From the voice that gave you Western Avenue's chart-topping single,"Wherever You Are", comes Nikki English's impeccable debut solo single "Follow Your Heart"

When Canadian Singer-Songwriter Nikki English lost her father and largest supporter to cancer in 2001, English struggled with the loss but eventually used his passing as a catalyst to spark her whole hearted pursuit of a career in music. When the same tragedy struck longtime friends of English, her previous life challenges prepared her for inspirational action.

After years of babysitting children from a neighborhood family, English remained close to the family and children long after babysitting age. After the tragic passing of their father, English attended the funeral where both children gave moving speeches and played songs as an ode to his frequent encouragements to live their dreams. English knew she needed to find a way to reach out to them. That evening she penned her new solo single, 'Follow Your Heart,' and in no time had it recorded and shared it with the family.

"It was important to me that I do this. Losing my father was painful but it gave me the courage and fire to do what I really wanted to do. I wanted them to know that your loved ones are never really gone. Your life is simply a living tribute to their memory and to truly follow your heart is the best tribute you can give," says English.

Now with a new single on the horizon, English who has spent the last few years in successful rising Canadian Country Trio Western Avenue and is excited to step away from the group for a short time to release this moving and deeply personal song as a solo artist.

With stirring vocals and uplifting production "Follow Your Heart," reminds listeners that your loved ones are always close by- in your heart. Released to iTunes presale September 2nd with official release on September 30th, 2014. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/follow-your-heart-single/id914091832

Learn more about Nikki English here:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/nikkienglish
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkienglishmusic
Website: www.nikkienglish.ca

Country Music Chat Host Jessica Northey Makes Social Media Enjoyable

Credit to Jessica Northey/Country Music Chat

Credit: Jessica Northey
Facebook

Country Music Chat is the leading force in country music social media these days and the woman behind the social media frenzy Jessica Northey keeps it real and fresh in the world of country music. Airing on Mondays at 9 pm eastern, 8 pm central , 6 pm pacific time zones gives fans the chance to talk with the guest artist of the week ask questions and join in the most random of community questions asked by fellow on air personality Bethany Priest. Country Music Chat's diversity keeps all things country though occasionally infuses rockabilly, Americana and independent artists from the genre. Northey's personality and social media sense makes complete sense in today's world of technology with Twitter, Facebook, Google + and YouTube, the combination is fierce. Anyone and everyone uses some form of social media outlet to networking whether it is for down time online or for work purposes. Northey who has a degree or two still knows what to bring to the table when it comes to chatting with today's country artists or with a community of people, it simply comes down to personality and Northey has it. The buzz of +Country Music Chat ~ #CMchat+ is a simple formula, bringing country music, country fans and industry insiders together on one large format. One of social media's top influencer's Northey remains humble and grounded, the likability factored in makes you like her more. Jessica Northey may be the cream of her crop yet still manages to keep perspective on life and living it to the fullest.

Catch Country Music Chat every Monday night on Twitter,YouTube, G+ and Facebook at 9 pm EST, 8 pm CT, 6 pm PT.
Follow Country Music Chat online here on the official website
Country Music Chat | Country Music News and Entertainment

Past and Present Guests on CMChat

radio show host Bobby Bones 2-17-14

rising star, one to watch of 2014 Jamie Lynn Spears  2-24-14

country artists Kevin Fowler and Kelleigh Brennan  3-3-14

country darling Katie Armiger 3-10-14

Will Hoge 3-17-14

John Rich of Big and Rich 3-24-14

Kip Moore 3-26-14

Charlie Daniels 3-31-14

One's To Watch For In 2014

Doug Briney may be the new kid in Nashville though spent his lifetime traveling among the snowy tundra of Alaska and his home town of Anchorage to pave the wave from his first independent album "It's All Country" to his debut album release with Tate Music Group "Super Country Cowboy" in November of 2013. Already several independent country award nominations and award wins piling up Briney's one to watch in 2014. His traditional positive baritone sound is much his own and is easily recognized when you hear his music. Briney's positive effect on audiences gives good meaning to traditional positive country. You'll want to hear what he has to say. For more Doug Briney music visit the official website here. Doug Briney - Home

Young bright eyed full of humor and a voice so deep as it is you may hear a voice all so differently, this is what separates Dylan Scott from the rest of the pact. Scott's big break came in 2013 with the release of his 5 track E.P featuring the single "Makin' This Boy Go Crazy". Scott has just gotten his feet wet,rest assured will make a splash in 2014 as one to watch. Already radio tour stops across the country, rising star showcases, his first video to his rising single "Makin' this Boy Go Crazy" receiving rotation on +Great American Country more is to come including getting into the studio to record his debut album. The Louisiana born and bred singer/songwriter is on the move and loving the connection with female fans. Follow Dylan on Facebook and Twitter here. Dylan Scott @DylanScottCntry

Canada has it's star in independent country female artist Amy Rose. Her vocals radiate power,poise and emotion.Rose's career path began at the tender age of 5, performing across the hill sides of Canada's fairs and festivals,recorded two albums One Special Girl and The Last of The True Believers. She has opened for Emerson Drive, High Valley, The Wilkinsons and Big And Rich. As an independent artist Amy has garnered several nominations, 3 nods and 1 win in 2013's Independent Country Music Association awards, 4 nominations for international music and entertainment association awards, was nominated as 2013 Ontario's Country Music Association for rising star, including Barrie's Cultural Grant Honoree.  Amy released 3 singles in 2013 all which have climbed high on the independent country music charts, "(Redneck Reunion) Party Like A Redneck", "I Just Want You To Know" and "Sunshine".
The sun continues to shine bright for this sweet rose who's climb keeps growing. 2014 is already the start of better things for Rose who will tour across the country, her brand new video for the new single "Sunshine" is out now and available on YouTube. Follow Amy on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube here. Amy Rose Music Official - Facebook  @Amy_Rose_Music
Amy Rose Music Official - YouTube

Trey and Lori Beth Hill of October have plenty of experience behind them and have something to say. The instant connection and chemistry have a sweet sound that stands out among the crowd.The Hills are alive and kicking. If Trey Hill looks familiar to you he has worked with several artists you already hear on country radio, Kellie Pickler, Jana Kramer,Jason Michael Carroll to name including weight watchers spokesperson, fashion guru Jessica Simpson who has toured and played with bands of artists Brad Paisley and Scotty McCreery. Beyond the steel and acoustic guitar Trey's vocals sparkle, the sweet under tone perfectly matches his other half Lori Beth Hill who's gritty, raw, strong cords fly with color. Lori Beth is no stranger to the stage who went from auditioning for American Idol to become the most in demand theater performers to Nashville's General Jackson Showboat Revue, triple threat to a solid T. This country rocking duo has just begun as one's to watch of 2014. Already creating music with Nashville's top producer Jimmy Ritchey, October Hill music will delight audiences. Get to know October Hill on their Facebook page here. October Hill Music

Lucy Hale is best known on the ABC Family Channel hit TV series Pretty Little Liars. Hale's earliest memories were far from acting, born and raised in Memphis, TN Lucy's career path began performing on NBC's American Juniors singing reality show that had her moving to Los Angeles, California. While there acting took over the budding stars singing career putting music on the back burner. Lucy found herself emerged in several films and television series from Scream 4, Secret of The Wings, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song, Sorority Wars, Wizard of Waverly Place, CSI: Miami, Fear Island and more. In 2013 Hale felt it was time to put her music career back on track and so it was the right time. Through out most of the year Lucy spent several hours in a music studio creating music for her 2014 spring debut release, it's first single "You Sound Good To Me" was released Jan.7th, within the first week, Hale's "You Sound Good To Me" was the number one top download in digital sales bringing in 42,000.Lucy's strong connection to already fans of the hit show Pretty Little Liars has fans for life. Among acting Hale will continue to make music and prove sure longevity. There is so much in store for Hale,as for one to watch in 2014. Follow Lucy on Twitter and Facebook here. @lucygale  LucyHale

With songwriting credits to the hit singles from Jake Owen and Eli Young Band "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" and "Even If It Breaks Your Heart" Eric Paslay has written for Donny and Marie Osmond, Joe Nichols,Lady Antebellum and others to count. This multi-talented songwriter is ready for the spotlight. His self titled debut album hits stores February 4th and touring the country in support of his up and coming release. If that weren't enough the first single from the album "Friday Night" is a top 10 charted hit. We're not going to see the last of Paslay, he's getting warmed up. 2014 is the year of one's to watch for Paslay. That's not all Paslay is joining Thomas Rhett on the Brantley Gilbert Let It Ride Tour starting in March. Not a fan yet, follow Eric on Twitter and Facebook.
@EricPaslay  Eric Paslay

WQMX 94.9 FM Rising Star Show Case Featuring Lucy Hale

Photo Credit: Country Music City Promotions

Lucy Hale is best known for her character Aria Montgomery on ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars , though deep down she's an artist ready to bring her music to fans. Hale was raised in southern Tennessee, that are her roots. From an early age Lucy knew herself what she wanted out of life and it was performing, her first televised appearance was the NBC competition American Juniors in 2003, though music was put on the back burner acting gigs came pouring in. Hale became well known in Hollywood. Now with country music beckoning Hale will release her debut album in 2014. Her first single  "Sounds Good To Me" will arrive in January, the radio friendly uptempo vibe will surely have fans submitting  requests. On Thursday night  November 21st Hale was welcomed to Legends Bar and Grill in Green, Ohio sponsored by WQMX 94.9FM Akron's Country. Hale's fans came out from the wood work and were well lined up almost filling the venue's capacity. The warm welcome was truly unexpected by Hale who was deeply thrilled and humbled. In the 30 minute set Lucy performed songs from her debut album including her first single "Sounds Good To Me", "Goodbye Gone", "Kiss Me", "From The Backseat" and "Nervous Girl" introduces Hale as a brand new rising star. Hale explains the story behind "Nervous Girl", "girls are so hard on each other, when they should be supporting each other", she says. "This is that song". The ever talkative Lucy connects to her generation and from her legion of fans who are most girls, young women her age Lucy is equipped to handle the responsibility to be a good example, representing herself as who she is. Hale made sure of the night to be focused on the fans who attended. Gracious, sincere Lucy thanked Legends and bistro for the night's showcase including  WQMX  and it's staff. "This is a new chapter in my life", she says. "Thank you all, I feel most vulnerable and unguarded connecting with you on this level because of country music, it tells such amazing stories".  Hale is excited in this journey of her life connecting with her fans, meeting new fans and growing a fan base and she's off on an excellent star. Closing the night Hale spent time with fans in an autograph session before going onto her next radio stop on this radio tour. Expect more from Hale to come. 

Want to know more about Lucy Hale visit the official website here, sign the e-mail newsletter for more to come. 

Official website
Lucy Hale

Introducing Rising Artist Tammie Davis

Photo Courtesy of Tammie Davis Music

North Carolina native Tammie Davis has a bright future ahead of her in country music and it is certain she'll go far, the former 2011 Carolina country music female country artist of the year has made a name for herself in country music,settling in new territory traveling the country and putting her best foot forward,self driven and determined Tammie Davis has experienced more in the past 5 years than most of us do in a life time. Davis is a former United States Marine, yes, marines are more than men, women too. Tammie's sweet southern heart is what dreams are made of, her debut album release in 2010  It's A Beautiful Life" gave audiences what this lady can do, she delivers passion and all heart and you can hear it in those raw emotionally charged southern vocals. Since her 2010 debut Tammie can be seen at every fair,festival, night club and bar across the country who has opened for several top names in country music from The Oak Ridge Boys, Billy Dean, Jeannie Seely, Gene Watson, Bucky Covington and Zac Brown Band, all since 2009, in 2011 Davis performed with Charlie Daniels at the 2011 ConExpo event in Las Vegas and  in the same year Davis was invited to perform at the Rapids Music Festival among the most popular Sugarland, Darius Rucker, Willie Nelson, Colt Ford and Lady Antebellum.To Tammie's most recent surprise was invited to open for the great legend and icon herself, Loretta Lynn. These are what dreams are made of and Davis has it as an independent country female artist in today's world of country pop. Tammie Davis is as traditional as they come and what lies ahead is anyone's guess. From two hit single's under her belt "Tall Dark and Lonesome" and "It's A Beautiful Life" will continue to soar through the country music radar. Singer, songwriter, artist, entertainer Davis has it, the "IT" factor to a T. There's more than beauty inside and out Tammie is a natural, she oozes realness and passion. For audiences and country music fans I say Tammie Davis is well on her way.
For more on Tammie Davis, her music, tour dates, and news visit her official website here Tammie Davis


If you're not a fan you will be Tammie Davis is a delight, follow Tammie on Facebook, Twitter and Google+
 
Facebook Page
Tammie Davis

Twitter Page
@TammieDavis

Google+ Page 
Tammie Davis - Google+

Shy Blakeman Exclusive

Shy Blakeman was once a contestant on the hit show Nashville Star, however there were opportunities just beyond a competition. Blakeman has released 3 albums taking on the musicial realm of the music industry, after all one must have the dream, passion, dedication and determination to make it and Blakeman has done just that. In such a short period of time getting to know Shy, he's the coolest guy around and for sure no stranger to the club and bar scene in and around the surrounding areas of his home town of Kilgore, Texas. The state of Texas has brought us many country stars, despite Blakeman's soul,rock, blues and country roots, that's what country is. Listening to Shy Blakeman music is like savoring a piece of chocolate,it leaves you with wanting even more.
Blakeman's first released album Downtown Women may have only been the introduction of Shy, but it wasn't until the release of Long Distance Man that has truly defined him as the musician he is. All the music you want on Shy Blakeman is getting handed to you on a silver platter. Visit Shy's music store on Amazon right here

Shy Blakeman - Amazon Music Store

Visit Shy's official web site, new additions and updates have been added
Shy Blakeman Official Website

 Blakeman remains continually grateful to his friends and fans for all the support and faith in him, Shy is living right and on his terms. No matter how many bridges crossed Shy will bring music to you.

Live at Billy Bob's Texas  2nd annual Recording Contest 2012
The Top 10  are ready for you're votes, Shy Blakeman lands himself in the Top 10
You can vote for Shy right here
Live at Billy Bob's Texas Voting Page 

4/4 - Radio station submissions due
4/9 - Round 1 Voting begins
4/20 - Top 10 Announced
5/6 - Live at Billy Bob’s Texas Recording Finals (featuring the Top 10)
5/11 - Round 2 Voting begins
5/20 - Round 2 Voting ends at midnight
5/21 - Winner of the 2012 Live at Billy Bob’s Texas Recording Contest Announced
7/6 - Winner records their Live at Billy Bob’s Texas CD and DVD
credit to: Billy Bob's Texas

Do you live in the Texas area and want to see Shy perform live, here's your chance. New dates will come available, stay tune.

Listed Show Dates

April 26,2012   at the Love&War in Texas - Plano, TX
May 17, 2012 Glass Cactus  - Grapevine, TX
May 18,2012 Wormy Dog Saloon - Oklahoma City, OK
May 19,2012 Hanks Texas Grill  -  Mckinny, TX
May 30,2012 Wormy Dog Saloon  - Oklahoma City, OK
June 2,2012  The Cliff  - Davis, OK
June 8,2012 Crossroads Saloon  - Big Spring, TX
June 9,2012 The Lonestar  Midland, TX
June 15,2012  First National Bank Street Party - Granbury, TX
June 30,2012 On The Banks of the Gaudalupe in historic downtown  Kerrville, TX
August 17,2012 Papa's on the Lake  - Montgomery, TX
September 28,2012  White Elephant Saloon  - Ft. Worth, TX
October 19,2012  Gamma Phi Beta Crescent Classic Cook out  - College Station, TX



Stay tunned for the latest updates on Shy Blakeman right here at CMC, Country Music City Promotions.