Tag: country

Jason Aldean

Post author By admin
Post date May 16, 2010

Country rocker Jason Aldean is known for his energetic stage show and unapologetic southern rock. He’s toured with everyone from Keith Urban to Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw. Many of his singles have topped the country charts and he is currently leading nominations for the upcoming CMT Music Awards. Read below to learn about Aldean’s live show, his thoughts on rap music, Kid Rock and more from last year’s CMA Music Festival press conference.

You are moving up to that next level. From the inside looking out, are you able to feel that?
I think you can feel a little bit of a momentum. When “She’s Country” was out and peaking and doing it’s thing, I knew it was different than any other song I had. It’s not rocket science, I could tell that. When you play a show and you start seeing more people coming to your shows. One thing I noticed was that they were a lot more rabid than they were before. A lot more stage jumpers and things like that. I think you feel a little bit of it. It’s not an overnight sort of deal, but gradually you can feel a little bit of a momentum there.

Is there anything that’s happened in your career that you didn’t expect?
I don’t know. I think there are a lot of things like that. I remember the first time I played an awards show I remember thinking that it was going to be so crazy. But, all of a sudden you play and it was two minutes and you’re done and I thought, “What the hell happened? That was so quick I didn’t even have time to enjoy it.” It’s like anything, you always have things set in your mind the way you think things are going to go. A lot of times they exceed your expectations and a lot of times they fall a little short, but it’s fun nevertheless.

What is it like performing live? How do you sustain your energy?
I grew up playing in clubs. I came up playing in bars in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. It was my job to go out and play. I used to have to play four hours a night so to have to go out now and only play for an hour in a half, that’s nothing. It’s fun. I love getting onstage and playing my show. It gets me excited when people show up and you walk out and you see all those people that are there to see you play. They spent their money to come watch you play, especially nowadays. It’s up to me to give them a show and make it worth their while. You want them to come back and you want to make it fun and interesting and exciting so the next time we come to town this is one of the things they want to see. It’s all about creating a fun atmosphere. Some of my best friends are the guys onstage with me every night, so that helps. We’ve got a great job so we have fun with it.

How is it sharing the stage with Kid Rock?
You know what, I’m a big fan of his. I love Kid Rock. I’ve had the chance to hang out with him a few times. Talk about things that weren’t what you expected, he’s a prime example. I expected him to be this wild head case, but he’s not. He’s really cool. Really down to earth, fun dude and I’m a huge fan.

You were really looking forward to touring with Keith Urban and did more dates than you originally expected. You’ve opened for Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw also.
I’ll say this. His show is the best show I’ve seen in a long time by far. I love the Flatts guys, they’re great friends of mine and they put on a great show. McGraw and those guys do as well. But, Keith Urban’s show is good. I don’t throw out compliments on people’s shows very often. His is really good. It’s one of those things, if you’re going to spend money to see a show this year, whether or not we’re the opening act on it, I would check his show out ’cause it’s amazing.

Your song “She’s Country” has more of a rock vibe to it. How much do other genres of music influence your style? (video below)
I’m influenced by a lot of different genres. I grew up in Georgia. My dad always had traditional country music in our house. His favorite singer was a guy named Johnny Rodriguez. So, I used to listen to that stuff. Hank Jr., Merle Haggard. When I got a little older, I started to get into the 80s rock stuff. Guns N’ Roses, Poison, all the really bad hair bands. Then a little later I got into the southern rock stuff. The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I’ve listened to everything. Rap has been the only thing I’m a little dicey on. It’s either hit or miss. There’s maybe a song I like every couple of years. I think most of that is probably because I don’t understand half of what they’re saying. For the most part, I think music is music and if it’s great, I listen to it.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AZLUohDCGo]

Tags CMA Music Festival, country, Interview, Jason Aldean, Nashville, Q&A

Festivals Interviews

Luke Bryan

Post author By admin
Post date May 15, 2010

Awarded Top New Solo Vocalist and Top New Artist at the Academy of Country Music Awards last month, singer-songwriter Luke Bryan is making a name for himself in the country music scene. While hit ballad, “Do I” topped the charts, current single “Rain Is a Good Thing” is following suit as 2010 gears up to be a promising one for Bryan. Most recently, he was nominated for CMT’s Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Do I.”

Last year, I attended CMA Music Festival’s nightly press conference and asked Bryan a few questions. To find out more on his hit song co-written with Lady Antebellum, his thoughts on headlining and plans for this year’s CMA Music Fest read below. Stay tuned for more interviews from 2009’s CMA Fest next week.

How has your experience been so far this week at CMA Fest?
It was good! We did our fan club party yesterday and I realized that…I guess we had two hours and I was like, “We gotta do four next year.” I really wanted to sit down and talk. My drummer does a mean Aaron Neville and we let him come around and sing a little Aaron Neville. I actually wanted to do more [of that] because that’s stuff we do on the bus. Whatever gets you through the monotony of riding down the road. I wanted to do stuff like that with every musician in my band but we were running out of time. I wasn’t doing any songs and I think they probably wanted to hear a few of those. It’s been great watching the fan club grow. Next year we’re thinking about having two fan club parties or a bigger event.

What do you want to do when you have the headlining stage?
You dream your whole life to headline and I’m using this time now to work out kinks and get smarter and get bigger. I’ve got it all in my head, but it’s just the time to get there. I love when people say, “We feel like you already are a headliner.” But, I know I’m a long way from it. The beauty of last year getting to tour with Kenny [Chesney], you see headlining at the largest scale possible and what’s involved. I remember that whole tour I just sat back and watched it all and took it in and saw the things he did. Even when I was out front watching Keith Urban on a lot of those dates, I’m always memorized by the headliners. Just how they take over you. That’s what you work at and work hard for. The best answer is, I’m constantly dreaming of it and being prepared for that moment when you feel that momentum to where you’re fixing to start selling out 5,000 seaters. That’s what I pray for every night to get to that point. But, not to say I’m going to join that right now either.

What about the 60,000 outside at LP Field tonight?
Well, talking about Kenny, that was the beauty of that tour. It gets me comfortable in that environment. It’s been a year, but I walked out there [tonight] and I felt like I knew how to point at them way over there because I got a chance to do it last year with Kenny. It feels good to walk out there and have that many people looking at you. It’s what it’s all about. If you’re not prepared…you gotta go do that, so you have to be ready for it. It’s fun be comfortable up there.

You have a trio of friends that helped you out on your new single.
Charles [Kelley] and Dave [Haywood] of Lady A helped me write my current single, “Do I.” I wouldn’t say helped. We all wrote it together. They drove up to the house, we sat on the porch and drank a couple beers and now I have a single out. When we demoed it Hillary [Scott] heard it and flipped out over it and said, “Luke you have to cut it!” When we recorded it, there was no other background singer I could use other than Hillary. Lady A is all over that song. It’s been fun. I was on their bus earlier and showed them the video. We just got done with the video for it. To see their excitement…they’re there winning all the group awards and to watch them get excited about having a Luke Bryan song out there is a pretty special thing.

What are you thinking about while you’re onstage performing?
I really don’t know. I went through a point when I was out with Trace [Adkins] and I started thinking about what was going through my mind and the only thing that would happen was I would forget the words to my song. You try not to get too heady with it. Back to the headlining thing, there will be a day where I’ll have to be in one spot. Right now, that’s the fun part. My guitar player and I have been playing together for 13 years and we can just look at each other and make a move that hopefully looks somewhat planned and not stupid. I think the spontaneity and the non-structure of it makes it more comfortable. When you see someone walk to that spot and do their run of the mill poses, I’ve never been a fan of that. I’m crazy when we’re out there doing 140 shows a year. When we get 10 in a row where they’re the same that’s when I start losing momentum and talk to the band and say, “Guys I’m going to start calling out crazy stuff” just to break the monotony of it.

On September 26th, you’re the honoree spokesperson for National Hunting and Fishing Day. How is it to share something you already love and are passionate about?
It’s funny, when I heard I was doing that you don’t know exactly how big of a deal it is. About two months in, after several PSA’s and doing all that, I remembered the time with my dad we spent outdoors and just how important that is for children. You’re fishing and you’re hunting and that’s not the real deal that’s going on. You’re spending time with your family. I remember all the lessons. Me and my dad would fish every weekend it seemed. It’s been an honor to share some stories of mine and hopefully build more awareness. More and more of the outdoors are getting smaller. I just hope I bring awareness to it and get some people out there enjoying the outdoors.

Your single “Do I” has really allowed you to spread your wings both creatively and vocally. Was there any anxiety about new single because it is a departure for you?
Yeah. My first departure with “We Rode in Trucks,” my second single, didn’t go as well as I had planned. With “All My Friends Say” I think everybody wanted to keep hearing up-tempo, fun, party stuff. Everyone wanted a big summer hit and to come out with a ballad, we thought about it for a second, but we had so much excitement about the song. When you hear this song recorded you feel like it’s great. I feel like it’s really a great shot and my chance to show a different side of me where I sing some. To branch out and have a shot at hopefully a big top 5 or even a number one and have everyone so excited about it was fun too.

Watch Luke Bryan perform “Do I” below, for the official music video click here. For more, visit his Web site.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AOsHL3Dyck]

Tags CMA Music Festival, country, Interview, Luke Bryan, Nashville, Q&A

Concert Reviews

Laura Bell Bundy Energizes Packed Highline Ballroom

Post author By admin
Post date May 13, 2010

Photo Credit: Scott Gries

In celebration of of the 2010 CMT Award Nominations, CMT and Universal Music Group hosted an event Tuesday at Highline Ballroom showcasing one of country’s most promising new artists — Laura Bell Bundy.

Shortly after 8pm, Laura Bell Bundy kicked off the night with the energetic “I’m No Good (For Ya Baby).” A full band complete with backup singers and dancers accompanied Bundy’s set and the former Broadway star proved she knows how to put on a show. Throughout the night, she could be seen dancing, twirling in circles and giving the packed crowd all she had.

Often out of breath, when she introduced the next track, “Boyfriend?” Bundy joked, “Sometimes I wonder why I write songs that are so fast.” Another lively number from the Skakin’ part of her recent release, Achin’ and Shakin’, the night consisted of a satisfying mix of her soulful ballads and fast-paced tracks, many of which had the crowd dancing along.

“If you’re in the mood to meditate with your sorrow then this is the song for you,” Bundy said before she performed the soulful “Drop On By.” “The other two were to dance, work out, or get a speeding ticket to,” she said.

Current single, “Giddy On Up,” was a crowd favorite (see video below). “The reason we’re here tonight is because of this song,” Bundy told the audience. “It was nominated today for a CMT Award and I expect you to vote for it when you get home and you’re sober.”

Laura Bell Bundy

More CMT Music

Lady Antebellum Bring Nashville to New York at Sold-Out Show

Post author By admin
Post date May 12, 2010
3 Comments on Lady Antebellum Bring Nashville to New York at Sold-Out Show

Lady Antebellum have had quite a year. They won their first Grammy for Best Country Performance by Duo or Group for “I Run to You” in January while just last month they swept the Academy of Country Music Awards with three wins; Top Vocal Group of the Year, Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Need You Now.”

While “Need You Now” continues to heat up the country and pop charts, current single “American Honey” shows much promise for the Nashville-based trio as New York concertgoers sang along word for word Monday night at Nokia Theatre. Playing just over an hour, Lady A demonstrated their impeccable harmonies and energetic stage show.

An appropriate start, the band kicked off the night with “Stars Tonight.” With edgy electric guitar and percussion before Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott entered on vocals, the music captivated the crowd.

“Girls in their heels and a skinny pair of blue jeans/Boys in black pearl buttons looking just like Springsteen/Mama says why you wanna play in a silly rock ‘n’ roll band/Well if you stood here mama, I know you’d understand/It’s the lights, it’s the high/It’s the roar of a crowd on a Monday night,” Kelley and Scott sang as the crowd danced along.

The energy never wavered as the band continued right into “Love Don’t Live Here,” the first track from their debut album. “Perfect Day,” off recent release Need You Now, showcased the band’s country roots while beautiful ballad, “When You Got A Good Thing” switched gears and slowed down the night. On each song, Kelley and Scott alternated vocals and harmonized throughout the chorus.

A few months ago, Lady Antebellum played two nights at Nashville’s legendary Ryman Auditorium and performed Hank Williams’ “Lost Highway.” With Dave Haywood on guitar and Kelley and Scott singing close to the edge of the stage, the band showcased the song unplugged to a hushed crowd.

“There’s nothing like the energy in this city and in this room right now,” Scott said after the song.

As their backup band left the stage, Haywood, Kelley and Scott told the crowd, “All We’d Ever Need” was the first song they wrote together. Lady Antebellum proved they can rock the sold-out venue with their stripped down acoustic ballads just as well as the more energetic numbers as they showcased their songwriting and harmonizing on the track.

The trio remained onstage alone to perform Luke Bryan’s “Do I,” a song they co-wrote, before the full band rejoined for current single, “American Honey.” Haywood began the song alone with a killer guitar solo before Scott and Kelley joined on vocals.

“Lookin’ For a Good Time,” “Need You Now,” and “I Run To You” closed the set before the band’s encore.

“I’ve been on the verge of tears all night long because you’re being so sweet to us,” Scott said as she walked back on stage.

“This next song is off our brand new record. We didn’t write it. Tom Douglas, Tony Lane and David Lee wrote it for us. We want to dedicate it to everyone in Nashville affected by the floods,” Kelley said before they began “Hello World.”

An energetic end to their set, Lady Antebellum closed with a cover of the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” As the entire room erupted into “Na na na na’s” the band called out opening act and fellow Nashville singer-songwriter Dave Barnes to help finish the night.

“We’ll see ya next time New York City,” Kelley said as Lady A exited the stage. With their growing success and current tour with Tim McGraw, lucky fans won’t have to wait too long.

Tags country, Dave Barnes, Lady Antebellum, Live

News

Help Nashville Flood Victims

Post author By admin
Post date May 11, 2010

Nashville saw much devastation and flooding the first week of May. As neighbors continue to band together to help rebuild what was lost, the national media is doing little to broadcast damages. It has been reported that this is the single largest disaster to hit Tennessee since the Civil War.

As I’m celebrating country music on You Sing I Write this week, I thought I’d bring to your attention just how bad things are in Nashville via a video I found on YouTube. After watching it, I’ve listed ways to get involved below.

Slideshow of photos of the devastation Nashville is facing.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFjaQoOdJvI]

A recent press release announced that Taylor Swift donated $500,000 to flood relief. Currently, cleanup and repair is expected to cost more than $1 billion.

“Thousands of homes were damaged, along with some of Music City’s most important landmarks. Pleas to donate to relief organizations started early, and Nashville’s musical talent — from local bands and clubs to the biggest stars — are giving their time and money to the effort,” the press release stated.

GAC will air a telethon May 16 that will include Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Rodney Atkins and other stars live from the Ryman Auditorium.

On June 22, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will host “Nashville Rising,” a benefit concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The lineup includes Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Lynyrd Skynrd, Brooks & Dunn, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Luke Bryan.

If you would like to help, there are three ways to make a donation to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund:

1. Visit redcross.org to donate online

2. Call 1-800-REDCROSS

3. Make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999

Tags country, Nashville

Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Billy Currington

Post author By admin
Post date May 10, 2010

Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Billy Currington burst onto the country scene in 2003 with his critically acclaimed self-titled release. Two albums later and many concerts later, Currington continues to make a name for himself with hit songs and festival anthems.

CMT recently reviewed California’s Stagecoach festival and wrote praises of his performance:

Billy Currington proved to be a wise choice to join the Stagecoach lineup. So many of his songs could have been the event’s official anthem — “People Are Crazy” (painted on numerous T-shirts and tailgates), “Swimming in Summertime” (lots of bathing suits but no pool in sight) and “Don’t” (as in, “Honey, should I keep doing drunken handstands even though that guy behind me is trying to watch the show?”). Currington’s new single fits the bill, too — an easygoing tune called “Pretty Good at Drinking Beer.”

Recently nominated for the 2010 CMT Music Awards for Male Video of the Year for hit single, “People Are Crazy,” 2010 is a promising one for Currington. Additionally, he was just added to Carrie Underwood’s upcoming fall tour.

With his relatable, reflective lyrics and soothing vocals, Currington proves to be a force to watch in the country music scene. Songs like passionate ballad “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and the fun, life-affirming “People Are Crazy” in which he sings, “God is great/Beer is good/And people are crazy” leave an impact on the listener.

For more on Currington, visit his Web site and watch some videos below.

“People Are Crazy”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKpQRjj_WbU]

“Party For Two” with Shania Twain

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzD0nd7tzNI]

“Must Be Doin’ Something Right”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbQfE2Oi6Wo]

Tags Billy Currington, country, Listen

Festivals Q&A

Poll of the Week: Which CMA 2009 Interview Do You Want to Read?

Post author By admin
Post date May 9, 2010

This week is country music week on You Sing I Write. I’ll be attending Lady Antebellum, Laura Bell Bundy and Taylor Swift concerts throughout the week and figured it makes perfect sense to introduce you to some up-and-coming country acts too. Stay tuned to Twitter for live reporting and recaps of each show!

As far as this week’s poll, I have some press room interviews of last year’s CMA Music Festival that I haven’t gotten up on the blog yet and I want to know which one you’re dying to read. I’ll transcribe the artist that gets the most votes for you the end of the week. (And, if you’re lucky maybe the rest next week!)

Which CMA 2009 Interview Do You Want to Read?

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Reba McEntire

Zac Brown Band

Tags CMA Music Festival, country, Interview, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Nashville, Q&A, Reba McEntire, Zac Brown Band

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Wrong Baby Wrong”

Post author By admin
Post date April 24, 2010

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

One of the most beautiful voices in country, Martina McBride has been singing her heart out for nearly two decades. With uplifting songs that celebrate friendship and independence, her music strikes a chord, particularly to young women.

I was lucky enough to meet and interview McBride last summer at the CMA Music festival where she gave me advice to relay to women working towards accomplishing their goals and overcoming obstacles: “Perseverance and support. If you can get support from your friends or from your family, that’s important.”

It’s no surprise that current single, “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong,” is a song that celebrates the friendship and support girlfriends can have when the wrong guy is finally “gone baby gone.”

Watch the video below for “Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong.” I’ve included one of my favorite Martina McBride videos as well. What’s your favorite Martina song?

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkkG1hGZaD0]

“This One’s For the Girls”

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTowId2CWHA]

Tags "Wrong Baby Wrong, country, Martina McBride

Concert Reviews

Laura Bell Bundy Performs Tracks Off “Achin’ and Shakin’”

Post author By admin
Post date April 20, 2010

The most energetic Walmart Soundtrack yet, Laura Bell Bundy dances her way into viewers’ hearts. Her performances of each song off her debut release, Achin’ and Shakin’ are complete with a full band, cowboy backup dancers and gospel singers. Gotta love a country singer dancing in leather pants and cowboy boots.

For more on Laura Bell Bundy and her album, watch the preview below. To watch the full performances click here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7KziEHmpAo]

Tags Achin' and Shakin, country, Laura Bell Bundy

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “American Honey”

Post author By admin
Post date March 19, 2010
1 Comment on Song of the Week: “American Honey”

Lady Antebellum have been taking over the airwaves with their chart-topping hit “Need You Now.” The Nashville-based trio just released the second single off their sophomore album, Need You Now and it’s bound to reach similar success.

Reminiscing of days gone by, on “American Honey” Lady A sing, “Nothing’s sweeter than summertime and American honey.” I couldn’t agree more. Watch the video below for a taste of summer.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSOaAaZZyqk]

Tags American Honey, country, Lady Antebellum, Nashville