Black River Entertainment recording artist KELSEA BALLERINIis living “Happily Evans After” in a real-life fairytale after tying the knot with Warner Music Nashville newcomer Morgan Evans on December 2.
Barefoot in a breathtaking Berta gown, Ballerini wed Evans during an idyllic oceanside ceremony at the first-class Esperanza resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Exchanging personally penned vows and customized David Yurman rings –a diamond “Love” band for her and black titanium for him – the newlyweds sealed their marriage with a one-of-a-kind tequila toast.
As seen on the cover of People Magazine (on stands now), read the full story here – including behind-the-scenes details on Ballerini’s three outfit changes; the sweet meaning behind the tequila toast; drool-worthy menu items; what Country couple the newlyweds are getting advice from; and babies! An exclusive photo gallery is alsoavailable.
Ballerini will return to the stage as a married woman in 2018, with the kickoff of THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR on February 8 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, AL. Following her sold-out first headlining tour, THE FIRST TIME TOUR, this nationwide trek includes stops in New York, NY, and Seattle, WA, before closing out at the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA, on April 27. Supported by special guest and breakout artist Walker Hayes, rising star Bailey Bryan will also join Ballerini for a special Valentine’s Day show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Presented by AT&T AUDIENCE Network, Ballerini offered at-home viewers a sneak peek of her tour world during a one-hour Kelsea Ballerinitelevision concert special this past Friday (12/15). Available to DIRECTV subscribers and on-demand through DIRECTV NOW, the live footage offered a bird’s-eye view of her final U.S. set during the fall run of Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, in addition to a sit-down interview with AUDIENCE Music series host Ted Stryker.
In case you missed it, click here to see Ballerini perform her Top 10-and-rising lead single, “Legends,” with fellow songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Forest Glen Whitehead. According to Harper's Bazaar, “Kelsea Ballerini Is Literally Shining.”
For more information on KELSEA BALLERINI and VIP Experiences for THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR, visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Fans can also follow along the tour with #KB2TOUR.
Reviver Records’ breakout duo LOCASH continues to strike GOLD in a stellar 2017 with their chart-topping single “I Know Somebody.” The song has been officially certified GOLD by the RIAA, recognizing the track’s 500,000 sales and streams combined.
"We can't thank Country radio, Reviver Records and our fans enough for helping to make ‘I Know Somebody' our second GOLD record! Every download, every stream and every time you push play means the world to us,” said LOCASH.
Written by Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover, the flirty, hook-heavy “I Know Somebody” marks the pair’s second GOLD-certified single, following breakthrough smash “I Love This Life.” The two songs, along with Top 15 hit “Ring On Every Finger,” combine to make LOCASH the second-most played duo at Country radio in 2017. A testament to their impact on the format, the twosome is currently up for CRS 2018 New Faces of Country Music, which recognizes emerging artists who have achieved significant radio success.
Poised to continue topping charts in 2018, the duo is set drop their next single “Don’t Get Better Than That” in the new year. The track is the first look at their second album with Reviver Records following 2016’s THE FIGHTERS, which received critical acclaim and Top 15 success.
Fans can catch LOCASH on the road throughout the remainder of the year, bringing the party to nearly a dozen cities. For more information on tour dates, visit www.locashmusic.com
Joe Nichols has a new album and a show at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, MA this week. Nichols will be joined by rising country star Drew Baldridge. The show will be held this Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 8:00 PM (doors at 7:00). Tickets range from $32.50-$62.50 and can be purchased here: https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10194334
Joe Nichols is on the road in support of his new album, Never Gets Old. Joe Nichols began work on a brand new batch of old-school country music, he found himself looking back for inspiration. Back to his early career, back to true friends and the simple perfection of pure country music . . . back to things that never get old.
“Full circle is the term I would use,” the Arkansas native says about his new project, fittingly titled Never Gets Old. “The whole theme of the record is ‘Let’s get back to where it all began for me. Let’s get back to where my passion for music began.’” The new recording is due July 28, 2017.
From 2002’s Man With a Memory on, Nichols harnessed that passion as a steady hit maker, racking up six Number Ones and eight Top 10s, including chart-topping modern classics like “Brokenheartsville” and “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.” He’s a four-time Grammy® nominee, an ACM, Billboard, CMA, and CMT Award winner and his last album offering, Crickets, kept the success going, sending both “Yeah” and “Sunny and 75” to Platinum-certified Number One status.
But then four years went by – the longest span between releases of his career – as Nichols dug in to reconnect with his calling. In Never Gets Old, he’s done just that.
“Instead of us making something that’s built for instant success, the idea was ‘Let’s make something we’re gonna be proud of 30 years from now,’” Nichols explains. “I’m thinking less about what will work, and more about what I love.”
What Nichols loves has always been obvious. Growing up around friends who were into anything but country, he was different. Nichols was pulled in by the realness of singers like Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins, Don Williams, Keith Whitley and George Strait and that connection would inform his whole career. Even now with Never Gets Old, he’s happy to go against the grain.
“Hopefully the stuff we’re doing lasts a lot longer than today’s typical country record,” he says. “But I think the irony is that retro sounds are actually what’s fresh and new right now. All we had to do was what felt natural.”
Doing what felt natural has never been easier, as Nichols returned to the approach of his early albums. Working with Crickets producer Mickey Jack Cones and longtime collaborator and friend Brent Rowan–fiddles and steel guitar tempered tasteful modern sounds on nearly every mix, while that understated (but unmistakeable) baritone felt “better than it’s been in 10 years.”
Saying his goal was to sing with the most feeling possible and let whatever came out of his soul land on the record, Nichols ended up with 12 tracks that bound between spirit and sentiment, courage and cleverness, romance and rowdy fun, all wrapped in the throwback style he’s spent a lifetime pursuing.
Lead single and title track “Never Gets Old” points the way. Written by Connie Harrington and Steve Moakler, Nichols says it reminds him of the mid-’80s country era, a song that “wasn’t necessarily deep, but it was meaningful.”
With a swaying front-porch groove, it features laid-back acoustic guitars and accordions that waft in with the breeze, as Nichols ponders the moments that keep love fresh – like watching his wife laugh, holding her hand, and ending each day in a tender embrace. Nichols says he knew it was special when all three of his kids started singing along the first time they heard it.
Tracks like “This Side of the River,” “Billy Graham’s Bible,” and “We All Carry Something” are charged with soul-stirring power, while “Diamonds Make Babies” and “So You’re Saying” inject the project with heartwarming fun.
But it’s a bit of carefree craziness adapted from his live show which is sure to leave listeners with the biggest smile – an honest-to-goodness country cover of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s hip-hop favorite, “Baby Got Back.”
What began as a joke between Nichols and his band years ago went on to become a beloved moment onstage, and now it caps off Never Gets Old, proving that whatever this veteran song stylist sings, it’s gonna sound country. Nichols and his team invited comedian Darren Knight and his “Southern Momma” character to revamp the iconic spoken-word parts, and what came out in the studio was so much fun it had to be included on the album.
“Everybody was laughing that day,” he says. “It was out-of-the-blue and we never thought we’d put it on a record. But when it was done I was like ‘This is nuts, but this actually kind of feels like it should have been a country record … a goofy one, but still.’”
When Joe Nichols released his debut album, he was barely 20 years old and trying to put his youth behind him. Looking back now, he laughs at that thought, but some things never change. Back then he was scrappy and defiant about his quest to revive traditional country, and that drive remains. In fact, he says it’s one of those things that never gets old.
“I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” he says. “With my first album, there was this apprehension of ‘Is country music ready for a traditional country record?’ It was a little bit scary, but we went for it, and with Never Gets Old I still feel the exact same passion – it’s like ‘Let’s give it to them anyway.’ Now, I think country music is ready.”
Information courtesy of http://thecabot.org/event/joe-nichols
Nashville, Tenn. (November 7, 2017) – Riding an avalanche of breakthrough success, Curb Records’ Dylan Scott celebrated his first career RIAA PLATINUM-certified single for his #1 debut smash “My Girl” reaching over 1 million combined sales and streams in the U.S. alone at an intimate soirée in Nashville yesterday (11/6). Guests, including his Curb Records’ team, family, friends and members of the music industry, gathered at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum to toast the singer-songwriter and present him with the official plaque. Hot on the heels of “My Girl,” Scott’s follow-up single – propulsive, white-hot anthem “Hooked” –is ascending the Country radio charts and has already surpassed 12 million Spotify streams.
Last month, Scott released his first holiday EP,MERRY CHRISTMAS, which includes brand new renditions of five traditional Christmas songs including “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Wrapping up what he calls his “best year yet,” Scott and wife Blair will welcome their first child, a boy, in early December. He is currently touring with Justin Moore as the featured supporting artist on his HELL ON A HIGHWAY TOUR.
Nashville, Tenn. (October 24, 2017) – With time ticking until Black River Entertainment recording artist KELSEA BALLERINI’s long-awaited sophomore album UNAPOLOGETICALLY drops on November 3, the Country star is stacking high-profile television appearances on top of major magazine looks ahead of the much-anticipated launch.
Ballerini will make her debut on CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on release night (11/3) in New York City, followed by a performance on ABC’s Good Morning America (11/8) after announcing her album on the prized morning talk show this summer. The performance will air live from Nashville ahead of the 51st annual CMA Awards that night, where Ballerini is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.
Fueled by big November features in Elle Magazine, Health Magazine, and Shape Magazine, even Gayle King, Editor at Large of O, The Oprah Magazine, is praising, “Take a bow, Kelsea!” Adding, “And when the newly engaged performer sings I'm unapologetically in love and that's unapologetically enough, I thinkWhat a great approach to life. Who knew her new music would give me a new mantra?”
Next Saturday (10/28), Ballerini will return to high school as a GRAMMY nominee to perform songs fromUNAPOLOGETICALLY on the same stage she once stood as a student performing an original song for the first time. In partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development as part of their Snapchat Concert Series and ongoing “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” brand campaign, the free show is being hosted at her alma mater, Central High School in Knoxville, TN. Tickets are available by following “Tennessee” on Snapchat.
UNAPOLOGETICALLY is available for preorder, with “Legends,” “Unapologetically,” “High School,” and now “Miss Me More” – which rocketed to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Country Songs chart upon release –instantly available for download. Ballerini is also featured on The Star: Original Motion Picture Soundtrackwith “Children Go Where I Send You” – now available for preorder – from Sony Pictures Animation’s animated motion picture The Star in theaters November 17.
Nashville, Tenn. (September 22, 2017) – #1 hitmaking Curb Records star DYLAN SCOTT has made a list – and checked it twice – and decided that this Christmas, his incredible fans deserve an early gift. Scott’s first holiday EP, MERRY CHRISTMAS, will arrive on October 13.
Featuring brand new renditions of five traditional Christmas songs, the EP is a classic throwback brought to life by Scott’s warm and expressive baritone vocal. And with a track list that includes “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” the singer-songwriter says MERRY CHRISTMAS is filled with his own happy memories.
"Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I am really excited about the release of my first Christmas EP," shared Scott. "I grew up listening to the holiday classics and to be able to record and perform some of these songs is a dream come true."
MERRY CHRISTMAS arrives just as Scott is riding an avalanche of breakthrough success. This summer he celebrated his first-ever #1 hit, as the intensely romantic “My Girl” rose to the top of the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country Airplay charts. Co-written with Josh Kerr about Scott’s wife, Blair, the standout track has now surpassed the one million combined sales and streams mark, with a RIAA PLATINUM certification on the horizon.
Likewise, his self-titled album debut landed inside the Top 5 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart, and he followed up with the release of an expanded DYLAN SCOTT DELUXE EDITION in August. Scott’s current single, the sharp and sexy anthem “Hooked,” looks to build on those achievements. Already surpassing seven million Spotify streams, it is now making its way up Country radio playlists.
Meanwhile, the MERRY CHRISTMAS EP coincides with yet another big step in Scott’s career. After spending the summer headlining his MY TOWN TOUR – which included a milestone sellout of Los Angeles’ world-famous Troubadour – Scott will join Justin Moore’s HELL ON A HIGHWAY TOUR as the featured supporting artist.
Kicking off on October 13 – the same day MERRY CHRISTMAS comes out – the marathon run begins in Monroe, LA, just 30 miles from the heartthrob’s hometown in Bastrop, LA, and will continue with coast-to-coast dates scheduled all the way through May of 2018.
For more information on Dylan Scott and a complete list of tour dates, visit http://www.dylanscottcountry.com/. Reach out to him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
After an exciting dive bar show on Monday, July 24 at Nashville’s Blue Bar, Old Dominion announced 6 additional Bud Live Dive Bar Shows. Fans who got to be a part of Monday’s performance were treated to a first listen of the guys anticipated second album ‘Happy Endings’ which is out August 25th. The additional six shows will take OD to Los Angeles, Chicago, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and New York City.
If you're up for a road trip away from New England, you can enter here: http://www.olddominiondivebartour.com/
Following her first-hand cover art reveal on Instagram, Black River Entertainment recording artist KELSEA BALLERINI excitedly hosted an impromptu dance party with fan club members post-show in Darien Center, NY, to celebrate the midnight launch of her much-anticipated sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, available for preorder today (8/11). The long-awaited track listing was also creatively unveiled in a groundbreaking partnership with Foursquare Swarm.
UNAPOLOGETICALLY is produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey (*except where noted) and features 12 tracks all written or co-written by Ballerini. Releasing November 3, UNAPOLOGETICALLY takes listeners on an intimate, behind-the-scenes journey of the past few years of the Country singer’s life. Filled with “blood, sweat, and heartbeats,” the powerful debut single, “Legends,” continues its steady climb on Country radio, while emotionally captivating over 1.5 million viewers with its breathtaking cinematic music video directed by Jeff Venable.
Here’s a complete look at Kelsea Ballerini’s UNAPOLOGETICALLY track listing:
Superstar duo FLORIDA GEORGIA LINEhave just scored their 13th career #1 song, peaking at the top of both Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country Airplay charts this week with their heartfelt ballad, “God, Your Mama, And Me” (featuring Backstreet Boys).
"Wow. Country radio, you have made this the best Monday morning," shares Tyler Hubbard. "Finding out that 'God, Your Mama, And Me' went #1 is surreal – really cool to be a part of Backstreet Boys' first Country #1!"
Brian Kelley adds, "If you told me growing up that I would share a #1 song with BSB, I would have told you to get outta here! Dream big, work hard, surround yourself with an amazing team and anything is possible."
Hitmakers Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson wrote “God, Your Mama, And Me,” a lush sonic tapestry of unconditional love and spirituality, which elevated to instant-classic status with the inclusion of Backstreet Boys. Harmonizing alongside FGL, this is the first time the ‘90s Pop idols have contributed to a Country single.
"We're fans of each other and that's one of the reasons why the song works so well,” says Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter. "I'm glad it's with these boys that we just reached #1 at Country radio for the first time."
The PLATINUM-certified track marks another highpoint in FGL’s unprecedented career, as all three singles from the duo’s DIG YOUR ROOTS album (BMLG Records) have now reached the top spot. Their consecutive trifecta of #1s also includes mega hits “H.O.L.Y.” and “May We All” (featuring Tim McGraw).
News of their latest chart-topping success comes just as Hubbard and Kelley launch into yet another summer at the top of their game. In early June, the award-winning pair kicked off THE SMOOTH TOUR 2017, a genre-defying concert experience that features Hip-Hop icon Nelly and breakout Country talent Chris Lane, as well as Ryan Hurd, Morgan Wallen and Russell Dickerson on select dates. Backstreet Boys will join the run for FGL’s first-ever headline stadium shows in Boston (7/7), Minneapolis (7/29) and Chicago (8/12), as the tour continues to draw roaring SOLD OUT crowds.
FGL made another crossover statement at the 2017 CMT Music Awards, where they took home the award for Duo Video of the Year (“H.O.L.Y.”) and performed with Electro-Pop sensation The Chainsmokers. And days later at the 2017 CMA Music Festival, they closed out the all-star Saturday night lineup at Nashville’s massive Nissan Stadium by performing for upwards of 70,000 fans. Tune in for the highlights on “CMA Fest” – The Music Event of Summer – airing Wednesday, August 16 at 8:00-11:00 PM/ET on the ABC Television Network.
Meanwhile, FGL just opened the doors to their first restaurant and entertainment destination, pulling fans even deeper into their anything-goes world of epic good times. Called FGL HOUSE, the venue offers four stories of vibey music, food, and fun in the heart of downtown Nashville’s Lower Broadway.
THE SMOOTH TOUR 2017 rolls on through summer and into fall, with coast-to-coast dates scheduled through October 7 in Portland, Oregon.
RED BOW Records’ country artist Craig Campbell is set to host the 5th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and third One Million Strongbenefit in Nashville, TN on Tuesday, June 6. The afternoon-to-evening event will raise funds for the non-profit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) which works to increase awareness, education and research for colorectal cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among adults. Building on last year’s success which raised over $35,000, the fundraiser will take place at a new venue; local favorite City Winery. The cornhole challenge will face off at 2:30pm followed by the benefit dinner at 6:00pm.
A Fight CRC national spokesperson, Campbell was only 11 when he lost his father at age 36 to colorectal cancer. He started his campaign five years ago because he wanted to do something to bring awareness to this disease.
“I can’t believe this is our fifth year having the cornhole tournament! I’m so proud that we can still do this event, raising money and awareness to fight colorectal cancer,” shared Campbell. “I always get excited knowing we are gonna have a great time throwing bags all while doing what we can to erase this terrible disease."
During the Celebrity Cornhole Challenge, artists are paired against fans that have bid online for the opportunity to play. Celebrities including Dee Jay Silver, Trent Harmon, Nascar driver Scott Lagasse, Jr., Jackie Lee, Love and Theft, Jerrod Niemann, Parmalee, Michael Ray andThompson Square are joining the fight this year with more to be announced. Taking place outside City Winery, fans can stop by the open event to watch their favorite artists participate.
Immediately following, Campbell will host the One Million Strong benefit. The evening includes a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, and an intimate concert with Campbell, Rivers Rutherford and more special guests to be announced. Nashville leaders, Mayor Megan Barryand Chief Medical Officer of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Andrea Willis will offer remarks and colorectal cancer survivors will share their stories of hope and inspiration. Larry Nall, Senior Vice President of Provider Network Management, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, will be recognized for his leadership around colorectal cancer awareness and advocacy. All proceeds for both events benefit Fight CRC.
For a chance to play in the competition, participate in the online auction featuring items donated by artists and to purchase VIP tickets (VIP seating, celebrity Meet & Greet, ticket to the benefit dinner) for the 5th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge click here.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the One Million Strong benefit dinner click here.
Campbell is currently playing select shows nationwide and on August 8 will join Luke Bryan’s HUNTIN’ FISHIN’ AND LOVIN’ EVERY DAY TOUR. In between tour stops, he is in the studio working on his RED BOW Records debut album, featuring lead track and critically-acclaimed single, “Outskirts of Heaven.”
For more information on Craig Campbell and tour dates, visit www.craigcampbell.tv.
The Innovation in Music Awards is proud to announce the host for the inaugural award ceremony to be Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. The night, designed to celebrate those in the music industry who have helped champion new talent and innovation, will be held on Tuesday, June 6th at the Westin Hotel in Nashville, Tenn.
Recognizing a number of industry leaders who are distinguished in the discovery and innovative strategy of driving forward the direction of today’s music landscape, the ceremony will consist of acceptance speeches from the evening’s honorees, musical performances, and a short-form talk from an industry representative considered to be a bright, forward-thinker. For a a list of IMA honorees, please visit here.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact John Alexander at john@alexandermgmt.com or 615-480-8121. Additional event information including how to purchase tickets will be released in the coming days, and available through www.innovationinmusic.net.
About Jay DeMarcus: Jay DeMarcus is the bassist, pianist, harmony vocalist, songwriter and producer of superstar country music trio Rascal Flatts. DeMarcus also has a thriving career as a producer, working with such acts as, the legendary band Chicago, Ronnie Dunn, Kix Brooks, Shenandoah, Reba and more. He's also taken to the producer’s chair for Rascal Flatts’ latest work, including BACK TO US, REWIND and THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL.” DeMarcus also enjoys acting, appearing in several TV shows, including: 'Yes, Dear', 'CSI', 'Drop Dead Diva', and 'Nashville'. He's also been in several movies, 'A Country Christmas', 'Hannah Montana: The Movie', 'Butterfly Caught' and many others.
A force to be reckoned with in any genre, Rascal Flatts are currently gearing up for the release of their tenth studio album, BACK TO US (Available May 19/Big Machine Records) which comes hot on the heels of the success of their 16th No. 1 hit “I Like The Sound Of That.”Taken from their upcoming album BACK TO US, the trio’s current single “Yours If You Want It” continues to race up the charts, heralded by USA Today as a “sure-fire smash”. As the best-selling country vocal group of the past decade, Rascal Flatts has sold over 23.4 million albums, over 33.7 million digital downloads worldwide, as well as earning over 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People's Choice and more, also making them the most awarded country group of the past decade. To pre-order BACK TO US and more, visit rascalflatts.com.
Keith Urban’s 2016 release RIPCORD, which has been #1 on the Billboard Country Album Chart the last two week, is making history yet again propelling Urban into the country music record books.
Urban is one of only two country artists whose 2016 album release was certified platinum by the RIAA. RIPCORD also places Urban as the second country artist (amongst artists with nine or more platinum releases) to currently have every album certified platinum or multi-platinum. This platinum streak of nine also places Urban at #8 on the all-time list of country artists with consecutive platinum albums.
Upon its release, Urban yet again did what no other male solo country artist in history has been able to do, celebrating a #1 all-genre album chart position simultaneously in the U.S., Australia and Canada. RIPCORD has also been certified platinum in Australia and Gold in Canada.
RIPCORD has also produced four #1 country radio singles bringing Urban’s career total #1 singles to twenty two (on Mediabase). This also brings his record-breaking, historic run of consecutive Top 10 songs to an incredible 37 and places Urban at #8 on Billboard’s all-time Country Airplay Chart.
Urban’s significance in the streaming marketplace is undeniable, as his worldwide streams have topped 3.4 BILLION, with over 524 million on RIPCORD alone. His latest #1 song “Blue Ain’t Your Color” has over 160 million streams and it spent 13 weeks as the most-streamed country song.
In Australia, RIPCORD was 2016’s #2 selling album on the all-genre chart behind Adele’s 25. It spent 27 weeks in the Top 10. The album also produced Urban’s first Top 10 and over 6.4 million streams. In Canada, with over 29 million streams, RIPCORD has produced four No. 1 country radio singles, all of which have held the No. 1 spot for 3 weeks or more.
The number one country album in America is officially RAELYNN's critically-acclaimed debut WILDHORSE, which arrived at #1 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart and Top 10 on Billboard's All-Genre Albums Sales Chart. RaeLynn joins an elite few female country artists whose debut album bowed at #1, and is the highest charting/bestselling female country album release since Maren Morris. This comes after “the country Katy Perry” (Newsday) made spectacular peaks at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart and #3 All Genre Albums chart upon release.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me,” she said backstage after her ACM Party for a Cause performance Sunday evening. “Having a single that’s in the Top 30 and a #1 debut record is a dream come true. I feel overwhelmingly grateful and honored to be included in the company of the handful of other women who have debuted at #1 with their first record. The fans who I’ve met over the past five years really showed up for this record. So I share this #1 with all of them and my team and country radio. It’s for all of us. Real music that connects is always gonna win!”
People Magazine included WILDHORSE in their recent People Picks feature, declaring her a “Nashville spitfire” who “sings in a gravelly but tender drawl about…how she can’t be tamed” with Rolling Stone also pointing out her “instantly recognizable voice that slides smoothly into a song’s emotional contours-traits she exploits to the fullest on her superb debut…” Paste Magazine makes the impressive observation that “one of RaeLynn’s strongest talents...is an instinctual love of language. She plays with it in the manner of Loretta Lynn, delighting in rhyme schemes and meter…the album is rife with sharp specifics or perfect turns of phrase that she craftily tosses out.”
Entertainment Tonight praised the songwriter as being “gifted at injecting her larger-than-life personality into any scenario,” while Houston Chronicle lauded her debut as “terrific,” offering “a deft balance of personality and artistry.”
In the spirit of always paying it forward, RaeLynn made an appearance on her album release day at Texas Children’s Hospital, making the first donation from THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND. Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 12, the rising star credits Texas Children’s Hospital with saving her life. She was also honored by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who proclaimed March 24, 2017, as “RAELYNN DAY.”
Black River Entertainment’s KELSEA BALLERINI has earned yet another round of award show accolades, continuing a meteoric rise to country stardom as she scores FOUR nominations for the upcoming RADIO DISNEY MUSIC AWARDS.
Nominated in the categories of The Buzz – Breakout Artist of the Year, XOXO – Best Crush Song (for “Yeah Boy”), Play It Again! – Radio Disney Country Favorite Song (for “Peter Pan”), and The Bestest! – Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist, Ballerini will also CO-HOST the show, which takes place in Los Angeles on April 29 and airs the following night (4/30) at 7 p.m. ET on the Disney Channel and other Disney platforms.
Fan voting is open now until April 9 at Disney.com/RDMA, the Radio Disney App, Google OneBox, and via Radio Disney’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Ballerini was also nominated for Best New Artist at the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards and won the show’sBest New Country Artist trophy on March 5. Likewise, she’s up for two honors at the 52nd ACM Awards –Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year (for “Peter Pan”). The 52nd ACM Awards air live from Las Vegas April 2 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Meanwhile, Ballerini’s first show in the United Kingdom (5/11) has completely SOLD OUT. Showing incredible international appeal, tickets to her concert at London’s Under the Bridge were eagerly snatched up under an hour of going on sale. The singer-songwriter is currently touring with Thomas Rhett on his HOME TEAM TOUR, and will join Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR when it kicks off May 26 in Bakersfield, California.
Today (3/6), Ballerini appears as a guest co-host on CBS’ The Talk at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT/CT), on hand to swap stories and share laughs with hosts Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood.
“Yeah Boy,” the latest single from her debut album, THE FIRST TIME, has launched into the Top 10 at Country radio this week. Her first three, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs” and “Peter Pan,” all reached #1, a history-making feat for females in country music.
Nashville, Tenn. (February 22, 2017) – Musical worlds will collide this summer as superstar Country duoFLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, Hip-hop icon NELLY and breakout star CHRIS LANE embark on the groundbreaking, genre-busting THE SMOOTH TOUR 2017, presented by Old Camp Whiskey and sponsored by Advance Auto Parts.
Offering an unparalleled night of crossover hits, the super tour begins June 2 in Austin, Texas, with stops nationwide in cities like San Diego, Denver and Tampa. THE SMOOTH TOUR ends with a two-night stand October 20 – 21 in Alpharetta, Georgia, just outside Atlanta, a melting pot for inventive collaborations. Tickets to 39 select shows are on sale now as part of Live Nation’s Megaticket, with more information available at Megaticket.com. Live Nation is the official promoter of the tour and remaining dates go on sale beginning February 24.
“It's good to be back out on tour with some of our best friends, Nelly and Chris Lane,” exclaims FGL’s Brian Kelley. “If it's any indication of our ballpark tour a couple years ago, this should be the party of the year! We are excited to see and connect with all of our fans, and make as many memories as we can.”
FGL and Nelly first collaborated on a remix of the duo’s epic 2012 debut single, “Cruise,” a DIAMOND-certified hit that reached #4 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart. Since then, they have teamed up for numerous concert and award show appearances. Lane broke out in 2015 with his addictive GOLD-certified #1 debut, “Fix,” and is currently out on FGL’s 2017 DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR.
FGL’s electrifying 2017 DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR is on the road now, selling out shows in support of their chart-topping BMLG Records DIG YOUR ROOTS album. The project has already delivered back-to-back #1 singles with the 2X PLATINUM-certified “H.O.L.Y.” – which spent an incredible 18 weeks atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart – and GOLD-certified “May We All” (featuring Tim McGraw). The duo’s third chart-rising single, “God, Your Mama, And Me,” is a knockout collaboration with Backstreet Boys. Watch the new music video here: smarturl.it/GYMAMpremiere. To date, the undeniable duo has notched 12 chart-topping singles.
Platinum-selling, Grammy, ACM and CMA nominated artist Billy Currington will hit the road on his headlining Stay Up ‘Til the Sun tour beginning March 9th, 2017 in St. Louis, MO. Billy’s energetic live shows always invite the audience to what feels like a great family reunion that turned into a raucous party. Currington released his sixth studio album, Summer Forever, on Mercury Nashville in June 2015. The first single off of Summer Forever, “Don’t It,” climbed to number 1 on the country airplay charts, followed by the album’s second single “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” marking his 10th & 11th career #1 singles. Currington’s latest single from the album, “Do I Make You Wanna,” is a “lay back and take it easy” track with lyrics that provided his latest tour’s title. Over the course of his career, Currington has celebrated eleven No. 1 hits, platinum-selling albums and ACM, CMA and GRAMMY nominations. Currington’s series of chart-toppers include “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To,” “Don’t It,” “Good Directions,” “Let Me Down Easy,” “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” “People Are Crazy,” “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” “Hey Girl,” “Don’t,” and “We Are Tonight”. Billy will visit more than 20 cities including the below:
3/9/17 St. Louis, MO Peabody Opera House3/10/17 Dubuque, IA Five Flags Center3/11/17 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theater3/23/17 Northfield, OH Hard Rock Live3/24/17 Roanoke, VA Berglund Performing Arts Theatre3/25/17 Sayerville, NJ Starland Ballroom4/6/17 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE4/7/17 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore4/8/17 Strousburg, PA Sherman Theater4/20/17 Houston, TX House of Blues4/21/17 Oklahoma City, OK The Criterion5/11/17 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore5/12/17 Huntington, NY The Paramount5/13/17 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom5/19/17 Richmond, VA Center Stage5/20/17 New York, NY Playstation Theater6/1/17 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
