Blog Posts – Nashville Insider

Timeless County

July 26, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

I do not remember what type of music I listened to before discovering country music, but I absolutely remember the first country music song to actually grace my eardrums. This experience occurred during a camping trip on my grandfather’s land in Fort Payne, Alabama, while driving too fast on a dirt road, and blaring Toby Keith “I Wanna Talk about Me,” on the radio. To this very day, every time I hear that particular song, I am brought right back to that dirt road and it is an absolutely unforgettable memory.

Have you ever experienced something like that-a song that takes you back to a different place and time? For example, when you hear it, you remember the exact moment in time, the activities in which you participated and even the smells that ruminated around you. Usually, the lyrics to these songs resonate on a personal level. There is comfort in knowing that, at some point, someone had a similar experience and likely expressed it through song. Perhaps this is what makes country music so extraordinarily special to so many people.

Singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is a prime example of an artist being able to tell a story within her own words while reliving that experience through song. Lambert recently released a new single called “It All Comes Out In The Wash.” She claims the inspiration for the song came from her mother who would always say “let’s not worry about a stain.” This song is a fun and friendly reminder that all difficult times eventually pass. Furthermore, all the various scenarios mentioned in the song resonate with various types of individuals from all walks of life.

You can check out Miranda Lambert’s new singles “It All Comes Out In The Wash” as well as “Locomotive” now available on all streaming platforms and digital devices. Lambert and a few special guests will be touring this fall. For further information, please go to Miranda Lambert.com or check the schedule below to see if Roadside Bars and Pink Guitar Tour will be coming soon to a town near you!

Upcoming Tour Dates:
Thursday, July 18 || Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s || Lake Tahoe, Nev.
Wednesday, July 24 || Cheyenne Frontier Days || Cheyenne, Wyo.*
Friday, August 2 || Watershed Festival || George, Wash. (Pistol Annies)
Saturday, August 10 || Boots & Hearts Music Festival || Oro-Medonte, Ontario
Friday, August 16 || Country Thunder Alberta || Calgary, Alberta
Friday, August 30 || The Great Allentown Fair || Allentown, Penn.
Saturday, August 31 || Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa || Atlantic City, N.J.

Featuring Elle King, Pistol Annies and Caylee Hammack:

Friday, September 13 || Mohegan Sun Arena || Uncasville, Conn.
Saturday, September 14 || Mohegan Sun Arena || Uncasville, Conn.
Thursday, September 19 || Van Andel Center || Grand Rapids, Mich.
Friday, September 20 || Huntington Center || Toledo, Ohio
Saturday, September 21 || BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University || Highland Heights, Ky.

Featuring Elle King, Pistol Annies and Tenille Townes:

Thursday, September 26 || Royal Farms Arena || Baltimore, Md.
Friday, September 27 || Charleston Coliseum || Charleston, W.Va.
Saturday, September 28 || Nationwide Arena || Columbus, Ohio

Featuring Maren Morris, Pistol Annies and Tenille Townes:

Thursday, October 3 || Cajundome || Lafayette, La.
Friday, October 4 || Smoothie King Center || New Orleans, La.
Saturday, October 5 || Centurylink Center || Bossier City, La.
Thursday, October 10 || State Farm Center || Champaign, Ill.
Friday, October 11 || Pinnacle Bank Arena || Lincoln, Neb.
Saturday, October 12 || Denny Sanford Premier Center || Sioux Falls, S.D.

Featuring Elle King, Pistol Annies and Ashley McBryde:

Thursday, October 17 || Fargo Dome || Fargo, N.D.
Friday, October 18 || Fiserv Forum || Milwaukee, Wisc.
Saturday, October 19 || Xcel Energy Center || Saint Paul, Minn.
Thursday, October 24 || TaxSlayer Center || Moline, Ill.
Friday, October 25 || JQH Arena || Springfield, Mo.
Saturday, October 26 || INTRUST Bank Arena || Wichita, Kan.

Featuring Maren Morris, Pistol Annies and Tenille Townes:

Thursday, November 7 || John Paul Jones Arena || Charlottesville, Va.
Friday, November 8 || Colonial Life Arena || Columbia, S.C.
Saturday, November 9 || Amway Center || Orlando, Fla.

Featuring Maren Morris, Pistol Annies and Ashley McBryde:

Thursday, November 21 || VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena || Jacksonville, Fla.
Friday, November 22 || Infinite Energy Arena || Duluth, Ga.
Saturday, November 23 || Greensboro Coliseum || Greensboro, N.C.

Entertainers to Entrepreneurs

July 12, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

Nashville, Tennessee is one of the country’s fastest-growing cities and a popular destination for anyone looking for a good time. Football fans cheer on the Titans at the gorgeous Nissan Stadium; outdoor activist paddle the Cumberland River, and, of course, it’s the birthplace of country music. It is common knowledge that Nashville is the state’s capital. However, it is not so commonly known that it is also officially dubbed the Bachelorette Party Capital of the World. Broadway Street is a paradise for anyone looking to bar hop and to enjoy the real spirit of Nashville. With over thirty-two bars on the strip, it’s easy for everyone to get their kicks.

Broadway hasn’t always been the entertainment hub it is today. Thirty years ago one could buy real estate for as little at $10,000, and if one did, they received very strong advice against
it because of high crime rates in the area. Today, the average performing bar rakes in close to ten million in revenue a year! This astronomical boom in the honky-tonk bar industry has led to a curious overtaking on the scene. The rising stars who started out playing night after night in these bars for tips are now the ones owning them!

In a genius marketing move, one of country music’s most recognizable artists, Alan Jackson, bought the oldest building on Broadway. This building served as a hospital during the civil war; the home to Bullet Records (the label created to record the stars of The Grand Ole Opry), and is now a four-story honky-tonk with each story boasting its own live music and specialties. AJ’s Good Time Bar represents the first of its kind to hit the Nashville scene and has become one of the most popular bars on the strip.

It did not take long before other artists starting following suit. One of the biggest names in country music and a coach on The Voice, Blake Shelton, has opened multiple Ole Red locations from Tennessee to Oklahoma. Florida Georgia Line’s FGL House prides itself on unique southern cuisine with California flair and Dirks Bently’s Whiskey Row is the tallest rooftop bar in Nashville, scenery as well as entertainment. Additionally, John Rich of Big and Rich says “Thank you for your service” by offering 2 for 1 to all veterans, active military, and first responders all day every day at Redneck Riviera.

All of these artists have known what it is like grinding and gigging waiting for their big break and now they are providing a great opportunity for rising stars to become well-known celebrities. Millions of fans flock to these celebrity-owned bars hoping to get a glimpse of greatness, but it’s the newcomers playing every night that provide the partons with a good time. From entertainers to entrepreneurs, the Nashville community is grateful for these artists that choose to give back to the community in both a monetary and supportive way.

Happy Birthday, America! Let’s Celebrate “God’s Country.”

July 5, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

Happy Birthday, America! What’s hot in country right now? Well, the number one country music song on the billboard this week is “God’s Country,” by Blake Shelton. Charting for fourteen solid weeks, it is perhaps an appropriate song to commemorate the Fourth of July holiday. Praising God, church, and country, “God’s Country” particularly resonates with certain sectors of the population who are thankful for our distinctive American way of life.

Hailing from Ada, Oklahoma, singer-songwriter Blake Shelton began singing at a very young child. By the age of 12, he knew how to play the guitar, and at the age of 15, he had written his first song. After graduating from high school, Shelton headed to Nashville. Shelton released his first single “Austin” in 2001. It charted at number one for five weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks (now known as Hot Country Songs), establishing Shelton as a breakout star. His career continued to grow with his first self-titled debut record, which also included the “All Over Me,” and “Ol’ Red.” (1)

With the release of each subsequent single and album, Shelton’s career has gone from strength to strength. His powerful performance of “God’s Country” at the Country Music Awards on April 7th packed quite a punch, as girlfriend Gwen Stefani cheered him on from the audience. “God’s Country” represents Shelton’s 36th top 100 Hot Country Song! (2)

For more information about Blake Shelton, or to purchase his new single “God’s Country,” please go to http://apps.blakeshelton.com.

Summertime Music Festivals

June 28, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

Summertime is officially here, and here is the lineup of music festivals that await. From Hip Hop to Alternative Rock, the music festival scene has something for everyone.

Pitchfork Music Festival

When: Jul 19, 2019 – Jul 21, 2019
Where: Union Park, Chicago, IL
How Much: One Day Ticket $75. 3 Day Pass $375.
Who: HAIM, Mavis Staples, Pusha-T, Earl Sweatshirt, Sky Ferreira, Low, Soccer Mommy, Julia Holter, Grapetooth, Rico Nasty, Valee, Standing on the Corner, MIKE, Great Black Music Ensemble, The Isley Brothers, Belle & Sebastian, Stereolab, Kurt Vile, Jeremih, Parquet Court, Freddie Gibbs, Amber Mark, Jay Som, Cate Le Bon, Tirzah, CHAI, Ric Wilson, Lala Lala, Robyn, Charli XCX, Whitney, Khruangbin, Clairo, Snail Mail, Neneh Cherry, Ibeyi, Amen Dunes, JPEGMAFIA, Flasher, Black Midi, Dreezy, Tasha
Founder: Pitchfork Media
Years Running: 2006-Present

For More Information, please go to Pitchfork Music Festival

Lollapalooza

When: August 1-4, 2019
Where: Grant Park, Chicago
How Much: One Day Tickets $130-$2,000, Four Day Tickets $340 to $4,200
Who: Kacey Musgraves, Lil Wayne, Janelle Monae, Meek Mill, Hozier, Rufus Du Sol, Gary Clark, Jr., Tenacious D, 21 Savage, Death Cab for Cutie, The Revivalists, H.E.R., Maggie Rogers, Perry Fattell’s Kind Heaven Orchestra, Alesso, God Vibrations vs. Slugz Music, Louis the Child, RL Grime, 6lack, NF, Slash Feat, Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Lil Baby, Gunna, King Princess
Founder: Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction
Years Running: 1991-1997. 2003-present.

For more information, please go to Lollapalooza

Outside Lands

When: August 9-12, 2019
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
How Much: 3 day tickets-$385 plus additional fees. 3 day VIP, $815. Golden State Pass, $1595
Who: Paul Simon, Childish Gambino, Twenty One Pilots, The Lumineers, Flume, blink-182, Kygo, Anderson. Paak & The Free Nationals, Leon Bridges, Kacey Musgraves, Lil Wayne, Hozier, RL Grime, Ella Mai, Counting Crows, Flying Lotus 3D, Alina Baraz, Mavis Staples, Bebe Rexha, Sheck Wes, The Neighbourhood, Santigold, Better Oblivion Community Center, Toro y Moi, Denzel Curry, Lauren Daigle, San Holo, Judah & the Lion, Big Wild, Bob Moses, Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, Wallows, Yaeji, Masego, Phosphorescent, Tierra Whack, DJ Koze, NoMBe, Bea Miller, Aurora, Nahko And Medicine For the People, Justin Martin, Dean Lewis, Shallou, Luttrell, The California Honeydrops, Cautious Clay, half-alive, The Marias, Brasstracks, CupCakKe, Cherry Glazerr, P-Lo, Caamp, Weyes Blood, PJ Morton, THe Funk Hunters, Still Woozy, Taylor Bennett, MorMor, Miya Folick, ALLBLACK, SYML, Leven Kali, Alex Lahey, Jupiter & Okwess, Delacey, Altin Gun, Grateful Shred, Amo Amo, Boyfriend, The Seshen, Rainbow Girls, Sandy’s.
Founder: Superfly Presents
Years Running: 2008-Present

For more information, please go to Outside Lands

Lynchburg Music Fest

When: August 23-24
Where: Wiseman Park, Lynchburg, TN.
How Much: 1 day tickets starting at $48, 2 day tickets starting at $76.
Who: Jamey Johnson, TBA, Montgomery Gentry, Raelynn, David Lee Murphy, Lee Gibson, Michael Allen. Matt Dillon, Becky Buller Band. Easton Corbin, Mongomery Gentry, Joe Diffie, Cassadee Pope, Craig Campbell, Keith Anderson, Lee Gibson, Taylor Phillips, Kenny and Amanda Smith, Southern Moss, Logan Wheat, Matt Dillion, Michael Allen, Bella Raye, Asher Cataldo, Zach Donegan, Sarah Pearson, Jacob Painter, Brooke Maruska, Vending Machine Bandits, Double Shot, Kirk Logan, Coldwater Station, 3 Sons, Stefanie Joyce & Friends, Yesterday’s Wine, Steaphanie Nash, Macy Tabor, Gillian Leverette.

For more information, please go to Lynchburg Music Fest

Frank Foster To Play At The Signal. Tickets On Sale Today!

June 21, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

Frank Foster To Play At The Signal. Tickets On Sale Today!

The Nashville Insider is excited to announce that Louisiana native Frank Foster will be performing at the Signal in Chattanooga on August 9th. A relative newcomer on the country music scene, Foster brings his own independent style to the industry. Acting as his own writer, record label, and producer since 2011, Foster has released all seven of his albums independently. Each new album has experienced more commercial success than the last. (1)

These albums include:

Rowdy Reputation in 2011
Red Wings and Six Strings in 2012
Southern Soul in 2013
Rhythm and Whiskey in 2014
“Boots on the Ground” in 2016
“Good Country Music” in 2016
“Till I’m Gone” in 2018 (2)

AllMusic’s Jonathan Widran states “Foster’s ability to connect lies in the raw emotional authenticity of his storytelling.” (2) To learn more about this singer/songwriter who is coming to Chattanooga, please visit his website at Frank Foster Music . To purchase a ticket for his Chattanooga concert, please go to Frank Foster at The Signal

Women in Country Music Have a Big Week!

June 7, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

Women in Country Music Have a Big Week!

The Nashville Insider salutes the women of country music this week. In particular, we acknowledge Ashley McBryde for being presented with the “Breakthrough Video of the Year” Award for the song “Girl Goin’ Nowhere.” The song describes Ashley’s early ambition and struggles, as a high school Algebra teacher holding her back from her dream of becoming a singer/songwriter in Nashville. An emotional and inspirational ballad, it is a reminder to everyone that you should never give up on your dreams!

We were also treated this week to a new Sheryl Crow single featuring Stevie Nicks and Maren Morris. A female empowerment ballad, “Prove You Wrong,” is indicative of the power women are now experiencing in country music. Highlighting Crow’s upbeat style, Nick’s trademark sound and Morris’ belting voice it is girl sure to be an anthem! Click here to listen to the women of country music tell it like it is. https://musicrow.com/2019/06/sheryl-crow-stevie-nicks-maren-morris-join-forces-on-new-track-prove-you-wrong

Click here to purchase the single. https://sherylcrow.lnk.to/ProveYouWrongPR

The CMA Award announced this week that Kelsea Ballerini will be returning August 4 to co-host the CMA Fest. “More than 300 artists perform at CMA Fest, donating their time so a portion of ticket proceeds can directly benefit high-quality music education initiatives across the United States through the CMA Foundation.” (1) This will be Ballerini’s third year as co-host.

The Nashville Insider wholeheartedly applauds as the women of country music continue to shine and flex their muscles on the country music scene. Keep it up ladies! You make us proud!

1. https://musicrow.com/2019/06/sheryl-crow-stevie-nicks-maren-morris-join-forces-on-new-track-prove-you-wrong/

Chris Young North American East Coast Leg of Tour To Begin

May 31, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

The Nashville Insider is pleased to announce the next leg of Chris Young’s Raised On Country Tour 2019! The award-winning singer will travel along the east coast with the next stop in Syracuse, NY on June 13th. It has been a long successful road for Chris. From winning USA Network’s hit competition Nashville Star in 2006 to headlining a North American tour with up and coming stars!

Upcoming date for Raised On Country Tour 2019

June 14 — Boston, Mass. @ Xfinity Center
June 15 — Hartford, Ct. @ Xfinity Theatre
June 21 — Scranton, Pa. @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
June 22 — Philadelphia, Pa. @ BB&T Pavilion

Chris’ win ensured him a contract with RCA Records and his self-titled debut album soon followed. In 2009, Young released his second album, “The Man I Want to Be.” This album brought him his first number one single,” Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song).” Another number one singles, including “The Man I Want to Be”, “Voices”, and “I’m Comin’ Over.” He has also found success as a duet artist, creating number one hits with both Vince Gill and Cassadee Pope.

The Nashville Insider salutes Chris Young and wishes him continued success! For more information and tour dates, please go to www.chrisyoungcountry.com

Happy Birthday Randy Travis, From The Nashville Insider!

May 17, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

The Nashville insider salutes Randy Travis for overcoming a variety of obstacles during the course of his career. With his upcoming memoir soon to be released, entitled “Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life.” the Nashville Insider feels it is appropriate to put forth our heartfelt thank you to an artist who has certainly persevered through a variety of life’s challenges.

Born Randy Traywick, on May 4th, 1959, Randy initially experienced rejection by every major record label in Nashville. In 1982, Warner Brothers record signed a record deal with Randy and changed his last name to Travis. From that point, his career catapulted into stardom. In the year 2000, Travis signed with Word records, transitioning his career into one primarily focused on Christian music.

In 2013, Travis suffered a nearly fatal stroke that left him unable to sing or walk without a cane. Following intense therapy, he regained his voice in 2016, and again returned to the stage. The Country Music Hall of Fame installed him as a member in 2016, and he performed his personal rendition of “Saving Grace” during the ceremony. (1)

On May 4, 2019, a triumphant Travis celebrated his 60th birthday in front of a packed crowd at the Grand Ole Opry. Because of his ongoing medical condition, Travis no longer performs. However, he is still beloved by his fans and by the Nashville Insider. Happy birthday, Randy, from a crowd that still adores you! May we have you with us for many years to come.

The Nashville Insider Announces the 5th Annual Nashville Universe Awards Show

May 10, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

The Nashville Insider Announces the 5th Annual Nashville Universe Awards Show!

Every year, thousands of hopeful country singers arrive in Nashville, chasing that neon rainbow. However, only a handful actually make it into the top tiers of the music industry. For those who are willing to make the commitment and take a shot the Nashville Universe is a great way to jump-start exposure. The Nashville Universe is a community dedicated to those who wish to become a part of the “hottest indie and emerging artist community in Nashville.” (1) Joining the community is the first step in opening your art up to fans, professionals, and other artists on the Nashville scene! Nashville Universe recognizes the best of the best in up and coming country music, during their annual Nashville Universe Awards show.

Be sure to check out the 5th annual award show in downtown Nashville on June 18, 2019.

Cable subscribers can find it on the country network while streaming views can watch it on Roku or tcncountry.com.

The Nashville Insider is thrilled to announce the return of the Nashville Universe Awards Show and encourages everyone with an interest in country music to join the community and enjoy the musical performance.

To learn more about the Nashville Universe, please go to nashvilleuniverse.com or find them on Facebook at Nashville Universe.

http://nashvilleuniverse.com/

Nashville Honors Michael W. Smith on May 1

May 3, 2019/in Blog Posts/by Nashville Insider

The world is full of crossover artists, but the one that seems to have resonated with most people is the one and only Michael W. Smith. Originally a Christian singer who crossed over into the contemporary music genre, Smith has preached positivity against all odds. As a result, he has created a unique niche for himself, unlike any other artist before him. Formerly a protege of another famous crossover artist, Amy Grant, Smith’s largest success in mainstream music occurred in 1991 when “Place in this World” reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 1992 number one adult contemporary song “I will be here for you” followed this initial success, solidifying Smith’s place as a solid cross-over artist. His devoted fans have gone on to purchase more than 18 million albums. (1) In response, Smith has never strayed from the positivism he endorses, in both his work and his lifestyle.

Originally hailing from West Virginia, Smith has won a plethora of awards over his lengthy Nashville career, including three Grammys, and the American Music Award. (1) On May 1st, Nashville took time out to honor Michael W. Smith in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Many of the city’s finest honored Smith in a three hour, “One-in-a-lifetime, star-studded event…celebrating his 35-year career and his 35 #1 hits.” (2) Attendees included Vince Gill, Wynonna Judd, Randy Travis, and Steven Curtis Chapman. (2) The Nashville Insider applauds Michael W. Smith on a phenomenally successful career and wishes him many more successes to come.