With Record Label Switch, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley Says the Trio Wants to Be a “Little Bit More Honest With Our Music and Our Lyrics”

With Record Label Switch, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley Says the Trio Wants to Be a “Little Bit More Honest With Our Music and Our Lyrics”

Posted on September 5, 2018

After six studio albums and one Christmas album with Capitol Records Nashville, Lady Antebellum signed a new record contract with Big Machine Label Group, which is home to Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Reba McEntire, Sugarland, Midland and more.

Under Capitol’s guidance, Lady A scored nine No. 1 singles and five No. 1 albums, while earning seven Grammy Awards, six CMA Awards and seven ACM Awards.

As Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley told Joshua “Bru” Brubaker of Nash FM 931 in Detroit, one of the reasons the trio made the label switch was the “new, excited energy from Big Machine.”

“I think we did six or seven records with [Capitol], so you know it was just time for our contract to be up,” said Charles. “We just felt some really new, excited energy from Big Machine. They had heard some of the songs we’d been writing and [we] just really felt like they had a fresh energy that would be fun. They’ve got some new ideas of where they think they can take this thing. So we felt just kinda re-inspired to work with them.”

With the new record deal, Charles says the trio is also looking to take their music in a new direction.

“Yeah, I mean we’re definitely wanting to be a little bit more honest with our music and our lyrics and probably show a different side again, just musically,” says Charles. “It will probably sound a lot different than ‘You Look Good’ and ‘Bartender’ and a lot of that too—we’re probably gonna dig a little deeper on this project this time. I’m just excited for everybody to hear. We’ve been writing a ton. We’ve been going through a lot as a group and even in our personal lives, just growing in our families and growing as a band and we’re ready to kinda really throw it all out on a record.”

photo by Jason Simanek

Dolly Parton to Be Honored as the 2019 “MusiCares Person of the Year”

Dolly Parton to Be Honored as the 2019 “MusiCares Person of the Year”

Posted on September 5, 2018

Dolly Parton can add another honor to her Hall of Fame career: 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year.

Following in the footsteps of past honorees like Paul McCartney, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tom Petty and more, Dolly will be presented with the award at the 29th annual benefit gala at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Feb. 8, 2019, two nights prior to the 61st Grammy Awards.

“I am so excited and humbled to be honored as MusiCares Person of the Year,” said Dolly. “It’s even more special knowing the gala benefits music people in need. I can’t wait to hear all of the great artists singing my music.”

MusiCares, which is the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need, including financial, medical and personal emergencies.

Dolly was recognized by the Recording Academy in 2011 with its Lifetime Achievement Award. With this latest honor, the country music icon earns the distinction of becoming the first artist from the Nashville music community to be honored at the annual Grammy Week gala benefiting music people in need.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Florida Georgia Line & Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” Extends Chart Record With 40-Week Run at No. 1

Florida Georgia Line & Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” Extends Chart Record With 40-Week Run at No. 1

Posted on September 5, 2018

Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” is continuing its record-smashing run atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

“Meant to Be” is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the 40th week, which extends the record for most weeks atop the chart. The tune’s closest competitor is Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” which spent 34 weeks at No. 1 in 2017.

The 59-year-old Billboard Hot Country Songs chart blends streaming, airplay and sales data.

“Meant to Be” was co-penned by Bebe Rexha, Josh Miller, David Garcia and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard.

“From day one, this song was just meant to be,” says Tyler. “Bebe jumped in on a canceled writing session last minute and now it’s going down in history.”

Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart All-Time Record

1. “Meant to Be” – Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha – 40 weeks (2018)
2. “Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt — 34 weeks (2017)
3. “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line – 24 weeks (2012)
4. “Walk On By” – Leroy Van Dyke – 19 weeks (1961)
5. “H.O.L.Y.” – Florida Georgia Line – 18 weeks (2016)
6. “Die a Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett 17 weeks – (2015)
7. “Love’s Gonna Live Here” – Buck Owens – 16 weeks (1963)

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Thomas Rhett Scores 11th No. 1 Single With “Life Changes” + Announces Deluxe Album

Thomas Rhett Scores 11th No. 1 Single With “Life Changes” + Announces Deluxe Album

Posted on September 5, 2018

Thomas Rhett scored the 11th No. 1 single of his career as “Life Changes”—the title track from his 2017 album—ascended to the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The tune, which was penned by TR, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley, is the fourth single from the album to reach No. 1, following “Craving You,” “Unforgettable” and “Marry Me.”

“There’s no way for me to explain how it feels to have 11 number ones,” Thomas Rhett said. “This was the song that inspired the name of the album and is so special for me because it’s my family’s story. It’s amazing that so many people have also been able to connect it to their own stories.”

To celebrate the milestone, TR is releasing a deluxe version of Life Changes on Sept. 21.

Life Changes Deluxe will features three new tracks—“Country Gold,” “Cardboard Heart” and “When We’re 80”—while the digital version will also include three remixes of “Leave Right Now” and a track with updated lyrics for “Life Changes.”

Life Changes Deluxe Track List and Songwriters

  1. “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris) | Dave Barnes, Julian Bunetta
  2. “Unforgettable” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
  3. “Sixteen” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
  4. “Drink A Little Beer” (featuring Rhett Akins) | Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ben Hayslip
  5. “Marry Me” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally
  6. “Leave Right Now” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, Edward Drewett, John Henry Ryan
  7. “Smooth Like The Summer” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  8. “Life Changes” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
  9. “When You Look Like That” | Jessi Alexander, Matt Dragstrem, David Lee Murphy
  10. “Sweetheart” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Sean Douglas, Joe Spargur
  11. “Kiss Me Like A Stranger” | Thomas Rhett, Dave Barnes, Jordan Reynolds
  12. “Renegades” | Thomas Rhett, Julian Bunetta, John Henry Ryan
  13. “Gateway Love” | Thomas Rhett, Sean Douglas, Sam Ellis, Emily Weisband
  14. “Grave” | Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller
  15. “Country Gold” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley
  16. “Cardboard Heart” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Sean Douglas, Jesse Frasure
  17. “When We’re 80” | Thomas Rhett, Jesse Frasure, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  18. “Life Changes” (Radio Edit)**
  19. “Leave Right Now” (Martin Jensen Mix)**
  20. “Leave Right Now” (Nashville Mix)**
  21. “Leave Right Now” (Radio Edit)**

**Digital Version Only

photo by Jason Simanek

Locash Hits the Road for 11-Date Tour That Coincides With NFL and College Football Games

Locash Hits the Road for 11-Date Tour That Coincides With NFL and College Football Games

Posted on September 4, 2018

With a new single on country radio, Preston Brust and Chris Lucas of Locash are hitting the road this week for the Pepsi Tailgating Tour, which features 11 stops that coincide with NFL and college football games.

The duo’s new single, “Feels Like a Party,” is sure to be on the set list as Locash travels across the country to “tailgate” at football games that feature Ohio State vs. Penn State, Army vs. Navy, New England Patriots vs. New York Giants and more.

“Good things sure do happen in pairs,” said Preston. “Thank you, country radio, for embracing this song. We’re so honored and appreciate your support. This, on the heels of the Pepsi Tailgate Tour news, made today an incredibly special day for us.”

“We’re super excited to be partnering up with Pepsi and being part of the Pepsi family,” said Chris. “Teaming country music and football fans is the perfect combination for a party.”

Pepsi Tailgating Tour

Sept. 6 / Philadelphia, PA (NFL Kickoff Experience)
Sept. 15 / Arlington, TX (Ohio State vs. Texas Christian University)
Sept. 16 / Arlington, TX (Cowboys vs. Giants)
Sept. 29 / University Park, PA (Ohio State vs. Penn State)
Sept. 30 / Pittsburgh, PA (Steelers vs. Ravens)
Oct. 11 / East Rutherford, NJ (Giants vs.. Eagles)
Oct. 14 / East Rutherford, NJ (Jets vs. Colts)
Oct. 21 / Landover, MD (Redskins vs. Cowboys)
Nov. 4 / Foxborough, MA (Patriots vs.. Packers)
Dec. 2 / Miami Gardens, FL (Dolphins vs. Bills)
Dec. 8 / Philadelphia, PA (Army vs. Navy)

Smith’s Return Provides Optimism for Vols

Smith’s Return Provides Optimism for Vols

Posted on September 4, 2018
Vols OL Trey Smith / Credit: UT Athletics

By Wyeth Wilson, Media Relations Student Assistant

For Tennessee sophomore Trey Smith, Saturday’s season opener was the long awaited conclusion of an offseason journey of unknowns.

The highly-touted offensive lineman missed all of spring practice following treatment for blood clots found in February. He was not cleared for contact in practice until after the halfway mark of fall camp. However, the 2017 Freshman All-American picked up right where he left off during the season opener. Smith and the rest of Tennessee’s offensive line helped pave the way for a 118-yard rushing performance from running back Tim Jordan.

“It was relieving ultimately because [I was] just finally doing what I love to do, not worrying about external issues and just getting out there and playing ball,” Smith said. “The most difficult part of the offseason was just patience. Realizing God’s plan and just letting it reveal itself and letting it work in my life.”

First-year head coach Jeremy Pruitt expects improvement from the sophomore as he continues to get more reps and game action under his belt following his offseason of uncertainty.

“I think Trey played hard,” Pruitt said after the game. “He obviously made some mistakes and probably things he will improve on just based on taking more reps, but he did compete hard so that’s positive, and I think he is only going to get better each week.

“Obviously, he is going to get to practice and improve and see more looks. He is used to playing with the guys beside him so he will get better each week.”

Despite having practiced with full contact just eight times during preseason practice, Smith was awarded with the starting left tackle spot for Saturday’s contest.

In addition to making his own return, Smith also helped provide guidance to newcomers along the Vols’ offensive line. Of Tennessee’s other four starting lineman, two (Alabama transfer center Brandon Kennedy and junior college guard Jahmir Johnson) were playing in their first game for the Orange and White, while another contributor – true freshman Jerome Carvin – played in his first collegiate game.

“I had that same experience last year, so I just told him ‘(Jerome) just calm down, it’s just like practice,’” Smith said. “I think (Brandon and Jahmir) played their tails off. They worked hard. We were well prepared for that situation and they did a great job.”

Despite the youth infusion on the offensive line, the Vols’ front allowed just two sacks on the day, and none after the first quarter. Though some numbers indicate reason for optimism, Smith is still seeking improvement as he settles back into his role of leading Tennessee’s offensive front.

“I could be a lot better. I’m still getting a lot of the rust out,” Smith said. “I’ve had about eight practices so it’s a little hard, especially for a position like offensive line, but just getting the rust out and just trying to be better with technique every day I step out there.

“Ultimately, we always want to get better. There are a lot of things we can fix and we need to go to the drawing board to fix them. Stepping forward we’re going to be better.”

-UT Athletics

 

John Rich Bashes Nike for Colin Kaepernick Advertising Campaign & Predicts Nike Stock to Fall

John Rich Bashes Nike for Colin Kaepernick Advertising Campaign & Predicts Nike Stock to Fall

Posted on September 4, 2018

Big & Rich’s John Rich slammed Nike via Twitter on Sept. 3 for featuring Colin Kaepernick in its “Just Do It” 30th anniversary campaign.

To catch you up to speed, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick wore a pair of socks to training camp in 2016—when he played for the San Francisco 49ers—that featured pigs dressed as policemen. Kaepernick, who sparked controversy in 2016 by passively protesting during the national anthem before games, has been out of the NFL since 2016.

John Rich continued to display his disdain for Nike and Kaepernick with a series of Tweets—even predicting Nike’s stock to fall. You can check out the Tweets below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Vols’ defense must improve pass rush, pass defense

Posted on September 4, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

It’s not fair to judge a team on one game.

It’s not fair to judge a defense on one game.

But after watching Tennessee get torched by West Virginia’s passing game in a 40-14 season-opening defeat, I’m more concerned about UT’s defense going forward.

I expect this defense to be better against the run than the 2017 UT version. But I’m not sure how much better overall this defense will be.

Here are my two main concerns:

  1. I don’t think the Vols have a defensive back that is good in pass coverage. Maybe some of the freshmen will be later – but not now.
  2. And I don’t think the Vols have a good pass rusher. I expected more pressure from Kyle Phillips and Darrell Taylor and Jonathan Kongbo against the Mountaineers.  I didn’t see it.

If you don’t have a good cover corner/defensive back and you don’t have a good pass rusher, how good can your defense be?

That is a huge concern going forward for the Vols.

Tennessee shouldn’t have much trouble with its next two opponents – East Tennessee State and Texas El Paso – but starting with Florida in Week 4, look out.

The Gators scored 53 points against an inferior opponent in Charleston Southern, but quarterback Felipe Franks surely gained some confidence in throwing for five touchdowns. And coach Dan Mullen has a reputation of getting the most out of his signal callers.

Georgia scored 45 against Austin Peay and could’ve scored 75.

Auburn was held to 21 points by a strong Washington defense, but the Tigers have several playmakers that will give UT fits.

Alabama rang up 51 on Louisville and some think this might be Nick Saban’s best offensive team led by his best-ever quarterback.

South Carolina got 49 against Coastal Carolina and Gamecocks have one of the best receiver duos in the SEC in Deebo Samuels and Bryan Edwards.

Kentucky got 35 on Central Michigan as Benny Snell and Asim Rose combined for 229 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Missouri has one of the nation’s premier quarterbacks in Drew Lock and he has a tremendous supporting cast with two solid running backs, two top-notch receivers and a great tight end. Not to mention Missouri, which has scored 87 points, gained 1,399 yards and rushed for 875 yards in the last two games against the Vols.

And Vanderbilt scored 35 on Middle Tennessee State behind the arm of Kyle Shurmur, who has torched the Vols each of the last two seasons, passing for a combined 699 yards and six touchdowns.

Is Tennessee’s defense up to the task against those talent teams?

It obviously wasn’t against West Virginia, which might have the best passing team the Vols will face all season. The Mountaineers not only threw for 429 yards and five touchdowns, they scored on four of five second-half possessions (they fumbled on the other) and had five touchdowns on 10 drives.

I don’t know if first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt has enough magic dust to turn this defense around. It might play well against the three weak opponents on the schedule, but there’s not an SEC offense that isn’t capable of ringing up at least 35 on the Vols.

If the Vols had a pass rusher like Derek Barnett or a cover corner like Cam Sutton, I’d be more optimistic about the defense holding its own against some of the better offenses UT plays.

Without them, Tennessee might surrender over 400 yards and over 30 points per game to SEC opponents and West Virginia.

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Cam Postpones Headlining Tour Amid Label Change

Cam Postpones Headlining Tour Amid Label Change

Posted on September 4, 2018

Cam announced via social media that she has postponed her headlining Road to Happiness Tour, saying, in part: “My friends who bought tickets for my tour this Fall: I had planned these shows to celebrate the release of my new music with you, but for reasons I can’t get into here, I decided I would NOT release my forthcoming album through Sony Nashville. This is an incredible step forward with RCA New York and means this new music will have the best launch possible and the perfect tour will be happening with this music at a later date.”

Cam’s new single, “Road to Happiness,” was released via RCA Records in July after her previous singles were released via Arista Nashville, both of which are labels under Sony Music Entertainment.

Cam’s 16-date Road to Happiness Tour was scheduled to make stops in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Denver and more. Cam will still perform at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 26.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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