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Go Country 105

HARDY's a little bit country & a little bit rock 'n' roll on 'the mockingbird & THE CROW'

If you’ve seen HARDY live, you know he likes to rock. And with his sophomore album, the mockingbird & THE CROW, he’s bringing his rock ‘n’ roll tendencies to the country audience he’s cultivated.

The 17-track record is split in two halves, with the eighth cut – the title track – transitioning from the country/mockingbird side to more rocking CROW tunes. 

“It’s a rock ‘n’ roll – half of a rock ‘n’ roll record,” the hit singer/songwriter explains. “It’s also a little bit of my take on, maybe my spin on, country music, as well.”

“And honestly, THE CROW side definitely has a very deep-rooted country lyric,” he adds. “So it kind of opened the door for doing the rock ‘n’ roll thing, but it also opened the door a little more wide open for me to kind of give my own rendition of country music or, like, throw in a very country lyric over a rock ‘n’ roll sonic production, if you will.”

Of course, HARDY’s current hit, “wait in the truck” with Lainey Wilson, falls on the country side. 

Next month, he continues the theme on his headlining tour, featuring country chart-topper and fellow Mississippi native Jameson Rodgers, along with rock band Blame My Youth

HARDY’s second full-length album, which is out now, is also one of the rare country records with a Parental Advisory warning on the front.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

CMT announces “Next Women of Country” Class of 2023

CMT announced 16 new artists named to its prestigious CMT Next Women of Country (NWOC) franchise, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” program to support and promote developing female talent in country music. The 2023 class was revealed at Nashville’s City Winery with numerous NWOC alumnae on hand, including Ingrid Andress, Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Nicolle Galyon, and more. The 2023 class represents the largest group in the NWOC’s 10-year history.

This year’s group of artists include: Alana Springsteen, Angie K, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Carter Faith, Catie Offerman, Georgia Webster, Julie Williams, Kasey Tyndall, Kimberly Kelly, Mackenzie Carpenter, MaRynn Taylor, Megan Moroney, O.N.E. The Duo, Pillbox Patti and Roberta Lea.

CMT’s series CMT Hot 20 Countdown, hosted by Cody Alan and Rissi Palmer, will air a three-hour special episode of ‘Next Women of Country,’ introducing the class of 2023 with exclusive interviews and performances from each new inductee. For more information on the network’s ‘Next Women of Country’ program, visit http://nextwomen.cmt.com.

The special episode of Next Women of Country will air on Saturday, February 11 at 8 a.m. ET, with an encore presentation on February 12 at 9 a.m. ET.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

2023 GoldenSky Festival announces lineup including Jon Pardi, Eric Church and Maren Morris

GoldenSky Country Music Festival will return to Sacramento, CA this year on Oct. 14 and 15 at Discovery Park, with an impressive lineup led by Sacramento’s own Jon Pardi, Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Parker McCollum.

Other artists slated to perform include Jordan Davis, Country Music Hall of Fame member Wynonna Judd, Lainey Wilson, Elle King, Eli Young Band, Niko Moon, Ingrid Andress, Nate Smith, Adam Doleac, Frank Ray, Tenille Arts, Drake Milligan, Megan Moroney, Kidd G, Willie Jones, Lakeview, and Avery Anna.

The event will also feature an array of activities for festivalgoers, including GoldenSky Beer Festival, a “festival within the festival” that will showcase the top local, regional and national tastes with over 150 different selections of beer, hard seltzer and ciders. The Farmhouse, presented by California Bountiful, will offer a local food experience featuring some of Sacramento’s top dining establishments. Other festival offerings include El Dorado Market, River City Saloon & Dance Hall, Loud Lounge, Wines of Sacramento and Sidelines Sports Bar.

Tickets for the GoldenSky Country Music Festival are on sale now at GoldenSkyFestival.com.

Eric Church, Jon Pardi, Maren Morris lead 2023 GoldenSky lineup

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter in ‘Rust’ shooting of Halyna Hutchins

Actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of ‘Rust’ cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. ‘Rust’ armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was also charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. A statement released on Thursday by New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and Rust special prosecutor, Andrea Reeb announced that charges were filed against Baldwin after the gun he was holding discharged, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza on the film set in New Mexico. Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed’s will be “charged in the alternative” with the two counts of manslaughter, meaning that a jury would decide not simply if they were guilty, but under which definition of involuntary manslaughter they were guilty.

According to the release from Carmack-Altwies’s office, involuntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine if proven. The DA and special prosecution will formally file these charges with the New Mexico’s First Judicial District Court by the end of the month. Carmack-Altwies said: “After a thorough review of the evidence and the laws of the state of New Mexico, I have determined that there is sufficient evidence to file criminal charges against Alec Baldwin and other members of the ‘Rust’ film crew. On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice.”

The shooting occurred on Oct. 21, 2021, inside a building on a film set outside Santa Fe. Baldwin maintains that he did not know the gun was loaded; he is currently suing several ‘Rust’ crew members and accusing them of negligence for providing him with a loaded weapon without his knowledge. The actor initially stated that he “didn’t pull the trigger,” but in his lawsuit against the crew, his team says he pulled back and released the hammer of the gun in Hutchins’ direction while they were preparing camera angles.

The state initially fined the production company the maximum penalty of $136,793 for not following proper safety protocols. Hutchins’ family also sued Baldwin and the production company over wrongful death. They have since reached a settlement. ‘Rust’ is currently scheduled to resume filming this year with Matthew Hutchins, Hutchins’ husband, now involved as an executive producer.

Editorial credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Governors Ball 2023 lineup announced including Lizzo, Kendrick Lamar and more

New York City’s biggest weekend summer music festival, Governors Ball, has revealed its star-studded lineup, with Lizzo, Odesza and Kendrick Lamar headlining this June on three stages set up at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York.

Lizzo will open the Governors Ball 2023 festival on Friday, June 9, with Odesza headlining Saturday, June 10th, and Kendrick Lamar on stage for the final day of the festival, June 11th.  The lineup also includes Lil Uzi Vert, Haim, Diplo, Lil Baby, Aespa, Rina Sawayama, Lil Nas X, Giveon, Sofi Tukker, Tai Verdes, Suki Waterhouse, Joey Badass and Pusha T, and more.

Governors Ball co-founder Tom Russell said: “Words can’t express how excited we are to bring Gov Ball to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, one of the most special and storied parks in all of New York City … Since moving to Queens in 2021 we’ve been overwhelmed by the welcome the community has shown us, and we look forward to continue being a part of and giving back to that community for years to come. We are honored to call such an iconic venue our new home, and we thank Mayor [Eric] Adams and his administration and Queensborough President Donovan Richards for their trust and support.”

General admission tickets are starting at $139 a day while Platinum tickets begin at $2,499 offering premium entrance, exclusive front-of-stage viewing and on-stage viewing, all-day dining, full-service bar access and more perks for the whole weekend.  For ticket and other information, head to www.governorsballmusicfestival.com.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

The Weeknd drops video for “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)”

The Weeknd has released an accompanying music video for “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength),” the theme song for James Cameron‘s ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ produced by Swedish House Mafia and Simon Franglen.

The video, directed by Quentin Deronzier, features clips of the The Weeknd and scenes from the ‘Avatar’ franchise, highlighting ‘The Way of Water’s’ story. Avatar: The Way of Water, set over a decade later the original film, is the sequel to the 2009 original ‘Avatar’ film. It sees the return of Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña as Jake Sully, the human who left his body to become a Na’vi, and Neytiri, the Na’vi princess. Jake and their family of five children explore Pandora as they face an ancient threat that has returned, leading Jake into a war with the humans.

Take a look at The Weeknd’s “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” music video – here.

Editorial credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

Nashville notes: Dolly's dream song + Zach's Burn-ing Tour

January 19 may be Dolly Parton‘s birthday, but this year she’s giving her fans a present, releasing the religious-themed “Don’t Make Me Come Down There” on her special day. In a short video on her socials, Dolly revealed the song came to her in a dream and she felt compelled to put it out as she turns 77.

Brooke Eden‘s been nominated as Outstanding Breakthrough Artist at this year’s GLAAD Media Awards, which will be handed out March 30 in LA and May 13 in New York City.

“Something in the Orange” hitmaker Zach Bryan will kick off his Burn Burn Burn North American Tour May 10 in Charlottesville, Virginia. It’ll come to a close August 30 in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Jimmie Allen will honor Smokey Robinson & Berry Gordy at Grammy's star-studded MusiCares gala

Jimmie Allen will represent country music as a star-studded lineup of artists pays tribute to Motown founder Berry Gordy and his best friend, fellow Motown legend Smokey Robinson, during the annual MusiCares pre-Grammy gala.

That means Jimmie will be rubbing elbows with the likes of Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Sheryl CrowMichael McDonaldThe TemptationsIsley Brothers and the Four Tops, along with John LegendBrandi CarlileRita Wilson, Mumford & Sons, Trombone ShortyMolly TuttleLalah Hathaway and Valerie Simpson.

“I am so excited to share the always wonderful MusiCares event with my best friend Smokey Robinson and I can't wait to hear these wonderful artists celebrate the Motown music,” says Gordy, with Smokey adding, “I'm so excited for this year's MusiCares lineup. These artists are my friends and I not only love them, but I'm honored that they will be performing my music, along with hits from the Motown catalogue.”

Proceeds from the event will provide a wide variety of health and social services for music professionals in need, including physical and mental health, addiction recovery, preventative clinics, unforeseen personal emergencies and disaster relief.

The 32nd annual MusiCares Persons of the Year benefit gala is set for February 3, two days before the Grammys, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Mitchell Tenpenny's “Got History” – in space!

Mitchell Tenpenny‘s headed for outer space in his new video for “We Got History.” 

The clip, shot near Cocoa Beach, Florida, finds Mitchell sitting in a bar with a younger version of himself and a bartender with whom he’s clearly had a romantic past. Did she cheat on him? Do they end up together? Those are all questions you’ll ponder as you watch Mitchell get closer to liftoff.

“We Got History” is the latest single from his This Is the Heavy album and the follow-up to his number ones, “Truth About You” and “At the End of a Bar” with Chris Young.

Thursday night, Mitchell kicks off his This Is the Heavy Tour at Washington’s Northern Quest Resort & Casino.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

You've been warned: Ashley McBryde's 'Lindeville' is coming to your house

There’s good news and bad news from Ashley McBryde.

The bad news: If you were hoping to go to either of her Lindeville Live shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, you’re outta luck, because they’re sold out. 

The good news: you can stream the February 15 and 16 events from the comfort of your own home via Mandolin. Ashley plans to give all the profits to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. 

The concerts feature the full cast of characters from her Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville album: TJ Osborne, John OsborneBrandy ClarkCaylee HammockPillbox PattiAaron Raitiere and Benjy Davis.

The record’s up for Best Country Album at next month’s Grammys.  

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