While the cold winter months begin to wind down, country music continues to heat up! For the month of March we have a brand new playlist to enjoy featuring some talented rising stars and seasoned artists that we’ve all come to know and love throughout the years. Several of these songs have just been released to country radio so if you haven’t heard it on your local radio station, be sure to call in and start requesting it!
Country Music Rocks Featured Playlist – March 2017
Terry McBride has returned to the country music scene after taking a twenty year hiatus away from the spotlight. The popular singer/songwriter from the 90’s band McBride & the Ride has kicked off 2017 with the introduction of his solo career, as well as release of his brand new project Hotels & Highways.
While in Nashville for the 2017 Country Radio Seminar (CRS), we got the chance to catch up with Terry McBride in-depth and talk about his new music and solo career. Ironically enough it was 25 years ago that McBride was making his rounds at CRS, and it came full circle for him once again last week. Check out interview with Terry McBride below (or click here) and learn more about his new collection of music.
The 2017 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) came to an end with the CRS New Faces of Country Music Show. This year’s talent featured Maren Morris, Drake White, William Michael Morgan, Jon Pardi and Granger Smith, all of which have made a significant impression on the genre.
Photo By Rick Diamond Getty Images for CRS
Radio and industry personnel were treated to an evening of fantastic performances. Not only did each and every one of them shine on stage, but they will no doubt continue to shine and even radiate throughout the year ahead. Drake White opened the evening with a stellar set. From his hysterical introduction video to the last note of his set which was filled with soul and energy, White is on his way to a fantastic year(s) ahead!
Photo By Rick Diamond Getty Images for CRS
William Michael Morgan took the stage next where he treated fans to his fantastic, traditional vocals. Highlighting music from his debut album Vinyl, Morgan delivered a set that was enjoyable from start to finish. The newcomer’s future is bright and he’s well on his way to an unbelievable year ahead.
Photo By Rick Diamond Getty Images for CRS
Next up – Granger Smith. Granger definitely brought it all with him that night, including a change of clothes for his alter-ego, Earls Dibbles, Jr., to make an appearance. You could feel Smith’s emotions as he spoke to the crowd during his performance of “Backroad Song.” It certainly wouldn’t have been a full Granger performance without the appearance of Earl Dibbles, Jr. While Smith joked that it wasn’t the right type of crowd for his alter-ego, the room was filled with smiles as everyone enjoyed seeing and hearing Earl Dibbles, Jr. take the stage.
Photo By Rick Diamond Getty Images for CRS
It’s always a party when Jon Pardi is around. In just four songs, it’s no wonder that the rising star is becoming a well-known name within the industry and with fans. Showcasing music from his sophomore album California Sunrise, the sun is shining bright for Pardi.
Photo By Rick Diamond Getty Images for CRS
Maren Morris closed out the evening with an incredible set. Opening with 80’s Mercedes, Morris further confirmed her talents for what is becoming a massive role for her in the genre. The singer/songwriter also announced, and performed, her follow up single to “80’s Mercedes” which will be “I Could Use A Love Song.” What better way to introduce her new track heading to country radio than with a room full of program and music directors from coast to coast. Maren finished up her time on stage with “My Church” and her fun-filled song “Rich.”
Each one of these artists delivered fantastic performances, and they’re each a great benefit to have as part of the country music community.
Rising country artist Camille Rae is gearing up for the release of her new album, Come Find Me. The new album serves as Rae’s sophomore studio album and features 15 new songs, 7 of which the talented artist wrote/co-wrote. In addition to the forthcoming album, Camille has also released her new single, “I Need Me.” The new track is a song that Camille penned on her own and will make for a great addition to the country radio airwaves.
While in Nashville for the 2017 Country Radio Seminar, we got the opportunity to chat with Camille Rae to discuss her new music and so much more. Check out our interview here, or watch below.
Come Find Me Track Listing:
Chills (Fred Wilhelm, Lindsay Ell, Tia Sillers)
Pinky Promise (Jaida Dreyer, Andrew Rollins, Jody Stevens)
Who Broke My Heart (Keith Dozier)
80 Down 65 (Camille Rae)
But I Want You (Jaida Dreyer, Fred Wilhelm, Jay Knowles)
I Need Me (Camille Rae)
What’s Missing (Camille Rae)
Right Place, Wrong Time (Camille Rae, Hunter Leath)
Take it Away (Jaida Dreyer, Andrew Rollins, Cory Mayo)
Dead Roses (Chad Jeffers)
Bitter (Camille Rae, Jason Eustice, Michael August)
I Want A Man (Camille Rae)
Come Find Me (Brian White, Phillip Barton, Hannah Ellis)
Bonus Tracks:
Here’s To Nashville (Camille Rae)
Fear (Kris Bergsnes, Jade Million)
Columbia Nashville GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter Maren Morris will release “I Could Use A Love Song” as her third single from her widely acclaimed, chart topping, label debut album, HERO, hitting the Country Radio airwaves on March 13.
The Arlington, TX native broke the news this past Friday night from the stage of the New Faces In Country Music showcase at the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, TN, where Morris performed in front of a packed house of Country Radio representatives from all over the globe, where it was noted that Morris was the first artist in eight years to perform on the New Faces stage after winning a GRAMMY since Zac Brown Band and Lady Antebellum in 2009.
About “I Could Use A Love Song” The New York Times calls out the new single as being “phenomenal, a meditative plaint with clear passion.” Billboard adds that the song “shows the vulnerability every true country artist strives to cultivate — both lyrically and melodically.”
Morris continues bringing her high energy live show this week taking her HERO Tour 2017, which is completely SOLD OUT, to the lucky ticket holders in Oxford, OH (March 1), Chicago, IL (March 2), Springfield, IL (March 3) and Louisville, KY (March 4) before making her return to the U.K. for the C2C (Country to Country) Music Festival March 10, 11 and 12.
It was just one year ago when Morris made her first appearance at C2C where she performed to an audience of 20,000 at The O2 Arena when the singer/songwriter was moved to tears when the overwhelming festival goers sang in unison Morris’ then debut single “My Church” back to her, which CBS Sunday Morning highlighted in their introductory profile of Morris seen here.
