It seems that nothing can slow down the momentum of Luke Bryan!  This guy releases number one song after number one song and plays in front of a sold out crowd every single night!

Check out the music video for his latest hit, “Just A Sip”:

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One thing is for sure…Dierks Bentley is a busy guy.  He is on the road currently with Miranda Lambert for their Locked and Reloaded Tour, and he’s appearing at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville next month.  But apparently, Dierks needs a little more on his plate…and in his glass.

Details continue to emerge in regards to his upcoming album, which is speculated to be released in the fall.  The record will be called ‘Riser,’ and while there aren’t many specific details revealed yet in terms of song titles, the country crooner has shared that the release will be his most personal one to date.

The title track to the album focuses on resilience and determination, which was certainly on Dierks’ mind during the writing and recording of the entire album, just a year following the death of his father.

“Life in general has a way of knocking you down,” he said via a press release.  “It’s different reasons for different folks – could be personal reasons, could be family reasons, your job, drugs, alcohol.  That song really applies to anybody that’s lived.  There have always been those moments when we have to get back up and get on our feet.  They are defining moments, breakthrough moments.”

The new album is produced by Arturo Buenahora Jr. and Ross Copperman.  Again, no release date has been revealed as of yet, but we’ll keep you in the loop when new details about ‘Riser’ become available.

In addition to his new album, Dierks has also announced that he will be opening a country bar.  The establishment, Whiskey Row, will be in Scottsdale, Arizona, the singer’s hometown.

“Opening a bar in my hometown is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.  “These guys have spent a lot of time and put a lot of thought into really cool details that will make it the perfect place to watch a game or listen to music or just get a few drinks with friends.  I’m looking forward to helping break it in.”

Bentley teamed with the owners of Riot Hospitality Group and operators of El Hefe Super Macho Taqueria to create what is being referred to as the most technologically advanced bar in the state.  For more information on the bar, check out the official website: http://www.dierkswhiskeyrow.com

For the latest news on Dierks Bentley, from his new album to his new bar and everything in between, stay tuned right here to MCE.

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In January, we at Music City Encore announced our sponsorship of a brand new video series starring country music singer-songwriter Carrie Zaruba.  The series is titled “Carrie Zaruba – Razzle Dazzle,” and it incorporates Carrie’s fashion knowledge as well as her musical endeavors.

Throughout the course of the series, viewers will follow Carrie throughout the country as she visits cosmetic establishments, clothing stores, shops, venues, radio stations, and more on her way through the music and fashion worlds. 

In this, the fifth episode of the series, it’s time for some esthetic individualism!

Check out the latest episode of the “Carrie Zaruba – Razzle Dazzle” Series:

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The new music never ends!  Even though Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, and Joe Nichols have very busy schedules with the summer right around the corner, they are still treating fans to some brand new music.

Keith Urban recently released his new single, “Little Bit Of Everything,” to country radio.  To further debut the tune, he will perform it live on “American Idol” tomorrow night (May 16) at 8/7C on FOX.

Written by Brad and Brett Warren and Kevin Rudolf, the song was co-produced by Urban as well as Nathan Chapman.

“’Little Bit Of Everything’ conveys a sentiment that’s always felt right to me,” he said.  “I connected with that from the first time I heard it.  I ‘felt it’ and I loved it.”

“Little Bit Of Everything” is the lead single to Keith’s upcoming album, for which he will head back into the studio after tomorrow night’s AI finale.

Meanwhile, even though she is one of the front-runners on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” Kellie Pickler is also making headlines this week with the release of her brand new single, “Someone Somewhere Tonight.” 

The song, originally recorded by Kenny Rogers, was written by Walt Wilkins and Davis Raines, and speaks to the human spirit with messages about the power of love and redemption.

“This may be my favorite song that I’ve ever recorded, and I am so proud to share it with my fans,” Kellie said.  “I think we can all relate to this message of hope found in “Someone Somewhere Tonight,” which is what makes it so special to me.”

This is the first release of Pickler through Black River Entertainment.  The lyric video for the single is available on CMT, among other platforms.

And finally, we have some great news…Joe Nichols is officially back on the country music charts.  He recently released his latest single, “Sunny and 75,” via Red Bow Records, and has enjoyed the biggest country radio add week of his career.

“Sunny and 75” was written by Michael Delaney, Paul Jenkins, and Jason Sellers, and is the lead single to Nichols’ upcoming record, due out in the fall.

Joe will undoubtedly be on tour throughout the summer, playing some new songs for fans, as well as his greatest hits.

For the latest news on Keith Urban, Kellie Pickler, Joe Nichols, and the rest of the country music world, stay tuned right here to MCE.

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Country superstar trio Lady Antebellum only released their latest album, ‘Golden’ a little over a week ago, but it’s already one of the biggest releases of the year.  Their first single off the record, “Downtown,” was a huge hit, and based on the initial response to its follow up, they have another no. 1 hit on their hands.

Lady A released the video for their second single, “Goodbye Town,” recently, spinning the small town vibe as the band members portray themselves more than fictional characters, as was the case with the video for “Downtown.”

Check out the brand new music video for “Goodbye Town” by Lady Antebellum:

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It’s hard to believe we’re talking about the CMT Music Awards already!  But here we are approaching the middle of May, and we are less than a month from what is becoming one of the most exciting nights of the year for country music fans.

The 2013 CMT Music Awards will broadcast live on CMT on June 5 at 8PM ET.  As was previously revealed, Jason Aldean is set to co-host with Kristen Bell.  In addition, the first round of performers has been announced, and it includes the likes of Hunter Hayes, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, the Pistol Annies, and Taylor Swift.  Presenters and additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks leading up to the show.

But what we DO know now is the official list of nominees for the show.  Check out the categories for each award along with our prediction of who will win!

Video of the Year

Brad Paisley – “Southern Comfort Zone”

Carrie Underwood – “Blown Away”

Eric Church – “Springsteen”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Hunter Hayes – “Wanted”

Jason Aldean – “1994”

Kenny Chesney – “Come Over”

Little Big Town – “Tornado”

Luke Bryan – “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

Miranda Lambert – “Mama’s Broken Heart”

Taylor Swift – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

Tim McGraw – “One of Those Nights”

All of these nominations are well-deserved, but a few of these should certainly be the frontrunners.  Jason Aldean’s “1994,” Little Big Town’s “Tornado,” and Tim McGraw’s “One of Those Nights” made the biggest impact, but for our money, we’ll go with Mr. Aldean.  Predicted Winner – “1994”

Male Video of the Year

Blake Shelton – “Sure Be Cool if You Did”

Eric Church – “Creepin’”

Hunter Hayes – “Wanted”

Jason Aldean – “Take a Little Ride”

Kenny Chesney – “Come Over”

Luke Bryan – “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye”

Eric Church is nominated, which we expected, but maybe not for the song we thought.  Out of the many great choices for this category, it’s tough to deny the overwhelming popularity of Blake Shelton.  Predicted Winner – “Sure Be Cool if You Did”

Female Video of the Year

Carrie Underwood – “Two Black Cadillacs”

Faith Hill – “American Heart”

Jana Kramer – “Why Ya Wanna”

Kacey Musgraves – “Merry Go ‘Round”

Miranda Lambert – “Mama’s Broken Heart”

Taylor Swift – “Begin Again”

For us, this is a two-way race between Carrie and Taylor.  Both of these videos were, and still are, extremely popular with country music fans.  Based on their success on the CMT Top 20 Countdown, though, we’ll give the edge to Carrie.  Predicted Winner – “Two Black Cadillacs”

Group Video of the Year

Lady Antebellum – “Downtown”

Little Big Town – “Pontoon”

Pistol Annies – “Takin’ Pills”

Rascal Flatts – “Come Wake Me Up”

The Band Perry – “Better Dig Two”

Zac Brown Band – “Goodbye in Her Eyes”

This category features groups that are having HUGE years.  Lady A and The Band Perry, because they have brand new music out, appear to have the advantage here…but we think that more fans will vote for the former over the latter.  Predicted Winner – “Downtown”

Duo Video of the Year

Big & Rich – “That’s Why I Pray”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Love and Theft – “Runnin’ Out of Air”

Thompson Square – “If I Didn’t Have You”

Florida Georgia Line and Thompson Square both deserve this award…but how can that many fans pick against a husband and wife duo?  Predicted Winner – “If I Didn’t Have You”

Breakthrough Video of the Year

Dustin Lynch – “Cowboys and Angels”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Jana Kramer – “Why Ya Wanna”

Kacey Musgraves – “Merry Go ‘Round”

Kip Moore – “Beer Money”

Randy Houser – “Country Feels”

How can you say “breakthrough” without thinking about the boys of Florida Georgia Line?  This SHOULD be a landslide win for the duo.  Predicted Winner – “Cruise”

Collaborative Video of the Year

Brad Paisley and Joe Walsh – “Rocky Mountain Way”

Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and Eric Church – “The Only Way I Know”

Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill – “Don’t Rush”

Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw – “Feel Like a Rockstar”

Rascal Flatts and Journey – “Changed”

The Avett Brothers and Randy Travis – “Three Wooden Crosses”

Honestly, this isn’t a great category.  There weren’t a ton of great collaborations this year.  Because of that, we think really only one is worthy of this award.  Predicted Winner – “The Only Way I Know”

CMT Performance of the Year

Dierks Bentley – “5-1-5-0” (From “CMT Unplugged”)

Eric Church – “Homeboy” (From 2012 CMT “Artists of the Year”)

Luke Bryan and Ryan Tedder – “Drunk On You/Feel Again” (From 2012 CMT “Artists of the Year”)

Miranda Lambert – “Over You” (From 2012 CMT “Artists of the Year”)

Rascal Flatts and Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin’” (From “CMT Crossroads”)

Toby Keith – “Beers Ago” (From 2012 CMT “Artists of the Year”)

Have you seen a more emotionally dramatic performance of a song than Miranda Lambert singing at the 2012 CMT “Artists of the Year” event?  Not even close for us.  Predicted Winner – “Over You”

Again, the 2013 CMT Music Awards will air on June 5 at 8PM ET.

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So over a year ago, when we first heard that Sheryl Crow was going to release a country album, it really came as no surprise to many.  After all, her career has included a number of songs that have sat on the boundary between folk, soft rock, and yes, country.  But now, she has officially released a single to country radio…yes an official country single….and it’s doing very well.

“Easy” has been a hit with country music fans, and rightfully so.  Last week, Sheryl released the accompanying music video for the single, and she will be performing a number of her brand new songs while on her nationwide tour throughout the summer.  For more information on Sheryl, including latest news and tour dates, check out her official website.

For now, check out the music video for “Easy” by Sheryl Crow:

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As we’ve been revealing the details over the past few weeks, anticipation and excitements are high for Pistol Annies’ sophomore album, ‘Annie Up.’  Their brand new video is for their lead single, “Hush Hush,” and, as you can see below, it’s one you need to watch a few times.

The ladies of the Annies – Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley – are their sassy and fun-loving selves, and the video features an outrageously entertaining concept.

The Annies have a slew of tour dates scheduled on their official website, so we’ll be sure to hear A LOT about these ladies during the course of this summer and beyond.

For now, enjoy the music video for “Hush Hush” by Pistol Annies:

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Charities and benefits have become as central to the core of country music as anything else.  But sometimes, amidst the hoopla of album releases and sold-out concerts, we forget the big hearts that these artists have…that is, until events like “We’re All For The Hall” and “HomeFront” events, among a few, come along, reminding us of the kind words and warm hearts that encompass the country music community.

We’re All For The Hall

On April 16, thousands of fans packed into the Bridgestone Arena in downtown Nashville for the “We’re All For The Hall” benefit concert. 

Keith Urban and Vince Gill led the lineup and hosted the event, which also included performances by Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Tim McGraw, Brantley Gilbert, and more.  Other performers included Montgomery Gentry, Sheryl Crow, and Kid Rock.

The benefit concert raised nearly $650,000 for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  More than $2 million total has been raised in the event’s four-year existence.  All proceeds will go towards the care of the Country Music Hall’s collection as well as its schedule of school and public programs and enhancements for its core exhibition.

Martina McBride – Women’s Survivors Alliance

The Women’s Survivors Alliance and country artist Martina McBride have partnered together for a special concert event to celebrate women who have survived cancer.

As we all know, Martina has made a career out of recording songs with powerful messages and her incredible vocal range.  Among those tunes is “I’m Gonna Love You Through It,” one of the biggest hits of her career, which also has become an anthem for women battling cancer.

The concert event will be held on Wednesday, August 24 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and is part of the three-day National Women’s Survivors Convention.

Tim McGraw & The Homefront Program

Tim McGraw launched the HomeFront Program last summer in an effort to aid military veterans and their families.  After awarding over 30 newly renovated homes last year, Tim is once again partnering with Chase and Operation Homefront this summer.

“Launching our HomeFront program made last summer so much more special than I could have originally imagined,” Tim said.  “I can honestly say that I got as much – or more – out of the experience than the veterans who received the new homes and assistance.”

This summer, a new home will be awarded at each of McGraw’s 31 stops on his ‘Two Lanes of Freedom’ tour.  The trek kicked off on May 2 and will stretch through July.

Texas Thunder Music Festival To Support Their Own

Artists scheduled to perform at the Texas Thunder Music Festival, along with event organizers, will work together at next weekend’s extravaganza in an effort to assist victims and their families following the fertilizer plant explosion several weeks ago.

The festival, which will feature artists like Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Casey Donahew Band, Josh Abbott Band, and more, announced that all net proceeds will go to those affected by the tragedy.

“For 13 years now our band has been traveling I-35 and stopping in West, TX along the way to sample the good food,” Randy Rogers said.  “It’s become a staple on our tour.  Now it’s time to give back.”

For more information on the Texas Thunder Music Festival, visit http://www.texasmusicfest.com

The post MCE Feature – Charities & Benefits Important To Country Music Artists appeared first on Music City Encore.

Check out the latest music video from Blake Shelton for his latest song, “Boys ‘Round Here.”  As expected, his personality shines through, along with some help from very special friends.

From his work on NBC’s “The Voice” to the fanatic interest in his relationship with wife Miranda Lambert, it seems that no one can get enough of Blake Shelton.  He hits the road for a brand new tour this summer, but for now…check out the video for “Boys ‘Round Here”

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