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Could Sam Hunt's third album arrive in 2021?

No Comments Country Music News

Connor DwyerYou’d be hard-pressed to think of a more-anticipated sophomore album than Sam Hunt‘s Southside, which arrived in early April 2020, more than five years after Montevallo in the fall of 2014.

“After I put out my first record and toured, toured, toured, I got a little bit out of shape in terms of making new music,” Sam admits. “I won’t say that I forgot how to write songs, but I certainly got out of rhythm, I guess.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic made touring impossible this year, Sam was unexpectedly able to resume the process that yielded Southside number ones like “Kinfolks” and “Hard to Forget.”

“Because the tour got canceled,” he explains, “I was able to just jump right back in the studio and kind of pick up where I left off with that record and build on it. And so, fortunately, I’ve been able to knock out some new songs over the past few months.”

“And I’m hoping to be able to make up for lost time,” Sam continues, “and put out music a little sooner than I maybe would have been able to had we been on the road for the entirety of the summer.”

In fact, Sam says it’s entirely possible his third record could be ready next year.

“I’ve been writing new songs and putting together a new project…” he reveals. “So I’m hoping to make up for lost time. I don’t have a full record ready, but I certainly have some songs that I’d like to put out in 2021.”

“If I can scratch up another several songs between now and January, February, March, I may have a full record,” he adds.

For now, Sam’s just put out “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” as the latest single from Southside.

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Parker McCollum’s Hollywood Gold EP hits more milestones, as “Pretty Heart” becomes a top-ten hit

No Comments Country Music News

David McClister Rising star Parker McCollum is adding another accolade to his collection this week: His EP Hollywood Gold has officially become the highest-selling debut EP of 2020.

Debuting at number ten on the Billboard country chart, Hollywood Gold is a six-song collection that includes Parker’s breakout debut single, “Pretty Heart.” That song is currently in the top ten on both Billboard’s Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs. “Pretty Heart” recently earned Parker his first-ever RIAA gold certification, too, marking 500,000 units sold.

The singer co-wrote “Pretty Heart,” along with all the rest of Hollywood Gold’s songs — with one star-studded exception. None other than country superstar Chris Stapleton had a hand in writing “Like a Cowboy,” Parker’s tribute to the rugged work ethic of earlier generations.

Hollywood Gold came out earlier this month.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Lady A revisits their Christmas album, 'On This Winter’s Night,' with four festive new tracks

No Comments Country Music News

Courtesy of BMLG RecordsLady A are returning to their 2012 Christmas project On This Winter’s Night, and adding four new tracks to the album for this holiday season.

The deluxe version expands the album’s track list from 12 to 16 songs. The new additions include a cover of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” the Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick” and Ray Charles’ “That Spirit of Christmas,” which was featured in the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

But perhaps the most special song the trio is adding to the project is an original tune that all three members co-wrote. “Christmas Through Your Eyes,” was penned specifically with the trio’s children in mind.

“We’ve always loved the holiday season, but it has become even more magical now that we’re parents,” notes Hillary Scott. “So, we thought we’d add on a new, original song that was inspired by our kids, and our take on a few of our favorites, which [have] brought us so much joy.”

She adds that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and what has been a difficult year for many, the band is hoping that their Christmas project will offer fans some festive joy.

“I think we could all use a little extra holiday cheer this year!” Hillary adds.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Carly Pearce brushes off cheesy pick-up lines in hilarious “Next Girl” music video

No Comments Country Music News

Allister AnnLame pick-up lines and cheesy advances get the eye-roll treatment from Carly Pearce in the music video for her new single, “Next Girl.”

While the song itself may be inspired by a heartbreak, “Next Girl” gets a lighthearted, empowering visual treatment, with Carly starring as a bar-goer, performer and waitress who dodges red flags from boring dudes left and right.

“This video was so fun to make!” the singer exclaims. “I feel like most of us have either been on the receiving end of these advances or have witnessed them. And while I truly hope the lyrics help the ‘next girl’ know that a jerk’s actions are not her fault, I also wanted to mix some of the often-experienced pick-up techniques with a little humor. Come on, do these really work?!”

Carly was inspired by iconic ‘90s women of country music, like Patty Loveless and Reba McEntire, to write “Next Girl.”

The song also came out in the wake of some personal heartbreak for the singer. She filed for divorce from her husband, fellow country star Michael Ray, over the summer.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Maren Morris + more lead American Music Awards country nominations

No Comments Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LADan + Shay are the most-nominated country act at the 2020 American Music Awards, with three nominations to their name. That includes a nod in the all-genre Collaboration of the Year category with their Justin Bieber duet, “10,000 Hours.”

They’re also in the running in the Favorite Duo or Group — Country category, as well as in Favorite Song — Country, also for “10,000 Hours.”

In the latter category, Dan + Shay will go head-to-head against two other popular country choices, Maren Morris and Blake Shelton. Maren comes into the category courtesy of her cross-genre hit “The Bones,” while Blake clocks in with “Nobody but You,” his duet with his pop superstar girlfriend Gwen Stefani.

Maren and Blake each have two nominations this year: Maren’s also up for Favorite Female Artist — Country alongside Gabby Barrett and Miranda Lambert. Blake’s also got a mention in Favorite Album — Country for his Fully Loaded project. He appears as well in the Favorite Album — Country category alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, who both also have two nominations apiece. Luke and Morgan scored nods in the Favorite Male Artists — Country category, where they’re up against Kane Brown.

Florida Georgia Line and Old Dominion also received mentions in the Favorite Duo or Group — Country category.

Some of this year’s AMA nominees were announced on ABC’s Good Morning America by Dua Lipa Monday morning. Rapper Roddy Ricch and singer-songwriter The Weeknd are the most-nominated acts overall, with a whopping eight nominations apiece. Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Megan Thee Stallion and many more also came in with multiple nods.

The American Music Awards, music’s largest fan-voted awards show, will air live on ABC November 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

By Carena Liptak
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.