Kip Moore Goes Behind The Scenes Of “Up All Night” Release Week

With his debut album Up All Night receiving rave reviews, Kip Moore is giving fans an intimate look at the album’s release week with a brand new behind the scenes clip. The video includes footage from Kip’s tour and promotional appearances, and shows both the fun and chaos of an album release from the artist’s perspective. “I moved to Nashville 9 years ago with a backpack and a dream,” says Kip. “I still don’t think I can quite wrap my head around the fact that it’s actually happening.”

The clip also shows Kip being presented with the gold plaque for his single “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck,” which is currently at #2 on the Country charts and still climbing. Up All Night, which debuted on the Billboard 200 at #6, is available now on iTunes in both deluxe and standard editions via MCA Nashville.

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Be sure to check out Kip’s thank you message to fans for all of their support, and head to his official site at KipMoore.net for the latest news.

Official Sites:
http://www.kipmoore.net
http://www.facebook.com/kipmooreofficial
http://www.twitter.com/kipmooremusic

Singer/actress Claudia Lee (“Hart Of Dixie”) Releases Country-Rap Single ‘3 Leaf Clover’

With a role on the CW Television Network series “Hart of Dixie” and a new country music album in release, actress and singer Claudia Lee has always seemed more “down home” than hip. That could be about to change, thanks to her latest single, “3 Leaf Clover,” a country-rap hybrid that blends urban with rural in a way that just might have fans from down on the farm to the big city cranking up their car stereos and hitting the dance floor.

With spoken lyrics that morph into playful twang, the cutting-edge song is a no-nonsense lesson in love, sung from the perspective of a young woman who demands to be treated with respect: “You better read my lips, I won’t say this twice / You need to step it up, you need to play it nice / I’m not gonna waste a minute of my life / On someone who can blend in with a pack of fools / Just a hammer hanging in the box of tools.”

“When my producer, Max Di Carlo, introduced this song to me, I fell in love with it,” Lee said. “It’s cool the way it starts out as a rap song and becomes country, then goes back to rap.”

Although unusual, it is not unheard of for country music artists to dabble in hip-hop. Perhaps the best known artists in that genre, the multi-platinum-selling Nappy Roots, have been doing it since 1995. Neal McCoy, Bellamy Brothers, Mikel Knight and others have also experimented with rap. Recently, Taylor Swift recorded “Both of Us,” a duet with rapper B.o.B., although she leaves the actual rapping to him.

At age 15, Claudia Lee is likely one of, if not the youngest country artist to incorporate rap into her music. Although “3 Leaf Clover” was just recently released to radio stations as a single, some were already playing it.

“After I played it about the fourth or fifth time, I started getting requests,” said John Mansell, program director and air personality at WSLV Radio in Ardmore, Tennessee. “What was amazing was the demographics on the requests were 12 to 22. You‘ve got elementary kids all the way up to college kids listening to it.”

“3 Leaf Clover” is one of 12 songs on Lee’s debut album, “Here Right Now,” which also features the singles “Hollywood Sunset” and “It Gets Better.” Claudia Lee’s music is available at iTunes and Amazon. “3 Leaf Clover” can be heard at https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaLeeLive/app_195720580528281

Information about Claudia Lee is available at www.ClaudiaLeeLive.com.

Watch the videos for “Hollywood Sunset” and “It Gets Better” below

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Country Star Josh Turner To Debut New Album Punching Bag On HSN May 25th

HSN, the leading multi-channel retailer, announced recently that multi-platinum country superstar Josh Turner will debut his latest Universal Music Nashville release Punching Bag and perform live during HSN LIVE on May 25 at 9 p.m. (EST). Part of HSN’s annual Americana event, the multi-platform concert will be available live on HSN, HSN.com, HSN Mobile and through HSN’s Facebook page.

During the event Turner will perform tracks from the new record, including his latest hit “Time Is Love,” and other chart-toppers from his nearly decade-long career like “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Your Man.”  “It’s always exciting for me to share new music early with my fans, so I can’t wait to perform live on HSN during the HSN LIVE concert series. I love experiencing their reactions to the new songs,” said Turner. Following his HSN premiere, Turner will interact with fans during a live post-concert chat on the network’s Facebook.

Customers will also have the opportunity to pre-order an exclusive 2-disc bundle ($19.95, free S&H) on HSN.com that includes Josh’s new Punching Bag release and the ICON Series: The Best of Josh Turner, which includes 11 of his number one hits, such as “Long Black Train” and “Would You Go With Me”.

With four platinum record certifications, four #1 singles, two Grammy Award nominations and multiple other accolades under his belt, Turner delivers yet again on Punching Bag, his fifth album due out June 12th. Single “Time is Love” is climbing country radio charts, while the video clip has received nearly 1 million views since its debut this Spring. For the latest information on the new record and his upcoming events, visit JoshTurner.com.

For more information on Josh Turner go to:

http://www.joshturner.com

http://www.facebook.com/joshturner

http://www.twitter.com/joshturnermusic

http://www.youtube.com/joshturner

Brett Eldredge Holds A Special Performance For Winning “Take Me Home Tonight” Couple At 12th & Porter

NASHVILLE, TN – (May 18, 2012) - Wednesday night, Brett Eldredge held a special performance at 12th & Porter in Nashville as part of his upcoming web series “Take Me Home Tonight.” In attendance was one lucky couple, Rachel Johnson and Jerad Yenni,  that matchmaker, Eldredge, set up himself.   The couple received a VIP date that began at Arrington Vineyards, followed by a dance class at Studio Goddess and ended with an exclusive performance by Eldredge at 12th & Porter.

PHOTO (L TO R): RACHEL JOHNSON, BRETT ELDREDGE, JERAD YENNI

Brett’s performance, and the couple’s date, will air on The Warner Sound (Warner Music’s premium YouTube Channel) -  Youtube.com/TheWarnerSound.

Brett is currently in the studio working on new music.

For more information about Brett Eldredge, please visit www.BrettEldredge.com.

www.facebook.com/bretteldredge/ Follow @bretteldredge

Legendary Singer Songwriter Kris Kristofferson To Donate Six Concerts In Celebration Of The United Farm Workers 50th Anniversary

In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the United Farm Workers (UFW) announce the Kris Kristofferson & Friends Concert Series June 15 thru June 22 in cities across California.  The Concert Series will join singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson with renowned Latin artists in the various markets to raise money in advancing the work of the UFW.

Joining Kristofferson in donating their respective performances are: Los Lobos, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Divas, Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas, and Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldivar.

Concert Series tickets are on sale now through each venue’s box office. A select number of VIP Artist’s Circle seats will be available. The Artist’s Circle seats include premium seating within the first eight rows, a limited edition commemorative concert poster, and a meet and greet opportunity with Kris Kristofferson & Friends after the show.

The Concert Series is produced by LatinPointe and Road Work Entertainment and is sponsored by Southwest Airlines.  The California Concert Series artist line-up and scheduled concert stops include:

Friday, June 15 – San Diego, CA – Spreckels Theatre, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson &  Mariachi Divas

Saturday, June 16 – Fresno, CA – Warnors Center for the Performing Arts, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Nydia Rojas with Trio Ellas

Monday, June 18 – Stockton, CA – The Bob Hope Theatre, 7:30 pm

Kris Kristofferson & TBD

Tuesday, June 19 – Bakersfield, CA – The Fox Theater, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Los Lobos

Thursday, June 21 – Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, 7:30 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano

Friday, June 22 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic, 8:00 pm

Kris Kristofferson & Los Tex-Maniacs featuring Mingo Saldiva

Kristofferson achieved remarkable success as a country songwriter at the start of the 1970s. His songs “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” “Sunday Morning Coming Down,” and “For the Good Times,” all chart-topping hits, helped redefine country songwriting. By 1987, it was estimated that more than 450 artists had recorded Kristofferson’s compositions.

His renown as a songwriter triggered Kristofferson’s successful career as a performer and that, in turn, brought him to the attention of Hollywood, leading to his flourishing career as a film actor. Kristofferson has acted in more than 70 films.  In 1977 He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in “A Star Is Born.”  He’s appeared in cult favorites including the “Blade” trilogy, “Lone Star,” “A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries,” “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” “Blume In Love,” “Cisco Pike,” and “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.” Recent films include “Fast Food Nation,”  “Dreamer: Inspired By A True Story,” “The Jacket,” “Silver City,” “He’s Just Not That In To You,” and “Dolphin Tale.”

Heralded as an artist’s artist, the three-time GRAMMY winner has recorded 27 albums, including three with pals Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings as part of the Highwaymen. Kristofferson has spent three decades performing concerts all over the world, in most recent years in a solo acoustic setting.

Kristofferson is an outspoken political and social activism.  “It’s an honor for me to share my talent with an organization such as the UFW and its cause of advancing the lives of thousands of workers that put food on all of our tables,” said Kristofferson.  “Joining forces with renowned Latino performers through these special performances offer fans great music with a great cause.”

The UFW is the oldest Latino organization to come out of the 1960’s civil rights movement and the largest farm worker organization in America.  The group continues to be at the forefront of protecting America’s farm workers, ensuring a safe and just food supply and a safe working environment, free from intimidation and threats to achieve a higher standard of living for them and their families.

Other scheduled UFW 50th Anniversary events include the UFW Awards (May 17th) and the UFW 50th Anniversary convention (May 18-20).  Both events will be held in Bakersfield, CA.  A distinguished group of entertainers, public officials, dignitaries and Hispanic national leaders lead by Helen Chavez, wife of founder Cesar Chavez, is co-chairing the 50th Anniversary celebration.

Gloriana To Be Featured On The May 21st Episode Of ABC’s Hit Reality Series The Bachelorette

Nashville, TN. May 16, 2012 – Country music trio Gloriana will be featured on the May 21st episode of the hit reality romance series The Bachelorette on ABC. In the second episode of the popular series Gloriana will perform a surprise concert in Charlotte, NC during a unique 1-on-1 date with the newest Bachelorette, Emily Maynard, the first single mom to ever star on the series, who first captured America’s heart on the 15th season of “The Bachelor.”  Fans can tune in to watch Gloriana’s performance on The Bachelorette Monday, May 21st at 8pm EST (check local listings), on ABC.  Gloriana’s latest single “(Kissed You) Good Night,” from their forthcoming second studio album A Thousand Miles Left Behind, is currently #17 on the Billboard Country Singles chart and has become the fastest rising single of the trio’s career.

“I’m a huge fan of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette,” said Gloriana band member Rachel Reinert. “I watched Emily when she was a contestant on The Bachelor and I was an instant fan of hers, so hearing that she is a fan of our band was a wonderful surprise! I’m excited to watch the new season, and I’m even more excited that we got to be a part of it.”

“(Kissed You) Good Night,” written by band member Tom Gossin and Nashville songwriter Josh Kear, has quickly become a fan favorite out on the road and the accompanying video has been voted by fans onto the GAC Top 20 Countdown for six weeks straight and can also be seen on CMT.  Gloriana recently put the finishing touches on their much anticipated second studio album on Emblem Music Group/Warner Bros. Records, A Thousand Miles Left Behind, with Grammy Award winning producer and Emblem Music Group label owner Matt Serletic (Willie Nelson, Rob Thomas, and Aerosmith). Gloriana released their debut self-titled album in 2009 and quickly became the best-selling debut country act, winning the 2009 fan-voted American Music Award for Breakthrough Artist and the 2010 Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Vocal Group.

Gloriana

ABOUT THE BACHELORETTE: The new season of The Bachelorette airs Mondays at 8/7 Central on ABC. For more information on The Bachelorette, visit http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette. On ABC’s hit primetime romance reality series The Bachelorette, one lucky woman gets the opportunity to find the man of her dreams — and hopefully her groom-to-be — in this reality series. This single, very eligible bachelorette — a confident, successful and sensitive woman who is ready to find love — will embark on a romantic journey as she meets 25 handsome and intelligent men. As the Bachelorette gets to know each one, she’ll continue to narrow the field. They will travel to exotic locations and spend time getting to know each other; she will introduce them to her family and friends and meet some of theirs. At the end of her romantic voyage, if she has found Mr. Right, will there be a proposal, from whom – and will she say yes? Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelorette is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.

For more information on Gloriana please visit: www.gloriana.com.

Craig Campbell On GAC “Day Jobs”‏

Nashville, TN. (May 16, 2012) – Country crooner Craig Campbell revisits his unique previous occupation as a Correctional Officer in tonight’s episode premiere of GAC’s popular TV series, “DAY JOBS”.  Tune in starting today, May 16th at 9PM (CT)/ 10PM (ET) to catch the full story!

Aaron Lewis Signs With Blaster Records Major Management And Promotion Team Prepared To Support Lewis’ Country Music Career

Latest single “Endless Summer” making an impact on radio now.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Blaster Entertainment has signed Aaron Lewis to its growing roster of recording artists. Lewis received rave reviews for his inaugural country music project, “Town Line”, a solo EP that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart last year.  In addition, his debut single, “Country Boy” has been certified gold and had multiple award nominations.

“Aaron Lewis is a great musician,” said Tom Porter, CEO of Blaster Entertainment.  “His songs relate true country values and life experiences.  We’re excited about having him on the Blaster team.”

“Country music was the first music I ever listened to,” Lewis said.  “I sat on my grandfather’s lap listening to his country records and I grew to love them.  The country audience has been so accepting of my music and I’m excited about working with the Blaster team to put out the new record this summer.”

In addition to Blaster, Lewis’ management team — Vector Management — has formed an experienced marketing and promotion team to help continue Lewis’ country music career.  “We believe in Aaron,” said Ken Levitan, president of Vector Management.  “The fan reaction to Aaron’s records has been phenomenal.  We’ve put together a great team to help introduce him to country fans who may not have heard him yet.”

Levitan has recruited Derek Simon to handle marketing and project management for Lewis’ forthcoming album.  “Blaster is a perfect home for Aaron,” says Simon, who worked with Lewis on his “Town Line” EP.  “We’ve put together a strong, focused team and we’ll pick up exactly where Aaron left off with ‘Town Line’.”

Lewis’ current single, “Endless Summer” is picking up radio airplay now.  Veteran music executive Skip Bishop, along with John Ettinger, Tony Benken and the entire Quarterback promotion team, have been introducing the song to radio stations. “You don’t have to look too far to find rabidly positive fans, press and excitement around Aaron Lewis,” Bishop says.  “His music brings a very cool and contemporary edge to country radio.”

Aaron’s new music video for “Endless Summer” recently debuted on CMT’s Big New Music Weekend. Leslie Fram, Senior VP for Music Strategies at CMT said, “It was quickly obvious that we had just discovered the official anthem of the Summer of 2012!”

Lewis recently played to a record crowd at the Stagecoach Festival in California, an acoustic performance that one writer called one of the top five performances at that festival.   Performing his recent hit “Country Boy” and other songs from his first country EP, Lewis had the crowd singing along.

Lewis follows in the footsteps of other great country artists who have signed with the Blaster Entertainment team.  Hank Williams, Jr., Neal McCoy and Brother Trouble are also part of the Blaster family.  Aaron Lewis’ full-length album is set for release later this summer.  Blaster Records is distributed by Warner Music Nashville.

Have a look at the video for ‘Country Boy’ again below

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Toby Keith Hosts Golf Classic To Raise Funds

toby keith 44The 9th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic kicks off in the most remarkable and rewarding way yet on May 18 at the groundbreaking of the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City. The home-away-from-home for children and families being treated at Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities has been the ultimate goal of the Toby Keith Foundation and its annual event.

The 10am groundbreaking ceremony begins turning the dream into reality, and that evening’s dinner and auction will continue the tradition of strong fundraising. Last year’s classic raised 10,000, and the 2012 lineup of auction items is even deeper.

Highlights include a trip to Africa with Pros for Africa, a Brush Creek getaway, a Dallas Cowboys VIP package, having a menu item named for you at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, concerts and golf packages and exclusive memorabilia from Coldplay, Carrie Underwood, the Rolling Stones, the Three Stooges and, of course, Toby Keith himself.

Participants at the next day’s main event hit the links with a wide range of celebrities. Another highlight will be the Built Ford Tough Shootout, offering a new truck to the winner. Local Seth Wadley Ford is also offering a truck should anyone hit a hole-in-one.

Other auction items: A Day in The Life of Toby on Tour, LA Talk Show Package, ESPYs Package with Adrian Peterson, Houston Astros Suite Package and memorabilia from Bob Griese, Derek Jeter, Drew Brees, Cal Ripken Jr., Tim McGraw, Aaron Rogers, Elvis, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Wayne Gretzky.

It’s all aimed at giving sick children and their families a helping hand. For information about the golf tournament or OK Kids Korral, visit www.tobykeithfoundation.org.

For more information on Toby Keith go to www.tobykeith.com

Carrie Underwood’s Blown Away Debuts At No.1 On Billboard’s Country & All-Genre Sales Charts

Underwood’s Album Makes Best First Week Country Showing of 2012

Blown Away Becomes Country’s Best-Selling Digital Album Debut Since 2010
 

Underwood Achieves 4th Consecutive No. 1 Billboard Country Album & 3rd Consecutive No. 1 Billboard Top 200 Chart Debuts
 

Nashville, TN – Superstar Carrie Underwood’s fourth album, Blown Away, makes history by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart making her only the second country artist in the 47 year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1. With more than 267,000 albums sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan, Blown Away debuts at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart making Carrie only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at No. 1.

In addition to holding the No. 1 spot on both the country and all-genre album sales charts, Blown Away also holds the No. 1 spot in digital sales, with more than 107,000 copies sold, making Blown Away country’s best-selling digital album debut since 2010.

“Good Girl,” the lead single from Blown Away, was just certified GOLD by the RIAA for sales of more than 500,000 digital singles. The song is currently Top 10 and climbing on the country airplay charts.

Since releasing Some Hearts in 2005, Carrie has sold more than 14 million albums with Some Hearts, 2007’s Carnival Ride, and 2009’s Play On making her the best selling American Idol in the US.  She’s amassed 14 No. 1 singles, six of which she co-wrote, and became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 No. 1 singles from their first two albums. Underwood currently leads the nominations for the upcoming CMT Music Awards with five.  She is a five-time Grammy winner, a two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner, and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.