Blake Shelton’s Twitter Account: Ticking Time Bomb or The Real Deal?

Celebrities on Twitter fascinate me. There are a lot of different ways celebrities use the social media network. Some use it as a public relations tool. Those people usually have someone on their web or public relations team run their account.

There are some celebrities who run their accounts on their own. You can tell which ones those are by the things they tweet and the language they use.

More often than not, though, celebrities use a combination of the two. Those people usually tweet personal things or chat with fans but also send out the occasional shameless plug.

Then there’s Blake Shelton.

 

Shelton’s Background

 

Photo courtesy of: BlakeShelton.com

Photo courtesy of: BlakeShelton.com

For those who don’t know, Shelton, 37, has been an active musician in the country music industry since 2001. His first album, Blake Shelton, features one of his most popular and most successful singles of his career, “Austin.”

More recent hits of Shelton’s include “Sure Be Cool If You Did” and “Boys ‘Round Here.” In addition to marrying country singer Miranda Lambert (of Pistol Annies) in 2010, he is widely known today for his role as a judge on The Voice.

 

Shelton’s Tweeting

Shelton tweets like no other celebrity…especially in country music. To put it lightly, he has no filter.

Scrolling through his most recent tweets as I write this, he uses the word “bastard,” “damn” and refers to alcohol more than once. That’s not to say no other celebrity or country singer talks about this stuff or uses strong language but he has created a clear persona for himself.

Shelton is known for drunk tweeting, on more than a few occasions, and has even been called out for it by Chelsea Handler on her talk show.


It comes as no surprise to many that country artists like to drink. You can’t listen to a country radio station today without hearing a song that talks about whiskey. However, Shelton takes it to a whole new level. Check out some of his tweets for yourself:

 

PR Problem or Not?

Musicians don’t typically have to worry about whether they’re being completely appropriate or not on social media. They already have a set career path and, let’s be honest, who are they trying to impress?

So the question stands: Does Shelton take it too far on Twitter or does it work for his personal brand?

From an outsider and fan’s perspective I think he has one of the best personal brands out there. You know exactly what you are going to be getting from him every time he tweets.

Now, if I was Shelton’s publicist I don’t know that I would exactly look forward to each and every one of his tweets. At the same time, he has always kept his cool when needed and has never gone off the deep end to cause any PR crisis for him or his team.

Keep on keeping on, Mr. Shelton. I salute your tactics.

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2014 Academy of Country Music Awards: My Thoughts

Each year the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards broadcast live from Las Vegas in April. Winning an ACM is considered a high honor in the country music industry.

The Academy, which decides on the nominations and winners for the ACM Awards, is made up of industry professionals who must be approved by the Academy’s Board of Directors. Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year are the only categories in which fans are able to vote for.

In addition to giving away awards, many artists perform on the awards show. This year, The Band Perry opened the show singing their new single, “Chainsaw.”

Throughout the night, each nominee for New Artist of the Year (Lee Brice, Brett Eldredge, Justin Moore and Kip Moore) had the opportunity to perform the chorus of one of their hit songs at a neighboring arena in Vegas. Moore ended up taking home the award, though.

Merle Haggard received the ACM Crystal Milestone Award and was honored by George Strait and Miranda Lambert who performed a medley of his songs. The ACM Crystal Milestone Award is given to an artist or leader in the industry to give tribute to a specific and honorable achievement.

Past recipients include Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Gayle Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean.

My favorite performance of the night was Eric Church’s performance of “Give Me Back My Hometown.” Church has always been a favorite of mine and, clearly, last night was no different.

The stage mimicked the dark and slightly strange music video Church recently released to go along with his current single.

A special mention and shoutout goes to Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton for their hilarious hosting skills which had the audience and myself laughing all night.

Take a listen to my thoughts on the winners from last night below. Leave a comment and let me know who you think should have won the big awards.

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KICKIN’ IT SPOTLIGHT: Sam Hunt

Sam Hunt
Although my blog has only been around for a short time, readers may have recognized a clear favorite artist of mine right now. Sam Hunt, who other country music fans may know for the songs he has written that other artists have made popular, isn’t exactly mainstream country…yet. However, I have a feeling this is about to change.

 

Music
Sam Hunt's "Between The Pines"
Hunt writes a majority of his own music which pushes the limits of the country genre. A majority of it isn’t banjo or guitar. Some of it has catchy and edgy beats backing it up. Even though it’s not traditional, Hunt’s songwriting speaks for itself. Hunt wrote Kenny Chesney’s 2012 No. 1 hit “Come Over” with songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne

Hunt currently has two songs recorded by other artists playing on the radio. “Cop Car,” recorded by Keith Urban and written by Hunt, Zach Crowell and Matt Jenkins, is steadily making its way up the country charts at No. 14. In addition, he also wrote Billy Currington’s current single, “We Are Tonight.” Hunt wrote it with Marc Beeson and Josh Osborne, and it’s currently No. 24 on the country music charts.

 

Hunt hasn’t always been a country singer-songwriter.

Sam Hunt's "Raised On It" SingleHunt was born in Georgia and has stayed in the south his whole life. Before he took up songwriting, he was a college football player for Middle Tennessee State University and University of Alabama at Birmingham. After being unable to stake out a career as a professional football player, Hunt turned to songwriting.

Hunt is currently signed with MCA Nashville and is on tour with labelmate David Nail. Unfortunately, I missed my opportunity to see their show last week in Medina. I did get a chance to see Hunt live, though, in November 2013 when he opened up for Cole Swindell at the Dusty Armadillo.

I thought both acts were great and, let’s be honest, I enjoy every country concert I go to. Hunt made an impression on me that urged me download his music immediately when I got home, though.

 

Why I’m a fan

Hunt’s music is fresh. The country music genre, and music in general, has evolved over time and will continue to evolve as time goes on. A lot of traditional country music fans would argue with me that Sam Hunt isn’t country. However, as a music fan, I don’t like limiting genres to one specific sound.

 

My favorites

“Leave The Night On”
In addition to being musically catchy, I like this song the most because it’s lyrically creative. There are a lot of analogies throughout the song that make you go, “Wow, how was a songwriter able to think of that one?”


“Vandalizer”
Again, the lyrics in this song are impressive to me as a listener. I also like the message this song portrays.


“Make You Miss Me”
I think that a lot of guys can relate to this song well because we all feel like we’ve been in this spot in life before.


Hunt has an 15 track acoustic EP, “Between The Pines,” available for FREE to download. He is expected to release more music later this year.

*Photos courtesy of MCA Nashville and CMA

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10 Country Songs You Should Be Listening to Right Now

Just in time for spring break, many country artists are releasing new singles to make it to the top of the charts by summer. I hardly ever get bored with country radio because there is always so much quality music being released but I think the country genre is hitting a home run right now with its tunes.

I like to think I listen to a wide variety of country music, and not just mainstream. Check out this list of 10 songs I compiled that I believe you should be listening to right now.

"Dust" - Eli Young Band

Courtesy of Republic Nashville

10. “Dust” – Eli Young Band

Following their recent No. 1, “Drunk Last Night,” Eli Young Band is back on the charts with “Dust.” The upbeat, girl-chasing song is sitting at No. 40 on country radio and is doing fairly well for how new of a single it is.

I haven’t always been an Eli Young Band fan but since signing with Republic Nashville, I think their music has gotten tremendously better. This is a catchy song and sure to get a little bit of dust moving on those back roads.

"Raised On It" - Sam Hunt

Courtesy of MCA Nashville

9. Raised On It” – Sam Hunt

I recently discovered Sam Hunt as he was opening for Chase Rice at a concert down the road from me. He has written songs for artists such as Keith Urban, Billy Currington and Scotty McCreery. In fact, two songs on this list (“We Are Tonight” and “Cop Car”) were written by Hunt.

Although mainstream country radio isn’t playing this song yet, it’s being played on The Highway, an XM radio station. I have no doubt that it’ll eventually make its way to the regular charts.

"Play It Again" - Luke Bryan

Courtesy of Capitol Nashville

8. Play It Again” – Luke Bryan

Ever since Luke Bryan released his That’s My Kind of Night album in 2013, this song has been one of my favorites. It’s incredibly wordy and relatable on many different levels for country music fans.

Until today, I didn’t know this was Bryan’s next single. I have a lot of faith in this song’s ability to make its way to No. 1.

"We Are Tonight" - Billy Currington

Courtesy of Mercury Nashville

7. We Are Tonight” – Billy Currington

Billy Currington is back with a summer-like anthem for country music fans everywhere. Although it was released to country radio in November, “We Are Tonight” is gaining momentum and is at No. 30 on the country music charts.

This is the type of song I imagine being blasted at country concerts all summer long and through the stereos of peoples’ cars with the windows rolled down. Currington will work the charts to see if he can get a second consecutive No. 1 following “Hey Girl” which peaked during the summer.

"Yeah" - Joe Nichols

Courtesy of Red Bow

6. Yeah” – Joe Nichols

In my opinion, there’s no way not to like this song. The chorus has a hook that sticks with the listener long after the song is over.

Currently No. 38 on the country charts, “Yeah” is Joe Nichols’ follow-up single to the very successful and well-known “Sunny and 75.” “Sunny and 75” made it to No. 1 during the summer of 2013.

"Hope You Get Lonely Tonight" - Cole Swindell

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records Nashville

5. Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” – Cole Swindell

Cole Swindell, who recently signed with Warner Bros. Records Nashville and released his debut album last month, will follow-up his debut No. 1 single, “Chillin’ It,” with this single. Swindell wrote “Chillin’ It” and this song is no exception.

Swindell credits Luke Bryan for helping inspire him to pursue music. They were both in the same fraternity at Georgia Southern when they were in college and Swindell says Bryan, once graduated, would visit on the weekends and bring songs for them to play.

"Get Me Some of That" - Thomas Rhett

Courtesy of Valory Music Group

4. Get Me Some of That” – Thomas Rhett

With the combination of catchy lyrics and a great melody, “Get Me Some of That” really sets itself apart among other songs currently on the radio. It’s currently No. 16 on the country charts.

This is a feel-good song which I think people like it so much. It’s a song you have fun just listening to.

"Ready Set Roll" - Chase Rice

Courtesy of Dack Janiels Records

3. Ready Set Roll” – Chase Rice

This is one of my favorite songs right now because there is nothing else like it out. Chase Rice simply knows the formula to great music.

I saw him in concert last month and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen…and I’ve seen a lot of them. I have never seen a performer engage the crowd as much or hear a country music artist cover so many different genres of music throughout a show.

"Cop Car" - Keith Urban

Courtesy of Capitol Nashville

2. Cop Car” – Keith Urban

“Cop Car” is much slower and unique than the rest of the songs on this list. It’s also a taste of what to expect when listening to Keith Urban’s newest album, Fuse.

Although it was only recently released, country music fans dig it because it’s already at No. 17 on the charts. Urban performed this song on the Grammy Awards last month with Gary Clark Jr.

"This Is How We Roll" - Florida Georgia Line

Courtesy of Republic Nashville

1. This Is How We Roll” – Florida Georgia Line ft. Luke Bryan

I believe I have saved the best for last. In what world isn’t a Florida Georgia Line (FGL) and Luke Bryan collaboration the best?

This song follows the format of a typical FGL song but is just too good not to include on this list. Tyler Hubbard, one half of FGL, has found a niche in country music with being able to rap verses of songs. This song is no different…check it out for yourself.

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Analysis of Kenny Chesney’s “Anything But Mine”

Kenny Chesney is a name that every country music fan knows. He has a different type of country music than most classic country music artists, though. Chesney is known for his island sounding, tiki howling songs that certainly could be heard sitting around a bonfire on the beach.

Since releasing his first studio album (In My Wildest Dreams) in 1994, Chesney has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. He has also received dozens of awards, including awards from the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA).

In January 2005, Chesney released a single called, “Anything But Mine.” It was the fifth single from his ninth studio album, When The Sun Goes Down, and was written by songwriter Scooter Carusoe. “Anything But Mine” hit No. 1 in just six months and has become a classic song of Chesney’s.

The song follows a young teenage boy and girl as they spend their last night together before he leaves for his hometown of Cleveland, TN. Presumably on a summer vacation in a beach town, the lyrics describe the night in detail.

“Walking alone beneath the lights of that miracle mile,
Me and Mary making our way into the night.
You can hear the cries from the carnival rides,
The pinball bills, skee ball slides,
Watching the summer sun fall out of sight.”

The rest of the first verse describes the atmosphere during this exact moment. When you reach the chorus, you’re hit with a loud belting of the line:

“And in the morning I’m leaving, making my way back to Cleveland,
So tonight I hope that I will do just fine.”

A picture I took during "Anything But Mine" at The Brothers of the Sun Tour in 2012 at FirstEnergy Stadium

A picture I took during “Anything But Mine” at The Brothers of the Sun Tour in 2012 at FirstEnergy Stadium

Up until researching the lyrics of this song, I had always thought this line in the chorus was referring to Cleveland, OH. Although about the city in Tennessee, Chesney still embraces it when he comes to Ohio.

I’ve seen Chesney live twice and both times he ended his show with this song. The most epic ending to a set I’ve ever seen occurred during The Brothers of the Sun Tour in the summer of 2012. The tour consisted of Chesney and Tim McGraw headlining. The tour rolled into FirstEnergy Stadium (formerly Cleveland Browns Stadium) in the middle of downtown Cleveland.

Chesney performed this song while the buildings of Cleveland towered over him and his stage and when he sang the chorus, the stadium echoed his words. It was an unreal and chill-worthy moment that I will never forget.

The last line of the chorus reads: “And I don’t see how you could ever be anything but mine.” This line adds the cherry on top to a perfect sounding stanza of lyrics. (I’m a big fan of this song, can’t you tell?)

The song continues with events that they experience throughout the night and comes to a close with an acoustic and haunting chorus.

“Anything But Mine” has been certified gold and you can watch the music video below.

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REVIEW: “Cole Swindell” by Cole Swindell

Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Cole Swindell, released his debut studio album on Feb. 18. Swindell, who had a hand in writing 11 of the 12 tracks, was recently shot into country superstardom thanks to his first No. 1 single, “Chillin’ It.”

I had the pleasure of seeing Swindell perform down the road from my university at the Dusty Armadillo a few months ago. Going into the show, I knew a handful of the songs he had released demos of as well as another handful of songs he has written that other artists have recorded. His setlist did not disappoint, as he sang his most popular songs and covered a few other country mega hits.

“Let Me See Ya Girl” is definitely one of my favorites on Swindell’s album. I’ve heard two versions of the song (a live acoustic version and studio demo) but the album version surpasses both. It’s a feel-good, lets-have-fun-tonight song and has a catchy beat. It’s nothing too deep, lyrics wise, but it’s hard not to like if you’re a country fan.

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Pictures taken by me at Swindell’s Nov. 30 concert at the Dusty

“I Just Want You” is another highlight on the album and co-written by Michael Carter and Luke Bryan. It’s a slower paced, more serious love song. Bryan and Swindell have been friends since college and were both in the Sigma Chi fraternity at Georgia Southern University. Before starting his music career, Swindell toured with Bryan selling his merchandise. Ironically enough, Swindell is now an opening act on Bryan’s 2014 That’s My Kind of Night Tour.

One song that is unique to this album is called, “The Back Roads and the Back Row.” Swindell explains it as a memento to his hometown in Georgia where he and his friends would travel the back roads on the weekends and be in the back row of church on Sundays.

“That’s the way it was, and that’s the way it is
When you’re growing up in the mud and the buck the way we did.
It got me where I am and where I’m gonna go.
We learned all about believing and everything we were ever gonna need to know.
Somewhere between the back roads and the back row.”

The lyrics from this chorus are clever and meaningful which is one of the reasons I think this song is unique. In addition, the lyrics are specific to his childhood and growing up in a small town.

Although I would consider myself biased, I personally don’t think there is a single bad song on this album. I think Swindell is an excellent songwriter who knows a good song when he writes one. But, what do I know. I’ll let his track record speak for itself.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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Country Music Through The Years

Music is all around us. Everywhere we go, we are affected by music. Country music has been around for many years and, according to a 2012 blog post, now holds the position as the most popular genre of music.

The first generation of country music began in the 1920s, and Atlanta’s music scene is credited for playing a major role in launching country’s earliest artists. For some time, country music was dubbed “hillbilly” music. Those who recorded “hillbilly” music began recording blues music into the next decade.

The second generation of country music took place from the 1930s to 1940s. During this generation, many different country music sounds were born, including western swing, hillbilly boogie, bluegrass, folk, gospel and honky tonk. Hank Williams’ career took off during this generation. Williams’ style was eventually referred to as “traditional” country which paved the way for country legends, such as George Jones and even Elvis Presley.

Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn. (Photo taken by me)

The 1950s and 1960s are referred to as the third generation of country music. It was during this generation that Nashville began playing a bigger role in country music’s history. Beginning in the mid-1950s, the “Nashville sound” emerged, turning country music into a multimillion-dollar industry. Names like Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn topped the charts during this period. In addition, the country soul and country rock sounds were introduced.

The fourth generation took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Outlaw country dominated the genre for a while, with artists like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. This was also the beginning of country pop and Dolly Parton’s failed campaign to cross-over to pop music.

The 1990s are considered to be the fifth generation of country music. Garth Brooks, who recently appeared on the final show of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, is credited for the world domination of country music in the 90s due to his enormous success. Other huge names saw success during this generation, including Shania Twain, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn and George Strait.

Currently, we are in the sixth generation of country music. This is the most success this genre has ever seen. Some industry experts credit Taylor Swift for rekindling the country music genre among teens and young adults, including artists such as Keith Urban and Blake Shelton.

Country music has a clear place in today’s music industry. Now, more than ever, country plays a huge role in mainstream music. So much so that iHeartRadio is hosting its first-ever iHeartRadio Country Festival in March. Following the success of their first two all-genre festivals, iHeartRadio announced the country festival last month. It became an instant sell-out and will take place in Austin, Texas.

Some people rag on country music for being all the “same” (prime example from BuzzFeed) but, while mainstream country music can be repetitive, doesn’t the same apply for all music genres? I’m not going to lie, that video made me chuckle. But country music and its history have a much more relevant place in music history than that. I hope to prove that to my readers with each post I make.

What am I listening to? Raised On It – Sam Hunt

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