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News Daypop

President Biden releases his budget proposal to help ‘hardworking Americans’

President Joe Biden released his federal budget proposal on Thursday, vowing to cut $3 trillion from the federal deficit over the next decade, in part, by levying a 25% minimum tax on the wealthiest Americans. During a speech in Philadelphia, Biden said the budget “reflects what we can do to lift the burden on hardworking Americans.”

Biden also raises more revenue by increasing taxes on oil and gas companies, hiking the corporate tax rate to 28%, up from 21% imposed under former President Donald Trump but below the 35% tax pre-2017, and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. In addition, he called on Congress to support his plan to extend Medicare and Social Security and reduce the deficit by raising taxes on wealthy Americans.

The president’s spending priorities include increasing funding for early childhood education and child care, expanding the $35 cap on insulin prices to all Americans and expanding free community college. The budget also boosts military spending to more than $835 billion, among the largest in U.S. history.
Biden still faces the unresolved standoff with Republicans over whether to lift the debt ceiling.

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Cody Johnson's “Human” is his most autobiographical song yet

Although Cody Johnson didn’t write his current single, “Human,” he knew he wanted to record it because of its deeply personal story.

“That’s probably the most autobiographical song I’ve ever recorded,” Cody says of his Travis Meadows– and Tony Lane-penned track. “When I heard it, obviously I’ve never wanted to be anything but a cowboy, but somewhere I picked up this guitar, things about my wife, like she never tried to quit me or fix me or slow me down,” he adds with references to its lyrics.

With such a personal song, Cody also wanted to make sure the accompanying music video brought his story to life. That’s why after several rounds of deliberation, he and director Dustin Haney decided to feature candid footage of his life as a dad, husband, cowboy and singer. 

“When we did the video, Dustin Haney and I discussed it over and over again, and we argued back and forth, and we decided to let people see what my life is like,” Cody explains. “I thought that was a very special moment because that’s the most involvement I’ve ever had in a music video.” 

Cody’s music video for “Human” is up for both the Video of the Year and Male Video of the Year awards at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. His Grammy-winning smash hit, “‘Til You Can’t,” also earned a nomination for CMT Performance of the Year.

“Human” is currently number 15 and rising up the country charts.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, and more to perform at 50th CMA Fest

The Country Music Association announced the lineup of the highly-anticipated CMA Festival, tweeting: “#CMAfest, the longest-running Country Music festival in the world, is turning 50! 🤩🥳🙌 We are SO excited to celebrate with you – the BEST fans ever – in downtown #Nashville this summer with these stacked lineups! 🔥 Buy stadium tickets today at http://CMAfest.com/tickets!”

CMA Fest is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the 2023 lineup includes Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson and many more, set to take the main stage at CMA Fest in June 2023.

The 50th CMA Fest is set to kick off on Thursday, June 8 – Sunday, June 11.  For information, head to: www.cmafest.com.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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Country Daypop

Tim McGraw to release new single ‘Standing Room Only’

Tim McGraw will release his new single, “Standing Room Only,” on March 10th.

McGraw shared on social media“Some of you guessed it! New single “Standing Room Only” coming March 10th. If we get 1,000 pre-saves on this today I’ll share a little bit of the song with you. Link in bio!”

McGraw’s last project, Here on Earth, was released in August 2020; and Here On Earth: Ultimate Edition, and Here On Earth Ultimate Video Edition were released in spring 2021. Here On Earth, produced by McGraw and Byron Gallimore, was his 16th studio album and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart upon its release.

To stream “Standing Room Only,” head here.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Ed Sheeran previews new single ‘Eyes Closed’

Ed Sheeran is gearing up for his new album release, the last of Sheeran’s ‘mathematical’ albums (since each of their titles references a math equation).  As a tease, Sheeran shared a snippet of his new single “Eyes Closed” on TikTok, where he performed an acoustic version of the single. In the short clip divided into three screens, Sheeran is dressed in a T-shirt and sneakers while he plays guitar and sings the single’s chorus.

Sheeran posted on social media when announcing the album release: “I had been working on Subtract for a decade, trying to sculpt the perfect acoustic album, writing and recording hundreds of songs with a clear vision of what I thought it should be. Then at the start of 2022, a series of events changed my life, my mental health, and ultimately the way I viewed music and art … I felt like I was drowning, head below the surface, looking up but not being able to break through for air. As an artist, I didn’t feel like I could credibly put a body of work into the world that didn’t accurately represent where I am and how I need to express myself at this point in my life. This album is purely that. It’s opening the trapdoor into my soul. For the first time I’m not trying to craft an album people will like, I’m merely putting something out that’s honest and true to where I am in my adult life.”

In addition, Sheeran’s North American run of dates on his Mathematics tour kicks off May 6th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX., before wrapping up on September 23rd with a performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Editorial credit: yakub88 / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Charlie Puth to perform first-ever interactive livestream concert

Charlie Puth will perform his first-ever live interactive global eConcert on March 31st, live from the Yoop eSpace at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Charlie tweeted: I’ve missed performing for you guys so I’m excited to announce my live virtual concert with Yoop on March 31st!”

Puth will be able to see and hear fans during the livestream, and will invite a select few to join him on stage virtually. Puth will also be attending a virtual afterparty, which organizers say is a “secret of its own.. that will push the creative envelope”.

Puth said in a statement: “It’s been really fun getting to know my fans even better through social media this past year, and I am excited to perform live for them in this interactive virtual concert experience.”

For tickets, head here: yoop.app/events/CharliePuthLive.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Nashville notes: The Opry's Luke Combs giveaway + Brett Young's dad's new book

The Grand Ole Opry is giving fans a chance to win a trip to Nashville to attend Luke Combs‘ concert, and meet the country superstar and Opry member in person. Winners will also get an autographed copy of his album Gettin’ Old, a two-night stay at The Gaylord Opryland Resort and $2,000 for travel expenses. For contest details and to enter, visit the sweepstakes page.

Brett Young‘s father, Brad Young, has released a religious book titled Pictures: A Simplified Way of Knowing God and Understanding the Bible. In a promotional Instagram post, Brett writes, “For as long as I can remember, my dad has wanted to write this book. In my opinion, drawing clear pictures in a way that helps people understand the Bible is what he's always been the best at.” The book is available now on Amazon.

Rising country duo The War and Treaty will drop their new album, Lover’s Game, Friday, March 10. To celebrate the release, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter will perform the title track on NBC’s Today show.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Grab a pint of Jimmie Allen's new peach cobbler Frobert

Jimmie Allen has teamed up with The Frozen Farm to launch a special peach cobbler-flavored Frobert named after his mom.

“Y'all, I am so excited to finally announce my partnership with The Frozen Farmer and introduce you to – MISS ANGIE'S PEACH COBBLER FROBERT,” he writes on Instagram alongside an announcement video. “Frobert is a blend of ice cream and sorbet, so prepare your tastebuds for this epic explosion of flavor and get used to hearing that word!” 

“We took my mama's secret peach cobbler recipe and packed it into creamy, pint-sized goodness! With fresh-from-the-farm peaches and spoonfuls of sticky sweet cobbler crumbles, we promise this is a treat you'll want an extra scoop or two of!” Jimmie adds. 

Jimmie and The Frozen Farmer’s Miss Angie’s Peach Cobbler Frobert will be available in more than 2,100 of Kroger Co.’s family of stores, including Fred Meyer, King Soopers, Fry's and Ralphs, this month.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Kenny Chesney to take fans down a nostalgic road with his I Go Back 2023 Tour

Get ready to “go back” in time with Kenny Chesney on his upcoming I Go Back 2023 Tour.

With nearly 30 songs on the set list, Kenny is making sure longtime fans get to hear the nostalgic songs and massive hits that they grew up with. 

“All those songs that time-stamped people's lives, I want to make sure those people and those songs don't get lost,” Kenny shares with the press. “It's why we named this the I Go Back 2023 Tour. To me, to be able to share this band that's so white hot – even our rehearsals have inspired all of us almost like the shows – with the fans who were there when this was turning into something great, that makes me even more fired up to get out there.”

Set to kick off in Charlottesville, Virginia, on March 22, the multicity trek will hit Oklahoma City, Jacksonville, Greensboro and more, before wrapping up in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 22. Kenny’s fellow Knoxville native Kelsea Ballerini will serve as the opening act.

For tour dates and to get tickets, visit Kenny’s website.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Lainey Wilson wants you to join her new Fast Lainers fan club

Lainey Wilson has launched a new fan club and is inviting you to be a part of it.

“I figured it was about time we made things official y'all [sparkle emoji] I'm launching a new official fan club for my Fast Lainers,” Lainey wrote in the caption of her Instagram post. “I've loved gettin to know and meet y'all, so let's take it to the next level. There's so much more I'll be launching soon with the fan club so y'all become a member now and keep your eyes peeled!”

Lainey’s Fast Lainers fan club has two membership tiers: Premium and Digital. Both will offer fans first access to things like ticket presales, VIP package offers, exclusive Fast Lainers content and online store discounts, while the Premium tier gifts members an exclusive Fast Lainers merchandise item and a chance to purchase a limited edition bone-colored Bell Bottom Country vinyl.

For more information on Lainey’s new fan club and to purchase a membership, visit the Fast Lainers website.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.