October 2016

Dawson Reigns kicks off debut headline tour

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Dawson’s forthcoming single, the brand new and brilliantly Nashville sounding, Love Was All You comes from the pen of none other than the aforementioned Cannan Smith (of Love You Like That fame), in collaboration with Jaron Boyer (who has just scored a number 1 with Dierks Bentley’s Somewhere On A Beach, and who also helped craft Jason Aldean’s My Kinda Party), and Arron Goodvin (Out Like That, for Luke Bryan). Some pretty big and pretty impressive names right there. So as you can see, Dawson is certainly movin’ in the right circles. And your ‘in-card’ for those kind of circles is simple: talent. And Dawson’s got it. When you consider that singer/songwriter Dawson has also co-written with number 1 hit-writers like Byron Hill (of Toby Keith’s smash hit, How Do You Like Me Now ), Johnny Bulford (who gave us Chris Young’s I’m Comin’ Over ), and Phil Barton (Lee Brice’s A Woman Like You), then it’s clear to see that Dawson, and his new single Love Was All You , are pretty much straight out of Nashville, in all the best interpretations of the phrase! But this isn’t Dawson’s first time venturing beyond the banks of the Cumberland. In fact, you could say Dawson’s international appeal has already been confirmed. Receiving airplay in over 150 countries around the world, his debut album, ENJOY THE RIDE was certainly aptly titled! Lead-off single If Crazy Wasn’t So Beautiful soared all the way to number 1 on the Queensland Hot Country chart in Australia, while the follow-up, Someone Watching Over Me, climbed its way into the Top Ten there, too. Dawson also enjoyed a wonderful acknowledgment of his talent from Bob Harris in the UK. In 2010, this veritable icon of country music presenting, who was once described by the Radio times as being, ‘One of the greats of British contemporary music broadcasting and an independent champion of great music’, gave spins to no less than three of Dawson’s tunes (If Crazy Wasn’t So Beautiful, Enjoy The Ride, and Girl Next Door) on his prestigious BBC Radio 2 show.

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C2C returns for its fifth year in 2017 with an incredible line up!

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Back for its fifth year Country To Country is delighted to announce the incredible line-up for 2017!   From Friday 10th to Sunday 12th March we will see the return of two of America’s biggest stars, Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band to the festival alongside stellar multi-platinum and acclaimed artists Chris Young, Darius Rucker, Jennifer Nettles, Hunter Hayes, Maren Morris and Cam plus duos Dan + Shay and Brothers Osborne.  Further artists and day splits will be announced in due course.   C2C is UK and Ireland’s largest country music festival bringing three full days of the best in country music and programming that fans have come to love from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe.    It follows the storming success of C2C 2016 earlier this year over 80,000 country fans packed out The O2, London, Glasgow Clyde Auditorium and 3Arena Dublin that saw multimillion selling megastars Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Dwight Yoakam, Little Big Town, Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt and Chris Stapleton plus Maddie and Tae, Andrew Combs and Ashley Monroe. The legendary BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Bob Harris says, “It’s amazing to think that C2C is five years old already and also how quickly it has grown.  I am personally thrilled to be at the centre of it all and can’t wait for next March to welcome back old friends from Nashville and to introduce some new ones.”  Milly Olykan C2C Festival Director for The O2 said: We are thrilled to be going into our fifth year of Country to Country – it’s been incredible to have established an event that is so hugely anticipated by country fans and artists alike.  For us to be presenting many new artists for their first time in the UK and Ireland as well as welcoming some back to C2C is fantastic.  The growth of C2C owes so much to BBC Radio 2 and the Country Music Association of America – who are great partners on this festival with us.”  “CMA values C2C as an important vehicle for reaching and developing Country Music fans in the U.K. – especially as we enter the fifth year of our partnership,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “We have seen significant growth in the U.K. market and have capitalized on the success of C2C to develop business relationships that have benefited the music industry, which is an important part of our mission. CMA is looking forward to bringing the CMA Songwriters Series back to C2C and sharing the artistry of the songwriters with their fans in London.”  C2C again brings the spirit of Nashville to the UK – with additional programming still to be announced including the Festival Stages for C2C ticket holders to enjoy – the Yamaha Music Stage, the BBC Radio 2 Stage and the official C2C Aftershows. Free to watch stages will also be back again at The O2. 

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Whitney Rose to release EP SOUTH TEXAS SUITE January 27

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Before moving to Austin, Whitney Rose had never danced the two-step. Now, the country-pop singer’s infatuation with Texas’ rich musical culture, from stage to studio to dance floor, informs an enthralling new project, a love letter to the Lone Star State. Her new EP SOUTH TEXAS SUITE is a touch nostalgic, deeply romantic and defiantly personal — it’s Texas, through Whitney Rose’s eyes and ears. SOUTH TEXAS SUITE  is a meticulous study of sound and place, but also a product of unexpected circumstance. Last October, shortly after the release of her album HEARTBREAKER OF THE YEAR Rose packed up her boot collection and headed south to play a two-month residency at Austin’s famed Americana bastion, the Continental Club. But that November-December engagement went so well, she wound up staying. Since then, she’s toured with Sam Outlaw, made her European debut and signed with Thirty Tigers-distributed Six Shooter Records. Rose became smitten with Texas, and the warm welcome from Austin’s vibrant musical community made her feel right at home. Songs started pouring out — so many that she just had to start recording. The first result is this new EP, which will be released January 27, 2017. Rose herself produced SOUTH TEXAS SUITE, a first for the poised countrypolitan songwriter. Top to bottom, the EP is the work of an artist who is both an insider and an outsider, an observer and a maker, a listener and a storyteller — no matter where she lives. “Ever since I moved here I’ve been going out and watching live music, and falling in love with musicians around town,” says Rose. “The music scene here is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. So I have been writing nonstop, I’ve written close to 40 new songs since I arrived.”

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JD & The Straight Shot announce new album on the way in 2017

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Americana band JD & The Straight Shot – vocalist/guitarist Jim Dolan,  guitarist/vocalist Marc Copely (B.B. King, Rosanne Cash), bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton), along with touring musicians guitarist JJ Appleton (David Bowie, Darius Rucker), violinist Mary Jo Stilp (Adele, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Sigur Ros), vocalist/guitarist Erin McCarley (Don Henley) and percussionists Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm, Saturday Night Live band) and Everett Bradley (Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi) – are currently working on their forthcoming album due out in 2017. Their first single I Know, You Know, I Know gives an exciting taste of what’s to come. The track produced by Chuck Ainlay (Mark Knopfler, Miranda Lambert), was written by Jim Dolan, Marc Copely and violinist/fiddler Erin Slaver (Martina McBride, Rod Stewart), and features sweeping accordion melodies performed by Shawn Pelton. The new song has been a rousing audience favourite along JD & The Straight Shot summer 2016 European tour dates with Don Henley and U.S. shows with Joe Walsh. JD & The Straight Shot have been touring nonstop in support of their highly acclaimed 2016 all-acoustic album BALLYHOO! They hit the UK and Ireland in October, playing Dolan’s Pub, Limerick, Ireland on Oct 25th, then Whelan’s in Dublin on Oct 26th and play the Blues Fest at Brooklyn Bowl at the O2 on October 28th. In addition to touring with Don Henley and Joe Walsh, JD & The Straight Shot have played alongside luminaries such as the Eagles, Keith Urban, the Dixie Chicks, Jewel and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

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taylor-guitar-competition

Win a Mini Taylor Guitar with… MAVERICK!

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You could be in with the chance of winning a GS Mini Taylor accoustic courtesy of our friends over at Taylor Guitars A marvel of scaled-down design, the GS Mini is a fun little acoustic cannon that has taken the world by storm. Sporting a rich, full voice that belies its compact size, the Mini is ultra-portable, yet just as comfortable to cradle in the comfort of your home, making it the ultimate modern-day parlor guitar. Featuring the Taylor NT® neck, the Mini comes with either a solid spruce or mahogany top. Players who have bought an acoustic version can easily  t ES-GOTM pickup at a later stage and you have a viable performance tool, too. To be in with a chance of winning this GS Mini-e Mahogany with ES2 Pickup, answer the following question: Who would you like to see perform live and why? Please email your answers to: competitions@maverick-country.com ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS COMPETITION: A bespoke leather guitar strap from Heistercamp made especially to accompany the Taylor guitar for Maverick’s special competition!  www.heistercamp.co.uk Maverick have also been given a variety of different capos courtesey of G7th, one of which will be included in this competition! www.g7th.com Terms and conditions: Closing date is 12 noon GMT on 2nd December. One winner will be chosen on 9th December & announced on social media. Winners will also be informed via email.  

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Ali Morgan signs to Silverado records

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Silverado records has signed Ali Morgan its growing label. The young singer-songwriter, from Chicago, joins Melissa Mickelson, Hish and Zack Dyer. In her own words: “Becoming part of the Silverado Records family is a dream come true! …I haven’t stopped smiling, and I can’t wait to get started. They are building quite a team, and I’m so thankful they’ve given me a chance to be a part of it.” As well as performing locally, Ali’s first few shows in Nashville have included one-off performances at the Bluebird Cafe and a Silverado songwriter’s round at the Belcourt Taps. Aaron Chesling, Silverado’s head of A&R said: “The Silverado Records team is honored and excited beyond belief to be working with this extraordinary young lady. We’re eager to begin her story, and work with her over the next few years to develop and grow her fan base.” Signed to a multi-project, long-term deal with the label, Morgan is working on new material, and will record her debut single soon. “There are some artists, when you meet them you know right away that they’re someone you want to work with,” said Silverado Founder/CEO Scott Thomas. “She’s a special girl, she’s extremely talented, and we’re over the moon about working with her to build her career and share her talent with the world!”

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Review: John Ward SARGASSO

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John Ward SARGASSO Ion Music UK *** East Anglian singer-songwriter done good Back in the days of yore, a little after the days of knight’s with helmets and horses, but certainly when I still had all my own teeth, I used to watch John Ward playing support slots in many East Anglian folk clubs, often in the company of Mario Price on violin. Then life intervened and I lost track and now he’s here again. It has been a pleasure to re-acquaint myself, via cd, I thought he was good back then and it is good to know that my ears did not and still do not deceive me. For he has written all twelve pieces on this cd and there are several little gems amongst them. Most notably “Adrift” which turns its attention to the plight of the many refugees this world is creating, and “The Good Old Days Are Here” which urges us to appreciate the now rather than wait to recall things later. Backed by a trusty band of top-notch local musicians this is an album that doesn’t share all its beauties with you at the first time of asking, rather it rewards those that have the insight to listen again and treasure the nuances that reveal themselves like the changing colours of a glorious sunset. So it’s fair to say that I like this, and I have listened more than once, so should you. Ian Ambrose johnward.org.uk

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Sarah Jane Scouten announces November UK tour dates

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Toronto-based Americana-songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten is excited to announce a return to the UK with a tour throughout November 2016, kicking off at The Harrison in King’s Cross, London on Friday November 11th. She will be performing tracks from her upcoming new album due for release in 2017, as well as the recently released EP Volume One in The Railtown Sessions through Vancouver label Light Organ Records. At age 5, Sarah Jane Scouten was sitting on the dining room table, singing Lace and Pretty Flowers, by Canadian Folk and country musician, Willie P. Bennett. Hank Williams and Stan Rogers were her greatest inspirations, both a staple at Sunday morning pancake breakfast and afterward, singing bluegrass and gospel music with her father. Her talent for performing came naturally, and as chance would have it, so emerged a knack for songwriting. Bringing us up to date, Sarah Jane Scouten is an international touring songwriter, loved by audiences across the Northern Hemisphere. With flavours of Lucinda Williams, Nanci Griffiths, Old Crow Medicine Show and a wealth of old-time and bluegrass music, the two-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee’s songs are faithful to a long-standing folk music tradition, but often spill over into modern themes that are outspoken and edgy, from homelessness to midwifery to tongue-in-cheek heartache songs and unabashed Canadiana. Sarah Jane was discovered by Vancouver label Light Organ Records when she was cold-called into the studio to make an EP with producer Andy Bishop as part of a series of releases, coined The Railtown Sessions. Her EP was Volume One of the series, released digitally in July 2016 and will be available on vinyl in December 2016. She has since teamed up with the label and will be releasing a brand new full-length album, recorded in Toronto at Revolution Recording with veteran Canadian producer Andre Wahl (Hawksley Workman, Jill Barber), in February 2017. The album includes ten original songs, ranging in style from classic honky tonk to Western-swing to indie-folk rock, and two traditional Western Canadian songs, discovered in university archives and crackly recordings, and given new life through Scouten’s haunting arrangements.

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Country cruising announces concert schedule featuring Chris Young, Kelsey Ballerini, Montgomery Gentry, Locash and more

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With one of the hottest lineups at sea, Country Cruising is set to sail in January 2017. The experience will feature on-board activities unmatched by other cruise lines including nightly shows on the main stage, performances around the ship, autograph sessions, a songwriters workshop, line dancing, artist photo opportunities and more. Country Cruising Performance Schedule: Saturday Main Stage Shows: Charles Esten and Clare Bowen, stars of “Nashville,” Sail Away Party: LOCASH Colony Club Stage: Ray Scott, Dallas Smith Centrum Stage: Lucas Hoge Sunday Main Stage Shows: Montgomery Gentry and Phil Vassar Deck Party: Halfway to Hazard Late Night Deck Party: Diamond Rio Colony Club Stage: Tate Stevens, Olivia Lane, Lucy Angel Monday Main Stage Shows: Montgomery Gentry and Phil Vassar Deck Party BBQ: LOCASH Pool Stage: Olivia Lane, Ray Scott, Lucy Angel Colony Club Stage: Dallas Smith, Lucas Hoge, Tate Stevens Tuesday Early Main Stage Show: Chris Young Late Main Stage Show: Kelsea Ballerini Sail Away Party: Diamond Rio Late Night Deck Party: Chasing Crazy/Clark Hill Jam Session Colony Club Stage: Ray Scott, Lucas Hoge Wednesday Early Main Stage Show: Kelsea Ballerini Late Main Stage Show: Chris Young Pool Stage: Lucas Hoge, Dallas Smith, Halfway to Hazard, Tate Stevens Colony Club Stage: Olivia Lane, Lucy Angel The full lineup for the five day cruise includes a trio of the hottest artists today – Kelsea Ballerini, LOCASH, and Chris Young, in addition to “Nashville” cast members Charles Esten and Clare Bowen, as well as longtime fan favorites Montgomery Gentry, Diamond Rio, Phil Vassar, and Halfway To Hazard. The cruise’s organizers go the extra mile by providing a wide array of talent on the Brilliance of the Seas® with the top newcomers in the format being represented on the cruise – Lucas Hoge, Tate Stevens, Platinum-selling Canadian artist Dallas Smith, James Wesley, Olivia Lane, Lucy Angel, Australian act Viper Creek, Ray Scott, Clark Hill, Maggie Baugh, The Cains, Wesley Spangler and Bianca Moon. Country Cruising will set sail on January 14, 2017 from Tampa, and will stop in Key West before making its’ voyage to Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will arrive back in Tampa on January 19. Country Cruising offers the Country Music fan an amazing experience – a five night cruise, with accommodations and all meals taken care of during the event, as well as autograph sessions, photo opportunities, daily musical performances, and songwriter workshops. The Brilliance of the Seas ship is a beautiful Radiance-class ship that combines sleek swiftness, panoramic vistas, and wide-open spaces. With acres of glass enclosing the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, guests will never be at a loss for an incredible view.

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Reviver records duo Locash scores No. 1 single with I Know Somebody on Billboard and Country air check

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Reviver Records hot country duo LOCASH are No. 1 on Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck with “I Know Somebody!” LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust also delivered infectious energy when they performed the smash hit during “The Talk” on CBS today. “After our tough journey, there’s nothing more beautiful than this view from the top. Thank you to Country Radio, Our Fans and Our Team for what you’ve done for us! Y’all made this happen!” Preston Brust said. “We’re so thankful for this No.1 and all of the support from our family, team and all of our friends at country radio! Of course, we couldn’t do any of this without our incredible fans.” Chris Lucas added. The nonstop duo continues their North American tour to promote THE FIGHTERS, which includes additional dates part of Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Tour. Rolling Stone Country recently profiled their headlining ‘Ones To Watch’ Tour with Reviver Records labelmate and hot newcomer Michael Tyler (tour dates below). BMLG Records Ryan Follese will also join LOCASH for select shows. I Know Somebody, follows their chart-topping, RIAA Gold-Certified I Love This Life. Both hits are included on their new album THE FIGHTER , their first full-length project with Reviver Records. I Know Somebody has already racked up more than 16 million streams and sold more than 133,000 units. The I Know Somebody video is currently on CMT and Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown.

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