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Anya Wilson Promotion & Publicity is proud to announce the nominations of their clients for this year's CCMA's (Canadian Country Music Awards.) All artists will be present at Country Music Week in
Fans' Choice Award.
CMT Video of the Year for "Ring of Fire"
Male Artist of the Year
Record Producer/s of the Year. G.Canyon/Rick Mizzoni Ride (Jo Hikk)
Country Music Program or Special of the Year
Top Selling Canadian Album - Classics
George is currently co-writing a new album with Nickelback's Chad Kroeger and
DERIC RUTTAN (www.dericruttan.net)
Album of the Year "First Time In A Long Time"
Male Artist of the Year
Songwriter /s of the Year "First Time In A Long Time" D.Ruttan/Jimmy Rankin
Record Producer/s of the Year. D.Ruttan/Brett Beavers First Time In A Long Time.
Deric's new album, "First Time In A Long Time, released on April 1st, this year, (OnRamp label/EMI) features two top 10 Canadian country singles: "Good Time", the duet with American star Dierks Bentley and the title track, co-written with Cape Breton's Jimmy Rankin.
Deric is originally from
Deric continues to perform throughout
Lisa Brokop. (www.lisabrokop.com)
Female Artist of the Year.
Lisa is one of
Jo Hikk. (www.johikk.com)
Top New Talent of the Year Group or Duo.
If you check Jo Hikk's MySpace, you'll discover that this
Hey Romeo. (www.heyromeo.com)
Top New Talent of the Year Group or Duo
Hey Romeo, based in
Desert Heat. (http://www.desertheatsongs.com/)
Top New Talent of the Year Group or Duo
Desert Heat is a multi-talented Montreal country group featuring brothers Trevor Brunton (lead vocals) and Tim Brunton (guitars/ vocals), Jarrod P. Tetreault (guitars/ vocals), Robin Wilkinson (bass /vocals), Scott Mookie Foster (drums/ vocals), and Terry Joe Rodrigues (banjo/mandolin/guitar/harmonica/vocals);
The band released its debut album Forever Road in 2005 which led to it being nominated for Independent Group Of The Year at the 2006 Canadian Country Music Awards;
According to Canadian Country Music News, 'Desert Heat's live show has become one of the most talked about and raved about shows that has come on the Canadian scene in some time.'
Desert Heat's upcoming album is entitled "Tail Lights and Love."
One of the fastest rising stars of country music today, Otto’s debut album on Warner Bros. Records, Sunset Man, was released on April 8, 2008 and debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Billboard Chart. The album continued to stay in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Country Albums charts for six weeks after its release. The first single off the album, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” spent two weeks in the No. 1 position on the Billboard, Mediabase and R&R top country singles charts, and is Country Radio’s most played song of 2008 to date, according to mediabase. Otto’s second single, “For You,” is currently climbing the charts.
Three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year and most nominated artist in CMA Awards history Alan Jackson is “one of country music’s true masters” writing songs that ‘make life’s mundanities carry emotional heft and make it look easy.” (
Since releasing his platinum debut album in 1996, the Louisiana-born performer, musician, author and actor Trace Adkins has recorded seven studio albums, which netted him 24 singles on the Billboard chart. His latest chart-topping CD, American Man: Greatest Hits Vol. II includes the multi-week #l single "You're Gonna Miss This”. After his strong showing on NBC’s hit reality series, “The Celebrity Apprentice,” Adkins is turning to the big screen. He’ll soon appear in the feature film American Carol, an irreverent comedy directed by David Zucker. He is set to release his next studio album this fall.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DWIGHT YOAKAM SURPRISED WITH GOLD RECORD PRESENTATION BY VINCE VAUGHN AND JON FAVREAU AT THE GREEK THEATRE
CITY OF LOS ANGELES ALSO PRESENTS YOAKAM WITH A PROCLAMATION IN HIS HONOR
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 30, 2008 -- Dwight Yoakam was surprised with a presentation of his gold record for “The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam” Sunday night by Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau during his performance at Go Country 105’s “Summer Under The Stars” held at The Greek Theatre. Councilman Dennis Zine from the City of Los Angeles also presented Yoakam with a special proclamation.
Preparing to return to the stage to perform his encore, after a crowd pleasing set that lasted over an hour and a half, Yoakam was surprised by a special presentation that started off with Councilman Dennis Zine presenting with a proclamation making July 27, 2008 Dwight Yoakam Day in the City of Los Angeles. Vaughn and Favreau then joined Yoakam on stage presenting him with the gold record for “The Very Best of Dwight Yoakam,” released by Warner Bros./Rhino Records.
Since the release of his debut album, Dwight Yoakam has gone on to sell more than 25 million albums worldwide, has been nominated for a staggering 21 Grammys, winning two Grammy Awards and was bestowed the honor of “International Artist Achievement Award” by the Country Music Association in 2007.
Dwight is also concentrating on his successful acting career. He has completed the broad comedy role of Pastor Phil for the forthcoming Lionsgate release “Four Christmases” in which he co-stars with Vince Vaughan and Reese Witherspoon. This will be major holiday release in November. Dwight will be reprieving his role as Doc Miles in the forthcoming sequel to Crank called “Crank: High Voltage” in which he co-stars with Jason Statham and Amy Smart.
Yoakam recently re-launched his website (www.dwightyoakam.com) with the debut of The Route 23 Club (www.route23club.com), a new fan club site offering exclusive access to Yoakam content – including news, pictures, video, audio, desktop wallpapers, buddy icons and special "behind the scenes" footage. The site’s "Interact" section includes a members-only discussion board, where fans can communicate with each other, members of Yoakam's management team, and even Yoakam himself. Additionally, the club features exclusive monthly contests with prizes including signed merchandise, tour meet & greets with Yoakam and concert tickets. Yoakam has also launched a new MySpace page (www.myspace.com/dwightyoakam) and Facebook page.
For more information on Dwight Yoakam, including message boards, tour dates and more, please visit www.dwightyoakam.com.
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For Fashion Rocks™ 5th anniversary, the editors of this year’s supplement have pulled out all the stops. Edited by Jonathan Van Meter, with Vogue’s Anna Wintour serving as Editorial Director, this star-studded issue is packed with the hottest names in music and fashion: Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Usher, Mark Ronson, Andre 3000, Pharrell, the Black Eyed Peas and many more…
Below are some of our top quotes and picks of entertainment and music included within the pages of Fashion Rocks:
JUSTIN TIME!
“I don’t want to be Mr. Sexy Back forever,” says Justin Timberlake in this 4-page spread where he talks about his own fashion sensibility and how he thinks it’s funny that Ashton Kutcher claims responsibility for the trucker cap trend. “I’ve heard him make that statement before,” he says. “Trace and I were wearing them when we were 17.” But when describing his own style, Justin admits, “I don’t walk out of the house thinking, ‘Man, I hope somebody thinks this looks cool.’ There’s some stuff I wear that people think is not cool.” Wearing William Rast from head to toe, Justin describes his new collection with Johan Lindeberg as “Southern heritage meets forward European innovation.”
HIT MAN
“Every week, Amy would get bored after ten minutes, walk to the tattoo parlor across the street, and get another tattoo. Then she’d come back all blood-loss woozy and droop into a seat,” says Marc Ronson on working with Amy Winehouse. In this feature article, Ronson talks about growing up in the music industry and the groundbreaking albums that earned him 3 Grammys and Brit award for best male solo artist. “I had this tacky ‘celebrity deejay’ title, so no one took me seriously as a producer,” says Ronson. “They thought I washed Puffy’s champagne glasses.
ARTIST PORTFOLIO
Photographed by the worlds leading photographers including Steven Meisel, Jean-Baptiste Mondino, Craig McDean, Martin Schoeller and Norman Jean Roy, this year’s performance portfolio features today’s hottest musical talent who will come together on stage for the Fashion Rocks™ CBS television special on Friday, September 5, 2008, and will air Tuesday, September 9, 2008 (9:00-11:00, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Featured here are Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Keith Urban, Usher, Chris Brown, Rihanna and the Black Eyed Peas. most highly anticipated star-studded concerts of the season at New York’s legendary Radio City Music Hall.
Fashion Rocks EXCLUSIVE: An excerpt from Nirvana manager Danny Goldberg’s new book Bumping into Geniuses: My Life Inside The Rock and Roll Business. Goldberg recounts the rise and fall of Kurt Cobain, and how while he may have succeeded as his manager, he failed him as a friend. He calls the smart, quirky, sympathetic rock artist he came to know as a “true genius” who never lost touch with his initial fans while simultaneously appealing to the masses. When Wal-Mart didn’t want to carry Nirvana’s In Utero album because of risky cover art, Kurt had no problem creating a new cover just for Wal-Mart shoppers, although the record label urged him not to. “Of course I want our records in Wal-Mart,” said Cobain, “When I was a kid, the only place near where we lived to buy records was a Wal-Mart. One of the reasons I make records is for kids like me.”
HOLLYWOOD ROCKS
Fashion Rocks editors feature their favorite music-centric films soon to be released:
JUST PRESS PLAY
From rock to hip-hop, Robert Levine gives a list of this fall’s most downloadable tunes and artists to watch, including new albums from old favorites like U2, The Cure and Echo & The Bunnymen and debuts from Lykke Li, Jennifer Hudson, Ray Lamontagne, A Camp (Cardigans singer Nina Persson’s band) and Terrance Howard. The list also highlights favorite acts like Gym Class Heroes, Ciara, Jem, Dashboard Confessional, The Teenagers, Juliana Hatfield, Bens Fold, Robin Thicke and The Academy Is…
HOME BOY
From his candyland perched high above Miami, superstar producer Pharrell Williams has been designing everything from sounds to sunglasses—and quietly amassing an impressive collection of contemporary art. “This isn’t a party pad, even if it looks like one,” he says. “Usually I’m just here watching the Discovery Channel.”
MUST READS
Be sure to check out Fashion Rocks features including:
BLAKE SHELTON
ON THE TODAY SHOW
Friday, August 1 on NBC 10:00 AM EST
AND …
THE EARLY SHOW
PERFORMING HIS MULTI-WEEK NO. 1 HIT “HOME”
Monday, August 18 on CBS 8:00 AM EST
Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs Joins WSM’s Eddie Stubbs for “Intimate Evening” Series
Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs will be the special guest tonight during “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs” at the Country Music Hall of Fame to talk about his new release on Montage Music Group called THE GOOD LIFE and also about beating poker pros at their own game on ESPN TV and about life in general.
Host, Eddie Stubbs is a big Griggs fan and friend so you can be certain that some very interesting stories will be sparked among the two. “I am so very excited to have Andy on our program. He is such a multi-talented artist and he puts his whole heart and soul into everything he does,” comments Eddie Stubbs, Host of WSM-AM’s “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs” and announcer for the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Don’t miss “An Intimate Evening with Eddie Stubbs and Andy Griggs” tonight from 7-9pm at the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum Store or tune in and hear the live broadcast on 650 WSM-AM , www.wsmonline.com or will later broadcasts on XM Satellite Radio’s America Channel #10 at 12:00AM Eastern Time on Wednesday July 30th.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Country Music Recording Artist Laura Bryna
Flies the Skies Above Country Thunder Festival
New Voice of Air Guard Campaign Gets Up Close on Refueling
NASHVILLE,TN (July 23, 2008) – Equity Music Group recording artist Laura Bryna got an ‘up close and personal’ look at an F-16 fighter jet this past week…at 30,000 feet and 400 miles per hour. A passenger on an Air Guard KC-135R Stratotanker, Bryna watched as Air Guard pilots refueled six jets during an early morning mission over the site of the annual Country Thunder music festival at
Bryna later hit the stage to perform songs from her debut CD, including the new ‘Hometown Heroes’, which she co-wrote. The song, which honors Air Guard men and women who answer the call to serve country and community, will be the official theme song for the Air Guard’s yearlong national ad campaign on radio and television.
As spokesperson for the Air Guard’s campaign, Bryna has been busy helping to spread the word, most recently at Air Guard-sponsored stops at Country Thunder and at
During Bryna’s spirited performance at Country Thunder, she invited Air Guard members onstage and introduced them to the crowd. She also made an appearance at the Air Guard booth during the festival, where a specially-designed Copley guitar was given away to one lucky festival attendee.
On the heels of her Wisconsin performance, Bryna traveled to
Bryna recently filmed a video for “Hometown Heroes” which will be part of the national ad campaign for the Air Guard. Additionally, she’ll perform at a number of concerts around the country, including a special engagement over Labor Day Weekend to raise awareness and funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation, a legacy foundation designed to provide educational scholarships for dependents and spouses of service members who are either killed or disabled while serving in the
Her affiliation with the Air Guard is a natural one for Bryna, a longtime supporter of the men and women in uniform. “Being a part of the mission to lift the spirits of our service men and women is an honor for me,” she said. “What an awesome organization and what an awesome experience. I am truly humbled by it.”
The Air Guard has unique dual mission. When natural disasters or civil disturbances hit a state, the Governor, or other appropriate authority, calls out the Air Guard for a state mission. In response, the Air Guard is there to help save lives, rescue neighbors and deliver critical supplies to stricken communities. The other role is the federal mission. It's an answer to the President's call for overseas humanitarian aid, or support of our nation's Homeland Defense efforts. There are currently over 140 Air Guard units in the
Laura Bryna’s current radio single, “Life Is Good,” is currently climbing the country radio charts. Her full length debut CD, TRYING TO BE ME is in stores now. You can learn more about
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Zachary Hunter is Featured Artist in Country Weekly's "Listen Up!" - on Stands Now
Title Track to Colorado Artist's Current CD is Available as Free Download for Two Weeks
NASHVILLE, TN (July 28, 2008) – Zachary Hunter and the title track to his latest CD, In Your Dreams, are featured in the August 11 edition of Country Weekly magazine – on stands now.
Hunter is profiled in the "Listen Up!" section of the magazine and his song, "In Your Dreams," is available as a free download at CountryWeekly.com for the next two weeks.
Hunter is included in "Listen Up!" with rising country music artists Katie Armiger, Mikel Knight,
Hunter, a resident of Durango, Colorado, is currently off to a strong start at radio with his latest single, "Those Aren't Tears (In My Eyes)." He and producer Ed Stasium are busy working on tracks from the artist's as-yet-untitled forthcoming CD.
For more information about Zachary Hunter go to: http://www.ZacharyHunter.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jeff Griffith Reels In Another ‘Big One’ – “Fishin’ Forever” Impacts Country Radio Today
"Fishin' Forever is a toe-tapping hillbilly ditty that will make ya smile. Country with a capital 'C.'" - Robert K. Oermann, Music Row
Nashville, TN (July 28, 2008) – Jeff Griffith reels in another winner with his new single, “Fishin’ Forever,” which hits radio programmers’ desks nationwide today (CDX Vol. 453, track 8).
This fun up-tempo, written by hitmakers Tony Stampley and Larry Shaw, is the perfect antidote for the dog days of summer – and the summertime blues. “Workin’ men and women really identify with the lyrics,” says the laid back Griffith. “With the high price of gasoline, and the economy hurting in general, a lot of folks are really feelin’ the pinch and optin’ to make their good times happen a little closer to home.”
"I was just wishin' I could go fishin' forever,
Grab my old cane pole, head down to the hole on the river
Leave my worries behind, grab a little piece of mind, things would be a whole lot better.
I was wishin' I could go fishin' forever" - T. Stampley/ L. Shaw
The single, the fifth released from Jeff’s debut CD, IF IT AIN’T ONE THING IT’S ANOTHER (Arrowhead Records), follows a string of Top 40 hits that include: “I’m Your Radio,” “Drinkin’ Thing,” “Holed Up In Some Honky Tonk” and the disc’s title track.
Jeff won’t have much leisure time the rest of this summer – he’ll be headlining across Texas and Louisiana, as well as sharing select dates with Joe Stampley, Jeff Bates and others.
Fans can access Griffith’s tour schedule, audio clips and more at www.jeffgriffith.net or www.myspace.com/jeffgriffith .
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RUSTIE BLUE’s Fourth Album Is Stronger Than Steel!
Lancaster, OH (July 25, 2008) – RUSTIE BLUE’s highly anticipated fourth album, Stronger Than Steel, has been set for release on August 26, 2008! This is the follow-up album to her critically acclaimed Chip, Chip. Early feedback suggests that this should become another successful release for Rustie!
Larry Holden, Country Weekly Senior Editor: "An artist should always take a new project "up a notch" from the previous album. Rustie has done that Big Time. This is a well-crafted, well-produced CD. Rustie has definitely hit her stride."
Stuart Cameron, Radio Borders, Up Country magazine, Rush Released (formerly HotDisc): "It's been a four year wait for the new Rustie Blue album and it's been well worth the wait.
In that four years Rustie has matured into a performer who is at the very top of her tree on the independent scene, and the only problem was being able to choose the right singles to promote the album. There are so many potential singles on this album - each track offering something different and refreshing. I cannot recommend the album enough; a tremendous effort all round!"
Mark Trail, Mark Trail Music: "Rustie’s new album, Stronger Than Steel, is chock-full of great music and well penned songs! ‘One Hot Summer Ago,’ is a fantastic country song that is a well sung and produced! Congrats on a job well done!"
"One Hot Summer Ago" – the first single to be released from the album – is going for Adds at New Music Weekly this week! New Music Weekly is also making the single available for download at Airplay Access. Program Directors, Music Directors, Syndicate Radio, and Internet Radio are invited to download the single to spin on their stations
In conjunction with Rustie’s forthcoming album release, "One Hot Summer Ago" has been included on a couple compilation albums. It is a Premier Cut in the July 2008 edition of the Hot Disc Rush Released album. Stuart Cameron placed the single as the first song on an album that also includes Sylvia, Cowboy Crush, and The Bellamy Brothers. Rustie is also being featured in this month’s Up Country publication. "One Hot Summer Ago" entered the HotDisc Top 40 Chart at #17 and has climbed up to #9 this week! Disc jockeys who do not currently receive the Rush Released CD may download "One Hot Summer Ago" and other tracks from the current compilation album directly from the HotDisc website at www.hotdisc.net. Disc jockeys are asked to apply by submitting their station details, after which they will be provided with a password to the download page for that month.
"One Hot Summer Ago" is also included on Mark Trail's M-T-M #30 compilation album, which have been mailed to nearly 700 US and international radio stations.
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About Rustie Blue:
Four years after the release of her last album comes Stronger Than Steel, and true to its title, the album showcases some of Rustie’s best work to date! She recorded all twelve songs in Nashville backed by some of Music City’s top studio musicians including Lonnie Wilson (percussion) and Larry Franklin (fiddle). Stronger Than Steel features two songs that Rustie co-write – the title track and "Cowgirls Do It Better." There are also three duets featured on the album. Rustie pairs with the album’s producer, Willie Mack, on "Stronger Than Steel" and "It Hurts Like Love." The third is her hit duet with Bill Anderson, "Chip, Chip," which is included as the bonus track. Another highlight is "Fall In the First Place," the Terri Clark co-penned tuned. Rustie says that she has hit her stride with Stronger Than Steel. "I feel as though I finally have found myself and voice in this album."
In the early 90s, Rustie began making several trips to Nashville in search of a record deal. Initially disappointed that the early trips produced no promising leads, she realizes in hind sight, that she still had yet to discover her own musical style. Back home, she began working on developing her voice and improving her stage presence. In 2000, Rustie released her debut album That Oughta Do It with "I’m Dropping Tears" being the kickoff single to impact overseas markets. After her sophomore album, Enter At Your Own Risk, was released two years later, Rustie headed overseas on a promotional tour, bringing her music to Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands. In 2003, Rustie partook in another tour across Australia (where she had the honor of performing at the 17th Annual Telstra Mildura Festival) and also New Zealand.
Momentum gained from Rustie’s critically acclaimed album, Chip, Chip, made 2004 another winning for her. Chip, Chip featured the title track hit duet with Bill Anderson, and the single received rave reviews. The song won Vocal Collaboration Of The Year in 2005 and staked out at the top of the European Country Music Association Chart for seven weeks! The following year, she stepped onto the legendary Grand Ole Opry stage to accept an award for her duet with Bill. "Cloud of Dust" and "Don’t Come Cryin’" (from her Chip, Chip album) were both "picked" on the After Midnite With Blair Garner syndicated radio show. More success followed in 2007, when Rustie entered the fan-voted Famecast competition. During five voting periods, her fans advanced her first into the Top 50, then Top 25, to Top 10, and finally the Top 5. Famecast flew all five artists to Austin, TX to compete for the title of Famecast Country Fenom; Rustie placed 2nd by just two votes.
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Voting for the award begins Friday, July 25th and runs through September 7th at 11:59 pm EST. To cast their vote, fans need to visit www.CMT.ca.
Emerson Drive are also on the list of performers for the 2008 CCMA Awards show, which will air live on CBC TV at 8:00 pm Central on September 8th from the CTS Centre in Winnipeg, MB. The show will re-air on CMT Canada.
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www.emersondrive.com
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The following are some examples of the critical acclaim Around the Bend has garnered:
“More than 20 years after Randy Travis’ shiver-inducing baritone upended country music, he’s singing as well as he ever has.”
Brian Mansfield, USA Today, July 15, 2008
“The good news for country fans is that one of modern country's most effective translators of hurting songs once again tackles themes of heartache and loss.”
Michael McCall, Associated Press, July 15, 2008
“His oaky baritone remains a rich sonic force, but now he’s figured out how to bring spontaneous emotion through lively swoops and dives as he negotiates melodies, adding a few twists and turns to what the writers gave him to work with.”
Randy Lewis, The
“The album is quintessential Travis, with a hard-core country feel that’s coupled with a fresh musical approach. It’s the antithesis of formulaic; it’s the basics at their best. The album sounds great and feels good, like slipping on your favorite pair of jeans.”
Beverly Keel, The Tennessean, July 15, 2008
“Fans of Josh Turner and Chris Young, both so affected by Mr. Travis' artistry, should rediscover the master. He hasn't lost his greatness.”
Mario Tarradell,
“On an album that is one of his career’s best, Travis rambles through tales of crumbling marriages, true love, old-time religion, cheatin’, drinkin’ and fried chicken. It’s hardcore country …”
Performing Songwriter, July/August 2008
“He guides all of it with the surest of hands, a gentle vocal authority that is pure, pretension-free country and a worthy centerpiece for classically tasteful arrangements that should never go out of style.”
Thomas Kintner,
“The songs explore commitment, trust, risk, addiction, hope, imperfection, determination and – in a couple of lines – the meaning of life. He's frisky when appropriate, solemn when required, and ultimately effective in capturing a range of life's emotions.”
Tom Roland, OC Register, June 20, 2008
Travis also launched his new fan club, Randy’s Ranch, on July 15, 2008. Membership to the fan club includes; a $20 gift certificate to Randy’s online store, fan club member only merchandise, the chance to participate in exclusive contests, and access to exclusive videos, photos, downloads and more on www.randytravis.com.
Released on DVD, on May 13, 2008, by Genius Products, LLC, The Wager stars Travis as Michael Steele, a blockbuster actor who has reached the height of
Since making his debut with 1986’s multi-platinum Storm’s of Life, Travis has gone on to release many memorable albums including Always & Forever, Old 8x10, High Lonesome, This Is Me,
For more information on Randy Travis, including message boards, tour dates, and more, please visit http://www.randytravis.com/.
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For Immediate Release:
Charlie Allen Releases "Why Ask Why" This Week
New Summer Single from Critically Acclaimed Artist Set to Rock the Charts
Allen and "Why Ask Why" were recently featured in the "Listen Up!" section of the June 30 edition of Country Weekly.
Written by Allen, Brian G. White and Steve Dean, "Why Ask Why" is a high-energy country rocker from Allen's newly minted and critically-acclaimed CD, That Was Then, This Is Now. Since its release in June, the album has received rave reviews. Scott Sexton of Country Music Report.com gave the CD a rating of "Outstanding." George Peden of Country Stars Online extolled, "Allen is exciting and authentic. In essence - he is his own brand." David Pierce of Today's Country Magazine gave high praise stating, "One of the best albums I have had the pleasure of hearing come out of my speakers this year - a must have!" Matt Bjorke of Roughstock goes even further in his endorsement, "Artists like Charlie Allen and labels like River Run Records can level the playing field and compete with the majors. The one thing that's required to compete is an artist of Charlie Allen's caliber."
Allen has been a staple on Music Row radio for awhile (he was one of the "Most-played" artists from that chart in 2007). With "Why Ask Why" he is reaching out to make his footprint on the major
Allen's industry visibility has been on the rise of late, with recent high-profile concerts at this year's CMA Music Festival in
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“As a country music artist I'm always looking for "that song". Something unique, something special, something that matters. This song has all of the above. What a melody!,” says
“She Wouldn’t Be Gone” will also be digitally delivered to country radio on Monday, July 21 and will be available for sale at all digital retailers on July 29. Ringtone will be available at all carriers on August 3.
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LISTEN UP: Conman Radio Show Shines Spotlight On RUSTIE BLUE!
Englewood, CO (July 17, 2008) RUSTIE BLUE will be on The Conman Radio Show TOMORROW evening! She is the featured artist in the "Bar Bands & Basement Tapes" segment, which is scheduled to air at 8:15 PM, Mountain time zone (9:15 PM Central / 10:15PM Eastern time). The show's host, Chris Conn, will highlight several songs from Rustie's forthcoming album, Stronger Than Steel! Fans are invited to tune in to the show via the stations who carry the show or online at http://www.ConmanRadio.com.
Chris' inspiration for implementing "Bar Bands & Basement Tapes" into his show sprung forth from a simple concept. "Years ago, I started a feature on my radio show called 'Bar Bands & Basement Tapes.' It was designed to give Independent country talent 15 minutes of fame in front of a national audience. Since it's conception, I have featured hundreds of up and coming talents. Some have gone on to sign major recording contracts (Danielle Peck, Ashley Gearing, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Amanda Wilson) and some simply fade away."
He is excited to be featuring Rustie on tomorrow's show! "This Friday, I will be featuring a great singer/songwriter by the name of Rustie Blue. I have known Rustie for years and continue to watch her star rise! She recently sent me a copy of her new CD, Stronger Than Steel, and I was blown away by her level of talent and maturity of the album. This is exactly why I started 'Bar Bands & Basement Tapes'! I want the rest of the nation to know that there is more to country music than just the top 40 songs you hear on most radio stations!"
Stronger Than Steel is the follow-up to Rustie's critically acclaimed album, Chip, Chip, and is set for a August 26, 2008 release. Rustie co-wrote the title track and "Cowgirls Do It Better" on the new album. Other writers on the album include Terri Clark on "Fall In the First Place" (written with Gilles Godard and Bobby Tomberlane) and Deborah Allen on "It Hurts Like Love" (written with Chuck Jones). Rustie also recorded "Where I Used to Be," co-written by Country Weekly magazine's Senior Editor, Larry Holden, (written with fellow CW colleague, Jerry Holthouse and also Sergei Olkovsky). Willie Mack produced the album and is also a featured guest vocalist on "Stronger Than Steel" and "It Hurts Like Love."
The first single from the new album is "One Hot Summer Ago" which has already been shipped to radio.
About The Conman Radio Show:
Chris Conn was hired by Jones Radio Network in 1995 to fill the evening slot on its country format, CD Country. That year, CD Country had 24 national affiliates. After the addition of "The Conman Radio Show," it grew to over 130. In 1997, The Conman Radio Show was officially launched in to syndication. To this day, Chris continues to host "The Conman Radio Show for Dial-Global/Triton Radio Networks. His nightly radio show is broadcast in over 100 markets across the country and heard by nearly 3 million listeners an hour. The show is also streamed online at http://www.ConmanRadio.com.
Thanks so much!Center Stage Productions
Robert D. Keister
MELISSA JONES KICKS-OFF TOUR OF MILITARY BASES
Country Singer Releases Exclusive CD To Benefit Military Families
Melissa’s self-titled debut album, produced by Nelson Larkin and Steve Kondor, will be released in the Fall. The album includes Melissa’s singles The Perfect Man and Who Do You Think I Am which have already received national airplay at country radio. While working on Melissa’s album, Steve Kondor heard an unforgettable demo of a heart wrenching song titled, Red, White & Blue Night in
"We believe this song is the first to reflect on the ‘soul’ of the military spouse and family member,” said Roxanne. Red, White and Blue Night in Georgia is a testament to the love, pride and devotion we all share for our men and women serving our country." “It’s such a great song,” says Melissa. “I have a very strong emotional connection to the story -- my younger brother Jake was seriously injured in
They joined forces to put together a tour of military bases across the
Melissa Jones Military Base Tour Schedule
7/09 -
7/10 - Navy Exchange Oceana Mall (
7/11 -
7/12 -
7/13 -
7/17 -
7/18 - AAFES Office (
7/19 - Lackland AFB (
7/20 -
7/23 - Luke AFB (
7/24 -
7/25 - Nellis AFB (
7/26 - Fort Lewis PX (
7/27 -
7/31 - Naval Construction Battalion (
8/01 -
8/02 - MacDill AFB (
8/03 - Naval Exchange main store (
Jonalee’s bass player, Molly Pauken, even had the privilege of jamming with Sterling Ball of Ernie Ball Music. After the jam session, which attracted a crowd that included numerous industry professionals and artists such as Vince Gill,
Wake Me,
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MERCYME FRONTMAN BART MILLARD TO RELEASE SECOND HYMNS PROJECT
“Hymned Again” Hits August 19th and Features Duet with Country Superstar Vince Gill
“I Stand Amazed” Goes to Radio July 4th
NASHVILLE, TN....June 17, 2008.....In follow up to HYMNED, MercyMe frontman Bart Millard’s 2005 solo project, named one of Billboard and ChristianMusicToday.com’s Top Ten albums of 2005, comes his second effort, HYMNED AGAIN, which will hit nationwide on August 19th. The first single to be serviced to AC and Inspo radio formats will be “I Stand Amazed,” on July 4th, which features guest vocals by Christy Nockels.
Taking the production helm once again is Brown Bannister, who along with Millard’s passionate vocals and a famed line up of studio musicians, has created an impressive and diversified musical landscape on HYMNED AGAIN. Raised in East Texas relatively close to where many musical styles originated, Millard wanted to create an authentic sound with these old hymns, most of which date back to the 1800s and talk about sharing one’s faith during this era when evangelism was on the rise. Therefore, HYMNED AGAIN runs the stylistic gamut from New Orleans style horn-driven jazz to Texas blues-rock guitar, and country/bluegrass to banjo-featuring Dixieland, '70s soul/gospel flavor, and one song centered on nothing more than a ukulele.
To top it off, the sole original track on the CD, written by Millard and Thad Cockrell, “Jesus Cares for Me,” features a duet with country superstar Vince Gill. "The one thing I've been looking to do is sing with Bart and check that off my Bucket List.” laughed Gill, who had some fun with Millard in the recording studio with his ‘Bucket List,’ video from which is featured on MercyMe’s blog page at http://www.mercyme/org/blog. All kidding aside, the duet is surely a dream come true for Millard, who states, “I never imagined I would sing a duet with Vince Gill, and especially that it would be on one of my records. It was truly an incredible ‘pinch myself’ moment.”
While HYMNED was inspired by Millard’s grandmother, and the hymns she used to sing, HYMNED AGAIN was inspired moreso by his three kids. "My three kids know every word of the first hymns record I did,” he says. “These are songs that were a huge part of my upbringing, and now they are a part of my kids’ as well, so I had to do another one! And, true to form, they already have the new album memorized too."
Millard is currently touring a full summer schedule with MercyMe supporting their latest hit project, ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME. The band will be touring this fall as well, dates for which are available on http://www.mercyme.org. Millard also just taped a special HYMNED AGAIN episode of the Gospel Music Channel’s Kitchen Sink program which is scheduled to air on September 27th.
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Songsmith Bonnie Bishop Joins Montage Music Group Publishing
Nashville, TN – Montage Music Group Head of Publishing, Bobby Rymer, is excited to announce that
Bonnie Bishop has joined Montage Music Publishing as a staff writer.
“Bonnie is not only a wonderful singer and artist, but her potential as a writer is unlimited. I truly believe she is going to make
A well known fixture on the
For more information on Montage Music Group artists and songwriters please visit http://www.montagemusicgroup.com/
DEBUT VIDEO ON AOL TODAY
Video Premieres July 16 On GAC
Up-Close And Personal Look At Whitney With “
To give country music fans an introduction to this amazing debut artist, Warner Bros. Records has created a series of interviews, appropriately titled “Right Road Now.”
http://music.aol.com/artist/genre/country
http://www.myspace.com/whitneyduncanmusic
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Andy Griggs Knows When To Hold ‘Em
Outlasts All But One Doyle’s Room Pro in 2008 World Series of Poker
Nashville, TN -- Montage Music Group’s Andy Griggs made his sponsor DoylesRoom.net proud as the first-ever country artist to participate in the 2008 World Series of Poker, held in Las Vegas last week. Griggs began the tournament with $20,000 in chips and was advised by his trainers that he would be doing well if he ended the first day with $10,000-$15,000. By the end of the day, he had more than doubled his money, with $51,050 in chips!
By the third day of play, Griggs was the only celebrity left in the tournament, and lasted three rounds until he went all in with a pair of 5’s and the other player bested him with a pair of 6’s on the flop. Impressively, he finished in the top 12 percent of players in the world renowned tournament.
Griggs received a tremendous amount of media coverage during the event, and fans can check out the tournament on ESPN as it airs every Tuesday beginning July 22nd. He kicked off Day Two of the tournament with a performance of the National Anthem, and also performed a track, the fitting, “It’s All About The Money,” from his new Montage Music Group album THE GOOD LIFE, on July 5th.
Fans can find out more about Griggs’ experience playing with the pros at http://www.andygriggs.com/.
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Travis Will Be In
With one of the most recognizable voices in country music, Randy Travis returns to his roots with his first new country album in eight years, Around the Bend, which will be released by Warner Bros. Records on July 15, 2008. Randy will be in New York City in support of his new release and will be appearing on several national television shows including: “The Late Show with David Letterman” (7/15,) “Good Morning America” (7/16), “Regis & Kelly” (7/17) and “The Today Show” (7/18.) He will be performing the current single off of the album, “Dig Two Graves” and big hits such as “Forever And Ever Amen.” With over 23 years on the charts, Randy Travis is one of the top ten selling solo country artists of all time. Having sold over 21 million albums, he has 22 #1 hits, six GRAMMY® Awards, five Country Music Association Awards, nine Academy of Country Music Awards and ten American Music Awards to his name.
Travis will be launching his new fan club, to coincide with the release of Around The Bend on July 15, 2008. Membership to the fan club includes; a $20 gift certificate to Randy’s online store, fan club member only merchandise, the chance to participate in exclusive contests, and access to exclusive videos, photos, downloads and more on http://www.randytravis.com/.
Released on DVD on May 13, 2008, by Genius Products, LLC, The Wager stars Travis as Michael Steele, a blockbuster actor who has reached the height of
Since making his debut with 1986’s multi-platinum Storm’s of Life, Travis has gone on to release many memorable albums including Always & Forever, Old 8x10, High Lonesome, This Is Me, Full Circle and Rise and Shine. His many hits include, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Three Wooden Crosses,” “1982,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “He Walked on Water,” “Look Heart, No Hands” and “Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart” among many others. In addition to his extraordinary recording career, Travis has appeared in many films, TV movies, and episodes of dramatic series. His movies include Fire Down Below, Black Dog, Frank and Jess, The Rainmaker, and Texas Rangers. He also appeared in seven episodes of Touched By An Angel and has guest starred on shows such as Matlock, Blues Clues, Hey Arnold and King of the Hill.
For more information on Randy Travis, including message boards, tour dates, and more, please visit http://www.randytravis.com/.
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Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2008
Meet: The John Henrys
The Ottawa group has the cosmic country-rock sounds of Gram Parsons-era Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers down to a science. Sweet little bits of heartache underneath pedal steel and raucous barroom sing-alongsÉ whatÕs not to love?Ó - iTunes
"Sweet as the Grain is a rootsy masterpiece" - Ottawa Sun
The John Henrys arenÕt your conventional Americana / alt-country act. That is, of course, because they are Canadian. But that detail doesnÕt discredit the band—remember: Neil Young and Hank Snow are two of the most notable names in country music, and both hail from Canada.
On Sweet As Grain, The John Henrys dispel any notion that Canadian roots do anything to damage the integrity of country music. The album became #1 on iTunes Canada Roots Music the week of release, and #1 on the Exclaim/Earshot National Campus and Community Radio Folk Roots chart. Now, the albumÕs US release is expected to generate similar results and deliver the much-talked-about band to the forefront of the Americana / Country / Roots scene in the US.
The John Henrys On Tour:
07/08 Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa Blues Fest
10/04 Greenwood, AL One Music Festival
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Who's in our AMERICAN MuseBox ?
Uncut * The High Dials * Edison Glass * VHS or BETA * Jukebox The Ghost * Apples In stereo * Beach House * Syme * Kakkmaddafakka * Beautiful Noise * Lettuce * Rustic Overtones * Heavenly States * Juno Reactor * Pride Tiger * Brian Scary & The Shredding Tears * MSI * Black Box Revelation * Echo and The Bunnymen * Tokyo Police Club * IAMX * Chris and Thomas * Morgans Hotel Group * Barefoot Wines * The Great Bloomers * Cut Copy * The Presets
Who's in our CANADIAN MuseBox ?
Tom Fun Orchestra * Beach House * The 8485 * The Paper Cranes * The Clips * Brasstronaut * Snail House * Beautiful Noise * The I Spies * The Carps * Candy Coated Killahz * The Presets * Cut Copy * The Two Koreas * Marco Solo * Dr. Dog * Paper Lions
"I loved "Home" the first time I heard it and I really love it now," jokes
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