15 September 2014

When Lee Ann Womack agreed to do a clip for “The Way I’m Livin’,” the title track and lead song from her new album, she knew one thing: “I did not want a literal, storyline video.” The Roger Pistole-directed clip is anything but… and it’s provocative enough CMT will world premiere it across its platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 10. “We joked about things you don’t hear at a Lee Ann Womack video shoot,” says the Grammy-winning vocalist of the unlikely video. “You know, like ‘The snakes just got here…’ Only for this clip, the snakes really did just arrive!” Considering the realm and reality in the world around us, Roger Pistole created a video where time has multiple layers, the characters are open to interpretation and Womack delivers a vocal performance that is equal parts confession, rumination and scalding immersion in the moment. In the end, the notion of just who the devil is will prompt discussion – with no clear cut answers. “I think getting people to talk about things, issues and what they believe is the best thing music can do,” Womack says. “And I love that this video takes that concept, and pushes it even farther. Life isn’t black and white; people’s reasons aren’t simple, nor are the reasons they fall. Roger got the exact thing I was trying to capture in the song – and man, did he find a great way to create a video that leaves you wondering, but also shows you a lot about the gray areas of life.” Shot in an abandoned house on a working cattle farm outside Nashville, ‘The Way I’m Livin” seems like another old house in a field video – until you get 30 seconds in. From there, it’s a powerful exploration of temptation, falling, fighting and, perhaps, salvation – all without one obvious cue. “The best things let you bring your own life to’em,” says the woman, whose The Way I’m Livin’ was singled out by The New York Times in their Fall Arts Preview. “I really want this album to open up what songs can contain, to make people think about their definitions of not just ‘what’s country?,’ but why do we need definitions.”

Courtesy of Big Machine Records, Country Music Hall of Fame member Glen Campbell has recorded his last song. ‘I’m Not Gonna Miss You’ was written by Campbell and Julian Raymond specifically for a new documentary titled ‘Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me.’ Produced by Raymond, the song was recorded in the Los Angeles-based Sunset Sound Factory and East West Recording Studios. The song will be released on September 30 to all digital retailers. With a mere handful of piano chords, then a swell of harmonies, ‘I’m Not Gonna Miss You’ opens into the poignant, yet clear-eyed revelation of the things Alzheimer’s steals. Almost lumbering through the melody, Campbell’s weathered tenor confesses the painful truths of what is lost, the cost – and the reality that it will all be lost to him, the man who can’t remember. Pedal steel weeps, strings bathe the melody that rises against drums and an electric guitar that mirrors the unbreakable passage of life and time. ‘Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me’ is an epic human drama that intimately showcases the man and his music throughout Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s. Chronicling the story of love, laughter, resilience and power of song, this film shows how against all odds, America’s greatest country star would not give up. The documentary was directed and produced by James Keach (producer of Walk The Line) and produced by Trevor Albert (Groundhog Day). Big Machine Records will proudly release a soundtrack for the film that also features The Band Perry, who previously paid tribute to Campbell during the 2012 GRAMMY Awards. The project also features Campbell’s daughter Ashley who performs an original song. “We are so honoured to not only release Glen Campbell’s final recording, but to be associated with such a profound film that will help raise awareness of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and spotlight the important role of those who care for them, ” remarked Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta who serves as the project’s Executive Producer with Keach. Several of today’s biggest musical stars appear in the film to pay tribute to the legend including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge (U2), Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gill, Jimmy Webb, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith, and The Band Perry.