Saturday 17 November 2012

Country Bites News snippets Nov 12 – Nov 16

Country Bites News snippets November 12 – November 16

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News
New to me is up and coming London based Country/Pop/Soul, singer/songwriter Jeannine Barry. The UK’s capital is where she lives, performs and records.
Jeannine Barry
She has lived in many different places one which was Berlin where she met David Lee Brewer (Photo). Jeannine is being mentored and vocally trained by the American vocal coach and TV presenter who taught artists such as Beyonce Knowles, H-Town, Letoya Luckett and many more.
He is convinced that Jeannine will make it big in the Country music world and believes her "stunning song"
"Unto My Maker" (recorded in Nov 2011) will get her noticed in the US.
After auditioning for David, he immediately heard that she is a Country singer. He guided her into the country genre direction, a place she feels at home. She started penning her own material working with several producers such as Rares Cara (Sido), Loomis Green (Jan Delay). A personal highlight then was performing her own version of “Amazing Grace” with an Orchestra in the Berlin Philharmonic in front of an audience of 2000.
Jeannine writes alone and she says her lyrics are personal, real, and about things that move her. Her aim is to impart what matters to her with the world and through her music, touch other people’s lives in a positive way.
Barry is also planning on going over to Nashville where she has already made some useful contacts. Earlier in 2012 she had a meeting at BMI at their London office where she showcased her songs live and was promised help with contact when she decides to visit the US.
  • She has finished recording an EP with producer Denis Gajetic (Gadget Studios) which is due to be released on the 29th of November 2012 on iTunes and a new video is in the pipeline.
  • For now she tweets: Jeannine Barry @Jeannine_Barry First 100 downloads of my latest song "Mind Games" are Free - Visit soundcloud.com
  • She has a “little show” on the 22nd of November at Freedom, Wardour Street, in Soho, London at 8pm! (Google Map)
** Please check back in a few weeks time for a Spotlight feature and Q & A with this young and beautiful singer! Recommended for fans of Katie Armiger, Katrina Elam and Carrie Underwood and those who prefer the modern crossover sound.

Deri Promotions brings you The British Country Music Festival which takes place at Camber Sands, East Sussex (arrive Fri 15th March -depart Mon March 18, 2013) Headliners are Will Banister (USA) and Brent Allen (USA) with the Hayley Oliver Band, Gary Perkins & Breeze, Henry Smith Band and many more. Its spread over 3 Nights in 2  Venues.
Visit http://www.thenewbcmc.co.uk/  for booking details

Gary Quinn the Irish born and raised now Wigan based country singer-songwriter says: “You better watch out, you better not cry, you better watch out I'm telling you why!
 That's because Gary is planning to brighten your Christmas and fill your holiday season with joy and laughter with his latest musical offering. Blurb: This is not your typical Christmas Carol or seasonal tear jerker! Wanting to offer something different, Quinn's record 'Festive Moonshine' tells of an unusual and humorous encounter with a very important character on their busiest night of the year. It may make you think twice about what sort of beverage it's best to leave out on Christmas Eve for a certain visitor as it might have a direct impact on the delivery of certain goods!
'Festive Moonshine' will be available for download on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby as well as other download sites from the 17th November 2012. For Physical copies contact Gary Quinn Music via www.facebook.com/GaryQuinnMusic

UK band McKay fronted by Tim McKay announced on November 7th that they had to cancel as a support act for The Band Perry and Brad Paisley on the Scandinvanian and European leg’s of Brad Paisleys Virtual Reality World Tour.
The the statement it read “Dear fans/supporters & friends of McKay, It is with great regret that we have to announce the cancellation of Mckay’s involvement in the European leg of Brad Paisleys Virtual Reality World Tour. With many production complications and show timings, it came to a joint decision between us and McKay that their support slot would be taken over with extra stage and show preparation time by Brad Paisleys production team.We of course sincerely apologise for any upset that may be caused to the McKay fan base, however we are delighted to announce we will be working with the band in 2013 as they are involved in many major European tours with us. We look forward to releasing massive McKay news in the not so distant future.” Best Regards, MEP Entertainment & Nashville Agent
Check out McKay’s latest video “Goodbye Would Go  >>  YouTube  - Graphic 

Alana Levandoski, the Canadian singer-songwriter will be making a trip once more across the pond with a bunch of dates in January and February 2013.  She will be bringing her new book of journals about her trip last year called I AM A SPARROW: A WOMAN’S MUSIC PILGRIMAGE as well as a new record also called I AM A SPARROW, a humble collection of her own songs and old folk tunes. She is inviting emerging fiddler and songwriting talent Braden Gates to open the shows.
Confirmed Dates for January/February 2013!!!  (More to be added-): Jan 17th – St. Edward’s Church, Cambridge UK
Jan 18th – Norwich House Concert / Jan 19th – Turners Hill House Concerts/ Jan 20th - London Green Note Café/ Jan 31st – Real Music Club, Errigle Inn, Belfast  and February 2nd at Lismore, Ireland  - www.alanalevandoski.com

Last week Taylor Swift gave her UK fans a very special treat by turning on the Christmas Lights at Westfield London, accompanied by a lucky group from Save The Children. Taylor then closed the magical evening by performing three songs for the London crowd. You can now see some highlights of the evening  >>  YouTube 

Taylor Swift with Alan Carr

Taylor joined Channel 4’s Alan Carr on the sofa last Friday (Nov 9, 2012) talking about her new album, antiques and alter-egos. A must see! In case missed it you can catch it again, Taylor Swift Interview with Alan Carr Chatty Man  >>  YouTube


UK CHART NEWS
On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Nov 17, 2012)
Taylor Swift’sWe Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” drops from #10 to #19 (18,192 sales). Thanks to Union J's revival performance on X Factor of Taylor Swift's “Love Story” helps the original score to bounce 127-61 (4,736 sales).
After 69 chart weeks Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now is up 94-80

On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Nov 17, 2012)
Taylor Swift’s album RED in its 3 retail week drops from #5 - #12, 35 28 3 Daniel O'Donnell with “SONGS FROM THE MOVIES AND MORE” drops 28-35 and Lady Antebellum in their 119th chart week with NEED YOU NOW are at #63

On the Official UK Country Album Chart (Nov 17, 2012)
Lady Antebellum remain at number one in their 42nd chart week. Iris Dement with SING THE DELTA moves up from #3 to #2, Nathan Carter's new release WAGON WHEEL sits at #3 and Toby Keith's HOPE ON THE ROCKS is down, #2 - #4.
Kris Kristofferson with FEELING MORTAL debuts at #5. Also new on the chart is Dwight Yoakham's 3 PEARS at #8 and Aussie duo Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson with WRECK & RUIN bows at #13 

On the Hotdisc Chart (Nov 17, 2012)
PAULA MacASKILL & KEITH MacLEOD remain at #1 with “How's The World Treating You” on the British & Irish Hotdisc Chart. The highest new entry of the week debuts at 8 on the Hotdisc Top 40 and at #2 on the British & Irish Hotdisc Chart from Irish singer Aidan Quinn. The song "Would You Go With Me" is his first ever Hotdisc single.
The GLG Band who are headed by songwriter George L. Goodfellow debut at  #18 on Top 40 and at #5 on the British & Irish Hotdisc Chart with “At The Tone” .
Belfast born Jim Lindsay makes a bow at #10 on the British & Irish Chart (# 25 on Top 40) with his new single “I Believe In Angels” from his new country CD  JUST ONE OF THOSE DAYS. Jim who immigrated to Australia has spent most of my life on the Northern Beaches Sydney. He now lives between Northern Ireland and Sydney Australia

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
(13 Nov 2012) Aaron Lewis - The Road (Blaster-WMN) - Amazon UK  CD Import

(19 Nov 2012) Lady Antebellum - On This Winter's Night (EMI)  - Amazon UK  CD Format

(5 Nov 2012) Kris Kristofferson - Feeling Mortal (Kk Records)
(30 Oct 2012) Martina McBride - Essential (RCA) [Import] 2 CD's

(12 Nov 2012) Kris Delmhorst - Five Stories (Acoustic Roots)
Old Man Luedecke - Tender is the Night (True North Records) Country/folk

** Note: Amazon’s Black Friday Deals Week 2012 will run on Amazon UK’s Today's Deals page from November Mon 19th to Sunday 25th and feature over 1,000 Lightning Deals--time and quantity limited offers. "Black Friday" is a US retail phenomenon that Amazon.co.uk has been running in the UK since 2010. It follows the US national holiday of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday every November, which sees retailers offering unprecedented discounts in time-limited deals, and is seen as a starting gun for the peak Christmas shopping period.

AUSSIE NEWS
Chart News
Roo Arcus with “This Here Cowboy” stays top this week on the national Country Tracks Top 30 Singles Chart (Australia's Leading Country Music Chart compiled from Radio airplay of tracks released in Australia)
Troy Cassar-Daley'sHome” jumps two places to number two.Tamara Stewart drops down one places to number three with Sisterhood (Of Feeling Good), whilst Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson'sAdam & Eve” drops down from #3 to #5.

POS  LW   Highest Pos   Song                                         Artist
1.       1         1x3              This Here Cowboy                     Roo Arcus
2.       4         2                  Home                                        Troy Cassar-Daley
3.       2         2                  Sisterhood (Of Feeling Good)   Tamara Stewart
4.       5         4                  New England Sky                     Luke O'Shea / Dianna Corcoran
5.       3         3x2              Adam & Eve                              Kasey Chambers / Shane Nicholson

On the ARIA Country Album Chart (11 Nov 2012) Taylor Swift’s RED remains at #1 and Lee Kernaghan’s BEAUTIFUL NOISE stays at #2. Lady Antebellum debut at #6 with ON THIS WINTER’S NIGHT and Toby Keith makes a bow at #8 with HOPE ON THE ROCKS

ABC Music have announced the signing of Australian country music singer/songwriter Jayne Denham following her two successful independent album releases. "From a girl and her ute to a farmer's wife… from legendary truckies to those farming the land… from the outback to life in a country town… or simply, Aussies living it up and having a good time! No matter what it is, if it's about Australian country culture and life, Jayne Denham writes and sings about it," an ABC spokesman said.
Jayne is fast becoming one of Australia's most admired country music performers with impressive and "relentlessly energetic" live shows that have seen her earn performance opportunities at all major Australian country music festivals."She's unashamedly Country and a champion of regional and rural life and values," the spokesman said.

Singer/songwriter Jasmine Rae is set to release a Christmas EP.The 2012 CMC (Country Music Channel) Oz Artist of the Year is one of Australian country music's most successful new artists having scored major award nominations for both of her first two albums, Recently, Jasmine has recorded a duet with US country star Joe Nichols, toured with the likes of Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson and Lee Kernaghan, performed for Australian troops in East Timor and has achieved more than a million Youtube views for her music videos.
The new EP – titled SANTA'S LITTLE HELPER – features two original songs, Santa Man and Really Christmas – both co-written by Jasmine and Robyn Payne, plus the classic The Christmas Song and festive favourites Christmas Alphabet and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. It will be released through ABC Music/Universal Music Australia on November 16. The release will also be available digitally via iTunes. Produced locally by Michael Carpenter, Santa's Little Helper sees Jasmine deliver Christmas tracks with a country/blues flavour and a touch of "big band".

Craig Morrison is to release a rockin’ Christmas Single, “Santa Claus Boogie,” to Country Radio
Lucky 53s/GMV Nashville artist Craig Morrison has released an energetic new version of the popular Country holiday  single, “Santa Claus Boogie.” Morrison’s rendition faithfully captures the spirit of the original recording, which was first released in 1995 by Country/Rock band The Tractors. The entertaining holiday track was a natural fit for the Australian-born singer-songwriter, who also happens to be a gifted guitar player.
I wanted to record a song that was full of dancing, fun and energy while still keeping the true meaning of Christmas at heart,” says Morrison. “What we ended up with is a rockin’ version of ‘Santa Claus Boogie’ - Craig Morrison Country style!”

41st Country Music Awards of Australia Finalists Announced – (Mon Nov 12, 2012)
The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has announced the finalists in the 41st Annual Country Music Awards of Australia:
Catherine Britt has received an impressive seven nominations around her fifth studio album ‘Always Never Enough’, which Catherine produced with Bill Chambers. It took more than four years of rebuilding her career here for Catherine Britt to be welcomed back into the arms of the Australian country music scene. Britt took full veins of her fifth album in 10 years, ALWAYS NEVER ENOUGH, producing and writing every track.
''I have been around a long time but was away (in Nashville) a lot and have been rebuilding my career in Australia literally from scratch,'' she said at the nominations event today.
''One of my first tours home, I opened up for Troy [Cassar-Daley] and now it's really special to get this validation from the industry after working so hard to get back on track.''
Troy Cassar-Daley, whose career-to-date awards tally includes twenty-one Golden Guitars, eight Deadlys and four ARIA’s, is also a finalist in seven categories. Cassar-Daley said he welcomed the generational change represented by this year's nominations with Luke O'Shea, Tamara Stewart, Harmony James, Travis Collins and McAlister Kemp among the contenders for the major awards - ''I think they make you do your time. I've been a fan of Travis Collins for years and had harmony James out on tour with us; it's great to see these artists connect.''
The McClymonts, back in Australia after a year of international touring, are nominated for five Golden Guitars. Sam McClymont said the country music audiences and industry in Australia didn't pay as much attention to chart success as they did to live performance.''They want to see you have been travelling, headed out to all the regional areas and that you have longevity,''
Also receiving 5 nominations are  Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson with ‘Wreck & Ruin’, their sublime second offering as a duo.
Other multiple finalists are country music icons John Williamson and Colin Buchanan, each with four nominations.
Sara Storer, in what has been a quiet year professionally, also has four nominations via her two prominent collaborations.
Harmony James, Tamara Stewart, Luke O’Shea, 2012 Toyota Star Maker winner Bob Corbett and hard working video director Duncan Toombs are all nominated three times.

The 2013 nominees are an exciting mix of established artists and new faces, some signed to labels and an increasing number self funded. They also represent a broad stylistic range.
The New Talent category has the strongest group of nominees: Bob Corbett, Chelsea Basham, Chris E Thomas, Harry Hookey and Kristy Cox are all outstanding new artists worthy of the recognition that comes with a Golden Guitar.
The 41st CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia will be staged at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) on Australia Day, January 26th, 2013.
For a Full List of Finalistsvisit www.country.com.au

CANADIAN NEWS
Shania Twain shut down the  Las Vegas Strip as she rode on horseback to the Colosseum at Caesars Palace!
Shania

For the first time ever, an orchestrated stampede of more than 40 horses stopped all traffic on a portion of the famous Las Vegas Strip as Shania Twain marked her arrival into Las Vegas by making a grand entrance via horseback to her new home at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Fans and visitors lined the street in front of the iconic Caesars Palace fountains to welcome Shania as The Colosseum’s newest resident artist. With Shania’s hits “Man, I Feel Like A Woman” and “Still The One” taking over the Strip, the international superstar showed the world that she is ready to rock the Las Vegas stage.
In addition to the legions of fans cheering her on as she made her way to Caesars Palace, Shania was greeted by Gary Selesner, Caesars Palace regional president, John Meglen, president and co-CEO of AEG Live/Concerts West, Jason Owen, Shania’s manager, and Raj Kapoor, show director of SHANIA: STILL THE ONE.  (LAS VEGAS (NOV. 14, 2012) /PRNewswire/)
** See the photos and watch Shania's Vegas welcome at www.multivu.com
Fan with camera and her entire speech - YouTube Video List

Tickets are still available for performances beginning Dec. 1, 2012. Show dates are: Dec. 2012: 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15/
March 2013: 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30 / April 2013: 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10
Related Post - Come CELEBRATE Shania's foundation Shania Kids Can following the debut performance of SHANIA: Still The One after her first show in Vegas (Dec 1). Shania herself will host a special after-party and fundraising event for her most dedicated fans

Terri Clark pays tribute to her musical heroes on CLASSIC, the Canadian country superstar's tenth studio album, which hit stores in Canada and America on Tuesday (Nov. 13). The new project features Terri's take on country classics spanning the 1950s through the '80s, including Kitty Wells' "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels," Delbert McClinton's "Two More Bottles of Wine" and Loretta Lynn's "Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)."

Terri Clark CLASSIC promo tour

This is the type of project I've wanted to do my whole life. It represents so many things for me -- my family roots, the Opry, my influences, and many of the songs that make up the fabric of country music," says the platinum-selling singer whose musical style has always leaned traditional.
Five of the eleven tracks on Classic are duets: Reba joins Terri on the "Malibu Country" star's own 1984 hit, "How Blue," while Tanya Tucker sings on the song that shot her to superstardom back in 1972, "Delta Dawn." Dierks Bentley sings George Jones' part on "Golden Ring," with Terri doing Tammy Wynette proud. Dean Brody lends his vocals to Johnny Cash's "I'm Movin' On," and Jann Arden harmonizes with Terri on the Patsy Cline classic, "Leavin' on Your Mind."
  • ** You can listen to the album in FUL on the AOL’s Listening Party - music.aol.com
  • Terri performed songs "Love Is a Rose" & "Two More Bottles of Wine"  from her new album ‘Classic’ on Breakfast Television CityNews Toronto – Watch the video here: http://bcove.me/wzz05q2r
  • Terri Clark says she was crazy about Reba McEntire growing up, watch the video at www.theglobeandmail.com
  • Get an exclusive look at "Honky Tonk Angels," (Courtesy of CMT Canada) >> YouTube
  • Check out more of the related CMT interviews at YouTube/OfficialTerriClark
  • The 11 track album (37:10 minutes) was released Digitally on Nov 13, 2012 on Baretrack Records, it is currently only available on US  iTunes - Amazon.com MP3 Downloads or directly from terriclark.com
  • Interview: Canuck singer Terri Clark recruits Reba, Dierks Bentley for new disc 'Classic' - winnipegfreepress.com
NEWS
Taylor Swift took home three awards at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday night (Nov 11) including ‘Best Live’ which she won over Kanye West. This time the rapper was gracious enough to give her a round of applause.
The pop/country singer, 22, was named Best Female Act and Best Live Act and also won Best Look out of five nominated categories. Her first of three for Best Female was her first ever EMA award.
"Drei? Drei? I can't believe you gave me three awards," she told the boisterous 7,000 strong crowd, trying out her best German. 
Taylor Swift-Live-
MTV Europe Music Award
11Nov2012

Picking up the Best Look award for the most stylish act, Swift said: ''I am so excited I can't believe you gave me three awards.''
''I'm kind of insecure in general so this is great for my self-confidence".
She later posted on Twitter: "Such an insane night!!! You guys won me 3 EMAs! Best female, best live act, best look. Can't even begin to thank you enough. I love you!!"
In total an incredible 184+ million people voted for the awards online and by mobile phone. Taylor who made her first appearance at the annual awards ceremony performed her smash hit “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” (picture) from her recently released her new album 'RED'
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, she said: "I am so excited about tonight. It doesn't even feel real, to get to my first EMAs and to win three awards is unbelievable, I am blown away."I had a blast during the performance that was the most production I've ever got to do during a performance with all the circus acrobats it was so much fun."
The star-studded event hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum in Frankfurt, Germany. Here she picks the card to “reveal” that Taylor is the winner of Best Live Act ! (photo)
Watch Taylor’s “brilliant performance” of 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' at tv.mtvema.com/video
Winners & Photos - www.dailymail.co.uk / Watch Video at http://gu.com/p/3bnx9

In Related News - According to Radaronline.com, Taylor Swift has fallen for the charms of London and wants to have a base there. Taylor has recently been in London to promote her new album Red, and realised that it would be easier to purchase a home in the city for when she is touring around Europe.  'Taylor is looking into expanding her property portfolio in Europe and London is one of her preferred destinations,” a source told Radaronline.com.
'She loves being in London, just because it’s such a vibrant city and if she had a base there, it would be easier for her to travel around Europe when she’s touring”. Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk

TV Alert - Taylor will perform the song "State of Grace" from her latest album RED for the first time ever on XFactor USA on Thursday, November 15 on Fox at 8/7c!

Taylor Swift will headline New Year's Rockin' Eve this year with a New York City performance just before midnight, ABC and Dick
Clark Productions have announced. Swift is the event's first announced performer. Ryan Seacrest will host the show. The ABC telecast will begin with a two-hour tribute to Dick Clark, who hosted the show for four decades and died in April.

Billboard Story - Taylor Swift to Outdo Herself on 'Red' Tour: 'I Like for It to Be Big' .."I like for it to be big -- as big as possible," Swift explains. "If we can make a show that dazzles people more than the last tour, then I'll have done my job in the right way. I just want to be able, in this economy, to make a show that for fans is definitely a guarantee that they will be entertained enough to warrant them leaving their house, spending their evening with me, parking their car, waiting in line, maybe buy a T-shirt. I want them to be so happy that they decided to spend their time with me -- I think that's my biggest objective. And the element of surprise is still really important in a concert and showing scenes and images and visuals that are magical. I really like to take people to a different world and change things up constantly, never showing them too much of the same thing too many times in a row."

Brad Paisley completed a four night Scandinavian Tour run of shows in Norway and Sweden with total sell-outs in Stockholm, Goteburg, Oslo and Stavanger. He will be playing the O2 Arena in Dublin, Ireland tomorrow evening. The Band Perry was the special guest on these dates. See photos - Sony Press Release

Kelly Clarkson the CMA and two-time ACM Award winner is excited to bring her new singleDon’t Rush” to country radio. The song, which features Vince Gill on vocals, debuts at #25 this week on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. Kelly debuted the song last week on the CMA Awards, garnering immediate response from fans, radio and media. In a CBS News poll, viewers voted her performance the best of the night by more than two to one. Read the Full Sony Press Release – Available on US iTunes

Love And Theft's Eric Gunderson Confirms Baby News - (Nashville, TN - Nov 12, 2012) - Eric Gunderson is one half of hot Country duo LOVE AND THEFT but he has now confirmed that a baby on the way will soon turn his family into a trio.
The first-time father to be says, "Emily and I are so excited to announce that we will be having our first child on May 18th of next year. I am so thrilled and know that my beautiful wife will be the most amazing mother."
This will be Eric and Emily Gunderson's first child. The couple wed in April 2010, as reported by People Magazine:.
Eric made the announcement to Taste of Country. The couple is expecting their first child on May 18, 2013. Gunderson is currently 13 weeks pregnant and “loving every minute of it,” she reveals exclusively to Taste of Country. “I’m beyond excited to share another journey through life with my best friend and husband,” she gushes. “I pray not only for a healthy baby, but for a baby that is as talented in music as his sweet and handsome father!”  Read full Sony Press Release

Eric and Emily Gunderson (left)
at the 2012 CMA Awards (Elle DuVal Hobbs)

Eric and Emily met in Nashville and began dating in the fall of 2006. He proposed during a summer vacation to Charleston, South Carolina. It was Far East meets The South when Eric wed his girlfriend of four years, college student Emily Hagar, 24, at sunset on the front porch of the historic Hazel Path mansion in Hendersonville, Tenn., Saturday April 3, 2010. The outdoor wedding was held at sunset with 150 guests in attendance in a tent on the grounds of the 1837 plantation and featured a Moroccan theme.

Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera team up for duet, ‘Just a Fool’. The Tennessean reveals she backs that statement up by featuring the country singer on a duet “Just a Fool” on her new album “Lotus” – in stores Nov. 13. “He’s just so playful and so fun and so down to earth, and he has a lot of heart,” Aguilera says of the singer, which she refers to as her “big brother.”

Toby Keith, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum and Kip Moore will be among the stars rolling into Florence, Ariz., April 11–14, for Country Thunder 2013. The four-day festival, one of the largest in the country, will also feature such fan favorites as Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice and Jana Kramer, among many others. Four-day passes are now available at a special rate of $99 for a limited tim. Read full press release - Webster & Associates PR – Day Line Up’s - arizona.countrythunder.com

Country Thunder is pleased to reveal their star-packed line-up for 2013 that features some of today’s biggest country stars including Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town and many, many more. These superstars will join previously announced multi-platinum group, Lady Antebellum in Twin, Lakes, Wis., July 18-21, 2013.
For more on tickets for 2013  read the Full Press release Webster & Associates PR

Country Music Hall of Fame member George Jones announced the final Nashville show as part of The Grand Tour to be held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN on Friday, November 22, 2013. Special guest Tanya Tucker will be on hand for the Nashville concert amongst other friends of The Possum, yet to be announced.
"The Grand Tour will have surprises throughout the shows - you never know who may show up!  The Possum has lots of friends so it is going to be the most exciting thing to see who shows up during the final show. You should come too - and we can be surprised together!" said Jones. Tour Dates 2012 - 2013 & More - Webster & Associates Press

Jo Dee Messina pulled off a Run-Sing Double Header - From an event record to an unprecedented run-sing performance, the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen celebrated its 5-year birthday in style on Sunday morning November 11. On a warm Texas morning, more than 25,000 entrants took to the city’s downtown streets that attracted runners from all 50 states and 22 countries. Not to be outdone, perhaps the performance of the day belonged to Country Music Superstar Jo Dee Messina, who finished the half-marathon in 2:36:50 and took the stage approximately one hour later, headlining the event’s finish line concert outside the Alamodome. To the delight of thousands of runners in the audience, Messina performed wearing her half-marathon finishers medal, CEP compression socks and bright blue running shoes. (Source Music News Nashville)

Keith Urban enlisted his future tourmates for a hilarious video to announce the first leg of his upcoming 2013 headlining tour, which is scheduled to kick off next July (18th July 2013 (Cincinnati, Ohio) to 5th October 2013 (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
Keith, Little Big Town and newcomer Dustin Lynch embarked on a road trip with no functioning radio, so what did they do?  
They sing a medley of their favorite tunes, of course!   >>  YouTube
It seems as though the run will coincide with the release of Urban’s next studio album, which is expected to drop in the new year. The ‘For You’ singer has been feverishly working on the upcoming project for the better part of 2012, telling multiple major media sources that the completion of the album is his top priority.

Kelly Clarkson speaking to The Huffington Post spilled: “I’m not ever gonna be one thing…I want great music. I don’t care what it is. I’m not gonna record a country song just to be on country radio. I want it to be something I’d legitimately have on my album, if I’m having a pop, R&B, whatever album. I guess it’s hard for people to wrap their heads around. I don’t want to be pigeonholed
The 30-year-old singer has been romancing Brandon Blackstock for eight months and insists the romance has completely changed her outlook on life. She said: "I completely fell in love. I did! Welcome to Cheeseville! I don't know. Your priorities kind of shift and you become happier and all that stuff. It's probably my best accomplishment because I think, for me, especially, I just didn't think it would happen."
Kelly recently admitted she wanted to marry Brandon - the son of her manager Narvel Blackstock (Reba McEntire’s husband) as soon as they met. She said: "We met years ago when I was working with Rascal Flatts, and he used to tour manage with him”

Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood are among the nominees for the fan-voted People’s Choice Awards; voting ends December 14 winners will be revealed during the live broadcast from the Nokia Theater L.A. Live on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013

Carrie Underwood will debut her new single, “Two Black Cadillacs,” >> (audio) when she performs on The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards on Sunday November 18th at 8/7pm central on ABC. The third single from her Platinum certified album Blown Away follows the albums’ No. 1 singles “Good Girl” and title-track, “Blown Away,” which together have spent three weeks atop the country airplay charts in 2012, more than any other female country artist this year. Underwood is also a double-nominee at the American Music Awards, up for Favorite Female Artist – Country, as well as Favorite Album – Country, for Blown Away.

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS

Big Machine Records will release the soundtrack for ABC Television’s new hit drama “NASHVILLE” on December 11.
The project features new music from the cast – Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio – who perform in each episode. Over 500,000 digital downloads from the breakout series have been sold to date.
In conjunction with the label’s exclusive music partnership with ABC Studios, Big Machine Records released the first official single, “Telescope,” to Country radio a mere three weeks ago. Sung by Hayden Panettiere (aka Juliette Barnes), the debut single is already Top 40-and-rising and has contributed nearly 50,000 to the total sales.
Award-winning producers T Bone Burnett, Dann Huff and Michael Knox have worked together to showcase the original content on both the show and soundtrack, respectively. Tracklisting at www.bigmachinelabelgroup.com

Lynn Anderson has turned to her mother’s catalog for her new single “Day One,” an emotional, break-up track sure to resonate with anyone experiencing loss this holiday season. The timing is perfect for this single as Thursday, Nov 15th marks the most recognized day for ending relationships, known socially as “Dump Day.”

Everyone handles losing a loved one differently and those wounds seems to burn the brightest when one is left alone during the holiday season,” says Lynn.
We lost mother last fall and this time of year seems a little colder without her around.  That’s what led us in the direction of this track when Dad and I were looking through her songs.”
The track is available via PayPal at www.showboatrecords.com

Mary Gauthier has a new live album coming out in February titled MADE-IN-TEXAS LIVE.
But even though her six albums have received countless accolades (2005’s Mercy Now earned her the Americana Music Association’s New/Emerging Artist of the Year title, and 2011’s The Foundling was named the No. 3 Record of the Year by the L.A. Times), Gauthier felt she needed to rack up her pilot hours, so to speak, before she could hit another major milestone: recording a live album. When she was ready, she captured Live at Blue Rock (In the Black Records) at a concert at the Blue Rock Artist Ranch and Studio in Wimberley, Texas, outside of Austin. It’s set for release on February 7, 2013.
People have been asking for a live CD for a long time and I just knew that I wasn’t ready yet,” admits Gauthier. “It took 10 years of trench work. Of bein’ out there, banging my head against all the things an artist has to bang against. Indifference. Poor attendance. Situations that are over your head. Every night, curve ball, curve ball, curve ball. But stagecraft cannot be taught. You have to be onstage to learn it. So after ten years of doin’ it, I got good at it.”

PRESS RELEASES
Brother/sister Bluegrass duo The Roys (Lee and Elaine Roy) have joined The Pink Arrow Project  (Press Release)

Chris Young (People magazine’s “Sexy Man of the Week,”) sells out Chicago’s Joe’s Bar Jan 23rd date in 20 minutes! -

Randy Houser celebrates a Top 15 single this wek with “How Country Feels” has debuted behind-the-scenes “Look Of Life On The Road” on Aol’s The Boot. Visit http://aol.it/UEXZTZ  to view -- from load-ins and soundchecks to goofing off with each other and taking it all in. The montage was shot and edited by Houser's drummer, Kevin Murphy, and was recorded on the road this summer

Charlie Daniels is making some “Joyful Noise” making the rounds with national press to promote his Christmas project, HALLELUJAH IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN with all profits to be donated to the Armed Services YMCA® (ASYMCA) for Operation Outdoors, a camp program that assists the children of military personnel during deployment.Charlie Daniels to be featured on FOX & Friends, GAC Headline Country, Inside Music Row, AOL “The Boot,” Billboard, Country Weekly &  CMT’s Southern Fried Flicks. The album is exclusively available through Buffets, Inc. Restaurant Locations - Webster & Associates Public Relations
Charlie Daniels talks to Inside Music Row about his new Christmas project >>  YouTube

Lee Greenwood, Multi-platinum country star and true American Patriot,  joined more than 90 nationally known authors at the National Press Club’s 35th Annual Book Fair & Authors’ Night on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Greenwood signed copies of his new book, “Does God Still Bless the U.S.A.? A Plea for a Better America” – his latest offering of personal insights into America’s challenges and her future. - Webster & Associates PR

NRA artist of the month Aaron Lewis’ new album THE ROAD, hits stores Nov 13. Co-produced by Lewis and Nashville hit-maker James Stroud, The Road, follows Lewis’ debut solo EP, Town Line, which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart last year.
Blurb: The Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and guitarist tells one story after another on The Road. Echoing traditional country, some of those tales are hilarious and heartwarming, while others are pensive and personal. Nevertheless, they're all equally powerful, vibrant, and unforgettable.  For Lewis, The Road continues to wind and surprise like it always has. Featuring ten songs, with all but one (“Granddaddy’s Gun”) written by the Lewis, The Road unfolds with a classic grit and an invigorating energy all directly from Lewis's heart and soul. Read full press release - Webster & Associates Public Relations

BOOK
Stella Parton’s TELL IT SISTER, TELL IT Audiobook is now available – Unedited & Uncensored!
As family and friends of Stella Parton can testify, she has an amazing sense of humor, an entertaining way of telling a story and a deep-rooted spiritually, so when Stella went into the studio to record the audio for her book, Tell It Sister, Tell It, it’s no wonder the finished product came out unedited and uncensored.
Stella comments, “Yes, this audiobook is a little different than the paperback book.  It was difficult to write this very personal memoir, but reading it was even more challenging, and as I read, other things just came to mind.”  This unedited and uncensored version adds an even deeper dimension to an already inspiring story.  Hear the pain, laughter and hope that resonates in Stella’s voice as she tells her own story.
Stella’s career is going full speed in 2012 with the popularity of her book, Tell It Sister, Tell It and the release of her much anticipated DVD, Live In Nashville (footage from a 1990 concert in Nashville was pulled from the Attic Entertainment archives to compile this first installment in the planned Vintage Collection Series).
In addition, Stella has launched Stella Parton’s Red Tent Revival and Women’s Conference, an event designed to nurture and coach the women of today focusing on multiple topics from spiritual issues to relationships and legal matters. Ladies from all walks of life are welcome in the “red tent” where sisterhoods are created.
Tell It Sister Tell It, Audiobook (6 Disc) ia available from CD Baby / Stella Parton "Live in Nashville" DVD - CD Baby Link

ARTICLES
BBC News - Starbucks, Google and Amazon grilled over tax avoidance….Amazon's Andrew Cecil was condemned by MPs for failing to answer questions. 'Mini-boycott' brewing?
The head of Google UK and top managers from Starbucks and Amazon appeared before the Public Accounts Committee.
Amazon and Google confirmed they used favourable European tax jurisdictions for their UK businesses.
Amazon's sales are handled out of Luxembourg, while Google's advertising space is sold by a team in the Republic of Ireland, the executives confirmed. …..Mr Cecil explained that sales on the amazon.co.uk website - and in all other European countries - were actually made by its Luxembourg-based European business, which employs 500 people.Amazon's UK business, which employs about 15,000 people to manage deliveries, warehousing and other aspects of the UK business, operates as a service provider to the European company.As such, the profits on the mark-up on the sales price are booked by the Luxembourg company.
According to a report by The Guardian, Amazon generated sales of more than £3.3bn in the UK last year but paid no corporation tax on any of the profits, and is under investigation by the UK tax authorities

Billboard 615 Spotlight: Amber Hayes' 'Any Day Is a Good Day'

INTERVIEWS
Kelleigh Bannen New Artist Spotlight: © 2012 CMA Close Up - Link + Watch Kelleigh Brannen’s webisode on "90 Gigs In 90 days" her song "A World Away" is a special and very important song for her >>  YouTube
Listen to her latest single "Sorry On The Rocks" at soundcloud.com

CMT.com - Billy Dean Brings Energy, Fun to New Album …..During a trip into Nashville, Dean chatted with CMT.com about his new album, the current country songwriting scene and the early days of playing the city's honky-tonk bars.

LISTEN
Aaron Lewis’ new album THE ROAD Full Album Listening Party at AOL 

UK country singer and 2012 X Factor contestant Carolynne Poole has created a fun answer song to Louis Walsh after her controversial first week elimination titled 'Because Of Lou'. >>  YouTube

WATCH
Holly Williams stuck around after her Q&A at the Billboard Touring Conference to discuss her new album co-produced with Charlie Peacock coming out on her own label, and going out on her own outside of the majors. "I love the independent spirit," she says. "Being able to choose when your music gets out, how it gets out, how the fans find you."
Watch the video - http://bcove.me/bdyju84s

Lizzie Sider – “Butterfly” (in-studio video with lyrics)   >> YouTube

Edens Edge are set to release "Swingin' Doors" as their third single from the trio's self-titled debut for Big Machine Records
>> YouTube

Sunny Cowgirls "My Naughty Side" [Offcial Video] >> YouTube

Angel Snow dropped by the American Songwriter offices recently and performed her “Holiday.” It’s the perfect soundtrack for a
melancholic November evening >> YouTube

Industry veteran Charlie Peacock has released a lighthearted animated video for the track “Let The Dog Back in the House” from his album NO MAN’S LAND. With a career spanning numerous recordings and turns as a producer, it is difficult to categorize Peacock’s work in a single sentence. Most recently, Peacock enjoyed the success of producing the Civil Wars’ Grammy-winning Barton Hollow.
>>  YouTube

Australian CMAA winner Beccy Cole's brand new music video for 'Hello Happiness' filmed live at the 2012 Gympie Muster >> YouTube

After reaching the Top 30 Chart on CMC and enjoying Top Ten Radio success with the first single "Don't Leave The Leavin' " from her up coming album "Fire In The Wind", NSW Australia Aussie songbird Victoria McGee let's nothing stop her with the release of her latest single "I Call It Gone", the film clip produced by Duncan Toombs, is set to take audiences on a journey back through time, to the vintage country television era & features, a little country music royalty.  >> YouTube

The workaholic Country singer-songwriter Jenna Jentry from Dallas, Texas performing “Lovin' Lazy”, written by Jenna Jentry & Kevin DeClue (C) 2012 Circle 4 Entertainment, LLC. , directed by The Edde Brothers >> YouTube

Medicine Hat Alberta native Craig Moritz - If I Were A Pirate [Official] Filmed, directed and edited by Sean Smith Stingray
Shot on location in Cancun, Mexico  >> YouTube

Jetset Getset "Saturday Night” >> YouTube    I was watching TV one night and saw three young girls who called themselves Jetset Getset,” says Jack Gale, president of Playback Records. “I was blown away with their harmonies and choreography. Their sound was so new and fresh. I called producer Jim Pierce and told him we need to sign those girls and reactivate Playback Records. We did.”

Gale wasted no time. With one fortuitous phonecall, life has taken a drastic turn for country band members Sadie Loveland, 15, Avery Eliason, 14, and Tori Little, 15.
Just several weeks after signing with Playback Records in June of 2012, they left their little Indiana town and headed to Nashville to record their debut album, SATURDAY NIGHT.



COUNTRY FASHION
Online was buzzing with commentary about how great Reba McEntire looked Friday night in her black silver studded dress and cross stud pumps. If you liked the shoes Reba was wearing on MALIBU COUNTRY, you can purchase them online or at your local Dillard's store. The Reba Cross women's pump adds sparkling fun to your wardrobe. A studded cross brightens the heel of this soft suede silhouette. (ribbed outsole with Reba logo imprint , 4.5" covered heel and platform, Imported $53.99) ORIGINALLY $89.99
Malibu Country" stars Reba McEntire as Reba, Lily Tomlin as Lillie Mae, Sara Rue as Kim, Justin Prentice as Cash, Juliette Angelo as June and Jai Rodriguez as Geoffrey.

Taylor Swift sparkled on the red carpet at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards held in Frankfurt, Germany last weekend. She looked simply beautiful wearing a gorgeous nude and grey white dress from the Fall 2012 collection by J. Mendel, which featured silver and icy-white beaded embellishments in funky diamond, chevron and illusion panels along the drop waist bodice and cap-sleeves. The sheer cut-out panels only added more sexiness to the gown. (Fashion Image)
This slinky design was well suited for the “Love Story” singers long slender frame. Tay styled the dress with Neil Lane jewels, smoky eyes, glossy wavy hair and the nude lip colour was a big change to her usual statement red (which was back when she collected her first award and live performance).
She wore Christian Louboutin N°Prive peep-toe slingbacks (Image). These heels are from an older collection featuring dark beige suede and covered platform. You can find them online in black & white mosaic at: Neiman Marcus, berry patent leather at Net-A-Porter and in nude, red & black at Christian Louboutin US.

Taylor Swift is the cover picture and story for HARPER’S BAZAAR magazine’s DECEMBER/JANUARY issue. In the interview, which hits newsstands on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27th, SWIFT talks about ripping pages out of magazines to base her outfits and prom dresses off of. "I was 15 and going to prom for the first time, and I saw that picture of GWYNETH in the pink gown," said SWIFT. "I went all over the mall and showed it to all the store owners and said, 'Do you have anything that looks like this?

Taylor Swift Wears the Pants - The hitmaker is as known for her girlish dresses as for her number-one songs. But, as she has proved, you don't need to wear trousers to have power. Plus, see the evolution of Taylor Swift's best beauty looks.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Taylor Swift loves dresses. She's loved them since she was a teenager, when she tore
out a picture of Gwyneth Paltrow's pink Ralph Lauren Oscar gown from a magazine …. Read more: Taylor Swift Interview -


COUNTRY GOSSIP
Taylor Swift has said would date a ginger-haired man.The 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' hitmaker - who has previously dated Hollywood hunks Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Lautner as well as music stars John Mayer and Joe Jonas - would love to be romantically involved with a flame-locked guy and admits she particularly likes 'Harry Potter' star Rupert Grint.
She said: "I like people with red hair, I would do a ginger. I like Rupert Grint, the guy from the 'Harry Potter' films."
The 22-year-old singer is known to be a big fan of flame-haired singer Ed Sheeran - who she collaborated with on new song 'Everything Has Changed' - and she thinks it is the "coolest thing ever" that he has got a new tattoo of her album title 'Red' on his arm. She added: "He has a tattoo on his arm and it says 'Red', which is after my new album. I think that is the coolest thing ever. I love that. I mean, it's permanent

Taylor Swift and Conor Kennedy broke things off weeks ago, but her love for the Kennedy family is still burning strong.
The New York Post reports that things may not be over for the couple, who dated for only three months, as the two are likely to run into each other at the RFK Gala on Dec. 4. Sources told the paper that Swift is still in contact with Conor, and she's remained very close to the Kennedy family, who have publicly professed their adoration for her as well. The 22-year-old singer confirmed she'll be attending the event, hosted by Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, while Alec Baldwin will serve as master of ceremonies.

Taylor Swift says she only talks to her friends about boys. The 22-year-old singer’s close pals include Emma Stone and Selena Gomez and although all three are hugely successful in their professional lives and renowed for their fashion sense, they never talk about work or style, only guys. Taylor told American Harper's Bazaar magazine: "I don't tend to spend a lot of money on the big things, like cars but I'll rent a house on the beach or something, bring my girlfriends." We never talk about fashion, about career, about our ambitions or our projects. We just talk about relationships, feelings, love, and boys."
Taylor also revealed she hates to be in control in a relationship - "It needs to be equal. If I feel too much like I'm wearing the pants, I start to feel uncomfortable and then we break up” She is currently the cover feature on US Weekly magazine

Taylor Swift has plenty of nicknames (like T-Swizzle, Swifty, Tay Tay and T-Swift, just to name a few). And while the pop-country superstar doesn’t seem to mind most of the endearing terms that her fans and friends create for her, one nickname — which was given by none other than former tourmate Brad Paisley - did earn the distinction of worst nickname ever for the 22-year-old.
When I was on the Brad Paisley tour, they called me Tater Tot,” Swift told Time.
Of course, Paisley well-known for playing pranks on his tourmates while on the road, so it’s no surprise Swift was on the receiving end of one of his classic practical jokes. But the ‘name calling’ didn’t stop there. “And the name on my dressing room was changed to Tater Swift every single day!” Swift explained. “It was like being teased by your big brother.”

LeAnn Rimes is reportedly in the running to fill the vacancy left by judge Sharon Osbourne on ‘America’s Got Talent.’

TWEETS
As Democrats and Republicans went head-to-head on Nov. 6, Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) was encouraged by Election Day results: “Wow!!! I cant believe how big The Voice has gotten . . . Every single news channel is talking about people voting!!!!”

Shania TwainShaniaTwain: My first favorite moment in the Colosseum in Vegas! A genuine welcome hug from music hero Elton John backstage in “our” dressing room

Canadian singer-songwriter Victoria Banks:  Wrote and recorded today, gig tonight, studio & write tomorrow, then drinks with cowriters to celebrate getting a big cut! Good life :)

PHOTO
54 Photos: Shania Twain is welcomed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with an arrival fit for "country royalty"
Slideshow - www.vegasdeluxe.com

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