12 August 2020

Rising Nashville artist Hailey Whitters has treated her fans to a delicate, piano version of her hit single, Dream, Girl. You can watch the video below. [wpdevart_youtube]RsKphjDNm3I[/wpdevart_youtube] In addition to the piano release, Whitters has also announced a ‘Live In Studio Sessions’ series, which has been kickstarted by the release of Dream, Girl. Speaking about the series, Whitters explained that it was a way to reconnect with her band, who she had missed tremendously as a result of lockdown, while also explaining that the piano take on Dream, Girl was very natural and didn’t prove to be promlematic at all. “I miss the road and my band immensely,” Whitters explained. “The ‘Live In Studio Sessions’ were a way for us to all regroup and play music together – safely social distancing, of course. “With COVID-19 disrupting touring, we also saw this as an opportunity to deliver these songs in a live setting to fans. I hope it helps curb the ache of live music during this strange time. “Reimagining Dream, Girl felt very effortless and natural. We chose to make it piano-driven while still maintaining some of the ‘80s guitar elements. “It took it to a whole new dimension and depth. The lyrics are able to settle in even more so than before and feel more vulnerable, yet still empowering.” Recently, Hailey Whitters was awarded the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Rising Nashville Artist of the Year award.

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) will be releasing a special, star studded cover of the classic Willie Nelson hit ‘On the Road Again’ on August 13. The cover of the song features a plethora of country music’s brightest talents, including Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Riley Green, Caylee Hammack, Cody Johnson, Tenille Townes and Morgan Wallen – all of whom will be joined by Nelson on the track. Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins both produced the single. All proceeds from the song will benefit the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Relief Fund, which will then subsequently be disbursed to those in the country music community who are in dire need of assistance as a result of the pandemic. Speaking about the track, Damon Whiteside, CEO of the ACM, expressed his pride at being able to work with both Nelson and the 10 stars for the single, while also thanking them all for their efforts for what is a fantastic cause. “The Academy is honoured to work with Willie Nelson and all 10 ACM Awards New Artist Nominees to create a new contemporary version of the classic ‘On the Road Again (ACM Lifting Lives Edition)’ that is so poignant for our current times,” Whiteside said. “This is a powerful way to showcase so many of our newer and fast-rising artists alongside one of our genre’s most legendary artists and iconic songs of all time. “It feels very appropriate that this event will raise much needed funds for our Country Music industry members in financial crisis through our ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund. “A huge thank you to the artists, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins as well as our friends at Warner Music Nashville for donating their time to this important project.”

Emma Swift has whipped up anticipation of the release of her upcoming record by unveiling the video to her recent single You’re a Big Girl Now. You can see the video below. [wpdevart_youtube]ejmLQiMMRVA[/wpdevart_youtube] Swift will be releasing her new solo album ‘Blonde on the Tracks’ – an album composed of Bob Dylan covers – on August 14, with the record being produced by Patrick Sansone from Wilco. The album can be pre-ordered here. Speaking about the video for the song, Swift opened up on how it was a homage to one of her favourite graphic designers in Milton Glaser, who sadly passed away a few months ago. “This animated clip was created as a loving tribute to graphic designer Milton Glaser, who died in June this year,” Swift said. “His bold and fabulous designs have inspired so many and his iconic 1967 Dylan poster is a favourite of mine. “As artists, no matter what field we’re working in, we’re always in search of what Glaser famously coined the ‘wow’ factor. His colourful, surrealistic vision was more than ‘wow’ though, it was revolutionary. “From his famous ‘I Heart NY’ logo to the spectacular closing credits for the final season of ‘Mad Men’, Glaser left behind a tremendously inspiring visual legacy and I am forever a fan.”

The Country Music Association (CMA) have revealed that Marty Stuart, Hank Williams Jr. and Dean Dillon will be the 2020 inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Stuart will be going into the Hall of Fame under the ‘Modern Era Artist’ category, Williams Jr. will be going in as a ‘Veterans Era Artist, while Dillon will be entering under the ‘Songwriter’ category. Speaking about the inductees, Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said that she was overjoyed to be able to welcome the three into the Hall of Fame and while the pandemic has put a halt to this taking place at a ceremony in person, she is hopeful that it can bring positivity to the genre. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Dean, Marty and Hank Jr. into the unbroken circle and honour this revered milestone,” Trahern said. “I’m sad we can’t toast this year’s class in person at the Country Music Hall of Fame, but I hope this news can bring some joy and cause for celebration during this time that our world has turned upside down. “In particular, our hearts are with Hank and his family following the recent loss of his daughter, Katherine.” In normal circumstances, the CMA would host a press conference in the rotunda of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, but alas that cannot happen this year. However, a formal induction ceremony for the trio will take place, with details on that to come as and when.

Lindsay Ell will be embarking on a 24 hour live stream on her Instagram in support of her upcoming album ‘heart theory’, which is due for release on August 14. You can pre-order the album here. At 11pm CT (5am BST), the Canadian star will be taking to her Instagram account for a whole day, bringing special guests on with her, performing songs from the record, explaining individual songs in more detail and plenty of other surprises as she seeks to make it a memorable launch. The launch date will spark a very hectic few days for Ell, who will also be performing her new single wAnt me back on NBC Today from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on August 17. The track was the number one most added song upon its release and continues to make a dent in the country charts stateside. While the pandemic has naturally halted any touring plans, 2020 has still been a very productive and fruitful year for Lindsay Ell, who has also been nominated for New Female of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards. In addition to that, her song with Brantley Gilbert – What Happens in a Small Town – is also nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the ACM Awards, on top of being Ell’s first Number One song.