New Music Video From Kenny Chesney and Megan Moroney - "You Had To Be There"

New Music Video From Kenny Chesney - "Just To Say We Did"

New Music Video From Kenny Chesney - "Take Her Home"

Remembering Jimmy Buffett: The Island Soul of Country Music

It's with heavy hearts and margaritas raised to the sky that we bid adieu to the legendary Jimmy Buffett. On September 1, 2023, surrounded by family, friends, and the gentle hum of the ocean he loved so much, Buffett left this world for the ultimate paradise. His legacy, however, remains etched in the notes of country music, the sandy beaches, and in the hearts of Parrotheads around the world.

Born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Buffett's destiny seemed to have been written in the stars. From his humble beginnings, he would go on to change the landscape of country music, infusing it with the spirit of the islands, bringing a splash of the tropics to a genre steeped in American tradition.

Jimmy's hits like "Margaritaville", "Come Monday", and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" weren't just songs; they were an invitation. An invitation to escape the daily grind, to find solace by the beach, to understand that it's always five o'clock somewhere. His music was an ethos, an island-lifestyle brand that transcended genres and age groups.

Though undoubtedly country at its core, Jimmy's music resonated with listeners of rock, pop, and folk alike. This is because Buffett was not just selling songs, he was selling a dream—a dream of sandy shores, relaxed afternoons, and simple pleasures. It was a dream so many wanted to be part of, and Jimmy's influence led to a surge of "trop rock" or "gulf & western" music, merging country narratives with coastal vibes.

Jimmy's influence on country wasn't limited to the music alone. He represented a lifestyle many aspired to. His business ventures, from the Margaritaville restaurants to his line of merchandise, further cemented his brand in popular culture. These establishments and products allowed fans to step into Jimmy's world, even if just for a few hours.

This movement, with its unique blend of country's storytelling and coastal relaxation, resonated deeply within the industry, particularly with today's country music juggernauts. The echoes of Buffett's style and ethos are palpable in the careers of stars like Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, and Zac Brown.

Kenny Chesney, with his beach-infused ballads and island escapism, is undeniably a spiritual successor to Buffett. Songs like "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems" and "When the Sun Goes Down" might as well have been crafted with Buffett's spirit whispering in the background. The beach-bum lifestyle, the yearning for tropical escapes, and the relaxed vibe all trace back to the Parrothead king.

Alan Jackson, another country giant, joined forces with Buffett for the hit "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere", a song that epitomized the very essence of both artists. The collaboration showcased how effortlessly Buffett's island philosophy blended with mainstream country, and the song's success is a testament to his lasting influence.

Then there's Zac Brown, whose laid-back vibes and emphasis on the simpler things in life echo Buffett's teachings. Tracks like "Toes" and "Knee Deep" feel like pages borrowed from Jimmy's songbook, replete with sun, sand, and soul.

But beyond the music and the brand was the man—a man with an uncanny ability to connect with people. His concerts were more than just performances; they were gatherings of the Parrothead community, a term affectionately coined for his die-hard fans. Adorned in Hawaiian shirts, with parrot hats and coconut bras, they turned every Jimmy Buffett concert into a beach party.

His passing leaves a void that is impossible to fill. Yet, his impact on country music remains indelible. By blending island themes with country storytelling, he showed that country isn't just about the heartland; it's about heart, wherever you find it—even if that's on a beach, sipping margaritas.

As we remember Jimmy Buffett, let's not mourn the silence but celebrate the music, the laughter, the dreams, and the countless memories he's left behind. Somewhere, in a paradise beyond the horizon, you can bet Jimmy's strumming his six-string, his feet in the sand, forever reminding us that life is for living and every moment is a chance for a new adventure.

Farewell, Jimmy. Your journey might have ended, but the party you started will never stop. Rest in the eternal sands of Margaritaville. 🌴🍹🎸

New Music Video From Kenny Chesney - "Everyone She Knows"

New Music Video From Kenny Chesney - "Beautiful World"

New Music Video From Kenny Chesney - "Knowing You"

Write You A Song Podcast - Interviewing Singer/Songwriter/Author Aimee Mayo

This morning we share another new podcast from host Tom Mailey from Bonneville radio station New Country 105.1 KNCI in Sacramento. Tom is a country radio veteran with over 30 years of experience in Seattle and Sacramento and a key partner in our Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Music Festival, a little event in our twelfth year that has raised well north of a million bucks for kids and individuals with disabilities. It highlights the songwriters in our industry and is entitled Write You a Song. 

It's his hope that this podcast will shine a little overdue spotlight on the talented men and women who, mostly behind the scenes, write the songs that become part of our lives. You know their words and music, but maybe not their names: Write You a Song will feature some of country music’s biggest songwriters--like Jeffrey Steele, Brett Warren, Ashley McBryde, Tim Nichols and more.

If Aimee Mayo had never become a successful Nashville songwriter, her story would still be worth telling. 

Growing up in a dysfunctional family in Gadsden, Alabama, Aimee dreamed of a life beyond constant personal chaos and somehow, against all odds, she achieved it. Her book recounting that journey, "Talking To The Sky: A memoir about living your best life in a sh*t show" is available now and is an engrossing study in human resilience. It's also really, really well-written. That Aimee is here at all is a testament to her spirit, her talent, and her unwavering faith in a better life than the one she lived growing up.

A successful songwriter of hits for artists like Blake Shelton (Every Time I Hear That Song), Tim McGraw (You're My Best Friend), Kenny Chesney (Who You'd Be Today), Martina McBride (This One's For The Girls), Kelli Pickler (Red High Heels), she is probably best known for co-writing the multi-genre smash, "Amazed" for Lonestar along with now-husband Chris Lindsay and Marv Green. That year Aimee ALSO won the BMI country songwriter of the year award – becoming one of only a handful of female writers to win both- putting her in the company of ladies like Dolly, Loretta and Taylor. Not bad for someone who doesn’t play an instrument and who, for a long time, could only dream of a different life far away from the life she knew growing up.

Write You A Song Podcast - An Interview With Rodney Clawson

We share another new podcast from host Tom Mailey from Bonneville radio station New Country 105.1 KNCI in Sacramento. Tom is a country radio veteran with over 30 years of experience in Seattle and Sacramento and a key partner in our Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Music Festival, a little event in our twelfth year that has raised well north of a million bucks for kids and individuals with disabilities. It highlights the songwriters in our industry and is entitled Write You a Song. 

It's his hope that this podcast will shine a little overdue spotlight on the talented men and women who, mostly behind the scenes, write the songs that become part of our lives. You know their words and music, but maybe not their names: Write You a Song will feature some of country music’s biggest songwriters--like Jeffrey Steele, Brett Warren, Ashley McBryde, Tim Nichols and more.

Rodney Clawson is one of the most unusual country songwriters to guest on Write You a Song. He's also one of the most successful. A farmer in Texas most of his life, songwriting was never even a consideration until one day he got a call from a friend who'd moved to Nashville. Annually, he writes about 160 songs but claims he only gets "10-12 good ideas a year". Among those good ideas: songs that have gone on to become massive hits, like "May We All" for Florida Georgia Line and Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean's "Burnin' It Down" and "Amarillo Sky", Kenny Chesney's "American Kids," Luke Bryan's "Drunk On You" and "Bartender" for Lady A. And that's just skimming the surface.

His is one of the most unlikely songwriting success stories you'll ever hear...and that's not even counting that when he was in colleged he coached a kid named John Rich on a high school basketball team. Give it a listen and see why he says if you want to be good, sometimes you have to "dare to suck".

Write You a Song Podcast - An Interview With Songwriter Paul Overstreet

This morning we share another new podcast from host Tom Mailey from Bonneville radio station New Country 105.1 KNCI in Sacramento. Tom is a country radio veteran with over 30 years of experience in Seattle and Sacramento and a key partner in our Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Music Festival, a little event in our twelfth year that has raised well north of a million bucks for kids and individuals with disabilities. It highlights the songwriters in our industry and is entitled Write You a Song. 

It's his hope that this podcast will shine a little overdue spotlight on the talented men and women who, mostly behind the scenes, write the songs that become part of our lives. You know their words and music, but maybe not their names: Write You a Song will feature some of country music’s biggest songwriters--like Jeffrey Steele, Brett Warren, Ashley McBryde, Tim Nichols and more.

Paul Overstreet recorded 10 studio albums between 1982 and 2005, and charted 16 singles on the Billboard country charts, including two No. 1 hits. He has also written 27 top ten singles for several other country acts, including No. 1 hits for Randy Travis, Blake Shelton, and Keith Whitley, as well as hits for The Judds and Kenny Chesney.

Hear more of this unique Nashville success story from one of country music's most sought-after collaborators, this month, on this unique Write You a Song podcast.

That Nashville Sound Friday Newsbytes - New Blackberry Smoke Project, Tim McGraw Little River Band Cover & New Music Videos

Everybody keep your head up, call someone who might be sitting in isolation by themselves and if you have it within your means, consider buying a piece of merchandise from your favorite independent artist's website today.   Heaven knows, they can use the help with all these shows being cancelled.  Today's news includes a new album announcement and a slew of new music videos and music performances.

~ Tim McGraw unveiled an awesome video shot a few months back in Australia of a before-concert cover of "Cool Change" with then-tour mate Eric Paslay. Says McGraw, "We love to sing covers backstage to warm up before the show—and sometimes we have friends join us….. Digging through the archives and sharing these with you while we’ve got some downtime. Hope you enjoy!!! Here’s a Little River Band cover we did back in Australia last year with Eric Paslay."

~ The Maverick's lead singer Raul Malo has been quietly releasing black and white shot videos of a series he's calling Quarantunes- covers of songs he loves- each day and they're worth a watch if just to marvel at the wonder of his voice.

~ Vlogger Grady Smith posted a new video of his review of Kelsea Ballerini's new album.

~ Blackberry Smoke will release a special new EP, Live From Capricorn Sound Studios, on June 19 with a portion of all proceeds going to the Recording Academy’s MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Recorded earlier this year at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon, GA, the project consists of six new versions of songs that have special ties to the historic studio and town.

Blackberry Smoke’s new version of “Midnight Rider,” originally recorded by The Allman Brothers Band, is premiering today at Relix in celebration of two special anniversaries: the formation of The Allman Brothers Band on March 26, 1969 and the release of “Midnight Rider” on the same day in 1971. Watch the live performance video HERE. 

The new project marks a significant moment in Capricorn Sound Studios’ history as it was the first time a major band has done a professional recording at the studio in over 40 years. Additional songs featured on the EP are renditions of The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Take The Highway” with special guest Marcus Henderson on the flute, The Allman Brothers Band’s “Revival,” Little Richard’s “Southern Child” and Wet Willie’s “Keep On Smiling” and “Grits Ain’t Groceries,” both featuring special guest vocals from Jimmy Hall—a member of Wet Willie during Capricorn’s peak years, who returned to the studio to record these tracks. 

~ New music videos and live performance videos premiering over the last couple days- click on the song title to watch the video:

      Brantley Gilbert - "Fire't Up"

      Zac Brown - "Dream Sellin'"

      Butch Walker - "Pretty Crazy"

      Ashley Monroe - "Honey"

      Ben Rector - "Yesterday"

      William Michael Morgan - "When You Say Nothing At All"

      Erin Enderlin - "Queen of Marina del Rey"

      Kenny Chesney - "Here and Now"

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes - New Music Videos and Albums

A couple new album announcements and some new videos all were made yesterday and we've got the details and links for more information below...

New music videos:

      Maddie & Tae - "Bathroom Floor"

      Lindsay Ell - "I Don't Love You"
      Farewell Angelina - "Baby"
      Hot Country Knights - "Moose Knuckle Shuffle"
      Kelleigh Bannen - "Suits"

New album announcements:

~ Kenny Chesney has finished Here and Now. His first project for Warner Music Nashville will arrive on May 1. Writing and recording over the last 18 months, Chesney spent much of the time thinking about the world around him, the way everyone has their own journey and yet, people ultimately are so much more similar than different. If the concept sounds heavy, listen to “Here and Now,” country radio’s most added track its first week, to hear Chesney’s desire to make music that sweeps people up, even as it enriches their life. For the man who holds the record for the most career No. 1s on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart, finding a song that inspires people to recognize the good things around them – even in times like these – drives him.

“When you’re this far into a career,” Chesney explains, “I think artists need to keep pushing themselves and the music without losing sight of who they are, or forgetting the people you make music for. No Shoes Nation is a very passionate place without borders; I get inspired every time I see and hear them. These are passionate people who work really hard. They make a difference in their community in all kinds of ways, giving back not so people think they’re good, but because that’s who they are and what they do. When they listen to music, they’re all in – and when they hear something they like, you can feel it in how they respond.”

~ Husband and wife duo Cole and Kendra Porter released their sophomore album as Porter Union yesterday called Loved and Lost. Kendra said, “It feels like we put so much into this one. We’ve really taken our time and made it what we wanted it to be." And Cole agrees. He says even their songwriting has become more focused and refined, “You just get better at being intentional with what you’re trying to say. You become more thoughtful at tying it all in, in a way that conveys what you’re really feeling to someone who has no idea what's going on in your head.”

~ Triple Tigers Records recording artists Gone West featuring Colbie Caillat announced the June 12 release of their debut album Canyons during their performance yesterday morning on the Today Show. The 13 songs on Canyons, all written by Gone West, "embrace stunning vocal harmonies creating a sound that speaks across genres." 9 of the 13 tracks on the album were produced or co-produced by Gone West. Additional producers and songwriters include Jamie Kenney, Liz Rose, Jimmy Robbins, Eric Arjes, Nathan Chapman, Alysa Vanderheym, Tom Douglas and Summer Overstreet.

~ Dierks Bentley and his faux-real Nineties-country band Hot Country Knights are dressed like they’re about to charge into a medieval battle in space on the cover of their debut album The K Is Silent. Produced by Bentley, the music-meets-comedy project comes out via Universal Music Nashville on May 1st. In addition to the previously released “Pick Her Up” with Travis Tritt, and the posterior-praising “Asphalt,” The K Is Silent features some evocative song titles such as “Moose Knuckle Shuffle,” “Wrangler Danger,” and “The USA Begins With US.” Terri Clark shows up as a guest on “You Make It Hard” (which Bentley’s manager Mary Hilliard Harrington co-wrote). Bentley penned most of the songs with a group of his frequent collaborators including Jim Beavers, Brett Beavers, and Jon Randall.

~ The Dixie Chicks will release their first studio album in 14 years. Co-produced by the band and Jack Antonoff — who have all teased the album for the past two years on social media — Gaslighter will, finally, come out May 1 via Columbia Records.

That Nashville Sound Sunday Newsbytes: New Albums Galore

Some new records forthcoming-

- Songwriter Brett James (his credits include the Number One country hits "Who I Am" by Jessica Andrews, "Blessed" by Martina McBride, "When the Sun Goes Down" and "Out Last Night" by Kenny Chesney, "Jesus, Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood) among others is releasing an EP called I Am Now on March 27. Source

- John Anderson is releasing a new album this Spring, titled Years, on Easy Eye Sound. Produced by Dan Auerbach and David “Fergie” Ferguson and set for April 10, the album includes 10 new originals as well as a special guest appearance by Blake Shelton on the track “Tuesday I’ll Be Gone.” Source

- Lily Hiatt is releasing a new album called Walking Proof on March 27 as well. Source

- According to this Rolling Stone article, Lee Ann Womack is working on a new album to be released at some point later in the year. Source

- Luke Bryan will release a new album called Born Here, Live Here, Die Here on April 24. Source

Write You A Song Podcast: Shane McAnally - Authentic and Real

We share another new podcast from host Tom Mailey from Bonneville radio station New Country 105.1 KNCI in Sacramento. Tom is a country radio veteran with over 30 years of experience in Seattle and Sacramento and a key partner in our Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Music Festival, a little event in our twelfth year that has raised well north of a million bucks for kids and individuals with disabilities. It highlights the songwriters in our industry and is entitled Write You a Song. It's his hope that this podcast will shine a little overdue spotlight on the talented men and women who, mostly behind the scenes, write the songs that become part of our lives. You know their words and music, but maybe not their names: Write You a Song will feature some of country music’s biggest songwriters--like Jeffrey Steele, Brett Warren, Ashley McBryde, Tim Nichols and more.

If country music's songwriting community has one common denominator, it could very likely be Shane McAnally. With over 40 #1 songs since breaking through in 2010 with Kenny Chesney's "Somewhere With You" (which he co-wrote with JT Harding), McAnally has emerged as gifted a writer and producer as Nashville has ever seen. Seemingly without effort, he navigates between pushing the style of contemporary country music (Sam Hunt), while still giving plenty of attention to country's traditional roots (Midland). He's also comfortable working with artists who aren't so easily labeled (Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark). And he is undeniably country music's most high-profile songwriter: as a coach on NBC's breakout songwriting TV show Songland, McAnally has demonstrated for the rest of America not only his talent for turning a phrase, but his innate ability to work with others to bring out their best.

And while he makes his success look easy, it isn't, nor has it been, and that makes his accomplishments all that more impressive.

New Music Video From Caroline Jones - "Gulf Coast Girl" - (ft. Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Lukas Nelson & Mac McAnally)

Write You a Song Podcast Episode V - An Interview With Songwriter Brett James

This morning we share another new podcast from host Tom Mailey from Bonneville radio station New Country 105.1 KNCI in Sacramento. Tom is a country radio veteran with over 30 years of experience in Seattle and Sacramento and a key partner in our Golf & Guitars Children's Charity Music Festival, a little event in our twelfth year that has raised well north of a million bucks for kids and individuals with disabilities. It highlights the songwriters in our industry and is entitled Write You a Song.

It's his hope that this podcast will shine a little overdue spotlight on the talented men and women who, mostly behind the scenes, write the songs that become part of our lives. You know their words and music, but maybe not their names: Write You a Song will feature some of country music’s biggest songwriters--like Jeffrey Steele, Brett Warren, Tim Nichols and more.

Songwriter Brett James talks about writing hits with Carrie Underwood... and what makes her such a creative songwriter in her own right. He also shares stories behind hits like "Man I Want To Be", "Something in the Water" and how a night out in the Islands with Kenny Chesney led to writing two number one singles, back to back. If you're an aspiring songwriter, or just interested in the craft, Brett's a great and engaging guest!

James' compositions have been credited on 494 recordings by a wide variety of artists. Signed to Career Records (a division of Arista Nashville) as a solo artist in 1995, James charted three singles and released a self-titled debut album that year. He returned to Arista as a recording artist in 2002, releasing two more singles.

Since the early 2000s, James has become known primarily as a songwriter for other country and pop music artists. Among his compositions is Carrie Underwood's 2006 number-one hit "Jesus, Take the Wheel", which received Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. His writers' credits also include number-one hits for Jessica Andrews, Martina McBride, Rodney Atkins, and Jason Aldean. 

A Master List of Country & Americana Albums Scheduled For Release In 2018

As we gaze into the proverbial crystal ball, we can see lots of albums on the horizon in the second half of 2018- with another large batch most likely finished in the studio and awaiting a release date. Here's what we know today:

July 20
Lori McKenna/The Tree/CN Records-Thirty Tigers
Sarah Ross/Nervous Breakdown/Average Joes
Mason Ramsey/Famous [EP]/Big Loud Records-Atlantic Records

July 27
Kenny Chesney/Songs for the Saints/Blue Chair-Warner Bros. Nashville
Catherine McGrath – This Town
Cody Jinks – Lifers - Rounder
Various/The Music Of Nashville, Season 6, Vol. 2/Big Machine Records-Lionsgate Television Inc.-ABC Studios

August 3
Amanda Shires/To the Sunset/Silver Knife-Thirty Tigers
Lucero – Among The Ghosts
Jim Lauderdale – Time Flies + Jim Lauderdale and Roland White
Jim Lauderdale/Jim Lauderdale And Roland White/Yep Roc Records
Riley Clemmons/Riley Clemmons/Capitol CMG
Phil Wickham/Living Hope/Fair Trade Services
Dustin Collins/It’s Been Awhile/Average Joes Entertainment-DCDL Entertainment

August 10
Jason Eady/I Travel On/Old Guitar Records
Rhett Walker Band/Rhett Walker Band [EP]/Essential Records-Sony Music
Shooter Jennings – Shooter
Rhett Walker Band/Rhett Walker Band [EP]/Essential Records-Sony Music
The War and Treaty/Healing Tide/Strong World-Thirty Tigers
Liz Cooper & The Stampede/Window Flowers/Sleepyhead Records-Thirty Tigers
William Shatner & Jeff Cook/Why Not Me/Heartland Records Nashville
Various/Elvis Presley – Where No One Stands Alone/RCA-Legacy Recordings

August 17
Dillon Carmichael/Hell On An Angel/Riser House
Cole Swindell/All Of It/Warner Bros. Records
Buck Owens/Country Singer’s Prayer/Omnivore Recordings-Buck Owens Estate
Lydia Luce/Azalea
Joe Ely/The Lubbock Tapes: Full Circle/Rack'Em Records

August 24
Lucie Silvas/E.G.O.
Aaron Watson/Aaron Watson Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show/Big Label Records
Devil Makes Three/Chains Are Broken/New West

August 31
Aaron Lee Tasjan/Karma for Cheap/New West

September 7
Ruston Kelly/Dying Star/Rounder Records
Mike Farris/Silver & Stone/Compass Records
Lauren Daigle/Look Up Child/Centricity Music
Kathy Mattea/Pretty Bird/Captain Potato
Larry Stewart/Shifting Gears/Independent

September 14
Asleep at the Wheel/New Routes/Thirty Tigers
Carrie Underwood/Cry Pretty
David Nail & The Well Ravens/Only This And Nothing More/One Five Sound
The Jaydees/Dandelions/WM

September 21
Amy Helm/This Too Shall Light/Yep Roc

September 28
Mandy Barnett/Strange Conversation/

October 5
Eric Church/Desperate Man/EMI Nashville
Will Hoge/My American Dream
For King & Country/Burn the Ships
Ward Thomas/Restless Minds/Sony

October 26
Rosanne Cash/She Remembers Everything/Blue Note

November 9
Kane Brown/TBD

Albums with "to be announced" release dates but presumed to be 2018:
Loretta Lynn - Wouldn't It Be Great (Sony Legacy)
Marc Cohn - TBD
Pistol Annies - TBD
Ronnie Milsap Duets Project
Crystal Bowersox - "Promises" EP [Pledge Music]
Damn Davidsons- TBD (GoFundMe)
Sam Hunt - TBA (MCA Nashville)
Julie Roberts- I Think You Know
Jack Ingram - An Album & Two EPs- Thirty Tigers
Jamie Lin Wilson - TBD
Aaron Watson - A Watson Family Christmas
Chris Roberts (Formerly of One Flew South) - EP
Terri Clark
Justin Moore
Sarah Buxton
Maren Morris
Garth Brooks - Live Album & New Album
Jake Owen
Deana Carter

Other Projects Rumored To Be In The Works:
Ashley Gearing - TBD
Blue Sky Riders - TBD
Breaking Grass - TBD (Mountain Fever)
Brooke Eden - TBD (Red Bow Records)
Candi Carpenter - TBD
Carolina Chocolate Drops - TBD
Catherine Britt - TBD (Universal/Lost Highway)
Chase Bryant - TBD (Red Bow Records)
Clare Dunn - TBA (MCA Nashville)
Clay Walker - TBA
Craig Campbell - TBA (Red Bow Records)
David Fanning - TBA
Del McCoury - Woody Guthrie tribute album
Drew Baldridge - TBA (Cold River Records)
Ego Brothers (Corb Lund, Hayes Carll, and John Evans) - TBA
Eric Paslay - TBA (EMI Nashville)
Gary Allan - TBA (MCA Nashville)
Haley Georgia - TBA (EMI Nashville)
Hayes Carll - TBA
Holly Williams - TBA
Jackie Lee - TBA (Broken Bow Records)
Jake Owen - TBA
James Otto - TBA
John King - TBA (Black River Entertainment)
Jordan Rager - TBA (Broken Bow Records)
Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice - TBA
Kellie Pickler - TBA
Love and Theft - TBA (Curb)
Lucas Hoge - TBA
Maren Morris - TBA
Mark Collie - TBA (101 Ranch Records)
Martina McBride- Christmas Project
Mickey Guyton - TBA (Capitol Nashville)
Morgane Stapleton - TBA
Noel McKay - TBA
Oak Ridge Boys - Dave Cobb Produced Album
Pam Tillis- TBA
Randy Houser - TBA (Stoney Creek Records)
Rick Trevino - TBA
Rita Wilson - TBA
Robbie Fulks - TBA
Rodney Atkins - TBA (Curb Records)
Roland White - TBA
Ryan Kinder - TBA (Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville)
Scotty McCreery - TBA (Label TBA)
Secret Sisters - TBA
Shooter Jennings - TBA
Steve Wariner - TBA (project with Duane Eddy)
Tanya Tucker - TBA
The Railers - TBA (Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville)
Thompson Square - TBA
Trace Adkins - TBA (Wheelhouse Records)
Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart - TBA
Trick Pony - TBA
Wesley Dennis - TBA
Whitey Morgan - TBA
Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Merle Haggard - TBA

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes: Will Hoge, FGL, Lindi Ortega, David Nail, Randy Houser & More

There's lots of new country music news that came out yesterday and we'll try and spill the beans and give you links to everything you should be in on the know for.

- Randy Houser has a brand new single out as of yesterday titled "What Whiskey Does" and you can hear it here.

- After parting ways with his major label, David Nail is back independently as David Nail and the Well Ravens and has an outstanding new track called "Heavy."

- Kenny Chesney has a new music video for "Trip Around the Sun."

- Shot at Battle Tapes Recording in Nashville, "You Ain't Foolin Me" is a new live music video done for Lindi Ortega's brand new album Liberty.

- Florida Georgia Line have a new music video for "Simple."

- Last Monday, the Song Suffragettes did a group cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" featuring Michelle Pereira, Emma White, Candi Carpenter, Tiera and Caroline Watkins.

- Corey Smith made a new sentimental music video for his new song "Halfway Home." 

- Jerry Wiggins, the second drummer in the famed Buck Owens band, the Buckaroos, has died. Check out KF Raizor's obituary here.

- That Nashville Sound favorite Will Hoge will have a new album out on October 5 titled My American Dream.
 

That Nashville Sound Thursday Newsbytes: Lost Trailers, Mandy Barnett, Lindsay Ell, Kenny Chesney & More

I'm blaming the 100 degree weather yesterday in my neck of the woods on the hot news in today's news round-up on That Nashville Sound. Seems logical, right?  We've got some news on some new projects and a couple of new music videos.

- Sublime vocalist Mandy Barnett will have a new album out on September 28 called Strange Conversation.

- A decade after their smash single "Holler Back", The Lost Trailers are back and have a new EP called Old Friends coming out tomorrow, 6/15.

- The Song Suffragettes just celebrated their fourth anniversary as an all-female music collective and had a unique cover of TLC's "No Scrubs" this last Monday featuring Kelleigh Bannen, Alys Ffion, Kalie Shorr, Candi Carpenter and Tegan Marie.

- Lindsay Ell has a new music video for her song "Dreaming With A Broken Heart."

- Ziggy Marley, Mindy Smith and Jimmy Buffett are guest vocalists on Kenny Chesney's upcoming 7/27 release Songs for the Saints. 

- Rodney Crowell has a new music video for his recut of "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight." 

Interview Flashback - Catching Up With ACM Winner Kellie Coffey

 I have been blessed to write contributions/reviews/interviews/opinion pieces for several country music and roots-oriented websites and publications over the years including Saving Country Music, Nashville Scene, Country California, Country Weekly, American Noise, The 9513 and Engine 145. As a regular contributor to the last two in that list, I did close to a 100 interviews with different artists- and since both of those great sites have come down, I will reprint some of those interviews here to give them a home in perpetuity. This interview was originally published in April 2010 on The 9513.

Kellie Coffey was originally signed to BNA records in 2001 and it was her Dann Huff produced 2002 album whose first release, "When You Lie Next to Me," that introduced her to the world of country music. The song spent an amazing eight months climbing on the charts and eventually resulted in a tour spot on Kenny Chesney’s Margaritas & Senoritas Tour, a 2003 Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Female Vocalist and a spot on the George Strait tour in 2004.

But after a split from her record label in 2004, she put her music career on hold while she tackled another equally challenging new role: mother. It didn’t come easy and in the process, she recorded and released a song about the challenges of infertility that has become an internet sensation. The video for “I Would Die For That” has been viewed over half a million times and has become an inspiration for couples facing the same challenges everywhere.

Coffey would release new independent album called Walk On in 2007 and an EP called Why I’m Alive within the last year. And while there are few country music stations playing the new releases, she has finally found fulfillment in becoming a mom to two healthy kids. She’s still writing and recording and fans will have new music to look forward to before the end of 2010.

The 9513 had the opportunity to talk with the ever-lovely Kellie Coffey about the time during her peak radio airplay and about what life is like for her these days.

Then

KEN MORTON, JR.: You found a publishing deal in Los Angeles about the same time you were singing back-up for Barbra Streisand in Las Vegas. Is it or was it different for an artist to be signed outside of Nashville?

KELLIE COFFEY: Yes. It was. I think it was pretty rare. In fact, when people ask me how to go about getting a record deal in country music, I always say, “Go to Nashville.” But my own path was strange. I guess everybody’s is. I did a showcase out here in Nashville just really trying to get some practice. A publisher from Warner Chappell caught my show and signed me soon after to an artist development deal. I started working with the stable of writers that were there for about a year and I was going back and forth at the time. That’s how it happened to me. But I think that’s very unusual.

KMJ: Did it have any influence on your sound or your style not being part of the Music City establishment?

KC: I’m not sure if that was it. I think I’m just who I am and I was going to make my music regardless of where I was living at the time. I was writing with some of the writers out here in L.A. and writing with some of the writers in Nashville as well. But I think it would have all come out about the same regardless of where I was living at that time.

KMJ: “When You Lie Next to Me" was released in December 2001. The song spent an amazing thirty-three weeks on the country singles charts, reaching a peak of #8- what was that time like?

KC: That was a crazy time. I was out on the road promoting the single to radio. So I was on the radio tour. It was very exciting. I remember the very time I played a club. I was down in Louisiana. I played a club where they actually knew my song and the started singing the lyrics back to me. I think I was actually laughing my way through the song because I was so blown away and so touched by that. That was a cool night for the first time. People actually knew my song. It was a cool time. We were travelling all over the place doing a lot of radio shows and meeting radio folks. We were doing tons of interviews. It was cool.

KMJ: Was the Academy of Country Music Top New Female Vocalist award in 2003 a pinnacle for you? Was it one of the cooler nights of your career?

KC: Absolutely yes. It was an amazing honor. I still think back to that night and that was an incredible night. To be able to share it with my husband was amazing. It was really exciting. It was definitely the highlight of my career. Being recognized by the industry and by your peers is the pinnacle of coolness.

KMJ: Do you have any stage performances that stand out for you from that time like that first show you mentioned in Louisiana?

KC: That one stands out for me for sure. There was another time we were in Kansas somewhere and I was by myself on the road without a big artist. Everyone in town rolled out for my show- it was an electric night- and after the show they were kind of shaking my bus it went so well. Then there was another night when I was touring with Kenny Chesney who was my label mate at the time. I love him. I did a couple shows with him. There was one time where these girls jumped into my bus and said “Where’s Kenny Chesney?” And I came out and they said, “Oh, it’s only Kellie Coffey. Oh bummer.” As big as you are, they can just bring you down and cut you down to size in about two seconds. (Laughing)

KMJ: Album number two, A Little More Me, spawned a #24 hit in "Texas Plates” and a cover of Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father”, but wasn’t ever released to the public. Tell me about that album.

KC: Oh man. I loved that album. The album was never released. We did the video for “Texas Plates” and that was really the best video that I had done at that time. I really think it was a hit song. But I don’t know what happened. I don’t know if it was the wrong timing or what. I think we released it in the winter and it should have been a summer release. Whatever. The record itself is really strong. There’s a song on there that I wrote after my husband lost his dad. We wrote the song and it’s just a really special song. Alison Krauss from Union Station sang on it for me. It’s still one of my all time favorites. When the rights reverse back, maybe we can go back and rerecord that one. We won’t get Alison. I don’t know, maybe we can both call her. (Laughing)

KMJ: Let’s talk about one that was released- talk to me about your 2007 self-released album, Walk On?

KC: That album is really a group of songs that are real personal. Walk On to me was about losing my record deal. But people that listen to it will make a connection to something in their own lives that they had to walk on from. I think it’s real relatable that way. There’s another song on there called “I Would Die For That” that I wrote because I was having some infertility issues. After I lost my record deal, I was trying to get pregnant. I miscarried. And I wrote that song about it. And it was a real hard decision whether to put that song on the record because it was really personal. I kind of thought I wouldn’t. But at the time we went in to cut the demo, the engineer came in crying after I sang the vocal. He said that he and his wife were going through the same thing. So at that point, I thought that I just had to put it on my record. I think it’s something that hasn’t been talked about much and when you find something new to actually sing about, you just have to do it. It’s really close to a lot of people. There are 600,000 views of that video on YouTube to this day. I still get emails from women and men that are going through it. For me, just to have one song that I’ve written that has touched people like that is what it’s all about for me.

The View

“When You Lie Next To Me”



“I Would Die For That”



Now

KMJ: November of 2005 and May of 2008 changed your world a bit, though, didn’t it?

KC: Yes! It did in matter of fact. I got pregnant again and had my baby boy Jackson. He’s four now which I can’t believe. And then we had Maggie who will be two in May. I had a boy and a girl and they keep me very busy. It’s truly an awesome experience.

KMJ: Has parenthood affected your music, either in musical priorities or music styling?

KC: Absolutely. I just released an EP called Why I’m Alive. The title song is about Jackson and Maggie. They’re definitely an inspiration. And I think I’m writing deeper and singing deeper. I really feel at the top of my game as a writer as well as an artist these days. But as for my priorities, they are my top ones. I’m really enjoying where my life is right now. I get the chance to be the kind of mom I want to be and still get to write and sing and stuff. It’s really what I had hoped for in my life.

KMJ: You’re still actively writing and recording new music too, aren’t you?

KC: Right after I lost my deal and we got out all of those feelings on Walk On, I kind of took a little bit of a break while I was trying to get pregnant. After we had Jackson, I wanted to get back into the studio and after I had Maggie, that’s when we made the six-song EP. It’s kind of something that I’ll always do. I have to sing and I have to write. I can’t help it. It’s part of me. And also, I want my kids to see what I do and have them experience it with me.

KMJ: Can we look forward to new music any time soon?

KC: Yes! We are working on another EP right now so hopefully we can release that in about three months or so. We’ve been really busy writing and singing and all that good stuff. I can’t wait!