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KEITH URBAN
THE ARTIST. THE AMBASSADOR. THE FRIEND.
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FEATURES 8
STARS SHINE IN NASHVILLE We take you inside CMA Fest 2015, the world’s biggest country music festival in Nashville, TN
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DURANGO MUSIC SPOT Live from CMA Fest featuring some of Country’s most legendary and classic performers
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MORE THAN ‘PAGEANT MATERIAL’ Our review of Kacey Musgraves’ newest album
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ALAN JACKSON Talks CMA Fest, New Record, and Steven Tyler
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REMEMBERING JIM ED BROWN Honoring the Country legend who passed on June 11, 2015
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WHAT’S TRENDING ON AIRPLAYWEEKLY.COM 10 Highlights at CMA Fest 2015, Jake Owen’s “Real LIfe” Video, Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, and Kelsea Ballerini
An Airplay Weekly Publication
Publisher Tim Hall
Advertising (615) 6 69-9592 Editorial hello@airplayweekly.com
Editor Jeremy Koering
AW Magazine P.O. Box 330322 Nashville, TN 37203 2 | AW MAGAZINE
Design KOER Creative Proof Donna Hall
Contributors Haley Maleah Hall Tim Hall Jeremy Koering
KEITH URBAN BY TIM HALL
the
ARTIST
Keith Urban is one of the most recognized and revered faces and voices in all of country music. Urban’s 7th studio album FUSE was released in 2013 and became his fourth #1 album, marking the first time a male country artist had debuted atop the allgenre charts in the United States, Canada and in his home country of Australia.
“Little Bit of Everything” was the projects first #1 single on the country charts followed by “We Were Us” where he teamed up with mega star Miranda Lambert to continue a streak of 5 straight #1 singles dating all the way back to “Without You” released in 2011.
In June of 2015 Urban debuted his first new music since FUSE, with the trendy pop-laden, bass driven single “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”. Fans had been clamoring for new music and were thrilled with their first glimpse of what Urban had been working on. The single continues to climb the charts and is being bolstered by a successful summer tour and multiple media appearances. News that Urban has been
collaborating with various music icons like Nile Rodgers of
Chairman of the CMA Foundation Board of Directors. “This
Chic fame have the industry and fans buzzing in anticipation,
donation is life changing and central to our message that Music
hoping the collaboration will show up on Urban’s next album.
Education Matters.”
Word is that the two collaborated on two songs, and we can
Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer added, “I am
only imagine what the results will be of the “Disco King”, Nile
extremely grateful for Keith’s generosity and his commitment
Rodgers and Urban bringing their two very different, yet creative
to advancing music education, I have witnessed the difference
backgrounds together. Urban has not verified that the two tracks
an instrument makes in the development of a child. Just imagine
they have recorded will be on his follow up album to FUSE, but
if someone hadn’t put a guitar in Keith Urban’s hands.”
whether they are part of the album or released as singles, we don’t care, we just can’t wait to hear the magic they made!
It is obvious whether on stage performing, speaking to a group
AMBASSADOR
of kids, judging on American Idol or wherever, Keith Urban
the
is a genuine guy who truly cares, and is committed to making
During this year’s CMA Fest, we were able to catch a performance
people’s lives better by sharing the gift of music. I cannot think
of Urban’s new single, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”, in
of any person better to serve as an Ambassador for this worthy
the FAN FAIR X Exhibit Hall, on the CMA Close Up Stage. His
initiative by CMA!
performance preceded a roundtable discussion where Urban
FRIEND
was introduced as the first ever CMA National Ambassador for
the
the newly launched “Music Education Matters” initiative. The
A very special moment occurred outside the view of the tens of
program is a perfect match for Urban as he has been an advocate
thousands of fans in attendance at the closing night concert at
of music education through the years and has volunteered his
LP Field during CMA Fest 2015. Just before Brad Paisley was
time and resources for the advancement of musical education.
scheduled to give the last performance of the night, he was ushered into the pressroom where all the media outlets met each
“Music is not only powerful, it’s magical,” said Urban. “It has
evening to interview each artist performing for the night, but he
the ability to bring people together, to inspire, calm, enhance
had a special guest with him, Keith Urban. Sarah Trahern, CMA
creativity and intelligence, and to improve concentration. There
Chief Executive Officer, had asked Keith to present Paisley with
is nothing like seeing the genesis of the relationship between
the CMA’s International Artist Achievement Trophy. It was
an instrument and a child or young adult. I’m so honored and
obvious that Paisley had no idea he was receiving this award.
proud that the CMA Foundation has given us this opportunity
When Paisley figured out what was going on, he began to banter
to be a part of something that can have such a positive effect on
and poke fun at Urban, especially since it was an “International”
so many young lives.”
award,
but
reciprocated
Urban in
Urban has stepped up not just lending his name to the effort
good humor with
but also recently donated 60 guitars to the project. “Several of
a few pokes of
these programs have instruments that were provided by the
his own towards
Foundation, but thanks to Keith’s generosity some of our most
Paisley.
ambitious and talented students will have a guitar to take home
Urban
for practice and improving their skills,” said Ron Samuels,
up
and
Then stepped began
BACKGROUND PHOTO BY HALEY MALEAH HALL, AWARD PHOTO BY TIM HALL
to speak about Paisley and their friendship, there was such a humility and respect displayed by Urban that left no questions that the two have a genuine, close friendship and a mutual respect. There was not an ounce of ego or competition by either, just a mutual admiration and respect that was obvious to all in the room. When Urban presented the trophy to Paisley they embraced briefly and then Paisley shared how much the award meant to him and how much it meant to him that it was presented by Urban. We live in a day and age where an artist’s life is under a microscope, and for that reason, sometimes they are not shown in the best light, because let’s face it, we all have bad days. It is so refreshing and encouraging seeing a man like Keith Urban who is consistent on and off the stage and is the kind of guy that anyone would be lucky to call a friend.
PHOTOS BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
Stars Shine in
Nashville BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
T
he LP Field nightly shows at CMA Fest are always a highlight of the week. After all, where are you going to find Country Music’s biggest stars all in one
place? Whether you missed CMA Fest or you simply want to relive each night, keep reading! We’re going to be reviewing each night and what our favorites were!
For the kickoff show, you obviously have to have quite the lineup. This year did not disappoint! To start the nightly shows was the legendary, Alan Jackson. Nothing quite says “summer” like singing “It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere” and “Chattahoochee” with 60,000 of your closest friends. Just as Jackson was getting ready to end his set, he learned that his friend Jim Ed Brown had passed away. In his honor, he sang “Pop A Top”. It was a truly moving moment. Next on the lineup was newcomer, Sam Hunt. Let me tell you, he may be new, but boy can he put on a show! He led the crowd in a sing-along on his hit songs “House Party” and “Leave The Night On”. He was full of energy and engaged with the crowd like he has been doing this his whole life. Who doesn’t love Rascal Flatts? This trio has been around for awhile, but their classic songs always bring us back to the first time we heard them. They sang some of their classics such as “Me and My Gang” and they took people to church with “God Bless The
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Broken Road”. Is it really CMA Fest without Rascal Flatts?! Now, I don’t know about you, but singing Dierks Bentley’s “Drunk On A Plane” and “I Hold On” with a stadium full of fans sounds like a pretty fantastic way to spend your night...Dierks was full energy and ran from stage to stage. At one point he even jumped down into the crowd just to say hello to fans! You could tell that Dierks was having the time of his life on stage, and so were we! Florida Georgia Line. Now, if you turn on your radio right now and scan through the stations, you are bound to hear a couple of FLAGA Line songs coming through. They have had hit after hit and of course they sang all their favorites at CMA Fest! The crowd was loving every second of it as they sang “Cruise” “Sippin’ On Fire” and “Round Here”. Talk about a party... Closing out the night was the man himself, Jason Aldean! Jason has been playing CMA Fest throughout the years,
and he just keeps getting better! He was the perfect person to end night 1. He made a lot of country girls happy when he sang “She’s Country” and other hits like “My Kind Of Party”. He certainly set the bar for the rest of the week! Starting off the second night was the legendary Oak Ridge Boys! This group has been around for many years, so they definitely know how to put on a show! They got the crowd warmed up with hits like “American Made” and had a very special surprise when they performed “Elvira”! Mid song, they paused it. Then they introduced none other than Little Big Town to come out and finish the song together! You never know what will happen at CMA Fest. Talk about high energy! This trio of brothers and sister really know how to put on an energetic and entertaining show! They got the crowd on their feet when they performed their hits like “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” and “DONE.”. The really special thing about this trio is that they also have the ability to command attention even when they slow down their set and performed their famous ballad “If I Die Young” and Glen Campbells “Gentle On My Mind”. Plus they covered “Uptown Funk”, so obviously that was pretty amazing... Next up we had the super talented duo, Maddie and Tae, making their CMA Fest LP Field debut! They sang their latest two singles, “Girl In A Country Song” and the inspirational “Fly”. We are sure we will be seeing these girls at many more CMA Fest LP Field shows in the coming years! If you have never seen Lee Brice live, you should fix that ASAP. Lee Brice is an incredible talent and entertainer. It was an especially touching moment when he dedicated his emotional song “I Drive Your Truck” to all the military men and woman. LP Field lit up with cell phone lights all over the field in honor of those who sacrifice so much for us on a daily basis. It was a really beautiful moment. What can we say about Randy Houser, he rocks! He got the crowd really going with his hits like “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Like A Cowboy”. The vocal power
that Randy Houser has is always astounding. You can tell he is so passionate about the songs he sings, and he is unlike any other artist in the industry today! I don’t think anyone was prepared for what Zac Brown Band was bringing to LP Field. From start to finish, it was non-stop entertainment. When the band sang their famous “Chicken Fried” they brought up a soldier to the stage in order to pay respect to our military men and woman. This touching moment was followed by a cover of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Yes. You read that correctly. LP Field suddenly broke out into complete madness as The Zac Brown Band covered the song that would make Freddie Mercury himself proud.
Lady Antebellum started off their high energy set with fan favorite “Bartender”. Charles Kelley could be found running around and jumping off the stage into the crowd of fans to say hello. Hillary and Dave stayed on stage and worked the crowd like only Lady Antebellum can! They continued their performance with hit after hit including “Need You Now” and “We Own The Night”. Luke Bryan, the man everyone was waiting on! Let me tell you, he did not disappoint! No one can quite put on a performance like Luke Bryan can! He kicked off his with “That’s My Kind
AIRPLAYWEEKLY.COM | 11
of Night” and kept the energy going from there! At one point early in his performance, Luke got a little too close to the fog machine on the stage. But, like the true showman that Luke is, as he got pelted in the face with smoke, he laughed and never missed a beat! The night continued by him singing “Drink A Beer”, “Play It Again” and he ended with his most recent single “Kick The Dust Up”. I think the greatest thing about Luke’s set is his interactions with fans. He was constantly engaged and getting on the fans level. There’s a really good reason he is Entertainer of the Year!
taking a giant snapchat with all of LP Field. LBT started their set in the middle of LP Field. They performed a very intimate and beautiful rendition of their hit “Girl Crush”. As they made their way back to the main stage, the energy level skyrocketed. Of course LP Field got a little crazy when they performed “Pontoon”. One of the highlights was when they performed “Pain Killer” complete with people on stilts and beach balls flying all over the stadium. Let’s be honest, CMA Fest just wouldn’t be the same without Carrie Underwood! As she closed night #3 she proved why she is one of country’s best female artists! This was one of her first performances post- pregnancy with little baby Isaiah. Let me tell you, she looked, sounded, and performed in only a way that Carrie Underwood could! She rocked out to her hits like “Something In The Water”, “Last Name”, “Little Toy Guns” and of course, “Before He Cheats” just to name a few! She certainly closed the night out with a bang! Welcome back, Carrie!
With a legendary woman like Wynonna opening up the night, it’s off to a pretty great start right?! She sang her famous hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy” and “No One Else On Earth”. Plus, talk about great stage presence! She put on a non-stop entertaining set! Chris Young kept the party going as he performed hits like “Gettin’ You Home”, “Who I Am With You”, and his latest single “I’m Comin’ Over”! His classic voice and amazing ability to entertain a crowd was evident as fans sang along with every word! Thomas Rhett was full of energy from the moment he stepped on the stage! He performed his hits such as “Make Me Wanna”, “It Goes Like This”, “Get Me Some of That” and his latest single “Crash and Burn”. You could tell that the fans loved him, and he certainly loved the fans! Brett Eldredge is a true entertainer both on and off the stage. He proved this as he performed “Beat of the Music”, “Don’t Ya”, “Mean To Me”, and his latest hit “Lose My Mind”. Plus, Leave it to Brett Eldredge to put on an amazing show and end it by
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The final night of CMA Fest started off with the entertainer that is Neal McCoy. Neal got the crowd going with “The Shake” and “Wink”. He even gave something for the “younger” crowd when he remixed the Beverly Hillbillies theme song into a rap. Yes, you read that correctly. How cool is Neal McCoy?!
This was Cole Swindell’s CMA Fest LP Field debut! He performed his hits “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight”, “Chillin’ It” and then led the crowd into a sing along with his single “You Ain’t Worth The Whiskey”.
I think it’s fair to say that Darius Rucker had one of the most entertaining sets of CMA Fest 2015. Of course he sang his famous solo songs such as “Alright”, “Southern Style” and “Homegrown Honey”, but it was the other songs that stole the show. Darius decided to throw it back to his “Hootie” days and performed “Only Wanna Be With You”, which is just pretty amazing in itself. Who didn’t love Hootie and the Blowfish?! Next up was the song that everyone was waiting for- “Wagon Wheel”. Now, you can only imagine the crowds reaction when Darius started this song. Also, incase we didn’t love Darius enough, he left the main stage to come into the middle of the crowd to perform this song. The energy was amazing and the 60,000 people in there had a giant sing along with Darius Rucker. Which, doesn’t sound like an awful way to spend your night. With a nickname like “The Chief” you know it’s gonna be good. Eric Church fans were loud and proud as they cheered him on song after song. You never quite know what to expect from Eric. I think that is what makes him so special! He performed his hits such as “Talladega”, “Cold One” and his latest single “Like A Wrecking Ball”. He also surprised fans and played his song “That’s Damn Rock ‘n’ Roll” accompanied by Joanna Cotten. No one is quite like The Chief, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Up next was our favorite Aussie- Keith Urban! Can you think of Summer without thinking of Keith Urban? That’s what we
thought. His set included hits like “Put You In A Song”, his new single “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Raise Em’ Up” which resulted in none other than Eric Church coming out to accompany him! One of the coolest parts about Keith’s performance was when he left the main stage and relocated to the stage in the middle of LP Field. He literally got right in the middle of the fans and performed “Long Hot Summer”. He even gave one very special fan his guitar before he made his way back up to the main stage. What’s not to love about Keith? That’s what we were asking ourselves after his amazing performance at LP Field. The final performer of CMA Fest 2015 was Brad Paisley. To say that he went out with a bang is an understatement. Within the first song he had some major technical difficulties, but he continued on with the grace and humor in a way that only Brad Paisley can. He sang hits like “Then”, “Riverbank”, and “Mud on the Tires”. Of course the night wouldn’t be complete without Brad jumping into the pit and take selfies with fans while he’s performing. Brad Paisley has a unique way of bringing everyone together and just having fun.
In conclusion, it was a fantastic week full of amazing nightly concerts! We are always amazed at the level of talent that graces that stage night after night, year after year. Country Music fans are the best in the world and that is displayed as they show up to support country music and the artists that represent it. See ya next year, CMA Fest!
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KACEY MUSGRAVES
More than ‘Pageant Material’
BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
The title track “Pageant Material” is a typical tongue in cheek song from Kacey. In a world where beauty is judged by how good you look in a swimsuit, Kacey sings about the beauty in being imperfect. Perhaps one of the best lines from the song is “I’d rather lose for what I am, than win for what I ain’t”. You tell ‘em Kacey! Something else that is special about Kacey Musgraves is that she isn’t afraid to break a stereotype, say what she’s thinking, and stand up for those who don’t have a voice.
G
ood news for Kacey Musgraves fans! She’s back! Pageant Material is Musgraves sophomore follow up from her Same Trailer Different Park
album that put her name on the map. On her debut album, Musgraves introduced her distinct style and put her own mark on country music. What makes her so special is her catchy and clever song lyrics and her ability to say what everyone else is thinking. With a debut album like that, it’s pretty hard to follow right? Well if anyone is up for the challenge it’s Kacey! Let me tell you, I don’t think you will be disappointed. Pageant Material kicks off with “High Time” and “Dime Store Cowgirl”. Both of these songs show how Kacey keeps herself grounded in the midst of her exciting lifestyle. I think what makes Kacey so special is her ability to become this massive country star, while remembering where she came from. After all, she’s just like the girl next door, just with a little bling on her cowboy boots…
In “This Town” and “Biscuits”, she sings about love and watching out for one another. Also, sometimes you just have to mind your own business… I mean, with a title like “Biscuits” how can you not love it? After all, Kacey will just keep on doing her, and honey you can just keep doing you… Kacey shows her softer side on songs like “Late To The Party” and “Somebody To Love”. In these songs she sings about love and hope, something that I think everyone can use a little bit more of. “Miserable” is the next track on the album and it’s about that one person we all know, the one who isn’t happy until everyone else is miserable. I’d like to think this is Kacey’s ode to the haters. Take note y’all, you can’t bring this girl down. Let’s talk about “Family Is Family”. I think everyone can relate to this song. “Family is Family in church or in prison…” Leave it to Kacey to make you feel proud about your family in the cleverest of ways. The album ends with songs such as “Die Fun”, “Good Ol’ Boys Club”, “Cup Of Tea” and “Fine”, These songs are the perfect representation of what type of artist Kacey Musgraves has become. Some of the best things in life are celebrating who you are - crazy or not - and lifting other people up instead of tearing each other down. The overall theme of Pageant Material seems to be upbeat and positive. It’s not shy or cliché, it’s a view into Kacey’s state of mind and how she thinks the world could be better if only we lived life a little more open minded. This album stays true to the artist that Kacey is and I am sure that her fans won’t be disappointed. Run, don’t walk and buy this album!
live from the
BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
durango music spot at cma fest T
his year at CMA Fest’s Fan Fair X, we saw a major
This stage paid tribute all week to those classic country artists
variety of attractions, stages, and booths that appeal
who made country music what it is today. They had a star
to all types of people! One of these attractions was housed
studded lineup that included artists such as Jeannie Seely,
in Fan Fair X, the Durango Music Spot Stage, hosted by
Lynn Anderson, Bill Anderson, Mark Wills, T Graham Brown,
Durango and 650 AM WSM. This stage hosted some of
Kelly Lang, TG Shepherd, and John Berry just to name a few.
Country Music’s most legendary and classic performers.
While they had the classic country artists, they also featured
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a few upcoming artists such as Sarah Darling, The Sarah Dunn Band, and The Voice contestant Savannah Berry.
This stage was a nice getaway for CMA Fest attendees as it was one of 3 stages that was inside. Attendees were overheard all week saying how refreshing it was to have music in all types of area (and climates!).
The week ended on the Durango Music Spot Stage with a star studded lineup from “The Country Gold Tour” which featured Leroy Van Dyke, Steve & Rudy Gatlin, Charlie Rich Jr., Rex Allen Jr., Leona Williams, Bobby Bare, Narvel Felts and Janie Fricke. The Durango Music Spot Stage continued to bring variety to Fan Fair X and proved that there is something for even the most classic of country music fans! We can’t wait to see what they will do next year! We can only imagine it getting bigger and more popular from here.
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Alan Jackson talks CMA FEST, NEW RECORD, and STEVEN TYLER BY TIM HALL
A
lan Jackson was the first artist to kick off the nightly
he laughed. He continued that it wasn’t something that came
performances at LP Field for CMA Fest 2015. During
from a place of reflection, it wasn’t deep or dark, just one of
the nightly press conference, Alan answered a few questions.
his favorites.
When asked if he would be coming back to see any other artists during the week, he quipped, “I wont be coming back
Jackson was asked about his experience working with Steven
this week”, with a grin “I mean, I’ll stick around tonight and
Tyler on the video clip used in this year’s CMT Awards.
listen, after I’m through, but that will be it. Jackson continued
Jackson said he had never worked with Tyler before, but
to share that his daughters attend every night, “Not to see
had met Tyler many years ago at a concert he had in Boston.
me, they are here for everyone else”, as he chuckles.
Tyler came out to see Jackson in concert and brought his daughters, as they were big Alan Jackson fans apparently.
The questions then turned to his new project releasing on July 17th, Angels & Alcohol. As on previous projects,
When asked what it was like to actually work with Tyler on
Jackson wrote several of the songs on this, his 21st studio
something, Jackson replied, “Surprising, he is a very genuine
album, if you count his Christian & Christmas releases.
guy.” Jackson continued about Tyler’s vocal abilities and
Someone asked what’s with the title? Jackson simply replied
songwriting skills, but reiterated that he was most impressed
“Denise”, his wife, “is the Angel, and I am the Alcohol” as
with how nice, sincere and genuine Steven Tyler is.
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T R E N D I N G O N A I R P L AY W E E K LY. C O M
Thomas Rhett Gives His Fans the Power…
10 Highlights at the CMA Fest Nightly Concerts Taylor Swift Takes A Stand
Kelsea Ballerini Makes History!
Jake Owen “Real Life” Music Video AIRPLAYWEEKLY.COM | 25