AI Song Tops Billboard Chart – Why We Need Transparency NOW
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The curse is cast with AI and recorded music. But how about we make this one, easily implementable concession to the human creators who rely on recorded music to make a sustainable living.
Michael Apted Brought Loretta Lynn’s ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ Story to Life
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British film director Michael Apted died on Thursday, January 7th, and though this may not be a name you recognize or see as noteworthy in the country music realm on the surface, the Cambridge-educated film icon played a major part in telling one of the most compelling stories in country music history.
Album Review – The Divorcees – “Drop of Blood”
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Turning the stereotype that country music can only come from the Southern United States squarely on its head, The Divorcees have been eastern Canada’s favorite honky tonk band for going on 15 years now, and promise to continue to hold that distinction with the drop of their latest record ‘Drop of Blood.’
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies…” Writer Ed Bruce Has Died
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There are many legendary country songs, and many legendary country songwriters. But few songs are as synonymous with country music to the point where they’re so well-recognized and can be recited by those well outside the country fold like “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
Cody Jinks Hints at 2021 Plans, and They are BIG
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So much for 2021 being better than 2020, at least so far. But true country fans do have something to look forward to as Cody Jinks has dropped a couple of succulent hints about what he might have in store for 2020. “Demos are done on 20 new songs. Now we just need to schedule some studio time.”
Country Songwriter & O’Kanes Member Jamie O’Hara Has Died
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From the Grammy-winning song “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” that became the signature song from The Judds, to Gary Allan’s first #1 hit “Man To Man,” to Ronnie McDowell’s #1 “Older Woman,” songwriter Jamie O’Hara made major contributions to the songbook of country music.
‘Nothing Stays The Same’ Film Highlights Struggles of Local Venues
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The 70-minute film ‘Nothing Stays The Same: The Story of the Saxon Pub’ might be about a specific venue in Austin. But even if you’ve never been to Austin, the film offers a great encapsulation of why it’s so critical to preserve these performance spaces.
Taylor Swift (Yes, Taylor Swift) Sends a Murder Ballad to Radio
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Tapping into the long-standing tradition in country music of the murder ballad, “no body, no crime” features two members of the sister trio Haim. The song tells the story of Este (also the name of Haim’s oldest sister), who suspects her husband of cheating, tells a friend, and then goes missing.
Remembering The Final Big Concert from Waylon Jennings
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The second night of a two-night residency at the The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville—a.k.a the “Mother Church of Country Music”—Waylon Jennings held court with a now legendary band, and numerous special guests. It did constitute a proper final bow.
On The Furor Over Blake Shelton’s Song “Minimum Wage”
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Look, I’ve made an entire career out of rearing back and reefing guys like Blake Shelton and their bad “country” songs square in the nuts. But the flack he is receiving over this dumb “Minimum Wage” song is completely unfounded and inappropriate.
Loretta Lynn Announces New Album “Still Woman Enough”
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Loretta Lynn will be joined by numerous guests, and celebrate the legacy of women in country music with her latest album called Still Woman Enough, set for release on March 19th via Sony’s Legacy Records imprint. Co-produced by Loretta’s daughter Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash at the Cash Cabin Studios.
Album Review – The Dimestore Cowboys (Self-Titled)
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The Dimestore Cowboys out of Johnson City, Tennessee have that blue-collar, local honky tonk feel to them, imbuing the band with the authenticity that results in international appeal for those who know what country music is supposed to sound like, and be about.
Florida Georgia Line Looking For More “Freedom” From Each Other
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It’s not what Florida Georgia Line said. It’s what they didn’t say, and what they felt compelled to answer when really nobody was asking any questions. Now many are wondering about the future of one of country music’s most popular and vilified duos.