam, Jeff Bhasker, and Tyler Johnson, the team behind the most-downloaded song by a female country artist released since 2015—Cam’s Platinum-certified #1 smash, “Burning House”—which propelled Cam to her first GRAMMY®, ACM, CMA, CMT, and American Music Awards nominations.

About the song, Cam shares, “‘Diane’ is my response to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene.’  It’s the apology so many spouses deserve, but never get.  The other woman is coming forward to break the news to the wife about an affair, respecting her enough to have that hard conversation, once she realized he was married.  Because everyone should be able to decide their own path in life, based on the truth.  Women especially should do this for each other, since our self-worth can still be so wrapped up in our partners.  And in true country fashion, I’ve set the whole raw story to upbeat music, so you can dance while you process it all.”

A GRAMMY winner as Producer of the Year, Jeff Bhasker (Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars) and multiple-GRAMMY nominee Tyler Johnson (Harry Styles, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran) produced “Diane,” in addition to co-writing the song with Cam.  Bhasker and Johnson also produced Cam’s widely acclaimed 2015 major-label debut, Untamed.

As part of the excitement surrounding the single release, Cam will perform “Diane” and other songs as part of a 30-minute Facebook Livestream event at 11 AM, CT, on October 31, with the performance originating from an intimate music space in Sony Music Nashville’s office in the Gulch area of downtown Nashville, near Music Row.  Stream Cam’s performance HERE.

Among other appearances in support of “Diane,” California-native Cam is looking ahead to the launch of her Best Coast Tour, headlining nine West Coast dates beginning November 28.  Having recently opened selected shows on Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s blockbuster Soul2Soul Tour and for international star Harry Styles at his sold out Ryman Auditorium show in Nashville, Cam is also set to wrap her opening slot on George Strait’s 2017 residency tour at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with shows December 8 and 9.  For complete tour dates, please visit www.camcountry.com.

Along with working on her upcoming album, Cam’s busy 2017 included co-writing the song “Palace” with Sam Smith and Tyler Johnson on Sam Smith’s forthcoming album, The Thrill of It All, releasing November 3.  She also contributed background vocals and electric guitar to the track.

About Cam
California-born singer/songwriter Cam emerged as one of the true breakthrough artists of the past two years, achieving her first Platinum record and first #1 country single with “Burning House,” which earned her a GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. In fact, she was the only female country act to release a song in 2015 and amass a million downloads by the end of the year.  The success also sparked Cam to six nominations for the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards (most-nominated female), two nods for the American Country Countdown Awards and three nominations for the CMT Music Awards (tied for most-nominated artist), two nominations for the 50th Annual CMA Awards, and one for the 2016 American Music Awards. Her Untamed album on Arista Nashville/RCA Records, which released December 11, 2015, debuted at #2 on Billboard ’s Top Country Albums chart with the year’s best first-week album sales by a debut country artist.  Untamed was met with widespread critical acclaim from The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, PEOPLE, Associated Press, and many others. Cam, who co-wrote each of her 11 debut album tracks, has appeared on national TV programs including Good Morning America, Today, CBS This Morning, The Voice, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Talk, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, LIVE with Kelly, The Grammys, ACM Awards, and The 10th ACM Honors CBS special (with Alicia Keys). In addition to completing her first headline concert series, 2016’s The Burning House Tour , this rising country star opened two major 2016 tours: Brad Paisley’s Crushin’ It Tour and Dierks Bentley’s Somewhere on a Beach Tour. The Apple Music Festival 2015 in London, Stagecoach, SXSW, ACM Lifting Lives Party for a Cause, CMA Music Festival, the Grand Ole Opry, and the C2C Festival in the UK and Ireland are among the many events in which Cam has participated over the past two years.

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Album Review: Chris Young | LOSING SLEEP

By on October 25, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, Music

Chris Young has just released his 7th studio project entitled, LOSING SLEEP, on RCA.

The 10-track project is a strong effort with thoughtful lyrics and several standout tunes that are sure to become future number one hits for the extremely-talented artist.

A first for him is Young co-wrote every song on the album this time.  He also co-produced like with his last 2 projects.  This is his third release in 3 years.  He is clearly on a roll, staying extremely busy, and fresh off his Opry induction, which is so richly-deserved for him.  He has worked very hard to get where he is over the course of many years and maintains a strong work ethic throughout, which is why he has seen such success.

As usual, Young’s voice is perfection on this release.  Basically, he could sing the phonebook and make it sound good with his distictive baritone voice.  Young exhibits such control with his voice, as always.  He can be a powerhouse vocalist when he wants to or sing a beautiful, slower ballad flawlessly.

Heartbreaking and beautiful are: “Losing Sleep”, “Where I Go When I Drink”, and the album’s signature song, “Blacked Out.”  You can’t say that these are anything other than pure country.

My personal favorite off the album that I can’t seem to get enough of playing over and over is the uptempo & lighter, “She’s Got A Way”.

Buy this album now.  Just released October 20th.  It will appeal to all country fans whether you are into a more traditional sound or contemporary, there is something for everyone on this.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Track list for LOSING SLEEP:

1. “Losing Sleep” (Chris Young, Chris DeStefano, Josh Hoge)
2. “Hangin’ On” (Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Josh Hoge)
3. “Holiday” (Chris Young, Cary Barlowe, Johnny Bulford, Corey Crowder)
4. “Radio and the Rain” (Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Josh Hoge)
5. “Where I Go When I Drink” (Chris Young, Tyler Reeve, Trent Tomlinson)
6. “She’s Got a Way” (Chris Young, Cary Barlowe, Corey Crowder)
7. “Leave Me Wanting More” (Chris Young, Corey Crowder, John Pierce)
8. “Trouble Looking” (Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Liz Rose)
9. “Woke Up Like This” (Chris Young, Corey Crowder, Josh Hoge)
10. “Blacked Out” (Chris Young, Josh Hoge, Jon Randall)

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Brantley Gilbert Announces The ONES THAT LIKE ME 2018 Tour

By on October 16, 2017 in In The Press

Winter Tour Kicks Off February 1 in Worcester, MA, More Dates to Come

With Rolling Stone Citing THE DEVIL DON’T SLEEP Best of 2017, It’s Gonna Rock

Photo courtesy of Valory Music Co.

Brantley Gilbert spent all of 2017 taking his music to the people. Working the Rust Belt, the Heartland, the mid-South, the deep South and the Northeast, Gilbert knows it’s the people who make – and keep – the music strong. As Billboard said of the Georgia born’n’raised songwriter, “Brantley Gilbert knows his audience. With a pair of platinum albums and nine of his singles being certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum, Gilbert’s music strikes a chord with people.”

And that’s exactly why he’s calling this year’s tour The Ones That Like Me 2018.

“People tell you all kinds of things about marketing,” Gilbert says of his tour’s name. “But I want to call it something that speaks to what this tour is: a chance for me to get together with all the people out there who get this music, who believe in these songs and live their lives just like the people back home do. We are all proud Americans, who try to stand up and do the right thing. That isn’t marketing, that’s life – and that’s what my music is made of.”

Having spent the summer playing – and selling out — hard ticket dates in amphitheaters, as well as handful of festivals as headliner, Gilbert got to look the BG Nation in the eye. As he’s home waiting for the birth of his first child, he’s reflected on the power and the heart of those people, and he’s even more determined to give them a show that gives back everything they are!

“I say every album is a chapter of my life,” Gilbert explains, as the first 19 dates of his tour go on-sale. “It’s real, even when it’s simple – because life is pretty simple, even when it’s rough. ‘One Hell of an Amen’ looks some tough stuff in the eye, and stands tall. It’s how I was raised, and I think everyone in the BG Nation feels it the same way. So these aren’t just my songs, they’re the songs of all of our lives. When I get back out there, man, we’re gonna have even more life to lift up and celebrate.”

The Ones That Like Me 2018 Tour kicks off February 1 at DCU Center in Worcester, MA. The initial leg of what promises to be Gilbert’s most gauntlet-throwing live experience yet – one that dials back the pyro and turns up the musical intensity – is slated for 36 concerts. Joining the hard-hitting songwriter is outspoken singer/songwriter Aaron Lewis and newcomer Josh Phillips.

With THE DEVIL DON’T SLEEP (The Valory Music Co.) debuting at No. 1 for physical sales and JUST AS I AM winning the 2014 American Music Awards Favorite Country Album, Gilbert connects with the flyover. When Rolling Stone assessed the Best of Country and Americana so far this year, Gilbert’s soul-scraping album – written completely by the Georgia native – made on the list alongside progressive truth tellers Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Allison Krauss and Nikki Lane.

Deeming it “the soundtrack to Friday night in small towns everywhere,” critic Jon Freeman wrote, “Where the majority of bro-country’s standard bearers switched up their approaches upon Chris Stapleton’s coronation as country’s new king – softening their sound with boy band-flavored pop or moving away from the party vibe to more adult songwriting – Gilbert stuck to his guns and released his best album yet with The Devil Don’t Sleep.”

Entertainment Weekly concurred declaring, “With swaggering guitars, catchy hooks, and a DGAF attitude, Devil promises to keep the ‘One Hell Of An Amen’ singer at the top of the country charts.” NPR offered, “the tough guy tentatively wading into introspective territory…Gilbert is acutely aware of what keeps his audience feeling connected to him — that his fans, branded the BG Nation, identify with his bellicose tone, his defiant posture, the contempt he aims at any hint of condescension, the slight suggestion of softness behind the sneer.”

THE ONES THAT LIKE ME 2018 TOUR DATES
WITH Aaron Lewis & Josh Phillips2/1 | DCU Center – Worcester, MA
2/2 | GIANT Center – Hershey, PA
2/3 | Times Union Center – Albany, NY
2/8 | Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, SC
2/9 | Thompson Boling Arena – Knoxville, TN
2/10 | BancorpSouth Arena – Tupelo, MS
2/15 | EagleBank Arena – Fairfax, VA
2/16 | The James Brown Arena – Augusta, GA
2/17 | North Charleston Coliseum – Charleston, SC
3/24 | Tuscaloosa Amphitheater – Tuscaloosa, AL
4/19 | Lexington Center-Rupp Arena – Lexington, KY
4/20 | Salem Civic Center – Salem, VA
4/21 | Eastern Kentucky Expo Center – Pikeville, KY
4/26 | Wright State University Nutter Center – Daytone, OH
4/27 | ISU Hulman Center – Terre Haute, IN
4/28 | Walmart Amp-Arkansas Music Pavillion – Rogers, AR
5/10 | US Cellular Center – Cedar Rapids, IA
5/11 | Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
5/12 | Erie Insurance Arena – Erie, PA

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CMT World Premieres Smithfield’s “When You’re Gone” Music Video Today

By on October 12, 2017 in In The Press

‘Sounds Like Nashville’ Debuts Behind-the-Scenes Footage

Billboard’s ‘You Should Know’ country duo Smithfield, is world premiering the music video for “When You’re Gone” exclusively on CMT Music today. The video, directed by Tim Duggan (Sturgill Simpson, The Delta Saints), was shot at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge in Madison, TN and follows three couples of different ages as they enjoy a night out on the town. The video will air at 6:56am (Premiere), 10:58am, 12:56pm, 2:37pm, 4:57pm, 6:58pm (Primetime), 8:38pm and 10:57pm CT today and can be seen on CMT.com HERE.

Premiere country site Sounds Like Nashville debuted behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot HERE.

The groundbreaking duo’s ‘sexiest song yet’ (Rolling Stone Country) “When You’re Gone” has accumulated more than 1 million streams on Spotify and is climbing SiriusXM The Highway’s ‘Hot 30 Countdown.’ The Texas bred twosome is currently in-studio recording material for their sophomore EP.

Smithfield’s entire debut EP is available on iTunes HERE.

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