Monday 31 October 2016

50th CMA Awards: My Predictions


With just a few days to go until the annual CMA Awards, music lovers everywhere are anxiously waiting to see what the CMA have in store to mark this half a century milestone of the annual event. We are expecting some great performances from artists from across the decades with tributes to some of the most well-loved songs of all time. If Forever Country is anything to go by, the 50th CMA awards will go down in music history. It's a night you won't want to miss out on.

To celebrate the run-up to Wednesday evening, I'm sharing a list of some of the nominees I hope to see taking home an award on Wednesday night.

Song of the Year & Single of the Year: "Humble and Kind" - Tim McGraw



This song, featured on Tim McGraw's Damn Country Music album, was written by the wonderful Lori McKenna. She wrote the song for her children but this song speaks volumes to so many people from all walks of life. It's easy to get caught up in the everyday chaos of life and Humble and Kind serves as a gentle reminder that we should cherish and value the most important things in life.

Album of the Year: "Hero" - Maren Morris



This may be Maren Morris' first CMA rodeo but I have no doubt that she will be victorious at this year's ceremony.
Her album, Hero is one of my favourite albums of the past few years. It combines timeless Country songwriting with a flare of soul. It's innovative yet catchy. Whether she takes home this award or not, Maren Morris is certainly an artist to watch, she has a long and successful career ahead of her.

Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert



This year's female vocalist category is stronger than ever and I will be cheering no matter who takes home the award. However, my prediction is that this year's female vocalist award will go to it's reigning queen. In addition to a successful headline world tour and opening stadiums for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert has been hard at work writing and recording a brand new double album. The first single from Miranda Lambert's upcoming album, Vice, was very well received and I can't wait to hear the rest of the album. I hope to see Miranda Lambert's hard work pay off at this year's ceremony.

Male Vocalist of the Year: Tim McGraw



Tim McGraw has been one of the biggest names in Country music for decades so the timing would be perfect for him to take home the 50th male vocalist award.
His album Damn Country Music and his single, Humble and Kind have achieved phenomenal success. Damn Country Music is one of my personal favourite albums of all time and as someone who has been listening to Tim McGraw since I was a little girl, I would love to see him take home this award.

New Artist of the Year: Maren Morris



With less than a year since the release of her self-titled EP, Maren Morris has quickly captured the hearts of music lovers all over the world and risen to Country Music success.
She has performed on the main stage of the CMA festival and travelled across the atlantic to London to play in front of 20,000 fans. Her album Hero, reached #1 in the US Country charts and sold over 100,000 copies in the US alone. These are all incredible achievements for any artist and to achieve all of this in less than a year makes her more than deserving of the best new artist title.

Vocal Duo of the year: Joey and Rory



This is another category in which there are some very strong contenders.
I recently bought the debut album from Brothers Osborne, Pawn Shop. I love it and  have no doubt that this duo will go on to achieve great things, probably including a future CMA for the same award. However, I believe this year's duo of the year title deserves to go to Joey and Rory. Whilst I knew very little about this duo's music, it can't be denied that they were incredibly talented Country artists. The news of Joey's passing sent tremors through the Country industry as fans and musicians alike mourned a great loss.
They were great musicians and had a huge impact on the Country music genre. They will forever be a part of our history and I think it would be truly touching for them to receive this year's Duo of the Year award.

Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town



This is yet another category in which it really is anyone's award. All of these bands are well-loved by Country fans. Lady Antebellum are one of my favourite bands. I look forward to their return and hope to see them take home the award for vocal Group of the year in the future. However, I think the award this year will go to Little Big Town. Whilst their Wanderlust project with Pharell Williams received mixed reviews, their new single Better Man is being very well received. Girl Crush is still immensely popular and I'm sure it will be remembered as a "classic" for decades to come. They are a very hard working group - in addition to recording new music, they have toured internationally this year and have opened for Luke Bryan across the USA. Therefore, I hope to see them take home this year's vocal group of the year award.

Entertainer of the Year: Carrie Underwood



This one's the big one. The entertainer of the year award goes to someone who has had an outstanding contribution to the genre and represents the Country music values. Carrie Underwood has more than fulfilled this role. She is a fantastic role model within the genre, displaying the perfect balance of classy and reserved yet feisty and strong. With more than a decade of international success as a Country artist, I believe the 50th CMA Awards ceremony is the perfect time for her to take home the Entertainer of the Year award.

I hope you've enjoyed my run down of predictions for this year's CMA Awards.
No matter who wins, it's going to be an incredible night for the Country industry to remember for a long time.
Let us know in the comments who you hope to see take home an award on Wednesday night.

Sunday 30 October 2016

10 Country Songs for your Halloween Playlist

It's that time of year again! Whatever your plans are this Halloween, you will want these songs on your playlist to truly embrace the spirit of the holiday.

1) "Two Black Cadillacs" - Carrie Underwood
 


We're starting Halloween with this hit from Carrie Underwood's 2012 Blown Away album. With songwriting contributions from Hilary Lindsey (Girl Crush) and Josh Kear (Before He Cheats), Two Black Cadillacs tells the chilling tale of two women who discover that they are in relationships with the same man. They decide to work together to murder him (obviously). This alongside the chilling instrumentation of the song are perfect for the holiday.

 2) "Goodbye Earl" - Dixie Chicks


Up next on our list is another murder ballad- leave it to Country music to tell these cheerful stories. Since 1999, Goodbye Earl has been a staple amongst Country fans. It's the go-to song for karaoke, hoedowns or even just driving to work. It's great to dance and sing along to, making it ideal for your Halloween party.

3) "Trouble My Heart (Oh Harriet)" - The Orphan Brigade


Nothing says Halloween like a love song written for a ghost. In 2015, The Orphan Brigade (featuring Ben Glover and Gretchen Peters) brought us Soundtrack to a Ghost Story, a selection of songs written and recorded in one of the USA's most haunted houses. This particular song was written for the former lady of the house. It's a great concept for an album and I recommend listening to the whole project but for now, this song is my personal favourite track.

 4) "Better Dig Two" - The Band Perry


This track from The Band Perry was released in 2012. The song is written from the perspective of a "psycho girlfriend" character who claims she simply can't live without her husband - "If divorce or death ever do us part, the coroner will call it a broken heart"
Better Dig Two delves into Bluegrass and Rock; This in addition to the desperation in Kimberly Perry's vocals and the song's minor key signature* make it the ultimate combination of unsettling and catchy - exactly what you need this time of year.
  *The song is in the key of A minor with a raised sixth note - for any musicians out there.


 5) "Midnight in Montgomery" - Alan Jackson


Another ghost story on our list. Alan Jackson's 1992 hit, tells us the story of a man who visits the grave of Hank Williams on the anniversary of his death and encounters the ghost of Hank Williams. The ghost thanks him and disappears. The storytelling in this song is slightly more heart-warming and nostalgic than some of the others on our playlist but the picking on the acoustic guitar creates an eerie Halloween atmosphere.

6) "Creepin'" - Eric Church


This 2012 Country Rock song discusses memories of the narrator's ex-girlfriend "creepin'" up on him. The electric guitar and kick drum alongside the various effects on Eric Church's voice, make this song unsettling but also easy to dance to - another one that would be perfect for your Halloween party.

7) "Blackbirds" - Gretchen Peters


 Next up on our spooky playlist is this 2015 track by Gretchen Peters. Co-written with Ben Glover, this song tells the story of a woman who has killed someone who hurt her. The song features some very strong imagery and powerful, haunting metaphors - "there's shadows in the shadows, there's trouble in the cane, there's things you do that you just can't explain". This accompanied by a distorted guitar and bassline creates a truly chilling atmosphere.

8) "Somewhere With You" - Kenny Chesney


Kenny Chesney's 2010 hit tells the story of someone who is trying to move on from a broken relationship. Whilst the lyrics in this song are significantly less unsettling than some of the other songs on our list, the melodies in this song bring a sense of desperation and darkness which we wouldn't usually expect from the artist who brought us "She Thinks my Tractor's Sexy".
This song crosses over into the Pop/Rock genres making it accessible, easy to dance to and a must have for your party playlist.


9) "You Are My Sunshine" - The Civil Wars


The song was first recorded in 1939 and has since been covered countless times. However, don't be fooled by the innocent and familiar title of this track. For their rendition, The Civil Wars have completely turned the song upside down. By performing it in a minor key, the once cheerful, uplifting tune is now dark and unnerving yet undoubtedly beautiful.

10) If I Didn't Know Better - Nashville Cast


Last but not least on our Halloween playlist is this classic from the first season of Nashville. This is another song on our list where it is the melodies which give the lyrics their spooky flare. The slow, meandering guitar riff alongside some dangerously high vocals from Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen provides one last chilling track for your playlist.

You can listen to all of these songs below. Let us know what your favourite spooky Country songs are. Happy Halloween, everyone!



Monday 24 October 2016

Country to Country 2017: Line Up announcement

Howdy!
This evening, the first batch of artists were announced for next year's Country 2 Country (C2C). Like many Country fans across the UK, I waited excitedly, like a child on Christmas eve for the announcement.
However, after fantasising since March about my perfect line up for next year, I think it's fair to say I have mixed emotions about the artists that have been announced.
The first headline acts announced at the launch event were Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band.

I am a big fan of Brad Paisley and would love the opportunity to see him live. Thousands of UK fans were left disappointed when his London and Dublin concerts were cancelled earlier this year so the news of a headline slot at C2C provides a perfect alternative - great job C2C!



Zac Brown Band are also a great choice and have a history of success in the UK. Their headline performance at Wembley Arena in 2015 was a huge success. In addition to this, they are C2C alumni after headlining alongside Brad Paisley in 2014. At this point, it is clear the British fans love this band and will no doubt, pack out the O2 Arena in 2017 to see them.


Other artists who have been announced so far:


Brother's Osborne
If I'm honest, I didn't know very much at all about this duo prior to this years C2C announcement. I had heard them on Chris Country radio before but that was the extent of my knowledge of them. After the announcement, I have listened to their debut album, Pawn Shop and I must say, I am impressed. They are one of the new faces in 2017's C2C crowd but with two CMA award nominations less than a year after releasing their debut album, I have no doubt that they will be fantastic.

                                          Dan+Shay
I was somewhat expecting this duo to be included in the line-up after their recent success on tour here in the UK. They will put on a very good set of good Country songs. However, I feel that this news comes a little too soon after their UK tour. Many UK fans have had the opportunity to see this band and personally, I would have preferred someone new or someone who the UK hasn't hosted for a while.


Hunter Hayes
I went to see Hunter Hayes in October 2015 and he was great! His eclectic range of upbeat Country-Pop and heartfelt ballads is absolutely perfect for the C2C atmosphere.



Maren Morris
I have been a huge fan of Maren Morris since I heard her self-titled EP towards the end of 2015. I was lucky enough to see her perform on the Yamaha stage at C2C 2016 and with her album on repeat, have been anticipating her return to the UK. I would love to see her play a longer set as at C2C this year, she only had time for a few songs. Perhaps my favourite artist on the 2017 line-up!

Cam
Cam was high on my list of predictions for C2C 2017. Her single, Burning House took the Country community by storm and now with two CMA nominations under her belt, including best song, she's sure to be a strong asset to the 2017 festival.


Chris Young
Another artist on the bill, preparing to make his return to C2C after performing alongside Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band in 2014. Again I would personally have preferred to see someone new but I appreciate that Chris Young has the essential star quality to create a buzz for this year's festival. In addition, it will give anyone who didn't see him four years ago at C2C, the opportunity to see him this time.


Darius Rucker
The news that Darius Rucker would be on the line-up came as a surprise to me. I hadn't heard anything of him since his 2013 smash hit, Wagon Wheel. Though perhaps this is due to him not getting the promotion he deserves, or just my own ignorance. Either way, as a Country fan, despite him being a very talented artist, I personally feel that Darius doesn't have the star quality of previous C2C artists.


Jennifer Nettles
Jennifer Nettles is another artist who I was surprised to hear was featured on the bill. I wouldn't class myself as a fan of her music and would again argue that the name Jennifer Nettles simply doesn't generate the same buzz as names from previous years such as Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride and Little Big Town.

To conclude, I don't think that the 2017 line-up so far is necessarily a bad line-up. However, it simply doesn't compare with the high standards of previous years. 2015 for example, saw Country royalty, Lee Ann Womack as an opener to the CMA Entertainer of the year, Luke Bryan.
I love C2C because it provides British fans with the opportunity to see their favourite artists. Artists who fans otherwise wouldn't be able to see live without travelling to the USA. This year, the majority of artists on the bill, are artists who the UK has hosted before. I would very much prefer to see something new- especially considering the price of tickets.
However, it is important to keep in mind that many more artists, including another headliner, are still to be announced and I will continue to dream about who that might be. I would love to see Tim and Faith bring their Soul2Soul tour to London - it is a "world" tour after all.
I also am incredibly excited about the prospect of another CMA Songwriters Series which is always my favourite part of the festival.
Finally, I would like to add that Country 2 Country would not be the magical experience that it is without the 20,000 Country fans who make the annual pilgrimage to the O2 Arena to sing along to their favourite songs. I have been to a lot of concerts and nothing compares to the atmosphere at the O2 during C2C.



Welcome!

Howdy! 
My name is Lucy and this is Star Spangled Boots.
Star Spangled Boots is a project I have created where I will be discussing all things Country! I'll be blogging my two cents on the latest Country news, music, events and much more. Expect reviews of albums, concerts, award shows and everything else in between.
Be sure to check back for my first article, coming soon!