Monday, July 29, 2013

Mary J. Blige Is Set To Release Her First Christmas Album With Legendary Producer David Foster

SANTA MONICA, Calif., -- Iconic Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress and philanthropist Mary J. Blige will release her first-ever holiday album in October of 2013. The album is titled "A Mary Christmas," and features her soulful interpretation of classic holiday tunes. This is Blige's 11^th studio album since her 1992 debut What's the 411? In two decades, Blige's work has earned her numerous awards and she has sold over 50 million records. Among her many accolades, Blige can claim eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy® Awards (she has been nominated for a staggering 29) and four American Music Awards.

"A Mary Christmas" is the first collaboration between legendary producer and hit-maker David Fosterand Blige for Matriarch Records/Verve Records/Interscope Records. Sixteen-time Grammy winner and Chairman of The Verve Music Group, Foster is the producer of multi-platinum Christmas albums by Michael Bublé, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and Celine Dion.

SOURCE Interscope Records

Live Nation to Serve Locally Grown Produce, Meat from Responsibly-Raised Animals and New Vegetarian Options in its North American Amphitheaters

ST. LOUIS VENUE VERI ZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AMONG SHEDS PARTICIPATING

-Chef Hugh Acheson of Top Chef Fame and The Humane Society of the United States Working with Live Nation on Menu, Food Policies Moving Forward-

The above two pictures show the locally, repsonsibly grown items available at St. Louis' Verion Wireless Amphitheatre, as part of the Live Nation's campaign for a more healthy America.

LOS ANGELES,-- Live Nation Entertainment announced today that it will begin serving locally grown produce, meat products certified under animal welfare programs recognized by The Humane Society of the United States, and for the first time, will introduce vegetarian meal options in its 38 owned and operated amphitheaters across North America.

Beginning this month, the produce that tops the hundreds of thousands of hamburgers Live Nation sells each summer will be sourced from farms local to each venue. For example at the Bank of America Pavilion in Boston, produce will be sourced from one of three local farms: Wilson Farms in Lexington, MA, Maitland Mountain Farm in Salem, MA, or Eva Garden's in Dartmouth, MA.

In addition, all of the hamburgers, hot dogs, Italian sausages and chicken tenders served in Live Nation amphitheaters will now carry either Certified Humane, Global Animal Partnership or Animal Welfare Approved certification.

In addition to a veggie burger being offered for the first time, Live Nation will also introduce a signature vegetarian meal item which is being developed by Chef Hugh Acheson, widely respected in the restaurant industry for his dedication to tapping local, sustainable and organic food sources for his restaurants.

Live Nation sells more than 800,000 meals in its amphitheaters each summer and although there may be short periods of time when it is not feasible to source locally grown produce and Certified Humane meat products due to supply chain issues, the company will endeavor for 100% compliance to these new standards. Live Nation will absorb any cost increases related to the new policies, so music fans across the country will not see an increase in meal prices based on similar product size.

"I know in my own home it's important for my family to buy locally grown produce, to know where our meat comes from, and to have a variety of vegetarian options whenever possible," said Live Nation CEOMichael Rapino. "We know from working so closely with the artist community and from the fans that come to our events, that it's important to many of them as well. So we felt as a company that we should be able to deliver the same quality food to our millions of fans, and we will continue to look for ways in which we can improve the concert experience for the people that come to our amphitheaters every summer."

In addition to developing a unique vegetarian meal option for Live Nation's amphitheaters, award winning chef Hugh Acheson, who is perhaps best known by television audiences as a contestant on Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" and as a judge on "Top Chef," will help guide the company's food policies moving forward.

Mr. Acheson commented on this first step Live Nation is taking: "For 20 years I have invested in my community in the way I purvey food and assemble meals, investing in local and sustainable produce and meats that mean so much to me and my own backyard. I am looking forward to assisting a great team at Live Nation to find the best in food in all the communities Live Nation operates in."

The Humane Society of the United States supports Live Nation's new program. "Live Nation is putting its money where its mouth is" said Matthew Prescott, The HSUS' food policy director. "Countless people are looking for more responsibly-produced meat and incorporating more vegetarian foods into their diets, and it's both an ethical and savvy business move for Live Nation to go in that direction."

More information is available at: http://promo.livenation.com/livenationfoodprogram

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of four market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors .

SOURCE Live Nation

THE WINERY DOGS,

FEATURING ROCK VETERANS

MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN,

RELEASES SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM

IN NORTH AMERICA ON LOUD & PROUD RECORDS

APPEARING ON DIRECTTV’S “THE ARTIE LANGE SHOW” ON AUGUST 5 &

NATIONALLY-SYNDICATED RADIO SHOW “ROCKLINE” ON AUGUST 14

IN-STORE APPEARANCE AT VINTAGE VINYL, NJ ON AUGUST 6

The highly-anticipated and already critically-acclaimed self-titled debut album by THE WINERY DOGS (@TheWineryDogs) has been released in North America on Loud & Proud Records. The power trio--Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) and Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison)—self-produced THE WINERY DOGS, which was mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther).

Fans can pick up the debut on the band’s official website, iTunes, and Amazon. The band has already released three videos from the new album, “Elevate, “Desire,” and “I’m No Angel,” which can all be seen on their official YouTube page. “Elevate,” the album’s first single, debuted at #30 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock” airplay chart last week.

To celebrate the new album, drummer Mike Portnoy invades websites across the Internet—including Musicradar.com, Revolvermag.com, Loudwire.com/Noisecreep.com, GuitarWorld.com, Drummagazine.com and ARTISTdirect.com--premiering video clips discussing new songs and THE WINERY DOGS’ new place in the music community.

THE WINERY DOGS kicked off their first-ever tour in Japan last week to sold-out crowds. After wrapping up the successful stint in Japan, they’ll head to South America before returning to the States for their first shows on home soil starting August 3 in New York City at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. While they’re in the Big Apple, THE WINERY DOGS will appear on “The Artie Lange Show,” which will air Monday, August 5 at 10pm ET on DirectTV and is streamed live on the show’s website. On Tuesday, August 6 at 7pm, the band will take part in an in-store performance and signing session at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ. For more information, visit www.vvinyl.com.

In radio news, THE WINERY DOGS will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, "Rockline," with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with the band that night by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on Rocklineradio.com for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

Even before today’s release, THE WINERY DOGS has been racking up rave reviews:

“The self-titled debut Winery Dogs album is one of the most intriguing releases of the year. The all-star trio has delivered a blistering collection of soaring tunes.” – Loudwire.com

“Mike Portnoy is a lot of people's favorite drummer, Billy Sheehan is a lot of people's favorite bassist, and Richie Kotzen is a lot of people's favorite guitarist. But as The Winery Dogs, they very well could be a lot of people's favorite new band. Yes, their self-titled debut album is that kind of winner.” – Musicradar.com

“...a cohesive, well-rounded classic-sounding trio with blazing songs that defy expectation. The group’s self-titled debut is filled with straightforward rock and roll inspired by some of their favorite bands, and their music transcends any of the styles they’re best known for and melds their collective talents into a magnificent brew.” -- Icon Vs. Icon

“Free-wheeling, jamming and cohesively playing on 13 equally stellar songs as if they've been a unit for 20 years, The Winery Dogs self-titled release should easily stand up at year's end as one of hard rock's top albums. And carve a niche for years to come.” – Examiner.com

“The talents of these three artists found throughout their previous bodies of work is well known and hugely well respected, but put the three of them together in one band, and the result is nothing short of spectacular! The Winery Dogs debut album, for me is the album of the year, and I don't think anyone who has followed these three throughout their careers will disagree. Do yourself a favor, buy this album and put on the second to last track ‘The Dying,’ close your eyes and listen to three masters at their craft...and then tell all your friends to buy it too!” -- Jammagazineonline.com

Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following tour stops:

DATE CITY VENUE

Sat 8/3 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill

Sun 8/4 Lancaster, PA Chameleon

Tue 8/6 Fords, NJ Vintage Vinyl (in-store)

Wed 8/7 Newton, NJ The Newton Theater

Thu 8/8 Chicago, IL Reggie's Rock Club

Thu 10/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club

Fri 10/4 Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d

Sat 10/5 San Diego, CA Romana Mainstage

Sun 10/6 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House

About Loud & Proud Records:

Loud & Proud Records was founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky, and is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The label's mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky's direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Lenny Kravitz, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band, Collective Soul, Meat Loaf and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s current roster includes critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.

www.facebook.com/TheWineryDogs

www.twitter.com/TheWineryDogs

www.youtube.com/user/thewinerydogs

www.loudandproudrec

Sheryl Crow and Chateau St. Jean Partner

Invite Wine Lovers to Soak Up Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif., -- Chateau St. Jean winery is pleased to announced its partnership with 9-time Grammy Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist, Ms. Sheryl Crow.

Sheryl Crow and Chateau St. Jean invite consumers to 'Soak Up Sonoma' with 18-months of programming featuring in-store activities, online and social media initiatives and Sheryl Crow music downloads throughout the partnership.

Chateau St. Jean and Sheryl Crow are a perfect pairing. Both are award winning, have a relaxed, elegant style and are leaders in their respective fields. The duo also offers a nice dose of girl power;Sheryl Crow being a Grammy award winning artist who supports a variety of women's advocacy initiatives and Chateau St. Jean with its renowned winemaker, Margo Van Staaveren, with over 30 years of winemaking expertise and who was once named 'Winemaker of the Year' by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

The current summer 'Soak Up Sonoma' promotion offers consumers access to Sheryl Crow music with a free digital download of her new single, "Easy," off her September 10 ^th album release, Feels Like Home. Consumers can also gain access to Sheryl Crow's exclusive recipes from her recent cookbook,If It Makes You Healthy, featuring seasonal, vitamin-rich recipes created by Sheryl and Chef Chuck White. The recipes are paired perfectly with a host of Chateau St. Jean wines.

Chateau St. Jean is also supporting a cause close to Sheryl Crow by donating $1 for every bottle of wine sold (up to $100,000 total) to breast cancer charities during the month of October. A breast cancer survivor and research and awareness advocate, Sheryl works hard to keep Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the forefront.

"We are working on the upcoming 'Notes of Hope' program supporting breast cancer awareness and charities and I am thrilled to partner with a winery that wants to give back," Sheryl Crow said. "This is a cause very close to my heart and to have the opportunity to team with a winery that shares my same passion is incredible. I am very proud to support Chateau St. Jean in this effort," she added.

Rounding out the partnership will be a December 'Holiday Harmony' promotion, which will offer consumers three additional music downloads from Sheryl's soon to be released album, Feels Like Home, more recipes from her cookbook and festive party ideas. For more information about Chateau St. Jean's partnership with Sheryl Crow visit http://sherylcrow.chateaustjean.com/#

About Chateau St. Jean
Chateau St. Jean, with its gracious style, elegant architecture and inviting gardens and tasting rooms, is the quintessential Sonoma winery. The winemaking estate is located at the foot of Sugarloaf Ridge in the Sonoma Valley near Kenwood, California. Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean has long been recognized as a leader in Chardonnay. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren uses her more than 30 years of vineyard and winemaking expertise with Chateau St. Jean to highlight the best of each vineyard, varietal and vintage in all of her wines. www.chateaustjean.com

Friday, July 26, 2013

Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" Breaks Record For Highest Radio Audience Ever

Smash No. 1 Single Has Now Reached More Than 230 Million Listeners

"Blurred Lines" Lodges Seventh Week At No. 1 On Billboard Hot 100

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 26, / -- Robin Thicke 's ubiquitous No. 1 single "Blurred Lines," featuring T.I. & Pharrell, continues its full-scale domination of the airwaves this summer, having broken the record for the highest radio audience ever recorded. As of this week, the track has reached more than 242.65 million listeners, breaking the previous record of 188.8 million. This achievement follows on the heels of the track breaking the record for biggest-single week downloads so far this year when it racked up more than 428,000 during the week ending June 23 ^rd.
A bonafide phenomenon, "Blurred Lines" is No. 1 for a third week in a row at Pop Radio and for a fourth week in a row at the Rhythmic radio format. It has spent seven consecutive weeks at No. 1 Billboard's Hot 100 (Thicke's first appearance atop the chart), surpassing Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" for the longest stretch at No. 1 so far this year. The track has also reached No. 1 in 80 countries around the world. "Blurred Lines" has been certified 3x-platinum with more than 3.5 million in sales to date. The eye-catching video, directed by Diane Martel, has racked up more than 104 million views on YouTube. Watch it here.
The song is the title track to Thicke's upcoming new album, which will be released by Star Trak/Interscope Records on July 30 ^th. The album will be sold as a standard 11-song package, a deluxe package that features three bonus tracks, and as a special deluxe edition, which includes the three bonus tracks plus two remixes.
About Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke has established himself as one of the most respected singer-songwriters in soul and R&B music today. The musician, composer, and actor, released his critically acclaimed debut album, A Beautiful World, in 2003 under the name "Thicke." Soon after, he came out with his breakthrough second release, 2006's The Evolution Of Robin Thicke. Now on the way to double platinum status, Evolution's mega hit "Lost Without U" became the #1 most played song in Urban Adult Contemporary BDS and topped four Billboard charts simultaneously. The award-winning multiplatinum superstar returned to center stage in 2008 with Something Else, a joyful and modern tribute to the '70s soul and pop records that have inspired an extraordinary career. Revered by critics as one of the best soul albums in years, this '70s-inspired album dealt with racism, poverty, and love in the hits "Dreamworld," "Magic," and "The Sweetest Love." In December of 2009 Robin released Sex Therapy. The title song was hailed by critics as "the sexiest song of the year." Robin's fifth studio album, Love After War was released in December of 2011.
For more information, please go to www.robinthicke.com
SOURCE Interscope Records

Web Site: http://www.robinthicke.com

David Letterman - Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros: Life Is Hard

JUSTIN MOORE ANNOUNCES HIS OFF THE BEATEN PATH TOUR ALSO STARRING RANDY HOUSER PLUS SPECIAL GUEST JOSH THOMPSON

Photo Courtesy of Kristin Barlowe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 25, 2013)– Justin Moore will truly take his fans on a unique journey with a new headlining tour in support of his September 17 album release on The Valory Music Co. The OFF THE BEATEN PATH TOUR hits the road on November 1 in Springfield, Mo., and will continue throughout the spring. The 57- city trek also stars Randy Houser and special guest Josh Thompson.

“I can't express, in words, how excited I am about this tour. The success of the OUTLAWS LIKE ME TOUR gave us the opportunity to step it up a notch this time around. From the production to venue size to Randy and Josh, we're taking it to another level,” said Justin. “I consider Randy Houser and Josh Thompson to be two of my best friends in Nashville, and, I've said numerous times, I believe they are the two most talented singer/songwriters in our format. We are thrilled to welcome them to our second headlining tour and know that they will help us tremendously. As a fan, I can't wait to watch them play … It's gonna be a party every night!”

Fans will have the chance to hear Justin’s current hit “Point At You,” music from his new album aptly titled OFF THE BEATEN PATH, as well as his previous chart toppers including “Small Town USA,” “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” and “Til My Last Day.”

"Over the last few years some of my favorite shows have been with Justin and Josh, so making a tour out of it is going to be special. I can't wait for fans to join the party!,” added Randy, who is coming off a #1 single "How Country Feels" and is nearing the top of the charts with his follow-up smash "Runnin’ Outta Moonlight."

OFF THE BEATEN PATH TOUR dates are as follows:

11/1                                      Springfield, Mo. – Shrine Mosque
11/2                                      Enid, Okla. – Enid Event Center
11/3                                      Fort Smith, Ark. – Fort Smith Convention Center
11/8                                      Tupelo, Miss. – Bancorp South Arena
11/9                                      Columbus, Ga. – Columbus Civic Center
11/10                                    St. Petersburg, Fla. – Vinoy Park
11/14                                    Saginaw, Mich. – The Dow Event Center
11/15                                    Highland Heights, Ky. – The Bank of Kentucky Center
11/16                                    Youngstown, Ohio – Covelli Centre
11/20                                    Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Expocentre
11/21                                    Lincoln, Neb. – Pershing Center
11/22                                    Mankato, Minn. – Verizon Wireless Center
11/23                                    Fargo, N.D. – Scheels Arena
11/30                                    Chicago, Ill. – Rosemont Theatre
1/23                                      Greensboro, N.C. – Greensboro Coliseum
1/24                                      Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville Civic Auditorium
1/25                                      South Haven, Miss. – Landers Center
1/30                                      Lacrosse, Wis. – LaCrosse Center
1/31                                      Springfield, Ill. – Prairie Capital Convention Center
2/1                                        Duluth, Minn. – Amsoil Arena
2/6                                        Fairfax, Va. – Patriot Center
2/7                                        California, Pa. – Cal U Convocation Center
2/8                                        Huntington, W.Va. – Big Sandy Superstore Arena
2/13                                      Clovis, N.M. – Curry Events Center
2/14                                      Cedar Park, Texas – Cedar Park Center
2/15                                      Allen, Texas – Allen Event Center
2/16                                      Wichita Falls, Texas – Kay Yeager Center
2/26                                      Springfield, Mass. – MassMutual Center
2/27                                      Indiana, Pa. – Kovalchick Complex
2/28                                      Kingston, R.I. – The Ryan Center
3/1                                        Salisbury, M.D. – Wicomico Civic Center
3/6                                        Lowell, Mass. -- Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell
3/7                                        Bangor, Maine– Cross Insurance Center
3/8                                        Portland, Maine – Cumberland Country Civic Center
3/14                                      Kalamazoo, Mich.– Wings Stadium
3/15                                      Ypsilanti, Mich. – EMU Convocation Center
3/20                                      Park City, Kan. – Hartman Arena
3/27                                      St Louis, Mo. – Chaifetz Arena
3/28                                      Cedar Rapids, Iowa – US Cellular Center
3/29                                      Rockford, Ill. – BMO Harris Bank Arena
4/10                                      Norfolk, Va. – Ted Constant Convention Center
4/11                                      Salem, Va. – Salem Civic Center
4/18                                      Reading, Pa. – Sovereign Center
4/26                                      Jonesboro, Ark.– ASU Convocation Center

For more information on Justin Moore visit www.moorejustinmusic.com.

About Randy Houser
The Los Angeles Times wrote Stoney Creek Records’ Randy Houser adds “grit to the genre” and The New York Times calls him a true “crowd pleaser.” After earning songwriting credits for Trace Adkins, Justin Moore and Chris Young, Houser catapulted onto the scene with his debut album ANYTHING GOES, which Top 20 hit “Anything Goes,” and No. 2, “Boots On,” and landed Houser nominations at the CMA Awards, ACM Awards and CMT Awards. His follow-up, THEY CALL ME CADILLAC, was met with praise from The Washington Post and The Boston Globe who named it a top release of the year.

Houser’s latest album, HOW COUNTRY FEELS, hit stores Jan. 22 and has been called “a buoyant, hook-filled outing” (Washington Post) that shows off his powerhouse voice, hailed “one of the best in Nashville,” (GAC). He celebrated his first No. 1 Gold-certified smash hit in “How Country Feels,” and his latest single, "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" is currently Top 5 and climbing.

Visit www.randyhouser.com for more information.

About Josh Thompson
Josh Thompson stormed out of the gate when he first came onto the music scene in late 2009, where his first two singles, “Beer On The Table” and “Way Out Here,” grossed over half a million downloads and peaked at 15 and 16, respectively on the radio charts. His debut album, WAY OUT HERE was released in 2010 entering the Billboard Country Album chart at number 9. He was also nominated for an American Country Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. In addition to headlining the 2012 Jägermeister Country Tour, Josh has toured with Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Daruis Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Hank Williams Jr. and Jamey Johnson, Gary Allan, and Rodney Atkins. A talented songwriter, his songs have been cut by Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley and Gary Allan. Josh is currently on the road supporting his new Show Dog-Universal Music single, “Cold Beer With Your Name On It.” Visit www.joshthompsonofficial.com for more information.

# # #

EXCITED FANS REVEAL JUSTIN MOORE'S NEW ALBUM COVER

OFF THE BEATEN PATH Slated For September 17

Album Cover Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

NASHVLLE, TN (July 25, 2013) – Thousands of excited fans revealed the cover for Justin Moore’s new album OFF THE BEATEN PATH, slated for release September 17. Through an interactive Checked.in campaign across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, pieces of camouflage were removed to reveal the final image each time a number of fans posted using the hashtag #OFFTHEBEATENPATH. Within one hour of going live, #OFFTHEBEATENPATH was trending nationally on Twitter ending with nearly 11,000 Tweets, over 5,500 Instagram photos and 10,000 Facebook impressions. Justin also gave fans a chance to win an autographed guitar! Final results of the campaign are available at http://reveal.justinmooremusic.com.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH is the follow-up album to JUSTIN MOORE (2009) & OUTLAWS LIKE ME (2011), both of which have been certified GOLD for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The new album features Justin’s current hit “Point At You,” the fastest rising of his career, as well as duets with both Miranda Lambert and Charlie Daniels … and even a little shout out to Kim Kardashian.

For more information on Justin Moore visit: www.moorejustinmusic.com

CAGE THE ELEPHANT CURRENTLY IN THE STUDIO PUTTING FINISHING TOUCHES ON THIRD STUDIO ALBUM DUE OUT THIS FALL ON RCA RECORDS

BAND TO JOIN MUSE FOR LIVE ARENA DATES

IN SEPTEMBER

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 25, 2013 - Cage The Elephant are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their eagerly anticipated third full-length album. Due out this fall on RCA Records, the new album was recorded in Nashville, TN and reunites the band with producer Jay Joyce who produced the group's prior two releases.

"When we set out to make this record we had a few different vague ideas for what direction we wanted to move in musically, but as usual the end result turned out nothing like what we had originally envisioned," said vocalist Matt Shultz. "There was an element of playfulness and swagger absent on our last record that unexpectedly began to surface. At the same time the songs had a more inner-directed and reflective sound. Finally, we started experimenting with combining the two polar elements."

"Every time we make a record we go to war with ourselves as individuals and as a collective," Shultz continues. "We try to remain true to our convictions and in the end, we have to let go and let the record speak for its self. Letting go is the easy part, getting to that point is the struggle."

The new album is the follow up to 2011's acclaimed sophomore album Thank You Happy Birthday, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and has over 250,000 copies to date. Rolling Stone, New York Times, LA Times, USA Today, and Entertainment Weekly praised the release as "one of the best rock albums of the year". The album also spawned the hit single "Shake Me Down" which spent six weeks at #1 at Alternative radio. Their acclaimed self-titled debut album was released in 2009 and has sold over 550,000 copies to date. The album remained on the Billboard 200 Chart for an astounding 73 consecutive weeks and produced three Top 5 singles at Alternative Radio, including the massive hit "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked". In additional to numerous Sold Out headline runs, Cage The Elephant has toured with Black Keys, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Muse, Stone Temple Pilots, Foals, Silversun Pickups, Manchester Orchestra, and many more.

This coming September Cage The Elephant will bring their raucous live show to arena audiences across the US for a run of dates with Muse. See below for a complete list of upcoming dates.

Cage The Elephant consists of singer Matt Shultz, guitarist Brad Shultz, bassist Daniel Tichenor, guitarist Lincoln Parish, and drummer Jared Champion.

Additional information on the forthcoming release will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Cage The Elephant Live Dates

9/3 - Charlotte, NC - Time Warner Cable Arena*

9/4 - Duluth, GA - The Arena At Gwinnett Center*

9/6 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena*

9/8 - Pittsburgh, PA - Consol Energy Center*

9/9 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center*

9/11 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center*

9/14 - Maryland Heights, MO - Verizon Wireless Amph.

9/17 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center*

9/19 - Salt Lake City, UT - EnergySolutions Arena*

9/21 - Oceanside, CA - FM 94/9 Independence Jam

9/27 - Kansas City, MO - 96.5 The Buzz Beach Ball

*with Muse

http://www.cagetheelephant.com/

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Blake Shelton bringing his "Ten Times Craier Tour" to Verion Friday night for sold out show


Blake Shelton performing at Verizon last year.

Story and photos by Scott Kiefer

It seems as though the hit television singing competition show "The Voice" is making an impact in St. Louis in the next few days, beginning with the Blake Shelton "Ten Times Crazier" tour with a sellout show Friday night at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, folllowed by a sellout show of castmast Adam Levine's Maroon Five tour stop at the same venue on August 1.
With the success of The Voice on NBC, St. Louis was even a part of the audition this past weekend at Chaifetz Arena.
All of the success of the television series, his accolades in country music, and marriage to fellow country star Miranda Lambert, haven't changed Shelton's outlook on his career.
More than a decade into a career whose opening salvo was the chart-topping "Austin," that transparency has helped Blake become one of the best ambassadors the country music genre has ever had, in a league with Glen Campbell and Roger Miller.
Careers have been known to flounder when artists reach beyond their core strengths into uncharted territory, but Blake's has only strengthened, primarily because he has never lost focus on the basis of everything he does--the music.
"I've spent a lifetime in love with country music," he says. "I listened all the time as a kid and I was playing and singing before I was a teenager. I moved to Nashville at 17 to make music and since then I've put everything I have into doing it right."
The results of that approach speak for themselves. He is reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and three-time Male Vocalist of the Year, and he and Miranda garnered Song of the Year honors for co-writing her platinum-selling chart-topper, "Over You." He has earned a host of other awards and nominations, including multiple Grammy nominations, six gold and platinum albums, and is the three-time host of the ACM Awards.
His current tour serves as an indication that all of his hard work has paid off.
The "Ten Times Crazier" party started well before doors opened last weekend for Blake's sold-out shows. Tailgaters arrived first thing in the morning; lining up to block real estate in the parking lot and set up camp for what became an ode to their favorite reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year. Even Blake was blown away by the response of his fans.
"I heard music playing and just figured it was beach goers but then I went outside and realized my fans had arrived earlier in the morning to tailgate," Shelton said. "Here we are in New York and there are pickup trucks and cowboy hats filling out the parking lot at Jones Beach. That was beyond anything I had anticipated."

The “Ten Times Crazier” tour is exactly that -- it is crazier than anything you might expect. In addition to performing many of his No. 1 hit singles, Blake performs some older classics and keeps his fans guessing with a couple surprises throughout the show that you have to be there to see for yourself. All three dates this past weekend sold out with over 50,000 fans in attendance and tickets for this coming weekend’s dates have topped 60,000, selling out St. Louis, Indianapolis and Cincinnati. The “Ten Times Crazier” tour features special guests Mercury Recording artist, Easton Corbin, and ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year, Jana Kramer and has dates running through the fall.

With nine consecutive No. 1 singles (fourteen overall) Blake is one of the "most versatile of contemporary country singers" (The New York Times). His infectious multi-week No.1 hit, “Honey Bee" still holds the record for the fastest-selling digital Platinum single for a male country solo artist and just off the heels of his No. 1 smash hit “Boys ‘Round Here,” the follow up single “Mine Would Be You” is impacting radio now.
Shelton’s passion for country music and his commitment to mentoring his teammates from The Voice make him an incredible ambassador for country music. He is the featured cover story in the August issue of Men's Journal magazine, and discusses his not-so-much residency in California for a large portion of the year, and how he enjoys flying home Oklahoma to get away from the pressures of being a television and recording star.
Shelton will spend most weekends from now through the fall on tour, and the weekdays taping "The Voice."
"There's no time to slow down now," Shelton says, "we gotta keep this thing running."

The show Friday night is a sellout... for information, log on to www.livenation.com

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS' NEW ALBUM OUT TODAY

BAND TO PERFORM ON

THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN

TOMORROW NIGHT

"Urgent and inspiring, the band's third album conveys optimism and celebration"

- USA Today

"Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are nothing if not champions of free love and the carefree sounds of the '60s and '70s. Only this time the sizable group is embracing the bygone era with an extra dose of grit and soul."

- Billboard

"The sincerity and intoxicating joy that have made the indie band so popular remains."

- W Magazine

"The choral and brass arrangements are rich... and the grooves lope and boogie hard."

- Rolling Stone

"Revealing itself as cohesive and multilayered, the album presents itself as an art piece, dripping with corn-fed Americana and psychedelic musings."

- Ladygunn Magazine

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 23, 2013 - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros' new self-titled album is out today via Community Music. The twelve track album was produced by frontman Alex Ebert who shared, "These songs mean everything to me. It's the rawest, most liberated, most rambunctious stuff we've done". The band will return to The Late Show with David Letterman for a performance tomorrow night at 11:35pm / 10:35 CST (check your local listings). See below for a complete list of live dates or click HERE.

PURCHASE ON ITUNES | AMAZON

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros formed in 2007 after singer Alex Ebert met fellow singer Jade Castrinos outside of a cafe in downtown Los Angeles. In 2009 the 10-member troupe released their debut album Up From Below which featured the hit "Home" as well as fan favorite's "40 Day Dream" and "Janglin". The band has spent the past few years touring the world while winning over audiences at festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Leeds, Austin City Limits and more. Their follow up album, Here, was released in May 2012 and featured the tracks "Man On Fire" and "That's What's Up." The album debuted at #1 on the Independent Music Chart and #5 on Billboard Top 200 Chart the week after it's release. Relix Magazine hailed it as "an album full of undeniable folk-rock hooks, gospel overtones, infectious lyrics, orchestral swells and a whole lot of love." Entertainment Weekly declared, "...they've got so much heart, they can crush hipster irony with one squeeze of the accordion." The album was listed at number seven on Rolling Stone's "Best Albums of 2012" List.

1. Better Days

2. Let's Get High

3. Two

4. Please!

5. Country Calling

6. Life Is Hard

7. If I Were Free

8. In The Lion

9. They Were Wrong

10. In The Summer

11. Remember To Remember

12. This Life

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros 2013 Live Dates

7/26 - Camden, NJ - Xponential Music Festival

7/27 - Floyd, VA - Floydfest [SOLD OUT]

8/1 - Las Vegas, NV - The Cosmopolitan Hotel

8/4 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl

8/17 - Sterling Heights, MI - Mo Pop Festival

8/23 - Simcoe, ON - Gentleman of the Road Stopover [SOLD OUT]

8/25 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theater

8/26 - Louisville, KY - Iroquois Theater

8/28 - Kennett Square, PA - Longwood Gardens [SOLD OUT]

8/29 - Columbus, OH - LC Pavilion at The Outdoor Amphitheather

8/30 - Troy, OH - Gentleman of the Road Stopover [SOLD OUT]

9/1 - Aspen, CO - Jazz Aspen Snowmass

9/4 - Austin, TX - Stubb's Waller Creek

9/5 - Dallas, TX - South Side Ballroom

9/6 - Guthrie, OK - Gentleman of the Road Stopover [SOLD OUT]

9/7 - 9/8 - St. Louis, MO - Loufest

9/9 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City [SOLD OUT]

9/10 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live

9/12 - St. Petersburg, FL - Jannus Live

9/13 - St. Augustine, FL - Francis Field [SOLD OUT]

9/12 - 9/15 - Victoria, Canada - Rifflandia Festival

9/18 - Eugene, OR - Cuthbert Amphitheater

9/20 - San Francisco, CA - America's Cup Pavilion

9/27 - 9/28 - Nashville, TN - Southern Ground Music Festival

www.edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com

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