On Oliver Anthony & His Viral “Rich Men North of Richmond”
235 CommentsEnter Oliver Anthony, and the super-viral recording of his song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” Undoubtedly, it is quite a remarkable song and performance. He’s a songwriter from Farmville, VA…
Report: Garth Brooks to Finally Stream Music in Deal with Apple
32 CommentsThe best-selling country artist of all time and the last major holdout in all of music to make his songs and albums available for streaming may be finally acquiescing to reality. According to a report, Garth has reached a deal with Apple for $30 million, and his turning over his catalog to the company to service his music.
Jack Ingram Doesn’t Give A Damn on ‘Midnight Motel’ & It’s Pretty Brilliant
40 CommentsMidnight Motel is not just an album, it is an experience. Many artists try this, but Jack Ingram, producer Jon Randall, and his Beat Up Ford Band pull it off. Jack Ingram wanted to let everyone know as soon as they turn this record on that he doesn’t give a damn anymore about “making” it in music, or making tons of money from it.
No Keith Urban, Synth and Drums Tracks Are Not Like Strings and Chorus
74 CommentsEven though large orchestrations or highly-choreographed choir sections are undoubtedly elements of overproduction, they are still by definition organic. There is still a human element to them, in both the performance and the arrangement. But comparing them to the electronic accoutrements of the day is poppycock.
Album Review – “Rockingham” by American Aquarium’s BJ Barham
33 CommentsRockingham—the first solo album from American Aquarium’s frontman and songwriter B.J. Barham—was an album that made me come to a pretty keen realization, yet it probably was not the one Barnham set out to impart. Sometimes it doesn’t matter what a song or album leaves you with as long as it leaves you with something.
Cover Art, Track List Revealed for Dwight Yoakam’s Bluegrass Album
33 CommentsCountry fans who know what’s up lost their minds on August 2nd when it was revealed that Dwight Yoakam would be releasing a bluegrass album called Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars via well-known bluegrass label Sugar Hill September 23rd. Now we have more details on the record, including the track list and cover art.
Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price Being Officially Considered for CMA Award Nominations
79 CommentsSturgill Simpson is currently in the running and being voted on by members of the Country Music Association for three of the 50th Anniversary presentation’s biggest prizes. Also surprising since she’s not on a major label, Margo Price has made the top 20 females being considered for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Song Review- Dan + Shay’s “From The Ground Up”
76 CommentsDan + Shay seems to be about the most superfluous band in country music at the moment. What function are they fulfilling in the country music space? Do we really need another male singing duo? Aren’t there already too many mouths to feed at the top of country music, while incredible talent remains crowded out?
“Hell or High Water” Soundtrack Could Be Big Boon for Cool Roots Artists
21 Comments‘Hell or High Water’ selected some really worthy roots artists to feature in the movie soundtrack, including country legends Waylon Jennings and Townes Van Zandt, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Chris Stapleton, Scott H. Biram, and even up-and-comer Colter Wall.
Country Music’s Royal Court and Founding Family
76 CommentsIf you’re into country music and the history of it, you’re probably used to hearing about the “King” of this, or the “Father” of that. Since the history of country music is so important to keeping the lineage of the music alive, country pays special homage to the people who helped form or popularize the genre.
NASCAR Driver Chooses Whitey Morgan & The 78’s For Intro Song
15 CommentsAccording to NASCAR, “A big part of every Sprint Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is driver intros, where each driver gets to pick a song of his or her choice to walk out to. It gives drivers a chance to show off their musical tastes, flex their comedic muscle and, yes, sometimes even send a message.”
Mamma Coal Re-Imagines “Red Headed Stranger” in “Raven Haired Vixen”
7 CommentsOnce comprising one half of the ravishing country singing duo Copper and Coal, Mamma Coal, a.k.a. singer and songwriter Carra Stasney, has re-imagined Willie Nelson’s country music epic ‘Red Headed Stranger’ into an epic of her own. This may be a story about a mother and her child, but just like Willie’s original, ‘Raven Haired Vixen’ is a Western.
Recap – The 2016 West Coast Country Music Festival
2 CommentsThe West Coast Country Music Festival, like many small festivals all across the country, shows that family over fame creates the greatest environment to share and enjoy music, and the funds and awareness raised through the event will help ensure the next generation will be able to share in those joys as well.