Big-time country stars Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean and Sugarland talk about the elusive CMA entertainer of the year category and the frustration that comes with being excluded.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tim McGraw's big heart
Tim McGraw joins campaign to help fight hunger
CAITLIN R. KING, Associated Press, Friday, November 5, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Tim McGraw was a kid, he didn't always know where he'd get his next meal.
"I remember my mom being a single mom and working," said McGraw in a recent interview. "I also remember not really having enough money for food sometimes."
Those memories are part of the reason he taped public service announcements that begin airing this month to raise awareness of hunger in America.
The charity Feeding America says one in six Americans struggle to find enough food to eat, and approximately 5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance from them on any given week.
"It's so heartbreaking to think of children going hungry, especially in a country as wealthy as ours," said McGraw, who taped the campaign for Feeding America as part of Hamburger Helper's Show Your Helping Hand Campaign.
McGraw feels a personal calling to make a difference in people's lives outside of his music career. He is the honorary chairman of the Tug McGraw Foundation to help people with brain tumors. The foundation is named after his father, the late baseball star, who died of a brain tumor.
He also founded the organization Neighbor's Keeper with wife Faith Hill in 2004 to strengthen communities. In addition, the pair helped raise $2.2 million in June from their Nashville Rising all-star benefit concert for middle Tennessee flood victims.
"The given for us, Faith and I both, is we feel like we've been very blessed and been given many opportunities, and we're singers. That's what we do. There's a little bit of a guilt part that goes along with having so much for just being a singer," he said.
Though McGraw's three daughters with Hill have never known hunger personally, he wants them to know the importance of giving back.
"I think that that's sometimes how kids get lost, especially kids who grow up in an environment like our kids are growing up in. They don't ever see outside the window," he said. "A lot of kids aren't nearly as fortunate as they are, and if you are that fortunate, then it's sort of incumbent upon you to help if you can."
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — When Tim McGraw was a kid, he didn't always know where he'd get his next meal.
"I remember my mom being a single mom and working," said McGraw in a recent interview. "I also remember not really having enough money for food sometimes."
Those memories are part of the reason he taped public service announcements that begin airing this month to raise awareness of hunger in America.
The charity Feeding America says one in six Americans struggle to find enough food to eat, and approximately 5.7 million people receive emergency food assistance from them on any given week.
"It's so heartbreaking to think of children going hungry, especially in a country as wealthy as ours," said McGraw, who taped the campaign for Feeding America as part of Hamburger Helper's Show Your Helping Hand Campaign.
McGraw feels a personal calling to make a difference in people's lives outside of his music career. He is the honorary chairman of the Tug McGraw Foundation to help people with brain tumors. The foundation is named after his father, the late baseball star, who died of a brain tumor.
He also founded the organization Neighbor's Keeper with wife Faith Hill in 2004 to strengthen communities. In addition, the pair helped raise $2.2 million in June from their Nashville Rising all-star benefit concert for middle Tennessee flood victims.
"The given for us, Faith and I both, is we feel like we've been very blessed and been given many opportunities, and we're singers. That's what we do. There's a little bit of a guilt part that goes along with having so much for just being a singer," he said.
Though McGraw's three daughters with Hill have never known hunger personally, he wants them to know the importance of giving back.
"I think that that's sometimes how kids get lost, especially kids who grow up in an environment like our kids are growing up in. They don't ever see outside the window," he said. "A lot of kids aren't nearly as fortunate as they are, and if you are that fortunate, then it's sort of incumbent upon you to help if you can."
Jason Aldean releases new album
Country star Jason Aldean is out with his fourth album, "My Kinda Party." He reveals why he thinks this is his strongest record yet and explains why Kelly Clarkson is his ideal duet partner. (Nov. 3)
Garth Announces Nashville Benefit Concerts
County music stars Garth Brooks and wife Trisha Yearwood are holding a benefit concert Dec. 17 in Nashville to help flood victims in middle Tennessee. (Oct. 28)
Kevin Costner
Costner Calms Nerves to Host 'Artists of the Year'
Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner isn't what he'd call a "natural-born host."
So when the folks at Country Music Television asked him to emcee their first annual "CMT Artists of the Year" show on Friday, he immediately said no.
"A lot of nerves go with something like this," said Costner in a recent phone interview.
He said no again and again until executive producer John Hamlin sat him down and brought up Costner's country band, Modern West. That's when Costner realized he wasn't being asked to host solely on his star power as an actor.
"To be honest, how this happened, it happened because of the music, not because of my desire to do a show," said Costner.
It turns out Hamlin was a fan, both of his movies ("Dances with Wolves," ''Bull Durham," ''Field of Dreams") and his music, and had been watching Modern West take a respectable path to success that included a hard-nosed focus on touring.
"I had an instinct about him based on my perceptions of him both as a movie actor and then seeing him perform with his band," said Hamlin in a phone interview. "There's a passion in him that permeates his movie roles that felt to me was real in him. Add to that that he's going about his music career in an appropriate manner, given his circumstances as a movie actor, there was credibility that seemed like it was there."
According to CMT, the five "Artists of the Year," Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band, represent this year's top acts in country music based on touring, radio airplay, album sales and Internet buzz.
"It's really nothing but a lot of hard work, getting up early, traveling, doing interviews, and so, in a way, it's not really glitzy," said Costner. "Every artist is going to be surrounded by the network of people that has supported them probably very early in their career. It's very much a familial kind of night that way."
Kevin Costner and Modern West are currently writing and setting up their tour schedule for next year. Their tour will include stops in the United States, Europe and South America. Their debut album, "Untold Truths," debuted on the Billboard country charts in 2008, followed by a sophomore effort, "Turn It On," released last year in Europe.
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Online:
http://kevincostnermodernwest.com/
Kevin Costner's music gives him 'credibility' to host 'CMT Artists of the Year,' airing Dec. 3
By CAITLIN R. KING, The Associated Press, NASHVILLE, Tenn.
Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner isn't what he'd call a "natural-born host."
So when the folks at Country Music Television asked him to emcee their first annual "CMT Artists of the Year" show on Friday, he immediately said no.
"A lot of nerves go with something like this," said Costner in a recent phone interview.
He said no again and again until executive producer John Hamlin sat him down and brought up Costner's country band, Modern West. That's when Costner realized he wasn't being asked to host solely on his star power as an actor.
"To be honest, how this happened, it happened because of the music, not because of my desire to do a show," said Costner.
It turns out Hamlin was a fan, both of his movies ("Dances with Wolves," ''Bull Durham," ''Field of Dreams") and his music, and had been watching Modern West take a respectable path to success that included a hard-nosed focus on touring.
"I had an instinct about him based on my perceptions of him both as a movie actor and then seeing him perform with his band," said Hamlin in a phone interview. "There's a passion in him that permeates his movie roles that felt to me was real in him. Add to that that he's going about his music career in an appropriate manner, given his circumstances as a movie actor, there was credibility that seemed like it was there."
According to CMT, the five "Artists of the Year," Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band, represent this year's top acts in country music based on touring, radio airplay, album sales and Internet buzz.
"It's really nothing but a lot of hard work, getting up early, traveling, doing interviews, and so, in a way, it's not really glitzy," said Costner. "Every artist is going to be surrounded by the network of people that has supported them probably very early in their career. It's very much a familial kind of night that way."
Kevin Costner and Modern West are currently writing and setting up their tour schedule for next year. Their tour will include stops in the United States, Europe and South America. Their debut album, "Untold Truths," debuted on the Billboard country charts in 2008, followed by a sophomore effort, "Turn It On," released last year in Europe.
——
Online:
http://kevincostnermodernwest.com/
Sugarland releases the 'Incredible Machine'
Sugarland's 'Incredible Machine' full steam ahead
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Living on the edge is right where you'll find country duo Sugarland.
They are continuing to stretch genre boundaries on their fourth album, "The Incredible Machine," and consider it a "thank you note" to fans for allowing them to grow as artists over the years.
"I don't think we're at the fringe of country music, I think we are the fringe," said lead singer Jennifer Nettles, 36, in a recent interview. "I think we are the fringe on the country western jacket, and what that means is like, it may be a little unconventional, but it is something you remember. I think that's what we do. We shake it up a little bit."
Sugarland's other half, guitarist Kristian Bush, 40, said fans not only have encouraged the duo but rewarded them for taking risks, like with their 2008 hit, "Stay." The nearly five-minute acoustic song went to No. 2 on the country charts and won them a Grammy.
They're doing it again with "The Incredible Machine's" leadoff single, "Stuck Like Glue." It's a top five hit on Billboard's country music chart, despite getting initial push back from some country radio programmers who took issue with the song's reggae-infused section.
"Art in general is provocative," said Nettles, brushing off any criticism. "It is meant to provoke. If it provokes conversation, if it provokes complete and total outrage or if it provokes euphoria, whatever that may be, and I think we've gotten a little provocative on this record."
"Can you imagine that? We just do some beat-boxing, and we get in trouble," added Bush with a chuckle.
The two of them drew inspiration from their teenage years in the 1980s for the album, released last week. Nettles said that brought an element of sheer joy to the creative process.
Artists like Blondie, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds and movies such as "Say Anything," "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink" all played a role in shaping the young lives of Nettles and Bush.
"It's what defines you at that age, the movies you see and the music you were listening to as you really started to choose things for yourself," said Bush. "So it has an indelible mark on you as a musician. That's when we were also learning to be musicians."
The duo relied on those influences, using Blondie-esque synthesizer sounds on songs like "All We Are" and "Find the Beat Again and writing "Tonight" with "Say Anything's" stereo serenade scene in mind.
Byron Gallimore, the producer who has worked with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Phil Vassar among others, has produced Sugarland's last three studio albums and their Christmas release. He said of the duo: "It really doesn't get any better than what they're doing. They're right at the top."
Gallimore called Bush "a phenomenal guitar player" and praised Nettles for being "one of the fastest vocalists" he has ever worked with.
"She's totally capable of singing any song one time and that being the record. I've seen her do it. She'll do about three vocal takes, and we'll pick one," he said. "(Bush's) acoustic tracks are the same way. We'll play them through one time and that's it."
That talent shines through anytime they perform live, and their audience continues to broaden. They just wrapped the first leg of their 55-city "Incredible Machine" tour and performed a special "Unstaged from American Express" live-stream concert in New York directed by "This Is It" filmmaker Kenny Ortega. They will also take part in this year's "VH1 Divas" show honoring the military.
Nettles said they are excited to show people "that country music is hip and young and fun and accessible," adding, "It's not necessarily about lifestyle, it's about having fun and being human."
When asked what makes them work as a duo, both say it comes down to one thing.
"Our friendship and our creative relationship (are) based off of respect without a doubt," said Nettles. "We each bring different strengths to the table."
Bush agreed: "Any relationship that you have with anyone, it has to be based on respect first. From there, everything else kind of blossoms."
AP video: http://www.zimbio.com/watch/isV8i99TslC/Sugarland+Incredible+Machine+Full+Steam+Ahea/AP+Video+Entertainment+Extra
They are continuing to stretch genre boundaries on their fourth album, "The Incredible Machine," and consider it a "thank you note" to fans for allowing them to grow as artists over the years.
"I don't think we're at the fringe of country music, I think we are the fringe," said lead singer Jennifer Nettles, 36, in a recent interview. "I think we are the fringe on the country western jacket, and what that means is like, it may be a little unconventional, but it is something you remember. I think that's what we do. We shake it up a little bit."
Sugarland's other half, guitarist Kristian Bush, 40, said fans not only have encouraged the duo but rewarded them for taking risks, like with their 2008 hit, "Stay." The nearly five-minute acoustic song went to No. 2 on the country charts and won them a Grammy.
They're doing it again with "The Incredible Machine's" leadoff single, "Stuck Like Glue." It's a top five hit on Billboard's country music chart, despite getting initial push back from some country radio programmers who took issue with the song's reggae-infused section.
"Art in general is provocative," said Nettles, brushing off any criticism. "It is meant to provoke. If it provokes conversation, if it provokes complete and total outrage or if it provokes euphoria, whatever that may be, and I think we've gotten a little provocative on this record."
"Can you imagine that? We just do some beat-boxing, and we get in trouble," added Bush with a chuckle.
The two of them drew inspiration from their teenage years in the 1980s for the album, released last week. Nettles said that brought an element of sheer joy to the creative process.
Artists like Blondie, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds and movies such as "Say Anything," "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink" all played a role in shaping the young lives of Nettles and Bush.
"It's what defines you at that age, the movies you see and the music you were listening to as you really started to choose things for yourself," said Bush. "So it has an indelible mark on you as a musician. That's when we were also learning to be musicians."
The duo relied on those influences, using Blondie-esque synthesizer sounds on songs like "All We Are" and "Find the Beat Again and writing "Tonight" with "Say Anything's" stereo serenade scene in mind.
Byron Gallimore, the producer who has worked with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Phil Vassar among others, has produced Sugarland's last three studio albums and their Christmas release. He said of the duo: "It really doesn't get any better than what they're doing. They're right at the top."
Gallimore called Bush "a phenomenal guitar player" and praised Nettles for being "one of the fastest vocalists" he has ever worked with.
"She's totally capable of singing any song one time and that being the record. I've seen her do it. She'll do about three vocal takes, and we'll pick one," he said. "(Bush's) acoustic tracks are the same way. We'll play them through one time and that's it."
That talent shines through anytime they perform live, and their audience continues to broaden. They just wrapped the first leg of their 55-city "Incredible Machine" tour and performed a special "Unstaged from American Express" live-stream concert in New York directed by "This Is It" filmmaker Kenny Ortega. They will also take part in this year's "VH1 Divas" show honoring the military.
Nettles said they are excited to show people "that country music is hip and young and fun and accessible," adding, "It's not necessarily about lifestyle, it's about having fun and being human."
When asked what makes them work as a duo, both say it comes down to one thing.
"Our friendship and our creative relationship (are) based off of respect without a doubt," said Nettles. "We each bring different strengths to the table."
Bush agreed: "Any relationship that you have with anyone, it has to be based on respect first. From there, everything else kind of blossoms."
AP video: http://www.zimbio.com/watch/isV8i99TslC/Sugarland+Incredible+Machine+Full+Steam+Ahea/AP+Video+Entertainment+Extra
Darius Rucker: 25 years and counting
It's been 25 years since Darius Rucker started his music career with Hootie and the Blowfish, and now he's out with his sophomore country album, "Charleston, SC 1966." (Oct. 20)
VH1 DIVAS
Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Paramore Lead 'VH1 Divas' Lineup
by Caitlin R. King, Associated Press | October 14, 2010 11:44 EDT
Katy Perry, Sugarland, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj and Paramore are this year's "VH1 Divas," but they'll be taking some of the focus off themselves, singing for the military through a partnership with the USO.
Perry, Sugarland, Hilson and Minaj will perform for thousands of men and women in uniform at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. Paramore will visit Marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors, coastguardsmen and reservists at a military base in the Middle East.
Hilson called it an incredible opportunity.
"I get to be among so many other influential women, groundbreaking women, strong, powerful, confident women, not only on that day, but just to be a part of the legacy of 'VH1 Divas,'" she said.
Hilson said she embraces the positive characteristics of being a diva.
"Strong woman, yes I am. Leader, yes I am. Innovative, creative, all those things, yes, I am that," said Hilson.
Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland has a similar definition for the modern day diva.
"All of these women definitely have a larger than life persona, be it on stage or who they are or what they wear," she said. "I think there's something to be said for celebrating that."
Hilson and Nettles love the idea of supporting the troops through the show. Hilson's dad served in the Army before she was born, and Nettles has a brother in the Air Force.
Sugarland is the only country act on the bill, and Nettles is excited to show people "that country music is hip and young and fun and accessible."
She says, "It's not necessarily about lifestyle, it's about having fun and being human."
To make her "Divas" performance memorable, Nettles jokes that she's "hoping to get to wear the Cher outfit," from the infamous 1989 music video aboard a battleship for "If I Could Turn Back Time." Cher, a previous "VH1 Divas" performer, wore a barely there, V-shaped swimsuit with a fishnet body stocking during the video, which was taped with a large group of sailors.
Other past entertainers on "VH1 Divas" include Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé.
"VH1 Divas Salute The Troops" premieres Dec. 5 on VH1. It will be broadcast internationally by the Armed Forces Network.
Carrie's Wedding a CMA Awards show topic?
Underwood, Paisley to host CMA Awards Nov. 10
The two will anchor the Nov. 10 ceremony in Nashville, and Paisley said of Underwood's July union with NHL player Mike Fisher: "We have to bring it up.""It was big news in country music, so if it is that, it is fair game, as well as Nashville or current events," he said in an interview with Underwood on Thursday. "It's worth talking about anything like that that people will relate to."
The two joked about Paisley's wedding gift to Underwood, a bowl, which Paisley said his wife picked out.
"Is it something you wanted or it's in the pile of re-gift items?" asked Paisley.
"You're going to get it back three Christmases from now," said Underwood.
"I can't wait to get that back," said Paisley.
They also talked about Underwood's wardrobe. She is known to switch up her outfits multiple times throughout the show, changing more than 10 times last year.
"I can't change anymore than I did last year," said Underwood. "I don't think that's a physical possibility, so I'm not going to try to outdo the costumes."
So maybe it's Paisley's turn to change his outfits this year?
"I think that would be awesome," said Underwood. "I'm going to stay in the same thing all night. I'm going to show up in my pajamas, and you're going to do your thing."
As for hosting together, the two have a natural timing and chemistry together that comes across on stage and in-person.
"I do feel like we do have our own roles that we fall into and compliment each other," said Underwood.
"At this point three years later, we have each other pretty well figured out, so I think it will go really smooth," said Paisley.
The CMA Awards air live on ABC from Bridgestone Arena.
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Online:
http://www.cmaawards.com/
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