I haven’t been able to stop playing this song since Lady Antebellum released it a few weeks ago. Their first single off their third album, due in stores in September, the beautiful ballad showcases the strong harmonies between the trio. They debuted the music video earlier this week on their Web site, you can watch it below.
Earlier this week, Mat Kearney premiered the video for his latest single, “Hey Mama,” off his upcoming album, Young Love, due in stores August 2. With hand-clapped rhythms and a fast beat, its a new side to Mat Kearney than witnessed on previous singles. In fact, I’ve had it on repeat all afternoon. I think you’ll enjoy it too.
Be sure to catch Mat live on tour with Owl City. He stops in NYC tonight and continues through the West Coast next month. Visit his site for complete dates.
Related Links:
• Q&A with Mat Kearney
• Album Review: Mat Kearney’s “City of Black & White”
• So Long, 2009. Bring on 2010!
• Mat Kearney at Irving Plaza
I haven’t been able to stop listening to this song since seeing Blake Shelton perform it live at his fan party last week. While the words are cute, the accompanying video is the perfect component to this love song. What do you think?
The first track off her upcoming release, All of You, current single, “Brighter Than the Sun” grabs the listener right away. With fast paced guitar and Colbie Caillat’s infectious vocals, the the track is a descriptive tale about being love-struck at first glance. Hand-clapped rhythms and Caillat’s upbeat singing style make “Brighter Than the Sun” the perfect track to kick-start summer.
“I usually like to start my albums by easing my way in,” Caillat says. “But ‘Brighter Than the Sun’ has a punch. It’s so up-tempo and happy. My manager actually requested that it be No. 1, and he was right. This song is awesome because it just gets people started right away and interested in what’s next. A different instrument leads into each part of the song. It never stays the same, which keeps listeners wanting to hear what’s next.”
I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot of it this summer. All of You hits stores July 12. Listen to “Brighter Than the Sun” below as well as my previous interviews with her.
A few weeks ago, Virginia-based band Parachute released “Kiss Me Slowly,” a beautiful ballad written with Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. With a similar sound to their previous hit, “She Is Love,” soft percussion, piano and guitar combined with frontman Will Anderson’s smooth vocals, makes it a sure bet that this track will follow with similar success.
Parachute is gearing up for the release of their sophomore album, The Way It Was, due out later this month. Watch the music video below with a special introduction by Lady A and be sure to read my previous interviews with both bands.
Yesterday, David Nail debuted the music video for his latest single, “Let It Rain” off his upcoming sophomore release. The song and dramatic video was inspired by the film, The Last Kiss.
“I had just seen the movie The Last Kiss, and it was a pretty powerful ending. I just tried to paint the picture of what that guy seemed to be feeling, when he realized the significance of what he had just done!
“With the video, I tried to recreate the rawness and reality of that moment,” he continued. “I wanted to grab people’s attention immediately, and I feel like Stephen [Shepherd] and I accomplished that. I can’t wait for the fans to see it because I think they will see this video is different than the past ones I’ve done.”
Co-written by Nail and Jonathan Singleton, watch “Let It Rain” below.
What I love most about country music is the story behind each song. Darius Rucker’s latest hit, “This” is just one example. Whether it’s breaking up with a significant other, losing a job or questioning your life, we all have the same fears but as the saying goes, “When one door closes, another opens.” Darius hits this point in his moving new music video, “This.” Watch it below.
ACM nominee and host, Blake Shelton’s newest single, “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” is a beautiful ballad that I’ve had stuck in my head all week. Watch it below and be sure to catch him tomorrow night hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS at 8pm.
With performances by Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Rihanna as well as Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Eric Church, The Band Perry, Randy Houser, Little Big Town, Steel Magnolia, Laura Bell Bundy, and many more, the night is sure to be a fun one. Be sure to follow my live coverage on Twitter.
For a behind the scenes promo of the ACM’s watch Blake and Reba talk of hosting the award’s show.
I’ve had Josh Kelley’s upcoming release, Georgia Clay, on repeat all weekend. His debut country album, first single and album title, “Georgia Clay” is a feel good song of nostalgia. Light guitar and Kelley’s smooth vocals combine with powerful percussion to round out the track.
“Ain’t it funny how some things take you back/And the here and now just fades to black,” he sings passionately.
Written with his brother, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, and Clint Lagerberg, the song is an adequate introduction to Kelley as a country artist.
Watch the music video below. I’ll be spending the day with Josh this Tuesday during his album release in New York and covering the day’s events for The Boot. Be sure to send me your questions in the comments and follow me on Twitter for complete updates!
I witnessed Matthew Mayfield live for the first time during last year’s CMJ festival and was blown away by his performance. I was fortunate enough to stumble into his set at Rockwood Music Hall and was truly impressed. Alone onstage with acoustic guitar and his deep vocals, he quickly became one of my Top 5 Artists to Watch.
Since I received a copy of his upcoming release, Now You’re Free, in the mail last week I haven’t been able to stop listening. I’ll have a complete review for you next week, but here’s a sneak peak of one of the tracks, “Element.” My favorite song on the album, the lyrics and vocals are powerful and emotional.
Written when he was 19, he says it’s the one song that’s stuck around so long that he still likes. Watch it below and to download the first track on the album, “Come Back Home,” visit his Web site.