9 Important Things You Need To Know About Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy

9 Important Things You Need To Know About Midland’s Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy

Posted on March 3, 2017

Country’s newest trio, Midland is starting the year off on a high note with the release of their debut single, “Drinkin’ Problem,” and self-titled EP.  Add to that, the Texas Trio will soon be hitting the road as part of the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Soul2Soul Tour with 4 dates in Canada (May31-July4)

  • May 31 / Vancouver, British Columbia / Rogers Arena
  • June 2 / Calgary, Alberta / Scotiabank Saddledome
  • June 3 / Edmonton, Alberta / Rogers Palace
  • June 4 / Saskatoon, Saskatchewan / Sasktel Centre

Before heading out, the trio sat down with Nash Country Daily to play a game of superlatives. We dug deep to find out which Midland member is most likely to break a girl’s heart, be late to an event or get into a fist fight.

Check out their answers and get to know Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy of Midland, just a little bit better.

1. Who is most likely to be late wherever you go?

Jess: Mark

Cameron: Mark

Mark: I was actually drinking water, but I was going to say me.

2. Who is most likely to star in a reality show?

Cameron: You know what, can I say that it would be fascinating to see Jess in a reality show. It would be because he is such an interesting, colorful human being. What I really want to see is hidden camera stuff on what Jess does when he thinks no one is looking. This is the stuff that I think about when I am home without Jess. It’s pretty weird.

Mark: Jess could do American Pickers. I mean Jess could be a legitimate antiquer.

3. Who is most likely to cry at a sad movie?

Mark: God, that has got to be a tie between me and Cameron.

Cameron: Me and Mark like to cry a lot.

Mark: He was crying the other day. It’s okay to cry kids. It’s okay.

4. Who is most likely to break a girl’s heart?

Cameron: Probably Mark.

Mark: Just because I am clumsy with these big hands. You know, I don’t mean to break them.

Cameron: No, he doesn’t mean to. He’s still single. You know what I mean? So for all you ladies out there …

Mark: Ironically, I’m the guy that usually gets my heart broken.

5. Who is most likely to get into a fist fight?

Mark: I’ve got a broken … I’ve got a boxer’s fracture from when we got in a fight after a show, but I’ve never picked a fight in my life. When I kind of hit maturity and was playing football and what not, my twin brother and I had to come home and bounce at the family honky-tonk at the Stake Out in Arizona. Sure enough every single night, a big fight would break out and we’d have to jump in there. There would be cowboys swinging, you know, broken Coor’s Light bottle.

Cameron: Meanwhile, the ladies in the corner—That’s where me and Jess come in. Let these guys fight.

Mark: We’re all lovers, man. We’re not fighters. The thing about Midland is that we’re a band of brothers and if you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us.

6. Who is the biggest flirt?

Cameron: Man, it just depends on any given night.

Mark: It just depends on how much Jess or Cameron have had to drink.

7. Who is most likely to attend a Brittney Spears or Justin Bieber concert?

Mark: Oh, that’s Cameron for sure.

Cameron: Yeah I would probably go. I love production. So, I think they have such huge productions on those shows, I’m always fascinated.

Jess: Cameron’s wife, Harper, would drag him to that.

8. Who is most likely to crack jokes at inappropriate times?

Mark: We’re all pointing at Cameron.

Jess: Definitely Cameron.

Cameron: Me? Are you serious? Interesting.

9. Who is most likely to fall asleep at a party?

Cameron: That is definitely not me. That’s Mark. He’s usually the last guy to close it down.

Jess: Cameron parties hard and then he hits a wall. But he usually leaves.Sometimes he doesn’t leave. There was one time he didn’t leave (laughs).

Photo by H. Smith / Big Machine Records

Rascal Flatts Gets Back to Basics With New Album, “Back to Us”

Rascal Flatts Gets Back to Basics With New Album, “Back to Us”

Posted on March 3, 2017

Rascal Flatts—Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney—made a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Show this morning (March 3) to announce the release of their 10th studio album, Back to Us, and to perform the album’s lead single, “Yours If You Want It.”

The new album, set to drop on May 19, is the follow-up to their successful hit-producing album, Rewind, which featured the chart-topping “I Like The Sound of That” and Top 5 hit, “Rewind.”

“With this being our 10th album, we knew we wanted to be careful and deliberate in how we approached it,” said Gary in a statement. “This time around, the three of us have been able to really focus and work together on what we want to say at this point in our careers. We’ve all been so energized by the process of making this album and we still have a lot more music to make and we still actually like each other . . . for now.”

According to Jay, Back to Us, will bring us back to the early days of Rascal Flatts, with a collection of songs that focus on the groups standout harmonies and upbeat hits.

“There was a nostalgic feeling between the three of us while in the studio for this record, a feeling that was more reminiscent of our first albums,” said Jay. “The journey we’ve all been on together is unreal and I can honestly say I’m even more excited about what is ahead for us. Back To Us is not only a title of a song on the album, but a feeling that has been building around this new music. It just fits in so many ways.”

The album is available for pre-order here. Check out Gary, Joe Don and Jay performing “Yours If You Want It” on Ellen.

Photo courtesy Big Machine Records

Watch Luke Bryan Play Catchphrase With Octavia Spencer, John Lithgow and Jimmy Fallon + Perform “Fast” on “The Tonight Show”

Watch Luke Bryan Play Catchphrase With Octavia Spencer, John Lithgow and Jimmy Fallon + Perform “Fast” on “The Tonight Show”

Posted on March 3, 2017

Luke Bryan stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (March 2) to perform his current single, “Fast.” But before Luke took the stage to play his Billboard Country Airplay Top 10 hit (#7), he was roped into a game of Catchphrase with teammate Jimmy against actors Octavia Spencer and John Lithgow.

Luke and Jimmy performed admirably, winning two out of three rounds as Luke successfully described clues like “Opera,” “Jump Rope” and “Scooby-Doo (Luke’s impression was spot-on). But in round three, which was worth “8,000 points” according to Jimmy, the Luke-Jimmy tandem faltered on “Off the Record,” allowing John and Octavia to steal the win.

Watch the gang play Catchphrase below, as well as Luke’s performance of “Fast.”

Luke Bryan Grabs Selfie With Himself While Unveiling Madame Tussauds Wax Figure

Luke Bryan Grabs Selfie With Himself While Unveiling Madame Tussauds Wax Figure

Posted on March 2, 2017

Just before Luke Bryan took the stage for his Madison Square Garden concert Wednesday night (March 1), the “Huntin’ Fishin’ And Lovin’ Everyday” singer was beside himself helping to reveal his own Madame Tussauds wax figure.

Luke’s figure comes complete with a custom-made Gibson guitar with the Buck Commander lute hole as well as jeans and t-shirt donated by Luke himself.  The sexy singer took time to sit with Madame Tussauds studio artists in Nashville, so they could get every detail just right. The research team took more than 300 measurements of the singer.

“I’m so excited to finally see my figure. It was such a great experience to sit with the Madame Tussauds artists to capture my every detail,” said Luke Bryan in a release. “Looking at my figure today, I can honestly say I’m impressed at the likeness. And knowing it will be at the Nashville attraction, where I live with my family, is truly an honor.”

Madame Tussauds wax attraction is slated to open its newest location in Nashville on April 14.

Photos by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Madame Tussauds Nashville

Dierks Bentley Gives Thomas Rhett Some Bullish Baby Advice

Dierks Bentley Gives Thomas Rhett Some Bullish Baby Advice

Posted on March 2, 2017

Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren dropped a double-baby bombshell on February 15 when they announced on social media that Lauren was pregnant . . . and they are in the process of adopting a baby from Africa. Soon after, the couple revealed that their birth child is a baby girl.

Yesterday (March 1) during Thomas Rhett’s double-No. 1 party to celebrate “T-shirt” and “Star of the Show,” TR was asked if his friends—and proud papas—Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan had given him any advice on parenthood.

“Dierks said, ‘Don’t be afraid if you drink four Red Bulls a day,’ and I’ve watched Dierks drink a lot of Red Bulls,” said Thomas Rhett. “They say it just takes a lot of getting used to, when you live this lifestyle for—this is going on five years now, it’s just been my wife and I and our two dogs, and so when you have two more people, humans, that you are responsible for . . . they just say that your life just changes. Like, there’s nothing that you can do to get ready for it. Like, you can read books and talk to me as much as you want, but you’re going to be a different parent than I am, and just like I’m going to be a different parent than you are. So, I think the best advice is just kinda take it as it comes and just realize you’re going to be exhausted.”

While TR couldn’t reveal too many details about the ongoing adoption process, he did say that the child is 16 months old.

“I can’t yet [reveal the baby’s gender] and just strictly for the child’s privacy and safety, you know just ’cause so many things can happen,” says TR. “Well, we were [in Africa] for a month and a half, but my wife and I were there a total of combined seven times last year. [The child is] 16 months [old].”

Sounds like Thomas Rhett is going to need a lot of Red Bull in the near future.

 

 

photo via Dierks Bentley Facebook

Maggie Rose Debuts New Music From Upcoming Album [Listen]

Maggie Rose Debuts New Music From Upcoming Album [Listen]

Posted on March 2, 2017

Currently on the road with Martina McBride and Lauren Alaina as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Tour, Maggie Rose made a stop in Nashville Wednesday night (March 1) to debut some new music from her upcoming album.

Arguably one of the most powerful, soulful vocalists in music and not one to conform to any genre, Maggie crosses the lines between country, pop and rock. Working to create her spot, the Maryland native has released a full-length album, Cut To Impress, and two EP’s, Maybe Tonight and 2016’s The Variety Show – Vol.1.

With a new album in the works, Maggie was excited to share her new music with fans via a Facebook Live performance held at Aurora Studios in Nashville. The singer revealed two new songs, “Too Many Love Songs” and “We’ll Grow Out of It,” to be included on the new album.

“2016 was an interesting year. It wasn’t my favorite year, but it was a year of tremendous growth, I think, for myself and a lot of people. I wrote this song with that in mind,” Maggie said before launching into “We’ll Grow Out Of It.”

Listen to Maggie’s performance and check out her tour dates below.

Maggie Rose Tour Dates:
Mar. 2 / Durham, N.C. / Durham Performing Arts Center *
Mar. 3 /  Glenside, Pa. / Keswick Theatre
Mar. 4 / Lancaster, Pa. / American Music Theatre *
Mar. 9 /  New York / PlayStation Theatre *
Mar. 10 /  Lowell, Mass. / Lowell Memorial Auditorium*
Mar. 11 / Wilkes-Barre, Pa. / Kirby Center *
Apr. 27 / North Myrtle Beach, S.C. / House of Blues +
Apr. 28 / Raleigh, N.C. / The Ritz +
May 5 / Las Vegas / Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
May 6 / Laughlin, Nev. / Pioneer Hotel & Casino
May 11 / Springfield, Ill. / Boondocks +
May 12 / Milwuakee, Wis. / The Rave +
May 13 / Rosemont, Ill. / Joe’s Live +
May 19 / Decatur, Ga. / Eddie’s Attic
May 20 /  Panama City Beach, Fla. / Jeep Beach Jam @ Frank Brown Park
May 28 / Daytona Beach, Fla. / Country 500 @ Daytona International Speedway /
Aug. 17 / Cleveland, OH / Quicken Loans Arena %
Aug. 18 / Philadelphia / Wells Fargo Center %
Aug. 20 / Dewey Beach, Del. / Rusty Rudder

*denotes CMT Next Women of Country dates w. Martina McBride + Lauren Alaina
+denotes dates w. Hunter Hayes
%denotes dates w. Tim McGraw + Faith HIll’s Soul2Soul Tour

Adam Craig Talks Getting His Start in Nashville, Loving the Class of ’89 and His New Single, “Just a Phase”

Adam Craig Talks Getting His Start in Nashville, Loving the Class of ’89 and His New Single, “Just a Phase”

Posted on March 2, 2017

Lisa talks with new artist Adam Craig about the country music that he loves and is influenced by, writing songs like Parmalee’s “Close Your Eyes” and Jason Aldean’s “Church Pew or Bar Stool,” getting his own record deal, his self-titled debut EP, new single, “Just a Phase” and more.

Show Participants

  • Adam Craig
  • Lisa Konicki, NCD editor in chief

Show Links & Notes

Show Quotes

  1. “The first artist that I really fell in love with was McGraw, definitely. Just because I had to have every single record and memorize every single word and every single note.” Adam Craig
  2. “Travis Tritt is one of my favorite artists still today, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Garth … what a class.”Adam Craig

The Writers Room, Ep. 59, 20 minutes
photo by Jason Simanek

Hello Kitties: Miranda Lambert and Boyfriend Anderson East Adopt Three Cats

Hello Kitties: Miranda Lambert and Boyfriend Anderson East Adopt Three Cats

Posted on March 2, 2017

Miranda Lambert and boyfriend Anderson East added a clowder of cats to their family with the adoption of three new furry felines named Bobbi [sic] McGee, Nick Saban and Bear Bryant. Miranda and Anderson adopted the cats from the Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia, Tenn., about 45 miles south of Nashville.

If you’re wondering about the names Nick Saban and Bear Bryant, you’re obviously not a football fan. Nick Saban is the current coach at the University of Alabama, while Bear Bryant, also a former Bama coach, is widely regarded as the greatest college football coach in history. Anderson is an Alabama native.

Miranda posted the news on Instagram yesterday (March 1) with the message: “The cat’s outta the bag…We have 3 new feline farm hands! Bobbi McGee (the kitten), Nick Saban and the big boy, Bear Bryant. So happy to have new farm friends. Thanks to the Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia TN for being so kind and helping us adopt 3 new shelter pets! You guys were super and your shelter was so nice. Go check them out. And don’t forget, love a shelter pet!! #bamaboynamedthem #dontforgetloveashelterpet #rolltide #muttnation #adoptlocally #felinefarmhands”

Keith Urban’s Dedication To Music Earns Him A Big Honor

Keith Urban’s Dedication To Music Earns Him A Big Honor

Posted on March 2, 2017

You can add one more honor to Keith Urban’s list of accolades this year. In addition to receiving seven ACM Award nominations—including Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year—Keith is being honored by the Recording Academy with the Recording Artists’ Coalition Award for his contributions to the music community and dedication to music education.

Keith, who over the years has been very active with helping to attract young kids to music education, will be presented with the award at the Grammy’s On The Hill Awards in Washington, D.C., on April 5.

The “Blue Ain’t Your Color” singer has been a supportive volunteer for The Academy’s Grammy Camp music program—which offers high school students an interactive summer music experience—and is a big supporter of The Recording Academy’s grant-based education initiatives, which help to sustain local music education programs for youth.

“The opportunity to work with aspiring musicians and kids, who are just discovering music for the first time, really inspires me,” said Keith in a statement. “Creativity is at the heart of an innovative society – it brings people together and teaches children self-expression, creative confidence, and improvisational skills which are essential to their development. Being honored by The Academy, especially given the fact that they’re the ones that have given me the chance to be part of their work in this area, is humbling. It’s an incredible honor.”

The awards take place at the Hamilton Live in Washington D.C., and will feature unique live performances and musical surprises.

Congratulations Keith!

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Thomas Rhett Throws Kung Fu Party to Celebrate Two No. 1 Songs, “T-Shirt” and “Star of the Show”

Thomas Rhett Throws Kung Fu Party to Celebrate Two No. 1 Songs, “T-Shirt” and “Star of the Show”

Posted on March 2, 2017

Thomas Rhett’s 2017 is off to a memorable start.

The 26-year-old singer, who will welcome two babies into his family this year, recently kicked off his first-ever headlining Home Team Tour—and yesterday (March 1), he celebrated two No. 1 songs, “T-Shirt” and “Star of the Show,” with a party at Nashville’s Kung Fu Saloon.

“I’m trying to sit here and enjoy this moment,” Thomas Rhett said to the industry crowd. “It’s very rare to have these kind of moments where so many cool things are happening in your life. We’re trying to soak it in and have fun with it.”

TR co-wrote his latest No. 1 song, “Star of the Show,” with his father, Rhett Akins, and Ben Hayslip. He told Nash Country Daily that the song holds more meaning now than when he first wrote it in November 2012, just a month after his wedding. As he explained, “Star of the Show” marks the moment he began writing love songs.

(From left) Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Shane McAnally and Ben Hayslip. Photo by Steve Lowry

The singer recalled finishing his first record and admitted “Star of the Show” didn’t quite fit as it “was a progressive song at the time.” His fans loved the song, though, and rallied behind it, hoping it would still make his first or second album.

“I love when old songs like that resurface and you’re reminded that they are good,” TR said. “It was really cool to have that song live for so long and also be a song that I wrote with my dad and Ben Hayslip, who I’ve known since I was born. It’s a very special song for the three of us and really cool in the parameters in which we wrote it in that it took five years, basically, to record it but now here we are at a number one party for it.”

“T-Shirt” also had an interesting journey to making the cut for his second album, Tangled Up. As it turns out, Tim McGraw had the song on hold when TR initially wanted to cut it for his first album. Written by Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally, T-Rhett was convinced the song would never be his. As his father recalls, TR was “so bummed out.”

“I can’t stand to see him worry,” said Rhett Akins. “He’s the biggest worrier on earth. He’s been this way since he was born. I finally just said, ‘Thomas Rhett, there’s nothing you can do about it. If Tim cuts it, I don’t know what’s going to happen. The only thing we can do to solve this is to pray about it right now.'”

Rhett Akins says he and Ashley Gorley were on the road with his son and the three of them got in a huddle and prayed. The very next day, Tim decided not to cut the song, and TR then waited two years to put “T-Shirt” on his sophomore album.

“That song has been sort of a survivor for a very long time so I was so pumped we finally got to put it out as a single,” Thomas Rhett adds, before sharing the spotlight with the five other songwriters who penned the two No. 1 hits. “All these guys have more hits than how old I am. It’s such a room full of talented songwriters here today and I couldn’t be more blessed to be here with them.”

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