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Hank Williams Jr. Hitting The Road For “Taking Back The Country Tour”

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Jamey Johnson, Chris Young, Josh Thompson, George Thorogood and 38 Special to Join Bocephus on Select Dates

NASHVILLE, TN (February 23, 2012) – Never one to stay silent for long, country music Icon, Hank Williams Jr., is set to embark on a multi-city tour throughout the country kicking-off on March 3 in St. Augustine, FL. With 16 dates (and more to be added) and a new album on the horizon, the outlaw is sure to make some noise while sharing his timeless music with new and old fans alike.

Williams, who has 20 gold albums, six platinum albums, 13 chart-topping albums, and 10 No. One singles will perform hits like “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Dixie on My Mind,” and “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.” In addition, fans can look forward to hearing new material, written within weeks of his 2011 controversial remarks.

Hank Jr.’s tour will visit the following cities:

3/03/12 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre

3/04/12 – Plant City, FL – Florida Strawberry Festival

4/06/12 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum (w/ 38 Special)

4/07/12 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre (w/ 38 Special)

4/13/12 – Duluth, GA – The Arena at Gwinnett Center (w/ 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)

4/14/12 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Civic Center Coliseum (w/ 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)

4/27/12 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center (w/ Josh Thompson and Jamey Johnson)

5/11/12 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center (w/ 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)

5/12/12 – Dayton, OH – Nutter Center (w/ 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)

5/18/12 – Bossier City, LA – Centurylink Center (w/ 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)

5/19/12 – Wichita, KS – Intrust Bank Arena (w/ Jamey Johnson)

7/27/12 – Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Frontier Days (w/ Chris Young)

8/04/12 – Davenport, IA – Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

8/16/12 – Louisville, KY – Kentucky State Fair, Freedom Hall (w/ George Thorogood)

8/17/12 – Des Moines, IA – Iowa State Fair, Grandstand (w/ George Thorogood)

8/18/12 – Sedalia, MO – Missouri State Fairground (w/ George Thorogood)

Ticket information, on-sale dates, and fan club promotions will be available at www.hankjr.com.

Presale tickets are now available for Biloxi, Tuscaloosa and Duluth and Southaven. Get yours today before they are gone.

About Hank Williams Jr.

With more than 70 albums to his credit, Williams has a fascinating career to reflect upon for a legend still in his prime. His discography chronicles a bold profile of growth from adored offspring of a legendary father, to titan of the modern country rock movement in his own right. For two decades, America came to its collective feet each fall Monday night when this larger than life superman of a musician looked into the camera and unleashed the national anthem for viewers of Monday Night Football – ‘Are you ready for some football?’ Those simple words have won Williams an entirely new generation of fans and given him the distinction of being the first country performer to ever win an Emmy. Williams has also been named Entertainer of the Year five times, and most recently was the recipient of the 2009 Academy of Country Music “Pioneer Award”.

Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Hank Williams, Male Country Artists, Press Releases Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Of Hank Williams Jr., All My Rowdy Friends, 
Launches From Curb Records March 27th

February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Country Icon Proves Again Why He’s A Pop Culture Giant

Album available exclusively at Walmart

(Nashville, Tennessee) — February 21, 2012 – Fans of Hank Jr. can kick the wintertime blues with the announcement from Curb Records of the March 27 release of a retrospective collection of signature hits from the iconic superstar, Hank Williams Jr.. The package will feature 22 of Hank Jr.’s best songs that span decades of his high octane music making career, that includes high points such as Family Tradition, A Country Boy Can Survive, All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin’ Over Tonight, and Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound.

In the history of recorded music, perhaps no ‘second generation’ heir to a musical dynasty has surpassed superstar status to become a true American icon as boldly as Hank Williams, Jr.  With stacks of gold and platinum lining his walls amid Grammys and Emmys and the reflection of the nearby crowns of Entertainer of the Year resting comfortably on his mantle, Jr. has carved a giant niche in the annals of the record industry.  Stepping from the shadows of the greatness of Hank Sr. the current incarnation of family greatness is unique in Hank Jr’s relevance and the amazing influence of his music and image as part of America’s pop culture.   He is by any definition a 21st century pop culture force to be reckoned with.

Along the way, as witnessed by the new Curb package, Hank Jr.’s music has become rooted as a unique creative barometer consistently reflecting both our nation’s challenges and the resilience of human nature in general—and Hank’s creative finger on the pulse of culture in particular. From the familiar shout of “Are You Ready For Some Football” to the brooding country patriotism of “A Country Boy Can Survive,”  Hank is seemingly permanently woven in the midst of America’s daily soundtrack of life–from football, to politics, to his latest reincarnation of the Williams family’s traditional way with a song.

Tracks include:

“Family Tradition”

“Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound”

“Women I’ve Never Had”

“Outlaw Women”

“Kaw-Liga”

“Old Habits”

“Dinosaur”

“The Blues Man”

“Texas Women”

“Dixie On My Mind”

“All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)”

“A Country Boy Can Survive”

“If Heaven Ain’t A Lot Like Dixie”

“The Conversation”

“All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight”

“Country State Of Mind”

“Born To Boogie”

“If The South Woulda Won”

“There’s A Tear In My Beer” (with Hank Williams)

“Red, White, & Pink-Slip Blues”

“Bartender Song (Sittin’ At The Bar)” (with Rehab)

“All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming For Monday Night Football”

Whether old or new friend or fan of Hank’s, the March 27 release from Curb offer a singular reminder across the span of all 22 tracks:  Now in a sixth decade of making music, Hank’s totally ‘done it his way’.

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TheCountrySite.com’s Exclusive Interview With Bomshel’s Kristy Osmunson

February 19, 2012 By 1 Comment

Bomshel’s Kristy Osmunson fights like a girl and is proud of it!

Kristy Osmunson

Picture by Scot Wittcamp

Kristy Osmunson recently took some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions in this exclusive interview with TheCountrySite.com’s Marloes Lucy Duizer.  When we say busy, we mean really busy. Kristy’s a songwriter, singer, fiddle, guitar and mandolin player as well as a producer. Bomshel’s ‘Fight Like A Girl’ album was released two years ago, and the girls have had several top forty hits.  We can expect new music from them soon. Their new album, which is produced by Kristy, is supposed to be released in the next few months. Read what else has been going on in Kristy’s life in this interview.

1.     Bomshel isn’t just a name but a state of mind for you, isn’t it?

Absolutely. I always felt that if I was going to be on a stage, we have such an opportunity to stand for something.  It’s about living your life with a purpose and being fearless!

2.     Was there a specific moment that made you want to be a singer/songwriter?  

Honestly, I’ve been doing it since I was 2, so not really. This is pretty much what I know! I would have made a terrible dentist.

3.     You recently tweeted that you learned to play the fiddle by listening to Charlie Daniels’ music. Who else influences you musically?  

I LOVE old country music.  Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, but I love rock as well!  Heart, Van Halen pretty much all 80′s hair bands. Garth Brooks was an entertainer I always looked at too.

4.     The song ‘Fight like a girl’ was inspired by a friend going through cancer treatment. All the royalties from this song have gone to ‘Komen Breast Cancer Research’.

-           Her story must have really gotten to you?  

Absolutely.  She was an amazing mother and wife and I was completely inspired by how she took a disease that makes so many of us a victim and did something so powerful because of it.  She touched so many lives.

-           This song also meant a lot for your career?  

It meant a lot because I feel like I have gone through so many life changing things with so many different people.  People have invited me into their most intimate and sometimes painful moments.

-           Do you actively support any other causes?  

Animal adoptions!!!

5.     Bomshel’s ‘Fight like a girl’ album has been out for two years now. Are you working on the next album?  YES!!!

-           Can you tell us when it will be out?  

I’m crossing my fingers for March.

-           Have you girls been writing with other songwriters?  

Yes  Bob Regan, of course is my soulmate writer, he is SUCH a poet.  Mark Irwin, Josh Kear and a bunch of others!

6.     How does the songwriting process work for you?  

It’s kind of like going to church for me. I always feel like if I can quiet my mind and really listen, then the song just spills out.

-           Will you be producing it yourselves?  

I produced it.

7.     You’re an amazing fiddle player, guitar player, singer, songwriter and producer (did I leave anything out?) That’s an impressive list!  

Thanks girl!  I wouldn’t say amazing.  More of a work in progress.

What makes you want to work on all aspects?  

I have really bad ADD, so being an artist is the perfect career.  When I want to dress up and make a video, I do,,, when I want to practice, I practice.

8.     You play solo shows and together with Kelley Shepard as Bomshel . Do you have any other performances planned either solo or Bomshel?  

I’m out here in Seattle as we speak getting ready for a northwest tour for a couple weeks, and then I’m heading back to put together a brand new show for Bomshel!

-           So you’re out there by yourself?

I know. I tried to get Kel to come!!! I’m playing a bunch of private corporate shows out here in between our Bomshel shows. It’s really only a two week thing, then I’m down in south Alabama for the first of March!

9. What does playing solo give you that Bomshel doesn’t?  

Honestly, I would MUCH rather play with Bomshel, but Kelley doesn’t like to be on the road quit as much as I do. But playing solo has been such a growing process for me. It’s really something I’ve had to push myself to do, and I still get so incredibly nervous being out here by myself! I would give my left arm to have a band with me all the time. I think music is such a sharing experience, and the magic for me is in the communion I have with fellow players, but,,, to this day, I have never met anyone who likes to play as much as I do. (I say that, meaning, I play whether it pays or not. I am my manager’s worst nightmare.)

10.     Are you a born performer?  

Ask my mom.  She would probably say either a born performer or just an unapologetic noise maker.

11. What’s your favorite part of playing live?  

The audience!!!  An amazing audience is THE most addictive drug there is.

12. What’s your goal for 2012?  

To continue to make music I am proud of, to play the best shows I am blessed to be asked to play and to organize my closet.

13. How has social media influenced your career?  

Well, I wouldn’t have met you! It is incredible to have been able to develop the close relationships that I have on facebook, twitter, and myspace.  I feel like I have family and friends in every city!

A few short questions:

-       First concert you ever went to?  Alison Krauss

-       Song that makes you cry?  David Nail, ‘Songs for Sale’

-       What’s your ‘get-this-party-started’ song?  HallaluYa’ll:)  duh!!

-       Favorite restaurant  I can’t remember the name! But it was a little tiny place in Kimomoto Japan, and I had a 24 course dinner.  I know.

-       Will you be at CMA fest this upcoming summer?  Yes Ma’am!!!

Watch the video for ‘Fight Like A Girl’ below:

For more information on Bomshel and Kristy Osmunson go to:

Myspace.com/Bomshel

Twitter.com/Bomshel

Facebook.com/pages/Bomshel/9040375902

KristyOsmunson.com

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Also, if you’re on Twitter, please join us for Jessica Northey’s Country Music Chat, aka #CMchat at CMChat.net every Monday night at 6pm PST/9pm EST.  Thanks!

Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Bomshel, Country Music Duos, Female Country Artists, Interviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ty Stone To Release American Style March 6th!‏

February 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment

TY STONE’S DEBUT ALBUM – AMERICAN STYLE – TO BE RELEASED MARCH 6th AS PHYSICAL EXCLUSIVE THROUGH MEIJER RETAILER DETROIT NATIVE BEGINS TOUR MARCH 2012 WITH UNCLE KRACKER; NEW SINGLE VIDEO FOR “ANYWHERE’S BETTER” AVAILABLE NOW

Nashville, TN – (February 17, 2012) – Atlantic/Top Dog Records soulful, southern rocker Ty Stone is gearing up for the release of his debut album, American Style, to coincide with his upcoming spring 2012 tour. The 11-track album, which includes his new single “Anywhere’s Better,” will be released exclusively through Detroit-based retailer Meijer on March 6th in the physical format, while the digital version will be available via all major online retailers the same day. Executive produced by Kid Rock and released on Atlantic / Top Dog Records, American Style, will be available in stores nationwide summer 2012. The Detroit native, who is already known for his distinctive vocals, kicks off a 26-date tour March 1st with Uncle Kracker. Album track listing and full list of tour dates below.

Stone also recently released the video for his new single “Anywhere’s Better” on CMT.com to a white-hot reception–racking up almost 50,000 views in just 48 hours, making it the No. 1 most viewed video of the day. The video features CMT’s Sweet Home Alabama star Ashley Ann Vickers, along with cameo appearances by Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker.

Originally from Lincoln Park, MI, Ty Stone was flipping burgers before being discovered by future label mate and music superstar Kid Rock. Stone had spent 2011 touring, most recently wrapping up an opening run with Kid Rock on his charity club tour in November.

For more information on Ty Stone, please visit:

www.tystonemusic.com

www.facebook.com/tystonemusic /

http://twitter.com/tystone

TY STONE’S AMERICAN STYLE track listing:

1.    American Style

2.    Down River

3.    Smile

4.    Anywhere’s Better

5.    Real Thing

6.    Bob Seger

7.    American Dream

8.    Faith In Love

9.    Future

10.  Line Of Blood

11.  Blessed St. Anthony

Upcoming tour dates with TY STONE are as follows:

MARCH

1 – Macomb, IL – Forum Live

2 – Minneapolis, MN – Toby Keith’s

3 – Lincoln, NE – Uncle Ron’s

8 – Columbus, OH – Bluestone

9 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds

10 – Rootstown, OH – Dusty Armadillo

14 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

15 – Foxboro, MA – Toby Keith’s

16 – Niagara Falls, NY – Rapids Theatre

17 – Mt. Laurel, NJ – Prospectors

21 – Flint, MI – Machine Shop

22 – Flint, MI – Machine Shop

23 – Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection

24 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s

25 – Kansas City, MO – Beaumont Club

29 – San Miguel, CA – The Ranch

30 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues

APRIL

4 – Davis, CA – The Davis Graduate

5 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory

6 – Portland, OR – Aladdin Theatre

7 – Seattle, WA – Showbox at the Market

12 – Salt Lake City, UT – Westerner

13 – Cheyenne, WY – Outlaw Saloon

14 – Denver, CO – Toby Keith’s

17 – Flagstaff, AZ – Museum Club

19 – Mesa, AZ – Toby Keith’s

20 – Bakersfield, CA – Crystal Palace

Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Male Country Artists, Press Releases Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The Farm Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

February 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Farm

Photo credit: Chris Hollo

NASHVILLE, TN – February 15, 2012 – Elektra Records trio, THE FARM, made their Grand Ole Opry debut February 10th, 2012. Presented on the famous stage as an acoustic trio, Farmers Nick Hoffman (vocals, fiddle), Damien Horne (vocals, keyboard, guitar) and Krista Marie (vocals, guitar) performed their first single, “Home Sweet Home,” along with another track on their forthcoming album called, “Be Grateful.”

The band has also just released their debut video for the single, ‘Home Sweet Home’.  Filmed in Nashville and featuring footage from the band’s New Year’s Eve show on the Nashville riverfront, the video was directed by Tackelbox Films’ Edde Brothers.

THE FARM is a trio deeply rooted in Country Music with their core built around a solid, identifiable vocal harmony. One unique feature of THE FARM, setting the band apart from others in the genre, is the fact that all three members are lead singers, gracefully interchanging lead parts with harmonies during each song. Originating after an impromptu songwriting session, this electrifying hybrid act displays an undeniable sweet, musical charm. THE FARM’s debut album (title TBD) is being released later this year via All-In Records/Elektra Nashville, co-produced by Farmer Nick Hoffman and hit songwriter, Danny Myrick.

Watch the video for ‘Home Sweet Home’ below

YouTube Preview Image
Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Country Bands, Press Releases, The Farm Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Montgomery Gentry “Where I Come From” Breaks Into Top 15

February 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ACM Nominated “Top Vocal Duo of the Year”
Gear Up for National Television Appearances on CBS This Morning, 
FOX News Channel’s Huckabee and The Better Show

Montgomery GentryNashville, TN (February 15, 2012) — Award-winning duo Montgomery Gentry are back and more powerful than ever as they celebrate their current Top 15 radio single, “Where I Come From,” snatching the #13 spot on Billboard and #14 on MediaBase.  The Academy of Country Music “top Vocal Duo of the Year” nominees are set to make several national television appearances in support of their nomination, as well as their current radio single.

Tune in on Saturday, March 31, just a day before the ACM Awards broadcast on CBS, as Montgomery Gentry perform “Where I Come From,” as well as their featured track, “Good Ol’ Boys (Dukes of Hazzard Theme Song,)” from the newly released tribute album, Waylon: The Music Inside Volume II, on CBS This Morning, and again later that evening on FOX News Channel’s Huckabee.   While in NYC, the powerful duo will also tape a performance for the nationally syndicated The Better Show (airdate to be announced at a later time).

“Where I Come From,” written by Rodney Clawson and Dallas Davidson, is the first single off their seventh studio album, Rebels On The Run, released October 2011 and the first album released on powerhouse Indie label Average Joe’s Entertainment.

For a more information on Montgomery Gentry, visit www.montgomerygentry.com

More About Montgomery Gentry:

Montgomery Gentry has been on a steady journey on their road to gold and platinum albums, CMA and ACM awards, and Grammy nomination. The journey has been paved both with musical integrity and with an abiding respect for the people and the genre they represent. They have released more than 20 charted singles, with anthems like “My Town” and “Hell Yeah” becoming indelible parts of the honky-tonk landscape. They have hit the top of the singles charts five times, with “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” “Something To Be Proud Of,” “Lucky Man,” “Back When I Knew It All” and “Roll With Me.” www.montgomerygentry.com

Watch the video for ‘Where I come from’ again below

YouTube Preview Image
Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Country Bands, Male Country Artists, Montgomery Gentry, Press Releases Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

President Obama Awards Mel Tillis National Medal Of Arts

February 14, 2012 By 1 Comment

Tillis, Al Pacino, Will Barnett, Rita Dove, Emily Rauth Pulitzer, Martin Puryear, André Watts and the United Service Organization, Honored by President at White House

Photo Credit: UPI/Kevin Dietsch

Nashville, Tenn. (February 13, 2012) – This afternoon in Washington D.C., country music legend Mel Tillis was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama.

Tillis, along with actor Al Pacino, artist Will Barnett, author Rita Dove, curator, collector and arts patron Emily Rauth Pulitzer, sculptor Martin Puryear, pianist André Watts (not in attendance) and the United Service Organization were presented with medals as the 2011 recipients.

From the East Room of the White House, President Obama, alongside First Lady Michelle Obama, presented the Country Music Hall of Famer with the prestigious medal.  Tillis proudly accepted, grinning ear-to-ear.

“I’ve had a blessed career, and that has been acknowledged in many ways over the years,” says Tillis.  “I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call because I didn’t know there were anymore awards left to win.  I’m very thankful and what an honor!”

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government. The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals or groups who “…are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.  Past recipients include B.B. King, James Earl Jones, Maya Angelou, George Jones, Hallmark Cards, Minnie Pearl, Robert Shaw, Johnny Cash, Frank Capra, Bob Dylan, Clint Eastwood, AT&T and National Public Radio.

Throughout his monstrous career, Mel Tillis has recorded more than 60 albums, has had 35 Top Ten singles, was named the Country Music Association’s coveted Entertainer of the Year, is a member of the Grand Ole Opry and holds country music’s highest honor as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.  He has written over 1,000 songs, 600 of which have been recorded by major artists including Kenny Rogers (“Ruby, Don’t You Take Your Love To Town”), George Strait (“Thoughts of a Fool”), and Ricky Skaggs (“Honey, Open That Door”). Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) named Tillis Songwriter of the Decade for two decades.

For more information on Mel Tillis, visit www.meltillis.com.

Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Male Country Artists, Press Releases Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

TheCountrySite.com’s Exclusive Interview With Montana’s Tyler Barham

February 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

With over 2.300 subscribers to his YouTube Channel, and over 6.8 million views, Montana native Tyler Barham has already managed to make a name for himself online. Tyler is a natural-born singer, and he has high hopes of being signed this year. His three EP’s, which also include a Christmas EP, were released on iTunes, and the most resent, ‘Twenty One’, reached number 19 on the iTunes Country Music charts. Find out more about Tyler in this exclusive interview with TheCountrySite.com’s Marloes Lucy Duizer.

Tyler Barham

Can you tell us a bit more about you?

I was born under the big sky of Montana and started singing when I was nine being introduced to Country music in my early years by my parents. That Country spark stuck with me throughout the years as we travelled in the car when I was a kid and I’d sing along to the radio. As I reached my early teens though, I continued singing as much as I was able to and had a lot of fun competing in various talent competitions in and around Montana. In High School I enjoyed a lot of sports such as Basketball, Track, and even Bowling. It was nerdy to be in a bowling league, but it actually was one of my favourites. It was an independent sport and I approach singing the same way. Trying to push myself as I go and improve as an individual.

How did you get started as a singer-songwriter?

I got started as a singer/songwriter by first just singing along with songs in the back seat as a little kid and my parents took notice to my voice and saw that I had a strong passion for it. Following that came the various competitions and talent shows I competed in. One step led to another and eventually the next step came to co-writing my own songs and releasing them on iTunes for all to hear.

Do you still live in Montana or did you move to Nashville? If not, do plan too?

I currently live in Montana. Its home to me and always will be. At some point I see moving in my future. Not sure when the right time will come, but I’m sure it will. If I end up getting signed in the future it’ll make it essential. I did live in Nashville for a few months, to get a feel for it and accomplished a lot of wonderful things including releasing my second EP on iTunes titled “Twenty One”. I decided to release it on March 21st, which happened to be my 21st birthday. It was a big milestone for me and cruised to #19 on the Country iTunes charts. I am very proud of this project.

People can now order a hard copy CD that includes this EP and your earlier released, first EP ‘Tyler Barham’, correct?

Yes that is correct. A hard copy of my CD can be found and purchased on my website at www.tylerbarham.com and can also be autographed if requested.

How has the writing and recording of the songs been for you?

The writing and recording of the songs has been excellent! It’s gone smoothly since we started and has been quite an adventure. As a kid I never dreamed I’d actually be recording my own songs but it’s quite a humbling feeling singing originals versus covers. Not that I don’t enjoy covers as well but originals are more personal to me and heartfelt. That’s what it’s all about and a huge step for me developing as an individual and as an artist.

In 2008 you placed top 6 in Great American Country’s nationwide talent search called ‘Next GAC Star’. How did all that come about?

The GAC competition was such an amazing experience considering I was only 18 and the youngest in the competition. I didn’t expect to make it even close to reaching top 6th overall and I learned so much from it. I came back home knowing I wanted to start writing songs and learning to play the guitar as well. In fact John Griffin, now my producer, was the very person who told me about that competition. That is how we met and how I was able to start writing and recording in Nashville. After that competition I didn’t know my next move, but then I got back in touch with John when sifting through my inbox trying to find the person who told me about it. I contacted him and we started co-writing songs over Skype. That competition has been one of my favourite accomplishments as well as memories of my career.

Have you already started writing new songs for the next EP?

Writing new songs for a project can definitely be a lengthy process, and we haven’t started quite yet, but we will soon.  A new project will most likely be released this year. I’m excited to co-write more music for the new project with John Griffin and have new creations produced by Dave Flint. It should be a good year and I’m excited for all of you to hear!

In the meantime, you also put out a holiday EP this past Christmas called ‘A Taste of Christmas’. One of the songs, ‘Coal in your stocking this year’ was being played quite a bit.  Can you tell is a little bit more about it?

Releasing a Christmas EP for the holidays was another huge milestone and dream of mine. Another project that I was very proud of and it seemed to attract a lot of attention. Specifically “Coal In Your Stocking This Year”, written by John Griffin. It received a lot of radio play and hopefully will continue to be a holiday favourite for a lot of people.

How did you spend the holidays?

I spent the holidays with my family! That’s what holidays are all about, or have always meant to me. Being with family is what matters most. This year’s holidays for me were quite memorable and I was able to see most of my family and cousins down in Wyoming, which I hadn’t seen in years and years. It was quite an amazing Christmas.

You’ve also released a Valentine’s Day single, ‘It’s Valentine’s Day’. Can you tell us a bit more about the song? 

Well truthfully, I released it last year, but I’m so excited to share it with others who haven’t heard it yet. Yes ,Valentine’s Day is approaching where if you have a lover you get to spend a wonderful day with them and make memories, however it’s also the day where if you’re single you’re made painfully aware of that fact. But if misery loves company my song “It’s Valentine’s Day” is definitely a good listen and will make you feel right at home.  It’s a heartfelt lament to a past love who you thought you were over, but thanks to V-day you realize, not yet. “I made it through Christmas with family, New Years with friends but damn January found you creeping back in.” It had a lot of attention last year and I hope for the same this year. The fun fact about this song is that it was written back in 2008 by John Griffin and Bobby Hamrick (two very talented songwriters) and I didn’t record it until 2011.

How do you plan to spend this holiday?

Well to keep it short and sweet, like the thousands of Candy Hearts I’ve been eating lately (Ya know? The ones with the little messages imprinted on them? “Be Mine” and such?), I plan to spend this Valentine’s Day with a secret admirer of mine lol. Just thankful to have a secret admirer in mind this year. Past years I wasn’t so lucky lol. I wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.

How has YouTube impacted your career? 

I still can’t believe the way my YouTube blew up the way it did. YouTube has been my “foundation”. It is why I have followers and so much wonderful support. Back when YouTube first started I just wanted to put a few videos on to get feedback, both good and bad. I started getting a lot of views and followers, and with followers came messages of requests of songs for me to sing. I never saw it as a way to gain fans, I simply just enjoyed putting videos up for people to listen to. I enjoyed fulfilling requests and of course my passion for singing. It just sort of exploded and now I have the amazing following I do all around the world. It’s a shock to me that I have fans in different countries and states that I’ve never even visited. It’s the advantage of technology these days. Theodore Roosevelt said it perfectly when he quoted: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”. That is what I did and continue. It’s the quote I live by.

What are your plans and dreams for 2012?

My plans for 2012 are to continue to excel and improve in many aspects regarding my singing career. I am very blessed and equally thankful for everything that has been handed my way. I thank God, my family and friends, and all of my fans who have supported me along the way. I wouldn’t be here without everybody that walks beside me in pursuit of my dream as a Country singer; making a living out of doing what I love and what I feel I was put on this earth to do. My main goal is to finally get signed.  Many have said that this is my year, but only time will tell. If I do end up getting signed it isn’t just my year, but all of our year, because so many have believed in me and I wouldn’t be here without each and every one of them.

Do you have any performances scheduled?

This month in February I do have two singing gigs coming up, both of which are in Montana. One is on the 18th up at Base Camp Bar which I’ve performed at a couple times and enjoyed every time. The next weekend on Friday the 24th I perform at Westside Lanes here in Missoula which I’m also excited for! Should be two good shows and I hope a lot of locals attend.

Our readers can get a free download of the song, ‘It’s all because of you’ correct?

That is correct. By visiting my website, at www.tylerbarham.com , and signing up for my mailing list, to keep up on updates regarding my music and hearing about new releases of originals, listeners and fans can receive a free download of my song “It’s All Because of You.”

Anything you’d like to add?

I’d just like to add how much I appreciate all the support I’ve received from everyone and would like to personally thank TheCountrySite.com and Marloes Duizer for the opportunity to do this interview! It is so humbling. Thank you so much and I look forward to keeping in touch with you in the future.

Listen to Tyler sing ‘It’s Valentine’s Day’ below:

YouTube Preview Image

For more information on Tyler Barham go to

www.tylerbarham.com

www.youtube.com/user/TyBlakeBarham

www.facebook.com/TylerBarham

www.itunes.apple.com/us/artist/tyler-barham/id391205163

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Also, if you’re on Twitter, please join us for Jessica Northey’s Country Music Chat, aka #CMchat at CMChat.net every Monday night at 6pm PST/9pm EST.  Thanks!

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Dwight Yoakam, Aaron Lewis, The Farm, Easton Corbin, The Roys, The McClymonts, Casey James, Thomas Rhett Added To Country Thunder Wisconsin Music festival!!

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Newly announced talent to join JASON ALDEAN, BIG & RICH, TOBY KEITH, and BLAKE SHELTON as festival marks its 20th Anniversary

Twin Lakes, WI (Feb. 9, 2012) – Dwight Yoakam, Aaron Lewis, Easton Corbin, Sara Jean Kelley, The Farm, The MyClymonts, The Roys, Casey James, and Thomas Rhett added to festival line-up of Wisconsin based Country Thunder music festival, as announced yesterday by event producer Brian Andrews.

When Country Thunder rolls around on July 19-22, 2012, it will mark the 20th anniversary of the premiere camping, music and entertainment festival, and now … the announcement of the newest campground, Miller Camping.  The newly created camping area, will be available, starting today, online at www.countrythunder.com for $150 or you can call (866) 802-6418 for more information.

For only $120 (price good until March 30, 2012) you can purchase a 4-day pass gaining access to the entire weekend of music and entertainment! For the total festival experience, a campsite may be purchased, with prices beginning as low as $100 for the entire weekend.

Don’t forget you can still get your tickets and pay for them through EZ Pay until April 19 by making three easy monthly installments. Single tickets will be available starting April 1. Tickets, camping, and amenity add-ons can all be purchased online at www.countrythunder.com or by phone at (866) 802-6418.

Current Announced Line-Up

Thursday

5:30-6:30pm      Sara Jean Kelley

7:00-8:30pm      The Farm

9:00-10:30pm    Big & Rich

Friday

2:30-3:30pm     The McClymonts

4:00-5:00pm      Wade Bowen

5:30-6:30pm      Steve Holy

7:00-8:30pm      Luke Bryan

9:00-10:30pm   Jason Aldean

Saturday

1:00-2:00pm     The Roys

2:30-3:30pm     Casey James

4:00-5:00pm     Aaron Lewis

5:30-6:30pm     Easton Corbin

7:00-8:30pm     Dwight Yoakam

9:00-10:30pm   Blake Shelton

Sunday

1:00-2:00pm     Thomas Rhett

4:00-5:00pm     Hunter Hayes

5:30-6:30pm     Neal McCoy

7:00-8:00pm     Brantley Gilbert

8:30-10:00pm  Toby Keith

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Cracker Barrel Congratulates Dailey & Vincent On Six SPBGMA Awards

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Dailey & Vincent Take Group and Individual Honors at the 38th Annual Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America Awards Show

Lebanon, Tenn. (February 9, 2012) – Rounder Records recording group Dailey & Vincent were honored with multiple awards during the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) awards show on February 5, 2012 in Nashville, Tenn. Together they won Gospel Group of the Year (Contemporary), Vocal Group of the Year, and Overall Bluegrass Band of the Year. Separately, Jamie Dailey earned Entertainer of the Year and Contemporary Male Vocalist, and Darrin Vincent earned Bass Performer of the Year.

“We are delighted that Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent, and their group have been recognized by their fans and members of SPBGMA in such an exciting way,” said Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager Julie Craig.  “Since they released The Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent on January 9, their second CD in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program, Jamie and Darrin have connected with our guests in Cracker Barrel stores throughout their travels.  Their talent and spirit shines through whether they are performing on stage or visiting at one of our tables and we’re very proud of them.”

The Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent, the latest CD in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Bluegrass Albums chart (week ending January 15, 2012) and has remained #1 for four weeks. 2011 Cracker Barrel releases include The Oak Ridge Boys’ CD It’s Only Natural in September; Jason Michael Carroll’s all-country Numbers with 11 new songs and one previous hit in July; the  May release of Teddy Gentry’s Best New Nashville with original music from 12 talented new artists and Randy Travis’ self-titled album Randy Travis.  In March 2011 Cracker Barrel released Kenny Rogers’ The Love of God, which debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #2 on the Top Christian Albums chart; The Grascals & Friends – Country Classics With A Bluegrass Spin in January, which debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Bluegrass Albums chart and at #26 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.  In November 2010, Cracker Barrel released Smokey Robinson’s Now & Then, which debuted at #19 on Billboard magazine’s R&B chart and was nominated for an NAACP IMAGE AWARD. September saw the release of the self-titled Rodney Atkins, which included four #1 hits, and Mandy Barnett’s Winter Wonderland.  Over the last few years, Cracker Barrel has released exclusive CDs with Craig Morgan, Wynonna, Alan Jackson, the Zac Brown Band, George Jones, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, Bill Gaither, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Tippin, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Josh Turner, Amy Grant, Sara Evans and Charlie Daniels.

About Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store provides a friendly home-away-from-home in its old country stores and restaurants. Guests are cared for like family while relaxing and enjoying real home-style food and shopping that’s surprisingly unique, genuinely fun and reminiscent of America’s country heritage…all at a fair price. The restaurant serves up delicious, home-style country food such as meatloaf and homemade chicken n’ dumplins as well as its made from scratch biscuits using an old family recipe.  The authentic old country retail store is fun to shop and offers unique gifts and self-indulgences.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 610 company-owned locations in 42 states.  Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week with hours Sunday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.  For more information, visit crackerbarrel.com.

Filed Under: #CMchat, Blog Posts, Male Country Artists, Press Releases Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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