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Redbook Magazine - Country Music Pictorial

Team Otto — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:20:23 -0700

James is featured in this month's issue of Redbook Magazine, in the Country Music Photo Album pictorial.

Other artists featured include the following:

Jewel
Reba McEntire
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Julianne Hough
Ashton Sheperd
Clint Black
Little Big Town
Rissi Palmer
James Otto
Luke Bryan
Jennifer Hanson
Trisha Yearwood
Rodney Atkins
Wynonna Judd
SheDaisy
Laura Bryna
Carter’s Chord
Craig Morgan
Jeremy McComb
Lady Antebellum
Emily West

Pick up the current issue with Reba, Martina and Taylor on the cover to see James!

James Otto Scores Points for Chicago Bears

Team Otto — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:52:50 -0700

From: CMT.com

God love these hard-working new artists. Like James Otto. He’s opening a big arena show in the Chicago suburbs for Trace Adkins and Alan Jackson tonight (Oct. 10), and then rushing into the city to perform again at a fundraiser hosted by Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould. It has me wondering if it’s because Otto’s just a nice guy? Or because that bond between country stars and professional athletes seriously runs that deep?

Even outside the world of NASCAR, there’s always some kind of connection between sports and country music. Dierks Bentley is a pretty outspoken Nashville Predators fan. Tim McGraw is good pals with New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre. Darius Rucker and Tiger Woods are buddies on and off the golf course. And because of this Otto event, I’m assuming those relationships go both ways. That Woods, Favre and some Preds might like to catch a country show. (Plus, there are all those woulda-been athletes who opted for country music: Keith Anderson was invited to try out for the Kansas City Royals, Garth Brooks went to college on a track scholarship, and Toby Keith played semi-pro football.)

While Gould admits his iPod has some John Mayer and the Fray, his pre-game playlist is packed with Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and, probably, a little James Otto. And I’ve seen Gould at countless country concerts. The arena ones where he gets mobbed for autographs before the show. And the smaller honky-tonk shows where he can sort of disappear into the general admission crowd. But what’s consistent is his genuine appreciation for the music. It’s like the tables turn, and for 90 minutes, Gould isn’t the star anymore. He’s just another diehard country fan.

By: Alison Bonaguro

Update From Team Otto

Team Otto — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:40:11 -0700

Hi everyone, Team Otto here with a quick update on James.

*The Fox Business appearance that was supposed to happen this week was canceled due to the very bleak condition of Wall Street that day. We will notify you asap if we hear of a rebooking!

*The official radio add date for "These Are The Good Ole Days" is this Monday October 13. Many radio stations will not be playing it until next week, hence why they are still playing "For You." There are however, several radio stations that added it early. The ones that have are listed below:

WQYK/Tampa
KVOO/Tulsa
KUSS/San Diego

We ask that you please be patient! The WB Promotions Team is hard at work getting adds to the radio stations and to get James the airplay he deserves. We appreciate everything that you fans do to help promote James and his music. You are doing an absolute great job so please don't feel frustrated if it takes some time. Just be patient because everything will work out in the end.

Please feel free to private message Team Otto with any questions or concerns you have.

Thank you!

-Team Otto

New Single Out Now!

Team Otto — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:58:46 -0700

"These Are The Good Ole Days" Now Playing!

Tune in to your local country radio stations today because James' third single, "These Are The Good Ole Days" is now playing! If you hear it on the radio, call in to request as much as you can and let's get this to #1.

Check out myspace.com/jamesotto to hear the full track and message James to let him know of what you think of the song!

“Signings & Sightings” Event at Mohegan Sun

Team Otto — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:50:55 -0700

Country Music Heavyweight James Otto To Participate In A “Signings & Sightings” Event at Mohegan Sun

UNCASVILLE, CT (September 22, 2008)— James Otto will hold an exclusive appearance & CD signing as part of the acclaimed “Signings & Sightings” event series on Saturday, October 4th, immediately following the show he opens for with Brooks & Dunn in the Arena. The “Signings & Sightings” event will take place on the Spin Street Stage in The Shops at Mohegan Sun concourse. This “Signings & Sightings” event is sponsored by Spin Street and The Shops at Mohegan Sun.

Tickets for Brooks & Dunn with special guests Chris Cagle & James Otto are $90.00, $75.00 & $55.00 and are on sale now at the Mohegan Sun Box Office and through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log onto ticketmaster.com; call any Ticketmaster Charge By Phone number; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet.

Music runs through the veins of the large 6’5” frame that makes up Country superstar James Otto. Since a guitar found in a neighbor’s garbage graced Otto’s hands, music has been his passion and way of life. Known for having one of the biggest voices in Country Music, he started turning heads when he joined forces with the group MuzikMafia, where Otto and fellow band mates made a quick local fan following that catapult them into the national scene. It wasn’t long before he took his dynamic musical chops and returned to life as a solo artist.

Since making the transition from MuzikMafia, Otto has released the critically acclaimed and fittingly titled “Sunset Man.” He wrote nine of the eleven songs on the album which includes the soulful country hit “For You,” as well as fan favorites “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” which hit #1 on the Hot Country Song charts, “Where Angels Hang Around,” and “Drink and Dial.”

Collaborating with Spin Street, Mohegan Sun’s one-of-a-kind “Signings & Sightings” program provides guests the opportunity to meet entertainment superstars and world renowned artists. In addition, the program provides entertainers the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with their fans in a unique and exciting venue in which to showcase their latest work. “Signings & Sightings” events are free and open to the public.

Exclusive CMT Photos

Team Otto — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:12:24 -0700

Check out James' CMT Artist page for exclusive pictures from the "For You" video shoot and get a behind the scenes look at what all happened!

Watch the full music video here!

GAC's "Into the Circle"

Team Otto — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:54:56 -0700

Into the Circle - Featuring James Otto & Travis Tritt Airing September 27, 10 pm

James Otto pairs up with Travis Tritt to learn inside advice on in what it takes to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The 5-part GAC special pairs rising newcomers with legendary Opry members in one-on-one mentoring sessions to discover the career tactics needed to achieve the greatest honor in country music.

See below for the official press release:

Rodney Atkins, James Otto, Kellie Pickler, Ashton Shepherd & Chuck Wicks Step “Into the Circle”

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—(September 15, 2008)— Stepping into the famed oak circle on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry is a moment for which many country music performers aspire, and once they have done so, most feel it is a true sign they’ve “made it” in the genre.

On September 20 (10 pm ET), Great American Country (GAC) will debut Into the Circle, a behind-the-scenes look at country music’s newest artists: Rodney Atkins, James Otto, Kellie Pickler, Ashton Shepherd and Chuck Wicks, who hope to follow in the footsteps of some of country music’s most recognizable stars who have stepped into the Opry circle numerous times.

Paired with Trace Adkins (Pickler), Charlie Daniels (Atkins), Vince Gill & Patty Loveless (Shepherd), Brad Paisley (Wicks) and Travis Tritt (Otto), the burgeoning stars use their one-on-one sessions with the Opry members to learn how to manage families and life on the road, career longevity, headlining a tour and song selection.

Into the Circle allows the budding country artists an opportunity to relive some of the jobs and adventures they experienced before landing a record deal, as well as reflect on the opportunities that led them to the successful beginnings of their entertainment careers.

In addition, the show includes performances taped earlier this year at aVenue, a Nashville music venue and each performer’s first Opry performance. Some featured songs include "Watching You" (Atkins), “Don’t You Know Your Beautiful” (Pickler), “Just Got Started Loving You” (Otto), “Stealing Cinderella” (Wicks), and “Taking Off This Pain” (Shepherd).

After the debut episode featuring Pickler, the show will air each Saturday after Opry Live, except on October 11, when GAC will host an Opry Live marathon in celebration of the Opry’s 82nd Birthday.

For more information on Into the Circle, visit www.gactv.com

Vote Now!

Team Otto — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:45:25 -0700

James' "For You" is available for voting on CMT Pure 12 Pack Countdown. CMT Pure 12 Pack Countdown is the ONLY purely fan-voted countdown.

Please get involved and help get James Otto in the top 12!

Vote "For You" NOW!

Watch James Answer Your Questions!

Team Otto — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:49:17 -0700

Check out a new episode of CMT Loaded Featuring James, where he answers your questions. Have you ever wanted to know how much he has paid for shoes or what he thinks about his brother-in-law Jay DeMarcus [from Rascal Flatts]? Or how about what he likes to munch on at the movie theater?

Get all the answers at CMT.com!

James Otto and Lady Antebellum Shocked by Their First CMA Nominations

Team Otto — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:31:57 -0700

From CMT.com

James Otto and Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood all shared similar excitement Wednesday morning (Sept. 10) after a special live edition of CMT Insider at Nashville's Sommet Center. In addition to announcing part of this year's CMA award nominations, they also shared their first CMA award nominations.

Otto and Lady Antebellum were both nominated in the new artist category alongside Kellie Pickler, Jason Aldean and Rodney Atkins. Lady Antebellum also picked up a nomination for vocal group of the year, a field that includes the Eagles, Emerson Drive, Little Big Town and five-time winners Rascal Flatts.

All three members of Lady Antebellum were clearly excited over their very first CMA nominations.

"When we had looked at the categories, that was one that we were just hoping so much we could get in," Kelley told CMT Insider just moments after the new artist category was announced. "I think of us to have everybody's stamp of approval on us, it just feels so amazing, and there's just great talent in there."

Scott agreed, noting, "There's just so many people, so many new artists, that have come out in the past year to two years that, I mean, it's almost like a new ... kind of freshmen class. So it's exciting to feel like we're a part of that."

"The way they did it," Kelley explained, "they each gave us a card to call out the nominees for different categories, and right before we went on stage, they gave us the last card -- I guess so while we were back there, nobody would peek at it. It happened to be one that ourselves as well as James Otto was in -- so I guess they didn't want us looking."

"And they definitely gave it to Charles on purpose," Scott laughed. "They didn't give it to me for a reason because I'd have been like, 'Ahhhh! Oh, my gosh!'"

"She wouldn't have gotten past our name," Kelley joked. "It was genuine shock. It was. It was very exciting."

The trio didn't expect to be in the vocal group category.

"The Eagles, they were my first concert ever -- when I was 10," said Haywood. "So to actually be in a category with them, that's pretty amazing. Yeah, the three of us were flipping out."

Otto has been in the music business for several years, so he knew better than to take a nomination for granted.

"Man, I'm sweating now actually thinking about just how crazy it is," Otto told CMT Insider. "It's amazing, man. This is a lifetime of work coming together. ... You know, there's a lot of people that have been in that category that have a lot more hits than I do and people that really deserve the award, so it feels amazing, man. And yes, nerve-racking for sure."

"I've been in Nashville for 11 years," he added. "This is not my first record deal, but the thing is, this is the first opportunity I've really gotten that was 100 percent about trying to make this happen for me, and I'm just really honored that people look at me as a new artist. I feel like a new artist. I feel like this is my first real shot at this, and I'm just very excited man, very excited."

"I honestly didn't let myself think about being nominated for this. This was something that I saw -- too many big names in the category -- people that are established and already are large stars. So I didn't really allow myself to think about the fact that we might actually make the short list like this."

Kenny Chesney received seven nominations -- more than anyone this year. With entertainer of the year and male vocalist nominations, he is also up for album, single and video of the year, along with two vocal event nominations for his work with George Strait and Reba McEntire.

"You never know how these things are going to go," Chesney said in a written statement. "We work so hard on this music, the tours, the videos. It's so much the focus of what I do, how I live. It's always a thrill to see that people are not just noticing but recognize what we're all trying to do."

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush received five nominations, including their first-ever entertainer of the year nod. Nominated for vocal duo of the year, their hit, "Stay," is up for single, song and video of the year, and they are in the musical event category for their recording of "Life in a Northern Town" with Little Big Town and Jake Owen. Additionally, Nettles received a sixth nomination -- for song of the year -- for writing "Stay."

"I almost spilt my tea this morning as I was watching and the nominations kept being added," Nettles said in a written statement. "Being in the entertainer of the year category is such an honor. We've been lucky enough to be out on the road with Kenny Chesney for a couple of tours over the last two years. Looks like rock by osmosis really does work."

Bush added, "I just finished watching the nomination announcements on TV from my sofa at home, and it is simultaneously humbling and encouraging to be in such amazing company as we are in all of the categories. It is one thing to play shows every week of the year and imagine ourselves striving to become entertainers of the year and another thing all together to have the voting members of the CMA believe that it is possible. Simply awesome."

Strait also received five CMA nominations, including entertainer of the year and male vocalist. His latest album, Troubadour, is nominated for album of the year, and "I Saw God Today" is on the list for single of the year. Strait's fifth nomination this year is in the musical event category for his collaboration with Chesney on "Shiftwork."

"I'm sitting down here in South Texas, bracing for Hurricane Ike," Strait said in a press release. "This really brightens my day. I look forward to a great celebration of our great music. Thanks to all involved!"

Trace Adkins picked up two CMA nominations -- his first in 10 years -- for his hit single, "You're Gonna Miss This." Nominated for single and music video of the year, it also resulted in a song of the year nomination for songwriters Lee Thomas Miller and Ashley Gorley.

"'You're Gonna Miss This' has been such a special gift for me this year, so I'm really thrilled that the CMA and the industry recognized the strength of that song," Adkins said. "Not only was it one of the biggest hits of my career, when we performed it on the season finale of The Celebrity Apprentice, it helped raise a lot of money for my charity, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. So yeah, I'm really proud of this song."

Carrie Underwood is the recipient of two nominations, too. Her mention in the female vocalist division is complemented by an album of the year nomination for her second project, Carnival Ride.

"This is awesome!" Underwood said. "As an artist, you always hope the music you record will touch people's lives. There is nothing more rewarding than to be recognized by your peers and to know your fans are enjoying the same ride."

Taylor Swift was ecstatic when Rascal Flatts read her name among the female vocalist nominations during a segment of Good Morning America broadcast from New York's Times Square.

"This was definitely a day worth getting up really early for," she said. "Hearing my name called in the female vocalist category was a dream come true."

CMT Insider's writer/producer Terry Bumgarner contributed to this story.

James Nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year!

Team Otto — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:10:36 -0700

This just in! As announced this morning, James has been nominated for the CMA New Artist of the Year category! A big CONGRATULATIONS to him and best of luck!

"I have been in this business for a lot of years and to be acknowledged by my peers is overwhelming. I am still in shock...The new artists out there are so strong that I thought there was no way that I was going to be nominated," said Otto, "The only thing I have ever won was most athletic in high school and no disrespect to Ki-Be High, but this CMA nomination blows that one out of the water."

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on ABC.

James To Announce CMA 2008 Nominations

Team Otto — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:41:39 -0700

Greetings! This week marks the exciting announcement we’ve all been eagerly awaiting. On Wednesday (9/10), we find out the final nominees for the 42nd Annual CMA Awards, which will be broadcast live Nov. 12 from the Sommet Center on ABC. Select categories will be announced at 8:30 am by Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift on Good Morning America, followed by another round of announcements at 9 am by Lady Antebellum and James Otto on CMT Insider.

"For You" Video Up For CMT Power Picks

Team Otto — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:04:31 -0700

James' brand new music video for "For You" is out now and up for CMT's Power Picks for this Monday. Let's get things off to the right start and help get it on the air. Remember, "Your votes decide which country music videos get played!"

Check out the Power Picks website for more information on how to vote.

Chef Michael Symon, James Otto Cooking on Dinner: Impossible

Team Otto — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:33:12 -0700

From CMT.com

By: Chef Michael Symon

*Michael Symon is the chef and owner of critically acclaimed Lola and Lolita restaurants in Cleveland, but he’s best known as one of Food Network’s Iron Chefs and host of the network’s show Dinner: Impossible. It’s the latter job that paired him with country star James Otto. Yesterday, James told his side of the adventure. This is Chef Symon’s take on cooking with James.*

I never know what I’m getting into for each episode of Dinner: Impossible, and this trip to Nashville was no different.

They brought me to the Grand Ole Opry and told me there’s going to be a concert that evening with James Otto and Charlie Daniels, and Charlie wanted us to cook a meal based on “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to feed 350 of his select guests.

Now, I’m more of a rock-n-roll kind of guy, but I love music. I love Hank Williams Jr., I love Charlie Daniels, I like the things James is doing, I love Johnny Cash … so I don’t know if James had heard of me, but I’d heard of him.

Meeting James was pretty intimidating since he’s so tall! I have a 6-foot- 3 father, and he makes my father look short. James is a huge man. I figured he could probably kill me with his bare hands, so what’s the danger of giving him a knife?

For the full entry check out CMT.com

You can watch Chef Michael Symon and James Otto on Dinner: Impossible Wednesday (Aug. 27) at 10pm ET/PT on Food Network.

James Heats Up Dinner: Impossible

Team Otto — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:04:02 -0700

From CMT.com

By: James Otto

Let me start by saying I’m no chef, but I got the chance to learn from one of the best when I was asked to be part of Food Network’s hit TV show Dinner: Impossible.

I started the day by meeting up with the host, Michael Symon, at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville where he was getting a lesson in country music history. I waited in the alley in a limo to pick him up and take him to the Opryland Hotel where the actual cooking would take place.

Michael was very cool from the get go and made me feel comfortable with the idea of cooking on national television. I rarely cook in the comfort of my own home, but I was willing to work and I think he liked that. The mission - should I choose to accept it - was cooking a Southern-inspired meal for Charlie Daniels and 300 Opry attendees in something like six hours! Which to me is certainly an impossible mission

For the full blog entry, check out CMT.com

(Photo courtesy of Food Network)

James Otto Can Do Almost Anything “For You”

Team Otto — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:16:06 -0700

From CMT.com

By: Chris Parton

First he broke out in a big way with “Just Got Started Loving You.” Now James Otto offers up his second single from Sunset Man. “For You” is the soft spoken counterpoint to “Just Got Started” and really lets Otto show off his vocal range. It also gives an interesting look into the daily life of a budding star. Wake up to the sound of your own voice on the radio, sign some autographs, do an interview, more autographs, hair/makeup/wardrobe (has got to be tough for a man to get used to), publicity photos and the concert — all the while longing for simpler times with your girl. He does an awesome job of fixing that situation though. One well-timed and creatively worded note and all is well again. I knew I should have learned to sing.

Check out the "For You" music video here!

"For You" Music Video Is Out Now!

Team Otto — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:47:24 -0700

Your wait is finally over! The "For You" music video is premiering all over CMT this week so be sure to check out CMT.com and CMT Mobile to catch a glimpse. You can also stay glued to your tv sets as well to watch the music video as it will be on heavy rotation on CMT. Let us know what you think of the video by commenting below!

Watch now!

Check Out The Drink & Dial Videos

Team Otto — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:23:38 -0700

Check out CMT.com for all the winning Drink & Dial videos and congratulations to the winners! Let us know what you think of their stories.

James To Announce CMA 2008 Nominations

Team Otto — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:30:43 -0700

Warner Bros. Records Artist James Otto is set to announce the nominations for the 2008 CMA Awards, live from Nashville on Sept. 10, in a special edition of CMT's "CMT Insider." James will make the announcement with Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum. Flatts and Swift will make a portion of the announcements on "Good Morning America" prior to additional nominees being announced by Otto and Lady Antebellum on "CMT Insider."

"This is Country Music's Biggest Night -- what an honor to be asked to participate in announcing the CMA Award nominations," says Otto. "I don't think there is a Country artist out there, including myself, who hasn't dreamed of winning a CMA Award. To be asked to announce the nominee's names that morning with Lady Antebellum is a moment I will always remember."

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on ABC.

Summer Sale At The Otto Shop!

Team Otto — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:49:28 -0700

Don't forget about the Summer Sale we have going on at the Otto Shop! Use the code OTTO4U and save 10% off your order. Hurry now and stock up on your Otto Gear because the sale ends September 1!