Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Country Music Pride

Country Music Pride

..& Western: Caleche Ryder Interview

Posted: 22 Sep 2015 06:49 PM PDT

Touting the virtues of Wild West Caleche Ryder reminds us that not all country music comes from the south. I mean, she's sponsored by Wicked Tango, a whisky company, you don't get much more country than that.

WT_CalecheAZ_Event_0315_CALECHE87_2_grandeCaleche's amalgam of modern country and L.A. culture peppered with a smidge of attitude has garnered the singer/songwriter a partnership with Nitro Circus in addition to a spot at this year's Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, Oct. 2,3, and 4.

"West Coast Cowgirl" is the current single. The video for this song offers vivid imagery and eclectic style that begs the question; What happened to the & Western part of country? We talked about recording in L.A., Wicked Tango and Nitro Circus, shooting the video Malibu, and the fact that I base all of my knowledge of L.A. from Bukowski novels. So, here's a taste, but be sure to click the link at the bottom of this page for the full interview.

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It seems like most country music is based on the south:

Exactly! It's crazy. It's like, when did we get to that place? That's why I'm excited to be pursuing country out here and trying to revamp it.

Nashville vs. L.A…Ready GO:

I love Nashville. In the beginning I thought about moving to Nashville because that's where country music is, you know, it's the heartbeat. Then I really thought about it and I wanted to stay true to my roots and to my west coast vibe. I wanted to make sure we held onto the west coast flavor without letting go of the traditional country elements.

Is it more difficult to do country in a town known to be a bit more specious:

Every town has their stereotypes. I've been to a lot of places and found beauty in each place, but what I think is so cool about L.A. is it's so sprawling. It's so huge and divided into little subdivisions, or subcultures. You see shows like "real Beverly housewives" or whatever, but I don't see those women. I'm sure they exist but I don't bump into them. You kind get what you're looking for in L.A. It's not like playing in Nashville where you are surrounded by your peers but it's a great time to be doing country out here.

You'll be the Route 91 Harvest Festival in October:

The night I play Tim McGraw is headlining. Last year I was at Route 91 as an audience member and I had the time of my life. I visualized and prayed to be on that stage next year, and then…it happened! I believe in telling the universe what you want more now than I ever have before.

…

Click below for the full conversation and be sure to check out CalecheRyder.com

Caleche Ryder

The King Of Country Music Is Back With “Cold Beer Conversation” and Las Vegas Shows

Posted: 22 Sep 2015 04:31 PM PDT

 

Country Music's King had two big announcements for his fans today, both of which came as somewhat of a surprise. George Strait may have quit touring last year, but he’s not done singing or performing.  Strait will be releasing a new album and be returning to the stage for the first time in almost two years.

During a press conference earlier today, it was announced that Strait will be releasing a new album, Cold Beer Conversation, this Friday, September 25th and that he’ll be playing a series of shows at the new Las Vegas Arena when it opens in 2016. Strait reports that he wrote a handful of the tracks on the project, sharing songwriting credits with gifted country songwriters such as Dean Dillon, Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Brandy Clark and Buddy Cannon.

I always say this, I think it’s one of the best records I’ve done, and I always shoot for that. You've got to go in the studio thinking that way,” says Strait. “I’m inspired to make music all the time. There’s no particular inspiration for this record, other than going out and making the best record I can make.”

George StraitGeorge Strait, Cold Beer Conversation Track List:
1. "It Was Love"
2. "Cold Beer Conversation"
3. "Let It Go"
4. "Goin' Goin' Gone"
5. "Something Going Down"
6. "Take Me to Texas"
7. "It Takes All Kinds"
8. "Stop and Drink"
9. "Everything I See"
10. "Rock Paper Scissors"
11. "Wish You Well"
12. "Cheaper Than a Shrink"
13. "Even When I Can't Feel It"

 

 
Among Cold Beer Conversation's tracks is "Let It Go," which Strait released as a single back in April. The record's title track will be its second single and will be released to radio tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 23rd. "Cold Beer Conversation" will be available at iTunes, on Apple Music and at Wal-Mart stores.

George Strait will be one of the first entertainers to play the new Las Vegas Arena in April 2016, returning to the venue again the following September.

Las Vegas has been a big part of my country music career,” he said in a press conference today. “It’s fun to play Vegas. . . The crowds are great and they come from all over the place, because there is so much to do here. A concert is kind of a bonus.”

The Las Vegas Arena is being built on the south end of the famed Las Vegas Strip, and the 20,000 seat stadium is being used to try to lure top talent and professional sports teams to Sin City. It’s estimated to cost $375 million.

Through 2013 and 2014, the country music legend set out on the record setting Cowboy Rides Away tour as a sort of farewell, ending four decades or touring. He was quick to point out, though, that he wasn’t done playing live shows, only that he was done touring.

Strait’s Vegas concert dates, also featuring Kacey Musgraves, are April 22nd and 23rd, and September 9th and 10th. Tickets go on sale October 2nd at StraitToVegas.com.

LA County Fair Concert Review: Who Doesn’t Want Moore?

Posted: 22 Sep 2015 02:33 PM PDT

Music is always a big part of the L.A. County Fair experience and Sunday, night (September 13th) proved just that. The LA County Fair End of Summer Concert series presented 2014 ACM New Artist of the Year, Justin Moore. Opening for Moore were Kellie Pickler and Colt Ford.

By now you should be familiar with the name Colt Ford…but if you aren't he is an American rapper, musician, and songwriter. He has charted six times on the Hot Country Songs charts, and co-wrote “Dirt Road Anthem,” a song on his 2008 album Ride Through the Country, which Jason Aldean later covered on his album My Kinda Party. Needless to say, Ford was a great choice to get the evening started and the crowd warmed up.

Following Ford, Kellie Pickler lit up the stage through her sweet song list and stated:

I love country music,” Kellie says, “and I love the stories behind the song. I love being on my bus. Like the song ‘Little Bit Gypsy’ says, I’m a traveling circus. I love being in that little house on the highway somewhere.” And tonight, that's the LA County Fair.

IMG_5429And last but not least, Justin Moore! And I mean it when I tell you this guy rocked the LA County Fair's socks off.  I hadn't had the privilege of seeing Justin perform before, but I can honestly say he blew me away emotionally as well as musically.

He had the entire grandstands rockin' to "Small Town Throwdown," "Point At You," and "Lettin’ The Night Roll."  And I will be the first to admit it became a bit of a party in Pomona that night when Moore hopped up on stage.

IMG_5446The whole crowd was extremely emotional during "If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away" How could you not, just days after 9/11, and everyone can relate to his song in some way or another. I mean, the guy is just that good!

In light of all the divorce going on in country music lately, my favorite comment of the evening was when Justin stated:

You can’t have county without a couple cheatin' songs, I wrote this song for a friend who has ring for sale…"

Still, I have to say my favorite Justin Moore moment of the evening came from a place of sincere appreciation. After solid applause and a standing ovation from the crowd, Justin stood up from his crouched down position and walked over to the microphone.

Justin Moore LA COUNTY FAIRHe thanked his fans and it was evident how grateful he was for fans who bought his records and paid for concert tickets, even if they really couldn't afford them, you could sense the gratefulness in his voice. And that made me like him even more.

Justin Moore added back to back consecutive # 1 debuts to his list of accolades with "Off The Beaten Path" which features his current single "This Kinda Town" and has produced Justin's fourth and fifth Gold-certified # 1 hits, "Point at You" and "Lettin' The Night Roll."

If you haven't had the opportunity to see Justin Moore in concert yet, it is an absolute MUST if you get the chance. You will NOT be disappointed.

 
To see if Justin is coming to your "Small Town USA" visit his website. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for all his latest happenings.

Thank you Justin, Kellie and Colt for helping us end the summer concert series with a bang!
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