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Go Country 105

Deck the halls: Dan + Shay share snippet of new cozy Christmas song

Dan + Shay are getting into the holiday spirit with a new original tune. 

Following the Halloween festivities, the duo is wasting no time in ushering in Christmas by offering fans a snippet of a new song they’ve written.

“We know it was just Halloween last night, but we wrote a brand new Christmas song the other day, we want to sing it for you,” says Dan Smyers. “Let us know what you think.” 

With Dan on acoustic guitar, his bandmate Shay Mooney takes lead vocals, singing of a chill in the air, white lights everywhere, and packed streets and mall parking lots. 

“Weatherman saying it might snow/Might as well keep off the road/So what you say we stay here at the house/Me and you,” they harmonize before Shay cuts off the camera. 

“I am obsessed! I legit got goosebumps listening to that,” shares one fan, another commenting, “this makes my heart so happy.” 

Dan + Shay have dropped a series of original Christmas songs over the past two years with “Take Me Home For Christmas,” “Christmas Isn’t Christmas,” “Officially Christmas” and “Pick Out a Christmas Tree,” in addition to a cover of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” released in 2014. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Keith Urban shares behind-the-scenes video playing guitar riffs on “Street Called Main”

Keith Urban is showing fans the process of recording his new song, “Street Called Main.” 

In a behind-the-scenes video, Keith can be seen rehearsing guitar riffs in the studio and laughing as he messes up a chord. “Hello,” he says while repeatedly smacking his head. 

“That’s the hardest thing to get,” he remarks while hitting the wrong note, playing it multiple times to try to fix the error. The singer intently listens to the track as he tries to match the melody on guitar, finally getting a particularly challenging riff correct at video’s end. 

“..there were a few potholes in the street called Main,” he captions the video. 

Keith is in the process of recording a new album that’s slated for release in 2023. He’s currently on his headlining The Speed of Now World Tour, which concludes November 4 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He’ll head over to his native Australia for a string of dates in December. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Carrie Underwood had “fun” writing “Hate My Heart” with Hardy

Carrie Underwood is opening up about writing with Hardy.

The hitmaker is one of the co-writers on Carrie’s new single, “Hate My Heart,” alongside singer Hillary Lindsey and producer David Garcia.

Carrie says the song was born from the idea that she wanted to have “fun” on her Denim & Rhinestones album. She adds she was excited to work with Hardy for the first time considering the success he’s had as both a songwriter and artist.

“Its just nice every once in a while to team with people to get a fresh sense of things with somebody who’s crushing it,” she explains in a behind-the-scenes video. “I want to know why, what can I learn from this person.”

Being a fan of both country and rock music from the 1990s and 2000s, Carrie was intentional about blending the genres. 

“I feel like we kind of married those genres and times together and wrote a super fun song that I feel like accomplished everything I wanted it to accomplish,” she says. 

Carrie has shared a preview of the video, which shows her and several other women frustratingly slamming the door in someone’s face. The video will premiere on Facebook on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET. 

The superstar will perform “Hate My Heart” at the CMA Awards, airing on November 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett & more announced as CMA Awards performers

Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire and more have joined the lineup of CMA Awards performers taking the stage for special collaborations and tributes. 

Luke will perform his single “The Kind of Love We Make,” while Cody Johnson and Cole Swindell will sing their respective chart-topping hits “Til You Can’t” and “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.”

In honor of the late Jerry Lee Lewis, who passed away on October 28, Elle King will team up with The Black Keys to perform his signature hit, “Great Balls of Fire.” Another legendary rock act that will be tributed on the CMA stage is The Rolling Stones, with Brothers Osborne teaming up with The War & Treaty on “It's Only Rock & Roll (But I Like It).” 

Ashley McBryde will be joined by her Lindeville collaborators John Osborne, Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack and Pillbox Patti to honor Linda Ronstadt with a cover of “When Will I Be Loved.” Thomas will be joined by pop superstar and American Idol judge Katy Perry for a performance of their new duet, “Where We Started.” 

Rounding out the new lineup is Chris Stapleton, who will join forces with fellow Kentuckian Patty Loveless on a collaborative performance of Patty’s famous cover of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.”   

Reba is also slated to take the stage for a special performance. 

The new batch of artists join previously announced performers Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, CMA co-host Luke Bryan and many others.

The CMA Awards air live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on November 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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News Daypop

Justice Department charges suspect in Paul Pelosi attack with attempted kidnapping and assault

On Monday, the Justice Department filed two charges in federal court against the suspect in Friday’s brutal attack on Pau Pelosi,, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Prosecutors charged the suspected assailant, David DePape, with attempted kidnapping and assault with intent to retaliate against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family member. The 42-year-old DePape is also expected to appear in court this week on separate state charges. The FBI and San Francisco police said DePape would be arraigned on charges of attempted homicide, first-degree burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with serious bodily injury, elder abuse, threatening a public official, or family member, among others.

Paul Pelosi, 82, currently remains in the intensive care unit surrounded by family members. On Friday, he “underwent successful surgery to repair a skull fracture and serious injuries to his right arm and hands,” Pelosi’s office said. His doctors expect him to make a full recovery. Sources say that Pelosi is awake and has all of his cognitive functioning, and appears to remember everything from the night of the attack, telling the FBI, San Francisco police, Capitol Police and district attorney his version of events.

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott said officers arrived at the Pelosi home just before 2:30 a.m. PT and observed “Mr. Pelosi and the suspect both holding a hammer. The suspect pulled the hammer away from Mr. Pelosi and violently assaulted him with it.”  The suspect was allegedly searching for the House speaker, who was in Washington, D.C.; before the assault occurred, the intruder confronted Paul Pelosi shouting, “Where is Nancy, where is Nancy?”

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Suspect arrested in 2017 Delphi killings of two Indiana teens

An arrest has been made in the 2017 killings of two Indiana teenage girls found dead after going for a hike on a local trail in Delphi.  Superintendent of the Indiana State Police Doug Carter confirmed during a press conference on Monday that 50-year-old Richard Allen has been charged with two counts of murder in connection with the 2017 deaths of 14-year-old Liberty “Libby” German and her best friend, 13-year-old Abigail “Abby” Williams. Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland said during the press conference that Allen, who is a local from Delphi, entered a plea of not guilty,

Carter at the news conference Monday morning: “I am proud to report to you … that an arrest has been made. Thanks to literally hundreds of media outlets that have been steadfast in reporting and keeping the memories of Abby and Libby front and center.” Carter noted that additional details about the arrest and investigation will not be released yet: “While I know you are all expecting final details today concerning this arrest, today is not that day. This investigation is far from complete, and we will not jeopardize its integrity by releasing or discussing documents or information before the appropriate time … Today is not a day to celebrate,” but called the arrest a “major step.” He also said that if anyone else was involved with the deaths of the girls, that person will also be held accountable.

On Feb. 13, 2017, Libby and Abby were reported missing by family after they were dropped off to go hiking near the “Monon High Bridge,” an abandoned railroad that is popular with locals (and the girls were familiar with). The girls were supposed to be picked up by family later that afternoon, but they never showed up to the pickup location. Their bodies were discovered the following day in a wooded area, roughly a mile from the spot where they were last seen, and both deaths were ruled as homicides.

Just days after their death, authorities released photos taken from Libby’s cell phone that showed a man on the trail. They also released a brief audio clip of his voice (taken from Libby’s phone) as well as a police sketch of the unidentified man, who was later named as the main suspect in the girls’ murders. Police investigated their deaths as a double homicide; their cause of death has never been revealed.

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Go Country 105

Tyler Hubbard says his hit “5 Foot 9” reminds him to “appreciate the little things in life”

Tyler Hubbard says his hit single “5 Foot 9” keeps him grounded and inspires him to appreciate what he has in life. 

While writing the track with The Cadillac Three‘s Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, Tyler says the song felt familiar and nostalgic, yet simple, in that it inspires him to be grateful. 

“It reminds me to appreciate the little things in life and things that we, myself especially, maybe take for granted at times,” he explains. 

The verses touch on those “little things,” ranging from red dirt roads in the countryside to his wife, Hayley, and the way she “dances with the raindrops” and “that sweet little kiss she lays on me,” he sings.

The lyrics come from a true place, with Tyler noting he’s in a “sweet spot” in life and hopes that fans connect that to their own story. “5 Foot 9,” which is currently at #2 on the country chart, is likely to become his first solo #1. 

“Getting to sing about the good stuff in life and where I’m at right now, and looking around and seeing my wife, but also my kids and my family. The life that we’re living right now, we’re really in a sweet spot and I’m reminded where that comes from,” he says. “I’m hoping this song will do that for the fans.” 

“5 Foot 9” is the lead single off Tyler’s Dancin’ In the Country EP and marks his solo debut following Florida Georgia Line announcing their hiatus in February.  

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Country Daypop

Shania Twain announces new album ‘Queen of Me’ and 2023 tour

Shania Twain revealed that her new album Queen of Me will arrive on February 3, 2023, and also announced she will launch a tour for 2023. Queen of Me will mark Twain’s first album of new music in over five years; her most recent album, Now, was released in 2017.  To pre-order Queen of Me, head here.

Twain wrote on Instagram. : “I am unbelievably excited to announce Queen Of Me — the new album and tour. These days, I’m feeling very comfortable in my own skin — and I think this album reflects that musically. Life is short and I want to be uplifted, colorful, unapologetic and empowered. I want to carry a clear message, particularly as a woman, to always remember my power and I hope the songs are a reminder to you, of that same power inside you!  I want to celebrate this new chapter with you all on my tour! Vegas has been a dream, but I’m ready to be on the road and sing with you, dance with you and have a kick ass night out with you! This one’s gonna be a big party — no inhibitions, no conditions, let’s get a little out of line!!”   Mickey Guyton, Lindsey Ell, Kelsea Ballerini, Hailey Whitters, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, and BRELAND are slated to appear for select dates.

The North American portion of Twain’s tour begins April 28 in Spokane, Wash., and ends July 22 in Houston. Twain will then perform several dates in the United Kingdom. Tickets for the tour go on sale Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.

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Country Daypop

‘Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas’ to premiere Dec. 1

NBC announced that ‘Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas’ is set to premiere Dec. 1 on NBC. The cast for the 2-hour holiday program includes Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jimmie Allen, Zach Williams and Miley Cyrus.

The network said in a press release: “The film will include a pair of Dolly’s iconic songs — “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You” — as well as a new holiday melody. In all, there are numerous songs that capture the spirit of Christmas and the importance of gathering with family during the holidays.” Tom Everett Scott, Angel Parker, Ana Gasteyer, Mary Lane Haskell, Bryan Batt, Brendan Bradley, John Newberg, Rachel Parton George, Cassie Parton Griffith, Rhoda Griffis, Liam Rauhoff and Steve Summers will also appear in the contemporary movie musical.

Parton will also release the career-spanning Diamonds & Rhinestones: The Greatest Hits Collection on November 18th. The cross-label anthology features 23 essential recordings from 1971-2020. The country music icon will be inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ next month as part of the Class of 2022. The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will air on Saturday, November 19th at 8 pm ET/PT on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max.

https://outsider.com/entertainment/music/country-music/dolly-parton-mountain-magic-christmas-holiday-film-reveals-premiere-date/

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Pop Daypop

Imagine Dragons shares new video for ‘Bones’ remix

Imagine Dragons are sharing a ‘Halloween’ themed video for the remix of their single “Bones”, from German electronic group Twocolors. The new black and white visual for the Bones remix pays homage to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video.

Lead singer Dan Reynolds said in a statement about the original Thriller video:  “I’ve always loved that ‘Thriller’ was both scary and playful. I didn’t know as a kid if I wanted to watch it again or not for fear of the ensuing nightmares, but I always came back for more with my eyes half-closed. The idea of punishing Wall Street with a zombie infection felt like an enjoyable time. And it was.”

Regarding the song ‘Bones,’ Reynolds says: “‘Bones’ is a reflection of my constant obsession with the finality and fragility of life. I’m alway in search of some evidence that will convince me that there is more to come — that life is truly eternal in some sense. Having yet to find that, I try to at least dream of what conquering death would feel like in a song.”

Watch the video for the new “Bones” remix – here.

Editorial credit: Ismael Quintanilla III / Shutterstock.com