http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/blog/category/entertainment/ Blog categories... http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/SpotOn/blog/hillcrest-cd-62/ Hillcrest Music CD 62 - Canada are great for radio promotions worldwide.


...]]> Hillcrest Music CD 62 - Canada are great for radio promotions worldwide.



Album available from ITunes

Information at http://www.bellecannon.co.uk

and Spot On Events Direct UK]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/SpotOn/blog/hillcrest-cd-62/ Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:29:54 +0000 Belle Cannon http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/The_Sierras/blog/the-sierras-bio/ The Sierras are Anthony Waldron, Declan Lyons and John Lyons.
Th...]]> The Sierras are Anthony Waldron, Declan Lyons and John Lyons.
The band have just released their new single “country music lovin girl” to great reviews locally and internationally
The band owe much to their fans and the radio and tv stations that have played them and are grateful for all their support.
With the band’s debut single "As good as good can get", the follow up singles "finding you again" "The day we marry" and their new release "Country music lovin girl",
the guys are delighted with the positive feedback these releases have received.
The Sierras enjoy drawing from their country roots to produce these upbeat feel-good country tracks. These original self penned offerings written by Anthony Waldron and Declan Lyons are the band's first releases from their forth coming album (release date to follow shortly).
The bands influences range from Buck Owens, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggerd,Hal Ketchum and of course everything Irish.
The above singles are available to buy from iTunes and CD baby.
Contact:
Anthony
00353 (0)87 1712292
www.sierras1@live.com]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/The_Sierras/blog/the-sierras-bio/ Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:19:00 +0000 The Sierras http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/brock/blog/the-sun-never-sets-in-memphis/ New original song and music video in tribute to three very important men that started at Sun Studios in Memphis Tennessee and forever shaped the music...]]> New original song and music video in tribute to three very important men that started at Sun Studios in Memphis Tennessee and forever shaped the music world as we now know it. These three men are Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash (Not to mention the influence and contributions of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, etc etc. ). Song was written and sung by Brock Easterbrook and was recorded at the famous Sun Studios in Memphis in 2010. Also of important note is that the microphone used in this recording is an RCA BK-11 ribbon mic that has been fully restored (Stephen Sank whose father invented the mic) and is period correct and very similar to the ones used by those performers in the day.

]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/brock/blog/the-sun-never-sets-in-memphis/ Sun, 13 Feb 2011 16:28:13 +0000 Brock Easterbrook http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/tomlambert/blog/the-independent-music-show/
Presented By Tom Lambert : Broadcasting Worldwide on
'OPF Radio' Live: Internet/Satellite/FM107.7
Intro' Music to 'The...]]>
Presented By Tom Lambert : Broadcasting Worldwide on
'OPF Radio' Live: Internet/Satellite/FM107.7
Intro' Music to 'The Independent Music Show' / J.C. Mathews / 'Last Ride'

'OPF Radio'-Over 250,000 visitor page views per month
Over 4,000 Worldwide Cities Tune-In Every Week
Figures courtesy of 'Neoworks'

All shows, playlists and links,
will be renewed in turn every 9 weeks;
If you missed it! Listen here.
http://www.tomlambertrealcountry.net/playlists.html

For all in the music industry and most important, 'Our Listeners';
It seems because of the way of the internet and the inconsistencies of the World Wide Web.
ISPs and Anti-Spam filters are starting to keep legitimate correspondence from getting to its destination. I am asking all who have yet to do so. ....PLEASE FIND TIME TO
OPT-IN. - 'The Independent Music Show-Newsletter' opt-in-link - Thank You.

Tom Lambert
'Click for FREE UK School Project'



Playlist for Saturday 29nd January 2011.
2pm till 3pm (UK Time) OPF Radio.co.uk


Ariel Andrews - No Destination - Andrews Arts LLC

Drew Nelson - Highway 2 - Copyright

Anne Weiss - Come On In My Kitchen - Copyright

Rebel Creek Band - Cheated - Silversurf

Rosie Horne - Closer - Copyright

Charlie Allen - Good Time Charlie's Got The Blues - River Run

Steven Clawson - You Bring Me Back - Copyright

Kim McLean - Ain't No Glory - Hippiechick Records

Jefferson Ross - The last Song - Hotdisc

PV Tanner - Call Me The Breeze - Gem Records

Doug Adkins & Jackrabbit - Jonny B Goode - Isalee Music

Colm Kirwan - Good To Go To Mexico - Admiral Records

Karin Wright - Hunting A Dream - Indian Songs

Gord Bamford - In The Palm Of Your Hands - Royalty





Artists, Writers and Labels, wishing to have there music aired on
The Independent Music Show---Presented by Tom Lambert.
PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL MP3s.
Apart from quality issues, I do not have the storage space...nor do I have the time to sort and place them in there genres with the information I need, to relay to the listeners of the show.
I know for some of you it's hard, but I would need a team of compilers to sort the amount of MP3s I receive...so on disc only, please.
If it's in the rack, it can be seen and all the information I need is on the sleeve.

Thank you,

Tom.

SEND CDs etc' and Bio to;

RealCountry Radio Productions,
83. The Grange, Lough Road,
Lurgan,
BT67 9BU,
N. Ireland.


For all in the music industry and most important, 'Our Listeners';
It seems because of the way of the internet and the inconsistencies of the World Wide Web.
ISPs and Anti-Spam filters are starting to keep legitimate correspondence from getting to its destination. I am asking all who have yet to do so. ....PLEASE FIND TIME TO
OPT-IN. - 'The Independent Music Show-Newsletter' opt-in-link - Thank You.


'The Independent Music Show'-'OPF Radio'- Syndicated on these great stations;


Hotdisc Radio-UK | RFTK Radio-UK | CRC-Australia | Radio Fish-UK
Moosicradio-Australia | http://www.TheShoppersList.net-UK
http://www.TheShoppersList.com-U.S.A

'The Independent Music Show' -'OPF Radio'- will be provided without
charge for Syndication to 'Bonafide Radio Stations'
Internet, Terrestrial or Satellite.

OPF Radio is a Non-Profit Educational Radio Station Gratuitous to Broadcast:
For Schools, Clubs and Community Arts, Etc'....'Click for Gratuitous UK School Project'
Anyone wishing to Sponsor our shows, or are Gratuitous to Broadcast:
Open Project Franchise Teaching Programmes;

Please Contact - tom@tomlambertrealcountry.net or visit OPFRadio.co.uk or http://www.tomlambertrealcountry.net/playlists.html

SPONSOR
The Open Project Franchise for Expressive Arts, with Banners and On Air Audio Jingles. Showcase your 'Brand Name' to the World
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http://www.tomlambertrealcountry.net/playlists.html

A LINK-BACK TO THE PLAYLIST PAGE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
If already linked...Thank you,

Tom Lambert


Radio, Songwriting, Music Production.http://www.TomLambertRealCountry.net/playlists.html]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/tomlambert/blog/the-independent-music-show/ Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:04:41 +0000 Tom Lambert http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/songwriting/
A song has to make you feel. If a song doesn’t make you feel anything, then it is not a good song. It has to make you happy, make you cry, make you want to get up and dance, anything. It has to hit you somewhere, otherwise it is not a great song.

I've written songs of all types. Sometimes they are just funny, but most of my songs have a real story that the majority of people can relate. I have lived most of them. Some songs are just about a dream, something that you want to do and haven't done, or something that nobody has ever done.

The content for me has to be something you can feel and make other people feel and believe it. Good songs tell stories that are not unique, and ones that others have felt or experienced at some time in their lives . . .]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/songwriting/ Sun, 09 Jan 2011 14:37:16 +0000 J.C. High Eagle http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/entertainer-not-just-a-singer/
It's not enough to have a great voice and a great song. You need to communicate and connect with the audience. ...]]>
It's not enough to have a great voice and a great song. You need to communicate and connect with the audience. Your audience wants to be entertained, to feel like they got their money's worth. Give it your all! When you are singing a song you are telling a story. That's how you captivate an audience, keep their attention, and draw them in. A great performer makes you comfortable and is someone you can relate to. Give everyone eye contact. Smile, let
your fans know you appreciate them. Sing their favorite songs and
entertain them throughout your show.

It would be sad if you did a show and left the audience feeling like it was a waste of their time and money. You want people to say, "That was a great show!" or "What an incredible voice!" or
"That was so much fun!" and most importantly, "I can't wait to see him again!"

Think of your audience. What impressions do you give them? How do you walk? What is the first thing you say when you walk on stage and meet your audience? Do you make the crowd feel at home or uncomfortable? How do you move on stage? How do you interact with the band and work the audience? What do you do between songs?

Too many artists say the same thing, "How's everyone doing?" How many of us actually yell out, "I'm fine!"? Not many. Be in control, say little, and just entertain. I usually tell my artists, "Don't
talk, just sing!" That's good advice for most artists. People aren't usually interested in knowing about you until you've made a name for yourself.

Performers Need To Look the Part. Personal appearance is so important to your overall image. As an artist, duo, band, or act, it's critical you establish a look that people can identify with, as far as your image is concerned. A pop singer would not wear western boots and hat, and a classical singer would not be dressed in a tank top and blue jeans with holes in them.

If a motivational speaker or television personality is concerned with being well groomed, well dressed and having a professional image, then why wouldn't it be important for someone who wants to be a superstar to have a particular image that represents their style?

If you're trying to make it as a recording artist, you need to spend some time grooming yourself, getting into shape, and dressing in a manner that reflects the genre you are in and the style that
makes you uniquely you. When you think of certain artists, don't they each have a particular image?

Some are sweet and innocent, singing songs about American values, faith and close family ties. Others have an image of being wild and carefree. Others are sexy, sophisticated, funky, elegant or weird. And some are very down to earth and natural, but each artist has their own style that fits them as an artist. You have to figure out who you are and what you want your image to portray, so that your fans can identify with you.

The way you look and dress, the way you do your hair, make-up, your attitude, and personality are as important as the songs you sing, and it all reflects what you will be known for. So take care of your body, your teeth, your skin. Work out, stay in shape, look like a star.

Get professional photos taken for your artist packet that represent you as an artist. Before the photo shoot for your artist pictures it is important to select clothes that accentuate the positive and downplay the negative. You may have beautiful hair but the wrong haircut can make you look heavy, older, or out-dated. Choose styles that flatter their body and face. We also do
hair and make-up and shape our female client's eyebrows.

Image is vital. For example, when I think of an artist like Martina McBride, I picture a clean cut, very simple but elegant and beautiful, talented lady. I see her image as a strong person who
values her family and loves her children, and who cares about the world. Not a lot of make-up. No big hair. She's always cute and comfortable, and on stage she is the same way in her performance.

When I think of Trisha Yearwood, I see her beautiful Revlon face. She does not wear tight-fitting clothes, because she is not tiny like Martina. Trisha has an incredible voice, and she's witty on
stage. She can sing anything, and so effortlessly. She accentuates the positive by the things she wears, and she downplays the negative. Lose layers of long blouses and slacks in solid colors
give Trisha a sexy look.

Then there's Teri Clark's cowboy hat and blue jeans. That's her trademark, and boy, does she look great in her cowboy hats! I think of her image of being adventurous, a tomboy, fun, playful,outdoorsy and rugged. She seems very natural and down to earth. And she performs the same way. When I think about an artist like Tim McGraw, I see a sexy, shy and quiet guy who can really sing, and who is in love with his beautiful and talented wife Faith Hill. Tim always picks great songs, and has great emotion in his vocals.

Then there's Toby Keith, who seems like an ordinary, fun-loving guy with a mind of his own, confident and sometimes cocky. You can see how the artist's image paints a picture of the kind of person they are.

When I think about Vince Gill, I picture that thick black hair, shy smile, and his funny sense of humor, not to mention that smooth tenor voice. George Strait is traditional country, and a real Texas cowboy. He is totally natural in his cowboy hat, boots, belt buckle, western shirts, and tight pressed jeans.

Alan Jackson's white hat, leather jacket, and mustache make is his great look. Some men don't look good in a cowboy hat, but Alan looks wonderful.

Take a good look at how you dress and how you carry yourself. You may need to have a make-over. Besides just looking nice, you will need to be healthy and fit, to keep up with the schedule of touring. Go to the gym and work out. Don't pig out late at night. You won't have that star appeal for long otherwise. I personally feel you shouldn't be smoking and partying, either. You need to take optimal care of your health to give your best performance for that hectic schedule you'll be keeping! Decide what kind of image you want to have, and create that look
and attitude!

Performers Sometimes Have an Advantage if They Can Play An Instrument! Almost every great country singer plays the guitar. Vince Gill, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, Gary Allen, Keith Urban... they all play guitar. Although it's not absolutely necessary, it will help your music career very much if you can play an instrument.

The times I have taken an artist to audition for someone at the record labels, the artist has been told to learn to play an instrument. It helps in live shows if a singer can play a guitar, or any stringed instrument. It's always more interesting to watch a live show if the singer can pick up an instrument for variety and showmanship. And it makes you a more versatile performer, if you can do an acoustic set whenever the occasion comes up.

If you are going to write your own songs you will need to play an instrument in order to accompany yourself. You can then perform your song in auditions, or at writers' nights without having to have tracks produced for you.

When you are doing a live radio interview or a live talk show it's not practical to bring your whole band with you. You'll want to be comfortable playing an instrument when you're asked to give them a taste your new material.

So pick up an instrument and incorporate it into your shows! It will help you be a more valuable record label asset.]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/entertainer-not-just-a-singer/ Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:35:35 +0000 J.C. High Eagle http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/hear-the-music/ HEAR THE MUSIC
~by J.C. High Eagle

Life slips by sometimes unnoticed as we get older.
Days get shorter, months are like weeks,
and our list o...]]> HEAR THE MUSIC
~by J.C. High Eagle

Life slips by sometimes unnoticed as we get older.
Days get shorter, months are like weeks,
and our list of promises to ourselves gets longer.

You’d better slow down, don't dance so fast.
Time is shorter than you think.
The music won't last, and one day you’ll be gone
as quickly as a wink.

Running so fast to get somewhere,
you’ll miss the joy of getting there,
and wonder what was missed along the way
with regret and great despair.

When worry and hurry speeds your day,
it’s just like an unopened gift thrown away.
For life’s not a race, my friend,
so take it at a slower pace,
all the way to the end.

Hear the music, dance in the clover,
and sing the verses yet waiting to be sung,
before the song is over.]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/hear-the-music/ Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:15:27 +0000 J.C. High Eagle http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/it-s-time-to-begin-again/ It is the end of another year and each New Year offers a fresh start.

We like to plan a bit abou...]]> It is the end of another year and each New Year offers a fresh start.

We like to plan a bit about what we shall do with these days to come.
We would like to peek into the future to see what those days will bring,
but that is not possible. We can plan, and we can hope, but we cannot know. We must live a minute at a time as it comes to us, and this makes things easier.

The idea of beginning anew, leaving the old mistakes and grief’s behind us, can give us a new outlook.

Although we cannot know what is ahead for us, hoping and believing that it will be good and working so as to make it good are enough.

The hoping, believing, and working are what make up our lives and the lives of others, as well. As long as our lives affect other lives, it is best that we make them as good as we know how to make them. We can never act alone, never live alone. Then, why not try to live so that everybody concerned will be happy?

The year that has passed held some grief and some joy, too, for all of us. If we knew more grief than joy, it may have been our own fault.

The doorway to joy is wide open. All we have to do is make a gesture of good will, say a kind word, do a friendly deed.

Perhaps we have held on grimly when it would have been kinder to let go. Perhaps we have grudged when we might better have been generous. Perhaps we have forgotten to be loving and cherished a darkened thought.

We can leave all the errors behind us and start 2011 anew.
It is time to begin again!

J.C. High Eagle]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/it-s-time-to-begin-again/ Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:20:19 +0000 J.C. High Eagle http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/irving0002/blog/putting-in-my-time-by-tony-pollon/ Tony is a very accomplished singer, song writer, but Putting in my Time, really stands out, a veritable topper in Country music.]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/irving0002/blog/putting-in-my-time-by-tony-pollon/ Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:29:54 +0000 Fred Irving http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/juanitafordpub/blog/from-juanita-ford-pub/
http://www.songcastmusic.com/albums.php?zoom_query=15126]]>
http://www.songcastmusic.com/albums.php?zoom_query=15126]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/juanitafordpub/blog/from-juanita-ford-pub/ Sat, 11 Dec 2010 00:54:50 +0000 juanita ford http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/KITTY_HOUSTON/blog/houston-country-dance/
AMERICAN LEGION POST 13, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

COUNTRY DANCE......."HOUSTON"

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC]]>
AMERICAN LEGION POST 13, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

COUNTRY DANCE......."HOUSTON"

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/KITTY_HOUSTON/blog/houston-country-dance/ Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:11:00 +0000 KITTY HOUSTON http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/keepin-it-country/ I'm not playin all that tear jerkin crap." Well, What's wrong with tear jerkin' stuff?? REAL MEN CRY! The biggest compliments to me on my music are, "It made me cry" or "It made me think", "It's happend to me", "I've been there, done that!". How powerful is that? Things like that make it all worth while. THATS COUNTRY MUSIC!

This pseudo country music you hear these days is something that comes and goes quickly. It's hard to learn the words if you can even remember them! Lots of folks like to dance, especially two steppers. But try to dance to the latest 'country' music. You might as well stay home.

Nobody wants to touch peoples hearts and lives anymore. They just want a good "HOOK" that will sale albums. It doesn't matter if the song says anything or not. Some of the old classic country artists like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, just to mention a few, would be tossed out on their ears today and never be considered for a record deal or publishing by the current trends in country music among major labels. I've seen so many music award winners who can't really carry a tune. They just sing loud and sreaming, and have great musicians who can cover them up when they sing off key!

Hmmmm . . . I guess WE share part of the problem when we as writers and entertainers stop writing and singing/playing good country music! Seems the writers have sold their souls to the record companies and trying to appease them, have given up and sacrifice our nation's heritage.

To me, the record companies are run by people who don't know or care about pure country music--it's background or historical developments. They may be too young to have ever grown up with real country music, and are the ones controlling the music industry. They seem to cater to the very young and others who also don't know pure country music. Hopefully, one day will find it again and think they discovered something new!

I remember listening to the radio at the kitchen table with my grandmother on the weekends when I went to stay with her. We heard all the good songs. Not so much any more. Although the other day, I heard a familiar country song so I tuned in. . . I thought it was pretty damn cool that some station had the balls to play bluegrass/classic country instead of the new country that everyone is playing and pushing.

The business is sucking the beauty out of it...just like it does with everything, it seems. They just want to bring in the non-country fans otherwise country--or what passes for country these days--wouldn't be doing as well as it's doing right now. The only thing that makes most of these acts country is the fact that there's fiddle player in the band and/orthe singer has a Southern accent. The rest are Southern Rock, not country. They do sometimes have a fiddle player in the band; I guess that makes them a country act??

As Southern Rock bands, they are pretty damn good, though. But if they put themselves out there as a Southern Rock band rock radio wouldn't touch them. So they put themselves out there as country bands. There have always been country-pop though. But it was always still country music.

I think the independent companies may rule the day over the major labels. Independent artists may be the ones in the driver's seat, not them. As I said, there are many who want pure country music to return. Everyone I have talked to says the same things: rock and country don't mix! Like water and oil don't mix. Many folks are unhappy with what they hear on the TV, radio and music awards. One can probably testify to the fact due to a slack seen in CD sales. What makes people think you have to have dazzling light shows, dancing around on stage and yelling at the top of your lungs into the mike for music to be popular? George Strait and George Jones never had to do that, and look at their continued popularity over the years!

Real Country. . . I'm talkin "Meat and taters for supper" type of country is considered a bad thing now days among producers. I try to keep up with the times but when it comes to my country roots and country music, I want to stay true to myself and those before me who really lived that life.

People still want to hear and enjoy music that can take people back to there childhood through music. Sittin’ on the front porch at Grandma and Grandpa's listening to friends makin' music. But its so hard to find people who are willing to listen and appreciate it for what it is: our national Heritage and also our legacy. There's got to be a way to make record label realize that there are still pure country music lovers out there. But I'm afraid there's not enough of us to be profitable for them, or at least, that's what companies think.

So very many people have expressed the concern of keeping country and rock separated. I still know what the heart of country music is all about--music that's timeless and at the same time takes us back through the years to the day when the country greats ruled the radio and the grand ol' opry. It was really nice to hear, and still is . . .

I have actually been told several times that I was too "COUNTRY" to be marketable but to keep up the good work. What they should tell singers like us is that we're not writing enough rock-n-roll for country music. Well, in my opinion, country should be country and rock should be rock and so on.

In short, I believe there is room for both: old country and new country (or better still, country rock but don't confuse others by calling it country, it's not!). If we could somehow catch the right ear of those who believe as I do, pure country music can still bring in lots of people who are sick of this new pretend country. It could be amazing. All of us believers and keepers of the country music tradition are separate individuals. Can we return to the original country format we were bred on, but have lost over the years? Is it possible to turn around Nashville's current focus on pseudo-country music? We can . . . if writers, artists and producers let it happen!

Does Nashville need a change? Definitely. But looks like the traditional country music vigilantes, the pure country possies, and the renegade classic country artists and fans need to ride into Nashville and take over the reigns before the beauty, passion, and part of this nation's heritage is forever lost in the annals and pages of time and the facades of marketing techniques that promote sales--not good country music."]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/keepin-it-country/ Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:41:29 +0000 J.C. High Eagle http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/is-country-music-dead/
Before anyone gets bent out of shape and down on me, let me quickly say right up front: I enjoy ALL the genres of music and the artists that perform them. I have nothing against the current trends in music, nor am I out to offend anyone. I just think there is a place also for pure country music without the rock mixture and influences. If that's the direction things are headed, great and that's fine. Change is wonderful, but PLEASE DON'T CALL IT COUNTRY MUSIC! And please don't think real country music is dead . . . IT'S NOT! It's probably more popular internationally than it is here in the U.S. today.

So it's no secret that i LOVE my country music, BUT I grew up on this stuff since my Mom was a big fan, and to me real country is when we talk about people like, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Lyn Anderson, Johnny Cash, The Highway Men, Hank Williams.. You know those kind of people. All I see on TV now are dudes with slick modern haircuts, and very young singer/song writer chicks and the music I hear has absolutely nothing to do with country, or bluegrass or nothing like that.

I mean rock is there, but rock is not country for god sake, it's pop rock... and everything else I see and hear so far has been pop or pop rock as well. My point is I think it's a shame not to honor such an amazing genre more when it comes our country music heritage, because there is so much great country out there still . . .and not get contaminated by the attitudes and actions of a few people only interested in 'selling', and not entertaining.

There are a lot of the old school types still touring & being true to their roots. Not that I am against innovation. There are plenty of younger entertainers that are old school, Gretchen Wilson is one of my favorites. There's a lot of great stuff out there, but they seem to choose what goes along with mainstream the best. There's a few good artists in country music that's still trying to 'keep it country', hey really shine next to those pop artists who sound and look like they should be on an MTV award show. It's not that I mind their success, but i mind that they call themselves country.

What's happened?? Well, a few years ago they decided that they needed to broaden the market. They have tried to do this a couple of ways. Awhile back, they actually had the CMA's in New York. Now I have to admit, it was pretty cool sitting in Madison Square Gardens during the CMA's and having your name called, let me tell you. But New York City? They don't even have a country station in Manhattan! So that plan didn't work out so well. The next plan seems to have caught on...youth. The young, blond, and gorgeous. . . Country has just started catching up to Pop in the fact that looks drive the industry.

The trend of branching the genre into "New" Country and Classic Country will just continue and intensify. But friends, there is only COUNTRY music, not NEW country. The traditional acts still do very well. Loretta Lynn, George Jones, George Strait, Alan Jackson still pack in the crowds. What does that tell you??!!

The thing that made me happy is the fact that George Straight won for--what was it?--Album of the Year! Thank you, Mr. Strait, and Mr. Jackson, for refusing to compromise or be compromised. But the award shows are always going to try to be ‘youth-oriented’ because that is the misconception among a few who try to be in control this is what the public wants. Man, are they fooled! I can’t tell you how many friends and fans tell me they are upset with what they hear on the radio, Internet and music channels. They all say, “What happened to real country music? Where did it go??“.

And it seems entertainers don’t really have to sing these days. If they are loud and screaming to their audiences, and animated in their gestures, they are a hit! Well, not so! Ask any one of them to really try to sing, and not many of them could made the grade. The ‘country music’ is so filled with rock influences that it is hardly recognizable these days. And what’s worse is that it all begins to sound the same! A new artist and his or her music goes up on the charts and comes down just as quickly like a shooting sky rocket.

If you can’t dance to it, can’t sing to it, don’t remember the words to it, then it’s probably not real country music! I’m trying to ‘keep it country’. Well, that’s my opinion, what’s yours?!]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/is-country-music-dead/ Sun, 05 Dec 2010 11:35:14 +0000 J.C. High Eagle http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/the_battlers/blog/the-battlers-country-music-duo/ The Battlers are a multi award winning group from the South west slopes of nsw. in Australia look up web site.www.thebattlers.com.au they have 4 cd... The Battlers are a multi award winning group from the South west slopes of nsw. in Australia look up web site.www.thebattlers.com.au they have 4 cds out award winning cds , 3 of them,.2 video clips . look them up i think you ewill like them alot of people in oz do/ http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/the_battlers/blog/the-battlers-country-music-duo/ Sat, 04 Dec 2010 21:40:22 +0000 gayle clough http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/do-entertainers-have-to-be-perfect/
To me, our f...]]>
To me, our fear of making a mistake has a different meaning. It is an expression of our highly competitive way of living. Making a mistake becomes so dangerous not because of the punishment - of which we don't think - but because of the lowering of our status, of the ridicule, of the humiliation, which it may incur: "If I do something wrong and you find that I am doing something wrong, then I am no good. And if I am no good, then I have no respect, I have no status. Then you might be better than me. Horrible thought!"

Actually, people who try so desperately to avoid mistakes are endangering themselves. The reason is two fold. First, when you think about the mistake that you might make, you do to yourself the greatest harm by discouraging yourself. We know that discouragement is the best motivation for doing something wrong. In order to do something right, one has to have confidence - self-confidence. When you think about the mistake you might make you express your lack of faith in yourself, your lack of confidence in yourself. And, consequently, out of this discouragement we are more prone to make a mistake.

Second, there is another psychological mechanism that makes concern with mistakes so dangerous. We know today that everybody moves in accordance with his or her expectations. When you expect to do something, are really convinced you will do it, you are stronger to do it. You may not always do it because there may be other factors involved. But, as far as you are concerned, when you expect to behave in a certain way, you are most prone to behave in this way.

Most people who make mistakes feel guilty; they feel degraded, they lost respect for themselves, they lose belief in their own ability. And I have seen it time and again: the real damage was not done through the mistakes they made but through the guilt feeling, discouragement, which they had afterwards. Then they really messed it up for themselves. As long as we are so preoccupied with the fallacious assumption of the importance of mistakes, we can't take mistakes in our stride.

And so the mistaken idea of the importance of mistakes leads us to a mistaken concept of ourselves. We become overly impressed by everything that's wrong in us and around us. Because, if I am critical of myself, I naturally am going to be critical of the people around me. If I am sure that I am no good, I have at least to find that you are worse. That is what we are doing. Anyone who is critical of himself is always critical of others.

How many things would be different in everyone's surroundings if we hadn't lived: How a good word may have encouraged some fellow and did something to him that he did it differently and better than he would have otherwise. And through him somebody else was saved. How much we contribute to each other, how powerful we each are - and don't know it. That is the reason then why we can't be satisfied with ourselves and look to elevate ourselves - afraid of the mistakes that would ruin us - and try desperately to gain the superiority over others.

So perfection, therefore, is by no means a necessity; it is even impossible. This "right' morally and "right" logically is very often an offense to human relationships. In order to be right you sacrifice kindness, patience if you want, and tolerance. No, out of this desire for rightness we don't get peace, we don't get cooperation; we merely end up by trying to give the others the idea of how good we are when we can't even fool ourselves No, to be human does not mean to be right, does not mean to be perfect. To be human means to be useful, to make contributions, not for oneself, but others.

To take what there is and make the best out of it. But that has a prerequisite: that we can't be overly concerned with their shortcomings, we have no respect, neither for ourselves nor for others. We have to learn the art, and to realize that we are good enough. As we are - because we never will be better, regardless of how much more we may know, how much more skill we may acquire, how much status or money or what-have-you.

Perhaps consider NOT trying to become famous, and make music just because you’re passionate about it. It appears to me that the paradox holds true: make good music only if you feel inspired to do so, don’t try so hard for others to acknowledge your narcissistic greatness, but do something worthwhile (like charity or fundraisers), and by not trying so hard to “make it” you will be noticed and appreciated by society.

If we can't make peace with ourselves as we are, we never will be able to make peace with ourselves. And this requires the courage to be imperfect; requires the realization that I am no angel, that I am not superhuman, that I make mistakes, that I have faults; but I am pretty good because I don't have to be better than the others: Which is a tremendous belief. If you accept just being yourself, we learn to function, to dour best regardless of what it is; out of the enjoyment of the functioning we can grow just as well, even better than if we would drive ourselves to be perfect - which we can't be.

Don't be afraid to be imperfect . . .]]> http://countrymusicbox.com/index.php?do=/jchigheagle/blog/do-entertainers-have-to-be-perfect/ Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:27:11 +0000 J.C. High Eagle