A very delayed “what we’ve been up to” post.

We are buy busy busy!! Expect big changes in the near future! With that being said,  this post is likeee maybe 2 weeks late, buttt anyway here’s some of the super cool music stuff we’ve been up to lately.

We started off last week down at the Basement with one of Big Machine‘s newest faces, miss Erin Enderlin.  Think Terri Clark meets Dwight Yoakum with all the swagger of Brandi Carlile, the vocal ability of Trisha Yearwood and all the lyrical stylings of some of  Nashville’s top writers.  At her young age, Erin’s had cuts by some of today’s Country Music’s biggest artists including two two top 20 singles with “Last Call” (LeeAnn Womack) and “Monday Morning Church” (Alan Jackson.)   This girl is so amazing.  So amzing that we went and saw her 3 times in 3 weeks.  .

Earlier that night we were invited to the Billy Block Show down to check out another solo act, Mr. Jeff Allan.   A radio ready, Texas meets Elvis, with a crazy/good collection of upbeat tunes and seriously good hair.

Wednesday night we hit up Demonbreun with a couple thousand of our closest friends for Capitol Nashville’s annual Street Party.  Emphasis on “party.”   The show kicked off with rising stars John Pardi and Eric Paslay followed shortly by our love, Eric Church and the fabulous Alan Jackson.  Talk about a “good time”.

We kept the ball rolling with an industry fundraiser down on 18th ave hosted by the one and only Laura Bell Bundy aka Shocantelle.   Great food, great people, andddd an open bar!  The night ended with a writers round featuring 4 of Nashville’s hottest hitmakers and a few of our own personal heroes, Barry Dean, Shane Mcnally, Luke Laid and Brett James!!!!  Together the four share dozens of number ones and countless hits by country music’s biggest stars today, such as Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Jake Owen, Julianne Hough, Sara Evans, Eric Church, Laura Bell Bundy, and Jason Aldean, to name a few.  Ahh so gooood!

The Artist/The Songwriter: Artists Who Write Songs For Other Artists.

We love artists.  Especially the ones who write.  And especiallly the ones who write well.  One of our favorite hobbies is going to thrift stores and reading the creds on CD’s, you find some really interesting stuff.  Whether or not you know it, some of our favorite artists, big and small have been making awesome contributions to some of our other favorite artists.  From albums cuts to number 1 singles and everything in between check this out!

(There were a few of which we couldn’t find videos on, so sorry. )

Did you know that ____ wrote ____’s ” _____?!”

Did you know that Joe Diffie wrote Jo Dee Messina‘s  “My Give A Damn’s Busted?!”

Jerrod Niemann wrote Garth Brooks‘ “Good Ride Cowboy.” “Midnight Sun” and “That Girl is a Cowboy.”

Lee Brice wrote Tim Mcgraw‘s “Still,” Garth Brooks‘ “More Than a Memory,” and Eli Young Bands’ “Crazy Girl”

Josh Thompson wrote Jason Aldean‘s “Church Pew or Bar Stool”  and Jason Michael Carrol‘s “Growing Up Is Getting Old.”

Eric Church wrote Terri Clark‘s “I Think The World Needs a Drink.”

Luke Bryan wrote Billy Currington‘s “Good Directions.”

Deana Carter cowrote Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter‘s “You and Tequila”

Brantley Gilbert wrote Jason Aldean‘s “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party.”

Phil Vassar wrote Jo Dee Messina‘s “Bye Bye” and “I’m Alright.”

Jamey Johnson wrote George Strait‘s “Give It Away,” and co wrote Trace Adkins‘ “Honky Tonk Ba Donk A Donk.” with Randy Houser.

and Randy Houser co wrote Jamey Johnson‘s “In Color” with Jamey.

 

We could go on and onn.. but we thought we’d highlight a few.  Can y’all think of anymore?

Nash-Vents: Capitol Street Party ft Eric Church, Alan Jackson, John Pardi and Eric Paslay.

What: Capitol Street Party featuring Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, John Pardi

Where: Demonbreun St, Downtwon Nashville.

When: Weds the 21st at 7:00 PM

Weds night! It’s on. Capitol Nashville is putting on their 4th annual block party and this time it’s going to the boys.  Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Eric Paslay and John Pardi are set to take stage at 7PM on Demonbreun St.  Might as well start walking now, y’all, because parking is going to be crazy.  Don’t miss it!

2011 CMA NOMINATIONS!

Who’s it gonna be?!  Nom’s were posted this morning!  The 45th Annual CMA awards will be presented  Wednesday, November 9 at 8/7c on ABC, hosted by Brad and Carrie, once more.

Entertainer

• Jason Aldean
• Brad Paisley
• Blake Shelton
• Taylor Swift
• Keith Urban

Female

• Sara Evans
• Miranda Lambert
• Martina McBride
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood

Male

• Jason Aldean
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Blake Shelton
• Keith Urban

New Artist

• The Band Perry
• Luke Bryan
• Eric Church
• Thompson Square
• Chris Young

Group

• The Band Perry
• Lady Antebellum
• Little Big Town
• Rascal Flatts
• Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

• The Civil Wars
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland
• Thompson Square

Single of the Year

• “A Little Bit Stronger” – Sara Evans
• “Colder Weather” – Zac Brown Band
• “Don’t You Wanna Stay” – Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson
• “Honey Bee” – Blake Shelton
• “If I Die Young” – The Band Perry

Album of the Year

• All About Tonight – Blake Shelton
• My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean
• Speak Now – Taylor Swift
• This Is Country Music – Brad Paisley
• You Get What You Give – Zac Brown Band

Eric Church “Chief” Album Review.

Eric Church‘s “Chief” puts him in his prime.  If ever there was an album that solidifies him as a writer and and artist this is it.  His sophomore album, “Carolina” was a hard act to follow, but EC not only matches it, he does it one better, out selling the previous (now certified gold) by 4 times.   If you don’t know much about know this boy, listen to this album.  “Chief” shows the world exactly who he is and puts him exactly where he oughta be; on top.   Eric’s writing skills are killer, and his wordplay and rhyme schemes showcase that.  Sure to be a winner with his fans and music lovers alike, “Chief” is an all around great album.
In our eyes these are the standout tracks:

“Like Jesus Does.”  Just listen to those lyrics. Incredible.

“Over When It’s Over.” Cowritten by the fabulous Luke Laird.  Talk about the perfect way to end an album.

“Springsteen.” If this isn’t a single we don’t know what is.

Congrats on the number 1 Eric!

Before They Had A Hit. Your Favorite Artists Before They Were Your Favorite Artists.

Check out some of these early singles from some of today’s hottest chart toppers.  None of these songs, to our knowledge, broke top 30.   For whatever reason, the radio and/or public just didn’t respond well.  This isn’t uncommon with new artists, and  therefore doesn’t necessarily make these bad songs, but that’s how the industry seems to work.  We think it’s so interesting to see how artists evolve, though.  Kind of cool, right?

Josh Turner “What It Ain’t” 2003

Eric Church “Lightning” 2007

Miranda Lambert “Me and Charlie Talking” 2004

Sunny Sweeney “If I Could” 2007

Jamey Johnson “The Dollar” 2007?

Phil Vassar “Athens Grease” 2003

Birthday Shout Outs!

We wanna give a big birthday shout out to our boy Eric Church, one of  Nashville’s finest and one of our fav songwriters eva.  Here’s to you dude, have a great one, and make sure to drink a lotta drink and smoke a lotta smoke! :p

Music We Love: Jesse Lee “Cry Baby.” (Acoustic)

Speaking of Jesse Lee, who is newly signed with Atlantic Records btw,  here’s an acoustic song of hers that we love.  Killer voice.  This one’s written by Stephanie Chapman and Eric Church.

Eric Church Drives It “Home,” boy.

Kay we need to get off of All Access.com because these new singles are so damn good.  We don’t know if this song is gonna hit number 1 but it will def break top 30, especially with the momentum he’s gained from his last few singles.  Anyway, Eric Church is undoubtedly one of Country Music’s best songwriters.  Always rocking a crazy good hook.  Love the sounds as well. Listen, yo.

 

Vids We love.

Take a few mins out of your day and check this amazing music out. Worth it, we promise.

Eric Church – The World Needs A Drink

Before he had a hit on the radio, this guy was ‘puttin in time on 16th avenue’ writing songs for some big people. Sound familiar? This song was cut by Terri Clark a couple years back, but it was originally written by Eric, and we think he sings it better too, especially acoustic. Catchy, Clever, and relevant, well done Mr Church, that’s why we love you.

Sugarland – Genevieve

So Jennifer and Christian of Sugarland are probably two of the coolest people in country music right now, lucky for them we’re currently accepting bff applications :p Anyway, this song Genevieve is one of our favorite songs on their Love on the Inside album. It’s so catchy, and fun, we Lovvvee it! It’s got a ton of energy, and a whole lot of mando, which is like
our favorite thing ever! This video’s a live performance, and it’s still flawless. It’s flashy, but not too much, and the harmonies are thaa best! We’re officially a Sugarland Groupies 🙂

Emily West – Number 1 fan.

Ughh I can’t believe we skipped out on this! We almost went!! Ugh soo here’s a vid of Emily West rocking the hell out her original song, “Number One Fan,” at 3rd and Linsley. Talk about soul. This chicks voice and the control she has over it is beyond stunning. Great lyrics too.

The Wreckers – Tennessee

The Wreckers consists of two crazy talented chicks by the names of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp. They had a short run in country music before their split, but in their two years together they released one Grammy nominated, gold selling, album and some kick ass music.

The Courtyard Hounds featuring Jacob Dylan – See You In The Spring

The Dixie Chicks minus Natalie? Say What?! Oh yes. Emily and Marty, the other two thirds of the group split for a bit to do their own thing. It’s definitely different from their old stuff, a little more alternative and a little less country, but still totally amazing. We love this project because it’s so natural. Here’s our favorite song of theirs. Check it outt!

Brandi Carlile – Happy

So Brandi Carlile is such a cool artist. We love love love her! Her voice is perfect and intense and amazing. So much so that that you would think she went through years and years of training and lessons. But O Contraire! Brandi is one of those rare exceptions, her talent is all natural! How sweet is that!? In fact, Brandi didn’t even finish high school. She started off as a backup singer to an Elvis impersonator, and the rest is history. Anyway, this song is an awesome song. It’s an ode to an old friend. She’s honest, and vulnerable, and it really strikes a chord. Here Brandi showcases her voice and her songwriting skills, and the whole thing is just super endearing. Love it.