On The Sara Evans Grand Ole Opry Invitation
58 CommentsBeyond the big headlines and the culture war back-and-forths, the regular rhythms of country music continue on, like the rare but vaunted invitations to join country music’s most storied institution.
Doug Supernaw Emerges from Troubled Past with New Songs & New Album
79 CommentsNow 56-years-old, and having been absent from the country music scene for nearly 20 years, Supernaw is attempting to emerge from his troubled past, taking it one day at a time, and trying to mount a comeback. The once major country music star will release a Greatest Hits album of new versions of his older tunes, as well as two new songs.
Saving Country Music Launches Top 25 Current Spotify Playlist
42 CommentsIn an effort to create more portals to recommend more music, Saving Country Music has launched a Spotify Top 25 Playlist. Unlike other playlists posted by SCM previously, this one will be regularly augmented as time goes on with new tracks deemed worthy of distinction. And no, there will not be any old country music songs on it, that is why it is called “current.”
Wait, What? Blake Shelton’s “Mission” Is To Expose More Traditional Country to America?
68 CommentsKudos to Blake Shelton for giving a hand up to traditional country music through his work on ‘The Voice.’ But if he wanted to show true leadership and really make an impact, he would show that same leadership with his own music.
David Nail Has Parted Ways with MCA Nashville / Universal
17 CommentsCountry artist David Nail has parted ways from MCA Nashville / Universal after a tumultuous period where his music was stuck in seemingly endless delays, and his last few singles stalled in the charts. In late 2015 / early 2016, Nail became one of many MCA Nashville-signed artists mired in endless delays for new music by the company.
Country Legend Loretta Lynn Graces the Legendary Gruene Hall Stage
11 CommentsThere are few venues more historic than Gruene Hall in Texas, and few living country music artists more legendary than Loretta Lynn. This weekend in Gruene, TX (3-3 and 3-4), Loretta and her kin stopped in for a two-night residency at the legendary dance hall, and country music fans from around the area packed themselves into the nearly 140-year-old venue.
No Horns, and No Laur Joamets on Upcoming Sturgill Simpson Tour
108 CommentsSturgill made his first 2017 post-Grammy appearance at the Okeechobee, and many fans noticed there was no Laur Joamets, and no horns on stage with him. After the rumor mill got stirring in earnest, Sturgill addressed the issue directly on Sunday (3-5) afternoon.
Ft. Worth’s 95.9 The Ranch Comes Under Fire After Format Change (+ Playlist Analysis)
137 CommentsFans are so furious over the move, they have hammered The Ranch’s social media accounts with complaints, filled the station’s message board with missives of discontent, someone has set up a Facebook page boycotting the station, and program director/DJ Shayne Hollinger has even received threats of violence.
Joseph Huber Releases New Song, Readies New Album “The Suffering Stage”
15 CommentsJoseph Huber now readies his fourth release overall ‘The Suffering Stage’ being self-released on April 21st, and has shared a new song “You Showed Me” that already has folks buzzing. Featuring steel guitar, which is a new sound for Huber, the new song and new album promise to expand the songwriter’s already devout following.
SXSW Immigration Issue Exposes Deeper Problem of Restriction and Control
18 CommentsSXSW is an irresponsible mess that puts artists, media, industry, and local citizens in inhumane, and sometimes dangerous positions, even without activating any immigration rules. And hopefully this issue will expose the culture of control that ironically has allowed the event to get completely out of control, and will hopefully encourage SXSW to reform.
Justin Townes Earle Signs to New West, To Release “Kids In The Street”
9 CommentsJustin Townes Earle is the newest signee to New West Records, and will be releasing his debut album on the label Kids In The Street on May 26th. The release will find Earle coming back into the Americana fold after releasing his last two records Single Mothers and Absent Fathers on Vagrant Records out of California.
Don’t Resist It. Just Give Into Shinyribs and “I’ve Got Your Medicine”
31 CommentsShinyribs is total ridiculousness, and only “country” in fleeting moments and by accident. This goes without saying, so save your comments about what Saving Country Music should and should not be discussing. It’s madness that Shinyribs has been taken in so lovingly and held close to the bosom by the Texas music scene as it has.
Lindi Ortega Leaves Nashville Behind, But Not Country Ahead of New EP
39 CommentsOrtega recently decided that her five-year stint in Nashville was no longer worth the struggle. She moved back to Canada, and almost decided to leave country music behind as well. But out of her struggles, losing her label, and looking for a way forward she has recorded a four-song EP called ‘Til The Goin’ Gets Gone.’