ALBUM REVIEW: 'Good Years' - The Shires

If there was ever just one word to describe The Shires then it would surely be dependable.

After three studio albums and many, many shows, I have always found the duo, comprised of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, to be consistent, reliably producing solid albums and putting on enjoyable performances. Good Years, their fourth release, does not break this trend.

The album opens with ‘Lightning Strikes’, a co-write with Cam. A foot-stomper, it’s memorable, fun, the sort of energy The Shires are known for. The lyrics will be painfully relatable for some as they delve into the question of if a love would’ve worked out in a different time.

Crissie shines in the following ‘On The Day I Die’, whilst Ben then takes the lead on ‘Good Years’. As always, the two strike a perfect balance of who sings what and, again, as always, their harmonies are always perfect, their chemistry as performers hitting new heights with each release. 

‘Independence Day’, which was released as a single prior to release, is a pleasant surprise. It’s much more ‘poppier’ than some of the other tracks on here but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s catchy with the roaring ‘ohs’ that you just know audiences will lap up on the duo’s upcoming, and future, tours. 

Prior to hearing the full album, ‘About Last Night’ was my favorite and I had even went as far to say it ranked up there as one of my favorite Shires tracks. However, ‘Only Always’ manages to eclipse it. It’s stripped back, their vocals shine and the lyrics are profound - it’s absolutely beautiful.

All in all? Another fantastic release from Ben and Crissie. Go get it.

Billboard Premieres HAYDEN HADDOCK'S Video For Single 'RED DIRT TEXAS'

Trailblazing Country artist Hayden Haddock releases the music video for his single, 'Red Dirt Texas', exclusively with Billboard.

Directed by The Playlist Films and set in Mason, TX, 'the video offers a vivid landscape of the state as it shows Haddock singing on a dirt road while local farmers go about their day (Billboard)' - WATCH HERE.

Currently celebrating Spotify editorial playlist placement and 75K streams with 'Red Dirt Texas,' the lead-off, title track from Haddock's sophomore record is in the Top 50 on Texas Country music charts and climbing. Haddock recently opened for Kevin Fowler, who happens to be one of the writers of 'Red Dirt Texas,' in Navasota, TX, and the two performed alongside each other during Fowler's hit song, 'Beer, Bait and Ammo.'

Produced by chart-topping songwriter and hit producer, Trent Willmon (Cody Johnson, Eric Church, Randy Houser), Haddock's Sophomore album Red Dirt Texas was released on January 31st and features 10 tracks packed full of co-writes with hit songwriters including David Lee Murphy, Terry McBride, Kevin Fowler, Tommy Karlas (Randy Travis, Blake Shelton, Montgomery Gentry), John Pierce (Zac Brown Band, Chris Young), Jim Collins (Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean) and more. The album hit the Top 40 on the iTunes Country Album Chart upon its release.

With more than 100 tour dates per year, Haddock’s diligent nature mixed with his traditional, authentic style of country music has quickly solidified his spot as a staple in the Texas Country scene. After releasing his debut album First Rodeo in late 2018, Haddock’s lead-off single 'She Don’t Know It Yet' quickly climbed the Texas country charts while his sophomore radio single 'Everywhere I Need To Be' peaked in the Top 35; an impressive feat for the young talent. Not only did the record perform well at country radio, but it has also amassed more than 800K streams on Spotify while being featured on more than 2.5K playlists. Having shared the stage with Whiskey Myers, Casey Donahew, Cory Morrow, Eli Young Band, Kevin Fowler, Roger Creager, Kyle Park and more, Haddock performs every weekend in Texas and surrounding states and recently announced an endorsement deal with Rebecca Creek Whiskey.

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For more information, visit haydenhaddock.com.

HALEY & MICHAELS Share 'DRINKING ABOUT YOU' Ahead of Debut UK Performances

Nashville-based duo Haley & Michaels (Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels) have confirmed their first UK radio single as the fan favourite 'Drinking About You' from debut full-length album Hail Mary, released last year, and have just announced an additional C2C performance at the O2 Arena, an intimate acoustic set as part of the Country Hits Radio Sessions on Sunday 15th March.

Stream/download 'Drinking About You' on Spotify / Apple Music / Amazon.

Co-written by the duo with Jeff Cohen - known for his work with The Shires, Sugarland and more - and Zach Abend (Chris Lane, Filmore), the single has already been featured as a Country Champion by Baylen Leonard last month; and has gained over two million streams on Spotify, featured on major playlists such as New Music Friday, New Boots and Wild Country; with Rolling Stone pointing to the duo’s 'penchant for introspective lyrics and arena-rock-inspired production'.

In their own words, Haley & Michaels said: ''Drinking About You' really defines our sound and who we are as artists and songwriters. We really wanted to capture both perspectives in a relationship in a way that highlights the raw honesty of country songs and also incorporates all of our musical influences in Country, Pop and Rock N’ Roll. We’re really excited to have this song as our first release in the UK!'

 

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For more information, visit haleyandmichaels.com.

MARCUS KING Shares Video for 'WILDFLOWERS & WINE'

Marcus King has shared an acoustic video performance of his song 'Wildflowers & Wine' via Billboard. The song features on his hit debut solo album, El Dorado, which has topped multiple US charts since its release in January.

Produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, the record was released via Snakefarm Records / Fantasy in the UK to widespread critical acclaim.

The 'Wildflowers & Wine' video was recorded in Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Studio in Nashville, and features a performance of the song showcasing King’s soulful vocals, backed by Auerbach plus studio legends who played with artists from Aretha Franklin to Elvis.

Discussing the video with Billboard, King stated, 'It's not the exact set-up we used, but all the instrumentation on that track was played live together as a cohesive unit and not overdubbed. That's what gives it that taste, that live feel'. He added, 'It was a lot of organic steps that all came together in a kismet way for the record to work. Having those cats work with you was a tremendous opportunity in itself… It's still playing and singing, but in a different kind of environment, and to have these cats to look up to.'

El Dorado, a contemporary exploration of southern R&B, country-soul, classic rock and blues, has established the 23-year-old phenom as one of the most soulful voices of his generation. King’s arresting vocals feature as the lead instrument, taking centre-stage alongside a genre-bending blend of subtle acoustics, bright pedal steel, raucous electric guitars and blistering solos.

The album debuted at #1 on both UK & US charts; in the UK, it topped the Americana Chart, whilst in the US the Americana Folk, Top New Artist, Current Rock, Blues Albums, as well as #12 on the US Top Current Albums chart. King also recently made his debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition and Fresh Air, alongside support from Rolling Stone, The Sun, Mojo, Uncut, NPR Music, Classic Rock, Planet Rock and more.

King is set to perform at the Love Rocks charity event at the Beacon theatre in New York on March 12th, alongside a stellar line-up including The Black Crowes, Dave Matthews and Jackson Browne. King will also open for Chris Stapleton on his All-American Road Show with US dates including Madison Square Garden in New York.

He is currently on his solo world tour with his band, The Marcus King Band. See remaining dates below.

Tue 25th - London, UK - Electric Ballroom

Wed 26th - Manchester, UK - Academy 3

Thu 27th - Nottingham, UK - Rescue Rooms

Fri 28th - Bristol, UK - Thekla

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For more information, visit marcuskingband.com.

MITCHELL TENPENNY Releases Track 'DRUNK ME' Ahead of C2C!

Following the release of 'Telling All My Secrets' - the biggest US country debut release of 2018 - Nashville native Mitchell Tenpenny brings lead single 'Drunk Me' to the UK.

The track, which has amassed a staggering 350m+ streams since its release, was lauded by the New York Times as one of 'The 65 Best Songs of The Year', and was featured in multiple Amazon Music 'Most Played' and 'Best Of' year-end lists.

'Everything about it—the production, the hook, the performance—it felt like how I wanted to present myself,' says Mitchell. 'We dug into that song and made it real cinematic and unusual. On the first playback, it felt like something Whitney Houston might do, and I thought, 'This is what we need to be doing, this feels right,' and it became the foundation of the record.'

Tenpenny is bringing his unique brand of music to international fans in the UK for the first time as part of Country To Country (C2C) Festival at the O2 Arena in London, March 13th-15th. The singer-songwriter is confirmed to perform on the Spotlight Stage in London on Friday March 13th before superstar Eric Church’s headline set; and will close the evening at the C2C Official Aftershow party at Indigo at the O2.

ABOUT MITCHELL TENPENNY

Mitchell Tenpenny is an industry insider/outlier. Someone who has a local’s appreciation for the origins of Nashville and keen focus on what happens outside of Music City.

The rugged individualist operates with complete confidence and comfort in the space between contradictory themes. He is a creative thinker with a keen business sense.

He is fiercely competitive, but is equally vocal proponent for his industry colleagues. He finds inspiration in music as diverse as Michael Jackson and the Oak Ridge Boys.

And none of that seems the least bit unusual or out of whack to the Nashville native with an industry pedigree (his grandmother was industry legend Donna Hilley who shaped the musical landscape of country music as CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing). He lives his life and his budding musical career on both ends of the spectrum. It’s authentic thanks in large part to Tenpenny’s fearless skill as a songwriter, which includes a Top 5 hit for Granger Smith, 'If the Boot Fits', and time spent opening for a variety of influential artists including Smith, Jake Owen, Brett Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dustin Lynch, Gary Allan, Jon Langston, and others.

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For more information about Mitchell, visit mitchell10penny.com

THE SHIRES Release New Track 'LIGHTNING STRIKES'

Their first musical offering of the decade, UK’s best-selling country act The Shires release the infectiously upbeat track 'Lightning Strikes', taken from their forthcoming album Good Years, released on BMG - LISTEN HERE.

Alongside the new single, the duo have been celebrating Ben’s recent 'International Country Broadcaster' award nomination at the 2020 CMA international Awards.

As well as their eagerly anticipated headline tour in May, The Shires are currently on the road performing alongside Young Voices, the largest children’s choir concerts in the world. The tour includes shows in Sheffield, Birmingham, Manchester and London before finishing off at London’s iconic Wembley Arena on February 7th.

Boasting a songscape of finely tuned harmonies and infectious melodies, the stadium-ready track follows themes of optimism and retrospect, asking themselves 'what if ?'. The release of 'Lightning Strikes' cements a stellar decade for the duo, who have helped solidify the rise and resurgence of Country music, both in the UK and across the pond.

Speaking of their latest musical offering, Crissie and Ben said 'We can’t wait to put Lightning Strikes into our live set, the opening line 'Standing outside, raining in the Summer', is going to be perfect for the festival season. Also, vocally the song is so much fun for us with all the crazy harmonies.'

The title of the group’s newest record couldn’t ring truer for Ben and Crissie as the release follows two gold-certified albums and three Top 10 singles firmly cementing their status as two of country music’s most prominent voices. The duo formed in 2013 and released their debut album Brave in 2015, becoming the first UK country act to chart in the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart. The group's second album, My Universe, became the fastest-selling UK country album in history when it was released in October 2016. Good Years will be available as a limited edition red vinyl as well as on CD and streaming platforms.

Recorded as with all their previous albums in the home of Country Music - Nashville, Good Years is a poignant project for Crissie and Ben now having made huge waves both on home soil and across the pond as the first UK artists to win 'Best International Act' at the prestigious CMAs.

2020 will see the pair embark on a 21-date nationwide tour. Kicking off in May, the duo are set to visit some of the UK’s most iconic venues, including the London Palladium, Bristol Academy, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and Brighton’s Dome.

Full tour dates are, as follows:

May 4th: Birmingham Symphony Hall

May 5th: Aberyswyth Arts Centre

May 6th: Guildford G Live

May 8th: Bristol Academy

May 9th: Cambridge Corn Exchange

May 10th: Nottingham Royal Centre

May 12th: Carlisle Sands Centre

May 13th: Aberdeen Beach Ballroom

May 14th: Edinburgh Liquid Room

May 15th: Gateshead  The Sage

May 17th: Ipswich Regent Theatre

May 19th: Manchester Bridgewater Hall

May 20th: York Barbican

May 22nd: Oxford New Theatre

May 23rd: Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

May 24th: Cardiff St. David’s Hall

May 26th: Basingstoke The Anvil

May 27th: London Palladium

June 2nd: Brighton The Dome

June 3rd: Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall

June 4th: Bedford Corn Exchange

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For more information about The Shires, including their upcoming tour, visit theshiresmusic.com.

ALBUM REVIEW: 'Wildwood Kin' - Wildwood Kin

Out this Friday is Devon trio Wildwood Kin’s second album, Wildwood Kin.

I first discovered Wildwood Kin (comprised of sisters Beth and Emillie Key, and their cousin Meghann Loney) in early 2017, as they opened for Ward Thomas on their Cartwheels tour. I was blown away by the smooth harmonies, beautiful lyrics and pounding beats. I left that show not only with a copy of their EP but as a new fan, eager for more.

Turning Tides, the album they put out shortly afterwards, was one of my favorite releases that year. I saw them on their headline tour in 2018 and that was, also, a year highlight.

Needless to say I was very excited to listen to their second album, Wildwood Kin.

And, again, I was not disappointed.

What has made me such a fan of their music is that it always feels like an experience, as opposed to mere entertainment. Their songs have purpose. They make you think, they uplift you and they’re also really fun to sing along to. For those that believe in the adage that music is medicine for the soul then this album is the best antidote.

Take the track ‘Beauty in Your Brokenness’. It’s a song about self-acceptance, to grow to love and embrace your flaws. ‘Never Alone’ is another track of encouragement, reassuring the listener that, even if they’re struggling, help is always there and happier times are possible.

‘Breathe’ stresses the importance of taking a moment to stop, to take the time to breathe even during the craziness of life. ‘The Crown’ talks about how fame/success is fickle and should not be relied on for happiness. And ‘Time Has Come’, their latest single, is all about empowerment, about how we can all be heroes simply by using our voice to stand up for what we believe in.

Musically, Wildwood Kin  is a stellar album with stunning vocals and arrangements. More generally speaking, this album is a ray of positivity in an often bleak world.

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Wildwood Kin is out this Friday.

TENILLE TOWNES Debuts 'Jersey On The Wall' Music Video

The official music video for Tenille Townes’ new single, 'Jersey On The Wall' has debuted. Directed by Mason Dixon, the video premiered earlier this week on YouTube following a live chat between Townes and her fans.

Of the video, Townes shares, 'Leaving space in this video for people to insert their own emotions and think of people in their own stories was so important to me. There’s an anchor of light coming in through the gym window, across the lockers and in the hallways that represents the ever-present hope that is still there, even in the darkest of losses. We were able to use the actual jerseys of Danielle and Drayton, who were both the inspiration behind this song. It was so emotional seeing both of their #9s hanging there during the video shoot and it means so much to have their jerseys be such a big part.'

'Jersey On The Wall' comes from Townes’ forthcoming full-length debut album, which was produced by Jay Joyce and is set for release via Columbia Nashville. Previously released album tracks include 'White Horse', 'I Kept The Roses' and lead single 'Somebody’s Daughter' which reached #1 on both Mediabase and Nielsen BDS Country Airplay in Canada. Of Townes, Billboard praises, '…knack for writing story songs that make the listener stop and think,' while Music Row declares, 'Tenille Townes is the future. Get on board now.'

The release adds to a breakout year for Tenille Townes, who recently won four awards at the 2019 CCMA's (Canadian Country Music Awards) - Female Artist of the Year, Single of the Year (“Somebody’s Daughter”), Anthem Entertainment Songwriter of the Year and Video of the Year (“Somebody’s Daughter”). Winning all four of her nominated categories, Townes led the night with the most awards received.

In support of the new music, Townes will join Miranda Lambert on her 'Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour' this autumn and will perform select dates with Maren Morris in November; as well as returning to the UK for a London headline show (upgraded due to demand) and tour dates with Striking Matches - limited tickets available now:

October 21st—Bristol, UK—Thekla Bristol

October 22nd—Oxford, UK—O2 Academy

October 23rd—London, UK—Colours Hoxton (headline)

October 26th—London, UK—Bush Hall (PM - Country Hits Radio Hub)

October 27th—Liverpool, UK—Arts Club Loft

October 28th—Glasgow, UK—Stereo

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For more information, visit tenilletownes.com.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS Share New Track From Upcoming New Album '​UP AND ROLLING​'

North Mississippi Allstars are set to return with new album Up and Rolling on 4th October via New West Records.

The 12-song set was produced by Luther and Cody Dickinson and recorded at The Zebra Ranch, their family studio established by their father, the legendary Jim Dickinson in Independence, MS. The album also features guest appearances from Mavis Staples, Jason Isbell, Cedric Burnside, Duane Betts, and Sharde Thomas. Up and Rolling finds North Mississippi Allstars getting back to their roots and recapturing the communal spirit upon which the band was founded.

The band have now shared new album track 'Mean Old World' featuring Jason Isbell & Duane Betts. Rolling Stone calls the song, which was once recorded by Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, an 'epic guitar jam.' About the song, Luther says, 'Our father recorded 'Mean Old World' with Duane Allman and Eric Clapton during the Layla sessions.  Jason invited me to record an acoustic, slide guitar duo version. Cody came up with the new arrangement and wanted to record an electric version with Jason and Duane Betts, using 'Mean Old World' as a vehicle to lay down an epic statement about modern-day roots rock guitar.'

North Mississippi Allstars have also confirmed their live return to the UK, with an headline show in London in October.

Up And Rolling will be available across Digital Retailers, Compact Disc, Standard Black vinyl, Limited Edition Black & White Split Colored Vinyl available exclusively at Independent Retailers and Clear & Black Smoke Swirl Colored Vinyl available for Pre-Order Now via New West Records.

Tracklist

1. Call That Gone

2. Up and Rolling

3. What You Gonna Do? (feat. Mavis Staples)

4. Drunk Outdoors

5. Peaches

6. Mean Old World (feat. Jason Isbell and Duane Betts)

7. Out on the Road (feat. Cedric Burnside)

8. Lonesome in My Home

9. Bump that Mother

10. Living Free

11. Take My Hand, Precious Lord (feat. Cedric Burnside)

12. Otha’s Bye Bye Baby (feat. Otha Turner)

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For more information, visit nmallstars.com.

RUNAWAY JUNE Break US Country Radio's Top Five For First Time Since Dixie Chicks

Runaway June's 'Buy My Own Drinks' has extended its run marking the first time a female trio has broken into the top five on the USA's Mediabase Country chart since the Dixie Chicks in 2003.

This is a thrilling triumph for the band as it also marks their first top five hit as songwriters. This milestone is part of Country music history, making them the highest charting female trio since the Dixie Chicks’ 'Travelin’ Soldier' sixteen years ago. Along with earning this coveted accolade, the trio have announced their upcoming performance on ABC'S Good Morning America on October 3rd.

Not only are the members of Runaway June tremendous performers and musicians, but they are clearly successful songwriters; this song is the first top five song for each of the members as writers in which they wrote alongside Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear. As songwriters, the members of the band wrote or cowrote a majority of the tracks on their critically acclaimed album Blue Roses.
 
Since Naomi Cooke, Hannah Mulholland and Jennifer Wayne formed four years ago, Runaway June has become an ACM and CMT nominated band, been named CMT’s 'Next Women of Country,' scored major tours and opening slots with some of the biggest names and icons in music (including Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood), performed on national TV including the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Awards and TODAY, and soon to be GMA. The trio has received high praise and raves from dozens of critical outlets, all while constantly digging deeper to fill out a sound that connects them to the tradition of Country music and its devoted fans.

Having been one of the standout artists at this year's C2C Festival in London, Runaway June’s long-awaited debut album, Blue Roses (produced by Dan Huff) was released in June 2019 via Wheelhouse Records (BMG/BBR Music Group) and hit #1 on iTunes and top ten on the UK Official Country Albums chart. They are also on the road through the rest of this year supporting seven-time Grammy winner and Pollstar’s three-time top female country touring artist Carrie Underwood on the Cry Pretty Tour 360, playing 55 arenas across the U.S. and Canada promoted by AEG Presents.

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For more information, visit RunawayJune.com.

WILDWOOD KIN Share New Single 'ALL ON ME'

Wildwood Kin’s recent singles have captured two sides of what to expect from the release of their self-titled album on October 4th. From the haunting drama of 'Never Alone' to the elegant hymnal 'Beauty In Your Brokenness', it’s a collection that’s shaping up to confirm their ascending status.

The acoustic-rock family band continue to evolve in fresh new directions by sharing their new single 'All On Me'. Opening in stripped-back style which places the focus on their luscious, tightly crafted vocal harmonies, the song’s instrumentation gradually builds until it erupts into a rousing crescendo. It’s an approach which accentuates the unifying message of the song’s lyrics - LISTEN HERE.
 
Wildwood Kin commented, 'This is a song about faith, sharing burdens, trust, identity and worth - knowing that there’s someone or something out there who loves you and who’s ready to support you through hardship. It’s about letting go of believing it’s all up to you to carry the weight of life’s struggles, and allowing someone to share that load with you.'

'All On Me', 'Never Alone' and 'Beauty In Your Brokenness' are all available as instant downloads for fans who pre-order the album. Released via Silvertone Records/Sony, it will be released on CD, vinyl and digital/streaming formats. The band’s official store also offers an exclusive signed CD.

Wildwood Kin are comprised of the Key sisters Emillie (guitar) and Beth (bouzouki) along with their cousin Meg Loney (drums). It’s a truly democratic band, with each member having an equal amount of input.

Their enthralling journey commenced with the release of their debut album Turning Tides in 2017. Radio support from Radio 2 and BBC Introducing soon followed, and the band’s renown grew with the help of majestic live performances at Glastonbury, Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park and a Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show at the Royal Albert Hall. 20 million streams later, they’re on the cusp of rising to the next level.

They’ll follow the new album by embarking upon a UK headline tour throughout November and early December. Highlights include at London headline show at Omeara as well as a homecoming date at The Lemon Grove in Exeter. Please see the Wildwood Kin website for ticket details.

The dates are:

06.11 - NORWICH, THE WATERFRONT 

07.11 - BIRMINGHAM, O2 INSTITUTE3 

08.11 - MANCHESTER, NIGHT & DAY CAFE 

11.11 - LONDON, OMEARA 

12.11 - BATH, MOLES 

13.11 - CARDIFF, THE GLEE CLUB 

14.11 - BRISTOL, THEKLA 

15.11 - BUDE FOLK FESTIVAL 

17.11 - SOUTHAMPTON, JOINERS 

18.11 - BRIGHTON, KOMEDIA 

21.11 - EXETER, THE LEMONGROVE 

23.11 - DUBLIN, LOST LANE

24.11 - CLONAKILTY, DEBARRAS

27.11 - DRONFIELD, CIVIC HALL

28.11 - LIVERPOOL, LEAF 

29.11 - WHITBY, PAVILION 

01.12 - EDINBURGH, THE CAVES 

02.12 - GLASGOW, STEREO 

03.12 - NEWCASTLE, CLUNY 

04.12 - LEEDS, BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB 

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For more information, visit wildwoodkin.com.

JASON ALDEAN Announces New Album '9' and Drops Four Brand New Songs

After almost 15 years at the top of his genre, reigning ACM 'Artist of the Decade' Jason Aldean has seen trends come and go. He's helped bring a few out of the shadows, like a Country-music Columbus making the mainstream’s first contact with hard rock ('Hicktown'), hip-hop ('Dirt Road Anthem') and R&B ('Burnin’ It Down'). But after all that time, he continues to hold his ground making modern albums with an old-school soul - announcing that his next effort 9 will be released Nov 22nd 2019 via Broken Bow Records/BMG worldwide.

Available now for pre-order at all digital retailers, today fans have access to four new songs off the upcoming album HERE.

'Early on I always thought if we ever got to make nine albums, I’m going to call it 9. It was my baseball number growing up, and it’s just kind of always been my lucky number,' explains Aldean. 'I remember cutting the first album and thinking 'that’s forever away,' and now here we are. I don’t know, it’s really special we made it this far – so, it’s more for me than anybody else – but, it means a lot.'

To celebrate, Aldean offers fans an immediate preview of the new album today with the release of four of its tracks. 'Blame It On You' sways with a half-drunk realisation that we make our own problems, 'I Don’t Drink Anymore' serves a 100-proof hook, 'Keep It Small Town' reminds that well-lived lives don’t have to be complicated, and the album's fiery lead radio single 'We Back' rounds out the first-released songs, all out now to stream/download worldwide.

'When I came into country music and made my mark, it was with a banger,' Aldean adds. 'But we haven’t put out a lot of that stuff over the last couple years. So we got this song and to me it just says what it says: 'Thought we were gone, but you’re wrong – now it’s on.''

The three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year is a dominant force on the charts, he’s scored 23 Number Ones. He’s the only Country act in history to top the all-genre Billboard 200 four times (with four consecutive albums), racking up 14.4 billion streams and more than 18 million albums sold along the way. Aldean's a card-carrying member of Country's elite headliners whose incendiary tours are nearing legendary status.

His 2019 Right All Night Tour will wrap at the Texas’ Rangers Globe Life Park stadium on Oct. 11th before returning to Las Vegas, December 6-8 for Jason Aldean: Ride All Night Vegas at Park MGM.

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For more information, visit jasonaldean.com.

JORDYN STODDARD Releases 'BAD BABY' Video

Country-pop artist Jordyn Stoddard released an accompanying music video to her melody-driven, self-penned 'Bad Baby'.

Directed by Doltyn Snedden, the video features Stoddard consumed by thoughts of a new relationship. Illuminated by moody lighting in a series of sultry scenes, the 21-year-old shares glimpses of a love interest's silhouette while creative artistry shines through in the raindrops, shadows and purply blue tones breathing life into Stoddard's latest single.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla., Stoddard has already positioned herself as a triple-threat in Nashville — she sings with the soul of a seasoned veteran, strums a signature turquoise Taylor guitar and has developed her craft as a songwriter. Stoddard blends the best of country’s heart and pop’s energy, while her bubbly personality lends itself to create a unique crossover sound from a relatable artist.

'Bad Baby' is Stoddard’s first release since her debut album in 2015, Southern Tide.The 11-song project soared to number six on Billboard’s Heatseeker chart in its opening week and reached top 40 on Apple Music’s Country Music Daily chart. Stoddard’s first single 'Like Me ’Til You Love Me' was released to radio worldwide, while the accompanying music video premiered nationwide on Great American Country TV (GAC) and ZUUS Country.

No stranger to the spotlight, Stoddard has opened for The Band Perry, Brett Eldredge, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Montgomery Gentry, Michael Ray, Chris Young, Easton Corbin and more.

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For more information, visit jordynstoddard.com.

FERRIS & SYLVESTER Release Brand New Single 'I Dare You'

Ferris & Sylvester have released their brand new single 'I Dare You' via LAB Records. The release comes as the band embark on their largest headline tour to date next week.

From hushed folk beginnings, 'I Dare You' explodes into an epic piece of blues-rock from the duo, calling to mind the likes of The White Stripes or The Kills.

Regarding the single Ferris & Sylvester say, 'We’ve gone over to our dark side with 'I Dare You'. It felt important to get this song out there. We made bold choices with it and it’s very unapologetic. We think this song shows another side to us, it blends dark folk with explosive rage and is grounded by our live performance, as all our songs are. We can’t wait to play it on the road.'

Fans will be treated to the first taste of 'I Dare You' live on Ferris & Sylvester’s 21-date UK & Ireland headline tour, which started on September 3rd. The tour includes two London shows at OMEARA, with the first on Sept 5th sold out and the second the following day, recently put on sale due to huge demand, closely following suit.

Ferris & Sylvester have continued to cement themselves as the most exciting and talked about new name on the blues/Americana UK scene and have played to tens of thousands of people this year alone.

'I Dare You' is the latest in the band’s string of highly acclaimed singles including 'Flying Visit', 'Sickness' and 'Burning River', which have clocked up millions of streams alongside both strong radio and press support.

Having left their distinct first mark on the US earlier this year with their killer debut at SXSW, the band return to the States to play their first ever show in Nashville at Americanafest next month.

The band are making their greatest statement yet with the bold new single 'I Dare You'. Determined and in-your-face, the single is a taste of what’s to come from their forthcoming tour, which will see them headline the biggest venues and play the most dates of their careers so far.

FERRIS & SYLVESTER AUTUMN HEADLINE TOUR DATES

SEPTEMBER

16th – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds

17th – Oxford, The Bullingdon

18th – Nottingham, Metronome

19th – Brighton, Green Door Store

20th – Newcastle, Think Tank?

22nd – Glasgow, Stereo

23rd – Edinburgh, Mash House

25th – Dublin, Lost Lane

27th – Liverpool, Phase One

29th – Leeds, The Wardrobe

30th – Cambridge, The Portland Arms

OCTOBER

1st – Manchester, Deaf Institute

3rd – Tunbridge Wells, Forum

4th – Cheltenham, Frog & Fiddle

6th – Swansea, Sin City (Fringe Fest)

8th – Truro, Old Bakery

9th – Exeter, Phoenix

FERRIS & SYLVESTER FESTIVAL DATES

SEPTEMBER

10th – 15th – Americanafest, Nashville

28th – Rivfest, Warrington

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For more information, visit ferrisandsylvester.com.

SAM WILLIAMS Shares Cover of Father's 'WEATHERMAN'

Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Williams has followed his debut London show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Wednesday with a cover of his iconic father Hank Williams Jr.’s 1981 hit 'Weatherman' - listen here.

Fans got an exclusive first listen when the song premiered yesterday with Forbes, who called it 'a superb, soulful cover…'

Carrying 'his family’s legacy forward with startling creativity', (MusicRow), the tune presents a fresh take on an old favourite, and offers a glimpse into the evolution of the Williams family’s legacy in music.

'Putting my own creative twist on the record was really fun,' Williams told Forbes of his take on 'Weatherman'. 'I think people are going to be really surprised one day when they see where I take the legacy and how it has evolved over time. I won’t be recreating any of my family’s sounds because I have my own. And even that will change. Inside of me, there is another me. And inside of that me, there is another me.'

Williams is currently on Cam’s Oh, The Places We’ll Go! European tour, which kicked off with a stop on September 1st at Empire Music Hall in Belfast, Ireland, and will conclude with a performance on September 14th at Huxley’s Neue Welt in Berlin, Germany.

He released previous single, 'Gemini' on June 21st - the last day of Gemini season. Praised by many for his voice "exuding equal parts power and grace" (Rolling Stone) that seems to "rise from another spiritual plane", (Sounds Like Nashville) the CMT "Must-See Indie You Need To Know" is poised to leave his own legacy on country music, unafraid to push his own creative limits and break through the self-inflicted limitations that threaten the genre as a whole.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES (supporting Cam’s Oh, The Places We’ll Go! tour)

September 9th - Melkweg OZ - Amsterdam, Netherlands

September 11th - Les Etoiles - Paris, France

September 13th - Die Fabrik - Hamburg, Germany

September 14th - Huxley's Neue Welt - Berlin, Germany

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For more information, visit samwillivms.com.

SAM WILLIAMS to Support CAM's European Tour This September

Singer/songwriter Sam Williams comes to the UK & Europe in September in support of fellow Nashville singer Cam on her Oh, The Places We'll Go! European tour.

Kicking off in Belfast, Ireland on September 1st, the eight-date run will finish on September 14th in Berlin, Germany, with a show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire on September 4th.

Sam Williams comments, 'I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity! I've never been on an official tour and I've never been to Europe. I've been manifesting the idea of it, and even writing songs about it, and to have it happening feels surreal. Cam is such a true talent and an overall graceful act and I'm so honoured she chose me to join her. I'm so eager to see new places and to get to know those abroad, and I hope they'll enjoy getting to know me, too.'

'Gemini', Williams’ current single, was released recently, and led Music Row to comment that he 'carries his family's legacy forward with startling creativity'.

As the grandson of Hank Williams Sr, son of Hank Jr, and brother of Holly Williams, his striking tone and poetic approach to songwriting is poised to stamp his own mark on country music. Unafraid to push his own creative limits and break through the self-inflicted limitations that threaten the genre as a whole, Williams feels it’s his time to share the art he’s been crafting in the studio.

Inspired by ‘the new Nashville’ with artists like Margo Price, Tyler Childers, Ruston Kelly and more blurring genre lines, Williams tips his hat to the legacy his family has left behind but is firmly blazing his own trail.  In the words of his late grandfather Hank, Sr., 'to sing like a hillbilly, you had to have lived like a hillbilly. You had to have smelt a lot of mule manure.' The crooner knows he wasn’t dealt those cards and is intent on carving his own path.

Influenced by artists from Billie Eilish to Dolly Parton, his sister Holly Williams to Drake, it’s easy to see why so many have been keeping an eye on him in anticipation of what’s to come.

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For more information, visit samwillivms.com.

Jeremy Ivey Announces Debut Album 'THE DREAM AND THE DREAMER’

Nashville’s Jeremy Ivey is thrilled to announce his debut album today, The Dream and the Dreamer, to be released on September 13 via ANTI- Records.

'The only objective here was to film some ridiculous scenarios and make them seem ordinary,' Ivey said of the music video for the new single 'Diamonds Back To Coal'. 'The modern newsreel that we see on our feeds daily is beyond insane, it’s surreal. This video reflects that.'

Recorded in a 'little bitty house studio' in Nashville and produced by Ivey’s wife Margo Price, the nine-song album hosts a collection of homespun, deeply introspective tracks. Ivey, who writes prolifically and ideally wants to release an album a year, cites everyone from the Beatles to Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan as influences.

Beneath the album’s generally up-tempo exterior, though, lies a deep preoccupation with the news cycle and problematic nature of Manifest Destiny. 'I wrote 'Diamonds Back To Coal' during a very frustrating week in America,' Ivey said. 'It was the week that the Vegas shootings and the alt-right march happened. The slogan 'Make America Great Again' is an influence on the chorus. [Because] if anything, we're making the environment worse. When we came and infiltrated the Native Americans’ way of living, we started reversing the beauty that this land had. It has to do with modern man being a trespasser.'

Regression is admittedly a difficult notion for Ivey, who moved away from his conservative Georgia home after high school and bounced around, primarily doing prep work in kitchens. The harmonica-accented track 'Story of a Fish' chronicles Ivey’s personal diaspora, specifically relating to his upbringing. 'I’m adopted, and I think that I always related with the story of salmon and how they’re born,' he reveals. 'The idea of being born far from your home, you know? You were born here, but you gotta get elsewhere. That's the way I always felt. I always felt that I was born in the wrong place to the wrong people at the wrong time.'

Meanwhile, Ivey is invested in his own version of the American Dream—specifically, offering up a melting pot of genres, ideas, and stories. 'The best thing I could say is that I'm trying to fill the holes that I can see in the scene,' he says. 'Whether it be Americana or country or rock or whatever. There's a certain type of song that isn't being written.'

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For more information, visit jeremyivey.net.

Andrew Combs Shares Soulful New Single 'STARS OF LONGING' + UK Tour Dates

Nashville based singer/songwriter Andrew Combs has announced his new album, Ideal Man, to be released on September 20th via New West Records. Today, Combs has shared 'Stars Of Longing', the first track to be taken from the album.

An insightful, questioning gem, 'Stars Of Longing' opens the album with a snare drum cracking like a gunshot, before launching into a flowing blend of fuzzy guitar lines and reverb-drenched vocals. The track is accompanied by a captivating and touching video which premiered with FLOOD Magazine, who described it as 'a shimmering slab of groovy psychedelic soul… a promising precursor to what’s to come'.

Ideal Man was produced by Sam Cohen (Kevin Morby, Benjamin Booker) and follows Combs’ critically acclaimed 5 Covers & A Song EP, which featured his interpretations of songs by The Strokes, Radiohead, Blake Mills, Lucinda Williams, and Loudon Wainwright III.

While Combs may be best known as a singer/songwriter in the classic 1970s Laurel Canyon sense of the term, he proves the true versatility of his work here, often setting his acoustic aside in favour of atmospheric synthesizers and distorted electric guitars. Captured live in Cohen’s Brooklyn studio, Ideal Man also features Combs’ longtime collaborators, drummer Dom Billet and guitarist/keyboardist/bassist Jerry Bernhardt.

A Dallas native, Combs has called Nashville home since 2006, but when it came time to record Ideal Man, he opted for a change, heading to Sam Cohen’s Jupiter Recordings in Brooklyn. 'One of the things I really admired about Sam is that he wants to capture a moment,' says Combs.

'In the past, I’ve tended to pursue a studio sound that was really polished and clean, but I wanted to do something different this time, and I knew that working with Sam would lead to more of a loose, psychedelic, spaced-out vibe. We did everything live in the studio, even my vocals, and there’s a sense of immediacy and discovery in those early takes that you can’t recreate.'

Ideal Man is available for pre-order now here.

IDEAL MAN TRACK LISTING:

1. Stars Of Longing

2. Ideal Man

3. Like A Father

4. Save Somebody Else

5. Hide And Seek

6. Dry Eyes

7. Firestarter

8. Shipwreck Man

9. Born Without A Clue

10. The Stone

11. Golden

Andrew Combs will be touring Europe in support of Ideal Man in November and December, including dates in Bristol, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, and a show at London’s The Lexington on December 10th. Tickets are on sale now, and available here. The dates are, as follows:

04/12 – St Lawrence’s Church, Biddulph, UK

05/12 – Pleasance Cabaret Bar, Edinburgh, UK

06/12 – CCA, Glasgow, UK

07/12 – Cleeres, Kilkenny, IE

08/12 – Lost Lane, Dublin, IE

09/12 – Louisiana, Bristol, UK

10/12 – The Lexington, London, UK

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For more information, visit andrewcombsmusic.com.

Brian May Joins Rock Act Five Finger Death Punch for New Country Single

The multi-platinum rock group Five Finger Death Punch has teamed up with the legendary Brian May (Queen) and two of the biggest names in country and blues rock, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd to record a special version of the song 'Blue On Black' mixed by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Disturbed).

Titans in each of their respective genres, the artists came together to merge country and mainstream rock to re-create the classic song originally recorded and co-written by Shepherd. Taking Country Rock to the next level, 'Blue On Black' is out now worldwide via Prospect Park (North America) and Eleven Seven Music (ex. North America). The track is available HERE.

The artists and their respective labels are donating all proceeds from the collaboration version of  'Blue On Black' to the GARY SINISE FOUNDATION which honours America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.

Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory states: 'To raise awareness for and support First Responders is a cause that’s always been close to our hearts. These brave men and women leave their homes every morning not knowing if they’ll ever see their families again. Yet they make a conscious choice to do so for the greater good. What better way to make a difference than to join forces with some of our friends in country, blues and classic rock who happen to be some of the biggest names in those genres and together celebrate these heroes.'

'Blue on Black is a song my band and I have covered off and on for years... songs are certified timeless when you can come back to them,' says Brantley Gilbert. 'It’s always a staple each night and one of my favorite songs to perform.  When the opportunity came up to sing on Five Finger’s version, with both Kenny Wayne and Brian May of Queen, I jumped at the chance... Who wouldn’t?! It incorporates so many different musical perspectives, but our collaboration just works brilliantly.'

Gary Sinise, the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor and Founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation expresses his gratitude to the artists saying: 'I want to send my thanks to Five Finger Death Punch, Brian May of Queen, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd for their support of The Gary Sinise Foundation and our efforts to give back to our Nation’s First Responders. I’m so grateful to have all of these incredible artists from different genres coming together to support our mission with this great song, 'Blue On Black'. I believe while we can never do enough to show our appreciation and gratitude to our Nation’s defenders and the families who sacrifice right alongside them we can always do a little more. And you all are doing just that. So I salute you, and I thank you all. God bless.'

'Blue On Black' performers:

FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – lead vocals, guitars, bass, drums

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD - original songwriter, guest vocals and guitar

BRANTLEY GILBERT - guest vocal

BRIAN MAY - guest guitar

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One More Shot UK - Country Stars for Breast Cancer Charities Fundraiser

Riley Smith will be supporting Christian Kane for One More Shot UK, a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Charities.

Smith's vocals and songwriting stunningly blend country pop, hard-hitting soulful Americana and modern production for a sound rarely found in music today.  No secret to those familiar with his lead role on the popular TV show Nashville, Smith’s gritty yet smooth, singing voice and charismatic presence have built him a career on both stage and screen. Acting in popular shows like True Blood, True Detective, Frequency and Life Sentence, catapulted Smith to the forefront of the industry and his love for music introduced him to audiences in a way unlike any other role he has played.

After moving to Nashville, Smith dove into the realm of old classic country music, exploring it’s history and roots. However, the longer he was there and the more musicians he collaborated with, his sound started developing into something more dynamic and divergent. Smith’s writing process began to reference a wider variety of sounds and styles resulting in a body of music that's relatable, heartfelt and diverse. 'It's what I think makes the sound unique and kinda difficult to put in a box.' Smith reveals.

Smith’s latest releases all stem from a collection of notes he keeps on his phone. Thoughts and recollections of his journey through life, what he is going through, the way he feels and the things he witnesses. He reveals, 'The stories are really a reflection of my life right now. I've been alone and on the road a lot, missing someone so it's bitter sweet and that comes through in the songs and lyrics'. Produced by Kevin Leach and mastered by Grammy Award-winning Nathan Dantzler, the music emits Smith’s desire of creating smooth and warm sonic soundscapes that make you feel good.

Single 'Radio' narrates the story of wanting to get the attention of the girl you’re on a road trip with, realizing you could make this happen if you just get on her radio. It’s heartfelt lyrics, passionate smokey vocals and gritty guitars create a throwback sound, highlighting Smith’s signature style of country pop and Americana. 'I’m On Fire' features Smith’s warm vocals, resonating guitars and an infectious chorus.  His heart wrenchingly authentic delivery results in a beautiful and achingly relatable record that is sure to be a radio hit. The song was a co-write with Matthew Perryman Jones and Tim Lauer (Hank Williams, Shawn Mendes, Blake Shelton). Smith describes how there was instant chemistry and respect between them all and how the song felt like it wrote itself. 'I'm on Fire exemplified what my time writing in Nashville was all about to me. The synergy. The talent'.

Smith’s past successes include supporting Jordan Sparks, a residency at the iconic Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and a European tour.  Further achievements include major market radio play, numerous film and TV placements and critical acclaim from publications such as Billboard, Taste of Country, The Boot, Sounds Like Nashville to name a few. Two of Smith’s songs were also placed in CW’s Life Sentence.

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For more information about Riley Smith, visit rileysmithofficial.com.

For further information about ONE MORE SHOT UK, visit onemoreshotuk.com.