CMP: When did you first get your start in music?

SC: Music has always been apart of my life. I started playing in a garage band in High School and now I’ve been at this for almost 20 years.

CMP: How is what your doing now different from past music you’ve released?

SC: I’ve always tried to connect my music to something, but I’ve just put so much more behind the lyrics in this album. This single now, “Still Fighting the War,” has so much emotion behind it and really addresses the plight of those returning from war and struggling to readjust to society.

CMP: This single is also benefiting a major cause connected with the Military and their families, can you tell us some more about that?

SC: Yes, all proceeds from each purchase of the single go directly to a cause called Operation Homefront. When I first started putting together this record I really wanted to give something back to what influenced it and this is just such a great cause, and really helps families and service members with whatever they need.

CMP: How has the response been from the service men and women that this single/album is really geared towards?

SC: You know in this career there really is no handbook and I’ve learned to be critical on myself and the music I’m putting out there, but to have a US Soldier come up to you and say how much they connected with your song, it makes everything worth it. Only 10% of the country is made up of Military and my hope is that this album will really reach them, and also reach the many others who are not directly affected, but need to know what is going on.

CMP: Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your career?

SC: That would definitely be my wife. For 19 years she has done everything from booking shows, to paying the band, to selling T –shirts, and I really don’t know what I’d do without her. We both have a lot riding on this new album and we really want it to do well.

CMP: What’s coming up for you with the release of your album? Are you touring?

SC: Lots of interviews and radio debuts preparing for the tour. I’ll be touring throughout Texas, then up through the East Coast and Southwest until we head across the pond to do some international dates. Slaid Cleaves Tour

He may be more folk than country but an artist like Slaid Cleaves is one in a million. His music is inspiring, his sound is unique, and his album will undoubtedly be a hit. To buy Slaid’s new album and/or download his single “Still Fighting the War” and donate to Operation Homefront today please visit: Album / Single Download

It may have been a record high of 107° in the SoCal desert, but that didn’t stop country fans from having the best weekend of their lives. Between the Mustang and Mane stages the amount of talent that performed at this year’s Stagecoach was unbelievable. Boots on and beers up the famous 3-day festival was once again a packed venue filled with dedicated fans and some of the craziest people I’ve ever seen. First night headliner, Toby Keith’s hit “I Love This Bar,” was actually the perfect description of the crowd… there were lots of short skirts, it had high-tecs, blue-collar boys and rednecks, and it had lovers, lots of lookers (shout out to those Cowboys in the American Speedos), and I definitely saw dancing girls and hookers (shout out to that Cowgirl wearing JUST leather chaps). Indio, CA, you pulled it of again, great music, great fun, and great memories for another year – if you didn’t get a chance to attend here’s a little recap of what you missed…

Day 1 – Welcome to Heaven

The first day kicked off with everyone anxious to get the party started. With some different rules this year fans were unsure of what to expect, but the venue did not disappoint. There seemed to be more vendors, more cold beer, more water and medical tents (for those who drank too much cold beer), and definitely more country music. Performances by Maggie Rose, Old Crow Medicine Show, Joe Nichols, Trace Adkins, Hank Williams Jr., and Toby Keith were the highlights of Friday and totally started the weekend off right. “I Ain’t Your Mama” singer Maggie Rose dominated the Mane stage, setting the bar so high that the pressure was on for all acts following her throughout the weekend – her set was that good. But, veterans like Joe Nichols, Trace Adkins, and Hank Williams Jr. had no problems stepping into the Mane spotlight and rocking the house with their individual fan-favorites. Nearby, powerhouse group Old Crow Medicine Show ignited the Mustang Stage with their insane amount of energy and musical talent. Closing out the night was Mr. Proceed to Party, Toby Keith, who let everyone know how the weekend was going to go down … Ragecoach. Playing every possible drinking song he’s ever written, as well as American Pride favorites “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” and “American Soldier,” Toby Keith was the official welcome committee to the pearly gates of Country Music Heaven, and the fun had only just begun.

Day 2 – Loving Limbo

As the sun rose on the second day of Stagecoach, we were all ready for round 2. Arriving at the venue and setting up to listen to even more amazing performers, we all couldn’t wait for acts like Jana Kramer, Phil Vassar, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, and Lady Antebellum to take the stage. Probably the most full day of action, the festival hosted some of the best fan-driven entertainment I’ve ever experienced at a concert. Toyota debuted their all-new 2014 4Runner by displaying it inside an old-fashioned circus cage. The vehicle grabbed concertgoers’ attention and really had them excited when Dierks Bentley hopped on stage to perform on behalf of Toyota and the luxury SUV. Also happening on Saturday, the world-famous BBQ competition gave fans a taste of country with all of the best, mouthwatering, comfort food you could eat. Interactive games and family activities boasted things for all-ages to do, but ultimately it was all about the music. Hitting the Mane stage first was the beautiful and talented, future Mrs. Gilbert, Jana Kramer. (I just have to say, I’ve seen this girl perform 4 times now and I continue to be blown away). Her talent far exceeds any new singer and she did Stagecoach very proud. Following the young singer, icon Phil Vassar played an incredible set, singing songs that I didn’t even know he had written – it was a treat to see him live. Rodney Atkins, a true countryman, was right in his element on stage in front of thousands and thousands of cowboy hats swaying and jamming to each of his hits. Closing out Saturday night, Lady A kept fans on their feet and dancing late into the night. They have such an incredible stage presence that it is hard not to feel like you’re part of the band … that, and the fact that I’m pretty sure everyone in the crowd knew every word to every song they played – even their new song, “Golden,” didn’t know the words (yet) but we all still tried to sing along, that’s how good they are. I skipped over Dierks Bentleys Mane stage performance because the guy deserves an extra special shout out. His musical talent goes way beyond just being a country singer, and if he had been the only performer all weekend I would have listened to him for 3 days straight. “Tip it on Back” is definitely one of my favorite songs and hearing it live was incredible. Everyone I talked to told me Dierks was their favorite act of the whole weekend and I couldn’t agree more. By the end of the second day we’d consumed more music (and of course more beer) and had fallen into a prime state of country music limbo.

Day 3 – At Least They Serve Beer in Hell

107° in the middle of the desert, with little to no shade, and thousands of people walking around … kind of sounds like Hell, but to try and loosely quote Sunday performers, The Charlie Daniels Band and their hit “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” in a way that applies to Stagecoach… “My name’s (SJ) and it might be a sin, but I’ll make you a bet, if you weren’t there you’ll regret, ‘cause it was the best it’s ever been!” Seriously, when you have performers like The Charlie Daniels Band, Florida Georgia Line, Riders in the Sky, Thompson Square, Darius Rucker, Katey Sagal and the Forest Rangers, and Zac Brown Band, even the hottest day in Hell couldn’t ruin a lineup like that. In fact, when the heat turned up so did the party – the beer was colder, the music was louder, and the crowd was larger. Everyone on Sunday made the most of the third and final day and it couldn’t have been more spectacular. In the peak of the heat, Florida Georgia Line “rolled (their) windows down” and cooled off the crowd with their hit, “Cruise”. The 30 + year career veterans, Riders in the Sky brought the twang with their classic songs and comedy. Thompson Square brought together some love connections in the audience while singing recently dubbed #1 “If I Didn’t Have You,” and also showed off some new music. Darius Rucker, entertainer extraordinaire and Stagecoach veteran, played an incredible set and even went a little old school with some Hootie and the Blowfish. Lots of Sons of Anarchy fans (like myself) were in the audience to catch Katey Sagal a.k.a. Gemma Teller and the Forest Rangers on the Mustang stage, singing raw rocker country songs like “Gimme Shelter” and SOA theme song, “This Life.” Last, but certainly not least, Zac Brown Band, who are not only some of the nicest guys, but some of the most talented, played an amazing, AMAZING set and closed out a phenomenal weekend. From front stage to way up above the crowd on the Ferris wheel, I got to hear every angle of Zac Brown Band’s performance and couldn’t have been more impressed. These guys are truly an incredible group of talent and no one could have ended the show the way they did.

All in all, writing this recap only makes me more excited for Stagecoach next year, but I’m not really sure how they will top this one. Always impressive and always fun, I will attend this festival for as long as I can. Forget about rules and regulations and focus on the music, this venue is top notch and hosts the best artists in country music. The whole experience is truly a positive experience… and I’m really not complaining about the fact that I couldn’t camp this year, or the fact that my best friend convinced me to walk 4 miles to our hotel because we couldn’t get a cab. It’s always an adventure at Stagecoach and that’s what makes it memorable. Can’t wait for 2014! Let the countdown begin!!

Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died Friday, April 26, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.

Born September 12, 1931, Jones is regarded among the most important and influential singers in American popular music history. He was the singer of enduring country music hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Grand Tour,” “Walk Through This World With Me,” “Tender Years” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” the latter of which is often at the top of industry lists of the greatest country music singles of all time.

“A singer who can soar from a deep growl to dizzying heights, he is the undisputed successor of earlier natural geniuses such as Hank Williams and Lefty Frizzell,” wrote Bob Allen in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s “Encyclopedia of Country Music.”

Jones was born in Saratoga, Texas, and he played on the streets of Beaumont for tips as a teenager. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps before returning to Texas and recording for the Starday label in Houston, Texas. In 1955, his “Why Baby Why” became his first Top 10 country single, peaking at number four and beginning a remarkable commercial string: Jones would ultimately record more than 160 charting singles, more than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music.

Jones’ first number one hit came in 1959 with “White Lightning,” a Mercury Records single that topped Billboard country charts for five weeks. He moved on to United Artists and then to Musicor, notching hits including “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race Is On,” “A Good Year for the Roses” and “Walk Through This World With Me.”

Jones signed with Epic Records in 1971 and worked with producer Billy Sherrill to craft a sound at once elegant and rooted, scoring with “The Grand Tour,” “Bartenders Blues” and many more. Sherrill also produced duets between Jones and his then-wife Tammy Wynette, and in the 1970s they scored top-charting hits including “We’re Gonna Hold On,” “Golden Ring” and “Near You.”

By the time “Golden Ring” and “Near You” hit in 1976, Jones and Wynette were divorced, and Jones was battling personal demons. His solo career cooled until 1980, when he recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” a ballad penned by Curly Putman and Bobby Braddock that helped Jones win Country Music Association prizes for best male vocal and top single. “He Stopped Loving Her Today” revived a flagging career, and Jones won the CMA’s top male vocalist award in 1980 and 1981. He also earned a Grammy for best male country vocal performance.

In 1983, Jones married the former Nancy Ford Sepulvado. The union, he repeatedly said, began his rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol and prolonged his life. He signed with MCA Records in 1990 and began a successful run, and he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992. His guest vocal on Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Seem To Miss Me” won a CMA award for top vocal event in 1998, and it became his final Top 20 country hit.

In 1999, Jones nearly died in a car wreck, but he recovered and resumed touring and recording. He remained a force in music until his death, playing hundreds of shows in the new century and collecting the nation’s highest arts award, the Kennedy Center Honor for lifetime achievement, in 2008. In late 2012, Jones announced his farewell tour, which was to conclude with a sold-out, star-packed show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 22, 2013. Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Rogers, Sam Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys and many others were set to perform at Jones’ Bridgestone show.

Jones is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Nancy Jones, his sister Helen Scroggins, and by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Forget waiting until December, in just 48 hours country fans will flock to the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, CA for something a million times better than Christmas… STAGECOACH. The famous 3-day festival will host country’s best artists from hot newcomers, Jana Kramer and Florida Georgia Line, to headliners, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, and Zac Brown Band. There were some reservations as to whether or not the new festival rules would affect this year’s experience, but presenting sponsors, Toyota and Bud Light have one BIG party planned for ticketholders. On Saturday, Toyota will debut their all-new 4Runner, marking the automaker’s first-ever public reveal at a major music festival. The 2014 SUV will get a special welcome to the stage by performer Dierks Bentley, who will also autograph six guitars for a sweepstakes taking place throughout the weekend. So, reservations aside, Toyota has undoubtedly made sure that this year’s Stagecoach is fan-“driven” (literally)… and yes, Bud Light will help ensure a good time too, but despite being co-sponsors please remember drinking and driving do not go together. Almost 50 acts hitting the stage, hundreds of vendors, a world-renowned BBQ contest, and of course the famous Ferris wheel all in beautiful Southern California, life doesn’t get much better for country fans. So get your boots on and see ya’ll this weekend…can’t wait to make this Stagecoach the best yet!

For the full lineup and set times visit: Stagecoach Festival 2013

YEE-HAW!

Photo Credit: Ed Rode

3 singer-songwriters, and just cool guys, are Danny Rivera, Fred Stallcup, and Thomas Hewlett who make up the very talented band, Sweetwater Rain. Also performing at this year’s Country Thunder in Arizona, I got to witness first hand the amount of strength these musicians have both vocally and instrumentally. Their current hit, “Starshine” is a true indication of the grasp they have on country music and their delivery is totally rock and roll. Watching these guy’s perform it was hard not to rush the stage and party with them, an idea that band-member, Fred responded to, saying “I wish everyone could have just come up on stage with us, we love to make it a party.” I had the chance to catch up with Sweetwater Rain and have to say how genuinely awesome these guys are. Quite the jokesters, the band told me about their experience at Country Thunder saying “next time we’re just going to perform in the campgrounds with everyone,” (something fans should watch out for if you’re going to the show in Wisconsin in July). In between laughs we also discussed their writing and co-writing with producer Anthony Smith, who the guys’ say is “a real talented songwriter and producer, when we first met (Smith) we knew we couldn’t pass up the chance to work with him.” Recording their first album, Thomas also says he and Danny are “so proud of Fred,” who is producing some of the tracks for the album himself (and learning Twitter). Fred told me that switching from musician to producer is difficult saying, “when you’re so attached to something it’s hard to make it perfect, you don’t want to cut anything out, and trying to decide what’s best for the album and not just for the band is really tough.” Sweetwater Rain definitely nailed it with their song “Starshine,” a track that the band says “gives a good mix of emotion,” and really “shows off their strengths” in instrumentals, harmonies, and vocals. They also added “it was so fun to make the video for that song, a little whimsical, a little weird, but also getting across a great message.” A new song that the band agrees is “needed at a time like this” (reflecting on the tragedies in both Boston and West Texas) is entitled “Pray for Me,” they went on to say how “important” it is for songs like this to be played and how “proud” they are of it, and their new album. Looking forward to my promised visit from Sweetwater Rain in Florida, and of course their new music and tour dates. *ON THE RECORD* these three guys are really incredible, and are going to do great, great things in country music… they already are! (and you can quote me on that @SweetwaterRain). Sweetwater Rain Official

2 of the best-looking and most-talented men in country music are Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker-Liles of Love & Theft. I know I don’t need to go on and on about how good they are, but I’m going to. Seeing these guys live is always a blast; they love what they do and continue to put out great music. Coming off an ACM Nomination (which they should’ve won,) “Running Out of Air” single, and starting their new tour with Brantley Gilbert and Tim McGraw in May, life for Love & Theft is a busy one. The duo tells me they also have a new single “If You Ever Get Lonely” that they are “real excited for,” as well as opening up for former American Idol winner, Phillip Phillips, a title they both agree, contestant Kree Harrison, should take home this season, saying “we love Kree, she works (or worked) in our favorite bar in Nashville and she’s just an awesome girl, we really hope she wins.” The guys also told me how much they love living in Nashville, calling it “their favorite town in the whole world!” … (But Stephen says he’s never been to Bora Bora though.) Love & Theft also shared with me their excitement for their first ever club dates on the west coast, saying “we’ve been doing this for 7 years and it’s weird that it’s taken this long but we couldn’t be more excited.” In discussing obstacles they’ve had to overcome as a duo, Eric says “the hardest thing to do is be patient, we have a lot of friends in this business and sometimes they’ll just shoot to the top and it’s hard not to get jealous of that, but we’ve been blessed with what we’ve been able to do and are continuing to do;” and Stephen added, “slow and steady wins the race, and we’re making legitimate fans that will be with us for the long haul, and we’re still doing it and we’ll keep doing it because of them.” These guys really are all about their fans, every performance they do is fun and enjoyable and to be able to see real talent really care about what they do is unmatched by a lot of other artists in not just country music but music in general. There is a lot Love & Theft have to look forward to but Stephen says he’s most excited for their new single, giving me the inside scoop that this track is “really different, it’s got a lot of emotion, and is personally my favorite mixed record on the album.” Both the guys are anxious to see how the track does, Eric noting that “timing is everything with these songs, and we really hope this one sails up the charts.” Speaking of sailing… I somehow got myself into a handshake-bound contract to go in on the future (long future) purchase of a yacht with both Eric and Stephen, and one of my best friends during the interview; but I know with the amount of success these guys are going to have they’ll be buying their own in no time. You can catch Love & Theft out on “the best tour (they’ve) ever been on” with their “idol” Tim McGraw kicking off in May in Birmingham, AL. Look out for their new single said to release sometime in June, and just keep these guys in your sights because they truly deserve all of the good things coming to them. Love & Theft Official

1 person could only win The X Factor and I am so glad it was Tate Stevens. From concrete cowboy to major recording artist, Stevens has been in popular demand these days. With his newest single “Holler if You’re With Me” blazing the big screen in a Pepsi commercial during the Grammy’s, and the release of his first debut album, which comes out tomorrow (April 23rd) it’s hard to imagine the whirlwind that has been Tate’s life since his big reality-show win. But, just like the gentleman he was on the FOX show, Tate says he has been nothing but “humbled” by this whole experience. The husband, father, musician (in that order) tells me “obviously things have changed but only for the better.” Despite his jump in popularity Stevens says he is still “not cool” in the eyes of his daughter, saying she still sees him as “plain old Dad,” but adds “I am cool to all of her friends though because I met One Direction.” He also told me a story about his son who constantly keeps him in check, saying “little things like asking for a bottle of water turns into ‘Tate Stevens can’t get his own water now?’” So it’s safe to say the Steven’s family has stayed pretty grounded even though “Dad” is a big star. Living in Kansas City, MO Tate says he has been “overwhelmed by the amount of support from his hometown,” and notes “they even painted the water tower for me, and I can’t tell you how much of an honor that was.” Stevens’ hometown also managed to sell out his first tour date in a matter of 29 minutes … not even 30. His album is something that is very near and dear to his heart, having had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with his “lifelong idol” Joe Diffie. Along with Diffie, Tate also worked with producer Blake Chancey and co-wrote 3 of the 11 songs on the album. Other notable contributors are Jeremy Bussey, Bradley Gaskin, and Marcus Franklin Johnson who are responsible for the single, “ Power of a Love Song,” a song which Tate says, “truly represents what type of artist he is and just gives a great message.” I had the chance to preview his new album and without giving away any spoilers I can tell you it’s going to be a hugely successful record. Artists like John Rich and David Lee Murphy also appear on some of the tracks and all in all it is a prime example of what country music should be. I look forward to seeing Tate live at Joyland (Bradenton FL) on May 2nd, and for all of his other tour dates and a really cool contest check out Tate Stevens Official.

So there you have it, 4 of the best acts to watch out for in country music. Seriously, if you haven’t already started downloading, pre-ordering, you-tubing their songs you have my permission to stop reading this and go check it out right now. Absolutely amazing things are happening for  all of the artists mentioned and as country music fans it is our job to go out and support each and every one of them. Buy your tickets and catch them on tour, and if you get the chance, just hang out with them… great musicians, and even better guys, country should be proud to have them in the family.

On night one, band Sweetwater Rain sang a soulful, crowd-stopping, version of their hit “Starshine,” and everyone in the audience got lost in the vocals of lead singer Danny Rivera. Rivera, who rocked his long locks despite the desert heat, got lots of love from thunder fans, as did guitarist, Fred Stallcup and bassist, Thomas Hewlett. These guys are definitely climbing in the country music scene and if their live performance was any indication of how talented they are, you can bet we’ll be seeing a lot of them in this next year.

Krystal Keith, Show Dog-Universal Music recording artist and the daughter of country megastar Toby Keith, releases her self-titled EP on April 16, 2013 a little ahead of the scheduled release of her upcoming debut album Whiskey & Lace. The early release comes after a surprise “Daddy Dance With Me” song co-written by Krystal in secret and played at her wedding to dance with her famous father spawned a reaction causing the label to advance an EP to make the song available for Father’s Day and summer weddings.

“It was a complete surprise,” Krystal says of the song she wrote with Mica Roberts and Sonya Rutledge for her own wedding. “I wanted a song that honored my dad and was something special on my wedding day. So I wrote and recorded it behind his back. The idea was to have a song that no bride and father had ever danced to before; it was my gift to him.”

Well, after hearing “Daddy Dance With Me”, all I can say is, no wonder Toby talked through the whole thing. It was probably the only way he could hold back the floodgates. Dang! the Big Dog Daddy has a sweet spot.

And that sweet spot has sass, songwriting skills and a set of pipes you can’t help but take big notice of.

Krystal’s Journey to the Mic . . .
Krystal grew up loving music and the industry. But she grew up right, with the right to follow her dreams and respect for what the road ahead will teach her. If you’re thinking Krystal was simply handed a record deal, think again.

“I started writing music when I was nine because I was taught that not everyone can perform and make it as a singer,” she says. “I started singing in competitions when I was 13 and did a lot of local and regional competitions. And I recorded my first demo when I was 17, just to get used to being in the studio, working with studio musicians and working in a vocal booth.”

Krystal made her national television debut in prime time as a teenager, singing “Mockingbird” with her father on the 2004 CMA Awards show. Despite widespread acclaim for her vocal abilities, she delayed the artist career she’d been working toward her whole life.

“My parents really wanted me to graduate college, and my dad said he’d help me get started at that point,” she explains. “So I went to the University of Oklahoma and got a degree in Communications with a Business emphasis. After graduation, I went full-time into working on my album.”

Krystal’s comfortable with a wide range of material which comes from an appreciation of the classics.

“I grew up on Patsy Cline, Skeeter Davis, KT Oslin and Willie Nelson,” she says.”I’m not sure I heard much current music until I got old enough to have my own car and radio.We had a vinyl player and every day I listened to the Big Bopper’s ‘Chantilly Lace’ probably seven times. I listened to every Patsy Cline song at least every other day. I spent a ton of time at my grandmother’s house listening to her old 8-track player long after those were a thing.”

Well, Krystal’s Whiskey & Lace album is still in the making but her Krystal Keith EP is here and I tell ya, Krystal Keith has arrived…and she’s a hottie !!!

She’s a Hottie . . .
Krystal is definitely a hottie. But I mean that in every professional sense of the word. There’s a good dose of lyrical and vocal female sass in country music right now (Miranda Lambert, Pistol Annies, Kacey Musgraves) and Krystal Keith’s definitely one to watch in that category but in a different way.

With rock-solid, unshakable pipes, she can belch out a note and carry it. She’s got a playfulness and a punch in her delivery that simply makes her likeable.

Four Tracks to Simply Leave on REPEAT . . .
The highly anticipated “Daddy Dance With Me”, the only ballad on the EP, is going to leave a big ol’ lump in your throat. When Krystal hit the chorus I was covered in chills. And when she delivers the second verse, you will break down. The lyric is a different perspective on giving your daughter’s hand to another man. It’s quite unique and vocally almost operatic.

The remainder of this debut continues with a powerhouse of great lyric, infectious hooks, foot-stomping melodies and a real feel-good-vibe.

Krystal worked with producers Mark Wright (Gary Allan, Lee Ann Womack) and her father on her debut project and feels doing so may have actually advanced her individuality.

“As a new artist, I might have been intimidated by another producer,” she says. “It might have kept me from being as vocal about what I wanted. But my dad gave me the creative freedom to see my vision through. We actually had similar views on what we wanted to do. And I love working with Mark Wright. He brings another perspective, and he and my dad work hand-in-hand. They bring the best out in each other, which in turn brings the best out in me.”

Ya, I’d say the combo of everything here has brought forward the best in Krystal, a damn good start anyway.

The EP explodes out of the starting gate with “Doin’ It”. Krystal struts her vocal strength, range, wind span and sinful side upfront and you’re gonna be more than happy to join her as she teases:

“it’s been around since the dawn of time // if you don’t wanna get left behind // you’d better find a way to get into it // everybody’s doin’ it”

And it’s “what” everyone’s doing that’s gonna make you smile. Are you doin’ “it”? This song is intoxicatingly infectious. It sang in my head for two days – right through the dream time! Now, that’s a song. Hope to hear “Doin It” on radio.

“Can’t Buy You Money” is a snappy tune playin’ on words and life. It’s got sort of a twangy, blues feel to the track and Krystal’s not at all shy to showcase her rich, creamy, gutsy vocals.

By the first bar of “What Did You Think I’d Do” you’re addicted. Another killer track and uptempo that’s gonna have the ladies laughin’, the boys blushin’ and the mamas and the daddies keeping this lady behind locked doors. You’ll definitely find yourself somewhere in this song. A delight.

The Encore . . .
All told, both Krystal Keith and her EP are an awesome addition to country music. This one’s got vocal soul and definitely “one to watch”!

“I know there are going to be people who only see me as Toby’s daughter, and I’m prepared for those criticisms because I’m really confident that the album and my work ethic will speak louder,” she says. “Obviously I have an amazing opportunity to be on a great label and work with amazing people. I don’t take that for granted or apologize for it, but I also hope people will be open-minded enough to listen and base their judgments on the music. I have faith that most people will be pleasantly surprised.”

You’re definitely going to be pleasantly surprised and country radio is going to be pleasantly endowed. Be sure to pick up your copy of “Krystal Keith EP” and catch this firecracker on tour. Neither is going to disappoint!

Welcome Krystal Keith! definitely no need to apologize.

Krystal Keith Website

“Caught In The Act: Live” was recorded over the course of two nights at Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre in October 2012 and features songs from Church’s highly reverenced Sinners Like Me, Carolina and his platinum selling CHIEF. “Chief” has spun several top hits and holds award winning honors such as: #1 debuting across all genres, the 2012 CMA “Album of the Year” and the recent 2013 ACM “Album of the Year”.

Can we get an Amen!!

But that’s just the songs. The LIVE album takes you back to the intensity of experiencing the Chief exploding on stage. And if you’ve had the honor of attending an Eric Church concert, you know you will not want to miss having this LIVE Church compilation in your collection. So go ahead, take a minute here, download “Caught In The Act: LIVE” at iTunes.

Now, in addition to the release of digital and hard copies available today, a double gatefold vinyl version of Church’s “Caught In The Act: LIVE” will be made available on National Record Store Day, Saturday, April 20. The package will include four additional tracks and a special whiskey-infused 7-inch.

Leading up to “Caught In The Act: LIVE”
Earning recognition from Pollstar in 2012 as one of the highest-attended tours, Church sold nearly a million tickets on his first-ever headlining tour, The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour, where oddly, there was No Beer Allowed!

Eric’s the only one of the country genre to be named “Best Concerts Of 2012″ by The New York Times who calls Church’s concert, “a mean show,” and adds:

“Mr. Church has clawed his way into the country mainstream with a series of post-outlaw anthems, and delivered them with verve and tension.”

The AP chimes in praising,

“Church constantly encourages his rowdy audience, exhorting them to bellow the chorus of ‘Drink in My Hand’ and ‘Jack Daniels.’ Even when he plays a solo acoustic version of ‘Sinners Like Me,’ he tells everyone, ‘It’s just going to be us, so sing loud.’”

The multi Award-winning superstar is also celebrating winning the coveted “Album of The Year” Award (CHIEF) and Vocal Event Of The Year award (“The Only Way I Know,” J. Aldean, L. Bryan, E. Church) during Sunday night’s (April 7) 48th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards show.

And Now . . .
The release of “Caught In The Act: Live” is fans’ first chance to take home a copy of Church’s live show, about which The Salt Lake Tribune gushes:

“With sterling musicianship, a voice with the right balance of grit and twang, and songs of conviction that shine with improvisation (‘Springsteen,’ for one, opens with an elegiac piano and ends with an echo of ‘Born to Run’), this live album is alive.”

American Songwriter sings:

“[The] rendition of the soulful hit ‘Springsteen’ is one of his best, slipping into the first verse of Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ towards to end.” The writer adds, “[Church] sang and played just differently enough to create variety from his studio versions and his performance confirmed that his voice is easily just as good as how it sounds on a produced record.”

You can view footage from the recording of “Caught In The Act: Live”. You can catch Church  performing select dates on Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation tour, and of course, the brewery can’t keep up with consumption so you can catch Eric as he will continue to serve fans on The Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour this summer through fall which will include a stop at Lollapalooza on August 2 in Chicago, Ill.

And now you can finally get your copy of Eric Church’s “Caught In The Act: LIVE” in hardcopy or digitally at iTunes.

But we’d really like to hear from fans, from newbies, from The Choir . . . what do YOU think of “Caught In The Act: LIVE”!

Eric Church “All I’m Saying” (in Church character) at the LIVE Tivoli Theatre Taping:

“Caught In The Act: LIVE” track listing:
1. Before She Does
2. How ‘Bout You
3. Drink In My Hand
4. Over When It’s Over
5. I’m Gettin’ Stoned
6. Creepin’
7. Keep On
8. Hungover & Hard Up
9. Sinners Like Me
10. Country Music Jesus
11. Pledge Allegiance To The Hag
12. Jack Daniels
13. Homeboy
14. Lotta Boot Left To Fill
15. Smoke A Little Smoke
16. These Boots
17. Springsteen

Eric Church Website

Nashville’s hell-raising “Country Music Jesus”, Eric Church, has yet another reason to tip his CHIEF ball cap. On Sunday evening (April 7) Church took home the 2013 Academy of Country Music “Album of the Year” Award for CHIEF, his critically acclaimed, #1 debuting on the Billboard 200 Chart and #1 on iTunes across all genres chart, 2011 third studio album. Church adds the evening’s ACM honor to CHIEF’s previously awarded 2012 CMA Award for “Album of the Year”.

But “Chief” was not just another #1 debuting album. Eric Church wrote another chapter in Country Music History with “Chief’s” #1 debut. Even Billboard was confused. But his fans weren’t.

CHIEF (the album and the artist) have celebrated huge hits with “Springsteen,” “Drink in My Hand,” “Creepin’,” and “Homeboy”. The album has been front and center with Church on his continuously Sold-Out “Blood Sweat & Beers Tour”. The album’s current single, “Like Jesus Does,” found itself with a rugged, yet contemplative Church, acoustically at the ACM mike Sunday evening wowing the crowd. Sans his signature ballcap and glasses, Church was definitely heaven on the eyes but “Hell on the Heart” – woo !

“I can’t believe I just met John Fogerty. We should hang out later!” Church suggested to the legendary rocker who along with Miranda Lambert presented the Award to Eric.

“I want to thank Jay Joyce, my wife, my son – who’s out there probably raising a lot of hell. I have a great team and they all believe in the music, in the passion of the music. I appreciate it.”

Church went into the evening’s festivities a front runner toting seven ACM Nominations and didn’t exactly come out empty-handed. In addition to the coveted “Album of the Year” Award, Church was also a “Vocal Event of the Year” honoree (Jason Aldean-featuring Luke Bryan and Eric Church-”The Only Way I Know”)

You can treat yourself to this award-winner artist on tour as he joins Kenny Chesney on his No Shoes Nation Tour and also continues with a few dates of the Blood Sweat & Beers Tour. And you can pick up your copy of Eric Church’s first live CD, “Caught In The Act: LIVE” released on April 9, 2013.

Congratulations ! CHIEF and Chief – an overdue but well-deserved honor!

Eric Church – 2013 ACM Awards – Press Room

Eric Church – “Like Jesus Does” w/Valerie June – 2013 ACM Awards

Eric Church Website