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.

Jake Owen and Shania Twain Team Up with USA Network For Launch of New Series “REAL COUNTRY”

USA Network announced REAL COUNTRY, a new country music showcase series featuring multi-platinum, five-time GRAMMY Award®-winning trailblazer Shania Twain, and ACM Award-winning and platinum-selling singer-songwriter Jake Owen. Premiering this fall on USA, the eight-part REAL COUNTRY will film this summer in Nashville and is produced by Wilshire Studios, with Twain, Nicolle Yaron, Stijn Bakkers and Leslie Garvin set to executive produce.

In each hour-long episode, Twain and Owen hand-select emerging solo artists, duos and groups to perform in showcases that spotlight the rich traditions, songs and themes of specific country genres. The best artists from each showcase will perform in a grand finale, for the chance to be named one of country music’s next breakout acts.

“REAL COUNTRY celebrates everything we love about country music, while providing a unique platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent,” said Heather Olander, Senior Vice President, Alternative Development and Production, USA Network. She added: “We are extremely lucky to work with both Shania and Jake. Shania is a true international icon who remains the best-selling female country artist of all time and whose music broke barriers across genres, and Jake is an ACM Award-winner who consistently dominates the country charts with some of today’s biggest hits.”

Twain shared: “It’s been an incredible year for me, releasing my new album and coming back to country music. I feel it’s time for me to add my own support in finding our greatest undiscovered talent. It’s beyond thrilling to be leading the charge with REAL COUNTRY, and I’m on a mission to find artists who will keep country music diverse and dynamic. The kind of diversity that inspired all of us.” 

Added Owen: “Country music truly seems to be the healing factor in a lot of people’s lives. I will always be grateful for music, whether I’m performing or listening, and I want to encourage up-and-coming artists to tell their stories, find their audiences and make their mark in country music with the same guidance that artists have given to me throughout my journey.”

“NBCUniversal has made a commitment to reimagine the commercial experience,” said Mark Marshall, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Advertising Sales, NBCUniversal. “REAL COUNTRY is a tremendous opportunity for advertisers to connect with the genre’s passionate fan base in an engaging and authentic way.”

Anyone interested in being invited to perform on one of REAL COUNTRY’s showcases can apply at realcountry.castingcrane.com or via email at RealCountry@castingduo.com.

Brantley Gilbert Honors “Waffle House Hero” James Shaw Jr.

For Brantley Gilbert, playing with a symphony orchestra is unusual enough. But when the CMA Awards Song of the Year nominee heard about the shooting at a Nashville Waffle House, he knew he wanted to do something to honor James Shaw Jr. — the 29-year-old man who disarmed the shooter and has already started a GoFundMe page to raise money for the victims’ families.

“When you see someone like James, who just jumped up and did what he did – and you think about the lives he saved, you realize what a special kind of guy he is,” Gilbert says. “I called my manager, Rich Egan, who heads up the I Believe In Nashville coalition, and asked if there was any way we could do something that would shine a light and remind everyone that heroes can be real life people. We came up with the idea of creating ‘I Believe in Heroism’ t-shirts that we will sell at our May 4th Nashville show and give the proceeds to James.”

Joining Gilbert at the impromptu press conference was Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba, who will also be selling the shirts at his May 11 appearance at the Ryman Auditorium. The acclaimed singer/songwriter told the assembled media, “If you can’t get to a show, visit www.IBelieveInNashville.com and you can get the shirt, or donate to the GoFundMe pages set up for James and the families of the victims.”

Gilbert spoke of wanting to give back, to recognize these men as a way to inspire others to see their own inner hero. For the hardcore rock country star from South Georgia, it is the inspiration that will help us all make the world a much a better place.

“Bad people do bad things,” he offers. “But good people can do great things. Talking to James before we got up here, he said he’s not a superhero, he’s just a regular person. But I think there has to be some hero inside, that’s where that kind of bravery comes from.”

Brantley Gilbert established himself as a voice of the hardcore, hardworking American from his debut single, the No. 1 “Country Must Be Country Wide.” With a strong commitment to rocking hard, reaching deep and pushing Nashville’s boundaries, the man lauded by Entertainment Weekly for “swaggering guitars, catchy hooks, and a DGAF attitude” and Rolling Stone.com as “a brooding, hip-hop influenced rocker” continues working to honor and support the people who dig in and make our world better.

“When it’s not about me, that’s when I’m happiest.” Gilbert says. “More than that, when it’s about somebody who was brave, and we can honor them a little, that’s when it’s really good. To me, I can’t wait to play with the Symphony, but I’m really stoked to be here today with someone like James.”