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Daily we get a lot of alerts and updates on things for a favorite artist, sports figure, actor or actress etc., so when I stumble on one that totally captures everything I would have loved to have written I want to share it. This well written article is courtesy of Miriam Di Nunzio, Staff writer for the Chicago Sun-Times.
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
"Skip the glam; it's pure Garth" is spirited, informative and one of the best I have come across in a very long time. I have been a fan of Garth since the beginning, have been honored to have seen him live ten times, the last time being at his show at the Encore Theatre in Las Vegas, and this captures it all. Sometimes it really pays to finally sit down & go through my computer and see what I need to keep and what I need to just toss. Glad I caught this one. I hope Garth fans and anyone else enjoys this as well.
ELI YOUNG BAND CELEBRATES FIRST GOLD SINGLE WITH “CRAZY GIRL”
LIFE AT BEST IN STORES AUG 16
Nashville, TN (July 28, 2011 – Republic Nashville artist Eli Young Band’s “Crazy Girl” has been certified GOLD by the RIAA this week for sales of over 500,000 downloads. By the time reports came in this morning, the band had sold nearly 600,000 downloads. The lead single from their forthcoming album, LIFE AT BEST, was an obvious hit with fans right from the start.
The single made its debut at #1 on the iTunes Country Singles Chart with over 47,000 downloads the first week and has sold an average of 30,000 downloads a week, every week, for months on end. The song has continuously outsold a large majority of the singles above it on the radio chart. In the last two weeks the band has sold over 40,000 downloads a week, with numbers increasing every week. With its debut as the most added single at Billboard, “Crazy Girl” is the fastest rising single of the bands career and is currently Top 20 and climbing.
When the band learned they had been certified GOLD drummer Chris Thompson said, “gold rocks!! You grow up hearing about artists going gold and dream of what it would be like. Gold has always been such a measure of success.” Lead singer Mike Eli added “it’s pretty cool that the single went gold before the record even came out.” Thompson continued, “this is a huge milestone for us.” "This is an amazing accomplishment that sends one message loud and clear – Country music fans love the Eli Young Band and ‘Crazy Girl!’
Everyone at Republic Nashville could not be happier or more excited and we all look forward to the release of the debut album on August 16. Fans are going to love this album,” said Jimmy Harnen, Republic Nashville President. About ELI YOUNG BAND: Eli Young Band’s lead single, “Crazy Girl,” has sold over 500,000 downloads weeks before the band’s new album LIFE AT BEST hits stores on August 16. The Top 20 hit has exploded on every front. “Crazy Girl” made its debut at #1 as the most added single at Billboard and catapulted to the top of the iTunes Country singles chart landing at #1 just 15 hours after release.
The video for “Crazy Girl” also made its debut at #1 on CMT.com and is currently in rotation on CMT, GAC and TCN, while the CRAZY GIRL EP also made its debut at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart just 8 hours after release. The full album, produced by Mike Wrucke, is sure to please critics, fans and newcomers alike. It’s a seamless blend of rock laced guitar riffs, honest country lyrics and Mike Eli’s signature soaring vocals.
This Virginia-born songwriter & musician can grab your attention while performing in concert, doing a TV performance onThe Early Show, or at a charity fund raising event with his limitless talents & high energy. This "Piano Man" of country music has penned hits for artist's like Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, & Collin Raye, while making hits in his own right.
"He’s been named the ASCAP Songwriter of the Year twice and has taken top honors from the Academy of Country Music, Billboard MusicRow, and also honored by the the CMA’s. Some of Phil’s accolades include two time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, Billboard Magazine Top New Country Artist, Billboard Country Songwriter of the Year, Music Row Magazine Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and ACM Top New Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of The Year- just to name a few." (Fan Club site)
One has to admit that you are taken in when you hear, "Carlene", "Just Another Day In Paradise", & "Six-Pack Summer." Then you are brought into deep thought on, "Last Day Of My Life." But after a tough day you can always envison a great time with, "I'll Take That As A Yes (The Hot Tub Song)".
I have had the great pleasure of following Phil's career for many years as well as meeting him a few times & have never been disappointed in his never ending musical talents, his great shows, & his undying love for his fans, who return the favor in kind. Even with all the changes in Phil's career over the last year or so, no fan has had any doubts he is a survivor & the captain of his own destinations.
Phils last effort, "Traveling Circus", was the first time he used his own band on an album project; putting their heart & soul into this. He released the song, "Everywhere I Go" to radio, but sadly this wonderful song went no where inspite of the great video that accompanied it. The list of songs on Traveling Circus were varied, but in true Phil style. So what happened? Did Universal Records South not promote enough? Did someone let him down? Then Universal merged with Toby Keith's label, Show Dog, becoming Show Dog Universal & Phil remained on the label. But it appeared not for long.
"Phil is ready for the next journey in his musical career. No stranger to hard work and with a strong business mind on his shoulders, Phil’s taking control by launching Rodeowave Entertainment, a full-service Record Label/Promotions/ Management company based in Nashville, TN. First up to be released is Phil’s 7th album – his first ever Live CD/DVD combo recorded in Nashville with brand new music included. Phil’s ongoing evolution endures and will surely prove he’s here to stay." (Fan Club Site)
I, for one, am looking forward to this new step in Phil's career. He has jumped up, along with many other country artist's, to take control & be where HE WANTS to be. Fans are so ready for this. Stop by Phil's site & take a look at his tour list; you just may find an upcoming show near you & you will not be disappointed if you take that leap of faith and attend; trust me on that.
It seems these days country artist's are everywhere, & the Super Bowl seems to be "cashing in" on this popular genre of music. So many stars, so many choices. Enjoy your Super Bowl Day...
Bud Light Hotel at the Super Bowl Jack Ingram will be in Dallas celebrating the Super Bowl festivities. Sunday he'll be playing with Dierks Bentley at the Bud Light Hotel at the Aloft Hotel in downtown Dallas. And prior to that Jack made a video promoting Texas, for the department store H-E-B. The video will air as one of the local commercials during the game. The store is also offering a contest to win a trip to the ACM's in Las Vegas on April 3rd. http://heb.com/page/about-us/exclusive-heb-super-bowl-commercial
Westwood One, the Super Bowl radio network, will use a song by new Nashville artist Sean Patrick McGraw to kick off its game broadcast. It’s called “Git Yer Cowboy On,” an appropriate song for an NFL championship event on tap at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium.
On Saturday Feb 5th Oklahoma artist Garth Brooks spent the day co-hosting the Old Spice Super Camp II near Dallas. This is a one-of-a-kind charity event that combines a youth football camp and cheerleading clinic with a VIP experience. Super Camp benefits the Jason Witten SCORE Foundation, the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation and Kids 2Camp, and the Jason Taylor Foundation.
Lady Andtebellum will also get recognition during Super Bowl. Two of their songs will be featured, one during the game itself and the other during a new episode of Glee. The song, ""Stars Tonight" from their second album release, will kick off the pre-game Westwood One radio coverage of the Super Bowl. A Version of "Need You Now" will be highlighted on Glee as part of a sports themed show.
News of artists leaving their labels is not really anything new, but more so than ever it seems to be the trend. Toby Keith "braved the waters" in 2005 starting Show Dog Records & since that time merged with Universal to be known as Show Dog-Universal. Once Trace Adkins got wind of this merger he wanted to be a part of it. Trace left his label, Capitol Nashville & joined up with Toby Keith. When the merger took place Phil Vassar was on the label but his name no longer appears among the the other artist's listed. So can we expect some Phil news soon? http://www.sdumusic.com/
Also in 2010 we heard news of Martina McBride leaving RCA to sign with Republic Nashville & Montgomery Gentry parted ways with their long time label Columbia, but to date have not signed with anyone else. Gretchen Wilson also branched out on her own.
Now it was announced that after 22 years and more than 43 million albums sold, Alan Jackson is parting ways with the only label he's ever known; Arista/Nashville. As of right now no new information as to what Alan's plans are with any new label or what his future will be. He is gearing up for his 2011 tour & working on a new album. I have no doubt Alan will find his way around & have continued success.
Courtesy; Philly Music Guide 2009
But the "loving & leaving" them does not end there. Chuck Wicks has just annouced he has been granted his release from the Sony/RCA records label which he has been with since 2007 giving us the hit, "Stealing Cinderella."
So hold on to your seats; this could be an even larger trend in 2011. Continued success to all these artist's who have taken steps to tread in "new waters."
Gwyneth Paltrow has definitely proven herself as an award winning actress, so it was no surprise to me when she ventured into the world of music, country music especially, that should would also conquer that. She did so leaving quite an impression.
The 38 year old actress, who had her singing "debut of sorts" at the Country Music Awards in Nashville, singing her hit, "Country Strong" from the movie of the same name is now planning a country album & Toby Keith has offered to help. Now you think that may be a strange pairing? Heck what is considered strange anymore in this business huh? Toby has offered to be a back-up singer & writer for her new album. Gwyneth is not closing the door on that offer just yet. She also is planning to involve Jay-Z, Beyonce, & Faith Hill. Now my curiosity is really peaked to hear what this turns out to be.
Jamey Johnson has finally gave us a release date for his next musical offering, a 2-CD set called 'The Guitar Song' which will be released September 14th.
Jamey's doing things a little differently than the rest of Nashville - while everyone else is going the six-pack route, Jamey's releasing a set of 25 songs with two hours' worth the music.
The man is a rebel. Now if they'd just offer his 25-pack for the same price as a six-pack, all would be right with the world.
To get things started, Jamey's got a new song called Macon that you can download on www.JameyJohnson.com. Jamey will debut the song on tomorrow's CMT Music Awards with the help of a few of his friends.
And while we're talking about Jamey, he may be a rebel in most respects, but when it comes to technology Jamey's keeping up with the rest of today's artists. He's released a new free iPhone and Android app that will let you stream music, watch videos, get news and tour info, and lots more. Get your free app here.
I really liked Chely Wright's songs Single White Female and Jezebel so it's exciting to report that she's got a brand new label and CD on the horizon.
Country Standard Timeis reporting that Chely has signed with Vanguard Records and will release her new CD, "Lifted Off The Ground," on May 4.
On top of the label and CD news, Chely is also releasing her first book called "Like Me" which is also due May 4. Chely's publicist describes the book as a "candid account of her life, her career and her extraordinary journey. Like Me is a book of revelation: honest, inspiring and true."
Yay! The Dixie Chicks are coming back for another round. Or two of the Chicks are anyway.
Back in November of 2008 I had told you that fiddle Chick, Martie Maguire, was working on an album of bluegrass music all her own. Now comes word from CMT that the Dixie Chicks, minus Natalie Maines, will have new music out this year. Of course since it's not the full trio I don't suppose the music will be released under the name The Dixie Chicks and will probably lack that Dixie Chicks coolness, but I'll take what I can get.
Anyway, according to Natalie Maines' pop, Lloyd, (via CMT.com) Martie Maguire and Emily Robison are "cutting some demos" and that Natalie had recorded "a little something with them ... about a year ago. I know that Martie's doing a fiddle record on her own and that Emily has been demoing some of her [own] songs. I played on some of those."
Although the word is out about the two-thirds of the Dixie Chicks recording an album, there's no word on when we can expect the new music. And what about the full trio and new music?
Natalie's dad says, "They were all here at my house for Christmas. Everybody seemed happy and healthy. And they were back here on New Year's Eve with their families. Everybody had a great time, but, I tell you, during holidays, I don't ask any business questions, and they didn't offer any insight. ... But they're definitely still an entity. ...
"I know that the girls seem really happy being out of the public eye. They hit it so hard for so many years. The dynamics have changed so much now because they've all got kids that are in school. The happy-go-lucky, just-take-off-and-go situation has definitely changed."
So, in 2008 I had music news from one member of the group. Now in 2010 I now have music news for two of the members. With the law of averages working in our favor that means that sometime in 2012 we should have new Dixie Chicks music. But that's just a theory.
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