05/09/2008
 

TIM MCGRAW

click to go to this artist's pageFRITOS BRAND AND TIM MCGRAW ‘SPICE UP’ AD CAMPAIGN AND

LAUNCH LIMITED EDITION TIM MCGRAW SPICY JALAPEÑO FRITOS CORN CHIPS

One of America’s Classic Favorites Serves as Official Snack of McGraw’s 2008 Live Your Voice Tour

PLANO, Texas (May 9, 2008) – The Fritos brand spiced up snacking today by collaborating with Grammy Award-winning musician Tim McGraw for an integrated partnership to reach fans everywhere – from television to retail to on tour. For a limited-time only Tim McGraw Spicy Jalapeño flavored Fritos corn chips will be available in select stores starting in May and become nationally available in the fall. The special flavor of Fritos corn chips is part of a larger partnership between the brand and Tim McGraw, who will also appear in the brand’s targeted television advertising campaign. The debut of the Fritos brand television commercial starring Tim McGraw will also be accompanied by a regional print campaign, all of which center around good simple fun with family and friends.

“As one of America’s classic snacks for more than 75 years, the Fritos brand is synonymous with good, simple fun, and is a snack that continues to be a favorite across generations of families,” said Ken Partyka, vice president, marketing, Frito-Lay North America. “As a true family man who values the important things in life, Tim McGraw was a natural fit for our new ad campaign. Tim shares our passion for life’s simple pleasures, and has his own fond memories of growing up with Fritos corn chips.”

The Fritos brand will also serve as the official snack of the “Tim McGraw ’08 Live Your Voice Tour” that kicks off in Tampa, FL today, and the presenting sponsor of the “StyleSonic Stage,” which will feature artists chosen by McGraw to perform prior to the start of each concert. As a special promotion, Tim McGraw is making StyleSonic music downloads available for free to everyone who buys a ticket to the tour this year. More details will be available on www.TimMcGraw.com prior to the start of the tour.

“Fritos corn chips bring back memories of growing up in Louisiana,” said Tim McGraw. “We ate a lot of spicy foods and still do and these have a nice kick to them. With the support of the Fritos brand we are looking forward to a great tour; having the opportunity to introduce some of the best up and coming names in country music to fans across the country will make this tour even more exciting.”

The Tim McGraw Spicy Jalapeño flavored Fritos corn chips will be available for $0.99 per 3.875 oz bag and $2.49 per 9.75 oz bag

Frito-Lay North America is the $11 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo, which is headquartered in Purchase, NY. In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo business units include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana.

       
 
   
 
05/08/2008
 

WYNONNA

click to go to this artist's pageWYNONNA GETS EXTREME MAKEOVER

Wynonna will appear on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition later this month. The episode focuses on a family in Cheyenne, Wyoming, who want to turn their 20 acres into a safe haven for animals. Wynonna pays a visit to the construction site and performs for the volunteers. (CMT Daily Roundup)

       
 
   
 
05/08/2008
 

RODNEY ATKINS

click to go to this artist's pageRodney Atkins' mother, Margaret, has literally played a vital role in his life. She adopted Rodney as an infant and recalls that he had health problems early on, telling Country Weekly, "After a month or so with us, you could really see a difference in him. We were there for him day in and day out."

Rodney has nothing but praise for his mom: "She never was the kind to really want to draw attention on herself. There's no vanity. She has the patience of an angel. People ask me, 'What's the word that comes to your mind?' Really with my mother, she's angelic. She really is. She doesn’t say much, she's quiet, she's supportive. She's always made me feel like, whether she's voicing her opinion or not, she's always praying for you."

Read what Rodney's mom has to say about her son in the latest issue of Country Weekly, on newsstands now. (Dial Global)

       
 
   
 
05/08/2008
 

TIM MCGRAW

click to go to this artist's pageTim McGraw's Wal-Mart exclusive set, Greatest Hits Volume 1 And 2, debuts at the top of this week's Billboard Country Albums chart, with sales of over 29 thousand copies. In its first week out, the album also lands at #10 on the Billboard Top 200 pop chart.

       
 
   
 
05/06/2008
 

TIM MCGRAW

click to go to this artist's pageTIM MCGRAW KICKS OFF “LIVE YOUR VOICE TOUR”

Warren Brothers Earn Honorary Doctorates

NASHVILLE - (May 5, 2008) – Tim McGraw will launch his “Live Your Voice Tour” this Friday, May 9 in Tampa, Florida with special guest Jason Aldean and Halfway To Hazard. Also joining the tour are Brett and Brad Warren who have received honorary doctorates from McGraw and his band, the Dancehall Doctors. McGraw announced today that the Warren Brothers will be featured players in his touring band.

For more tour information go to www.timmcgraw.com.

       
 
   
 
05/01/2008
 

ASHLEY GEARING

click to go to this artist's page The 2nd annual Country Weekly Fashion Show presented by Wrangler set for June 4th

Neal McCoy set to Host; GAC's Suzanne Alexander set to emcee & runway talent announced

The 2nd annual Country Weekly Fashion Show presented by Wrangler will take place at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday, June 4th at 8 PM. This one-of-a-kind fashion event, where today’s hottest country stars take over the runway, benefits Musicians On Call.

Katie Armiger, Sarah Buxton, Charter’s Chord, Christian Cane, Ashley Gearing, Adam Gregory, Jennifer Hanson, Marcel, CMT’s Can You Duet Joey Martin, Lorrie Morgan, Erika Page-White, Danielle Peck, Mica Roberts, Phil Stacey, Crystal Shawanda, Fisher Stevenson, Trent Tomlinson, GAC Country Music Across America host Storme Warren, Jimmy Wayne, Emily West, Bryan White, Chuck Wicks, Trent Willmon, Blake Wise, NBC’s American Gladiator Hollywood Yates, and Chris Young and are all confirmed to strut their stuff on the runway. Neal McCoy will serve as the evenings host while GAC Nights host Suzanne Alexander will serve as emcee of the event.

Tickets for the Country Weekly Fashion Show presented by Wrangler will be available at all TicketMaster locations starting Friday, May 2nd at 10 am or at www.ticketmaster.com

About Musicians On Call: Musicians on Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and national celebrities, and its CD Pharmacy and Project Playback programs.

MOC opened its first national chapter in Nashville, Tennessee in April 2007. In less than a year, we have played for over 3,000 people at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We have three weekly programs where volunteer guides and musicians visit adults in the Transplant, Dialysis, General Surgery, and Cardiac Units. For more information, please visit our website at www.musiciansoncall.org.

About Wrangler: Wrangler Western Wear, a VF Company, is available at over 2,500 western specialty, mid-tier and workwear stores nationwide that provide quality men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. For more information regarding the Wrangler family of products or to locate the Wrangler retailer nearest you, visit www.wrangler.com or call 1.888.784.8571.

VF Corporation is a leader in branded lifestyle apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, image apparel and sportswear. Its principal brands include Wrangler, Lee, Riders, Rustler, The North Face, Vans, Reef, Napapijri, Kipling, Nautica, John Varvatos, JanSport, Eastpak, Eagle Creek, Lee Sport and Red Kap.

About Country Weekly: As America’s premier country entertainment magazine, over 3.5 million readers turn to Country Weekly for the latest news and exclusive stories about the lives, lifestyles, families, homes, favorite foods, fashion and music of country celebrities. Country Weekly is published 26 times a year by parent company American Media, Inc. www.countryweekly.com

       
 
   
 
04/30/2008
 

2008 FANFEST

click to go to this artist's pageCheck back for your favorite Curb artist updates!

Thursday, June 5, 2008 – River Stages:

10:00 AM - 6:15 PM Performances Keith Anderson, The Bellamy Brothers, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Tracy Byrd, Carter's Chord, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Adam Gregory, Richie McDonald, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, Danielle Peck, Crystal Shawanda, Phil Stacey, Aaron Tippin, and Chuck Wicks. Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park

Friday, June 6, 2008 – River Stages:

10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Performances Eric Church, Crossin Dixon, Ashley Gearing, Jennifer Hanson, Heartland, Sarah Johns, Jypsi, Lonestar, The Lost Trailers, Neal McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Megan Mullins, Jake Owen, The Road Hammers, Ashton Shepherd, Fisher Stevenson, Emily West, and Chris Young. Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park

Saturday, June 7, 2008 – River Stages…no one scheduled on Saturday

8:00 PM Nightly Concert at LP Field 2009 CMA Music Festival 4-Day advance tickets on sale at box office. Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Alan Jackson, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan, and Kenny Rogers. VAULT™ Concert Stages at LP Field

Sunday, June 8, 2008 – River Stages:

10:30 AM - 6:15 PM Performances T. Graham Brown, Laura Bryna, Carolina Rain, Drew Davis Band, Whitney Duncan, Jimmy Fortune, Ty Herndon, LoCash Cowboys, Raul Malo, Mel McDaniel, Jamie O'Neal, Rissi Palmer, Rio Grand, Sunny Sweeney, Bryan White, Billy Yates, Charlie Allen, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rockie Lynne, and Cowboy Crush. Greased Lightning® Daytime Stages at Riverfront Park

       
 
   
 
04/30/2008
 

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC

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The Academy of Country Music announced today that more than 25 all- star country artists will participate in the Academy of Country Music 5th Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride benefiting the Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund on Saturday, May 17, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the fifth time in the Motorcycle Ride’s history, country duo Montgomery Gentry will host the event.

Artists participating in this year’s event are Keith Anderson, Bluefield, Sarah Buxton, Carolina Rain, Stephen Cochran, Ira Dean, 2 Foot Fred, Randy Houser, Emma Mae Jacob, Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Cody McCarver, Jeremy McComb, Richie McDonald, Craig Morgan, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, The Road Hammers, The Roys, Rhonda Townes, Whiskey Falls Tommy Lee Wilson, and Wolf/ Hollywood Yates.

The Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride will kick-off from the Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, which is the largest Harley- Davidson dealership in the nation. Riders will cruise through the Nevada desert and along the mountains, circling back until they reach Fremont Street, where the ride culminates in a live concert—free and open to the public—featuring past and present Academy of Country Music Award nominees and some of country’s best new artists.

To register for this year’s Academy of Country Music Charity Motorcycle Ride please visit http://www.acmcountry.com/ride2008/.

Registration fees start for as little as $35, with proceeds benefiting the Academy of Country Music® Charitable Fund.

The 43rd ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ceremony honoring country music’s top artists and the industry’s hottest emerging talent, will be broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. (Neil Haislop/Nashville IQ)

       
 
   
 
04/30/2008
 

TIM MCGRAW

click to go to this artist's pageTim McGraw has his own flavor of Fritos. The official sponsor of McGraw’s upcoming “Live Your Voice” tour has given his chips the name of Spicy Jalapeno. They will be a limited edition flavor available at Wal-Mart.

TIM MCGRAW LIVE YOUR VOICE 2008 TOUR - UPDATED

With Special Guest Jason Aldean and Halfway To Hazard

5/9/08 Tampa, FL/Ford Amphitheatre

5/10/08 West Palm Beach, FL/Cruzan Amph

5/11/08 Orlando, FL/Amway Arena

5/15/08 Birmingham, AL/Verizon Wireless Music Ctr

5/16/08 Charlotte, NC/Verizon Wireless Music Ctr

5/17/08 Raleigh, NC/Walnut Creek Amph

5/21/08 Cincinnati, OH/Riverbend Amph

5/22/08 Detroit, MI/DTE Energy Music Theatre

5/23/08 Indianapolis, IN/Verizon Wireless Music Ctr

5/24/08 Chicago, IL/ First Midwest Bank Amph

5/30/08 Oklahoma City, OK/Ford Center

5/31/08 Waxahachie, TX/Country Thunder - FESTIVAL

6/1/08 Houston, TX/The Woodlands

6/3/08 Charlottesville, VA/John Paul Jones Arena

6/5/08 Holmdel, NJ/PNC Bank Arts Center

6/6/08 Darien Center, NY/Darien Lake PAC

6/7/08 Boston, MA/Tweeter Center

6/8/08 Hartford, CT/New England Dodge Music Ctr

6/11/08 Atlanta, GA/Lakewood Amph

6/13/08 Philadelphia, PA/Susquehanna Bank Center

6/14/08 Virginia Beach, VA/Verizon Wireless Amph

6/15/08 Washington, DC/Nissan Pavilion

6/17/08 Kansas City, MO/Sprint Center

6/19/08 Albuquerque, NM/Journal Pavilion

6/20/08 Phoenix, AZ/Cricket Pavilion

6/21/08 Las Vegas, NV/Mandalay Bay

6/24/08 Seattle, WA/White River Amph

6/25/08 Portland, OR/Amphitheater at Clark County

6/27/08 Salt Lake City, UT/USANA Amph

6/28/08 Grand Junction, CO/Country Jam USA - FESTIVAL

6/29/08 Greeley, CO/Greeley Stampede - FESTIVAL

7/2/08 Cleveland, OH/Blossom Music Center

7/3/08 Milwaukee, WI/Summerfest

7/4/08 St. Louis, MO/Verizon Wireless Amph

7/6/08 Pittsburgh, PA/Post Gazette Pavilion

Tomorrow, Tim McGraw will officially announce his first fragrance - McGraw by Tim McGraw. The woody, spicy scent by Coty has hints of nutmeg, lavender, sandalwood and even includes aged whisky. According to Women's Wear Daily, the fragrance, McGraw, will launch this August in about 20 thousand North American chain drugstores, Wal-Mart and mid-tier department stores. Prices will range from 17 dollars for 0.5 ounces to 30 dollars for 1.7 ounces. A marketing rep for Coty shares, "Tim resonates with the American consumer. He is admired not only for being a great musician, but also for being a great husband [to Faith Hill] and father [of three]. We see this as one of the most significant mass market fragrance launches since [Coty launched] Celine Dion five years ago."

Print advertising begins in the September issues of lifestyle and men's magazines. A TV campaign will also begin that month that features Tim caught in a jam session, with an analogy made between creating a song and creating a fragrance. An Internet campaign is also planned. Additionally, Tim - who already has visited the factories producing the scent - will offer a special CD with fragrance samples inside. He has reportedly been very involved in both creating the scent and designing the bottle. The fragrance's rectangular glass bottle has a black leatherlike neck, with a silver cap with embossed rope representing McGraw's country roots in silver and a replica of a guitar pick on the top of the outer box to symbolize Tim's music. This is expected to be the signature fragrance in the McGraw line. (Dial-Global)

Tim McGraw has just scored the 30th #1 single of his career with "Nine Lives," which he co-wrote and performed with rock group Def Leppard for their Songs From The Sparkle Lounge album. The song lands at the top of the Billboard/R&R Classic Rock chart this week. McGraw also becomes the first country artist to appear on the Billboard/R&R Active Rock Singles chart, where the tune is Top 15 and climbing. This is not the first time McGraw has charted songs in other genres of music. His 2005 hit with Nelly, "Over And Over," remained at #1 for twelve weeks on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 and made him the first country artist to land on the Billboard Hip Hop/Rap Singles chart. (Dial-Global)

       
 
   
 
04/30/2008
 

RODNEY ATKINS

click to go to this artist's pageRodney Atkins is almost finished with his next CD, the follow-up to his highly successful If You're Going Through Hell album. No release date has been officially set, but the project could possibly come out this summer.

Having already recorded songs for his stepdaughters, his parents and his now-famous son, Elijah, Atkins continues this pattern with his new music: "There's family things in this other album in places. And one thing I kind of never sang about before that is in there – and I never met her, don't want to necessarily – she knows who I am, I'll just say thank you. But there's a song called 'Living Proof' that mentions my birth mother. You just reach a point in your life, you kind of want to reference that, say thank you and move on. So yeah, there is one more."

Atkins tells AOL Music "Living Proof" is the story of him and his wife, adding, "That one is going to be real special." While Rodney's fans anxiously wait to hear the new tracks, his label has decided to release a fifth single, "Invisibly Shaken," from his current CD. (Dial-Global)

       
 
   
 
04/30/2008
 

LEANN RIMES

click to go to this artist's pageDon't look for any dancers to be part of LeAnn Rimes' show this summer while she's opening for Kenny Chesney! According to LeAnn, the routine she performed at the CMT Music Awards earlier this month was "kind of a one off thing," though it may not be her last. Rimes is proud to report that unlike the last time she added dancing to her performance at an awards show, she didn't have to lip sync through this one and actually had the breath support to sing full on. (Dial-Global)

       
 
   
 
04/28/2008
 

HEIDI NEWFIELD

click to go to this artist's page

Heidi Newfield steps out on her own

BY BEVERLY KEEL STAFF WRITER

Although every performance at the historic Ryman Auditorium is significant for country singer Heidi Newfield, tonight's appearance is particularly special. It's her first Nashville show as a solo artist.

Newfield was the lead singer of trio Trick Pony, known for hits such as "On a Mission" and "On a Night Like This." In late 2006, she announced she was leaving the group to launch a solo career.

She'll release her debut solo album, What Am I Waiting For, this summer on Curb Records.

Newfield has performed a few of her new songs acoustically for radio stations and delivered her first show with a full band in Arizona last weekend. She makes tonight's Nashville solo debut as part of the 10th annual Jammin' to Beat the Blues concert.

"To be doing it at the Ryman is pretty special," Newfield said. "That is a landmark for me. I love playing there. I always get this chill up my spine every time I walk in the door, and I know I always will."

Much of Newfield's new repertoire is intimate and personal — quite a departure from the music of Trick Pony.

"It's not quite as honky-tonking, but it still rocks," she said of her solo sound. "What people can expect is it's a little more dynamic than some of the stuff I've done in the past. It was zero to 80 and we stayed at 80 for most of the show. We would break for a ballad or two here and there. This will have a little more flow and dynamic to it. We'll bring you up and back down."

Joe Guercio, who served as Elvis Presley's musical director, helped design her show.

"It's a real show," she explained. "It's not just one song and then you stop and decide what you are going to play next. One song rolls into another. It's important for me to put together a show where people leave and say, 'OK, I got my money's worth.'"

Newfield's producer, Tony Brown, compares her solo-career launch to that of Wynonna Judd after she left The Judds.

"Everybody's expectations were varied about what music she should do," he said.

Whereas Brown took Judd from an acoustic Judds sound to a tougher, more electric solo sound, he guided Newfield from the honky-tonk arena to a singer/songwriter vein. Newfield helped pen all but two songs on the album; she co-wrote her recently released first single, "Johnny and June," with Stephony Smith and Deanna Bryant.

"People are going to discover how good of a singer she really is," Brown said. "They are going to discover her as a deeper person musically. With the kind of stuff (Trick Pony) were cutting, there was no exploration really of how talented and how cool her voice is. It's very distinctive."

Newfield maintains that she's still very much "a band girl," however.

"I'm very much a champion of being a part of a team," she said. "We all have a role to play, from the guitar tech to me. No matter what you do in the organization or band, your role is just as important."

In addition to working with Brown and Guercio, Newfield is now managed by highly respected artist manager John Grady, a former Sony Music executive.

"All of the amazing people that I've been able to work with to get me to this point has added a little more quiet confidence to my ability to walk out there and feel like I can carry the show by myself," she said. "Obviously, having been with a band for so long, I had a little trepidation. I would look to my right and left, and it was just me.

"If this stinks, it's just me, and if it's great, it's just me. I've got to bring it, but I love the fact that I'm challenging myself. I have all of this experience under my belt and now I'm able to put that to use."

       
 
   
 
04/24/2008
 

TIM MCGRAW

click to go to this artist's pageTIM MCGRAW SETS DATE FOR “SWAMPSTOCK 2008”

September 13, 2008

Tim McGraw will return home to Rayville, Louisiana on Saturday, September 13, 2008 to host “Swampstock 2008.” The event is a presentation of Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Neighbor’s Keeper Foundation and net proceeds from the activities will benefit the Neighbor’s Keeper Foundation’s local initiatives. More details on this year’s event will be made available at a later date.

“Swampstock” began in 1994 in downtown Rayville, Louisiana as a way for McGraw to give back to his hometown community. In previous years, funds were directed towards Rayville Youth Baseball and the Steve Colvin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

       
 
   
 
04/24/2008
 

JO DEE MESSINA

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COUNTRY GIRLS ROCK CHEVY'S FREEDOM OVER TEXAS

The eyes and ears of Texas will be on Houston this Fourth of July weekend, as the city's official July Fourth event offers unbeatable entertainment, a lively outdoor festival, and the largest land-based fireworks show in the nation. On Friday, July 4, Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert and Jo Dee Messina, will ignite the stage at the 2008 Chevy's Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell. The concert will be followed by the largest land-based fireworks show in the nation, presented by Shell Oil Company and produced by the world-renowned fireworks artists form Pyro Spectaculars North by Souza. Both the concert and the fireworks will be televised live statewide from Eleanor Tinsley Park. Check out www.jodeemessina.com for more info!

JOIN JO DEE AND "STRIKE OUT FOR KIDS"

This year’s fourth annual “Lonestar & Friends Strike Out for the Kids” bowling bash will be held on Monday, June 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hermitage Lanes in Hermitage, TN just outside of Nashville. Jo Dee Messina will join Lonestar and many other artists raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

NOTHIN’ CAN KEEP MESSINA DOWN

By ROBIN TOEPP

Tribune Correspondent

NaConsider it a gift when an entertainer gives a little something extra during an interview. That’s what it was like when country music singer Jo Dee Messina broke into song during a recent telephone interview from her home in Nashville, Tenn.

Answering a question about vocal exercises, Messina, who performs two shows at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw on Saturday, said the band always gets together before performing to warm up; otherwise, it’s not unusual for her to just sing to herself.

“I sing every day, but I don’t sit in front of a mirror and practice my breathing,” she says. “I just walked in before I called you, from working out, and I was working out with my trainer going, ‘You make me feel like a natural …’ ” — she breaks into Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman” — “and I don’t even realize when I am doin’ it.”

Messina was preparing for an appearance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, as part of a tribute to “soul man” Sam Moore. She’s a great fit for the show, with her rich vocal style that easily handles the grit of soul.

She also brings that grit to country music — her genre of choice. The 5-foot-3-inch Massachusetts-born singer and actress, who has been working the country music scene since she was legal, has gone through a number of highs and lows throughout her professional career, from messy breakups and near bankruptcy to hit singles and platinum-selling albums.

With a new marriage, a new album and a new single, she’s settled but still sassy, and in no way does she back off from blunt talk about her health and her weight.

“How am I gonna walk around in a bikini, sister? I’m gonna hide it under a tarp. People are gonna be like, ‘She’s havin’ a baby.’ I say, ‘No, I just got married, and I happened to marry the most wonderful man in the world,’ ” Messina says. “He’s precious. And I am twice the size I was the day I met him ’cause he’s a fantastic cook.”

Known for a rock-hard, physically fit body and tough work ethic, Messina has relaxed during the last few years, since the success of 2005’s “Delicious Surprise,” which featured “My Give a Damn’s Busted.” Onstage during last year’s CMA Music Festival, Messina was notably larger than fans were used to seeing in such sultry videos as “Burn” and “Bring on the Rain,” a duet with Tim McGraw.

In the pressure cooker of the entertainment business, Messina says she’s ready to get back into shape, but she’s doing it for herself.

“For me, it’s uncomfortable to be over a certain weight,” she says. “I am a size 10, which is not a big size. It is not fat, it is not heavy, but for my lifestyle, I entertain, and it’s uncomfortable, so I just want to be comfortable again.”

She has started a training regimen that she blogs about on her Web site.

She’s also getting back on the road to promote her new single, “I’m Done,” another sassy kiss-off song on her forthcoming album, “Unmistakable.”

“I wanted to capture more of a live sound (with this album), something that’s not as polished, something that’s not like a wall of sound, something where you can actually hear each instrument and it’s more a real sound, to simplify the production process.” Messina says. “So we didn’t add 15,000 guitar parts and 500 background parts. We kept it very basic, and it’s great. I mean, it really seems to cut through with what’s on out there on the radio.”

Simplifying production may sound simple, but this project wasn’t so simple, given that there are five producers, including Messina.

“Boy, it’s confusing, but working with each producer was so great,” she says. “Each of them had their own style, (but) I think everybody has the same ear for me, what they wanted me to do, and I definitely had a direction of what kind of sound I wanted to achieve with this record.

“An album reflects what I am going through during the time of making it, so I’ll gravitate towards whatever song I relate to most — meaning, if I am having a bad day or somebody (angers) me, or whatever, like with ‘Give a Damn’s Busted,’ or if I am in need of hope, it’s ‘Bring on the Rain.’ So this album has the kiss of songs like ‘I’m Done,’ and the let’s-have-fun songs or the inspirational songs.”

       
 
   
 
04/23/2008
 

HANK WILLIAMS JR.

click to go to this artist's pageAnnouncing the 2008 Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr.'s Search for the Rowdiest Frynd Contest!

In celebration of Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr.'s current Rowdy Frynds tour, we are looking for the Number 1 Rowdy Frynd!

Show us all the reasons why you are the biggest Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Jr. fan by submitting a 30-45 second video clip demonstrating your devotion to two of America's greatest southern rock legends! Singing, dancing, partying tape your pre-show tailgating skills, or after-show rituals. However you decide to capture your prize-winning adoration on tape is fine with us! The fan with the most creative and convincing video clip will be designated the Rowdy Frynd and will win a Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams Jr. Prize Pack.

To enter, visit www.rowdyfrynds.com

       
 
   
 
04/16/2008
 

RODNEY ATKINS

click to go to this artist's page2008 Fan Club Party - "Rod's Garage"

The 2008 Fan Club Party is set for Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008. Tickets go on sale 4/1/08! 2008 Rodney Atkins Fan Club Party - "Rod's Garage"

Venue: Carl Black Chevrolet - 600 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37210

Date: Tuesday June 3rd, 2008

Time: 6PM

Ticket Price: $25

For more information log on to www.rodneyatkins.com

The first round of performers for the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards includes Rodney Atkins, Dolly Parton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. The show will air live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena May 18 at 8pm ET/PT on CBS.

       
 
   
 
04/15/2008
 

Ashley Gearing

Ashley Gearing - Video EPK
View NowQuickTime VideoWindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
04/09/2008
 

Heidi Newfield

Heidi Newfield - Video EPK [with Lyrics]
QuickTime VideoWindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
03/14/2008
 

TIM MCGRAW

Tim McGraw - Suspicions
RealMedia VideoWindowsMedia VideoQuickTime [Hi-Res]

       
 
   
 
03/14/2008
 

LEANN RIMES

 

LeAnn Rimes - Good Friend and a Glass of Wine [Video]
WindowsMedia VideoRealMedia Video

       
 
   
 
10/28/2007
 

STAR DE AZLAN

Star De Azlan - Meet Me In Martindale [Video EPK]
WindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
10/17/2007
 

TRACY EDMOND

Tracy Edmond - Never Give Up
WindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
10/17/2007
 

CLAY WALKER

Clay Walker - Fall
WindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
07/11/2007
 

TIM McGRAW

Tim McGraw w/ Faith Hill - I Need You
RealMedia VideoWindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
05/25/2007
 

LEANN RIMES

LeAnn Rimes - Nothin' Better To Do
RealMedia VideoWindowsMedia Video

       
 
   
 
05/25/2007
 

LEE BRICE

Lee Brice - She Ain't Right
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05/15/2007
 

RODNEY ATKINS

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02/19/2007
 

KIMBERLEY LOCKE

Kimberley Locke - 'Change'
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01/08/2007
 

TIM MCGRAW

Tim McGraw - Last Dollar (Fly Away)
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