It’s an interesting case study to track the career trajectory of a prodigy musician. Often times they take a terrible spill that is impossible to recover from when they go from the cute kid who can sing well or play fast, and attempt to transition to a full-time career. In fact, that’s the most common […]
The Ameripolitan Awards have just announced the nominees for their 2018 distinctions, and once again they have clearly honored their founding commitment to shining a light on artists with a strong roots influence that otherwise get overlooked by the rest of the industry.
Blake Shelton’s latest record ‘Texoma Shore’ is not really that great, and it would be a stretch to even call it good. Yet as enjoyable as it might be to trash this effort for all the ills Mr. “Old Farts and Jackasses” has sowed over the years, the truth is this might be Blake Shelton’s best album since he uttered those now notorious words in 2013.
Just east of Austin, TX in the tiny map dot community of Garfield sits the semi-historic Waterhole Saloon. A long-standing local watering hole, it was the scene for the inaugural Roots Under the Texas Sky Festival on November 4th and 5th, which made use of much of the local and regional country and roots talent.
A bevy of headlines from numerous country music media sources incensed about the restrictions being put on media emerged in the aftermath of the CMA asking media to not focus on the Las Vegas tragedy or politics in the CMA red carpet, cascading into the internet fury we so regularly see in the current political climate.
Over the last year or so, Sturgill Simpson has certainly earned that distinction of a “badass” as he’s gone from an independent underdog to receiving some of the top recognition in the entire music industry, and stood up to the Music Row establishment in both words and deeds.
If you enjoy the 80’s era of traditional country from artists like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Moe Bandy, then Richard Lynch will be right down your alley. Traditional country, but told from a more modern perspective, and with hints of more classic-era influences and even a little bit of Outlaw….
Those who’ve followed the sometimes winding path of Tyler Mahan Coe know that he’s much more than one of David Allan Coe’s sons. Only fitting that podcasting would fit right into Tyler’s wheelhouse, and while everyone these days thinks they can launch a podcast, Coe has taken a unique approach with his.
If you can’t get enough of Cody Jinks and you’re hankering for a tide over until his next studio record, consider getting yourself a copy of a re-issue of what many consider Cody’s breakout record, 2010’s Less Wise. Recorded at Blue Smoke Studios in Cody’s home of Ft. Worth, TX on what Cody calls a “nearly zero budget”….
Earlier this week when it was announced that a new Merle Haggard museum and restaurant would be opening up in Nashville next summer, some Merle Haggard fans wondered why Nashville was chosen, and not a location in Northern California. But fans got their wish, and much sooner than they probably anticipated.
It happens every single day. Hungry individuals from all around the country and world move to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a dream of making it big in music. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that the rash of sexual assault and harassment claims emerging in American society eventually made its way to Nashville.
Webster Public Relations—one of country music’s largest publicity firms that represents artists as far ranging as Dolly Parton to Justin Moore to Kid Rock—has ceased operations after its president and CEO Kirt Webster was accused of sexual assault by a former artist represented by the firm, followed by other sexual assault claims.
What is going on with Sturgill Simpson these days? That answer just became a lot harder to come by after the Grammy-winning singer and performer wiped his social media feeds somewhere around Tuesday, October 24th. Not only is all his Twitter and Instagram content completely gone, so are the accounts themselves.
Kirt Webster, who is the President and CEO of the prolific Webster Public Relations firm based in Nashville, has been accused of sexual assault and molestation by a former artist. In great detail, Austin Rick, who performed under the name Austin Cody in the late oughts.
The Turnpike Troubadours have just crashed the mainstream party at the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart with the release of their latest record, ‘A Long Way From Your Heart.’ Signed to Thirty Tigers, and with little help from radio beyond regional play, they continue to show what quality music and grassroots efforts can result in.
Lee Ann Womack just released her latest record The Lonely, The Lonesome, & the Gone, and despite once being signed to a major label and enjoying her fair share of radio play and industry attention, she’s now moved on from that world, and is willing to speak her mind about what has happened to country music.
Merle Haggard fans will finally have a place they can go to see some of his most cherished mementos, while a new generation of country music fans can discover the legacy of one of the most influential and iconic performers in country music and American history.
It’s a shame that at a time when Randy Howard was renewing his faith through Gospel music that his life was taken from him in a senseless act over an incidental issue. But it’s also fortunate that his final breaths in music were captured in moments of faith and servitude before he passed on.
“Diane” is said to be sort of an answer song, or a continuation of the story of Dolly Parton’s iconic country music classic “Jolene.” Of course “Jolene” is about the Dolly worrying that another woman is going to steal her man. “Diane” is presumably about that other woman, recounting a remorseful tale.
2017 continues to make a great case for itself as a bumper crop year for songs and albums, and recent additions to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 playlist reflect that. Just added to the stable of the best country songs are Alan Jackson’s surprise new single “The Older I Get” from a yet named new album, and more….
Swedish sister singing duo First Aid Kit has announced their latest album “Ruins.” “Finally,” the duo said on Friday (10-27) as part of the announcement. “Words can’t possibly describe how thrilled we are to announce our upcoming record. We poured our hearts and souls into this. Soon it’ll be yours.”
Hellbound Glory’s latest record Pinball comes across as brash and unapologetic, and it’s underpinned by one of the highlights of the project, the song “Hellbound Blues.” But at the heart of the song is how the scourge of addiction can rule and ruin one’s life, especially in the throes of the dark hours.
It’s funny. You mention Lee Ann Womack to certain segments of traditional country music fans, and you’re liable to get a sideways glance, or downright gruff. Little do they know the leadership Lee Ann has exhibited over the last decade plus in keeping the roots of country music alive.
What’s great about Dillon Carmichael’s “Old Songs Like That” is it doesn’t focus on the negative, it accentuates what is positive about all those old country songs. It preaches their virtues, attempts to explain their importance, and pays homage to them not just in name, but in style.
