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CHARLES ESTEN
A CONVERSATION WITH THE STAR OF ABC’S NASHVILLE
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES 16
WHEELS UP TOUR REVIEW We caught up with Lady Antebellum on their Wheels Up Tour in Nashville with guests Hunter Hayes & Sam Hunt
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REVIEWS Brett Eldredge takes us to Illinois, Kenny Chesney’s “Save It for a Rainy Day”, and Lauren Alaina’s “Next Boyfriend”
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COUNTRY & WESTERN TOUR REVIEW We take you inside the Ryman Auditorium for one Kacey Musgraves’ two nights in Nashville on her latest tour
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ON TOUR
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COUNTRY BIRTHDAYS
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TRENDING IN COUNTRY MUSIC
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
Design KOER Creative Proof Donna Hall
Contributors Haley Maleah Hall Tim Hall Jeremy Koering
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BY TIM HALL
CHARLES ESTEN A CONVERSATION WITH THE STAR OF ABC’S NASVHILLE
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Tim Hall of Airplay Weekly: I appreciate you taking a
During those times I wasn’t in a band, but I had a bunch
few minutes to talk to me. By the way, Congrats! Glad
of friends that played so we would just mess around and
to see you (Deacon) made it through the surgery ok.
jam. I was in a few talent shows. My dad was a fan of
Everybody was sweating that one.
country music and 50’s music. I remember in the talent shows playing “All I Have to do is Dream” by the Everly
Charles Esten: Yes, this summer has been crazy that is all
Brothers and I also did “Runaround Sue” one year. I
anybody wanted to know.
went off to college at William and Mary and I brought my guitar with me.
Well, glad it worked out for you. Let’s go back to the early days when you were in College. Some people may
In my freshman year, we would get around a bonfire at
only know your character Deacon from ABC’s hit show
the lake or something, so I would bring my guitar and
Nashville, and may not know who Charles Esten was or
knew a bunch of current songs, but no one was there to
where you came from.
play along with, and every Summer I would take the guitar to the beach with me and everyone would do
Music to me is like my first girlfriend. You will see where
bonfires so all through that time I was just songwriting
the metaphor holds up. I don’t say it just to be flowery.
on my own, but it wasn’t in a really heavily focused
It holds up because I started very young loving music.
way. So then my sophomore year in college, I joined a
My mom said I just wouldn’t stop, I was always singing.
fraternity and I would play the guitar around friends,
Then my sister took piano lessons and I would steal her
then see another guy playing guitar and go sit with him,
books and go try to learn piano, so she gave them to me
then another guys turns out to play bass and another guy
too. Even before that I would get on the guitar sometimes.
I knew from high school plays keyboard and another guy
When you are a new guitarist, sometimes when you are
plays drums. Before I knew it, we were all down in the
a little kid, you would get your uncle’s old guitar with a
basement jamming and having fun.
big neck. That’s what I had, but it just hurt my hand so bad I quit.
We had some other bands on campus and they were good enough, but no one that I thought man, they are
What drew me back to it, as I got older, was probably
intimidating, I could never do that. If anything, it made
hearing the Stray Cats. I loved that sort of rockabilly
it seem like the funnest and coolest thing in the world.
thing. So I went and bought another guitar. I bought my
Before we knew it, there was a dorm on campus that was
first electric around then, but I still had an acoustic for
having a big outdoor party and someone heard they were
a while. You could have found me in the ninth, tenth,
looking for a band and a lot of the bands then didn’t play
eleventh grade, all through High School sitting at the
a lot of covers or party music it was more college radio
piano trying to learn the parts on “Born to Run” or “Jungle
music so we thought let’s go see if we can do it. We pulled
Land”. I would just be sitting with an old album, which
together two songs for our audition. I don’t remember
was way before CDs, and I would go reset the needle and
what they were. We played them and did well enough
run back to the piano and try it again. I would do it again
that we got the job. We had 2 weeks to learn 2 hours worth
and again. It got easier to do with a CD player but my
of music at least, so that forced us to go in the basement
mom didn’t have a CD player for a long time.
and while our fraternity brothers were trying to study we were down there making a racket, but ultimately came
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up with enough to play that show. From those humble
have had a whole different life, I don’t know, but instead
beginnings we started to play out more and more until
I went out to LA because I knew some actors and had
we became one of the big bands on campus.
always wanted to be an actor. It is all the same part of the desire that comes up out of me, and that is to move
By the time I graduated, we had done well enough that I
people. Either to make them laugh with an improv sketch
ended up staying in college for another year even though
on Whose Line is it Anyway or on a sitcom, or on a show
I had graduated. We ended up going to other campuses.
like The Office, that just makes people laugh or makes
From the campus of William and Mary in Virginia we
people cry or to even make their heartbreak. The same is
were able to go play at Richmond, BCU or even Maryland
true with music, you can make them laugh, you can make
or down to UNC, and all across the west to Virginia Tech.
them dance you can make them cry. There’s not as much room between music and acting as you might think.
We had a circuit we played and during that time I was getting to write and I will never forget the thrill of having
Staying on that track, almost instantly music was not a
an idea of a song in my head, having it almost written
part of my life except for that single guitar I had again.
and being able to bring it to those guys and watch it just
Real quickly a couple of things happened, I had a job, I
come alive, and then within a week being able to play it
got to show my managers I played guitar. I had a manager
in front of an audience.
within a year or year and a half or so, within a week or so after I showed them I played guitar, I got an audition in
We played and did that for that extra year and from that
London to play Buddy Holly and somehow I landed that
made a little money and got to make some great music.
audition and it took me a while to get the lead in that, a
We were a real party band and everyone was focused on
couple of months or so. In the end, I ended up playing
what they were going to actually be doing. Out of that
Buddy Holly in that amazing musical where I got to act
group there was a doctor, two lawyers, businessmen, a
as well as sing and play. I got to do that for two and a
banker, and this guy who went out to California to be an
half years all total. So all during that time I was doing
actor, and that was me.
what I knew, I was playing and singing and I got to do what I was learning, which was acting. By the time I got
At that time, I knew I was making a choice between music
out of there I was a much better Actor and was ready to
and acting. I had always figured you can always go play
go. I dabbled in music, when I was in London, and we
music on your own while you are acting, but it’s kind of
were surrounded by musicians, but when Buddy ended,
hard to act while you are playing music for a living. Plus,
that was pretty much it for music except that Buddy was
at the time I had my girlfriend, who is now my wife, and
my connection to Whose Line is it Anyway. When I was
I had a couple of friends who had gone out to LA. I knew
in London, I ended up getting on that show. That was a
the path to what they were out there doing and I was like
place where I would just make up songs off the top of my
I think I could do that and with music, without a band, I
head. Music improv was a part of that show. Other than
didn’t know my next step.
music improv there was just me and my guitar again, for years and years, and then a piano. I kept things alive
It is a very strong possibility that if I had known two
and active by playing music at my church. I played in the
people in Nashville instead of LA, I might have gone to
band at my church and wrote a couple of songs, maybe
Nashville and started writing with my guitar and would
3 or 4, but other than that, I didn’t have a vehicle for my 7
music and that went on for a long, long time.
but I do know this, I won’t be saying goodbye ever again. It’s not going to happen, and I don’t care what form I am
I started being an actor in 1989 or 90, right around then,
about to do ends up in. I don’t know how well what I
so if you do the math, all the time it took before Nashville
am going to do is going to do, I don’t have a clue, but in
started in 2012, all that time, I started focusing and
the real sense it doesn’t matter to me. That relationship
thinking on it more, especially Country Music around
is real. I am going to play music, and if 10 people come
2008. So that’s a long time in between those, but I can say
to see me, I will go do that, you know what I mean? If
I never stopped picking up the guitar and I never stopped
way more come and get to hear it on the radio, Amen
playing piano, whether it was playing alone, getting
and Hallelujah, and so be it, whatever it is going to be. I
a book of Elvis Costello’s music or Springsteen, or just
love being around musicians and songwriters, and this
writing my own songs.
community too much to ever say goodbye again.
When I finally got back in that place where I was writing
Well, I’m sure glad you are back and I know you have
in a more focused way, it was the best feeling in the world,
much more to say, write, sing and do. Thanks for sharing
doing writers rounds, which was as rewarding as any tv
your journey with us. What is it that you think has made
show I had done back then, so I knew I was on the right
people resonate with your character Deacon? Deacon is
track.
one that just stands out when you hear people talk about Nashville. I hear more about Deacon than any other
I figured in all reality, that I had missed the boat to be a
character on there. Why is that?
performer, but I thought maybe it wasn’t too late to write for somebody else and that would be fantastic to be able
Well that is very kind to say. What I will say is the character
to get a cut on somebody else’s album. That would blow
you have to go to the creator Callie Khouri, who wrote
my mind. Then that leads up to all of a sudden this show
that first script, and dreamt up this character of Deacon
Nashville coming along. It’s changed everything and it has
Claybourne. I’ve been around in acting long enough to
opened doors that I never imagined would be opened and
know a great lead role when I see one. As an actor for
it has blown them wide open and now here I am talking
years and years I got to play supporting characters and
to you. So let me finish the metaphor. So I met that girl
guest characters and you would be very happy if you got
music when I was really young. We dated in high school
someone who would have a couple facets that was maybe
and in college we really fell in love. I was head over heels
more than one thing. On a sitcom especially, maybe you
and we were totally together. To be honest I majored in
are the boyfriend who is a neat freak and that is all you
economics but that’s not really the truth, I majored in my
get to play, the funny episode as the guy who is a neat
band in college. It was an every day, every night thing,
freak, driven crazy by how messy your girl is. What you
and I was head over heels in love. When I went out from
don’t get to play, until you get real lucky, is somebody
college I thought I left that girl behind, but with Buddy I
who has so many facets, who is a real human being and
got to hang around with her for a couple of more years.
that is who Deacon is.
It wasn’t my music, but I got to meet her again, and then I said goodbye for a long, long time. I might get a phone
He is a great representation of the human condition,
call every now and then, but this is my meeting back up
which is he feels things very very deeply. He loves very
with music again. I don’t know much about the future
deeply and he has a strong desire to be a great friend and 9
a good man and someone who can be depended on but
I played at the Bluebird before and I said, I know y’all
meanwhile he has this broken side that comes from all
came here to see Deacon, I’m sorry he’s not here tonight.
the layers that have been unwrapped. As we have gone
I’m Chip, he’s a better guitar player, I might be a slightly
through the seasons about his past whether it was the early
better singer, I don’t know just because I have a wider
abuse as a kid with his sister that he went through, the
range, Deacon doesn’t usually get up too high, it’s part of
tough upbringing there and his addictions, the demons
the character he just sits a little more, Deacon hits some
that came along when he became an addict. What you
notes up there and I am at the top of my range as well.
find out is there is this guy you can root for. #1 you know
We overlap here and there, I don’t know. This is me, this
he is trying, and you know when he fails, no one shows it
is him. If I am playing a song, let me add he has totally
more deeply, more hurt by the hurt he causes others, and
influenced me. I sound like a crazy man. Believe me I
after that, they made him one of the guitar gods here in
know he’s me and vice versa but really it is great as a
the town of Nashville and one of the people respected by
songwriter, I am blessed I can write from a place where
the characters. There he is put up to be meaningful and
everything is great, but to get to sit in Deacons’ shoes
important and full of depth. So you get all those things
everyday and going through the things that he has, let’s
and that is a hell of a guy to get to play. On top of that
me write and paint with a different pallet, more blues,
you have these songs that I get to sing and play and that
blacks and grays and darker browns. My palette is a little
guitar work of Collin Linden I mean it’s my voice but it
light cause there but for the grace of God, I have these
is his guitar voice playing and then to be honest, from
brighter things going in my life. He’s been through it. He
the first episode you sit me at the Bluebird and a guitar
has gone through darker things. So he paints with that
from the late 1900’s a pre-war Martin in my hand and
darker palette, so having said that I have access to that
I am sitting across from Pam Tillis at the Bluebird and
palette now when I write. And clearly I have access to
surrounded by other great Bluebird characters, great
my own darker palette when I am playing him. Nobody
Bluebird musicians like Pam. In the back of the room is
gets to 50 without going through some tough times. But
Hayden Panettiere playing Juliet Barnes with the tear
he does inspire some of those songs. At least not inspire
slowly running down her face. I knew quickly, this was a
like, hey I will write a song for Deacon, but we just came
special role. You get to play this one of a kind guy. It is all
out of a week of playing something very hard. It’s not
we want to be and sometimes find out who we are.
surprising that you would come out with something that would move you into that direction.
When you are performing a song on the show Nashville or you are performing a song live on the Opry or touring
What is it about Country Music that resonates with you
somewhere. Do we see more of Deacon in Chip or more
as an artist?
Chip in Deacon? First of all let me say it is hard to put your finger on it. It’s funny it is very song specific. If I am on screen
I know it just does, and it has, whether it was listening
playing Deacon it’s always more Deacon. It’s hard to say
to the classics with my dad when he was playing Hank
the parts that make it up cause it is clearly all Deacon.
Williams, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Roy Acuff, Patsy Cline,
There is not an ingredient in Deacon that is not in Chip.
and others, it could have been very possible that I went
I am not able to add what is not in me. In some ways
oh dad, change the channel, but it did appeal to me, it
I am definitely more animated and less cool than he is.
pulled those heart strings and the longing was just in
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there. As I got older and the decades go by with Country Music whether it was in the 90’s or in the 2000’s, the stories that are told are great in country music. There is an odd combination of literal versus, there isn’t as much symbolism as you might find in avant-garde rock. I was always impressed with a band like U2 that was able to make their songs sound epic and mythical and biblical. They knew how to paint from that palette of things that would sound universal, yet there was rarely a story that you could delineate what just happened per se. Like “Mysterious Ways”, it’s alright she moves in mysterious way. I wasn’t able to pull a story out of that, but to go back to what I was saying about Springsteen earlier, I can pull a story out of “Jungle Land”. I can figure out what is happening out of “10th Ave Freeze Out or Thunder Road”. Like Elvis Costello, he could write both of those kinds of songs or he could write “My Aim is True” where you got a sense of the story of Allison, but it was oblique though. I like that there is something about me, I like the literal. There is something about the “He Stopped Loving Her Today” type of story. It’s funny, in some ways it can be limiting or you think it could be limiting. I mean I am here to tell you a story about a gambler that I sat next to, or here’s a story about once in a west Texas town of El Paso. Now let me tell you what happened, or let me tell you about Pancho and Lefty. You would think that you would be limited in that, but somehow in that limitation it opens it wide open to make these universal themes. I mean, “I Drive Your Truck”, 11
let’s talk about that for a second. First of all, you are at
We see you around town all the time and you are
a place in country music where they say truck songs are
obviously very involved in the community. A lot of artists
done, quit singing about trucks, and they say no. I tell
like Trisha, Garth or Vince, are regulars at Belmont
you what, I am going to write a chart song that is the
Basketball games. I have seen you at a few of the Belmont
best of all of them and can break your heart, cause you
Basketball games too. Is there a connection for you?
are not expecting it. You see that title and hear that song and listen to that story and it gets me every time. There
First connection is first season we were invited out to
are a lot of stories out there like that. That’s what I love,
Belmont and that was fun and I really did enjoy it and
that’s what I love and my songs tend to go toward that
went back for a while and then I got to know Vince over
direction. I was never good at the abstract. It would either
the last couple of years and how welcoming he is and his
come out sounding too abstract like I was a bad poet, or
heart to make us feel very welcome here in Nashville.
trying to be a real heady poet or not abstract enough,
Not just our Nashville family but he was on our show
like what are you even doing that for, just say what you
very early on and welcomed us on the Opry Stage which
mean. So I was never good at the middle where great
is as good of a welcome as you can get. Between Vince
music exists in and I love so much of it. Maybe some of
and Little Jimmie Dickens, who can say anything if Little
it has to do with not having a band all of those years that
Jimmie Dickens and Vince Gill have opened their arms?
it becomes about the song and not about the production.
Then quite literally when my family came out here, they
I can totally see and I remember it happening, I was in
came at Easter a couple of years back and Vince and Amy
my college band and you would just start on a jam, so it
welcomed us to their home and made us feel personally
would come from these chords, that bass line, that drum
welcome. Later I went to a Belmont game with him and
rhythm. Now just sing some words on top of it. Which is
that is the clear way to say I got in deeper. My daughter
always what U2 felt like except Bono was able to access
Taylor, who was a senior when we moved here went to
something deep when he did it, or REM, sure you are like
Brentwood High and is now a Sophomore at Belmont,
this is all nonsense but it feels so meaningful. I was never
and loves it so much and is really thriving there. Also, we
really any good at that. I was always moved by the literal
just had the premier of season four out at Belmont and a
anyway.
lot of the cast members live tweeted while we watched the first show on the screen there in the beautiful new facility.
Let’s talk a minute about your recent move from LA to
Taylor said she might not have counted on Belmont being
Nashville and how that transition has gone for you and
an option if I had not got this job. So again this job leads a
your family.
way into all these perfect situations.
Not just seamless, which would be something, but a
You have a special event coming up on Friday, October 9th
seamless dream is all I can say cause it really just clicked.
called Light the Night Walk. For those that don’t know
I would have been willing to put up with hardship for
about your history with the organization or about your
this amazing show to do things that I get to do, and I was
daughter, tell us about Team Addy and your connection
fearful for it with my wife and my kids but I found out
with the charity.
instead it was like Lego pieces and in some weird way it has always been like coming home to a place we have
Well that is just another of the puzzle pieces that clicked
never lived. It’s been more than I could ever ask for.
together so well. My family has been involved with the
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leukemia and lymphoma society for so long. My daughter
downtown Nashville and all these thousands of people
Addy is almost 16 now and when she was 2-1/2 years old
with their lanterns in support, Red in support of those
she was diagnosed with leukemia, and for about 2 years
who are going through their treatment for their cancer.
she was under a regimen of chemotherapy. She went into
White for those who were survivors and Gold in memory
remission rather quickly but you continue the chemo for
of those who had not made it. Along Addy’s journey
2 years and we were extremely blessed to find out she was
we knew people who had not made it, so to be a part of
cancer free at the end of those two years. It was obviously
that night where you are walking through the streets so
a dark and very hard time for the family but in strange
strong you are literally lighting up the night with these
ways there are always blessings at the darkest times and
lamps and also the fireworks. I am very glad to say along
we got to learn what was really important. We got to see
with the convention bureau here in the city of Nashville,
the love of family and friends who came alongside and
and along with a bunch of the landmark buildings here
made it work for us during those times and we also got to
they have agreed to light up themselves red in honor of
become involved with the leukemia-lymphoma society.
and support of LLS. Literally we are going to be lighting
We were able to be with other people that were going
the night. It is an amazing event for anybody that has
through it or others that had lost family members or
unfortunately come across blood cancer in their life
friends and to see what they were doing. We knew very
currently or in their past or if it is just that they have a
quickly that my daughter was given an 85% survival rate
heart for people that are. I will say that all research that
and that 15% sounded way to high clearly but we knew
goes into blood cancer, it is so elemental that it has an
that compared to when I was a kid that was a virtual
outside influence on other cancers. Things you learn at
death sentence. So that number had been changed by
the blood level tend to help all over throughout the body
people that did research and those researchers had been
and other forms of cancer, so you are helping all over
funded by people that fund raise, so that is what LLS is
when you help LLS.
all about. We started dabbling in that and putting our toe in and becoming involved. I would help with auctions for
On top of having the walk here, we have all these people
LLS in LA and would become the live auctioneer. I would
that have just finished a walk and are in a great mood and
have a couple of things signed from the cast of Whose
here we have all these musicians and all these performers,
Line is it Anyway and used the small measure of fame I
so why not have a Light the Night late night concert. We
had then to do what we could. Addy was girl of the year
had Light the Night walk, so now let’s have Light the
one year when she was finishing up her treatment, so we
Late Night. A bunch of my friends from the show were
tried to be a part of it out there as much as we could and
kind enough to come together at 3rd and Lindsley and
then here, through my friend Pete Fisher out there at the
just throw down and have a party there after the walk
Opry, I’m gonna name drop there, we came in contact
last year, and we are going to do the same thing this
with the Nashville Chapter. The first year we got to go
year. Tickets are already flying out the door and we can’t
to the Light the Night walk and that will be like the one
wait to pack that place with people that deserve a great
we are having Oct 9th this year. I was blown away. My
night and people that are celebrating and people that
daughter Addy was there. We had a Team Addy that
are supporting and people who are just flat out fans of
had fund raised to friends and family, new friends from
Nashville that have come to find out how they can help a
Nashville and family that had come to visit. We were there
great cause. When I think all that came from the show as
out on the bridge in the shadow of the football stadium in
well. It is just another one of those great things. 13
You released a new single this summer called “Hot One”.
been one of the most meaningful places I have ever
Any definite plans or time frame for putting together a
played. It was just another great life experience that
full length record or are you just going to let it happen
I chalk up to my Job from my friend Callie Khouri,
organically?
and to all the people that make it happen for us. Steve Buchanan one of the exec producers here
Well I have been letting it happen organically for too
and my friend Deacon Claybourne.
long. Sometimes for me letting it happen organically means I am not going to do it. You know what I mean.
If there was one thing about you as an artist
Sometimes I have to be more proactive. I notice when I
or an actor that people haven’t discovered
am surrounded by other people’s deadlines I get more
yet what would that be?
done. Having said that I am not about to give you a date right now although I probably should if I had any guts that would force me to do it. I will say this if I get through this season without an album it will shock me or maybe even somewhere in this season or right when we finish up its got to be coming out almost immediately. I have had a blast these last couple of summers touring. I don’t want to be the guy touring without music people can find anymore. I want them to have a little time with those songs. If they come to love them and that’s why they want to come to the show then yes by all means please, please. Yes that is what I want to do. Can fans expect to see you out on the road live much in the near future? Yes. I have already done that. Clare Bowen and I have gone on the road together some, because it is just a great package. She is a great performer and we get along great, and I have also done a bunch on my own already. Just yesterday, Jonathan Jackson and I were up in New York City where we got to play at this incredible event at the Towers Run. It raises awareness about all the fire fighters and first responders that lost their lives there on 9/11 and we wanted to do something for the families. We got to go there and play that there at Ground Zero. Jonathan played a set and then I played a set. That’s 14
I am pretty exposed. I don’t tend to hide a lot in performances; I am a bit of a show off
from way back, from the time when I was a kid. When I am on stage and I am playing, there is nothing I love more than getting that connection with that audience. Chip tends to pull out all the stops I just want to advance. For the most part I would say, actually ironically, my music is the thing that most people don’t’ know about me.
They know this song here or that song there, but people that come out to my shows or are on social media tend to know those songs that are not even released but you can find on YouTube, but even those aren’t the best version of my songs. So this album when it does come out will be a whole big part of me that hasn’t seen the light of day. Your songs are almost like your children in the sense that you just want them to get a chance to go out into the world and do what they can do. This will be that. Everything I have seen you do I have seen you throw yourself into. Even before I met you personally, even watching from a distance, you can tell you lay it out on the line and you go for it. You don’t play it safe. I appreciate that. That comes out of two things, #1 I am sort of joking but sort of telling the truth when I say I show off and the other is I just love that connection, to get them going you know what I mean? Finally the one thing that is the most responsible for it is I don’t take any of it for granted I don’t take a single performance on a single stage for granted. Especially now. I know how special this is, where I am. I am in the promised land right now in terms of the show I get to play in and the things I get to do. I don’t know how long this show will go, I hope we get many, many seasons but I am not going to act like we are. You make hay while the sun shines. I remember when I got to play Buddy Holly it was a thrill every single time and every single performance and I made a promise to myself that I would suck the marrow out of that job and I wouldn’t leave anything undone. I was going to get everything I could out of it. I think that is specifically how I look at this. I am notorious for saying yes I will be a part of that. I fear sometimes people will be sick of seeing me at the next event they go to in Nashville, but I don’t’ have the heart and I don’t have the will to say no. If I can go along and play with a band that’s good, then yes I will be there.
15
LADY ANTEBELLUM’S WHEELS UP TOUR REVIEW
L
ady Antebellum has become one of the top groups in Country Music today. Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley, and Dave Haywood released their first album 2008. Since that time, they have released 5 albums and have spent a good majority of that time touring and meeting fans on the road. It’s amazing to see where Lady Antebellum started, and how far they have come! Luckily, we had to see Lady Antebellum in Nashville just as they were wrapping up their their “Wheels Up Tour”! Lady Antebellum has always put on a great show, and this was no exception. Joining them on this tour was Sam Hunt, and Hunter Hayes. I mean, when you have those kind of artists warming the crowd up for you, it’s bound to be a good time! Sam Hunt started off the show and got the crowd moving and singing along to his hits like “Ex To See”, “Breakup In A Small Town”, “Leave the Night On” and of course, “House Party”! Up next was Hunter Hayes! Now, if you have never seen Hunter Hayes live, you need to ASAP. Hunter has such a distinct and special way of involving his fans in every aspect of his performance. Whether that be jumping down in the crowd and saying hello, or taking selfies as he’s performing, or even letting some fans sing along with him on the microphone, he is always engaged and making sure he is entertaining his fans. Hunter sang his most popular songs like “Wanted”, “Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me”, “21”, and “I Want Crazy”. I think it’s safe to say that the crowd was now officially warmed up! Lady Antebellum started out their set with the powerful and dramatic song, “Long Stretch of Love”. The fans 16
BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
were immediately engaged their powerful harmonies, and the screens on the stage that seemed larger than life! Off of the stage they had a runway strip that allowed them to get in the middle of the crowd. Throughout the whole show, their energy never wavered and they were constantly giving thanks for those who were attendance and to all the fans who have been supporting them all this time. The performed hit, after hit, and you could tell that the fans were loving every minute! Perhaps one of the most energetic parts of the night came from Hillary. She surprised everyone and did an amazing rendition of Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine”, complete with dancing instructions at the end of the song! As the night began to come to a close, the band took a moment to walk to the end of stage and end their night with a haunting acoustic performance of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide”. To say that it was an emotional moment is an understatement. While this tour has come to a close, it is unclear what the future holds for Lady Antebellum. What we do know if how far Lady Antebellum has come in the years that have passed by. They have created music that will forever impact not only country music, but music in general. Plus, they all now have beautiful growing families. Though it may be a little while before we hear any new music/tour from Lady Antebellum, we do know that it will certainly be worth the wait.
Brett Eldredge Illinois BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
B
rett Eldredge has always put his own spin on Country Music. With his first album, Bring You Back, he unleashed hits like “Don’t Ya”, “Mean to Me”, and “Beat of the Music”. With such success from his first album, he has a lot to live up to. His recently released album Illinois is a high energy, fun and funky album that show the many sides and characteristics that Brett Eldredge has to offer. Starting off the album is a song that is quite literally “Fire”. This upbeat song will get fans warmed up and it’s a great song to set the tone for the rest of the album. Now, the next song “You Can’t Stop Me” is sure to be a fan favorite. Plus, he has his upcoming tour name Thomas Rhett as a guest on it. This is such a fun dance tune! Also a warning: after listening to this song, be prepared for it to be stuck in your head for the following days. Following that is “Lose My Mind”, which was his first single from this new album. It’s no surprise that this song became yet another hit for him. Brett begins to slow the album down a little bit with songs like, “Wanna Be That Song” and “If You Were My Girl” . Ladies, be prepared! These are definitely “swoon” worthy song. 18
The title track, “Illinois”, is a glimpse into where Brett Eldredge comes from. This song feels like a genuine, and lovely tribute to his childhood and upbringing. Regardless of if you have ever been to his hometown of Paris, Illinois, this song sure paints a pretty picture in your mind….”Just A Taste”, “Drunk On Your Love” and “Shadow” keep the energy of the album up. These songs display Brett’s unique voice and really brings to light all the special qualities that Brett vocally brings to country music. The last song on the track, “Going Away For a While” is a catchy song that perfectly brings this album to a close. Perhaps one of the best lines from this closing song is, “Don’t worry, I’m going away for a while, but I’ll come back with a smile...” This new album will most certainly put a pep in your step and a smile on your face. Brett Eldredge is an energetic, caring, and extremely talented artist. All of these traits shine through in Illinois.
Single reviews Kenny
Chesney’s
latest
single “Save It For A Rainy
Day”
showcases
that classic “Kenny” style that has made him one of country music’s most loveable artists. Written by Andrew Dorff, Matt Ramsey and Brad Tursi, this song is about taking advantage of all the small joys that each day offers.
“Cause the sun’s too bright, the
sky’s too blue, beer’s too cold to be thinking bout you. Gonna take this heartbreak and tuck it away, Save it for a rainy day” Let’s be honest...how can you not have a great day after hearing Kenny sing this feel good song? Recently Kenny said this regarding his latest single, “Friends, family, the moments, that’s the stuff that’s so easy to miss, and this song makes it so easy to figure out.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! - Haley Maleah Hall It may have been a little while since we have heard new music from Lauren Alaina, but she is back with a new single and it’s sassier than ever! “Next Boyfriend”, which was written by Lauren Alaina, Emily Weisband and Matt McVaney, is a fun and flirty anthem! Lauren has come back to the scene with a cool country-pop feel that matches her fierce and loving attitude. Be warned, this catchy chorus will have you singing along! “You look a lot like my next boyfriend / I can’t believe how much you act like him / You and me, we’d be unbelievable / And I’m available.” This new song was certainly worth the wait! We can’t wait to hear what is next from her. - Haley Maleah Hall
KACEY MUSGRAVES ’
THE COUNTRY & WESTERN RHINESTONE REVUE TOUR Oct 1 Oct 2 Oct 3 Oct 9 Oct 11 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 17 Oct 23 Oct 24 Nov 9 Nov 10 Nov 12 Nov 15 Nov 16 Nov 18 Nov 20 Nov 22
Detroit, MI Huntington, WV Philadelphia, PA New Orleans, LA Tulsa, OK Charlottesville, VA Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. New Haven, CT New York, NY Gateshead, UK Birmingham, UK Dublin, Ireland Glasgow, UK Manchester, UK London, UK Hamburg, Germany Amsterdam
For more information, visit www.kaceymusgraves.com
20
Review of The Country & Western Rhinestone Revue Tour featuring Kacey Musgraves
K
BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
acey Musgraves first caught the eye of the music industry a few years ago as she debuted her new song “Merry Go Round” at
the Ryman Auditorium in front of hundreds of music business professionals. Who would have imagined that just a few short years later, Kacey would be
Kacey Musgraves was charming and hilarious as
selling out not just one night, but TWO nights at the
she greeted fans. She made you feel at ease and like
Historic Ryman Auditorium?
you were watching someone who genuinely cares about music, family, and her fans. She sang hits like
Kacey Musgraves “Country and Western Rhinestone
“Biscuits”, “Follow Your Arrow”, and “Merry Go
Review” tour kicked off earlier this Summer. She
Round” all while mixing in new songs like “Pageant
has been selling out shows left and right. We were
Material”, “Dimestore Cowgirl”, and “Good Ol’ Boys
lucky enough to get to see her on her second night
Club”. The crowd also went crazy as she covered
of her sold out show in Nashville. As a long time
TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Nancy Sinatra’s “These
Kacey Musgraves fan, I knew that this show had to
Boots Were Made For Walkin’”. Plus, her boots lit
be incredible. I have to say, I was not disappointed!
up...obviously.
From the moment the curtain was raised, the entire
Kacey ended the night with her and her band
audience ooh’ed and aw’ed at the stage. You can
standing in the middle of the stage. There was a
tell that Kacey Musgraves certainly relied on her
single microphone in the middle and they all stood
“Pageant Material” theme while planning this tour.
around and sang “Happy Trails” before walking
The stage sparkled and shined as pink streamers
off the stage. This moment was a perfect ending to
lined the stage. Plus, her band had customized pink
the show. It showed that regardless of how sparkly
suits which lit up! Now, the stage was not complete
and bright the stage was, sometimes the brightest
without a massive disco ball that hung above the
and most special things in life are the ones with
stage.
simplicity. 21
O C TO B E R B I RT H D AYS
9
13
Scotty McCreery
10
Rhett Akins
17
23
Tanya Tucker
Dwight Yoakam
26
27
Alan Jackson
28
Keith Urban 22
Lee Greenwood
28
Brad Paisley
Charlie Daniels
T R E N D I N G O N A I R P L AY W E E K LY. C O M
1
George Strait Announces Las Vegas Shows and New Album!
2
Chris Young Announces “I’m Comin’ Over” on November 13th!
3
Miranda Lambert To Join Kenny Chesney On Tour!
4
49th CMA Awards Nominees Announced!
5
5 Reasons We’re Calling ‘Dibs’ on Kelsea Ballerini
6
Brad Paisley Releases “Country Nation” Music Video 23