On September 25, Nova Scotia's award-winning acoustic crooner David Myles will release his official US debut album So Far through Little Tiny Records.  Reminiscent of the late '50's folk/roots/swing era, So Far is a collection of David's songs over the years re-recorded and re-imagined in an acoustic stripped down format seamlessly combining the cool of Chet Baker with the ruckus of Chuck Berry.  All Music has the exclusive sneak peak of the "smooth, sophisticated collection of tracks."
 
LISTEN: David Myles - So Far via All Music:
www.allmusic.com/blog/post/album-premiere-david-myles-so-far
 
The youngest of four brothers, Myles grew up in a musical household on the east coast of Canada.  Even though his parents were avid music lovers - the entire family played an instrument, working their way through the Royal Conservatory repertoire - they insisted that he seek higher education which landed him on the path to a political science degree.  When studying Chinese in China with plans to go to law school, he began writing songs with a $30 red and green plywood guitar and started deviating from his education.  He broke the news to his family that he'd be pursuing music full-time upon his return home and promised his disappointed father that he'd wear a suit to work every single day (hence David wears suits when he performs).
 
More than a decade later, Myles has a thriving career as a musician, hosts a CBCradio show called "The East Coast Music Hour," and tours the country winning many accolades and awards.  Of his many accomplishments, the most unexpected is his collaboration in 2013 with hip-hop artist Classified on the song "Inner Ninja,"an anti-bullying song featuring kids in the chorus.  It went on to become the best-selling rap single in the history of Canadian music, going quadruple platinum, and netted them a Juno for "Rap Recording of the Year."
 
Watch him perform "Need a Break" live with his trio on Guitar World who called it "a toe-tapping acoustic rockabilly-ish delight chock full of clever lyrics and some pretty sick riffin’."

Joins Previously Announced Headliner Brad Paisley 

NASHVILLE, TN – September 18, 2015 – Three of country music’s biggest chart-toppers and recent CMA Award nominees –Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton and Lee Brice – have been added as headliners for the 25th Annual Country Jam festival at Jam Ranch outside Grand Junction, CO. The festival will be held June 16-19, 2016 surrounded by the scenic red rock mesa in the heart of Western Colorado. The trio of multi-platinum selling performers, also known for their dynamic live shows, join previously announced headliner, country superstar Brad Paisley, for the 25th Anniversary celebration of one of country’s most beloved festivals.

Tickets are available now for Country Jam 2016. 4-day general admission tickets start at $125, with reserve tickets starting at $355, and VIP packages starting at $705. More information on VIP package details, along with camping options and pricing are available online at http://countryjam.com/tickets

“It’s pretty exciting to have the Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley and Lee Brice as this year’s headliners” said Dhruv Prasad, Executive Vice President of Live Events for Townsquare Media, Inc., the owner of Country Jam. “As Country Jam marks its 25th Anniversary, we want to make sure this year’s lineup and country music celebration is one our fans will remember long after the festival is over!”

Nashville, TENN. (September 17, 2015) – The band that plays together stays together. Known as one of the first country bands to play on every one of their studio projects, Diamond Rio made country music history when their first Arista Nashville single, “Meet In The Middle” landed them in the No. 1 spot.  Now, 25 years later Diamond Rio is releasing I Made It, their tenth studio album. The title track was co-written by the band’s lead guitarist Jimmy Olander and features 11 new songs. Produced by Olander and Michael D Clute, I Made It will be available Friday, September 18 at iTunes and through Rio Hot Records at diamondrio.com. I Made Itis a follow-up to their 2014 first-ever live album release, Diamond Rio Live.  In celebration of the release for a limited time, fans can receive a FREE MP3 of the title track, “I Made It” by visiting www.diamondrio.com.

“As artists producing music as long as Diamond Rio has, fresh subject matter tends to get more and more difficult to come by,” says Jimmy Olander. “As a writer on the title track ‘I Made It,’ simply telling our story is freeing. This is a very specific story, the autobiographical melding of the migration stories my partners and I share about moving to Nashville.  Collectively, we have achieved the amount of success that dreams are made of, but at the end of the day have learned having someone to share this amazing life with – ‘love’ and ‘be loved by’ is the real measure of success. It's true, ‘I Made It.’”

“We were fortunate to not be rushed with this project," shares Gene Johnson. "Over the past few years we've taken the time to work on several projects that were on our bucket list; a Christmas album and our first-ever Christian and live albums." Dan Truman further explains, "Instead of cutting the album in a 2 week period, or 2 month period we'd cut a few songs every year. What that allowed us to do is be very selective about what we cut and to take the time to live with these songs, making the proper edits and decisions." Marty Roe and Dana Williams both agree that, collectively, this may be the best group of songs the band has ever recorded. 

Americana -- "A lively genre embodies both the continuity and evolution of roots music," (Wall Street Journal) -- celebrated its 14th Annual Americana Honors & Awards tonight at the historic Ryman Auditorium. This year's winners reflected the community's "spirit of eclecticism" (New York Times), with Shakey Graves as Emerging Artist of the Year; John Leventhal, Instrumentalist of the Year; The Mavericks, Group/Duo of the Year; Lucinda Williams, Album of the Year ('Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone'); and Sturgill Simpson claiming both Song of the Year (for "Turtles All The Way Down") and Artist of the Year trophies.
 
Hosted by Jim Lauderdale, the show kicked off the 16th Annual Americana Music Festival and Conference, presented by Nissan, and featured an all-star house band -- led by Buddy Miller -- including legendary musicians, Dominic Davis, Chad Cromwell, Fats Kaplin, Ian Fitchuk, the McCrary Sisters and Bill Payne, legendary founding member of Little Feat.

Performances by Lifetime Achievement Award honorees Buffy Sainte-Marie, Don Henley, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Ricky Skaggs and Los Lobos brought the sold-out crowd to its feet, and in true Americana style, the evening was loaded with musical moments, including ovation-worthy performances by Ry Cooder with Sharon White; Shakey Graves with Esme Patterson and Rhiannon Giddens, John Hiatt, Houndmouth, Jason Isbell, Nikki Lane, Jim Lauderdale, The Lone Bellow, Mavericks, Buddy Miller with Marc Ribot, Keb Mo, Robert Randolph with The Fairfield Four and McCrary Sisters, Doug Seegers, Lucinda Williams and Lee Ann Womack.

This year's presenters included Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids; Rosanne Cash; Marc Ribot; Americana Chart Founding Fathers Rob Bleetstein and John Grimson; Abigail Washburn and Noam Pikelny; Mary Gauthier and Mike Farris; Ry Cooder; Rodney Crowell; Sara and Sean Watkins; John Kay and Ken Paulson; and Robyn Hitchcock.

Studio Gold Nashville recording artist, Curtis Braly, is releasing his new single to country radio - a captivating duet with American Idol Season 2 finalist, acclaimed recording artist and TV personality, Kimberly Caldwell, titled “Sooner Or Later”. 

The new single from Braly’s EP, All About the Ride, is sure to capture listeners’ attention and hearts with powerful vocal performances from both artists and a relatable storyline. The storyline is about two friends who are trying to work up the courage to express their feelings for each other. As you hear the storyline and their confidence grow, it may just convince you to go tell that special someone exactly how you feel. 

“Sooner or Later, I’ll find the strength to let you know the way I’ve been feeling for so long.” 

Curtis and Kimberly both grew up in Houston, Texas. They both performed in similar circuits as teenagers as they were first beginning their musical careers. Kimberly performed in talent shows and pageants all across Texas, and until age15, was performing two shows a day, six days a week in Branson, Missouri. After finishing high school she became a household name as a finalist on Season 2 of American Idol. Since then, she has hosted numerous TV shows, has written and recorded her debut album, “Without Regret”, and has recently launched her own handmade leather handbag line. 

Curtis began singing with his mom in the church choir, and then began performing at talent competitions as well. Later, at a national talent competition, he won the grand prize, a trip to Nashville, which reinforced his desire to become a country artist. Before he recorded his first demo, he gained industry insight by working at a Houston radio station. In 2014, Curtis signed an artist development deal with Studio Gold in Nashville, and has since released two singles to country radio. He was recently recognized by the Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, for his efforts in supporting several non-profit organizations, and she has named August 8th as “Curtis Braly Day”. After reconnecting their friendship years later, Kimberly teamed up with Curtis to record the duet “Sooner Or Later” for Curtis’s EP, All About the Ride. “Sooner Or Later” was written by Ireland-based songwriter Paul Cunningham, Jnr., and produced by Emmy Award winner Kenny Royster at Direct Image Studio in Nashville. 

Family Month at the world renowned Johnny Cash Museum kicks off September 17th when Grammy award-winning producer, author and singer John Carter Cash performs at the bi-monthly Songwriters Night in the café. The event, which is free and open to the general public, is just one of many new offerings at the attraction that National Geographic listed as the “#1 Pitch Perfect Museum Worldwide.”
                
“We are pleased to welcome John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina to our songwriter's night,” says Johnny Cash Museum founder Bill Miller.  “Just as Johnny did, we want to encourage and inspire writers to follow their dreams. John Carter follows in the footsteps of his mother and father by supporting up and coming writers.”
 
Date: Thursday, September 17th
Event: Songwriters Night
Performance: 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Bill: John Carter Cash, Ana Cristina & Ruston Kelly

The Johnny Cash Museum launched the Songwriters Night series last month with former Johnny Cash TV Show guest and Woodstock legend Melanie Safka (Brand New Key). This bi-monthly series starts at 7:30 PM every other Thursday and features the top writers and rising talent in Music City.

www.johnnycashmuseum.com

Performances to be taped at “The Home of Les Paul” in New York City 
September 15th, 17th, 21st and 23rd

[September 16, 2015 | NEW YORK, NY] – Public television’s critically-acclaimed music series, Front and Center, returns to The Iridium this month to film four all-new episodes featuring singer-songwriter BØRNS on September 15th, iconic Jazz musician and five-time Grammy Award nominee Joe Jackson on September 17th, Platinum selling Country star Kip Moore on September 21st and British singer-songwriter George Ezra on September 23rd.

The all-new tapings kicked off last night with indie pop singer-songwriter BØRNS performing songs from his highly-anticipated debut album Dopamine, out October 16th on Interscope Records. The Michigan native first hit the music scene in 2014 with the song “10,000 Emerald Pools” from his debut EP Candy.  He has gained a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart with his single “Electric Love.” BØRNS will head out on a North American headline tour this fall. www.bornsmusic.com

Tomorrow, September 17th Front and Center will film multi-Platinum selling singer songwriter Joe Jackson, who first garnered success in the late 70’s / early 80’s with songs like “Is She Really Going Out with Him?” and "Steppin' Out," and will perform material from his upcoming album Fast Forward due October 2nd. The album was recorded in four of his favorite cities: New York, Berlin, Amsterdam and New Orleans with guest musicians in each city including Bill Frisell and Brian Blade (in NY), and the band Galactic (in New Orleans). Tickets to the taping are available here.

Kip Moore, whose debut album Up All Night landed at No.3 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, will tape an exclusive CMA Songwriters Series episode on September 21st.The Platinum selling star will perform a stripped down version of No. 1 singles “Beer Money,” “Hey Pretty Girl,” and “Somethin’ Bout a Truck” with Nashville hit makers Brett James and Troy Verges. Moore will also perform songs from Wild Ones, which is currently at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart, with his latest single “I’m To Blame” climbing the charts. Tickets to the show are available here.

ASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 14, 2015) – Memphis native Ben Bradford debuts his brand new video for “Just A Little Bit” today exclusively on Country Now.  Directed by Stokes Nielson, this steamy video matches the song verse-for-verse while images of Elvis, Sun Records, Peabody Hotel and other hometown scenes scroll across the background.  The athlete-turned-singer draws inspiration from his Southern upbringing, but also incorporates the rock-influences into his style.  Bradford’s mother is a real-life Truvy from Steel Magnolias; owning her own beauty shop where her future crooner honed his performance skills and flirty ways with his forever fan club (pictured below). Check it out “Just A Little Bit” here:  http://bit.ly/1J7rnuH    

“We had a great time filming the video for ‘Just A Little Bit.’  We were inspired by Tom Petty’s video for ‘You Don’t How It Feels’ where we wanted different scenes playing in the background while I performed on a spinning dolly.  It was no easy feat performing while someone was laying on the ground spinning the platform, but the song really fueled the energy on set and allowed me to connect with my performance,” says Bradford.  “Getting to know my co-star wasn’t too bad either,” he playfully adds. 

Website || BENBRADFORDMUSIC.COM
Facebook || FACEBOOK.COM/BENBRADMUSIC
Twitter || TWITTER.COM/BENBRADMUSIC
Instagram || INSTAGRAM.COM/BENBRADMUSIC

September 15, 2015 (Halifax, NS) – Recognized as Canada’s most respected country label and management company, Open Road Recordings and RGK are celebrating today as roster members Dean Brody, High Valley and Madeline Merlo take home three 2015 Canadian Country Music Association Awards. With wins in Video of the Year, Group or Duo of the Year and Rising Star categories, Open Road earned the most broadcast award wins, demonstrating its incredible ability to foster the outstanding talent found in Canada.

Performing his GOLD single ‘Bring Down The House’ in front of 11,000 of his fellow Nova Scotians at the Scotiabank Centre last night, Dean Brody is no stranger to the Canadian country music industry. In fact, some may say that with the release of his latest album, Gypsy Road, he is the genre’s leading man. His win for Video of the Year marked his 14th CCMA Award and kicks off the extensive Road Trip Tour, which sees him making stops in 22 cities across the country alongside Paul Brandt as of September 24.

Earning two #1 spots on CMT with singles ‘Make You Mine’ and ‘She’s With Me,’ High Valley has quickly become country music’s most successful sibling duo. Performing on last night’s broadcast, their win for Group or Duo of the Year marks the Rempel brothers’ second. Fans will have the ability to catch up with these award-winning brothers this October as they head out on tour in support of their recently released full-length album, County Line.

Becoming an immediate fan favourite with her heartfelt acceptance speech, Madeline Merlo rounded out the roster’s wins when she took home the award for Rising Star. Definitely deserved, this recognition will see the B.C. native heading into a fall of incredible projects – a role in her first full-length feature film alongside Sophie Simmons (Country Crush), the release of her new single ‘Honey Jack’ and a fall tour with label mate Dean Brody. It is without question that Canada has not seen the last of Madeline Merlo – in fact, it is very safe to say that this is just the beginning.

ORR and RGK are proud to extend congratulations to each of their 2015 CCMA Award winners. Together they also celebrated alongside Tim Hicks who was presented an award for his 4th GOLD single ‘Here Comes The Thunder’ live on stage at Fanfest the day before performing his new single ‘Young, Alive and in Love’ on the CCMA Awards stage.  

Fans of ORR artists are encouraged to stay tuned via social media for roster announcements throughout the fall. Twitter/Instagram: @OpenRoadRecs Facebook: facebook.com/openroadrecordings

AmericanaFest, simply put: the yearly gathering of some of the best music there is, period. While attending the Fest is not happeneing for me, if you are going, or happen to be in town, here are some artists you should really check out. If you are not attending, these artists should be on your radar, so google them, listen to their music, purchase their albums and see them live. I found it impossible to narrow the list to five or ten (but it is shorter than when I started), so I am letting you know everyone I like and then dear reader, you can take it from there.

James McMurtry
New album: Complicated Game
Wed., Sept. 16, 11 p.m. • City Winery

Ray Wylie Hubbard
New album: The Ruffian’s Misfortune; autobiography coming.
Thurs., Sept. 17, 9 p.m. • Cannery Ballroom
Fri., Sept. 18, 6:45 p.m. • The Groove (AMG day party)

Uncle Lucius
New album: The Light
Fri., Sept. 18, 12 a.m. • 3rd & Lindsley

Spirit Family Reunion
New album: Hands Together
Fri., Sept. 18, 11 p.m. • The High Watt

The Grahams
New album: Glory Bound
Wed., Sept.16, 10 p.m. • Basement East

American Aquarium
New album: Wolves
Fri., Sept. 18, 12 a.m. • Mercy Lounge
Thurs., Sept. 17, 2 p.m.  •  AMA Social Media panel at Hutton Hotel
Fri., Sept. 18, 1 p.m.  •  L.R. BAGGS video session – location TBA