Lauren Akins Launches Fine Jewelry Line To Benefit Children and Communities In Uganda

Lauren Akins announced the launch of Lauren Akins X Ladybird, a custom fine jewelry line that supports the children of Uganda through Love One International. With a longtime passion for philanthropy, Akins has devoted countless hours to helping others through volunteering, events and charitable initiatives.

Love One International grew from the work of 147 Million Orphans, where Lauren initially fell in love with the people of Uganda, and plans to continue their efforts and restorative community work.

“The impact Love One International is making on kids’ lives in Uganda is truly indescribable,” Akins shared. “We’re helping shape communities and rebuild families through these children. Their bellies are full and more importantly, so are their hearts. I know it is impossible to care for every child’s needs in the world, but we each can love one. This is the idea behind Love+1 and why we created this jewelry line.”

In collaboration with Ladybird designer Emily Dee, pieces from Lauren Akins X Ladybird are made to order, with seven necklace options currently available: Sterling Silver ($99), 14K Gold pieces in White Gold, Rose Gold and Yellow Gold for $449 and each Gold variation with diamonds for $749. All necklaces include three delicate charms, LOVE, + and 1, honoring the spirit behind Love One International.

Michael Ray Reveals Album Cover and Track Listing for Sophomore Album AMOS

When Michael Ray re-entered the studio to begin recording his sophomore album, Amos, he felt it was going to be special.

The album is named after Ray’s grandfather, who passed away just two months prior to Ray’s debut on the Grand Ole Opry. It was Amos who inspired Ray’s passion for music, inviting him to play with the family band from the time he was just 9 years old and ultimately shaping him into the musician and man he is today. The 11-song collection is set for release on Friday, June 1, and fans can pre-order the album now and immediately listen to current Top 20-and-climbing single, “Get To You,” as well as Ray’s show opener “Fan Girl.” 

“When it came time to pick the next song for fans to hear, I listened to the fans,” shares Ray. “For months we have been playing these songs on the road and we start most every show with ‘Fan Girl,’ so it was time to put this song in their hands. The lyrics, ‘You give me that front row feeling/Screaming with my hands up/Walk in the room and everybody stands up,’ create such a powerful visual. That — equated to how you feel about a girl — is a perspective I had not heard before, yet I know exactly what that feeling is.”

Amos, produced by Scott Hendricks (Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Blake Shelton), features songs like the nostalgic mid-tempo “Summer Water,” which evokes memories of Ray’s upbringing on the waters of central Florida, to “Dancing Forever” a sweet ballad that Ray says he can imagine his dad and younger sister dancing to on her wedding day, and “Drink One For Me” in which Ray pays tribute to his friends in the military as well as Amos, the album offers a closer look at Ray’s Southern roots.

Amos Track Listing with songwriters:
“Fan Girl” (Matt Jenkins/Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne)
“One That Got Away” (Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rose/Jesse Frasure)
“Summer Water” (Heather Morgan/Lee Thomas Miller)
“Get To You” (Abe Stoklasa/Pavel Dovgalyuk)
“Forget About It” (Luke Laird/Jaren Johnston)
“Her World Or Mine” (Brett Beavers/Jamie Paulin/Travis Denning)
“You’re On” (Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins)
“I’m Gonna Miss You” (Corey Crowder/Matt McGinn)
“Dancing Forever” (Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally/Matt Ramsey/Trevor Rosen)
“Girl From Spring Break” (Ben Hayslip/Emily Weisbard/ Rhett Akins)
“Drink One For Me” (Josh Thompson/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite) 

Jake Owen Releases Short Film Music Video for Latest Single “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)

Last week in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Jake Owen and Big Loud Records invited fans and the music industry to be part of the premiere of Owen’s music video for the fastest rising single of his career, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).” The video is actually a short film, directed by Justin Clough of Taillight and starring actors MacKenzie Porter (Netflix Travelers) and Jake Etheridge (CMT’s Nashville).

“I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited about a music video,” says Owen. “I’ve never had anyone send me a 14-page treatment before, but this isn’t your typical country music video. I think it could be considered a short film. I really appreciate the attention to detail and hard work that everyone put into making it. I’m anxious to hear what people think.”

Owen reflects, “I’m so thankful to have a career in this business. I’m excited about everything in my life right now. I sense that people are pulling for me and that’s very humbling. It makes me want to work that much harder, not just for me, but for everyone who has been so supportive of me all these years. We’re in this together.”

The event was hosted by Lon Helton and included a Q&A with Owen, the director and the actors. The evening also included a performance of his hit single, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” plus a few new tunes, “Made for You,” “Down to the Honkytonk,” and because the event took place in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Jake felt moved to play one of his favorite country songs by Hank Williams, Jr., “Blues Man.”

Owen will be hitting the road in May on his 2018 “Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour” with special guest Chris Janson and rising star Jordan Davis. The majority of shows will take place at baseball stadiums across the country. Check it out HERE. Details on the Jake Owen VIP package can be found HERE.

Drew Baldridge Releases New Single “Gentle Man” From Forthcoming Sophomore Album

Country fans have come to know and love Drew Baldridge for his upbeat, dance-worthy, and “functry” tunes, but the rising country star has now shared a softer side to his music with the release of his latest single, “Gentle Man.”  The new song, co-penned by Baldridge, Chris Yarber and Robert Arthur, is the second release from his forthcoming sophomore album due out later in the year.  Fans can listen HERE. 

The groovy ballad, complete with polished lyrics, (then it’s soft, slow/ nice and easy does it/ when it comes to lovin’/ you need to understand that these hands might be calloused just a little/ but they can hold you gentle/ baby you/ make me a gentle man,) is a love song, but its inspiration surprisingly came from the country newcomer’s role models.  

Baldridge explains, “I was raised to always take care of the people around you and to always help someone in need.  All of my life I have seen great examples of love and kindness, and it has made me want to be a better man; a gentle man. My role models were not only the inspiration for this song, but also an inspiration for the man I am today.”

The Patoka, Illinois native traveled back to his hometown to create a docu-video asking his family role models the question, what is a gentle man? The response turned out to be a touching and heartfelt video revealing respect and love as the two top qualities found in a gentle man.  The personal video, viewed exclusively on Sounds Like Nashville, exposes a very raw Baldridge as he interviews his mom, dad, big brother, uncle, and grandpa. 

Baldridge recently checked off one of his dream-gigs as he performed on the main stage for country music’s most popular festival—Country Thunder.  He’ll head north next week with upcoming performances held in Medford, MA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA,  Freehold, NJ and more.  For up-to-date touring information, visit www.DrewBaldridgeMusic.com. 

Sugarland Releases New Single “Babe” Featuring Taylor Swift

Superstar Country duo SUGARLAND releases new single “Babe,” featuring Taylor Swift. The new song is available everywhere for sale and streaming, while Country radio stations have already began spinning what is undoubtedly one of the biggest vocal events of the year.

Swift penned “Babe” with Train frontman Pat Monahan, and last fall she offered the track to Sugarland for the GRAMMY®-winning pair’s forthcoming album BIGGER, out June 8 on Big Machine Records and Universal Music Group Nashville.

“We’ve never put someone else’s song on a Sugarland record, but we were immediately interested in ‘Babe’ the first time we heard it!” said Jennifer Nettles. “This one really felt like it belonged so we saved it for the final afternoon of our recording session; a special time for us.” 

“Our last hours in the studio have always been good luck,” continued Kristian Bush. “‘All I Want To Do’ was from a final session, so was ‘Stuck Like Glue.’ The biggest compliment was when she heard our take on the track and emailed us to say she wanted to be a part of it!” 

“This collaboration is the perfect combination of mutual admiration for each other and mutual admiration for great songs. As artists, we really see the world through a similar lens,” added Nettles.

“Babe” follows previously released tracks “Still The Same” and “Bigger,” which are included on Sugarland’s first project together in nearly six years. The 11-song set is now available for pre-order with new tracks delivered in the weeks leading up to the full release.

Sugarland will appear on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! May 2.

After delighting audiences in the U.K. with their new material and earning standing ovations during their performances at the C2C: Country to Country festival in March, Sugarland’s STILL THE SAME 2018 TOUR will kick off May 25 across 48 cities in the U.S. and Canada. For tour dates, visit https://sugarlandmusic.com/.