Casey James

Casey James will release his self-titled debut album March 20. “I’m excited to be releasing my debut album,” shares Casey. “I’m thankful that I had the freedom to make the record that represents me as a musician and singer-songwriter.”

Casey continues, “I played eleven years of hard gigs in every bar and restaurant in North Texas and not many people even knew my name. That being said, I’m very thankful to American Idol for the opportunities the show gave me. I could’ve released a record right when the season was over, but I wanted to make an album deserving of all the fans that put me in this position. I feel like I’ve done that. And it feels good.”

To say that Casey had a hand in creating his debut album would be an understatement. The Cool, TX native co-wrote nine of the eleven songs on the album, played both the electric and acoustic guitar throughout, and co-produced the entire album with Chris Lindsey. The last track on the CD, “Miss Your Fire,” was written and co-produced by Casey, Chris and Aimee Mayo.

1. The Good Life (Casey James/Scooter Carusoe)
2. Crying On A Suitcase (Lee Thomas Miller/Tom Shapiro/Neil Thrasher)
3. Let’s Don’t Call It A Night (Casey James/Brice Long/Terry McBride)
4. Drive (Casey James/Brad Warren/Brett Warren)
5. Love The Way You Miss Me (Casey James/Brice Long/Terry McBride)
6. Undone (Casey James/Scooter Carusoe)
7. So Sweet (Casey James/Dallas Davidson/Patrick Davis)
8. She’s Money (Casey James/Jaren Johnston)
9. Tough Love (Casey James/Brett James/David Lee Murphy)
10. Workin’ On It (Bob DiPiero/Brandon Kinney/Daniel Tashian)
11. Miss Your Fire (Casey James/Chris Lindsey/Aimee Mayo)

“Let’s Don’t Call It A Night,” Casey’s debut single from Casey James is currently climbing the country airplay charts. Fans can purchase “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” on iTunes at http://bit.ly/yvIhfx. The video for the song can be seen on CMT.com.

For more information on Casey James visit Caseyjamesbandofficial.com.

RCA recording artist Jake Owen definitely experienced some bad luck on Friday, January 13. Jake was snowboarding in Crested Butte, CO during the BMI Songwriter’s Festival when he hit a 17 inch ice block, took a spill and broke his collarbone.

After being rushed to the ER in Crested Butte, Jake tweeted, “Just broke my collarbone. Guess I charged this mountain a little too hard.” In addition, Jake told Storme Warren, host of GAC’s Headline Country who was covering the event, “Man, it wasn’t like I was doing anything crazy. That’s why this is such a freak accident but the reality is if you’re not falling, you’re not learning.”

Jake flew back to Nashville as soon as possible. On Monday, January 16, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Dovan confirmed that Jake’s collarbone suffered multiple fractures and he recommended scheduling surgery immediately. So today, January 17, Jake will undergo surgery to repair his collarbone.

Unfortunately, that means recovery time and weeks of rehabilitation so Jake was forced to postpone his January shows. According to doctor’s orders from the Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Jake is expected to make a full recovery. His progress during rehab will determine when he will be able to start performing again. Jake says it will be sooner than later. “I’m so bummed that I have to postpone some shows but I promise you this, I’ll be back out on the road as soon as possible. I probably won’t be able to hold a guitar for a while but I can still perform.”

Jake’s sold-out shows originally scheduled for January 18 and 19 at Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL have already been rescheduled for April 18 and 19. The shows originally scheduled for January 20 and 21 at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, MI have been rescheduled for April 20 and 21.
The last time Jake’s shoulder was in a sling was life changing. When he was in college, he had a wake boarding accident which required reconstructive shoulder surgery. During rehabilitation, his left shoulder was in a sling and that is actually the time when he started playing guitar and writing songs. “If it weren’t for that wake boarding accident,” reflects Jake, “I might not even be a singer/songwriter today.” Jake is optimistic that something good will definitely come from this injury as well.

To see an interview with Jake in Crested Butte, CO prior to his accident, tune in to GAC’s Headline Country on Thursday, January 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

Hillary Scott Tyrrell

It’s starting as a very Happy New Year in 2012 for some romantic country stars.  Last week Lee Brice (A Woman Like You) got engaged… now Lady A’s Hillary Scott has tied the knot.

Scott and her fiance of six months, drummer Chris Tyrrell, were married just before sunset Saturday (Jan. 7) in upstate New York, where family and friends had gathered for the intimate ceremony. Scott was wearing a Vera Wang strapless mermaid dress with all-over lace and a tulle skirt with horsehair banding, plus hand-cut corded lace appliques, crystal and pearls.

In a message on LadyAntebellum.com they say, “I’d like to introduce you to Miss Hillary Scott-Tyrell,” the new groom says while the bride flashes her wedding ring and says, “We got married, and we just wanted you to hear it from us first. We love you. We’re so excited to be starting our life together, and we just had to let you in on the exciting news.”

More on the fun (and video from the couple!)  HERE

Mercury Records singer/songwriter Canaan Smith will release his debut single, “We Got Us,” to radio on January 9. Just in time for the single to hit radio, Country Weekly has named Canaan as one of twelve artists to watch in 2012.

The story of “We Got Us” is a couple in love who take a leap of faith and set out on their own fueled by only their affection for one another.

CAUSE WE GOT NO MONEY
NOTHING OF OUR OWN HONEY
GOT YOUR DADDY ALL WORRIED CAUSE TIMES ARE TOUGH
BUT WE GOT LOVE BABY
DON’T SOUND LIKE MUCH MAYBE
BUT THERE AINT NO WAY THAT’S NOT ENOUGH
WE GOT US

“Getting to be the voice for this song is a feeling like no other,” Canaan says. “It felt special when we wrote it, and I’m stoked to see the positive early feedback at radio! Thanks for all the support!”

Canaan Smith / Mercury

Canaan performed “We Got Us” to an audience for the first time at the Universal Music Group Nashville CRS luncheon held at the historic Ryman Auditorium last March.

Canaan’s debut album will release later this year, but fans can now purchase “We Got Us” via iTunes

“This album is my life 3-and-a-half minutes at a time. I wrote what I was feeling, and we cut it like we wanted it to sound. Getting to work with my longtime heroes (producers Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten) has been everything I hoped it would be. I can’t wait to share my stories.”

Swift On Tour

Can Taylor Swift’s star rise any higher?

Rumors are flying this week that she landed the role of Eponine in
Les Miserable This is another huge breakthrough for Taylor Swift’s acting career.  However this is not the first rumor of Taylor Swift film and movie roles.

Some say She beat out Scarlett Johannson, Evan Rachel Wood, and fan favorite Lea Michele for the role of Eponine in the newest film adaptation of Les Miserables!

A big film like that (set to be released in December of 2012) needs BIG stars like Taylor and there will also be live singing involved in the role.

Word is Amanda Seyfried will star as Cosette.

No official word from Taylor Swift’s camp on this… but expect the first word to come from the Hollywood studios.

Taylor has been quietly dabbling in acting including parts in CSI on TV and major movies like Valentines Day and the upcoming Lorax (animated Dr Suisse) film.

Dierks Bentley is back to his fighting weight with country radio as “Am I the Only One” and “Home” prove themselves as big chart hits.  Next up he’ll release his first full mainstream country albumin years and he has released the official track list. The new release – titled Home after the bells ringin’ inspirational – custom made to synch with this year’s fireworks on the 4th of july –  follows Bentley’s 2010 bluegrass effort Up on the Ridge.

Bentley recently revealed that he will celebrate the album’s release with a show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on February 2:

“My home is in Nashville with my family, my home is on the road with our fans and my home is definitely in country music.”  Bentley also said of the new album, which marks his seventh studio release:

“This album is more than a year’s worth of writing, recording and testing out material on the road in front of our hardcore fans. The end result is an album that runs through all the types of country songs and sounds I enjoy singing and playing.”

Here’s the track by Track:

1. “Am I The Only One”

2. “Gonna Die Young”

3. “Tip It On Back”

4. “Home”

5. “Diamonds Make Babies”

6. “In My Head”

7. “Breathe You In”

8. “The Woods”

9. “When You Gonna Come Around”

10. “5-1-5-0″

11. “Heart of a Lonely Girl”

12. “Thinking of You”

Carrie Underwood pleases at the ACA’s with Fan Voted wins in multiple categories.  American Idol’s Scotty McCreery showed off his fan appeal with a new artist award.

Trace Adkins hosted the other Vegas Awards show and this year was assisted by Kristin Chenoweth at the MGM Grand.

The full list of nominees are listed below, and the winners’ names noted.

American Country Awards Winnersfor 2011 are:

Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean — WINNER
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Artist of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley — WINNER
Blake Shelton

Artist of the Year: Female
Sara Evans
Alison Krauss
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood — WINNER

Single of the Year: Female
Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’
Miranda Lambert, ‘Heart Like Mine’
Reba McEntire, ‘Turn On The Radio’
Taylor Swift, ‘Mean’
Carrie Underwood, ‘Mama’s Song’ — WINNER

Single of the Year
Billy Currington, ‘Let Me Down Easy’
Tim McGraw, ‘Felt Good On My Lips’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’
Chris Young, ‘Voices’ — WINNER
Zac Brown Band Feat. Alan Jackson, ‘As She’s Walking Away’

Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist
Eric Church
Eli Young Band
Justin Moore
Jake Owen
Chris Young — WINNER

Music Video of the Year
Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Blake Shelton, ‘Who are You When I’m Not Looking’ — WINNER
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’
Josh Turner, ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’

Music Video: Male
Jason Aldean, ‘My Kinda Party’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Blake Shelton, ‘Who Are You When I’m Not Looking’ — WINNER
Josh Turner, ‘I Wouldn’t Be A Man’
Keith Urban, ‘Put You In A Song’

Album of the Year
Jason Aldean, ‘My Kinda Party’ — WINNER
Kenny Chesney, ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey’
Brad Paisley, ‘This Is Country Music’
Taylor Swift, ‘Speak Now’
Keith Urban, ‘Get Closer’
Zac Brown Band, ‘You Get What You Give’

Artist of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry
Scotty McCreery — WINNER
Jerrod Niemann
Pistol Annies
Thompson Square

Single of the Year: Duo or Group
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Rascal Flatts, ‘Why Wait’
Sugarland, ‘Stuck Like Glue’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’ — WINNER
Zac Brown Band, ‘Colder Weather’

Single of the Year: New Artist
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Craig Campbell, ‘Family Man’
The JaneDear Girls, ‘Wildflower’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not’ — WINNER

Music Video: New Artist
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Craig Campbell, ‘Family Man’
Brett Eldredge, ‘Raymond’
Jerrod Niemann, ‘What Do You Want’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’ — WINNER

Music Video: Female
Sara Evans, ‘A Little Bit Stronger’
Reba McEntire, ‘Turn On The Radio’
Ashton Shepherd, ‘Look It Up’
Taylor Swift, ‘Back To December’
Carrie Underwood, ‘Mama’s Song’ — WINNER

Single of the Year: Male
Jason Aldean, ‘My Kinda Party’ — WINNER
Luke Bryan, ‘Someone Else Calling You Baby’
Billy Currington, ‘Let Me Down Easy’
Tim McGraw, ‘Felt Good On My Lips’
Chris Young, ‘Voices’

Music Video: Duo, Group or Collaboration
Jason Aldean Feat. Kelly Clarkson, ‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ — WINNER
The Band Perry, ‘You Lie’
Lady Antebellum, ‘Hello World’
Thompson Square, ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not’
Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, ‘As She’s Walking Away’

Single of the Year: Vocal Collaboration

Jason Aldean Feat. Kelly Clarkson, ‘Don’t You Wanna Stay’ — WINNER

Kenny Chesney Feat. Grace Potter, ‘You and Tequila’
Brad Paisley Feat. Alabama, ‘Old Alabama’
Zac Brown Band Feat. Jimmy Buffet, ‘Knee Deep’
Zac Brown Band Feat. Alan Jackson, ‘As She’s Walking Away’

Touring Headline Act of the Year
Jason Aldean — WINNER
Kenny Chesney
Toby Keith
Tim McGraw
Brad Paisley
Rascal Flatts
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

Artist of the Decade
Keith Urban
Brad Paisley
Garth Brooks
Rascal Flatts
Brooks and Dunn
Alan Jackson
George Strait
Kenny Chesney
Tim McGraw
Toby Keith — WINNER

Jennifer Nettles and Justin Miller Christopher Polk/ACMA2011/Getty

Jennifer Nettles had a lot to be thankful for this holiday season.

The Sugarland singer, 37, quietly tied the knot Saturday in a small, sunset ceremony in Tennessee.

Wearing an Alexander McQueen gown, Nettles married entrepreneur Justin Miller at a chapel nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in front of an intimate group of close family and friends, including bandmate Kristian Bush.

Miller is a former model who’s been dating Nettles for more than two years. He appeared in the video for the band’s 2006 single, “Want To,” and accompanied the singer to the CMA Awards on Nov. 9, where Sugarland took home the award for vocal duo of the year.

But the honeymoon may have to wait, since Nettles is performing Wednesday with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Nomination Concert Live, and hosting the annual CMA Country Christmas special, airing Thursday on ABC at 9 p.m. ET.

Lambert Enjoying The Spotlight

Miranda Lambert seems to be the youngest “veteran” in any genre of music.   Lambert cut her teeth with one of the first reality TV talent contests – “Nashville Star.”    She came in third behind a forgettable singer named Buddy Jewell, but there were a lot of fans and others that couldn’t forget Miranda.  That was 2003.  Flash forward to now and in the last year she has become one of the most celebrated women in country music.

Billboard Magazing recently called her “the coolest girl in country music,” and her press is better than ever.

Her new Album “Four The Record” is a blend of mainstram country meets Miranda alt-pop.  In fact a few tunes in the disc could work on pop radio despite her proud twang.  Her record label will have to get things pulled together (she’s bounced from Sony-owned to now defunct Epic and then Columbia Records).  She has just landed on the legendary RCA Nashville.

There’s a lot for country radio and fans to like here too.    Lambert has found her groove and her confidence is heard in songs like the lead single “Baggage Claim.”   (Did you realize those Hammond organ rund are performed by Steve Windwood?!- I didn’t either.)   New sounds for country music – but she pulls it off swiftly.  Er…  maybe Lambert-ly.

Fans who have been following Miranda will get into her new level of sass and some very modern production values.  The ensuing media blitz and round of awards will surely bring in some new followers too.

Despite 2009′s stellar performance of “Revolution” Taylor Swift may have had the most face time of the last few years but there’s a new 20-something blonde that’s ready to take the spotlight among the other hot country acts like Zac Brown and Lady A.  Four The Record is a Hit.

Overall Grade:  A

Don’t miss: The retro-yet-modern “Easy Living” and the edgy “Fine Tune” (time to try a pop crossover?)

Scotty McCreery

When was the last time country music had a teenage boy that had a shot at making hits?   Billy Gilman din’t have a shot like Scotty McCreery, and McCreery has delivered a super easy to listen to debut album that will please Idol fan base and SHOULD be mainstream enough to deserve substantial radio play.

McCreery has already proven himself as a draw.  So much so that he’s already inked a deal to open Brad Paisley’s tour in 2012.      On Idol it was clear to show producers from early on that Scotty had a massive following and it translated to higher Idol ratings.  On the Idol arena tour there was a good degree of Scotty mania with sold out arenas after the previous year’s lackluster attendance.     As the reigning Idol winner McCreery had an extra long set list on the tour and he sold the most merch at the tables.  He’s proving himself as more than normal teen back at school too.

With his debut album, Clear As Day, McCreery combines his surprisingly rich country pipes to some quality Nashville songwriting and producing with JUST ENOUGH High School perspective.   His voice is unique too.  Perhaps more versatile than Josh Turner or Trace Adkins.   Taylor Swift has been successful providing the voice for that age group – but there has never been a charismatic boy (a jock too!) that has had this kind of shot.

Clear As Day is a sweet slice of southern life.  Obviously handpicked by Scotty, the songs revolve around girls, mama, trucks and High School.    A breath of fresh air for Nashville.

McCreery shines on flirty fun pop country nuggets like “Write Your Number On My Hand” and “You Make That Look Good” but also soars with super vocals on the current single “The Trouble With Girls.”    The songs stand up solidly next to anything on country radio.  Do radio programmers hear it or will they need to play catch up after he drops jaws with what could be blockbuster first week sales?

Clear As Day – Track List

Clear As Day / Mecury Records

1. Out of Summertime
2. I Love You This Big
3. Clear as Day
4. The Trouble With Girls
5. Water Tower Town
6. Walk in the Country
7. Better Than That
8. Write My Number on Your Hand
9. Dirty Dishes
10. You Make That Look Good
11. Back on the Ground
12. That Old King James

Overall Grade:  A

Don’t Miss:  ”You Make That Look Good” – fun for all and sure to make his teenybopper fans swoon.  Also “Walk In The Country” an old Keith Urban and  the Ranch song gets new life.