Owens, a native of Vero Beach, Florida first burst into the country music scene in 2005 when he was signed to the legendary recording outfit RCA Records Nashville. Early the following year, 2006, he released his debut single, “Yee Haw.” Peaking at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, this single made people sit up and take notice of his brand of new country songs in the mold of fellow male artists Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. Indeed, in July of the same year, Owens released his 11-track debut album entitled “Startin’ with Me,” which went on to stay on the Billboard country charts for over 35 weeks.

In February of 2009, Owen released his sophomore album entitled “Easy Does It.” Proving that he was no one-hit wonder and dispelling the so-called “sophomore jinx,” Owens’ second album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums. Underscoring his mainstream success, this album also debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 charts. Containing brand new country music songs, this album spawned the hit singles and “Eight Second Ride,” establishing his success as an up and coming artist to watch out for in the years to come.

For those who think Owens is just another tough guy, you might want to think again. Owens is a sensitive and warm-hearted individual who pours his heart out in his songs. For example, he says “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” is “just a song coming from a guy, your everyday hard-working guy, this guy that may not be able to afford all the finer things in life. I learned when I was a kid – that’s the first line in the song, I learned the hard way real early in life that money doesn’t grow on trees…And I just wanted to write that.’” He further adds, “I think that it’s a really strong way of singing a love song and lyrically putting it out there without overdoing it with cliché cheesy lines. It’s just laying it out there on the table, which is the way it is, and it’s how I feel.”

Indeed, we may expect this brand of new country songs from the artist whose rising popularity has allowed him access to some of the best tours of the season. Just recently, he announced that he will be busily spending the early part of this year opening for Jason Aldean, and then opening for Miranda Lambert this April, before heading out for a summer tour with Sugarland this May.

For tour dates and more est news on Owens, you may check out his website at http://www.jakeowen.net/.

For more tips and information about new country songs, please visit country music songs.

The likes of Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and Dolly Parton evoke images of traditionally-clad country singers decked in western-style frocks and ensembles. These are all great artists in their own and rights and have held supremacy in more ways than one. However, at present, new artists have continued to reshape and slowly change our perceptions regarding women in country music. Today, country love songs are not just about heartaches and broken relationships anymore.

In the 1990’s, artists such as Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Lee Ann Womack first opened the doors with their brand of country music doused with sex appeal and tremendous commercial and crossover potential. Today, artists such as Miranda Lambert, Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland continue in this tradition, giving audiences a different and, dare we say, bolder image of modern day country singers. Let’s take a look at their career highlights.

Miranda Lambert (http://www.mirandalambert.com/)
Twenty-six year old Miranda Leigh Lambert first broke into the scene through her participation in the 2003 season of Nashville Star, a reality TV program aired over at NBC. Her third place finish did not prevent her from eventually achieving superstardom. She later signed with Epic Records, through which she released her debut album, “Kerosene.” All four singles from the album- “Bring Me Down,” “Kerosene,” “Me and Charlie Talking,” and “New Strings”—were certified Top 40 hits. In 2007, she transferred to Columbia Records Nashville and recorded her sophomore album, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which produced her first Top 10 hit (”Gunpowder & Lead”). All of her three albums debuted at the No. 1 Spot on the Billboard Country Music Album Charts. She has been nominated for Grammys, CMAs and ACM awards in which she won a Top New Female Vocalist award in 2007.

Hillary Scott (http://ladyantebellum.blogspot.com/)
Scott is, of course, one-third of the fast rising group Lady Antebellum (known for their harmony-driven country love songs), which recently grabbed the Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group for “I Run To You” at the recent Grammy Awards, successfully establishing their hold of the category over veterans such as Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn. After graduating from high school, Scott, a country singer by heart, worked with singer-songwriter Victoria Shaw, through which she met her future band mates. Scott, a native of Nashville, TN, is not just a pretty face with a big voice, she is also an award-winning songwriter recognized for her contributions to “Love Don’t Live Here” and “Lookin’ for a Good Time,” two of Lady Antebellum’s hit songs.

Jennifer Nettles (http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/)
The sexy, on-stage presence of Nettles helped propel Sugarland as one of the fast-rising musical acts of today. Together with Kristian Bush, Nettles successfully translated their electrifying stage performance into hit singles and multi-platinum record sales. Prior to joining Sugarland, Nettles had already been an established singer working the Atlanta, Georgia music circuit through her previous bands, Soul Miner’s Daughter and the Jennifer Nettles Band. Like Scott, Nettles is also an established singer and songwriter, co-writing songs with Cory Jones for two Soul Miner’s Daughter albums, “The Sacred and Profane” (1996) and “Hallelujah” (1998).

Initial doubts about his ability to cross over to country music were soon dispelled when, on the strength of the top three singles the album has produced—”Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This for Long,” and “Alright,” all of which reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Country Songs chart—Rucker was nominated at the 2009 Country Music Association Awards. Nominated for three awards, Male Vocalist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist, and New Artist of the Year, Rucker made history by being the first African-American winner in 30 years. His win sent country music blogs into overdrive as to the relevance of this achievement.

When asked about what he felt about being compared with the legendary Charley Pride, in an interview Rucker said, “When I was making the record, I didn’t really think about the cultural or historical significance. But when my record started getting into the charts, I started hearing things and I had to pay attention. Anytime you’re mentioned with Charley Pride — and Ray Charles, too — it’s a great feeling! To be one of the few African-American men to fare well on country radio, I can’t help but feel great about that.”

When his single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” made it to the No. 1 spot, he shared how he felt at that time. “Making this record, I never thought about being an African-American guy making a country record. I just thought I was a guy making a country record until my first song went top 20 and people started talking about it. I’m proud of that, I’m proud of being that guy who has taken up where Charley Pride left off.”

Today, country music blogs are once again abuzz with news regarding his second country album. Of course, his fans are hoping he will record the same brand of country songs that gave him hit singles with his debut offering.  At present, Rucker is preparing to continue the last leg of the American Living Unstoppable tor with Rascal Flatts. This month, he is also set to go back into the studio to record materials for his second country album. About this second album Rucker says, “I’m very excited with the songs. I think this last record ended up being about where I am today. This next record may be a lot more about what it took to get there. We’re writing some songs, and I’m going to cut a Radney Foster track for this record. I’m just really excited again.”

When asked about its release date, Rucker says, “We’re going to play it by ear” to which he adds, “When I leave the studio, and when I put it on in my car and can listen to it over and over, then I’m happy.”

For more information about Rucker’s latest activities, you can check out http://www.dariusrucker.com/.

Among the quintessential American traditions that we have, a backyard barbecue party ranks up there as one of the most favorite activities that we do during this time of the year. Imagine multiplying all the elements a hundred fold–with more people, more food and booze, and throw in superb performances from the best country music acts dishing up new country songs from their latest album, and you will have an idea what the “Bands, Brew, and BBQ” series of events will be like. For all Saturdays and Sundays of February, Seaworld and Busch Gardens will host the live concert series in both venues.

According to the official statement released, “Bands, Brew, and BBQ” represents “four weekends of sizzling live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists, the smokin’ hot flavor of blazing barbeque, ice-cold beer and all of SeaWorld’s and Busch Gardens’ thrilling attractions, rides and shows. This year, the series of events held in Seaworld in Orlando and at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida promises “four weekends of mouth-watering food, fun and music.” This unique concert series offers music, food and a whole lot of fun for fans who will participate in the shows lined up in both events.

After each musical performance, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ buffets, and relax with friends and loved ones with ice-cold Budweiser while listening to the best country music songs performed by the musical guests. At Seaworld, guests will not only be able to enjoy new country songs from their favorite artists, they can also enjoy a mouthwatering picnic through the All-You-Care-To-Eat Picnic pass that can be availed at the Seaworld Pavilions Area from 11:30 am to 4 pm. The menu consists of backyard barbecue classics such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and corn on the cob, as well as house favorites such as Seaworld’s BBQ Spare Ribs, Budweiser BBQ Chicken, Budweiser Baked Beans, BBQ Pulled Pork and Smoked Barbecue Salmon, among others, all washed down with a cold bottle of Bud.

Last February 6, fresh from their Grammy Award win, The Zac Brown Band opened the show at Seaworld, giving their fans a rousing set of new country songs from their debut album. Scheduled performances from other artists have also been announced for subsequent dates: Montgomery Gentry (February 13), John Rich of Big & Rich (February 20), and Yes (February 27). Meanwhile, over at Busch Gardens, artists slated to perform include Willie Nelson (February 14), Huey Lewis and the News (February 21), Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (February 28 ).

For the concerts that will be held at Busch Gardens, VIP tickets are available at $27.95, which guarantees reserved seating at the Center/Front stage area of Gwazi Park. The VIP ticket also comes with a meal pass that could be redeemed at any Busch Gardens restaurant. For the Seaworld patrons, the VIP ticket has a $49.95 price tag and comes with a reserved seating option at the Bayside Stadium during the concert. It also comes with an All You can eat BBQ Buffet meal at the Sea Harbor Pavilions, as well as various Quick Queue front-of-the-line privileges.

For more details and booking information, you can visit: http://www.bandsbrewandbbq.com/

In a recent list, men’s magazine Maxim.com named their list of the Hottest Women of Country Music today. Populating the list are very beautiful women whose looks and talent helped them make names for themselves in the scene. There are a few surprise entries here but most of the women on the list are perennial favorites and predictable entries. Maxim’s list was released in no particular so that since its release, bloggers have debated over these choices left and right. Let’s take a look at the highlights…

Julianne Hough- Topping the list is this two-time Dancing With the Stars champ who went on to become a country singer. Often described as a blond bombshell, she actually achieved critical acclaim for her self-titled debut album released in 2008.

Taylor Swift- Who doesn’t know Taylor Alison Swift? She certainly took the world by storm via her hit albums and country songs and that infamous Kanye West incident at the MTV Awards. Controversies aside, she has proven that she has the looks and the talent to sell many records and win the hearts of country and pop music fans alike.

Cheyenne Kimball- Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kimball is one-third of exciting new band Gloriana, American Music Awards’ Breakthrough Artist of the Year for 2009. As the vocalist and mandolin and guitar player, Kimball helped catapult the band to national stardom through the songs from their chart-topping self-titled debut album, which was also released this year.

Shania Twain- Miss Twain is probably the sexiest Canadian export the pop an docuntry music scenes have ever had. Her awesome voice, not to mention her sexy and sultry look, helped her achieve a rare crossover success when her unforgettable album “Come on Over” became the best-selling album of all time by a female musician and the best-selling album in the history of country music.

Carrie Underwood- Underwood, a Checotah, Oklahoma native, is best known for her American Idol win in which she bested fellow final three Vonzell Solomon and Bo Bice. She went on to become one of the most successful alums of the competition, bagging nominations and awards from the CMA, the Grammy’s, and the AMA. In her debut year, Underwood received two Grammy awards for “Best New Artist” and “Best Female Country Vocal Performance.” Just recently, she also made history as a back to back “Entertainer of the Year” awardee from the Country Music Association.

Other noteworthy names in the list include Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Kellie Pickler, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill. For the complete list and gallery, head on over to: http://www.maxim.com/girls/girls-of-maxim/85010/hottest-women-country-music.html.

This year, after launching the “CMT 2009 Music City Madness Video Contest Video Contest,” CMT has announced the winner— Chance McKinney, native of Missoula county, MT and a state school teacher from Washington. With his video for the song “Be Real,” McKinney bested hundreds of other hopefuls in a rigid online selection process consisting of six rounds of competition and millions of fan votes. Other finalists included Danny Hamilton of Torrance, California (”Bury the Devil”), Mumblefinger of Red Bluff, California (”Exactly Like You”), and Angela Ragsdale of Los Angeles, California (”I Turn U Turn”).

As part of his prize, McKinney—who is a trigonometry and statistics teacher at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Seattle—will fly out to Nashville to complete a series of activities that begins with a recording of his own “CMT Studio 330 Sessions” television show and a private showcase with A&R executives at the Valory Music Co. label which handles popular country singers such as Reba McEntire, Jewel and Jack Ingram. The whirlwind visit will culminate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a backstage visit with country superstar McEntire.

In a celebratory email he sent out to his fans, McKinney said, “Thanks to the efforts of the Trib and other media outlets, we did it.” He then added, “I’m so lookin’ forward to gettin’ back down to Sandy for the holidays and spendin’ time with the family.” Sandy is, of course, McKinney’s adopted hometown where his wife Lisa Lisa B. Herron-McKinney—whom he recently married—resides.  McKinney also thanked his students who played a major role in his win. “My best friend and next-door teacher at the school, he talked to his students and encouraged them to spread the word,” according to McKinney. “So I had this huge student network working for me and voting on the site, and I didn’t even know it until I got into the final 16.”

Prior to being named the winner of the contest, McKinney said in an interview, “I’ve been at this for a long time now, doing all the non-glorious work that goes into being a successful musician.” When asked if he had what it takes to win the contest, he answered, “I think if I can win this competition, it’ll be a result of all that work, and it could really lead to the next step for me.”

McKinney—who has already opened concerts for established artists such as Montgomery Gentry, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Gary Allan—has mentioned that he considers Alan Jackson as a “major influence.”

For more of the McKinney madness, you may check out his website at http://www.chancemckinney.com/.

CMA 2009 Awards

In its goal of educating the public regarding this beloved American musical genre, the Country Music Association has recently launched a major project geared toward facilitating a broader understanding of the inner workings of the industry for countless hopefuls wishing to break into the market. The program, dubbed the “CMA Industry Insite Series,” features regular web episodes or “webisodes,” each devoted to particular topics of importance within the industry.

This project is a major undertaking by the CMA´s Artist Relations Committee under the able supervision and leadership of its Chairman, Kix Brooks of legendary country artists Brooks & Dunn, and Vice Chairman Jay DeMarcus of the Rascal Flatts. The series of 11-minute webisodes comprise a major segment of the CMA´s objective of serving as a central core providing industry resources by facilitating interactions among industry insiders, newcomers, and aspirants.

The very first episode was made available for viewing last May in CMA’s partner site, My.CMAworld.com. That episode dealt with songwriting and music publishing. Then, “The Art of Artist Management,” the second episode released last June, followed up on this topic by clearly explaining and identifying the roles managers play behind the scenes. The webisode also provided information on how aspiring artists can look for the best manager who can help them achieve their dreams.

The following month, the third installation called. “The Record Label Machine,” featured interviews with record label insiders explaining what makes their record labels important and how an actual record label system is set up—with departments such as A&R, Publicity/Media, Radio Promotion, and Marketing/Sales. Closely following this topic, Episode 4 or “The Music Rule of Law,” was posted on August. Among others, this episode highlighted the legal aspects of the industry, specifically the importance of legal representation. The episode featured discussions on copyrights and trademarks, whose importance was underscored when Vice President for Business Affairs for Sony/ATV Music Publishing Duff Berschback stated, “The most valuable thing a band owns is its name.”

Episode 5, launched last September, covers the relatively unknown areas covered by Internet applications such as websites, social networking, digital downloading, and the like. This episode featured interviews with the President/CEO of Capitol Records Nashville, Mike Dungan and Sony Music Nashville Chairman Joe Galante, Lyric Street and Carolwood Records President Randy Goodman; and Lyric Street RecordsSenior Manager for Marketing Ashley Heron, among many others. Just recently, the sixth and latest webisode to have been released is called, “Getting the Show on the Road.” It helps create a better understanding of the inner workings of a tour, the lifeblood of an artist’s career. This segment features interviews with Kix Brooks and Tony Conway, CEO and President of Buddy Lee Attractions.

As a testament to the project’s success, CMA CEO Tammy Genovese said, “We are getting a lot of positive feedback for the series. We are hearing from our members that this is a very valuable industry awareness tool and something they are encouraging their members, employees and business associates to watch.”

For those interested in learning more, CMA members may post questions and receive replies from the experts who appeared in each episode. The “Industry Insite” web series is produced by Hi-Fi Fusion and can be viewed at CMA members-only website My.CMAworld.com.

Like other forms of music, the creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of Christian country music vary according to the cultural and social contexts. It is composed and performed for various purposes such as to commemorate God, honor his deeds, share his good words, or even as an entertainment product for the marketplace. Certainly, common themes in most Christian country music praise, worship, or give thanks to God.

Christian country music has been around for generations and many country music artists and bands have recorded Christian country songs or have performed them on various radio and television programs. One of the most prominent groups who have emerged from this genre and made a name is the Casting Crowns, a band that plays with a soft rock music style. The band was created in 1999 as part of a youth group by Mark Hall, a youth pastor who also serves as the group’s vocalist.

The other members joined soon, thereby creating the band now widely known as Casting Crowns. The band signed with the recording company Beach Street Records and, in 2003, released their self-titled album. The album quickly made them one of the fastest selling debut artists in Christian music history, spawning hits such as “Who Am I” and “Voice of Truth.” “Who Am I” even went on to grab the No.1 spot in Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Category. “Voice of Truth,” was likewise an enormous success in Christian radio, peaking at No.1 in three major charts, namely, Contemporary Christian music, Billboard, and 20 The Countdown Magazine.

In 2005, the band released their sophomore album “Lifesong,” debuting at No.9 on the Billboard 200 charts. That same year, Casting Crowns won the 2005 Grammy Award in the Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album Category. The carrier single “Lifesong” also reached the No.1 position on the Hot Christian Songs. The band was truly blessed from up above. Its third studio album, “The Altar and the Door,” successfully debuted at No.2 on Billboard 200 upon its release on 2007. The album was a tremendous success that in just 10 weeks it was certified gold, rare for a band in their category. Before 2007, the band released the live albums “Live from Atlanta” (2004) and “Lifesong Live” (2006) as well. Indeed, the group has enjoyed incredible success in the United States.

In spite of all the excitement, success and recognition, the group nevertheless remains committed to what they have been called to do, and are at times quite overwhelmed yet thankful for the blessings God has bestowed upon them and their music. Casting Crowns has no plans to start counting the kudos, polishing the awards, or basking in the glow of their audience’s adulation.

At present, the band members are too busy living out what they describe as a larger calling in their lives—that is, to play beautiful worship songs that exemplify their firm determination to be living, breathing examples of God’s teachings for the world.

You can check out more about the band at their official website: http://www.castingcrowns.com/.

]]> http://www.countrymusicblog.org/casting-crowns-is-heeding-god%e2%80%99s-call/feed/ 0 http://www.countrymusicblog.org/yes-it%e2%80%99s-a-country-song/ http://www.countrymusicblog.org/yes-it%e2%80%99s-a-country-song/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:42:39 +0000 http://www.countrymusicblog.org/?p=23 We all know that some country song titles can be silly, funny, even downright ridiculous at times. Song titles such as “Her Teeth Was Stained, But Her Heart Was Pure,” “I Don’t Know Whether To Kill Myself Or Go Bowling,” “I Still Miss You, Baby, But My Aim’s Gettin’ Better,” “May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose,” and “I’m Gonna Hire A Wino to Decorate our Home” just really sometimes make us want to either laugh out loud or scratch and shake our heads in disbelief.

For years, these titles have been doing the rounds in countless country music blogs and lists, part of innumerable compilations people make on funny song titles. Some listeners, however, find it difficult to ascribe a certain song title to a celebrated country artist. Although the lists are touted to be true, many find it hard to believe because no artist is credited. Others believe such absurd titles were used only by relatively unknown singers or wannabe country artists out to make a name for themselves, not by serious country stars. This lists aims to show everyone that, oh yes top-selling, well-known country musicians do have a ludicrous title or two in their albums.  Below are some of today’s best country artists and the outrageous titles that will someday have their own place in the next batch of silliest song titles.

Artists and album titles are also included just so when you share this list with others and they look at you in disbelief, you can confidently say “It’s true!” We have divided the song titles into two categories: those that make you go “Huh?” and those that are food and beverage-related. Enjoy!

Funny, puzzling, and sometimes just so plain silly you have to listen to the song to understand why such a title could even exist, here are some songs in our list:

1.) Gonna Love Ya (Till The Cows Come Home) – Reba McEntire (Heart to Heart)
2.) You Can’t Rollerskate In A Buffalo Herd – Roger Miller
3.) 4 Minus 3 Equals Zero – Always Never the Same (1999) George Strait
4.) Two Feet of Topsoil – Part II (2001) Brad Paisley
5.) (Pardon Me) I’ve Got Someone To Kill – T. Tex Edwards & Out on Parole

For some reason, country song titles have a fixation with food and drinks. Whiskey and beer, in particular, have made a number of appearances in many lists. Here are some from the most popular country musicians of our time:

6.) I Want My Rib Back – In my Wildest Dreams (1994) Kenny Chesney
7.) Do You Want Fries with that? – Live Like You Were Dying (2004) Tim McGraw
8.) If French Fries were Fat Free – What I Do (2004) Alan Jackson
9.) Farm Fresh Onions – Farm Fresh Onions (2003) Robert Earl Keen
10.) Waiter! Bring Me Water! – Up (2002) Shania Twain

After listening to the songs, you’ll see that the titles don’t really seem silly after all. Country music after all is about expressing what your heart holds true.

For instance, American Idol Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood has certainly sharpened more than her vocal skills through the years. She has transformed from a fresh-faced country girl to a goddess on the red carpet. She loves showing her legs in heavily embellished mini dresses, but can also leave your mouth hanging when she puts on sophisticated gowns. Whatever Underwood is wearing, however, there is always that hint of country in her that can never be obscured by her stylist’s hand. Badgley Mischka and Naeem Khan are some of her favorite designers.

Another blonde and beautiful American Idol alum, Kellie Pickler, definitely loves fashion and knows what looks good on her. The former beauty pageant contestant favors heavily embellished, figure-hugging, golden or silver gowns for her red carpet appearances. Her sexy outfits, sunny personality, and Southern twang are a perfect combination every time. Kellie does her homework, and is often seen in a front row seat come Fashion Week. Zuhair Murad has dressed Kellie many times.

Meanwhile, Taylor Swift, country music’s newest “It Girl,” has gained admiration for her award show choices. Her gowns, such as the stunning, red Angel Sanchez one-shouldered gown she wore during the 44^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA), are always age-appropriate yet never boring. Taylor has an elegance about her that never fails to translate into her red-carpet choices. When not working, she loves to wear cute sundresses, sandals, and her trademark curls. Swift has remarkable personal style and we can certainly expect more fashionable choices from this teen celebrity.

Finally, many fashion critics will surely question Miley Cyrus’ inclusion in this list. However, fashion is supposed to be fun, and according to her fans, the 16-year old is definitely having fun with fashion and trying to find the style that best suits her personality. Her red carpet fashions may not be to everyone’s liking, but when she doesn’t try too hard to impress or “sexify” her image, Cyrus has the best street style compared with many of her peers. She is still learning, but with age and the right stylist, we can certainly look forward to more adventurous (and appropriate) fashion from Cyrus.

Solo artists are not the only ones making a fashion splash in the country scene. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland eschews embellishments, opting instead for simple yet gorgeous gowns that skim her slim figure and accentuates her shoulders. On stage, however, her more casual look is enhanced by a confidence in her vocal prowess.