Kelsea Ballerini Wraps Sold Out Unapologetically Tour

Following her successful headlining debut with 2016’s sold-out THE FIRST TIME TOUR, Black River Entertainment’s KELSEA BALLERINI has reached another touring milestone with THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR. Selling out all 15 stops, the bona fide trailblazer wrapped her in-demand, worldwide trek in Santa Barbara, CA, (4/25) before performing at the famed Stagecoach festival on Friday (4/27).

From filling the pews of Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, to traveling across the world to her now-second home of Australia to hit capacity at Sydney’s Metro Theatre, THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR pushed Ballerini’s superstardom even further with several “mountaintop moments” and notable major city stops in New York, NY, and Seattle, WA. Concluding her thematic two-month journey of loss, life, and love – as chronicled on her acclaimed sophomore album UNAPOLOGETICALLY – at Stagecoach, Ballerini was dubbed the “Strongest Stagecoach debut” by The Press-Enterprise during her first full set at the annual music festival.

“Every piece of this show has been so intentionally made with heart, and if you’ve been able to make it out to one of the stops I hope you’ve felt that love like we have,” Ballerini shared on Instagram in regards to THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR. “Thank you for listening to a new album played from top to bottom, thank you for making posters and T-shirt’s with your favorite lyrics, thank you for painting your faces in glitter and for letting yourselves go on the Unapologetically journey with me every night.”

Beginning on June 15 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, MO, she will hit the road again as Keith Urban’s special guest on the GRAFFITI U WORLD TOUR running through November 3 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. The billing is very special to Ballerini, as Urban’s hit “Stupid Boy” inspired her to start writing Country music as a teen. Penned by Ballerini alongside Shane McAnally and Trevor Rosen, “I Hate Love Songs” is her current chart-rising follow-up to her history-making #1 “Legends.”

Vying for multiple titles at upcoming award shows, Ballerini is nominated for Top Country Female Artist at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards airing May 20 live from Las Vegas on NBC. After taking home two ARDY statuettes plus co-hosting the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards, she’s also up for three nods including The Bestest – Radio Disney Country Favorite Artist, Play It Again! – Radio Disney Country Favorite Song (“Legends”), and all-genre XOXO – Best Crush Song (“Legends”), this year. The sixth annual event will take place at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, CA, and air on the Disney Channel, as well as additional Disney-branded platforms, on June 23. Fan voting is now open through June 3.

For more information on KELSEA BALLERINI, visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Kane Brown Visits with Patients at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH) patients were treated to a visit by Billboard’s country chart-topper Kane Brown on Monday, April 30. The 24-year-old stopped by several of the LLUCH units to meet with and encourage patients.

He started out in the LLUCH Toyota Learning Center, playing games with patients and sharing stories with some students about his struggles in school, encouraging them to keep trying no matter their situation.

Brown then visited some of the LLUCH units, taking photos with excited fans, playing games with patients and sharing parts of his story.

Image Provided By Loma Linda University / Loma Linda-PR
Image Provided By Loma Linda University / Loma Linda-PR
Image Provided By Loma Linda University / Loma Linda-PR
Image Provided By Loma Linda University / Loma Linda-PR

LLUCH patient Jennifer Nguyen, 5, from Moreno Valley, was just one child who was excited to meet and talk with Brown. When Brown came into the room, Nguyen insisted on getting up out of bed, and couldn’t stop smiling as Brown talked with her about what made her happy. They ended the visit with a hug.

Brown’s visit was made possible by Inland Empire-based country radio station K-FROG 95.1 FM, which has a long-standing relationship with the hospital.

LLUCH Foundation representative, Tiffany Hoekstra, said she was grateful to K-FROG and Brown for making the day for patients and their families.

Kenny Chesney Announces New Album, Songs for the Saints, Set For Release July 27

In every artist’s career, certain albums stand out as a significant piece of their soul. For Kenny Chesney, Songs for the Saints is that album. Co-produced with Buddy Cannon, the 12 tracks mark a deep dive into “the places that save you.”

“So much has happened since I went off the road in 2016,” Chesney explains. “And all of it, in one way or another, has ended up on this record. It’s special to me because of what it says – to me, and for me – about life, the world around us, how fragile it all can be and about somehow still finding the best parts of you, and moving towards them.”

Due July 27, Songs for the Saints marks the 8-time Entertainer of the Year’s first album on Blue Chair/Warner Bros. Nashville. In many ways, this new home for his work mirrors the things that inspired this album.

“Leaving a place where I’d spent my whole career was both scary and exciting,” Chesney concedes. “There’s that rush of not knowing anything about how this company works, and digging in. But there’s also a special thrill of being around people who truly understand what you’re doing and who are excited to be part of this music. It’s inspiring in all new ways when you have people match your own passion for the music.”

Recorded over the last several months, Chesney had a notion about what his record was going to be long before it galvanized into Songs for the Saints. “I was at a turning point in my life on so many levels, and then Hurricane Irma hit the Virgin Islands.”

“But this album isn’t about St. John, so much as it’s about what happened to St. John and all those islands you didn’t see on the news,” continues the man called “The People’s Superstar” by The Los Angeles Times. “To just see the devastation and what that does to people is one thing, but then there’s this courage and resilience people find…”

“This is not a literal record,” he cautions, “but it is an album about the refuges we all have, how temporary life is and the way we navigate to better places, dig in and face the destruction. And sometimes, we learn to own our wild hearts in the process.”

Beyond the euphoric “Get Along,” the banjo and people-positive message tempo track hovering outside the Top 10, Chesney wrote or co-write five tracks. As with any release from the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar, there are songwriters getting their first cuts, surprise collaborations, an obscure jewel and the emotional fabric that makes the No Shoes Nation a place rich with heart, tenacity and the will to embrace life on its terms.

“I feel like I know what this album’s supposed to be, and I know how much it means to me,” he says. “I wanted to get it just right, before we set a release date… and I think we’ve got it. I’m just glad we’ll have it out in time for me to play some of these songs this summer before the Trip Around the Sun Tour is over.”

Michael Ray Shares Poignant New Music Video for Hit Single “Get To You”

Country star Michael Ray recently announced his forthcoming sophomore album, Amos, named after his late-grandfather. Ray grew up watching his grandfather play in the family band and attributes his passion for music to him sharing that he wouldn’t be the man or musician he is today without Amos’ influence.

From the new album, Ray brings fans the emotional music video for his current Top-20 single, “Get To You.” Taste of Country calls it a “uniquely tender and honest” ballad while Rolling Stone applauds its “impassioned chorus” and praises Ray for his impressive vocal range.

“‘Get To You’ is such a special song not only because it’s the first single off of Amos, but also because I feel that it’s something everyone can relate to on some level. I feel like we’ve all been on at least one side of this storyline (‘Why do you run away from love, what the hell are you so scared of/I’m trying, I’m trying to get to you’). In my case, I’ve been on both sides,” Ray reflects. “I want fans to hear this song and be reminded that we’re all human–we all go through these emotions. It’s part of growing, and this song serves to remind fans they’re not alone.”

Fans who pre-order Amos will receive both “Get To You” and “Fan Girl,” which Rolling Stone describes as a “pop-heavy heap of electronics, guitars, R&B grooves and synthesizers.” The song is the second of five tracks that will be available to those who pre-order the new album. The video for “Fan Girl,” a musical tribute to Ray’s fans and those who support live much, premiered on April 23 with Rolling Stone.

Amos promises to be Ray’s most personal album to date with 11 tracks that take listeners on a sonic journey filled with highs and lows, from the nostalgic “Summer Water” about growing up on the water in Florida to the heartbreaking ballad “Her World Or Mine.”

For more information, visit MichaelRayMusic.com.

CMR Exclusive Interview with Kyle Daniel

Artist on the rise Kyle Daniel recently released his debut self-titled EP. The new collection of music was self-produced by the country newcomer, and features 5 songs, all of which were written/co-written Daniel.

Kyle Daniel shared details with us about his new music and much more. Check out our exclusive interview with the rising star.

Country Music Rocks (CMR): You recently released your debut self-titled EP. For folks that have not picked up the EP just yet, tell us about this new collection of music?
Kyle Daniel: The songs on the album are an inside look at my life over the past few years. It is amazing what growth, as well as defeat in your personal life, can do for you as an artist and songwriter.

CMR: You wrote/co-wrote every song on the album. Did that happen organically, or was it part of your process to have your mark on each track on the album?
Kyle Daniel: When I came off the road a few years ago, I had one thing in mind: to grow as a writer and write as much as possible. I concentrated my efforts here because it all begins with the song. I think a lot of it boils down to knowing my strengths and weaknesses.

CMR: In addition to co-writing each song on the album, you also self-produced the album. Being so hands-on with this project, what is one of your fondest memories recording this debut project?
Kyle Daniel: My favorite part was when I left the studio the first night, with rough mixes of all of the songs we did for the EP. I got a chance to really take it in on my way home, and I remember being so proud of how it turned out. I was very lucky to have the players I did for this recording. From start to finish, it was the smoothest recording project I have ever been involved in.

CMR: With 2018 well underway, what are some additional things that you are looking forward to and excited about for this year?
Kyle Daniel: I’m really excited to get out on the road and put this in front of people. I love playing live, and it’s really where I feel at home. I know we are probably a little late for this years festival lineups, but I hope to be in the circuit this time next year and in full swing touring. More dates are being added daily, so make sure to check out www.kyledanielmusic.com for updates!

CMR: As fans continue to get to know you, what is one thing you would like to convey to fans about you and your music?
Kyle Daniel: That it’s the support and community that we build together, that makes all of this so very special to me. With life being a constant hustle, I’m hopeful that I can bring a little relief to day to day life for people. I’m hopeful that fans understand me as much as I understand them (or try to). There’s no smoke and mirrors with what I’m doing, and I want my fans to really know me for who I am. Raw, real and honest.

CMR: Music consistently evolves and grows, and we’ve certainly seen that with country music. What is one aspect about this genre that has always resonated with you and continues to do so?
Kyle Daniel: The honesty. I think often times the music business music helps to build facades around artists, and that just doesn’t feel very genuine to me. I want to feel like someone has driven a Mack truck into my heart and soul, and left a mark on me when I hear or witness their art. I don’t think any facade or formula is capable of that for me personally.

There’s a bright path ahead for Kyle and we’re excited for his new journey. Be sure to keep up with Kyle Daniel by visiting his Official Website, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.