The Swon Brothers spent the better part of 2016 putting an indelible notch in their live performance belt. The sibling duo played their first show on January 30th in Jacksonville, FL on Carrie Underwood’s Storyteller Tour and ended their year in their hometown of Muskogee, OK to a SOLD-OUT house for a show to benefit their local Salvation Army post on December 16th. But somehow, in between those arduous hours on the road, the brothers found time to record their most authentic record to date, and one they are certainly proud of.
The new EP, titled PRETTY COOL SCARS and produced by Brad Hill, will be released on March 17th and the brothers have released a brand new single from PRETTY COOL SCARS called “Don’t Call Me.”
“This is our first time to work with Brad, who produced records that garnered Grammy nominations and awards this year, and for good reason. He’s a very talented guy. He brought out sides of us that we didn’t even know were there, both musically and vocally. He actually brought this song to us also, he’s got a great ear,” says Zach.
The brothers describe “Don’t Call Me” as a song about being in a bad situation but becoming stronger despite the circumstances.
“It’s a song we can all relate to,” says Colton. “It’s about finally getting to a point where you get over the things you need to get over, and you can move on with your life. I think it can represent people in a lot of different ways, and then it becomes much more than a song at that point.”
“We always like to try out songs in our live show before we make the decision to record them. We like to listen to our fans that way, and hands down, our fans gave us every indication that this was definitely a keeper. Me and my brother knew we had something golden when we just sat down and played it for the first time in the living room with just the two of us, and it just felt like it was written for us,” says, Zach.
“Don’t Call Me” is one of six songs that appear on PRETTY COOL SCARS and Zach and Colton are excited to share this new music with their fans.
Throughout his decades-long career, Trace Adkins has told his truth and lived with the consequences, so it comes as no surprise that he delivers one of the most raw and honest observations on life on the “other side of 40” in “Watered Down” the first single from his BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records LP, Something’s Going OnMarch 31 on “Today.”
In the slow-burning rumination on achieving insight with age, Adkins is fully aware of the adjustments and boundaries, but still maintains his edge, grit and power as an artist. It is the cut Adkins points to as the truest reflection of his career and life to date.
“That’s one of those songs where I smacked myself on the forehead and went, ‘Wow, I should’ve written that!’” Adkins says of hearing the song for the first time. “It is all autobiographical. It really is. I’ve never done a record and finished it and said, ‘OK, this is my favorite cut off this album.’ But this time, there’s no bones about it. This is my favorite cut. It just is. It speaks to my soul.”
With lyrics as emotionally clutching as, “We still fly like gypsies/Just a little closer to the ground” fans will hear Adkins’ conviction for themselves on March 31 when Adkins premieres “Watered Down” on “Today” (9:00 AM-hour). The new single “Watered Down” debuted immediately on the Billboard Country Single Chart this week and was the fourth most-added song on the Mediabase Country Airplay Chart.
It is a milestone song and album worth celebrating. Adkins has sold more than 11 million albums, received three GRAMMY nominations and collected dozens of major motion pictures and television credits. His latest music, the much-anticipated Something’s Going On– his 12th studio album – marks Adkins’ first album release on his new label, BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records. Fans can view the lyric video HERE, featuring Adkins enjoying a simpler life and slower pace on his Nashville farm.
It’s been four years since Adkins’ last studio album Love Will… released in 2013, which debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and fans have eagerly awaited this follow up ever since. Some of Nashville’s favorite and most respected songwriters contributed to the range and inspiration of Something’s Going On, boasting credits such as Tyler Farr, Craig Campbell and Shane McAnally to name a few. Something’s Going On was produced by Mickey Jack Cones.
Adkins is in the midst of his 2017 tour where he is on track to play more than 75 dates this year. VIP packages are available for select tour dates. As a gift to his fans, Adkins is offering a physical copy of Something’s Going On with each ticket order. Visit www.traceadkins.com for full details.
Trace Adkins 2017 Tour Dates: Mar. 23 – Keswick Theatre, Glenside, Pa. Mar. 24 – St. George Theatre, Staten Island, N.Y. Mar. 25 – The Paramount, Huntington, N.Y. Apr. 6 – Palace Theatre, Canton, Ohio Apr. 7 – Del Lago Resort and Casino, Waterloo, N.Y. Apr. 8 – Palace Theatre, Greensburg, Pa. Apr. 9 – Lyric Opera House, Baltimore, Md. Apr. 21 – Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Mass. Apr. 22 – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, N.H. Apr. 23 – State Theatre, Easton, Pa. Apr. 27 – Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, Orange Park, Fla. Apr. 28 – Anderson Music Hall, Hiawassee, Ga. Apr. 29 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival, Biloxi, Miss. May 5 – Golden Nugget Casino, Lake Charles, La. May 6 – University of Arkansas, Hope, Ark. May 18 – Mayo PAC, Morristown, N.J. May 19 – Salem Civic Center, Salem, Va. May 20 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, Renfro Valley, Ky. May 21 – American Music Theater, Lancaster, Pa. May 26 – Lakeside Hotel & Casino – Outdoor Theater, Osceola, Iowa May 27 – Rhythm City Casino Resort – Event Center, Davenport, Iowa June 18 – Old Settler’s Park, Rockton, Ill. June 24 – Lakes Jam, Brainerd, Minn. June 30 – Welk Resort & Theater, Branson, Mo. July 1 – Choctaw Grand Theater, Durant, Okla. July 6 – PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Cincinnati, Ohio July 7 – Rose Music Center at The Heights, Huber Heights, Ohio July 8 – Blue Chip Casino Hotel, Michigan City, Ind. July 12 – Kresge Auditorium, Interlochen, Mich. July 14 – Morgan County Fair, Jacksonville, Ill. July 16 – Thunder Mountain Amphitheater, Loveland, Colo. July 20 – Honeywell Center, Wabash, Ind. July 21 – CEFCU Center Stage, Peoria, Ill. July 22 – Country Jam USA, Eau Claire, Wis. Jul 24 – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, Colo. Aug. 5 – Richland County Fair, Sidney, Mont. Aug 12 – Texas Rose Horse Park, Tyler, Texas Aug. 18 – Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen, S.D. Aug 19 – Trails West Festival, St. Joseph, Mo. Aug 21 – Central States Fairgrounds, Rapid City, S.D. Aug 24 – Benton Franklin Fair, Kennewick, Wash. Aug 25 – Western Idaho Fair, Boise, Idaho Sep 1 – Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe, Wash. Sep 2 – Oregon State Fair, Salem, Ore. Sep 3 – Twin Falls County Fairgrounds, Filer, Idaho Sep 23 –So Long Summer Fest, Jefferson City, Mo. Sep 27 – North Georgia State Fair, Marietta, Ga. Sep 30 – Celebrate Virginia After Hours, Fredericksburg, Va. Oct 14 – Georgia National Fairgrounds – Reaves Arena, Perry, Ga. Oct 19 – Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Okla. Oct 20 – Riverdome, Bossier City, La. Oct 21 – Horseshoe Tunica Hotel and Casino, Robinsonville, Miss.
For more information, visit www.traceadkins.com or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @TraceAdkins.
Artist on the rise Cole Taylor recently released his brand new single, “Cold Beer.” The track is fun, upbeat and most certainly makes for a great fit in the country music format. Additionally, the talented singer/songwriter has written songs for Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice and more, and has already notched two No. 1’s as a songwriter.
We caught up with Cole Taylor to chat about his new single, time out on the road with Cole Swindell, and much more. See what he told us about his new music and the exciting year he has ahead, especially coming up in May (continue reading to find out his exciting news)!
Country Music Rocks (CMR): You just released your brand new single “Cold Beer” which is very exciting. For folks that haven’t picked up the new song yet, tell us a little about it. Cole Taylor:Cold Beer is full of energy and has that story telling meets a cool melody that I love to do. The story behind this song is opposites attracting really. There’s a line “my mamas gonna love you and you’re daddy might hate me, but we got something we can’t lose even if they call us crazy” and I remember writing that line and thinking “that’s actually how I felt when I met my wife”.
CMR: In addition to Cold Beer, you’ve been writing and in the studio recording new music to release. What you can tell us about what’s ahead for you. Cole Taylor:New music is definitely coming together and I’m hoping we will be able to release some VERY soon. Some songs that show off the energy side of me which I love and some songs are a very personal side which I haven’t dug into as much but I’m really excited to.
CMR: Speaking of writing, you are also a talented songwriter with two #1’s as a writer on Luke Bryan’s “Home Alone Tonight” & Florida Georgia Line’s “Sippin’ On Fire.” Now that you are recording and releasing your own music, when it comes to writing is it becoming a little more difficult deciding if you want to keep the song or release it? Cole Taylor:I always just write whatever song is in the room that day and if it’s something for somebody else that’s great and I’m glad I was able to say something in a song that is good enough for another artist to record it, but if it sounds like something I want to say and want people to hear my voice on then I go in and cut it and release it for my fans to hear.
CMR: You spent time last fall with Cole Swindell on his Down Home Tour, and you’ll be rejoining him again shortly for an upcoming show. Tell us a little about your time out on the road with Cole and what that experience was like for you. Cole Taylor:Cole has always been a really great friend and person to look up in the music business, so being able to be out on the road with anybody is a blessing, but being out there with one of your best friends has been a great experience and lots a memories have been made. Cole’s live show is definitely one I love watching and learning from every night. It’s amazing to watch how he grabs fans and keeps them engaged from the first down beat until the end of the encore.
CMR: You are gearing up for a busy year ahead with live performances. For folks that haven’t seen you perform yet, how would you best describe your set? Cole Taylor:Energy! I love interacting with the fans from stage and I have been writing songs for my live show, and this year a lot more energy and tempo and just a good time.
CMR: With 2017 well underway, what are some things that you are looking forward to and excited about for this year? Cole Taylor:Well I think the first thing I have to look forward to is I have a little boy coming in May so that’s gonna be an amazing experience. Career wise, new cuts with some artists, shows all over and new music coming for my fans.
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? Cole Taylor: I like people to know my music is something they can just listen to and not have to think too much about it. People have to think and grind all week during their day jobs. I want my music to be something they can turn up loud and pop a cold beer to and just have a good time with.
Cole Taylor’s “Cold Beer” is available now. Grab your copy on iTunes here, and add it your country music playlist!
The web has been buzzing since Sam Hunt posted a photo this weekend (pictured above), and subsequent photos since, where it is evident that he has a band on his ring finger. Immediately comments were left wondering and speculating if Sam Hunt tied the knot with Hannah Lee Fowler.
It wouldn’t be too shocking if he did. He announced his engagement during the New Year which came as a surprise to most, so for him to “casually announce” he’s married really wouldn’t be that far of a reach. However, fans can be assured that the country superstar is NOT married – YET!
Sources have confirmed to CMT’s Cody Alan that the couple are not married at this time, but Sam does enjoy wearing his wedding ring and considers himself married at this point. The source also indicated to Cody that The Hunt’s are planning a spring wedding, so it is in fact coming up in the near future! Be sure to check out Cody Alan’s full interview with Sam Hunt on Friday, March 17 on CMTCody.com.
Sam Hunt is currently at country radio with his latest hit single, “Body Like A Back Road” which is available now. Grab your copy on iTunes here.
The Cadillac Three is currently making their way across the U.S. on The Black Roses Tour. Delivering an impressive show that highlights their unique artistry, The Cadillac Three is bringing southern rock back to a focal point in country music.
The Cadillac Three, comprised of lead singer Jaren Johnston, steel guitarist Kelby Ray and drummer Neil Mason, brings an energetic set from start to finish.While out on their west coast run, we got the chance to catch their show in Portland. When the lights went down, fan’s hands immediately went in the air welcoming the band to the stage. Starting the evening off with album titled single “Bury Me In My Boots,” it was evident that a good time was ahead.
The passion the band has for their music did not go unnoticed. Every song was delivered with energy and excitement as they performed track after track. That being said, the fan’s passion for the band and their music did not go unnoticed either. Playing nearly every song from their full length studio album Bury Me In My Boots, it was plain to see (and hear) that fans have embraced the album as they sang song after song, practically word for word, along with the band. By the end of the night, all the way up in the Pacific Northwest, everyone felt like they were from “The South” as TC3 closed out the evening with their popular anthem.
The Cadillac Three’s The Black Roses Tour continues to rock the west coast as they head to Phoenix, San Diego and Sacramento. Their live show is one that you do not want to miss out on. For a full list of tour dates, please visit thecadillacthree.com/tour.
To see more photos from their Portland show, visit here.
