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.