Justice Department’s New Deal with Live Nation Stinks
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There is probably one opportunity, and one opportunity only to solve the biggest problem plaguing the live music industry in the United States, and that is the current trial that Live Nation is going through.
The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday Night Will Endure
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Well here we sit on the eve of the Ides of March, just a few days removed from live music Armageddon the likes we’ve never seen before in history, in a moment we’re sure to remember keenly for generations to come. Fears of the spread of the Coronavirus have now reached every sector of music. But the Grand Ole Opry endures.
Hellbound Glory Preps New Album “Pure Scum”
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Get as hot and bothered as you want about the newest names hitting the independent country scene, but those who know their stuff know that Leroy Virgil and Hellbound Glory are the some of the original country insurgents of the modern era who helped turn country music upside down, and open the doors for many of today’s heavy hitters.
Album Review – Gabe Lee’s “Honky Tonk Hell”
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‘Honky Tonk Hell’ isn’t just a great record. It verifies that Gabe Lee will be one of the next great artists in country and roots music that we’ll hopefully be hearing plenty from and enjoying for years to come. Gabe Lee will continue to fly under-the-radar for many because he’s just too damn good, but it should win him the bigger audience he deserves.
Ray Wylie Hubbard Signs to Big Machine (Yes, You Read That Right)
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Well, if you thought you were already swimming through an upside down world where the NBA and NHL seasons have just been suspended along with pretty much every major music tour and festival to speak of at least until April, well try this development on for size: Ray Wylie Hubbard has signed with Big Machine Records.
Song Review – Margo Price’s “Twinkle Twinkle”
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Margo Price will release her latest record called That’s How Rumors Get Started on May 8th after moving on from Jack White’s Third Man Records to Loma Vista, an imprint of Concord Records. Margo released her first taste of new music in mid January with the song “Stone Me.” Now we get the first proper single.
Chris Stapleton & Cody Jinks Hit with Coronovirus Cancellations
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The big concert set to officially open the brand new Globe Life Park stadium in Arlington, TX on Saturday, March 14th has been postponed due to Coronaviurs concerns, as well as the show in Austin. Cody Jinks flew into New York, only to find his shows in the area postponed.
Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Mike & Moonpies Dates Postponed
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The amount of cancellations tied to the Coronavius outbreak can be dizzying to keep up with, even within the confines of independent country and roots. But a few important cancellations are worthy of note, including two dates on the Sturgill Simpson / Tyler Childers tour, and the Mike & The Moonpies Europe tour.
Travis Tritt Readies Dave Cobb-Produced Comeback Album
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A new original studio album is on the way from Travis Tritt, finally. Announced Wednesday morning (3/11), the 90’s country legend who’s sold more than 30 million records worldwide has signed with the Los Angeles-based record label Big Loud Noise, and will be releasing a Dave Cobb produced record in 2020.
Dierks Bentley’s Hot Country Knights Revive the Humor in Country
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When Dierks Bentley announced that his next album cycle would surround his screw off side project with his road band called Hot Country Knights and that they’d actually signed to UMG Nashville, we really didn’t know what to expect. We knew he was getting silly, but we had no idea he’d be getting funny too.
SXSW Organization On The Brink After 2020 Cancellation
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SXSW has not just been canceled for 2020 due to concerns over the Coronavirus. The declaration by the City of Austin of a “local disaster” on March 6th has put the entire organization on the brink, and looking at an uncertain future. SXSW was forced to slash 1/3rd of their full-time workforce.
Merle Haggard Drummer Biff Adam Has Died
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Another one of The Strangers has reunited with Merle Haggard in the big honky tonk in the sky. Biff Adam—the long-time drummer for Merle Haggard’s backing band passed away in his sleep Saturday evening, March 7th, due to congestive heart failure. He was 83-years-old.
Album Review – Brandy Clark’s “Your Life is a Record”
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“Your Life is a Record” is a little bit of a different approach for Brandy. Where usually her songs follow more of a proven methodology in the use of double entendres and witty turns of phrase and perspective to render themselves enjoyable, this record strikes a more personal chord.