Month: April 2023

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News Daypop

2 Wisconsin police officers, suspect killed during shootout at traffic stop

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According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), two Wisconsin police officers were killed on Saturday following a shootout with a suspect during a traffic stop in Cameron, WI. Officials said in a news release that the officers were from two different police departments.

The Wisconsin DOJ said a shootout began after a Chetek Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop at 3:38 p.m., local time, in Cameron, Wisconsin, on Saturday. The Chetek officer and an officer from the Cameron Police Department were killed at the scene, according to officials. The suspect was also killed, the state’s justice department confirmed in the news release.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss today of two officers. I am thinking of their families and the Chetek and Cameron Police Departments at this incredibly difficult time.”  Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers tweeted out his condolences on Sunday to family and friends of the two officers: “Our hearts are heavy for the Chetek and Cameron police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty yesterday. Kathy and I are praying for the officers’ families, colleagues, and the Barron County community mourning this tragic loss.”

According to the Wisconsin DOJ, DCI is leading the investigation into the case and is working alongside Barron County Sheriff’s Office, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin State Crime Lab and a DCI Crime Response Specialist.  Chetek Chief of Police Ron Ambrozaitis said in a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page on Sunday: “Our community is experiencing a time of great tragedy. As we continue to work through this, please respect the privacy of our law enforcement officers and their families. We want to thank the community for their continued support and overwhelming acts of kindness. The support has been tremendous!”

Editorial credit: Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

Corey Kent feared he couldn't “out sing” Morgan Wallen's demo of “Wild As Her”

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Corey Kent‘s debut single, “Wild As Her,” may be flying up the country charts now, but unbeknownst to fans, Corey almost let insecurity turn him away from recording the track.

This stemmed from a fear of not being able to “out sing” the vocalist on the demo he’d heard. This vocalist, of course, was none other than country superstar Morgan Wallen.

“This is a song my good friend Brett Tyler wrote, obviously with Morgan Wallen and Kelly Archer. And really, I believe it was the first outside song that I ever cut, and my team just brought it to me and really believed in it and I heard it,” Corey tells ABC Audio. “The story is Morgan was on the demo and he’s, in my opinion, one of the best vocalists in country music. And there was a thought in my mind of like, ‘Man, I don’t know if I can out sing his version.'”

Thankfully, Corey recalled the healthy competition he’d seen between two of NBA’s finest players and realized that he could very well take a stab at it.

“One of my favorite things was when Kobe Bryant got into the NBA. He wanted to guard Michael Jordan to see how he stacked up against the best,” the singer shares. “And for me, I was like, healthy competition. Let’s see how I stack up against the best, put my own spin on this song, and I guess people liked it!” 

“Wild As Her” is currently at number six and rising on the country charts.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Morgan Evans to release new EP ‘Life Upside Down’

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Morgan Evans is chronicling “unexpected heartbreak” and the personal journey that followed on his upcoming 5-track EP, Life Upside Down, due out April 21st.  Evans shared: “I called it ‘Life Upside Down’ because this collection of music could only have come from this time, when my life felt exactly that. To me, these 5 tracks journey through unexpected heartbreak, self-rediscovery, new beginnings and a new found gratitude for the present moment.”

The project is set to include two of Evans’ previously-released singles, “Over For You” and “On My Own Again.” In the music video for “On My Own Again”, directed by Peter John, Evans is show performing eight shows in seven countries. Evans wrote in an Instagram caption when the video premiered: “For a song documenting a poignant moment in my life, I thought it’d be appropriate to make a video the same way. I invited the guys behind the ‘Over For You’ music video, & the docuseries, on the road in Morocco, Europe, Ireland and the UK for one of the best adventures of my life so far…”

Evans also released the five-part Over For You docuseries earlier this year, detailing his return to Australia and the festival performance where he played “Over For You” for the first time. Evans is currently on the road on Brett Young’s headlining tour, which also includes Ashley Cooke, and has additional tour dates this year with Billy Currington.

Life Upside Down us due to release on April 21.  To pre-save, head here.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Midland setting sail on ‘The Last Resort Cruise’ in 2024

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Country trio Midland shared they are teaming up with Sixthman, the leader in festivals and music cruises, for ‘The Last Resort Cruise’, sailing April 1-5, 2024 from Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas aboard Norwegian Pearl.

Midland said in a statement: “We’ve always felt like we have some of the best fans in country music, and when we were given the opportunity to curate a 4-day cruise ship with our Midlandero community, it was an easy decision. We booked an all-star lineup with some of our favorite artists and pals, we’re stocking the boat full of Insólito Tequila, and we’ll be hosting daily experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s really a dream vacation and we couldn’t be more excited to set sail.”

‘The Last Resort Cruise’ will showcase four days and nights loaded with onboard music performances highlighted by two unique sets from Midland along with artists including Orville Peck, Flatland Cavalry, Hayes Carll, Mike and the Moonpies, The Texas Gentlemen, Madeline Edwards, Kaitlin Butts, Jaime Wyatt, Stephen Wilson Jr., Jonathan Terrell, and David Garza.

First Round Pre-sale Signups are available now through Sunday, April 16 at 11:59 pm (ET). Pre-sale Signups conclude Wednesday, April 19 at 11:59 pm (ET). All Pre-Sales will secure a once-in-a-lifetime cabin photo opportunity with Midland. Public On-Sales follow on Friday, April 21 at 2:00 pm (ET), exclusively from the event’s official website.

Editorial credit: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Suga of BTS documentary ‘Suga: Road to D-Day’ headed to Disney+ on April 21

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BTS’s Suga shared the release date for his new Disney+ documentary Suga: Road to D-Day, set to debut on April 21st.  Suga’s album D-Day (which will be released under his name Agust D) will also debut on April 21 in conjunction with the documentary; and he has already released the first single, “People Pt. 2.”

Suga will chronicle his life on the road as he pursues a solo career while the South Korean band is on hiatus. The documentary will cover his work with Coldplay, The Chainsmokers, Halsey and Steve Aoki. In the documentary, the 30-year-old will talk about how his writer’s block impacted him and the life experiences he poured into his music.

Suga was also announced as an NBA ambassador last week, posting a video showing him with NBA stars Steph Curry, Luka Dončić and Klay Thompson. Per an NBA press release, Suga will be a visible presence for the game throughout the world, attending games and using the power of his social media channels to amplify the league. The NBA will partner with Suga on his album release and on his upcoming tour. Said Suga: “Music and basketball have been shared passions of mine since my youth, and it’s a dream to be named an NBA Ambassador. I’m excited to formalize my relationship with the NBA, and I can’t wait to share some exciting collaborations I have planned with the league over the coming months.”

Editorial credit: Silvia Elizabeth Pangaro / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn split after 6 years together

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Multiple outlets reported over the weekend that Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn have split after six years together. Entertainment Tonight was first to report the news, which comes as Swift is traveling the country for her sold-out Eras tour.

Swift, 33, and Alwyn, 32, were first linked in 2016, and have kept their relationship private over the years. Sources previously said that Swift “is very happy” in their relationship: “He is her rock. Their relationship is mature and wonderful.” 

The pair collaborated on music together over the pandemic, with Swift’s 2020 albums Folklore and Evermore.  Each album included collaborations with Alwyn, who wrote several songs under the pseudonym William Bowery. Alwyn is credited as a co-writer on “Betty” and “Exile” from Folklore and on “Champagne Problems,” “Coney Island,” and “Evermore” on Evermore. Folklore won the Grammy Award in 2021 for “Album of the Year,’ and during her acceptance speech, Swift gave a shout-out to the actor: “Joe is the first person that I play every single song that I write, and I had the best time writing songs with you in quarantine.”

Prior to her relationship with Alwyn, Swift dated Joe Jonas, John Mayer, Harry Styles, Calvin Harris and Tom Hiddleston.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

Slip on George Strait's new Justin boat shoes

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George Strait has teamed up with Justin Boots to launch a new pair of boat shoes as part of the George Strait Collection.

Priced at $99.95, the Angler Slip-On Casual Shoe marries George’s longtime love for fishing and the beach. Available in cigar brown color, the shoe is made of water-friendly cowhide leather with mesh embellishments, making it both stylish and cozy to use in the water and on the coast.

The new boat shoes from the George Strait by Justin collection are available for purchase now on the Justin Boots website and at select retailers. A portion of each purchase will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, which supports injured rodeo athletes and their families.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a pair to use the next time you’re enjoying the saltwater in the “Clear Blue Sky.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Nashville notes: Jake Worthington's debut album + Payton Smith's “next one”

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Country newcomer and The Voice alumni Jake Worthington has dropped his self-titled debut album. Out now via Big Loud Records, the 13-song set includes a collaboration with Ernest on “Pop Goes The Whiskey.” Of his release, Jake shares, “I’ve been ready for this for a long time. Country music is what I know, it’s what I’ve always done, and I’ve never thought about doin’ anything else. I’m grateful to finally be putting it out into the world.”

Up-and-comer Payton Smith has an anthemic new song out. Co-written by Payton, Jim McCormick, Danny Myrick and Austin Goodloe, “The Next One” celebrates life, love and all the good things in between. “I love story songs and I'm so proud of the way this one turned out. Crank it up,” Payton writes on Instagram.

Warner Music Nashville’s Ian Munsick has released his sophomore album, White Buffalo. The 18-track LP, which he co-wrote and co-produced, features a collaboration with Vince Gill (“Field Of Dreams”). Of his new record, the Wyoming native shares in part, “All I've ever wanted to do as a country music artist is represent the West. The land, people, stories and culture are all what give me endless inspiration to create music.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

See the Flower & Food Festival at Dollywood

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It’s time to make a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to enjoy spring and summertime at Dollywood.

The DreamMore Resort and Spa in Dollywood is celebrating its annual Flower & Food Festival with a stunning array of blossoms and delectable treats. Guests at the resort will also get to enjoy a variety of unique festival-themed activities, mouthwatering meals and entertainment during their stay.

What’s more, those who book their stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa now will save up to 10% per night, and receive a pair of one-day Dollywood admission tickets and Flower & Food Festival Tasting Passes to use from April 21 to June 11.

For more information and to get tickets, visit Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival website. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

“Write this down”: George Strait's playing two nights in Texas

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The King of Country Music, George Strait, will play two back-to-back nights in his home state of Texas this November.

The concerts will take place on Friday, November 17, and Saturday, November 18, at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Acclaimed singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith will be the opening act for both days.

These dates arrive on the heels of George and Chris Stapleton‘s previously announced stadium date runs, which will include stops in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, Nashville and Tampa. Little Big Town will join them as special guests.

Tickets for George’s Fort Worth shows go on sale on Ticketmaster Friday, April 14, at 10 a.m. CT. Presale for American Express card members begins Tuesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. CT and will end on Thursday, April 13, at 10 p.m. CT. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.