Luke Bryan Feels Like Spring Break

These days Luke Bryan is soaking up what has been like biscuits on gravy,smooth sailing along while on touring duties with fellow friend Georgia native Jason Aldean and the newest country act to come off from last year's Idol roster Lauren Alania on the My Kinda Party tour. Bryan's latest single release "Suntan City" comes from the newest spring break EP which is the fourth of spring break EP's released. This small town farm boy knows how to party like a college kid. Word is out Luke's next single to come from the Tailgates & Tanlines album will be "Drunk On You". Bryan's career at this point continues to shine and I plan to be there a long the way. Stay tunned here at Country Music City Promotions for the latest updates on Luke.

Rascal Flatts Are Forever Changed

photo courtesy of Schmidt Relations,Big Machine

The change and growth of Rascal Flatts has been forever cemented in us, as I look back on these past eleven years Gary Levox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney went from little unknowns to mega country stardom who's hits include "Prayin' For Daylight", "God Bless The Broken Road","These Days", "Feels Like Today", "Me And My Gang", "Stand", "What Hurts The Most", "I'm Moving On", "Life Is A Highway", "Why Wait", "Easy", and "I Won't Let Go" are preparing to release their 8th studio album Changed on April 3,2012. Gary, Jay, Joe Don and music producer Dann Huff continue to bring the best out in each other it's no wonder their list of credits are more than a mile long and there's no telling what the Flatts plan to have up their sleeves next. I can tell you their hitting the road with label mates Eli Young Band and Edens Edge this summer on the appropriately titled The American Band tour,if you've never experienced a Rascal Flatts show I can tell you non fans to grab some tickets cause these men give you over two solid hours of music and wild entertainment you'll never forget. Stay tunned for the entire list of tour dates coming to CMC.
The newly released single "BANJO" has sent smoke signals through the airwaves in country radio, I can now say the video is ready for viewing on CMT and soon on GAC and all major music outlets via online and social networks. Although I'll get flack for it,just go with it,it is what it is. Non fans have already taken to blogs pronouncing the video and song a complete hot mess, well I have news for you this is country music and I stand by it. What we see in banjo is banjo and what you hear is fiddle, banjo and steel guitar infused instrumentally and musically, a well crafted piece of fantastic country music. Rascal Flatts took on music director Shaun Silva who's resume is more than a mile long amongst the artists in the country music industry. Thank you Shaun Silva for you're artistry.
Changed will mark new highlights for RF this year, I'm exictedly pumped for all to come and truly embracing with open arms. What to know the album will come in two formats, the album itself and in deluxe version.

The Album Track List

Changed

Banjo

Hot In Here

Come Wake Me Up

She's Leaving

Let It Hurt

Lovin' Me

Hurry Baby

Sunrise

Great Big Love

A Little Home

Album Deluxe List

Changed

Banjo

Hot In Here

Come Wake Me Up

She's Leaving

Let It Hurt

Lovin' Me

Hurry Baby

Sunrise

Great Big Love

A Little Home

BONUS

Friday Can't Come Fast Enough

Fall Here

Right One Time

Next To You,Next To Me

We're getting some major Rascal Flatts love and I'm all for it. Keep up to date with Rascal Flatts on twitter, their official web site,facebook and pretty much anywhere you can find them. Go ahead! watch the video right here at CMT.com CMT Music - Rascal Flatts "Banjo"

Get Your Country On!!

New albums in country music this year are at a record high, Kellie Pickler released her 3rd studio album 100 Proof, Tim McGraw released Emotional Traffic, Dierks Bentley released Home and with that said,more are on the way. Expect to see new releases from Craig Morgan, Neal McCoy, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood this year. Carrie Underwood has recently given fans a sneak peek on her up and coming single "Good Girl" it's radio release date, Thursday February 23rd. Rascal Flatts newly released single "BANJO" has sent smoke signals across the airwaves, while Craig Morgan's "This Ole Boy"is full steam ahead in country radio. Kellie Pickler's "100 Proof" has not only climbed the charts and into fans hearts, it's the highest showing since "Tough", you only get better with age, Pickler is better than ever. Neal McCoy is doing "A-OK" and smiling too. Luke Bryan is going on spring break yet again with another spring break EP. There's nothing short of fantastic country music out there. With that said folks, get your country on cause it's coming full throttle!!!
Request your favorites at  Nixa Country, CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, and all major music outlets.

The Sweet Taste of Country Music

The sound of country music comes from a legion of talent these days, the variety is simply endless, still no signs of slowing down country music continues to bring out the best in every artist in the genre. As I spent the weekend going through a multitude of music I came up with this list of artists who have been shining bright these days and let me just say, there's no shortage of fantastic music.

Madonna Nash "Dirty Little Secret"
Kellie Pickler "100 Proof"
Katie Armiger "Scream"
Dustin Lynch "Cowboys & Angels"
Trace Adkins  "Million Dollar View"
Rascal Flatts "BANJO"
Gloriana "(Kissed You) Goodnight"
Eli Young Band "Even If It Breaks Your Heart"
Dierks Bentley "Home"
Kip Moore "Somethin' Bout A Truck"
Phil Vassar "Don't Miss Your Life"
Craig Morgan "This Ole Boy"
Shy Blakeman "Crying In Your Sleep" featuring with Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton "Drink On It"
Miranda Lambert "Over You"
Neal McCoy "A-OK"
Josh Turner "Time Is Love"
Thompson Square "Glass"
Brantley Gilbert "You Don't Know Her Like I Do"

Craig Morgan Is A Good Ole Boy

photo credit: BNA

Craig Morgan has a string of hits to his name from "Bonfire", "Tough",  Little Bit of Life", Redneck Yacht Club, International Harvester", Love Remembers", and "That's What I Love About Sunday"; Morgan is now set to release his new album"This Ole Boy" on Tuesday February 28,2012.The heart of Craig Morgan is a shining example of honky tonk twang, it's undeniable, Morgan has been a fixture of country music for as long as I can remember, even longer than that. The refreshing sound is music to my ears, Craig Morgan is more than just a country artist he's served time in the army, so it's no wonder he whole heartedly supports the troops, our service men and women of the USO. Morgan wears his heart on his sleeve, it shows right through him. The beauty of this man not only comes from his voice it lies within him, what a gentleman. This Ole Boy serves as the title of the album and newly single release to radio is climbing charts. For more on Craig Morgan's albums and music you can visit Craig's Amazon music page right here;  Craig Morgan Amazonmusic

For other news and updates stay tuned to Country Music City Promotions.
 Pre-order This Ole Boy at Craig's official web site, join his mailing list, get all the news.
Craig Morgan Home

Madonna Nash Interview / February's Featured Artist

Featured Artist of The Month

Madonna Nash

photo credit: Mad Charm Records

The dirty little secret is out and it's Madonna Nash, country music's new rising talent. Nash's debut album features the hit single "Dirty Little Secret" and is charting success thanks to the fans,country music radio, music row; and yeah! it's a good thing. Country Music City Promotions has recently taken on it's first interview and yes it's Madonna Nash. Nash is simply a firecracker, nurturing, and down right easy going; she's my kind of gal. In all honesty,there's no comparison between Madonna Nash and pop icon Madonna, Nash explains, "it is what it is, she's a huge icon and very successful; what else can I say?" Now that we have that out of the way, I feel absolutely humbled of this first time experience. What it is really is bringing to you the fans the artist and we have it right here at Country Music City Promotions.  Throughout the conversation Madonna get's pretty silly and tells me what might surprise you fans, "I watch entirely too much TV, and I love cartoons", she says. I love this tidbit because I get myself wrapped up into too much TV and the only reason I watch cartoons is because I get asked to watch them with a 6 yr.old. As for performing Madonna has been singing for as long as she can remember, "It's all that I've ever known and It's been an absolute struggle, I have two children who are 7 and 8,  I'm just now at the beginning stages of a career as a new country music artist, you definately have to love what you do and have the courage to do something about it". I couldn't agree with you more Madonna, you truly have to love what you do, it's about making it happen. "This is a tough buisness to be in, luckily for me I'm surrounded by family and friends who believe in me and support me 100%",Madonna explains. What more Madonna tells me that she keeps things well balanced between career and family even when things get a bit out of hand, "It can get frustrating at times, but you have to have determination and dedication to keep moving foward. I always tell anyone who wants to follow their dream, the only thing standing in your way is yourself". Smart and wise you are Madonna. What more is that Madonna wants to tour and really get out there for her fans as the fans have really been super suportive of her music, " Dirty Little Secret is in the top 40 on the music row charts, and the video is getting airplay on CMT and it's sister station CMT Pure, we're confident, I'm ready to take this show on the road!" Madonna says so excitedly, and we're so excited for you Madonna. Don't out rule a tour in the future fans cause Madonna Nash is preparing to tour the east coast while the fire is going good. "I want to go as far around the world as it will take me". This is more than an excited artist, Madonna is just itching to get out there and perform all around the country for everyone. Country music has truly embraced Madonna, so I had to ask, how does it feel? "It's completely overwhelming, I think I have pinched myself so many times that my left arm is going numb", with a chuckle. "It's rewarding for me, being a female artist, to feel like I am finally being taken seriously in this line of work.  I think all artists want to be heard and be appreciated". Yes they do Madonna it's not easy to say the least.
It's difficult for female artists in this male dominated field,what have you done differently to separate yourself from the rest? "So glad you recognize this Shellie, it's just not about a pretty face, it's taking songwriting seriously, a way to express yourself, your true feelings  giving my voice to women who have experienced what I have, many who may not have the guts to really express themselves. To me I want to make a difference in someone's life. I want to move people, whether it be through my songs, from a performance or something as simple as "If I can do it, you can too type of thing, not to be a man hater, because I'm not; heck they make up half of my audience, and sometimes it's the man with a no good woman at home! I know there are plenty of men out there who know how to treat a woman, their just hard to find. When you find one, hold on for dear life!"You wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on your debut album, did you have a clear idea already at mind how you wanted it to sound? "I felt like it would have been a mistake to go into the studio and record only what would have fit into one small box, especially with this being my debut album. We had such a large catalog of songs that I had written to choose from at the time. So we went in the studio with open minds, and they just set me free in there. My goal was to present myself in the most honest light. I find that people respond more to the sincerity of an artist than just a commerical product". Oh most definately! That's what's most important,having that connection with other's, people can see through it,whether it's real or not. I get this as well, it's part of what we do. Are there songs on this album that people can identify with? "Definately, the story of my life is a big ole "Been there,done that" t-shirt. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there", chuckling again. Now a days I hear many collaborating, who would you like to collaborte with if you had the chance? "I'm such a huge fan of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, George Strait, all the greats! To sing or perform with any one of them would be a dream come true, but as of lately the most recent artists I have to say I'm a die hard Miranda Lambert fan as well as homeboy himself, Eric Church. I'm betting they wouldn't mind working with you someday. I love this about country music Madonna that we're all fans of these artists and support them all that we can, it's the respect and appreciation we have for them. You're going to have success, it's my instincts. Will we hear more music from you? I'll never stop writing and will never stop performing, so as long as the fans keep wanting more I'll give it to them. I want to have the opportunity to continue making records, yes, always". It was so wonderful to sit down and talk with you Madonna, thank you for all you're time and please do keep on creating great country music.

Country Strong At 54th Annual Grammy Awards



What you might have missed from the 54th Annual Grammy awards would have had jaws dropping or maybe not. To sum it up in these words, country music did reign the show. Country Legend and icon Glenn Campbell took to the stage in what would be his last television appearance due to Alzhiemer's which he was diagnoised with last year. The Band Perry and Blake Shelton made the tribute performance a memorable moment for Glenn, one of the biggest highlights of the night, it left the crowd in a standing ovation. Taylor Swift took to the stage to perform her mega hit "Mean" which won for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song, while Lady Antebellum's album "Own The Night" won for Best Country Album. Newcomers The Civil Wars were the night's biggest surprise winning for Best Country Duo/Group Performance and Best Folk Album for "Barton Hollow". Other winners include Levon Helm "Ramble at The Ryman" for Best Americana Album, Alison Krauss & Union Station "Paper Airplain" for Best Bluegrass Album,  and Tedeschi Trucks Band, "Revelator" for Best Blues Album. In other on stage performances Jason Aldean made quite a splash with Kelly Clarkson on their huge hit "Don't You Wanna Stay", absolutely captivating while Carrie Underwood had a jazzy moment with Tony Bennett. Want to relive these moments and to see the full list of winners from the live telecast of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards visit Grammy.com Grammy.com

Country Music Takes The Reigns At The 54th Annual Grammy Awards



The talk is all about the 54th annual Grammy awards, I can honestly say country music is the dominating force this year, as we have seen country music at it's best in 2011. The appeal of such incredible music from the artists we love has opened the flood gates taking us on what is the impossible journey. The likes of Jason Aldean and Blake Shelton have truly risen to superstardom, both artists have seen many high's and low's in their careers however not stopping them a long the way only paying due's and those dues have paid off in a big way. Shelton took on the judging duties in it's first season of  the hit new vocal competition The Voice last year long side Adam Levin, Christina Aguilera, and CeeLo Green, married his long time love Miranda Lambert and released Red River Blue in which spwaned the widely mega hits  "God Gave Me You and "Honey Bee". Blake has previously won Male Vocalist of The Year two years standing from the country music association. Shelton is currently on the road in his Well Lit & Amplified tour.  Blake has 3 grammy nominations for  Best Country Song "God Gave Me You" songwriter Dave Barns, Best Solo Performance "Honey Bee" and for Best Country Album "Red River Blue", Blake's the man!

Jason Aldean has risen to the top in the past year and what a year, truth is Aldean is having a party, his Kinda Party no pun intended. The My Kinda Party hit maker released songs that have defined country music in 2011,anthem of all anthems "Dirt Road Anthem", "Don't You Wanna Stay" with pop star Kelly Clarkson and "My Kinda Party" all that have reached multi platnium status. Aldean is greatful for the music  and his fans, speaking about the fans, which I throw out quite a bit, Aldean's My Kinda Party tour continues to roll on taking with him on the road Luke Bryan and Lauren Alania. Jason recieved 3 grammy nominations for Best Country Solo Performance  for "Dirt Road Anthem", Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson, and for Best Country Album "My Kinda Party". Incredible to say the least.
Taylor Swift continues to shine on among the dominating male artists of country music, the class Swift posesses is beyond incredible, the impact on her fellow peers has left an everlasting impression in country music. The reigning entertainer of the year, billboard's artist of the year scored 3 grammy nominations this year for  Best Country Solo Performance and Best County Song for the hit song "Mean" as well for Best Country Album for the triple platnium album Speak Now. Swift will remain to move on right ahead regardless of the outcome from this year's grammy ceremony.

In other categories, Thompson Square, Kenny Chesney, Vince Gill, Trace Adkins,Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, George Strait, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, The Band Perry, The Civil Wars, EmmyLou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Levon Helm, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Jim Lauderdale, Steep Canyon Rangers, The Del McCoury Band, Ralph Stanley, Chris Thile, Gregg Allman and Steve Earle have all been nominated for a grammy.

Tune in tonight, Sunday February 12th on CBS at 8:00pm eastern standard time for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.For the entire Grammy nominations lists visit the site, winners will be announced during it's live telecast and for the lastest updates from the live red carpet tune in to CMT, E! Entertainment and all major media outlets. The Grammy's

Kellie Pickler & her backstage behind the scenes on AOL Music Session

photo credit: Gino DePinto,AOL



Kellie Pickler is taking us behind the scene's of her aol music session, I assure you'll get a mouth full from this spunky fiesty lady. Hear what Kellie has to say about country music, meet her band and well see what a long day does to Kellie.

Be sure to visit AOL Music online and watch the entire session starting

today February 10th.

Kellie Pickler takes us backstage & behind the sessions super cool check it out ! Bobby Bare: Bobby Bare's blog postings.

What's To Come

Due to the recent nature of things you can very well tell it's been slow and lacking updates,rest assured fans, not to worry as there are many new and exciting material coming to the forefront of the site. What to expect from the site, new layout changes,added content,contests, and much more. You the fans are the driving force behind what I do and that is the love and passion for country music,the music artists bring to you.

Stay tuned with CountryMusicCity Promotions for the latest in country music news.

Get Your Dierks Bentley Preview



Dierks Bentley's new album drops Tuesday February 7th, so why not preview a sample right now at Dierk's Amazong music page right here;
Dierks Bentley Amazon music

With having a list of credits previously on past albums "Home" will have you singing like no other person on the planet. The graspy twang hits all the right notes making me a true fan after all. Woo hoo!! give me a little Dierks anytime.

Country Music City Promotions will continue to keep you informed on Dierks Bentley, be sure to check back with the site, after all you'll never know what your gonna get.

Versatility Of Great Country Music

New in country music, well there's no shortage of great, fantastic music these days. Rascal Flatt's released their new single "Banjo", we're getting down to the banjo fiddle playin' sound of these country men. Despite always getting the short end and not considered country,Rascal Flatts proves it on Banjo the first single release from their new album Changed set to be released April 3,2012.

Kellie Pickler is more than 100 Proof, she's the raw deal here folks, the title track of her newly released album will have you singing along, the powerful ballad of living love 100 Proof. 100 Proof is currently climbing the mediabase charts with no signs of slowing down. This is the single to shape her career and push it full throttle ahead.

Katie Armiger shows her true confessions on the new single Scream, it's those things in life we want to scream about at the top of our lungs,Armiger has lungs, the power ballad will give you goosebumps.

Neal McCoy tells us it's "A-OK" on his new single, the uptempo infectious melody will surely have you singing and dancing along,maybe a whistle or hand clapping even.

The Farm is freshly fun,upbeat and positivly down right enjoyable, this new trio in country music has released their first debut single "Home Sweet Home". Kick up your heels, get in those clubs, Home Sweet Home will have you boot scootin' along.

Josh Turner has returned with a batch of new songs,a new album is coming later in the year since his last album Haywire was released two years ago, in that period of time Turner conjured up new material, toured the states,brought a new addition into his family and was inducted into The Grand Ole Opry. Time is love and paitence,wait one minute!, "Time Is Love" is new to country radio music listeners and to all Turner fans and really,time is love,it's more than just a song it's a phrase, a saying,I'm happy and proud to say it. The midtempo song has sweet appeal,nothing sugar coated just enough sweet to curb your craving to his deep southern voice.

Dierks Bentley's currently new single "Home" makes us feel proud were we come from and the freedom we still live and breathe. There's no place like home. Expect to see Dierks promote his new album, the release comes Tuesday February 7th.

There's no denying it, country music is jammed packed, a whole lot to listen to,there's so much versatility these days. Turn on your radio's, get online, listen to some fantastic country music;vote and request what you want to hear. Having a difficult time deciding, The Nashville Country Club,NixaCountry and CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan gives you you're musical freedom. NixaCountry will play your request as The Nashville Country Club keeps you well up to date on what's getting played on air and rate the music; your opinions count, CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, well you get everything on one plate,listen to country music and submit a request. It's simply un-ending,keep country music at your fingertips.
Visit The Nashville Country Club, NixaCountry, and CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan, don't want another minute!

The Nashville Country Club

CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan

NIXA Country Official Website

Dierks Bentley Get's Busy With New Album



Dierks Bentley is set to release his 6th studio album on Tuesay February 7,2012 which will infact be heavily promoted. The album features the hit single "Home" currently on country music radio.
Bentley has had a string of performances in previous weeks, want to see Dierks on tour?,  visit the tour dates listed here at Country Music City Promotions.
Dierks is set to appear on the following television programs in the coming week in promotion of the album's release. More appearances yet to come.


Monday February 6th The Today Show with Hoda & Kathie Lee on NBC at 11:00am eastern standard time

Tuesday February 7th The Today Show on NBC  between the time of 7:00am - 12:00pm eastern standard time

Wednesday February 8th Late Night with David Letterman on CBS at 11:30pm eastern standard time

 Sunday February 12th The 54th Annual Grammy Awards on CBS at 8:00pm eastern standard time


Want to hear Dierks's new single "Tip It On Back" visist Entertainment Weekly.com
Entertainment Weekly News Dierks Bentley "Tip It On Back"

Introducing Mandy Alexander



Mandy Alexander a Traverse City Michigan native who currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee carries a soulful country voice lights up a room,for quite some time now since moving to country music city Alexander has performed througout music row planting her performing seeds and packing it tight. It's been a long road for Mandy Alexander who's gearing up to release her first EP. The creating feat is truly exciting for Mandy and she's more than excited to share her music with country music and the fans. This kind of talent won't go un-noticed much longer. I've been waiting for the day to promote Alexander and now that time has surely come. A star in the making Mandy Alexander is ready for the spotlight.

The support from you, the fans will have Mandy beaming with joy,visit Mandy Alexander's sites now!

Mandy Alexander on Facebook

Mandy Alexander on Myspace

Follow Mandy Alexander on Twitter

More on Mandy Alexander to come right here on Country Music City Promotions!!

Tim McGraw & Kellie Pickler Debut On The Charts

photo credit: Curb Records

The undeniable talent of Tim McGraw is a force to be reckoned with these days and it sure does show on this weeks debut Billboard 200. McGraw's powerful new album "Emotional Traffic"hits #1 in it's first week with no sign of slowing down. McGraw is no stranger on the billboard charts who's hits include "It Felt Good On My Lips", "If You're Reading This", " Southern Voice","Last Dollar (Fly Away)", "I Need You", "Live Like We're Dying", "Where The Green Grass Grows",and "Indian Outlaw".  It's going to be a Tim McGraw year, Tim and wife Faith Hill are heading down under Soul2Soul, aussie fans are getting the double dose. Tim and Faith's Soul2Soul tours have inspired the brand new Soul2Soul frangrances. Oh!, and there's this little trek with Kenney Chesney, I believe it's the Brothers of The Sun tour. No matter how you slice it Tim McGraw is man of the year. For dates on Tim McGraw's Brothers of The Sun tour with Kenney Chesney, the dates are listed here at Country Music City Promotions.

Photo credit: BNA, SonyMusicNashville

Kellie Pickler's 100 Proof made it's debut Billboard 200 at number 7 selling 27,000 copies it's first week. When Pickler recieved the news a proud feeling set in even in these tough economic times, she's happy it's doing well. 100 Proof sets the record straight and that is simply what country music is. Critics have hailed 100 Proof  album of 2012. Set aside, Pickler's two previous albums both landed on the charts well above number ten and spawned the mega hits "I Wonder" and "Best Days Of Your Life", it still goes to show other singles did well for Pickler "Red High Heels" and "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind". Kellie Pickler's  "Tough" is a side of the real Kellie Pickler, very much 100 Proof. The titled 100 Proof is currently in single rotation on the Nashville Country Club, have you heard or listen to 100 Proof? give us your thoughts right here on Country Music City Promotions

For more chart news on the Billboard 200 debut visit Billboard.com

Billboard 200 debut

In Country Music News This Week

It has appeared Reba died earlier on in the week, what happened to be quite false, a sham. The death hoax had fans in a panic, rest assured Reba is safe and very much healthy. Reba took to twitter giving you all a sigh of relief and stated she was with her son Shelby who just won a race, what a proud mama Reba is. In other news, Reba's returning to television in the next fall season, her program Country Malibu has been picked up from ABC, that's right fans Reba is returning to tv.

On Sunday January 28th the very happily blessed Danny Gokey married the beautiful Leyicet Peralta in Florida, the couple exchanged vows among 100 family and friends. Congratulations Danny and Leyicet.

On Sunday February 5th Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton are heading to the Superbowl for the pre-game festivities, the duo will perform a beautiful rendition of "America The Beautiful". For more on the list of entertainers for this year's Superbowl visit USA Today. For a download of "America The Beautiful" visit iTunes.

USA Today News 

Casey James released the cover art work for his debut album to USA Today, James is so proud of this album, the freedom of creating great music with extraordinary musicians was more than what he could possibly dream of. James wrote or co-wrote 9 of the 11 tracks on the album due out in stores March20th .Want to read more on James and his USA Today chat visit the site right here
USA Today News Idol Chatter