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Chase Rice Presented With Pandora Billionaire Plaque

Just hours after releasing brand-new song “Way Down Yonder,” multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Chase Rice was surprised at SiriusXM The Highway’s “Music Row Happy Hour” with a plaque commemorating his Pandora Billionaire status. The milestone commemorates over 1.5 billion streams on the platform, and Rice has been added to Pandora’s Country Billionaires Radio in celebration of the honor. “Throughout my career, now matter where we were at with touring or radio success, our incredible fans have consistently streamed the music,” shared the man praised by American Songwriter as “one of country music’s most intriguing and lasting acts” in response to the honor. “This is a testament to those fans and their love of country music. They’re why we keep pushing ourselves and why we’re so excited to share new songs with them now.” Rice quickly moved from one celebration to the next, making his way up Broadway to kick off the night’s Rock N’ Roll Cowboy tour stop at Bridgestone Arena. In addition to his chart-topping hits including “Eyes On You” and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” plus fellow Platinum-certified favorites “Ready Set Roll” and “Lonely If You Are,” Rice also treated fans to a live performance of the just-released song. Written by Rice together with Hunter Phelps, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass and Corey Crowder during a writing retreat in Florida that also produced recent release “Key West & Colorado,” the song paints a vivid picture of hardworking characters living beyond the confines of the law: Way down yonder where the outlaws wander You can feel that thunder in your bones Rippin’ hot rod runners under moonlight cover Just some back glass gunners on the road Where you buy your bud with your moonshine money Make your love where the bees make honey When the cut’s where you’re born and raised Man it’s in your blood, we were born this way down yonder “When we wrote this song, I had the mountains of North Carolina where I grew up in mind; all the moonshining history there in the Appalachians,” recalls Rice. “Then all of a sudden during the recording process, Rob McNelley started playing this crazy carnival sound on the acoustic… and it got Western quick. That turned it from a song I didn’t think was even going to make the cut for this next album into one of my favorite songs on the project.” The song and accompanying music video, shot in a single take as a time period piece at Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District, previews a new sound embodying Rice’s next musical era. His forthcoming album, recorded during a two-week period alongside producer Oscar Charles and a live band at Rice’s farm outside Nashville, used makeshift recording environment to capture a pure, raw style unlike any of his previous studio projects. The shift in setting suited the set of more vulnerable, personal music from the man Billboard celebrates as “having storytelling details tumble from his lips, his portraits created quickly and efficiently,” with CMT noting, “The vocalist worked day in and day out to find the courage to knock down the wall he had kept up his entire career. Once he demolished the barricade holding him back, he left his heart and soul on the writing table.”

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C2C announces 2023 line up!

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Celebrating a decade of bringing country to the masses, C2C, Europe’s biggest country music festival, is back for 2023!!!!! Country to Country has established itself as the annual destination to see some of the world’s best country artists and future stars. The festival is set to bring yet another incredible line up to The O2 London, 3Arena Dublin and The OVO Hydro, Glasgow from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 March 2023. To celebrate 10 years of C2C, world-renowned superstars Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett and Lady A have been confirmed to headline 2023’s festival. They will be joined by Nashville’s hottest and most buzzed about artists Midland, Jordan Davis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Lainey Wilson and Mitchell Tenpenny alongside prolific performers Lindsay Ell and Matt Stell. CMA’s international series Introducing Nashville also returns which sees exciting, emerging newcomers share the mainstage for an acoustic set, recalling stories behind their tracks. Further special guests will be announced soon. In London the unstoppable Breland will open C2C on the Friday night and will co-host the festival across the weekend with the legendary Bob Harris OBE who said: “I am proud to have been the main stage compere at Country to Country in London since the inaugural event in 2013. It was an exciting and history-making moment and it’s been incredible to see C2C get bigger and bigger every year since, to become the centrepiece of the Anglo/American Country calendar – the UK’s biggest Country music weekend. It’s an amazing story and I am thrilled and honoured to be hosting the artists on the main stage again in 2023. Even better, I’ll be joined in the spotlight by my friend Breland, whose career has literally gone stratospheric since the release of his first music only three years ago. I cannot wait to see the incredible performers playing at the festival this year and I am so much looking forward to reuniting with the fabulous fans who make our Country Music community so special.” Since its inaugural event in 2013 headlined by Tim McGraw and Carrie Underwood at The O2 London, Country to Country has grown to a three-day multi-arena event featuring the best in country music and programming which fans have come to love and expect, with tens of thousands in attendance each year. Not only does C2C feature performances from the world’s best country stars it also showcases the best of emerging talent from Nashville, UK and Europe. Jack Dowling, C2C Festival Director said: “Country to Country is delighted to be bringing back the finest in US talent to the UK and Ireland. In our 10th year C2C keeps going from strength to strength. We’d like to thank our fantastic partners AEG Presents, the CMA and BBC Radio 2 who continue to help us deliver the best event and of course, more importantly our passionate fans. Country to Country would not be what it is without you. See you all for C2C 2023!” Chris York, C2C Festival Co-Founder and Director at SJM Concerts commented: “As founder of C2C, it is incredible to see the event moving into its 10th year. A testament to the wonderful support of all artists, managers and agents who continue to believe in the power of country outside of North America. We have to thank our amazing event partners BBC Radio 2, the CMA and lastly the fans – who continue to drive the event forward and challenge us to keep moving forward. That’s what makes doing this worthwhile.” “C2C is a tentpole event for our industry and our Country Music community.” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As we see Country Music continue to expand on a global scale, it’s events like C2C that are pivotal in maintaining that forward momentum, promoting music discovery, broadening the fan base and demonstrating the growth of Country Music internationally. We are thrilled to be partnering with C2C again this year and look forward to the event in March!” The C2C Spotlight Stage will also be back so watch out for news of the full line up in the coming months.

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Walker Hayes and Ciara release “Y’all Life”

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Monument Records’ singer/songwriter and country music sensation Walker Hayes enlists GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter and superstar Ciara for a special version of his current single “Y’all Life.” The irresistible track adds a new layer of excitement as Ciara chimes in with a verse of her own. Stream “Y’all Life (feat. Ciara)” HERE.“Y’all Life” is a quintessential song about the easy-going, loosened-up way of life in the south. Originally released in August, the track was Hayes’ highest streaming debut to date – no small feat for an artist that has accumulated over a billon career streams and had the No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for over six months last year.After kicking off his headlining arena tour this fall, Hayes began playing “Y’all Life” to sold-out crowds across the country. A crowd favorite, he quickly realized how much fun it would be to add a second voice to the track, one who could offer another perspective on growing up in the south. Having met pop superstar Ciara last year while performing on Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin’ Eve, he knew he had to collaborate with her someday.No stranger to pop and hip hop influences in his music, Hayes has always embraced other genres. It’s a style that Billboard praised as “personal soul-bearing storylines; rolling rhymes; and Macklemore-like cadence.” So it was a no brainer for him to ask the pop sensation if she would jump on the track.“Ciara is not only one of the most talented artists in the business, she’s one of the nicest” says Hayes. “When I got the crazy idea that she may want to write a new verse for ‘Y’all Life’ I definitely said a few prayers that she would say yes. She adds the perfect perspective to the track…and some much-needed swag.” Written by Hayes, with Pete Good and Josh Jenkins, as well as “Country Grammar” writers Cornell Haynes Jr. (Nelly) and Jason Epperson, and produced by Hayes with Joe Thibodeau and multi-GRAMMY Award winner Shane McAnally, “Y’all Life” officially adds Ciara to the writer credits.The GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter, originally from Texas, knows the importance of Football and Jesus in the south. On the track she sings “it ain’t nothin better than them Sunday night lights every night,” while adding her impeccable vocals to the chorus that sings “livin’ that y’all life, y’all’ rollin’ in the south where it’s all football and Jesus.”“I’m a southern girl and have always felt a connection to country music,” says Ciara. “When I met Walker I immediately knew I wanted to work with him. Beyond his incredible song writing, he has an amazing stage presence.”Tonight, Hayes is being honored by CMT as a “CMT Artist of the Year” alongside Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson and Carly Pearce. The iconic network celebrates five artists who have collectively dominated the past 12 months in country music with an awards show that will premiere on CMT at 9PM ET/8PM CT. Ciara and Hayes will open the show with a performance of “Y’all Life (feat. Ciara),” debuting the collaboration to a national audience.

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Cody Johnson most nominated country artist for AMA’s

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

One of the hottest rising stars in country music who was recently named as one of the 2022 CMT Artists Of The Year, Cody Johnson, received three nominations today for the upcoming 2022 American Music Awards (AMAs). Cody leads as the most nominated artist in the country genre categories – Favorite Male Country Artist, Favorite Country Album (Human The Double Album), and Favorite Country Song (“’Til You Can’t”). The nominations are Cody’s first-ever for the AMAs. The 2022 American Music Awards will air live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m. EST/PST, 7 p.m. CST on ABC. “This feat goes to all the passionate #COJONation fans who buy and stream the music, come to the shows, and engage with us on every level. They have helped us pave the way we want to go with my brand of Country Music. I’m eternally grateful,” said Cody. Fan voting is now open via VoteAMAs.com. The “2022 American Music Awards” winners are voted entirely by fans. Tomorrow Cody perform his new single “Human” from Human The Double Album this Friday, October 14 at 9p/8c on the 2022 “CMT Artists Of The Year.”

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WATCH: New video from Willie Nelson

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

A live performance video and track, “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” from Willie Nelson’s upcoming release throughLegacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, Willie Nelson Live At Budokan is available now. Willie Nelson Live At Budokan, the first official album release of Willie’s epic performance at the fabled Nippon Budokan in 1984 will be released on Friday, November 18 and available in digital and 2CD/1DVD configurations and may be pre-ordered HERE. A 2LP 12″ vinyl pressing of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan will also be available exclusively at independent record stores as part of Record Store Day’s Black Friday event on November 25. Watch the first clip from the release as Willie & Family tackle “Good Hearted Woman,” a song that Willie co-wrote with Waylon Jennings. Watch HERE While Willie Nelson Live At Budokan has been previously officially available as a LaserDisc in Japan (which is now long-out-of-print with low-grade bootleg copies treasured by collectors), this legendary concert performance of Willie, and his backing Family band, firing on all cylinders is enjoying its first official widespread release this fall. A broadcast edition of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan is part of special programming premiering on PBS stations beginning Saturday, November 26, 2022 (check local listings). Produced by Willie’s longtime harmonica player Mickey Raphael (whose production credits include Naked Willie and The Highwaymen box set) and mixed by Tony Castle, Willie Nelson Live At Budokan has been sonically upgraded to showcase the American pop-country icon and his ensemble in Tokyo for the first time, connecting with an audience of Japanese and ex-pat fans through the universal power, truth and beauty of the music in Willie’s repertoire. Willie’s ensemble that night (February 23, 1984) featured his sister Bobbie Nelson on piano, Paul English on drums, Grady Martin on guitar, Jody Payne on vocals and guitar, Bee Spears on bass and Mickey Raphael on harmonica. The new production and mix of Willie Nelson Live At Budokan offers fans a front row seat at one of Willie’s most exciting shows during an historic period in his career. Among his autobiographical works, Willie has co-authored books about his band members including Sister Bobbie: True Tales of the Family Band (2020) and the much-anticipated Me and Paul: Untold Tales of a Fabled Friendship (2022), which was released through Harper Horizon on September 20. Willie’s drummer, Paul English, passed away, at age 87, on February 11, 2020. His beloved Sister Bobbie passed away, at age 91, on March 10, 2022. In his notes for this release, Willie says, “I believe that music, not only country music, but I believe that music is a great communicator. I think that it crosses all boundaries and I think that the people, regardless of whether they understand what I’m saying or not, they would feel what I’m saying and they will hear it in whatever language they are listening. I think that is the great thing about music.”

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WATCH: What He Didn’t Do – Carly Pearce

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Reigning ACM/CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of The Year Carly Pearce delivers a reflective new music video for her latest GOLD-certified single “What He Didn’t Do.” Deeming the song “one of many diary-like anthems that embodies Pearce’s strength and pure storytelling soul,” CMT premiered the stunning visual ahead of her Artist of the Year honor on Friday (14/10) at 9:00P ET / 8:00P CT on CMT. Filmed just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, director Alexa Campbell helped Pearce close a significant, final chapter in her ‘29’ story that “brought her country music career to new heights” (CMT).

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Stage Thinbody Nylon Acoustic/Electric by Cordoba

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, News / Rochelle Mills

The first time I played Cordoba’s new Stage Thinbody Nylon Acoustic/Electric guitar was at the Namm show in Anaheim, California this summer and I was impressed with the prototype then. One of the inherent challenges with a Nylon string Classical guitar is their tendency to feedback with played on stage at higher volumes. Cordoba has had the Stage guitar in development for years to combat these exact issues, whilst still achieving true nylon string guitar sounds. Besides the super thin chambered body what shines through most about the Stage guitar are its electronics. Co-designed with Fishman the blend knob on the guitar allows you to blend the under-saddle transducer pickup with an interior microphone pickup. This helps to capture a very realistic miced classical guitar sound. And if preferred you can use one of the pickups exclusively, but to my ear a blending of the two sounds the best. The stunning Edgeburst finished flamed maple veneer is layered on top of a spruce wood top on the Stage guitar. The rest of the body is crafted from mahogany for warmth and resonance. The neck profile is thinner than most Classical necks making it easier for players that are comfortable with electric guitar necks to navigate. It features a pau ferro fingerboard on a 3-piece Cordoba Fusion mahogany neck. The soft cutaway affords full access up the neck for soloing and chord inversions. Access to the battery compartment is on the back of the guitar. Dial in your perfect amplified sound with volume, EQ and Body Blend controls on the top. The three slotted sound holes on the top bout of the body are also mirrored in mother of pearl on the top of the headstock. There are no fret markers on the fretboard, but Cordoba has provided side markers on the neck. The beveled heal to body attachment makes playing all the way up the neck a true joy and totally comfortable. This is a semi-hollow body guitar, so it is much thinner than your typical nylon string or Classical guitar, but that also makes it more resistant to feedback. The Cordoba machine heads, and bone nut are nice details that are functional and look great on the Stage guitar. The included Cordoba gig bag is made from recycled nylon, so you can be environmentally conscious while you travel to your next gig.

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iRig Pro Quattro I/O Mixer & Interface

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, News / Rochelle Mills

IK Multimedia’s new iRig Pro Quattro I/O has many applications and an abundance of connectivity in one compact device. It can be used for mobile field recordings, podcasting, broadcast video and streaming where you want more control over your audio. On the top portion of the iRig Pro Quattro you have the LED meters at the top, four volume controls for the mics/inputs, a headphone level and line out level control. The four microphone inputs (two on the front and two on side) will accept XLR or ¼” inputs. For condenser mics there is a 48V switch for both pairs of channels plus 2 x RCA inputs ana 3.5mm line in for channels ¾. On the left side of the Quattro, we have Midi in and out, headphone output and 2 x XLR balanced outputs for channels one and two for stereo. At the bottom there is (V DC, USB power and a host plug in or you can power the Quattro with the included AA batteries. A connector clip is included for the back of the device so you can mount it on a stand or video camera for easier control and cables are included too. The iRig Pro Quattro I/O can interface with your iPhone, iPad, Mac/PC or Android devices. It also includes free software such as AmpliTube 5 SE, T-RackS 5 SE and two other titles of your choice. The Quattro is an incredible tool for making your audio sound better, use of multiple microphones and inputs simultaneously and total controlling on mixing the audio to one or more output devices. Other single channel interfaces on the market are limited on control and only provide a single output option. The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is a handheld portable mixer/interface that provides total control of your mics and audio so that levels are balanced, and sound quality is superior. If you are streaming your performances on social media or your website the Quattro can make you sound much better than the built in microphones on smartphones, tablets or computers. But keep in mind the microphones are not included you must still provide those. Podcasters this is one device that will let you mix yourself and three other quests at the same time. The iRig Pro Quattro I/O is an amazing audio tool that is cost effective for all it does!

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Donner Seeker DST-400 Electric Guitar

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle, News / Rochelle Mills

Donner released their new Seeker series DST-400 solid body electric guitar and Maverick Country got their hands on one of these budget friendly instruments. The body is made of Alder which we haven’t seen in a reasonably priced S style guitar in a bit. The finish is a translucent green/black that still allows the wood grain to peek through. The DST-400 shines in the electronics division with a single coil, single coil, humbucker configuration. The extra tones come from the 2nd tone knob which is a push/pull allowing 7 different tone selections plus a 5-way switch for standard pickup choices. The push/pull knob changes the pickups to three single coil pickups when pulled upward and when pushed down you have the single/single/humbucker setting. The neck profile is a thin “C” and is made of maple with an Indian Laurel wood fretboard. Hardware on the Seeker DST-400 guitar is chrome with adjustable saddles, 2-point tremolo and tremolo arm. The tuners are vintage style, and the guitar input is standard angled S style like you would expect. The body on the Donner has been very well shaped and sanded with no rough edges or edgy contours. The guitar includes a guitar cable, guitar strap and gig bag. Although it is a bit on the heavy side at 5.86kg we must expect this with an Alder wood body and the return is more sustain in notes. The Donner Seeker DST-400 surprised me with its’ playability right out of the box. If you are wanting to add an S style electric guitar to your instrument selection but are on a budget, then you should definitely consider the Seeker DST-400. Donner has provided a nicely crafted electric guitar with plenty of tonal choices that can fit anyone’s playing style.

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Ewan Macfarlane to release ‘Milk’

Leave a Comment / News / Rochelle Mills

Former Apollo 440 and Grim Northern Social frontman – EWAN MACFARLANE will release his keenly anticipated new solo album on 28 October, via Royale Stag Records. Ewan Macfarlane’s life is one that has been lived to the max. He was being managed by Bill Curbishley (The Who) when a quick visit to see Apollo 440 in the studio resulted in a creative connection with the group that lasted some 20+ years. Their time together ended when he played his final show with them in front of 30,000 people in Seville. During that time, he won further acclaim with the rootsy rock ‘n’ roll and searing soul of The Grim Northern Social. After Seville, Ewan re-emerged out of the blue with the Petty/Springsteen style of his highly acclaimed debut solo album ‘Always Everlong’ in 2021. And continuing that prolific solo spell with barely a breather in-between, he’s already preparing its follow-up for release less than a year later: ‘Milk’. A record that finds an artist pushing himself into new territory and throwing another fascinating curveball, ‘Milk’ is unlike anything Ewan has made before. Fourteen songs ultimately dedicated to his soulmate, Jo; they collectively make for an album that explores love and all of the roller-coaster notions that come with it. As Ewan explains: “‘Milk’ is a concept album all about the same woman, my wife Jo. I suppose a modern take on a love album, with twists and turns. It’s about all the highs and lows of love, lust and passion, and one that I believe many people will relate to. For me personally it’s the best piece of work I’ve done to date. Everything about this record just flowed from start to finish with regards to the process. I’m very proud of the product.” Nestled amongst songs of love, there are numerous references to Ewan’s other burning passion: music. Referencing greats old and new, from interstellar trailblazers like Ziggy Stardust (“Love & The Lonely”) to Scottish risers The Snuts (“Won’t Stop Burnin’), there’s even a song that pays gentle homage to the genius of Al Green (“When Al Green Sings”). While still rooted in the Americana touchstones of his debut, flashes of The Replacements, Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys, Rodriguez, Aerosmith, The Clash and Lucero are all detectable in its heady mix; a testament to an artist with an enthusiasm for rock music in all its eclectic and energising forms. With his persistent, near-obsessive approach to making music still his driving force, Ewan began writing and recording new material almost immediately after the release of his acclaimed debut ‘Always Everlong’. Honing this new clutch of songs almost relentlessly since, the resultant record, ‘Milk’, was recorded, produced and performed almost exclusively from his Royale Stag studio at home in Scotland. With additional bass parts added by Andy McCafferty, the record was given its final mix by friend and bandmate Ashley Krajewski (of Apollo 440) and mastered by Chris Pavey. Honest, humbling and often humorous songs that, like love, reveal more the better you get to know them; ‘Milk’ will be released on 28 October 2022, via Royale Stag Records.

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