Month: March 2023

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Go Country 105

Scotty McCreery wants you in his new “It Matters to Her” video

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Attention all Scotty McCreery fans: Here’s your chance to be in featured in an upcoming fan music video for Scotty’s single “It Matters to Her.”

In a callout on social media, Scotty wrote, “Y’all have been telling me how much ‘It Matters to Her’ means to you — now I want you to show me! Submit your photos and videos showing what you do for the people you love for a chance to make it into the fan music video.” 

Fans can submit their heartfelt images and videos via the submission link.

“It Matters to Her” is the latest single off Scotty’s album Same Truck and is currently inside the top 20 on the country charts.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Gabby Barrett cruises with two 2023 CMT Music Awards nominations

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Gabby Barrett‘s autobiographical music video for “Pick Me Up” has earned two nominations at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.

An RIAA-certified Platinum hit, the song received nods in both the Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year categories. Its heartfelt visualizer, which was directed by Alexa Campbell, highlights the selfless love shared between Gabby and her husband, Cade Foehner.

“This is my most favorite music video I've done, and it means so much to me to be nominated for TWO awards by CMT,” Gabby shares. “It was so special to have my husband Cade by my side for this shoot, and I've heard so many sweet stories from fans about how this one has touched them. Thank you, CMT!”

“Pick Me Up” was the fourth single from Gabby’s debut album, Goldmine.

Fans can vote for Gabby now on the CMT Music Awards’ website.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards air live on CBS April 2 at 8 p.m. ET.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
News Daypop

Judge blocks release of Tyre Nichols video as Justice Dept. launches probe of Memphis police

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On Wednesday, a court order Wednesday delayed the release of about 20 hours of footage from the fatal beating of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police officers. A Memphis judge ruled nearly 20 hours of additional footage and internal documents related to the city’s investigation into the death of Nichols cannot be released until the lawyers for the five former Memphis police officers charged in his death have seen the new video. The delay came on the same day the U.S. Justice Department said it would review the Memphis Police Department and the use of specialized units within law enforcement in the wake of Nichols’ killing in January.

The court order read: “The court orders that the release of videos, audio, reports, and personnel files of City of Memphis employees related to this indictment and investigation (to include administrative hearings, records and related files) shall be delayed until such time as the state and the defendants have reviewed this information  The release of this information shall be subject to further orders of this court and, in the public interest, will be ordered as soon as possible.” Body camera footage released last month showed multiple officers beating, pepper spraying and using a stun gun on Nichols after a traffic stop and sparked protests in Memphis and around the country. Nichols died three days after the beating on Jan. 10.

The Justice Department also said on Wednesday that its Community Oriented Policing Services office will conduct a review of certain policies and practices by the Memphis police at the request of Mayor Jim Strickland and Police Chief Cerelyn Davis. The review will cover “policies, practices training, data and processes related to the MPD’s use of force, de-escalation and specialized units.”

Editorial credit: Phil Pasquini / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Justice Department finds Louisville Police uses excessive force, discriminated against Black people

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The Justice Department said Wednesday that it found the that Louisville Metro Police Department and Louisville/Jefferson County Metro government violated the Constitution and federal law in various practices, and dealing with the Black community. Following an investigation launched in April 2021, the DOJ said it has entered an agreement with the government and police department to address many of the issues under federal law that prohibits officers from engaging in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of rights.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement: “This unacceptable and unconstitutional conduct erodes the community trust necessary for effective policing. It is also an affront to the vast majority of officers who put their lives on the line to serve Louisville with honor. And it is an affront to the people of Louisville who deserve better.”

The department found the police had a pattern of using excessive force, police dogs and tasers; conducted searches based on invalid warrants; made unlawful stops and searches; discriminated against Black people in its enforcement activities; violated protected free speech activities; and discriminated against people with behavioral health disabilities.

The DOJ’s findings are separate from cases related to the death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot in her home by Louisville police instituting a no-knock warrant. The Justice Department had previously filed charges against four former officers involved in that 2020 incident.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Sam Hunt is ready to get back to basics with his Ryman show

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As Sam Hunt prepares to headline Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Friday, March 10, he says that he’s ditching the typical big production for an acoustic-leaning setup that’s apt for a “special” venue.

“In keeping with this sort of more traditional approach that I’ve lately been taking with the songwriting, even the production, I just like the idea of maybe stripping things down in town, and we haven’t gotten to do that in a while,” Sam shares.

While it’s been “maybe seven or eight years” since he’s performed at the Mother Church of Country Music, the “Water Under the Bridge” singer says he’s determined to not let stress creep in, instead focusing on delivering a personal show.

“[I’m] just looking forward to just really getting in there and not overthinking it, not scripting it out too much,” he reflects. “And in preparation for the summer tour, getting in there and trying some songs out, playing them maybe in some new ways. But more than anything, just have a more intimate experience.” 

Tickets to Sam’s upcoming Ryman concert can be purchased at the venue’s website.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Lainey Wilson leads the nominees for 2023 CMT Music Awards

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CMT announced the nominations for the 2023 CMT Music Awards, with breakout country star Lainey Wilson leading this year nominations with a total of four, including “Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year,” “Collaborative Video of the Year” and “CMT Performance of the Year.” Right behind Wilson with three nominations each are Cody Johnson, first-time nominee Jelly Roll and Kane Brown. Carrie Underwood reigns as the most awarded artist in CMT history with a total of 25 wins and is also slated to perform. Each winner is selected by the fans, with voting now open at vote.cmt.

The CMT Music Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, April 2 from Moody Center in Austin, Texas. This marks the first time that the CMT Music Awards have been held in Austin, after being held in Nashville for decades. Led by co-hosts Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, the awards show will also be available to stream live and on demand via Paramount+.

For the full list of nominees, head to www.cmt.com.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and more set for ‘NCAA March Madness Music Fest’

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Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and Tim McGraw are just some of the artists set to perform at the ‘2023 NCAA March Madness Music Festival, kicking off at the end of this month. A post on social media read: ” 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 #capitalonejamfest @thetimmcgraw, @keithurban, @littlebigtown, @mickeyguyton Sunday, April 2 @discoverygreen @capitalone Cardholders get free passes before anyone else on 3/8 at 10 AM ET!”

The three-day 2023 NCAA March Madness Music Festival runs in connection with the 2023 Division I Men’s Final Four, set to begin on March 31 through April 2 and taking place at Discovery Green Park in Houston, Texas.

Maggie Rogers is set to kick off festivities on Saturday, April 1, with Lil Nas X closing out the festivities. McGraw and Urban co-headlining on Sunday, April 2. That day will also include performances by Little Big Town and Mickey Guyton. Sunday’s performances will be available to stream live on on ncaa.com and bleacherreport.com, with the AT&T Block Party is set for Friday, March 31. 2.

Fans can register for free 2023 NCAA March Madness Music Festival tickets at: ncaa.com/marchmadness/musicfest. Registration for the general public will take place on Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m. ET.

Keith Urban, Maggie Rogers, Tim McGraw, And More Set For March Madness Music Fest

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Lauren Spencer Smith shares video for ‘Best Friend Breakup’

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Lauren Spencer Smith has released the video for her latest single, ‘Best Friend Breakup’, directed by Boni Mata.  The video for the song, described as ‘an anthem for the falling out between best friends’ shows Lauren in her bedroom, reflecting upon the best friend breakup she experienced.

Best Friend Breakup is the follow-up to the 19-year-old singer/songwriter’s breakout hit, “Fingers Crossed,” which earned Spencer Smith her RIAA Platinum Certification.

Take a look at the video for Best Friend Breakup – here.

Editorial credit: Oleksandr Nagaiets / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Demi Lovato drops video for ‘Still Alive’ from ‘Scream 6’ soundtrack

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Demi Lovato has dropped a video for the song ‘Still Alive’, co-written and produced with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda for the Scream 6 soundtrack.  Shinoda also makes a cameo in the official video. ‘Still Alive’ is the first track Lovato has released since her 2022’s pop-punk album ‘Holy Fvck’.

The accompanying music video sees Lovato and her friends attend what they believe is a screening of Scream 6 but a masked killer soon turns upe. Ice Nine Kills vocalist Spencer Charnas also makes a cameo appearance in the video. Said Charnas: “Honoured to have a little cameo in this amazing new Demi Lovato video for one of my all time favourite movie franchises  This song slays, she is such a bad ass.”  Said Lovato said in a press release: “I couldn’t think of a more perfect home for ‘Still Alive’ than within the Scream universe. I’m a huge fan of the films, so it’s an honour to contribute to such an iconic horror franchise.”

Scream 6 is out in theater on March 10. The new film sees Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera reprise their roles as sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter, picking up where the 2022 reboot left off. Hayden Panettiere is also set to return to the franchise since 2011’s Scream 4.

Take a look at Lovato’s video for “Still Alive” – here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Nashville notes: Country Music Hall of Fame's new exhibit + Caitlyn Smith's headlining tour

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The Country Music Hall of Fame has unveiled its latest American Currents: State of the Music exhibition series. Launched March 8, the display spotlights notable developments in country music over the last year. Featured artists include Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Cody Johnson, Jordan Davis, Scotty McCreery, Parker McCollum and the Black Opry.

Caitlyn Smith has announced her headlining The Great Pretender: Solo tour. Kicking off in Austin, Texas, on April 3, Caitlyn will bring her music to multiple cities, including Atlanta, Chicago and Boston. Her Monument Records labelmate Alex Hall will serve as the opening act. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 10, on Caitlyn’s website.

Newcomer Harper Grace has signed a record deal with Curb Records. “Can't put into words how surreal this opportunity is. I'm in complete awe that something I've dreamt about as a little girl is coming to pass in this moment. I'm forever grateful to be a part of the Curb family,” Harper shares. Curb Records is home to artists such as Lee Brice, Dylan Scott, Mo Pitney and Hannah Ellis. Harper’s new song, “Sparkle,” drops on March 17.

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