Miranda Lambert says what's on her mind and on her wedding day, she’ll have no problem showing off what God gave her!
“She’s a real woman and I love that about her,” Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott said Monday at the American Country Awards, “so it will be something that shows off her curves.”
Scott, along with her two bandmates, has been invited to attend the nuptials and has already begun planning her wedding gift for the pair.
“They’re perfect for each other,” said Scott, who added that she’s thinking about getting them “some kind of pistol,” since “they like to hunt together.”
Scott, however, may be putting more thought into the wedding than Lambert’s fiance, Blake Shelton, who says he’s letting Lambert do all the planning.
“Last I heard the wedding date was in the spring, but that’s a constantly changing event,” he said. “Miranda is going to do this exactly how she wants to do it and I’m staying the hell out of the way.” Blake wisely commented.
(Via WMZQ.com 98.7 WMZQ, Washington, D.C.)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
CMA "Country Christmas" Special COMING SOON!
The day after the 44th Annual CMA Awards, the CMA taped their latest television event. For the taping of this special, Nashville's Bridgestone Arena was transformed into a winter wonderland which included snow, Christmas trees, garland and more . The 14-song special will feature many of todays biggest country music stars performing their favorite Christmas classics:
Brad Paisley- "What Child is This?"
Kellie Pickler- "Santa, Baby"
Sugarland- "Winter Wonderland, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
Rascal Flatts- "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
LeAnn Rimes- "White Christmas", "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
Martina McBride- "O Holy Night", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Darius Rucker- "Candy Cane Christmas"
Little Big Town- "Go Tell It On the Mountain"
Reba- 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"
Sheryl Crow W/ Brad Paisley- "Run, Run Rudolph"
Be sure to set your DVR's or mark down the date! The CMA "Country Christmas" special will air at 9:30pm ET Nov. 29 on ABC.
Brad Paisley- "What Child is This?"
Kellie Pickler- "Santa, Baby"
Sugarland- "Winter Wonderland, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
Rascal Flatts- "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
LeAnn Rimes- "White Christmas", "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
Martina McBride- "O Holy Night", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Darius Rucker- "Candy Cane Christmas"
Little Big Town- "Go Tell It On the Mountain"
Reba- 'Santa Claus is Comin' to Town"
Sheryl Crow W/ Brad Paisley- "Run, Run Rudolph"
Be sure to set your DVR's or mark down the date! The CMA "Country Christmas" special will air at 9:30pm ET Nov. 29 on ABC.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
44th Annual CMA Awards Recap
NASHVILLE—Brad Paisley took home the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” award. Miranda Lambert led with four awards Sunday at the 44th annual Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, TN.
Top-selling Lambert had a huge night Wednesday, taking home four trophies, including: “Album of the Year” for ‘Revolution’, “Top Female Vocalist”, “Song of the Year” and “Music Video of the Year” both for her emotional hit “The House That Built Me”.
Lambert’s hard work this past year did not go unnoticed. Lambert took home trophies for “Album of the Year” for her critically appraised album “Revolution” as well as “Top Female Vocalist”, beating out Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Taylor Swift.
Other big winners on the night were Zac Brown Band, who took home the “New Artist of the Year” award and Lady Antebellum who won “Vocal Group of the Year” and Blake Shelton who walked away with a big “Top Male Vocalist” award- His first in this category.
Sugarland took home the “Vocal Duo of the Year” award, and performed their latest hit, “Stuck Like Glue”
Other acts performing included Brad Paisley with a never-before-heard song, “This is Country Music”, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum with an emotional performance of their latest, “Hello World”.
Perhaps the greatest performance of the night came as Miranda Lambert and cross-over artist Sheryl Crow performed “Coalminers Daughter” alongside country legend Loretta Lynn, celebrating Lynn’s 50 years in the music industry.
Top-selling Lambert had a huge night Wednesday, taking home four trophies, including: “Album of the Year” for ‘Revolution’, “Top Female Vocalist”, “Song of the Year” and “Music Video of the Year” both for her emotional hit “The House That Built Me”.
Lambert’s hard work this past year did not go unnoticed. Lambert took home trophies for “Album of the Year” for her critically appraised album “Revolution” as well as “Top Female Vocalist”, beating out Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Taylor Swift.
Other big winners on the night were Zac Brown Band, who took home the “New Artist of the Year” award and Lady Antebellum who won “Vocal Group of the Year” and Blake Shelton who walked away with a big “Top Male Vocalist” award- His first in this category.
Sugarland took home the “Vocal Duo of the Year” award, and performed their latest hit, “Stuck Like Glue”
Other acts performing included Brad Paisley with a never-before-heard song, “This is Country Music”, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum with an emotional performance of their latest, “Hello World”.
Perhaps the greatest performance of the night came as Miranda Lambert and cross-over artist Sheryl Crow performed “Coalminers Daughter” alongside country legend Loretta Lynn, celebrating Lynn’s 50 years in the music industry.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Toby Keith Talks iPhone Recording
The iPhone's got Toby Keith 'hooked'. Keith logged more than 60 song ideas, melodies and hooks using one of his iPhone apps. "For years I carried a little voice recorder around to collect my thoughts for songwriting," Keith says. "But they're like sunglasses; you lose them. You always have your phone with you, and it's backed up every time you dock it at home. So if you lose your phone, you're only going to lose whatever you put on there since you docked it. For me, it's the greatest thing that's happened to songwriting since the invention of the pencil... the quality of the ideas were turned up tremendously and it showed through on this album." The result is Keith's 10-track 14th studio album, "Bullets in the Gun" Out TUESDAY!!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
WIN A FREE Velveeta Shells & Cheese PRIZE PACK!!!! "Best Side of Dinner Challenge"
Hey y'all!
Kraft Foods & Velveeta Shells & Cheese have been kind enough to supply Nashville Noise with a prize pack valued at over $125! This prize pack and contest is in celebration of Rodney Atkins current 12-week, nationwide "Best Side of Dinner Tour" sponsored by Velveeta Shells & Cheese, to bring families together with his new single "Get Together." The Velveeta Shells & Cheese prize pack includes:
Free coupons for Velveeta Shells & Cheese
One Velveeta Shells & Cheese "The best side of Dinner" apron
A Velveeta Shells & Cheese oven mitt
One deluxe Serving Bowl
One 13' Solid and Slotted Nylon Spoon Set
One $25 grocery store gift card
To be eligible to win your very own Velveeta Shells & Cheese prize pack, enter the giveaway by sending an e-mail to:
ajl1861@vt.edu
include your name, address and your funniest family dinnertime story. A winner will be randomly chosen on Monday, July 19 and notified via e-mail.
Good luck, we look forward to reading all of your dinnertime stories!
Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Nashville Noise.
Kraft Foods & Velveeta Shells & Cheese have been kind enough to supply Nashville Noise with a prize pack valued at over $125! This prize pack and contest is in celebration of Rodney Atkins current 12-week, nationwide "Best Side of Dinner Tour" sponsored by Velveeta Shells & Cheese, to bring families together with his new single "Get Together." The Velveeta Shells & Cheese prize pack includes:
Free coupons for Velveeta Shells & Cheese
One Velveeta Shells & Cheese "The best side of Dinner" apron
A Velveeta Shells & Cheese oven mitt
One deluxe Serving Bowl
One 13' Solid and Slotted Nylon Spoon Set
One $25 grocery store gift card
To be eligible to win your very own Velveeta Shells & Cheese prize pack, enter the giveaway by sending an e-mail to:
ajl1861@vt.edu
include your name, address and your funniest family dinnertime story. A winner will be randomly chosen on Monday, July 19 and notified via e-mail.
Good luck, we look forward to reading all of your dinnertime stories!
Kraft Foods is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by Nashville Noise.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Country Throwdown Tour REVIEW!!!
Hell y'all!
I was at the 2010 Country Throwdown Tour this Sunday June 6 in Bristow, Va and I just wanted to let you know how it went. First of all this concept is awesome. Incase you didn't know already, the creator of Vans Warped Tour started this tour with the same idea in mind. I have to say, so far, it is working out great! If you go, make sure you go in at 1...skip tailgating, that can wait for another concert. The Bluebird Cafe Singer/Songwriter Stage was extremely cool. After singing, artists and songwriters like Ashley Ray, Sarah Buxton, Walker Hayes, Troy Olson, etc... would sit at their merchandise booths and just take pictures and sign whatever. It was a great experience. Jamey Johnson was amazing, I highly recommend seeing him, and as usual Eric Church and Montgomery Gentry rocked the house! Another great thing about this tour is that in between set changes on the main stage, the singer/songwriters from the Bluebird Cafe stage were up on the main stage entertaining as the crew set up for the next act. This way you don't go but a couple minutes without music! Overall, I give this tour an A+ and can't wait to see who's on it next year! If you weren't planning on going, think again....don't miss out!!
I was at the 2010 Country Throwdown Tour this Sunday June 6 in Bristow, Va and I just wanted to let you know how it went. First of all this concept is awesome. Incase you didn't know already, the creator of Vans Warped Tour started this tour with the same idea in mind. I have to say, so far, it is working out great! If you go, make sure you go in at 1...skip tailgating, that can wait for another concert. The Bluebird Cafe Singer/Songwriter Stage was extremely cool. After singing, artists and songwriters like Ashley Ray, Sarah Buxton, Walker Hayes, Troy Olson, etc... would sit at their merchandise booths and just take pictures and sign whatever. It was a great experience. Jamey Johnson was amazing, I highly recommend seeing him, and as usual Eric Church and Montgomery Gentry rocked the house! Another great thing about this tour is that in between set changes on the main stage, the singer/songwriters from the Bluebird Cafe stage were up on the main stage entertaining as the crew set up for the next act. This way you don't go but a couple minutes without music! Overall, I give this tour an A+ and can't wait to see who's on it next year! If you weren't planning on going, think again....don't miss out!!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Jamey Johnson: Two New Albums Out Soon!
I know this is sort of old news (about 12 days or so) but I have just heard about this so I figured I would pass it along to all those who are a little out of the loop like myself. Grammy Award winner Jamey Johnson, whos last album, "That Lonesome Song" was released in 2008 by Mercury Nashville, will be releasing two new albums this year! Rolling Stone Magazine is reporting that Johnson has plans to release two new albums. The first album, 'The Guitar Song', will be released in July. Jamey refers to it as his “white album” because it contains more upbeat, radio friendly type material. In the fall he plans to release a darker, more gloomy album that is still untitled, which he calls his “black album,” this album will have a similar vibe to "That Lonesome Song". "If I record all this material, I fully intend to get it out." Says Johnson. I for one CAN NOT WAIT!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Vote Whitney Duncan's "Right Road Now" on GAC top 20!
(Via Whitney Duncan Fans)
Whitney’s “Right Road Now” video is now on the voting list for GAC’s Top 20 Countdown (yay)!!! Let’s start voting hardcore! Each Friday GAC airs the top 20 videos of the week, and if Whitney’s video makes it on the countdown we will be giving away a prize! The first prize will be an autographed copy of Whitney’s album, “Right Road Now”.
Here’s how it will work:
1. Vote for Whitney’s video on GAC
2. Twitter users- update your twitter status to
“I voted for @whitneyduncan’s “Right Road Now” video on @GACtv Top 20 Countdown http://bit.ly/cukEoj via @WhitDuncanFans”
(please tweet it everyday, everytime you vote. You may want to save it to your “favorites” so it will be easier for u to tweet via copy & paste)
Myspace users- send out a mass message (and include us in it so we know)I voted for Whitney Duncan’s “Right Road Now” video on GAC ’s Top 20 Countdown http://bit.ly/cukEoj ”
3. We will keep trace of the status’ that have been updated since we made a way for it to be sent to us to when it’s updated. We will randomly choose a winner every Friday when the countdown airs on tv.
Remember it MUST make the countdown!
I know y'all can do this to help out the beautiful and talented Whitney Duncan!
Whitney’s “Right Road Now” video is now on the voting list for GAC’s Top 20 Countdown (yay)!!! Let’s start voting hardcore! Each Friday GAC airs the top 20 videos of the week, and if Whitney’s video makes it on the countdown we will be giving away a prize! The first prize will be an autographed copy of Whitney’s album, “Right Road Now”.
Here’s how it will work:
1. Vote for Whitney’s video on GAC
2. Twitter users- update your twitter status to
“I voted for @whitneyduncan’s “Right Road Now” video on @GACtv Top 20 Countdown http://bit.ly/cukEoj via @WhitDuncanFans”
(please tweet it everyday, everytime you vote. You may want to save it to your “favorites” so it will be easier for u to tweet via copy & paste)
Myspace users- send out a mass message (and include us in it so we know)I voted for Whitney Duncan’s “Right Road Now” video on GAC ’s Top 20 Countdown http://bit.ly/cukEoj ”
3. We will keep trace of the status’ that have been updated since we made a way for it to be sent to us to when it’s updated. We will randomly choose a winner every Friday when the countdown airs on tv.
Remember it MUST make the countdown!
I know y'all can do this to help out the beautiful and talented Whitney Duncan!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
SUNDAY NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!!
This weeks Sunday spotlight artist is newcomer Matthew Huff. Matthew is a singer/songwriter from Arkansas and has been gaining popularity over the last year and is really starting to take off. His debut single"Back Again" is already climbing up the Music Row Chart and is now at 120 after only four weeks. He lists his biggest influence as Keith Urban, and writes a lot of strong emotional lyrics that everyone can relate to. Matthew is currently touring with the band Riverbilly and will be opening for David Nail in Little Rock on May 27. For more info on Matthew Huff and to hear some of his music, visit his website at www.matthewhuffmusic.com or follow him on Twitter- @MatthewHuff_Mus. The single "Back Again" can be played on the home page by scrolling to the bottom.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Seven Questions with Ashley Ray
The past couple years have been a whirlwind for Show Dog-Universal recording artist and songwriter Ashley Ray. The Kansas native spent the better part of last year on tour with Eric Church and has since been touring relentlessly with her band throughout Texas.
Due to a rapidly growing fan base demanding music, Ashley’s debut EP was released May 4. The EP features five songs, including her successful single “Dirt Cheap”, which features Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. This May, Ashley will embark on the highly anticipated Country Throw Down Tour, which kicks off in Tampa.
I recently sat down with Ashley Ray to ask her a few questions about her new music, her career so far and what’s ahead. The following is an edited selection from and interview Ashley Ray recently granted Nashville Noise.
Q: How was it growing up in Kansas and does it influence your songwriting at all?
Ray: Absolutely! Growing up in Kansas was all I could have ever asked for, especially now that I’m older and don’t get to go back that often, I really realize how it's shaped me as a person. I grew up on a farm so there was always something to work on, be fixed and/or fed. I think that’s why I’m such a hard worker to this day. It’s helped my songwriting of course, because I was and still am a tom boy/country girl. I get to write about what I know, there's nothing cooler than that!
Q: You were on the “Young and Wild” Tour last year with Eric Church and Jonathan Singleton & the Grove. That must have been crazy! How was that for you, experience wise?
Ray: That was amazing! Eric hand picked me and really stuck to his decision. Most of the time artists don’t get to go out on a big tour like that unless they have a single out on the radio. I have the highest amount of respect for him because he sticks to what and who he believes in. That’s the greatest character trait an artist can have I think. The tour was craziness. Jonathan, the guys and I hung out and drank all Eric's Jack every night! We got to be in front of his loyal and crazy fans every night and share our music with them. I’d stay out there with those guys 365 days a year if I could!
For the past year or so, you have been touring hard throughout Texas, and have managed to be successful on the Texas Regional Country Chart with your single “Dirt Cheap”. What made you decide to take your music to the Texas scene? How does it compare to Nashville?
Ray: Texas and Nashville have a completely different music scene. It was fun to see how different they really are. You can tour your whole life in the state of Texas and never leave...its really cool. I decided to head down there for a bunch of reasons...One, I have a bunch of buddies (Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, The Eli Young Band) who kept telling me I should head down and do some shows with them. I couldn’t pass up an offer to hang/party and play music with my buds! Two, Nashville can be a slow business sometimes. I have had a finished record for two years now, all I want and all I’ve ever wanted was to take my music to the fans and play for them. Texas seemed like a place I could do that, so I did. Plus, I’m weirdly connected to Texas in many different ways. My best girlfriends live down there now, my manager is from there and Austin is my most favorite city in the U.S. I followed my gut and I’m thinkin’ it paid off because I met so many wonderful people down there!
Your self titled debut EP was released on May 4th. Can you give us a little background on it? What can we expect to hear on this record?
Ray: You can expect to hear every part of me, Ashley Ray! I’m tough, when I say that, I hope you know I’m not tooting my own horn, it’s just a fact! I get my strength from my mama mostly and I’m proud of that. I don’t take any bullshit and that’s important to have as a woman in this business, whether it be having meetings or driving my big ass 15-passenger van to every bar in Texas! But I do have a heart and I’m still a woman and yes that means I’m emotional at times...you'll hear that too...basically you hear these five songs you'll know who I am!
What is your favorite song on the record?
Ray: Geez, this is the most difficult question I face, having to pick one favorite song, whether it be on my EP or not...its like having to choose favorites with your kids... “I Figured it Out” is my favorite up-tempo probably and “Dirt Cheap” is special to me because it’s my first single. I’m just excited for people to hear it and let me know which ones are THEIR favorites!
The Country Throw down Tour kicks off May 14 in Tampa. You are in the line-up on the Bluebird Café stage. I know that the guy who started Warped Tour started this tour too, so what can the fans expect? Are you excited to be part of a tour this big?
Ray: I’m ecstatic! I can’t believe they actually gave us songwriters/artists an opportunity like this! I feel truly blessed and lucky to be apart of it!! Fans can expect to get up close and personal with us in the bluebird songwriters tent. I want to talk to each and every person who comes through that tent! And I know the other writers will too! I wish something like this would have been going on when I was younger, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to sit right smack dab in front of my favorite songwriters. Songs are where music and artists start. I hope that the fans can walk away knowing that!
What is country music to you?
Ray: Absolutely everything! It’s a release, its a relationship, its my fulfillment. Music in general is air to me! Besides my family, it’s the thing I can remember that I’ve loved the longest!
Due to a rapidly growing fan base demanding music, Ashley’s debut EP was released May 4. The EP features five songs, including her successful single “Dirt Cheap”, which features Mike Eli of the Eli Young Band. This May, Ashley will embark on the highly anticipated Country Throw Down Tour, which kicks off in Tampa.
I recently sat down with Ashley Ray to ask her a few questions about her new music, her career so far and what’s ahead. The following is an edited selection from and interview Ashley Ray recently granted Nashville Noise.
Q: How was it growing up in Kansas and does it influence your songwriting at all?
Ray: Absolutely! Growing up in Kansas was all I could have ever asked for, especially now that I’m older and don’t get to go back that often, I really realize how it's shaped me as a person. I grew up on a farm so there was always something to work on, be fixed and/or fed. I think that’s why I’m such a hard worker to this day. It’s helped my songwriting of course, because I was and still am a tom boy/country girl. I get to write about what I know, there's nothing cooler than that!
Q: You were on the “Young and Wild” Tour last year with Eric Church and Jonathan Singleton & the Grove. That must have been crazy! How was that for you, experience wise?
Ray: That was amazing! Eric hand picked me and really stuck to his decision. Most of the time artists don’t get to go out on a big tour like that unless they have a single out on the radio. I have the highest amount of respect for him because he sticks to what and who he believes in. That’s the greatest character trait an artist can have I think. The tour was craziness. Jonathan, the guys and I hung out and drank all Eric's Jack every night! We got to be in front of his loyal and crazy fans every night and share our music with them. I’d stay out there with those guys 365 days a year if I could!
For the past year or so, you have been touring hard throughout Texas, and have managed to be successful on the Texas Regional Country Chart with your single “Dirt Cheap”. What made you decide to take your music to the Texas scene? How does it compare to Nashville?
Ray: Texas and Nashville have a completely different music scene. It was fun to see how different they really are. You can tour your whole life in the state of Texas and never leave...its really cool. I decided to head down there for a bunch of reasons...One, I have a bunch of buddies (Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, The Eli Young Band) who kept telling me I should head down and do some shows with them. I couldn’t pass up an offer to hang/party and play music with my buds! Two, Nashville can be a slow business sometimes. I have had a finished record for two years now, all I want and all I’ve ever wanted was to take my music to the fans and play for them. Texas seemed like a place I could do that, so I did. Plus, I’m weirdly connected to Texas in many different ways. My best girlfriends live down there now, my manager is from there and Austin is my most favorite city in the U.S. I followed my gut and I’m thinkin’ it paid off because I met so many wonderful people down there!
Your self titled debut EP was released on May 4th. Can you give us a little background on it? What can we expect to hear on this record?
Ray: You can expect to hear every part of me, Ashley Ray! I’m tough, when I say that, I hope you know I’m not tooting my own horn, it’s just a fact! I get my strength from my mama mostly and I’m proud of that. I don’t take any bullshit and that’s important to have as a woman in this business, whether it be having meetings or driving my big ass 15-passenger van to every bar in Texas! But I do have a heart and I’m still a woman and yes that means I’m emotional at times...you'll hear that too...basically you hear these five songs you'll know who I am!
What is your favorite song on the record?
Ray: Geez, this is the most difficult question I face, having to pick one favorite song, whether it be on my EP or not...its like having to choose favorites with your kids... “I Figured it Out” is my favorite up-tempo probably and “Dirt Cheap” is special to me because it’s my first single. I’m just excited for people to hear it and let me know which ones are THEIR favorites!
The Country Throw down Tour kicks off May 14 in Tampa. You are in the line-up on the Bluebird Café stage. I know that the guy who started Warped Tour started this tour too, so what can the fans expect? Are you excited to be part of a tour this big?
Ray: I’m ecstatic! I can’t believe they actually gave us songwriters/artists an opportunity like this! I feel truly blessed and lucky to be apart of it!! Fans can expect to get up close and personal with us in the bluebird songwriters tent. I want to talk to each and every person who comes through that tent! And I know the other writers will too! I wish something like this would have been going on when I was younger, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to sit right smack dab in front of my favorite songwriters. Songs are where music and artists start. I hope that the fans can walk away knowing that!
What is country music to you?
Ray: Absolutely everything! It’s a release, its a relationship, its my fulfillment. Music in general is air to me! Besides my family, it’s the thing I can remember that I’ve loved the longest!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Ashley Ray is our ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Our "artist of the month" for May is Ashley Ray. Kansas native Ashley Ray was on the Young and Wild Tour with Eric Church last year and has since been touring with her band around Texas. Ashley's latest single "Dirt Cheap" Has made it's marks on the Texas Country Chart, but now she is releasing her first EP on May 4! The EP will feature five songs, including the hit 'Dirt Cheap" featuring Mike Eli from the Eli Young Band. This summer, Ashley will be part of the Country Throwdown Tour that kicks off May 15 In Tampa. To find out more about Ashley, visit her website at www.ashleyray.com
Thursday, April 29, 2010
CMA Announces Riverfront Line-up for 2010 CMA Festival
Thursday, June 10: The Judds will give the kick off performance, followed (alphabetically) by Keith Anderson, Diamond Rio, Colt Ford, Joey + Rory, Love and Theft, Neal McCoy, Jake Owen, Josh Thompson, and Clay Walker.
Friday, June 11: Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Patty Loveless, Craig Morgan, Sawyer Brown, Gretchen Wilson, and Chris Young.
Saturday, June 12: Big Kenny, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, and Mel Tillis.
Sunday, June 13: The Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina, James Otto, Restless Heart, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker, and Darryl Worley.
Friday, June 11: Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Patty Loveless, Craig Morgan, Sawyer Brown, Gretchen Wilson, and Chris Young.
Saturday, June 12: Big Kenny, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, and Mel Tillis.
Sunday, June 13: The Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina, James Otto, Restless Heart, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker, and Darryl Worley.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
SUNDAY NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!!
This weeks spotlight artist is ASHLEY RAY. You may or may not have heard her name yet. Chances are though, if you live in TX, you are well aware of her talent. Ashley Ray is from Kansas, and last year she embarked on the "Young and Wild" tour with Eric Church and Jonathan Singleton and the Grove. Now Ashley is continuing to build up her fan base, and has been playing throughout Texas relentlessly. Her current single "Dirt Cheap" is continuing to climb up the TX regional charts. Ashley will have a five song EP out May 3, and will be touring on the Country Throwdown Tour! For more info, visit her site at www.ashleyray.com. Hear "Dirt Cheap" and some of her other songs here: http://tinyurl.com/2fe7u7l. Enjoy!
Monday, April 19, 2010
ACM Awards Recap!
LAS VEGAS—Carrie Underwood took home “Entertainer of the Year” award, Lady Antebellum and Miranda Lambert lead with five and three awards, respectfully, Sunday at the 45th annual Academy of Country Music Awards live from Las Vegas.
Carrie Underwood made history, becoming the first female to win the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” award two times. This was Carrie Underwood’s second consecutive “Entertainer of the Year” award. Underwood was also awarded a “Triple Crown” Award for her last year's triple victory: “Top New Female Vocalist”, Top “Female Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the Year”.
Top-selling trio, Lady Antebellum had a huge night Sunday, taking home five trophies, including: “Top Vocal Group”, “Single Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year”, both for their crossover hit “Need You Now”. “We’ve waited our whole lives for this… Thank you fans! We love you” Said Charles Kelly of Lady Antebellum, after receiving the award for “Single Record of the Year”.
Lambert’s hard work this past year did not go unnoticed. Lambert took home trophies for “Album of the Year” for her critically appraised album “Revolution” as well as “Top Female Vocalist”, beating out Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire and Taylor Swift, and “Music Video of the Year” for her hit single, “White Liar”. ““You’ve got to be kidding me!...Thank you to my peers and the fans. I mean, this is my life and you make it great! Thank you so much!” Lambert exclaimed after winning her “Top Female Vocalist” award.
Brad Paisley took home another “Top Male Vocalist” trophy, marking his fourth consecutive win in this category. Other big winners on the night were Luke Bryan who took home the “Top New Solo Vocalist” and “Top New Artist” awards and Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins who walked away with an off-camera “Vocal Event of the Year” award for their collaboration on the hit “Hillbilly Bone”. “Thank You fans! Thank you… This means the world to me!” Bryan shouted after excepting his first ever ACM award for “Top New Artist”.
Brooks and Dunn took home the “Vocal Duo of the Year” award, and performed their classic hit, “My Maria” in an emotional farewell, as their last ACM performance together as a duo.
Other acts performing included Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Billy Currington, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum.
Star presenters included Matthew McConanughey, actress Kristen Bell, singer and actor Jamie Foxx, rap star LL Cool J and “Dancing With the Stars” champion ballroom dancer Julianne Hough.
Perhaps he biggest surprise of the night came as Taylor Swift walked away empty handed after winning almost all of the major awards in country music throughout the last year. Swift was nominated for five awards, including “Music video of the Year” for “You Belong with Me”, “Top Female Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the
Carrie Underwood made history, becoming the first female to win the coveted “Entertainer of the Year” award two times. This was Carrie Underwood’s second consecutive “Entertainer of the Year” award. Underwood was also awarded a “Triple Crown” Award for her last year's triple victory: “Top New Female Vocalist”, Top “Female Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the Year”.
Top-selling trio, Lady Antebellum had a huge night Sunday, taking home five trophies, including: “Top Vocal Group”, “Single Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year”, both for their crossover hit “Need You Now”. “We’ve waited our whole lives for this… Thank you fans! We love you” Said Charles Kelly of Lady Antebellum, after receiving the award for “Single Record of the Year”.
Lambert’s hard work this past year did not go unnoticed. Lambert took home trophies for “Album of the Year” for her critically appraised album “Revolution” as well as “Top Female Vocalist”, beating out Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire and Taylor Swift, and “Music Video of the Year” for her hit single, “White Liar”. ““You’ve got to be kidding me!...Thank you to my peers and the fans. I mean, this is my life and you make it great! Thank you so much!” Lambert exclaimed after winning her “Top Female Vocalist” award.
Brad Paisley took home another “Top Male Vocalist” trophy, marking his fourth consecutive win in this category. Other big winners on the night were Luke Bryan who took home the “Top New Solo Vocalist” and “Top New Artist” awards and Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins who walked away with an off-camera “Vocal Event of the Year” award for their collaboration on the hit “Hillbilly Bone”. “Thank You fans! Thank you… This means the world to me!” Bryan shouted after excepting his first ever ACM award for “Top New Artist”.
Brooks and Dunn took home the “Vocal Duo of the Year” award, and performed their classic hit, “My Maria” in an emotional farewell, as their last ACM performance together as a duo.
Other acts performing included Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins, Toby Keith, Billy Currington, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert and Lady Antebellum.
Star presenters included Matthew McConanughey, actress Kristen Bell, singer and actor Jamie Foxx, rap star LL Cool J and “Dancing With the Stars” champion ballroom dancer Julianne Hough.
Perhaps he biggest surprise of the night came as Taylor Swift walked away empty handed after winning almost all of the major awards in country music throughout the last year. Swift was nominated for five awards, including “Music video of the Year” for “You Belong with Me”, “Top Female Vocalist” and “Entertainer of the
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Walking Down the "Right Road Now" with Whitney Duncan
For the past two years, Warner Brother’s recording artist and songwriter Whitney Duncan and her fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of her album “Right Road Now”. Sure, we got a sneak peak with the “Selections From Right Road Now” EP, but it’s just not the same. Now, however, her dream is finally becoming a reality.
Whitney’s Duncan’s album “Right Road Now” will be released on April 20. The CD will be released as a digital copy on iTunes and as a physical copy through her official website (www.whitneyduncan.com). According to her website, the label decided to release Duncan’s album exclusively on her web site and iTunes to give her fans the music they have been asking for.
I sat down with Whitney Duncan and asked her a few questions about her new, long awaited album and her career in general. The following is a selection of an edited Q and A session Whitney Duncan recently granted Nashville Noise.
Q: Your long awaited album will finally be released April 20. What can we expect to hear?
WD: I mean, there’s definitely variety, but if you’ve ever been in a crappy relationship with somebody where the guy’s done you wrong, there’s plenty of those songs on there! (Laughs) It really is everything though. I made a very conscious decision on this record. I wanted happy, positive love songs, I want this kind of song, and I want up-tempo, enough of everything so everybody can find something on there. I mean, I obviously have my favorites though, you know, I mean, I co-wrote every song on this album!
Q: You list many artists as influences, both rock and country. Will we hear any heavily rock influenced tracks on this album?
WD: Yeah, it’s definitely edgy. It’s pretty rocking country for sure! But, you know, there’s steel guitar all over it, there’s some fiddle in there, so, you know, its definitely country. You can definitely tell I have a lot of different influences from traditional country to rock ‘n roll, so it’s all in there and you can definitely tell I’ve been influenced by a lot of different types of artist just by listening to it.
Q: What is your favorite song on the new album?
WD: My favorite song on there is “Burn it Down”. I mean, that song is pretty much as mad as you can be, but I just have so much fun singing it and I love it. That song and “So Sorry Momma” is another one of my favorites too.
Q: The name of the album is “Right Road Now” Could you explain to us why you chose this title, and what it means to you?
WD: Well, I just thought that was pretty appropriate. The song (Right Road Now) in itself is about getting out of a bad relationship, and, you know, saying getting out of this is putting me on the right road now…Just in life in general, I feel that this album really came together with the right label, the right producers, the right songs, you know? Just the right team and the right musical path, so I felt like that would be the obvious choice for the title of the record because it just feels right…It was pretty magical the way it all happened. I mean, it was two years ago that we made it, but it really was. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was kind of like Christmas everyday! It was a very happy time and when I finished and turned that record in, I mean, that album is like a piece of me, it really is. So, I hope people like it. It’s been a long time coming for sure (Laughs). I’m just so happy that it’s finally coming out!
Q: Have you picked a follow-up single to your last single “Skinny Dippin”?
WD: We have not. We have not picked a single just yet so it will be interesting to get people’s feedback once the record gets out there!
Q: On April 20th, “Right Road Now” will be released for digital download which seems to be the most popular way to purchase music these days anyway and physical copy through your website but, are there any plans to eventually release it as a physical album in stores?
WD: I’ve heard yes, I don’t have the dates on that yet, but on the website if you order it you get a physical copy and it is also a signed copy. So, I thought that was pretty cool, you know, plus it drives people to the website and gets people interested in me as an artist as well as the music. It will be eventually, one day, I just haven’t been told a date just yet.
Q: You recently got back from a trip overseas in the Middle East on a USO tour. Give us a little bit of a background on how that worked out and some of your experiences over there.
WD: It was a two-week tour of Kuwait and Iraq. We did five shows total. I imagined me sleeping in a tent, things like that you know? And it wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but we actually got to sleep in one of Saddam’s palaces... It was on a big lake, he had built all these man made lakes because water means power (in Iraq) I guess. And so on the back balcony we could fish, we could fish off the back balcony into the lake. We didn’t catch anything, but that doesn’t matter (laughs) Just to be able to say we fished in one of Saddam’s lake, you know...So when we did have a second to breathe, we went out in the back overlooking the lake and got to relax for a little bit. It was just the coolest experience though; I wasn’t ready to come home at all! My mom was like “Aren’t you ready to come home?” I was like “No! I don’t know what to tell you mom I’m sorry but…” (Laughs). I would have stayed another week at least!
Q: Recording, performing live concerts and writing songs are all part of your job, but if you had to choose one, what would you say is your favorite part?
WD: Performing. Absolutely! That is a really hard call to make, because writing songs is like therapy. It is therapy! So, the whole point of it all is to get out to the fans, see their reactions and see how it affects them and to have fun playing the music live. I got my start performing songs and being on stage and being in front of people so that’s what it would all come back to for sure. Even though I love it all…there was a time when I was just focusing on songwriting and not doing the artist thing and it was amazing. I love the artist thing too, I definitely do. It’s a lot more exciting and your day changes everyday. No day’s the same, that’s for sure…but songwriting is amazing, it really is. It definitely gets tough at times and there are days when it feels like you’re doing a crossword puzzle all day long (Laughs). I hate crossword puzzles! But, there’s something gratifying about writing a song and turning it in, like “I just accomplished something!”.
Q: Thank you, Whitney for taking the time to sit down and talk for a little!
WD: Thank you so much!
For more information on Whitney Duncan and her music, visit her website at www.whitneyduncan.com and www.whitneyduncanfans.com. Right Road Now will be released April 20 on iTunes and through Whitney Duncan’s official website.
Whitney’s Duncan’s album “Right Road Now” will be released on April 20. The CD will be released as a digital copy on iTunes and as a physical copy through her official website (www.whitneyduncan.com). According to her website, the label decided to release Duncan’s album exclusively on her web site and iTunes to give her fans the music they have been asking for.
I sat down with Whitney Duncan and asked her a few questions about her new, long awaited album and her career in general. The following is a selection of an edited Q and A session Whitney Duncan recently granted Nashville Noise.
Q: Your long awaited album will finally be released April 20. What can we expect to hear?
WD: I mean, there’s definitely variety, but if you’ve ever been in a crappy relationship with somebody where the guy’s done you wrong, there’s plenty of those songs on there! (Laughs) It really is everything though. I made a very conscious decision on this record. I wanted happy, positive love songs, I want this kind of song, and I want up-tempo, enough of everything so everybody can find something on there. I mean, I obviously have my favorites though, you know, I mean, I co-wrote every song on this album!
Q: You list many artists as influences, both rock and country. Will we hear any heavily rock influenced tracks on this album?
WD: Yeah, it’s definitely edgy. It’s pretty rocking country for sure! But, you know, there’s steel guitar all over it, there’s some fiddle in there, so, you know, its definitely country. You can definitely tell I have a lot of different influences from traditional country to rock ‘n roll, so it’s all in there and you can definitely tell I’ve been influenced by a lot of different types of artist just by listening to it.
Q: What is your favorite song on the new album?
WD: My favorite song on there is “Burn it Down”. I mean, that song is pretty much as mad as you can be, but I just have so much fun singing it and I love it. That song and “So Sorry Momma” is another one of my favorites too.
Q: The name of the album is “Right Road Now” Could you explain to us why you chose this title, and what it means to you?
WD: Well, I just thought that was pretty appropriate. The song (Right Road Now) in itself is about getting out of a bad relationship, and, you know, saying getting out of this is putting me on the right road now…Just in life in general, I feel that this album really came together with the right label, the right producers, the right songs, you know? Just the right team and the right musical path, so I felt like that would be the obvious choice for the title of the record because it just feels right…It was pretty magical the way it all happened. I mean, it was two years ago that we made it, but it really was. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was kind of like Christmas everyday! It was a very happy time and when I finished and turned that record in, I mean, that album is like a piece of me, it really is. So, I hope people like it. It’s been a long time coming for sure (Laughs). I’m just so happy that it’s finally coming out!
Q: Have you picked a follow-up single to your last single “Skinny Dippin”?
WD: We have not. We have not picked a single just yet so it will be interesting to get people’s feedback once the record gets out there!
Q: On April 20th, “Right Road Now” will be released for digital download which seems to be the most popular way to purchase music these days anyway and physical copy through your website but, are there any plans to eventually release it as a physical album in stores?
WD: I’ve heard yes, I don’t have the dates on that yet, but on the website if you order it you get a physical copy and it is also a signed copy. So, I thought that was pretty cool, you know, plus it drives people to the website and gets people interested in me as an artist as well as the music. It will be eventually, one day, I just haven’t been told a date just yet.
Q: You recently got back from a trip overseas in the Middle East on a USO tour. Give us a little bit of a background on how that worked out and some of your experiences over there.
WD: It was a two-week tour of Kuwait and Iraq. We did five shows total. I imagined me sleeping in a tent, things like that you know? And it wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but we actually got to sleep in one of Saddam’s palaces... It was on a big lake, he had built all these man made lakes because water means power (in Iraq) I guess. And so on the back balcony we could fish, we could fish off the back balcony into the lake. We didn’t catch anything, but that doesn’t matter (laughs) Just to be able to say we fished in one of Saddam’s lake, you know...So when we did have a second to breathe, we went out in the back overlooking the lake and got to relax for a little bit. It was just the coolest experience though; I wasn’t ready to come home at all! My mom was like “Aren’t you ready to come home?” I was like “No! I don’t know what to tell you mom I’m sorry but…” (Laughs). I would have stayed another week at least!
Q: Recording, performing live concerts and writing songs are all part of your job, but if you had to choose one, what would you say is your favorite part?
WD: Performing. Absolutely! That is a really hard call to make, because writing songs is like therapy. It is therapy! So, the whole point of it all is to get out to the fans, see their reactions and see how it affects them and to have fun playing the music live. I got my start performing songs and being on stage and being in front of people so that’s what it would all come back to for sure. Even though I love it all…there was a time when I was just focusing on songwriting and not doing the artist thing and it was amazing. I love the artist thing too, I definitely do. It’s a lot more exciting and your day changes everyday. No day’s the same, that’s for sure…but songwriting is amazing, it really is. It definitely gets tough at times and there are days when it feels like you’re doing a crossword puzzle all day long (Laughs). I hate crossword puzzles! But, there’s something gratifying about writing a song and turning it in, like “I just accomplished something!”.
Q: Thank you, Whitney for taking the time to sit down and talk for a little!
WD: Thank you so much!
For more information on Whitney Duncan and her music, visit her website at www.whitneyduncan.com and www.whitneyduncanfans.com. Right Road Now will be released April 20 on iTunes and through Whitney Duncan’s official website.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Bluegrass Brothers Plan "Homecoming" Festival in Salem, Va
For many in Appalachia country, Bluegrass isn’t just a genre of music; it is a way of life. According to John Klainer, a bluegrass enthusiast, of Roanoke, Va.,“Bluegrass music is the true form of American music and the deep tradition and history behind it make it an even greater experience. “
From June 3-5, Roanoke Moose Lodge 248 will host the first annual “Bluegrass Brother’s Homecoming Festival” in Salem, Va.
The three-day event will be held at the Roanoke Moose Lodge at 3233 Catawba Valley Drive, and is set to be loaded with some of the best names in today’s bluegrass music.
Brenda Lawson, a bluegrass radio DJ from Amelia and two-time Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America “DJ of the year” award winner in 2009 and 2010 will be the emcee for this event.
“I’ve been involved with bluegrass for my whole life” says Lawson, who hosts a radio show in Blackstone and works many bluegrass festivals throughout the year including the Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival in Grottoes, Va.
“The Bluegrass Brother’s First Annual Homecoming Festival” will feature bluegrass legends Rhonda Vincent and The Rage as well as The Bluegrass Brothers, Nothin’ Fancy along with 11 other national and regional acts.
“Some local acts will also be appearing including Country Fried Grass of Lynchburg and Virginia Blue of the Shenandoah Valley.” Said Lawson.
But, this event isn’t just for the music. Camping is permitted and the festival will also feature barbeque cookouts, potluck dinners, breakfast buffets, raffle prizes, vendors and designated “open mic” hours. “There’s going to be lots of jamming and the money made goes directly to the Roanoke Moose Lodge, so it’s for a good cause…it’s going to be a great event!” Lawson explained.
“From what I hear, this sounds like it will be a really enjoyable experience for both college-aged kids as well as younger and older folks. It seems very family oriented. I’m looking forward to hearing Rhonda Vincent the most.”, Virginia Tech student Ryan Wheelbarger explained.
Tickets are on sale now and are available as single day passes from $20-25 or three-day festival passes for $45 if purchased before May 15. For more information on “The Bluegrass Brother’s Homecoming Festival” please visit www.thebluegrassbrothers.com. For information on vending opportunities contact Greg Reed at (540) 280-9228.
From June 3-5, Roanoke Moose Lodge 248 will host the first annual “Bluegrass Brother’s Homecoming Festival” in Salem, Va.
The three-day event will be held at the Roanoke Moose Lodge at 3233 Catawba Valley Drive, and is set to be loaded with some of the best names in today’s bluegrass music.
Brenda Lawson, a bluegrass radio DJ from Amelia and two-time Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America “DJ of the year” award winner in 2009 and 2010 will be the emcee for this event.
“I’ve been involved with bluegrass for my whole life” says Lawson, who hosts a radio show in Blackstone and works many bluegrass festivals throughout the year including the Grottoes Family Bluegrass Festival in Grottoes, Va.
“The Bluegrass Brother’s First Annual Homecoming Festival” will feature bluegrass legends Rhonda Vincent and The Rage as well as The Bluegrass Brothers, Nothin’ Fancy along with 11 other national and regional acts.
“Some local acts will also be appearing including Country Fried Grass of Lynchburg and Virginia Blue of the Shenandoah Valley.” Said Lawson.
But, this event isn’t just for the music. Camping is permitted and the festival will also feature barbeque cookouts, potluck dinners, breakfast buffets, raffle prizes, vendors and designated “open mic” hours. “There’s going to be lots of jamming and the money made goes directly to the Roanoke Moose Lodge, so it’s for a good cause…it’s going to be a great event!” Lawson explained.
“From what I hear, this sounds like it will be a really enjoyable experience for both college-aged kids as well as younger and older folks. It seems very family oriented. I’m looking forward to hearing Rhonda Vincent the most.”, Virginia Tech student Ryan Wheelbarger explained.
Tickets are on sale now and are available as single day passes from $20-25 or three-day festival passes for $45 if purchased before May 15. For more information on “The Bluegrass Brother’s Homecoming Festival” please visit www.thebluegrassbrothers.com. For information on vending opportunities contact Greg Reed at (540) 280-9228.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Whitney Duncan (Artist of the Month) Talks USO Tour!
Iraq and Kuwait…Whitney Duncan Style
It’s not everyday you see Whitney Duncan wearing blue jeans with a bulletproof vest and army helmet or shooting machine guns in the middle of the desert. But, her presence is one of many things U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait got to experience this March.
From March 18-31, Duncan, a Warner Brother’s recording artist and songwriter joined and impressive list of her musical peers as she headed over to the Middle East on her first USO tour to provide some much needed entertainment for the troops.
“I didn’t even know it was a possibility, Duncan explained, “but my agent called me and asked me if I would be interested and I didn’t even think twice I was just like absolutely… he knew I’d be totally up for stuff like that you know? I mean, I love shooting guns (laughs) and I have so much respect for those guys and girls over there.” Duncan said, in talking about what made her decide to embark on her first USO tour.
In case you don’t know, the USO is a congressionally charted, non-profit organization that seeks to provide morale and recreation-type services to service members and their families. According to its website, www.uso.org, the USO and country music have a long-standing, well-lasted relationship that began over 65 years ago.
Other country acts to headline USO tours include Toby Keith, Mark Wills, Craig Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Darryl Worley, the Zac Brown Band and many more.
Soldiers were invited to take a break from their work and enjoy a couple hours of fun and music. Spc. Travis J. Carroll from B Co. 2/7th Infantry deeply enjoyed his experience with Whitney Duncan and expressed his gratitude. “It was a great experience!” He said. “She was able to make us smile and laugh and feel like we were back at home, even though we were thousands of miles away. She really boosted our spirits. Especially when she covered a couple of bands from my home state of Indiana! (Laughs).”
Making a trip this far from home required some commitment from Duncan.
“It was a two-week tour of Kuwait and Iraq. We did five shows total. I imagined me sleeping in a tent, things like that, you know? And it wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but we actually got to sleep in one of Saddam’s palaces…It was crazy!” Duncan explained, in talking about her experiences in Iraq. “He had a hand in picking all the décor and picking the colors and stuff. I know you don’t really imagine him being like that but he was. Everything looked like Easter! (Laughs) I mean, it was pastel colors everywhere...It literally looked like a room I would have had when I was like six years old (laughs)…the décor was just really, really young! It was interesting, but it was a palace no doubt, you know?”.
While in Iraq, Duncan had a special opportunity to take part in one soldier’s reenlistment. “I would like to thank her for being apart of my reenlistment the day she visited us over here in Iraq, south of Baghdad… It was awesome! She has amazing talent, a beautiful voice and great songs!” Explained Army Spc. James Moses, who is serving on his second tour in Iraq.
The tour wasn’t all work for her though. When Duncan and her crew weren’t playing shows, shooting guns or meeting members of our armed services, they found time to relax by fishing and watching the sunsets. “The palace was on a big lake, he (Saddam Hussein) had built all these man made lakes because water means power (in Iraq) I guess. And so on the back balcony we could fish, we could fish off the back balcony into the lake. We didn’t catch anything, but that doesn’t matter (laughs) just to be able to say we fished in one of Saddam’s lakes, you know...So, when we did have a second to breathe, we went out in the back overlooking the lake and got to relax for a little bit.”.
Many soldiers didn’t know anything about Whitney Duncan until they heard that she was coming over to perform. “It’s really funny, you know, a lot of them came to see me after my shows and told me ‘I didn’t know who you were before, but when I found out you were coming, I looked up your music’ and people in the crowd were singing along to ‘Skinny Dippin”. How funny is that?”.
Duncan admitted that the concerts she performed over there were a little bit different than her shows over here in the states, in more than one way. “In some of those I actually had Iraqis so, those I definitely don’t see at my shows over here! (Laughs) but, they were very welcoming and respectful. They (the troops) were really excited for me to be over there playing. I mean, I definitely know that they don’t get that much entertainment over there so, you could definitely feel the excitement, so that was very nice.”.
Duncan’s new album, “Right Road Now” will be released on April 20, so she will be working hard in the following months to promote her new music, but according to her, don’t count her out on going back to the Middle East again. “I would do it in a heartbeat! All I got to do is have my agent throw it my way. I even told him that… I don’t even care if it’s in Afghanistan, which, you know, isn’t exactly the safest place to be. I would love to go back over there!” Although it seems very dangerous, Duncan said she felt extremely safe the whole time. “There was never a moment when I didn’t feel safe….we went to downtown Baghdad and we had to wear bulletproof vests, helmet’s and we were in a SUV motorcade. I felt like the President!”.
This feature was written and conducted by Aaron Lee of Nashville Noise
www.noiseofnashville.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/nashvillenoise
Facebook- Nashville Noise
It’s not everyday you see Whitney Duncan wearing blue jeans with a bulletproof vest and army helmet or shooting machine guns in the middle of the desert. But, her presence is one of many things U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait got to experience this March.
From March 18-31, Duncan, a Warner Brother’s recording artist and songwriter joined and impressive list of her musical peers as she headed over to the Middle East on her first USO tour to provide some much needed entertainment for the troops.
“I didn’t even know it was a possibility, Duncan explained, “but my agent called me and asked me if I would be interested and I didn’t even think twice I was just like absolutely… he knew I’d be totally up for stuff like that you know? I mean, I love shooting guns (laughs) and I have so much respect for those guys and girls over there.” Duncan said, in talking about what made her decide to embark on her first USO tour.
In case you don’t know, the USO is a congressionally charted, non-profit organization that seeks to provide morale and recreation-type services to service members and their families. According to its website, www.uso.org, the USO and country music have a long-standing, well-lasted relationship that began over 65 years ago.
Other country acts to headline USO tours include Toby Keith, Mark Wills, Craig Morgan, Lee Ann Womack, Darryl Worley, the Zac Brown Band and many more.
Soldiers were invited to take a break from their work and enjoy a couple hours of fun and music. Spc. Travis J. Carroll from B Co. 2/7th Infantry deeply enjoyed his experience with Whitney Duncan and expressed his gratitude. “It was a great experience!” He said. “She was able to make us smile and laugh and feel like we were back at home, even though we were thousands of miles away. She really boosted our spirits. Especially when she covered a couple of bands from my home state of Indiana! (Laughs).”
Making a trip this far from home required some commitment from Duncan.
“It was a two-week tour of Kuwait and Iraq. We did five shows total. I imagined me sleeping in a tent, things like that, you know? And it wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but we actually got to sleep in one of Saddam’s palaces…It was crazy!” Duncan explained, in talking about her experiences in Iraq. “He had a hand in picking all the décor and picking the colors and stuff. I know you don’t really imagine him being like that but he was. Everything looked like Easter! (Laughs) I mean, it was pastel colors everywhere...It literally looked like a room I would have had when I was like six years old (laughs)…the décor was just really, really young! It was interesting, but it was a palace no doubt, you know?”.
While in Iraq, Duncan had a special opportunity to take part in one soldier’s reenlistment. “I would like to thank her for being apart of my reenlistment the day she visited us over here in Iraq, south of Baghdad… It was awesome! She has amazing talent, a beautiful voice and great songs!” Explained Army Spc. James Moses, who is serving on his second tour in Iraq.
The tour wasn’t all work for her though. When Duncan and her crew weren’t playing shows, shooting guns or meeting members of our armed services, they found time to relax by fishing and watching the sunsets. “The palace was on a big lake, he (Saddam Hussein) had built all these man made lakes because water means power (in Iraq) I guess. And so on the back balcony we could fish, we could fish off the back balcony into the lake. We didn’t catch anything, but that doesn’t matter (laughs) just to be able to say we fished in one of Saddam’s lakes, you know...So, when we did have a second to breathe, we went out in the back overlooking the lake and got to relax for a little bit.”.
Many soldiers didn’t know anything about Whitney Duncan until they heard that she was coming over to perform. “It’s really funny, you know, a lot of them came to see me after my shows and told me ‘I didn’t know who you were before, but when I found out you were coming, I looked up your music’ and people in the crowd were singing along to ‘Skinny Dippin”. How funny is that?”.
Duncan admitted that the concerts she performed over there were a little bit different than her shows over here in the states, in more than one way. “In some of those I actually had Iraqis so, those I definitely don’t see at my shows over here! (Laughs) but, they were very welcoming and respectful. They (the troops) were really excited for me to be over there playing. I mean, I definitely know that they don’t get that much entertainment over there so, you could definitely feel the excitement, so that was very nice.”.
Duncan’s new album, “Right Road Now” will be released on April 20, so she will be working hard in the following months to promote her new music, but according to her, don’t count her out on going back to the Middle East again. “I would do it in a heartbeat! All I got to do is have my agent throw it my way. I even told him that… I don’t even care if it’s in Afghanistan, which, you know, isn’t exactly the safest place to be. I would love to go back over there!” Although it seems very dangerous, Duncan said she felt extremely safe the whole time. “There was never a moment when I didn’t feel safe….we went to downtown Baghdad and we had to wear bulletproof vests, helmet’s and we were in a SUV motorcade. I felt like the President!”.
This feature was written and conducted by Aaron Lee of Nashville Noise
www.noiseofnashville.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/nashvillenoise
Facebook- Nashville Noise
Sunday, April 11, 2010
SUNDAY NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!!
Hey guys! The new artist spotlight for this week is The Josh Abbott band. The Josh Abbott Band is a five-piece band that hail from Texas. And, while these guys aren't exactly new to anyone from Texas, they are new to most mainstream country fans. Their latest single "She's Like Texas" recently made it's way to the top of the Texas regional radio charts, and now they are starting to pick up some attention in the mainstream area of country music. To learn more, visit their website at www.joshabbottband.com. Here is a link to see the music video for "She's Like Texas": http://tinyurl.com/yb6396j Enjoy!
Friday, April 9, 2010
"Freight Train" is Rolling Through Radio Airwaves
Alan Jackson's 'Freight Train" Tour is hitting the airwaves! IF you have Sirius or XM radio services, you will be able to catch the "Freight Train" channel for the next week! The channel is offered on Sirius channel 61 and XM 17. The special channel started today, April 9, at 12p.m. ET and will be available through April 15. The commercial-free channel will feature music from Alan Jackson, George Strait, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack and many more. I wish I had Sirius or XM...
Sunday, April 4, 2010
SUNDAY NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!!
This weeks new artist spotlight shines on "semi-newcomer" Blaine Larsen. Blaine hails from Washington state and describes his music as "unapologetically country". His single "Chillin'" is at country radio now and is just in time, as it is the perfect song for the Spring and Summer months ahead. To learn more about Blaine Larsen visit his website at www.blainelarsen.com and listen to his new song "Chillin'" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIxtUPRR-OY enjoy! If you like what you hear, be sure to call your local station and request!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Whitney Duncan is our April ARTIST OF THE MONTH!
Well, after asking our readers who they thought should be the artist of the month, the overwhelming majority replied with Whitney Duncan. It just make sense! Whitney's highly anticipated "Right Road Now" comes out on April 20, and she just got back from a USO tour over in the Middle East. With the release of her album, it looks like Whitney is going to be a busy, busy woman in the next few months. Will will be posting a few extra things about Whitney this month to honor her as artist of the month, and, her manager and assistant permitting, we are in the process of planning an interview with her to ask her about the music on her new CD as well as her USO tour. We will keep you posted and up to date!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
SUNDAY NEW ARTIST SPOTLIGHT!!
Hey y'all! Last week we started a new weekly feature called "Sunday New Artist Spotlight" and we basically take a new artist that we think you will be hearing a lot more of in the future, tell you a little bit about them and give you a link to a review of their first single and a link to a video or their website, just to give you more info. Last week Randy Montana was featured. His first single is out now, "Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You" Read the review here http://tinyurl.com/ydkv7ob and visit his website http://tinyurl.com/y9q5qs.
This week we are featuring new-comer Tyler Dickerson. Tyler is a 16 year old guy with an amazing voice and a unique "Hank Jr.-ish" style. tyler will be opening for Brooks & Dunn on select dates of their "Last Rodeo" tour this summer. His first single is out now, "Tell Your Sister I'm Single" Read the review here http://tinyurl.com/yfsogbs & check out this in depth interview about his music: http://tinyurl.com/y9qsdc2
This week we are featuring new-comer Tyler Dickerson. Tyler is a 16 year old guy with an amazing voice and a unique "Hank Jr.-ish" style. tyler will be opening for Brooks & Dunn on select dates of their "Last Rodeo" tour this summer. His first single is out now, "Tell Your Sister I'm Single" Read the review here http://tinyurl.com/yfsogbs & check out this in depth interview about his music: http://tinyurl.com/y9qsdc2
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Meet Rising Singer/Songwriter Matthew Huff!
He may not be a household name yet, but rising singer/songwriter Matthew Huff is a name you will soon be familiar with. Born in Helena, Ark. (home of the blues in Arkansas), and raised in Mammoth Spring, Ark., music has always been a part of Matthew’s life. Matthew explains his style of music as “very true and emotional”, which really allows him to connect with his fans on a deep level. And for the past ten months, he has been working hard to get his name and his music out there for everyone to hear. With his first single, “Back Again” currently playing on many radio stations, Matthew is hard at work completing his first album, due out in May. I sat down with Matthew Huff and asked him a few questions about himself, his music, and how it all began. The following is an edited selection from the Question and Answer session Matthew Huff recently granted Nashville Noise:
Q: You grew up in a small town in rural Arkansas… Could you tell us a little bit about how that influenced you and your music, and how you try to incorporate it into your songwriting?
Huff: I grew up like most kids do in Arkansas, on a farm, long gravel roads, fishing on the weekends, “living” to hunt during season, and one country song ‘till the next. Country music has always been dialed in on my radio station. Honestly I didn't even listen to Pop/Rock music much until I got in to college. In the 80's and 90's, I was inspired by groups like Blackhawk, Alabama, Little Texas and Lonestar. The harmonies these guys produced were simply art through music. I've always paid attention to lyrics, instrumentation, and how it sounds together. I seemed to have had an ear for knowing when something was "just right" musically, even at a young age. Today my inspirations have changed some, but the strong ballads are still my favorite(s). Keith Urban is by far the artist that I pay most attention to. Besides his gift and artistry of how he plays the guitar, he portrays the feeling in to his music, from the instruments to the vocals. This is what I try to create when I write.
Q: How old were you when you first started playing music? What got you turned on to it?
Huff: Well, I can remember back as early as about 3 to 4 years old, sitting at my grandparents home in Helena, AR banging on their old upright with some "blue star" rimmed glasses.(laughs) I grew up singing in a small Baptist church in Mammoth Spring, AR. This was probably where it really got going for me. I knew I had something special singing with the other kids in church. We had a group we put together that traveled in MO and AR and sang at different small town churches. The "Praise Posse" was a great group of kids from a small town church that sang praise songs to churches that would normally be singing from the hymnbook. I sang at a lot of competitions from 15-18, winning most of them, but just got burned out by the time I went to college. I joined the University Choir at the University of Central Arkansas for a year, but other than that I really didn't decide to do much with music until about 9 years later.
Q: What about the Song writing aspect of it? How did you start that?
Huff: I could write a book on how I wrote "Back Again"...my first song to ever write...well, first to ever write and perform, and notably the first that I will drop to Country radio. The inspiration behind that came last April, when a long relationship came to an end for me finally. So, it ALL started 10 months ago, and I guess I have "her" to thank!
Q: They say without the songwriters, there would be no music. This is especially true in Country Music. You do it all, but out of performing, recording or songwriting, what is your favorite part of the process and why?
Huff: Oh man.... Tough one. (Pause) I think for me, man, it is the crowd, the fans, the places I've traveled to and scheduled to travel to. I have heard other artist say this same thing, but you don't truly feel the effect until you've done it, but to see people you've never met singing your songs is truly AWESOME… In my first 10 months I have a song that hasn't been promoted yet that is getting great attention nationally just from word of mouth, I've booked a showcase during CMA Fest in Nashville and have traveled to FL already to play. I'm truly thankful for the small amount of attention that I've received in such a short amount of time.
Q: You list many artists and groups on your website as influences, but if you had to pick one as your main influence, who would it be and why?
Huff: Keith Urban, definitely! Urban's style, flare, songwriting, and performances are very intriguing to me. As I mentioned earlier, he has a way of taking lyrics and making you feel them. I am an emotional songwriter, meaning I write on emotion a whole lot. If I were to compare my style with any artist, it would most resemble Keith Urban's style. The guy is a truly phenomenal musician and artist.
Q: Your single “Back Again” has been picking up spins on radio stations throughout Arkansas and Missouri as well as on a few Internet Country stations… How did you react the first time you heard your song on the radio, and what does it take to make that happen?
Huff: I remember the first time I heard it, it was last summer around July or August. I was sitting in my truck and Tiffany from Y107 (Conway, AR) had texted me telling me it was about to air. Man, I just cranked it up as loud as it would go! Honestly, it's a surreal moment. It feels the same when you know that it's playing on a different station. I don't know if there is another feeling in the world that feels the way that makes you feel, to hear yourself, your song, on the radio for the first time.... well, maybe an ACM award or something! (Laughs)
Q: There is a new trend in the music industry, where record labels don’t seem to be putting people together to form bands, and they aren’t investing as much in potential talent to try to make them a success. Now there is more of a search for unsigned artists or bands that have built up fan bases on the internet through MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, etc… Do you feel like this is a better way for the industry to do things, and how has it helped you so far?
Huff: Well, whether it’s better or not, I think the labels will foresee that in the future. I do believe that the labels are smart in that way for a couple of reasons. They are recognizing people that have already done a ton of PR for themselves, have built a good quantity of fan bases, and show that they can be a serious profit to a label. I think this is smart for not only the label, but for an artist in the 21st century to do. It's just the way that things have changed over the last 10 years even. Before Facebook, MySpace, Ning, Ping, Twitter, and Ustream, how did artists get their name and product out? They DROVE and shook hands! The Internet has opened so many doors for an average person with very few connections and very little money to spotlight themselves and get their talent seen. I think this benefits the labels as well as the artists. It definitely makes the abundance of people trying to "make it" increase, which makes it a littler harder for the artist to get the attention of the labels, but in the same sense it makes it easier for you to be recognized by a label that otherwise would have never known who you were.
Q: How do you feel this is working for yourself so far?
Huff: I'll just put it this way... it’s safe to say without the use of Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, which are my 3 sources of social networking,
I wouldn't be playing at half the places I play outside of Conway, AR. I consider myself an average person and my connections are limited within the state. My music, image, and talent would not really be heard outside of the state without the Internet.
Q: On your web site you list your tracks along with a description about the song, why you wrote it, and the story behind it. Why is this important to you?
Huff: It’s important for me to give my fans and people interested something to grasp. My career is in elementary education where I have studied, followed, taught, and tutored kids over the past 6 years. You not only learn what works for kids, but you learn what works for adults. Adults are big kids that love to have content to new things. This may be something that I do for every song. I have received a good response from the “song biographies” and it gives color to the music and lyrics.
Q: What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Huff: My short term goals right now are to get “Back Again” dropped to music row reporting stations and promoted, finish this first 6 pack album, continue broadening my fan base, and continue playing as many shows, venues, charities as I can. In 5 years I would love to have been with and established a solid career with a label, had some #1 songs, a hand full of top 10's and touring on my own headlining tour. Yes, big goals, but I've never in my life dreamed small. If God is willing and the chances don't pass me by, I feel that I have a great chance to making a great career from music and I'm excited to be off and running with it!
Q: What is country music to you?
Huff: Country Music is tradition! It is Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Sr./Jr., Johnny Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Mini Pearl and “Heehaw!”. Country Music is the facet of American music. It’s a little Bluegrass, a little Jazz and a little Soul all mixed together. In today's modern country you even find more rock mixed in with our country...Country is honest and friendly. You won't find another genre of music where the artist are so fan based. I feel that more country artists are truly humbled by their successes and truly appreciate their fans for their support more than any other genre of music. To me, country music is Family. Barbeques, camp fires and parties at the bayou, now that’s pure country! It's safe to say that Country music is what has sustained in almost every Southern home in America. Country roots run deep in Arkansas and country music is the family I want to be a part of for the entirety of my career.
Q: Thanks for your time Matthew!
Huff: No problem! I enjoyed it.
Matthew Huff is currently in the process of recording his first album. Look for it to be available on iTunes and other digital music carriers in May. For more information on Matthew Huff, his tour schedule or his music, visit his website at www.matthewhuffmusic.com .
This interview was conducted by Aaron Lee of Nashville Noise.
Q: You grew up in a small town in rural Arkansas… Could you tell us a little bit about how that influenced you and your music, and how you try to incorporate it into your songwriting?
Huff: I grew up like most kids do in Arkansas, on a farm, long gravel roads, fishing on the weekends, “living” to hunt during season, and one country song ‘till the next. Country music has always been dialed in on my radio station. Honestly I didn't even listen to Pop/Rock music much until I got in to college. In the 80's and 90's, I was inspired by groups like Blackhawk, Alabama, Little Texas and Lonestar. The harmonies these guys produced were simply art through music. I've always paid attention to lyrics, instrumentation, and how it sounds together. I seemed to have had an ear for knowing when something was "just right" musically, even at a young age. Today my inspirations have changed some, but the strong ballads are still my favorite(s). Keith Urban is by far the artist that I pay most attention to. Besides his gift and artistry of how he plays the guitar, he portrays the feeling in to his music, from the instruments to the vocals. This is what I try to create when I write.
Q: How old were you when you first started playing music? What got you turned on to it?
Huff: Well, I can remember back as early as about 3 to 4 years old, sitting at my grandparents home in Helena, AR banging on their old upright with some "blue star" rimmed glasses.(laughs) I grew up singing in a small Baptist church in Mammoth Spring, AR. This was probably where it really got going for me. I knew I had something special singing with the other kids in church. We had a group we put together that traveled in MO and AR and sang at different small town churches. The "Praise Posse" was a great group of kids from a small town church that sang praise songs to churches that would normally be singing from the hymnbook. I sang at a lot of competitions from 15-18, winning most of them, but just got burned out by the time I went to college. I joined the University Choir at the University of Central Arkansas for a year, but other than that I really didn't decide to do much with music until about 9 years later.
Q: What about the Song writing aspect of it? How did you start that?
Huff: I could write a book on how I wrote "Back Again"...my first song to ever write...well, first to ever write and perform, and notably the first that I will drop to Country radio. The inspiration behind that came last April, when a long relationship came to an end for me finally. So, it ALL started 10 months ago, and I guess I have "her" to thank!
Q: They say without the songwriters, there would be no music. This is especially true in Country Music. You do it all, but out of performing, recording or songwriting, what is your favorite part of the process and why?
Huff: Oh man.... Tough one. (Pause) I think for me, man, it is the crowd, the fans, the places I've traveled to and scheduled to travel to. I have heard other artist say this same thing, but you don't truly feel the effect until you've done it, but to see people you've never met singing your songs is truly AWESOME… In my first 10 months I have a song that hasn't been promoted yet that is getting great attention nationally just from word of mouth, I've booked a showcase during CMA Fest in Nashville and have traveled to FL already to play. I'm truly thankful for the small amount of attention that I've received in such a short amount of time.
Q: You list many artists and groups on your website as influences, but if you had to pick one as your main influence, who would it be and why?
Huff: Keith Urban, definitely! Urban's style, flare, songwriting, and performances are very intriguing to me. As I mentioned earlier, he has a way of taking lyrics and making you feel them. I am an emotional songwriter, meaning I write on emotion a whole lot. If I were to compare my style with any artist, it would most resemble Keith Urban's style. The guy is a truly phenomenal musician and artist.
Q: Your single “Back Again” has been picking up spins on radio stations throughout Arkansas and Missouri as well as on a few Internet Country stations… How did you react the first time you heard your song on the radio, and what does it take to make that happen?
Huff: I remember the first time I heard it, it was last summer around July or August. I was sitting in my truck and Tiffany from Y107 (Conway, AR) had texted me telling me it was about to air. Man, I just cranked it up as loud as it would go! Honestly, it's a surreal moment. It feels the same when you know that it's playing on a different station. I don't know if there is another feeling in the world that feels the way that makes you feel, to hear yourself, your song, on the radio for the first time.... well, maybe an ACM award or something! (Laughs)
Q: There is a new trend in the music industry, where record labels don’t seem to be putting people together to form bands, and they aren’t investing as much in potential talent to try to make them a success. Now there is more of a search for unsigned artists or bands that have built up fan bases on the internet through MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, etc… Do you feel like this is a better way for the industry to do things, and how has it helped you so far?
Huff: Well, whether it’s better or not, I think the labels will foresee that in the future. I do believe that the labels are smart in that way for a couple of reasons. They are recognizing people that have already done a ton of PR for themselves, have built a good quantity of fan bases, and show that they can be a serious profit to a label. I think this is smart for not only the label, but for an artist in the 21st century to do. It's just the way that things have changed over the last 10 years even. Before Facebook, MySpace, Ning, Ping, Twitter, and Ustream, how did artists get their name and product out? They DROVE and shook hands! The Internet has opened so many doors for an average person with very few connections and very little money to spotlight themselves and get their talent seen. I think this benefits the labels as well as the artists. It definitely makes the abundance of people trying to "make it" increase, which makes it a littler harder for the artist to get the attention of the labels, but in the same sense it makes it easier for you to be recognized by a label that otherwise would have never known who you were.
Q: How do you feel this is working for yourself so far?
Huff: I'll just put it this way... it’s safe to say without the use of Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, which are my 3 sources of social networking,
I wouldn't be playing at half the places I play outside of Conway, AR. I consider myself an average person and my connections are limited within the state. My music, image, and talent would not really be heard outside of the state without the Internet.
Q: On your web site you list your tracks along with a description about the song, why you wrote it, and the story behind it. Why is this important to you?
Huff: It’s important for me to give my fans and people interested something to grasp. My career is in elementary education where I have studied, followed, taught, and tutored kids over the past 6 years. You not only learn what works for kids, but you learn what works for adults. Adults are big kids that love to have content to new things. This may be something that I do for every song. I have received a good response from the “song biographies” and it gives color to the music and lyrics.
Q: What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Huff: My short term goals right now are to get “Back Again” dropped to music row reporting stations and promoted, finish this first 6 pack album, continue broadening my fan base, and continue playing as many shows, venues, charities as I can. In 5 years I would love to have been with and established a solid career with a label, had some #1 songs, a hand full of top 10's and touring on my own headlining tour. Yes, big goals, but I've never in my life dreamed small. If God is willing and the chances don't pass me by, I feel that I have a great chance to making a great career from music and I'm excited to be off and running with it!
Q: What is country music to you?
Huff: Country Music is tradition! It is Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Sr./Jr., Johnny Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Mini Pearl and “Heehaw!”. Country Music is the facet of American music. It’s a little Bluegrass, a little Jazz and a little Soul all mixed together. In today's modern country you even find more rock mixed in with our country...Country is honest and friendly. You won't find another genre of music where the artist are so fan based. I feel that more country artists are truly humbled by their successes and truly appreciate their fans for their support more than any other genre of music. To me, country music is Family. Barbeques, camp fires and parties at the bayou, now that’s pure country! It's safe to say that Country music is what has sustained in almost every Southern home in America. Country roots run deep in Arkansas and country music is the family I want to be a part of for the entirety of my career.
Q: Thanks for your time Matthew!
Huff: No problem! I enjoyed it.
Matthew Huff is currently in the process of recording his first album. Look for it to be available on iTunes and other digital music carriers in May. For more information on Matthew Huff, his tour schedule or his music, visit his website at www.matthewhuffmusic.com .
This interview was conducted by Aaron Lee of Nashville Noise.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Luke Bryan, Joey+Rory and Gloriana Win ACM Best New Artist Awards!
Luke Bryan captured the award for best new solo artist, while Joey+Rory and Gloriana won best new vocal duo and vocal group, respectively. The awards were fan-voted awards, and voting ended on March 16. These three artists will now compete for the overall best new artist award at the ACM Awards, which is also a fan-voted award. Online voting in the category resumes on April 1. The ACM Awards will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 18.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
We are Back and Ready to Blog
Hey all,
Just letting you know, Nashville Noise is back from spring break, and we will continue to bring you important Country Music news that you want to hear! Tune in to stay up to date with what's going on throughout the industry!
Just letting you know, Nashville Noise is back from spring break, and we will continue to bring you important Country Music news that you want to hear! Tune in to stay up to date with what's going on throughout the industry!
Whitney Duncan to play for our troops on a USO Tour!!
Looks like Whitney Duncan is going to be playing for the troops! She announced via Twitter-
whitneyduncan “Guess where I’m going in a lil over a week?? Kuwait & Iraq!! USO tour!!! Soooo excited! Gonna get to play for the guys that keep us safe:)
This is exciting! We’re glad she getting to go over there and entertain the courageous and amazing heroes!
Whitney will be gone from March 18th- 31st. We may not hear too much from Whit while she’s over there.(Via www.whitneyduncanfans.com)
whitneyduncan “Guess where I’m going in a lil over a week?? Kuwait & Iraq!! USO tour!!! Soooo excited! Gonna get to play for the guys that keep us safe:)
This is exciting! We’re glad she getting to go over there and entertain the courageous and amazing heroes!
Whitney will be gone from March 18th- 31st. We may not hear too much from Whit while she’s over there.(Via www.whitneyduncanfans.com)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
SPRING BREAK!!!
Hey y'all!
I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of updates recently...I'm on spring break right now, so it is kind of hard to keep up with everything while i'm on vacation! But, twitter and facebook are still being updated regularly. Stay tuned, we will be back in less than a week!!
I just wanted to say sorry for the lack of updates recently...I'm on spring break right now, so it is kind of hard to keep up with everything while i'm on vacation! But, twitter and facebook are still being updated regularly. Stay tuned, we will be back in less than a week!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
45th Annual ACM Awards Nominees
The Nominees are in!! This morning, Blake and Reba did a great job of announcing the nominees for the 45th annual ACM Awards, and it looks like its going to be a great show! Lady Antebellum leads with seven nominations, including Album of the Year for "Lady Antebellum" and Top Vocal Group. Miranda Lambert is nominated for six awards, including Album of the Year for "Revolution" and Top Female Vocalist. Carrie Underwood also has six nominations, including Entertainer of the Year. Taylor Swift is up for five awards, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band and Brad Paisley are tied with four nominations. Here is a rundown of the complete list!
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Toby Keith
• Brad Paisley
• George Strait
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Keith Urban
• Zac Brown Band
TOP MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Darius Rucker
• George Strait
• Keith Urban
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Miranda Lambert
• Reba McEntire
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Lee Ann Womack
TOP VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Randy Rogers Band
• Rascal Flatts
• Zac Brown Band
TOP VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brooks & Dunn
• Joey + Rory
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland
TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR *
• Luke Bryan
• Jamey Johnson
• Chris Young
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR *
• Bomshel
• Joey + Rory
• Steel Magnolia
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]
• American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers
• Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Victoria Shaw, Paul Worley
• Play On - Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright
"Quitter" Produced by Max Martin & Shellback for Maratone Productions and Mark Bright
• Revolution - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
• The Foundation - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]
• Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
• People Are Crazy - Billy Currington (Mercury)
Produced by: Carson Chamberlain, Billy Currington
• Red Light - David Nail (MCA Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
• Toes - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown
• White Liar - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
• Cowboy Casanova - Carrie Underwood
Composers: Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood
Publishers: Brett James Cornelius Music (ASCAP), Carrie Okie Music (BMI), Rincon Ave Music
(ASCAP), Stage Three Songs (ASCAP)
• Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: EMI Foray Music (BMI), Darth Buddha (ASCAP), Dwhaywood Music (BMI), Hillary
Dawn Publishing (SESAC), Radiobullets Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
(BMI), Year Of The Dog Music (ASCAP)
• People Are Crazy - Billy Currington
Composers: Bobby Braddock, Troy Jones
Publishers: Crozier Music Enterprises LLC (BMI), Mighty Nice Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree
Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music (BMI)
• White Liar - Miranda Lambert
Composers: Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music
(BMI)
• You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
Composers: Liz Rose, Taylor Swift
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Taylor Swift Music (BMI)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] (Off Camera Award)
• Boots On – Randy Houser
Producer: Eric Welch
Director: Eric Welch (Drake footage: Vickie Vaughn)
• Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Clarke Gallican
Director: David McClister
• Welcome To The Future – Brad Paisley
Producers: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea, Peter Tilden
Director: Jim Shea
• White Liar – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Tameron Hedge
Director: Chris Hicky
• You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] (Off Camera
Award)
• Hillbilly Bone - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins (Reprise Records / Warner Music
Nashville)
Producer: Scott Hendricks
• Honky Tonk Stomp - Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy Gibbons (Arista Nashville)
Producer: Ronnie Dunn, Terry McBride
• I Told You So - Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis (19/Arista Nashville)
Producer: Mark Bright
• I’m Alive - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews (Blue Chair/BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
• Seeing Stars - Jack Ingram featuring Patty Griffin (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Jack Ingram, Jeremy Stover
Be sure to tune in to the 45th annual ACM Awards on Sunday, April 18th to find our if your favorites won.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Toby Keith
• Brad Paisley
• George Strait
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Keith Urban
• Zac Brown Band
TOP MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Darius Rucker
• George Strait
• Keith Urban
TOP FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
• Miranda Lambert
• Reba McEntire
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood
• Lee Ann Womack
TOP VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Randy Rogers Band
• Rascal Flatts
• Zac Brown Band
TOP VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR
• Brooks & Dunn
• Joey + Rory
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland
TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST OF THE YEAR *
• Luke Bryan
• Jamey Johnson
• Chris Young
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR *
• Bomshel
• Joey + Rory
• Steel Magnolia
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]
• American Saturday Night - Brad Paisley (Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Chris DuBois, Frank Rogers
• Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Victoria Shaw, Paul Worley
• Play On - Carrie Underwood (19/Arista Nashville)
Produced by: Mark Bright
"Quitter" Produced by Max Martin & Shellback for Maratone Productions and Mark Bright
• Revolution - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
• The Foundation - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown
SINGLE RECORD OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company(s)]
• Need You Now - Lady Antebellum (Capitol Records Nashville)
Produced by: Lady Antebellum, Paul Worley
• People Are Crazy - Billy Currington (Mercury)
Produced by: Carson Chamberlain, Billy Currington
• Red Light - David Nail (MCA Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
• Toes - Zac Brown Band (Southern Ground / Bigger Picture / Atlantic)
Produced by: Keith Stegall, Zac Brown
• White Liar - Miranda Lambert (Columbia Nashville)
Produced by: Frank Liddell, Mike Wrucke
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
• Cowboy Casanova - Carrie Underwood
Composers: Mike Elizondo, Brett James, Carrie Underwood
Publishers: Brett James Cornelius Music (ASCAP), Carrie Okie Music (BMI), Rincon Ave Music
(ASCAP), Stage Three Songs (ASCAP)
• Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
Composers: Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott
Publishers: EMI Foray Music (BMI), Darth Buddha (ASCAP), Dwhaywood Music (BMI), Hillary
Dawn Publishing (SESAC), Radiobullets Publishing (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.
(BMI), Year Of The Dog Music (ASCAP)
• People Are Crazy - Billy Currington
Composers: Bobby Braddock, Troy Jones
Publishers: Crozier Music Enterprises LLC (BMI), Mighty Nice Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree
Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music (BMI)
• White Liar - Miranda Lambert
Composers: Natalie Hemby, Miranda Lambert
Publishers: Pink Dog Publishing (BMI), Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Tiltawhirl Music
(BMI)
• You Belong With Me - Taylor Swift
Composers: Liz Rose, Taylor Swift
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (BMI), Taylor Swift Music (BMI)
VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] (Off Camera Award)
• Boots On – Randy Houser
Producer: Eric Welch
Director: Eric Welch (Drake footage: Vickie Vaughn)
• Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Clarke Gallican
Director: David McClister
• Welcome To The Future – Brad Paisley
Producers: Mark Kalbfeld, Jim Shea, Peter Tilden
Director: Jim Shea
• White Liar – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Tameron Hedge
Director: Chris Hicky
• You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Producer: Randy Brewer
Director: Roman White
VOCAL EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company] (Off Camera
Award)
• Hillbilly Bone - Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins (Reprise Records / Warner Music
Nashville)
Producer: Scott Hendricks
• Honky Tonk Stomp - Brooks & Dunn featuring Billy Gibbons (Arista Nashville)
Producer: Ronnie Dunn, Terry McBride
• I Told You So - Carrie Underwood featuring Randy Travis (19/Arista Nashville)
Producer: Mark Bright
• I’m Alive - Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews (Blue Chair/BNA)
Produced by: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney
• Seeing Stars - Jack Ingram featuring Patty Griffin (Big Machine Records)
Produced by: Jack Ingram, Jeremy Stover
Be sure to tune in to the 45th annual ACM Awards on Sunday, April 18th to find our if your favorites won.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Whitney Duncan's "Right Road Now" Set to be Released!
Whitney Duncan's highly anticipated album "Right Road Now" now has an official release date!
The CD will feature the hit "Skinny Dippin" along with many other great tunes.
Whitney Duncan is set to release her debut album, Right Road Now, exclusively to fans on www.whitneyduncan.com and iTunes on April 20. Due to popular demand, the label decided to release Duncan’s album exclusively on her web site and iTunes to give her fans the music they have been asking for. The album will not be available in stores, ONLINE ONLY! Make sure you pick up your copy!!
Also, pick up a copy of Jimmy Wayne's new single "Just Knowing You Love Me" Ft. Whitney Duncan!
The CD will feature the hit "Skinny Dippin" along with many other great tunes.
Whitney Duncan is set to release her debut album, Right Road Now, exclusively to fans on www.whitneyduncan.com and iTunes on April 20. Due to popular demand, the label decided to release Duncan’s album exclusively on her web site and iTunes to give her fans the music they have been asking for. The album will not be available in stores, ONLINE ONLY! Make sure you pick up your copy!!
Also, pick up a copy of Jimmy Wayne's new single "Just Knowing You Love Me" Ft. Whitney Duncan!
ACM Nominee Announcements Tomorrow Morning!
Be sure to tune in to CBS' "Early Show" tomorrow morning. At about 8:15ET, Blake Shelton and Reba McEntire will be in the studio to announce the nominees for the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards! Also, don't forget to vote on VoteACM.com for the nominees in these three categories:
TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST
• Luke Bryan
• Jamey Johnson
• Chris Young
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO
• Bomshel
• Joey + Rory
• Steel Magnolia
TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP
• Eli Young Band
• Gloriana
• The Lost Trailers
Fan voting for these three categories will begin at VoteACM.com on Friday, February 26, and will close
on Friday, March 12. The winner in each category will be announced in mid-March and will move on to
compete for Top New Artist. Voting for the Top New Artist category will begin at VoteACM.com on
Thursday, April 1, and will close on April 18, with the winner being announced live during the 45th
Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast on the CBS Television Network. Go to VoteACM.com now to cast your vote!
TOP NEW SOLO VOCALIST
• Luke Bryan
• Jamey Johnson
• Chris Young
TOP NEW VOCAL DUO
• Bomshel
• Joey + Rory
• Steel Magnolia
TOP NEW VOCAL GROUP
• Eli Young Band
• Gloriana
• The Lost Trailers
Fan voting for these three categories will begin at VoteACM.com on Friday, February 26, and will close
on Friday, March 12. The winner in each category will be announced in mid-March and will move on to
compete for Top New Artist. Voting for the Top New Artist category will begin at VoteACM.com on
Thursday, April 1, and will close on April 18, with the winner being announced live during the 45th
Annual Academy of Country Music Awards broadcast on the CBS Television Network. Go to VoteACM.com now to cast your vote!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Alan Jackson's "Freight Train" tour announced!
Alan Jackson will be hitting the road again this year. He has decided to include Josh Turner and Chris Young as opening acts! There are 15 dates scheduled through May 23rd. To see the dates/ cities, click the headline to go to www.alanjackson.com.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Future Country Star Matthew Huff to Perform in Florida
Jeff Kratsch invites Matthew to perform at a nationally known GreenHomeWamalama EXPO in Lakeland, FL on Feb 27, The GreenHomeWamalama EXPO is a Green Business trade show with appeal to both consumers and companies interested in sustainability, saving energy, saving money and saving the environment we all share. With up to 100 diverse exhibitors under one roof, a keynote speaker, multiple Sponsor “sustainability” presentations covering topics on energy conservation, water conservation and “Innovative Green Technology” presentations. GreenHome Wamalama will provide your company an ideal forum to create public interest in your green products and services. Check it out at www.greenhomewamalama.com for more info. And to learn more about up-and-comer Matthew Huff and his music, visit his website at www.matthewhuffmusic.com
Sunday, January 31, 2010
2010 Grammy Award Winners!
Here is a list of the winners for the main categories as well as all of the Country categories. County artists who won in an all genre category are in all capital letters.
Record of the Year- "Use Somebody", Kings of Leon
Song of the Year- "Single Ladies", Beyonce
Best New Artist- ZAC BROWN BAND
Best Female Country Vocal Performance- "White Horse", Taylor Swift
Best Male Country Vocal Performance- "Sweet Thing", Keith Urban
Best Country Performance by Group/Duo- "I Run to You", Lady Antebellum
Best Country Collaboration w/ Vocals- "I Told You So", Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis
Best Country Instrumental Performance- "Producer's Medley", Steve Warlner
Best Country Song- "White Horse", Taylor Swift
Best Country Album- "Fearless", Taylor Swift
Best Bluegrass Album- "The Crow", Steve Martin
Album of the Year- "FEARLESS", TAYLOR SWIFT
Be sure to check back later for links to stories behind tonight's Grammy Awards and maybe some videos of the best Country performances!
Record of the Year- "Use Somebody", Kings of Leon
Song of the Year- "Single Ladies", Beyonce
Best New Artist- ZAC BROWN BAND
Best Female Country Vocal Performance- "White Horse", Taylor Swift
Best Male Country Vocal Performance- "Sweet Thing", Keith Urban
Best Country Performance by Group/Duo- "I Run to You", Lady Antebellum
Best Country Collaboration w/ Vocals- "I Told You So", Carrie Underwood & Randy Travis
Best Country Instrumental Performance- "Producer's Medley", Steve Warlner
Best Country Song- "White Horse", Taylor Swift
Best Country Album- "Fearless", Taylor Swift
Best Bluegrass Album- "The Crow", Steve Martin
Album of the Year- "FEARLESS", TAYLOR SWIFT
Be sure to check back later for links to stories behind tonight's Grammy Awards and maybe some videos of the best Country performances!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Can Taylor Swift Win Her First Grammy on Sunday?
Taylor has been on a hot streak the past two years at any award show you can name. ACM's, CMA's, Peoples Choice, MTV, CMT, the list goes on. But there is one award the songstress has yet to win: A Grammy. This could be her year though. Taylor Swift is up for 8 Grammy nominations, including, Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Collaboration W/ Vocals, Best Country Song and Best Country Album just to name a few. Tune into the Grammy Awards Sunday, Jan 31, 2010 at 8p.m. ET/PT to find out the results!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Miranda Stops by 99.5 in Chicago and has a few things to say
Want to know why Jamey Johnson is in Miranda's "White Liar" vid or what she's wearing to the Grammys? Well, In this interview at 99.5 in Chitown, Miranda dishes on just how Jamey got involved with her latest video, as well as her attire for the grammys and of corse, a few things about Mr. Shelton. http://bit.ly/8L8flK Click the headline to listen to the complete interview.
High Cost of Living Official Video
Jamey Johnson has finally released the official video to his Grammy nominated song "High Cost of Living" If you want to take a gander, just click the link to youtube. Great stuff!
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