Sneak peek at August’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’
- Zach Stone to host ‘Country Fix’
- Cledus T. Judd is back with new song parody
- Scotty McCreery shares wedding video with fans
- Michael Ray’s shoes helping animals in need
You’ll read more than forty music news items in the August 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, when it is posted at Nashville Music Guide. The column is the longest-running Country music column in America. Scroll down for a sneak peek at just a few of the items in the August column.
Meanwhile here is a link to my July 2018 ‘Inside track’ column posted at Nashville Music Guide, complete with photos and graphics. Thank you NMG editor Amanda Andrews! You always make the column look SO good.
Zach Stone to host ‘Country Fix’
Jetpack Artist Ventures’ flagship recording artist, Zach Stone, will host ‘Country Fix‘ on Heartland-TV in late July and again in early August. Stone makes a guest appearance in Episode 208 and Episode 209 slated to air the weeks of July 30, 2018 and August 6, 2018. Stone makes a guest appearance in Episode 209 slated to air the week of August 6, 2018. (Check listings for air dates/times here.)
The ‘Country Fix’ audience, country music fans and the media have applauded Stone’s work time and time again. His ‘Four Letter Word’ music video aired as a ‘Country Fix’ exclusive premiere earlier this year. Hosted by up-and-coming and established country music artists, ‘Country Fix’ is a half-hour program that airs on Heartland-TV. The segments feature new music video releases, interviews, news segments and in-depth coverage of happenings in the country music scene. In addition to Heartland-TV, “Country Fix” airs internationally on Keep It Country (UK), Country TV (NZ) and Cayman 27 (Cayman Islands). More about Zach at his website at Facebook and Instagram.
Cledus T. Judd is back with new song parody
Six years after hanging up his overalls, Cledus T. Judd is “strate outta retarment” and funnier than ever with ‘My Weight’s Goin’ Up Down.’ It’s a parody of Morgan Wallen’s #1 Country single ‘Up Down’ featuring Florida Georgia Line. In the music video, Cledus scarfs down fried chicken, hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, sweet tea and more, while the kids are forced to eat mystery health food. He saved on casting enlisting the same kids – including his daughter – to star in several scenes.
The song is currently available at iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and all download and streaming services. Cledus walked away from writing, touring and releasing music in 2012. The life of stardom had a downside for him, as constant partying led to drug addiction. He credits the birth of his daughter, now 14, for leading him to a clean life and a dedication to spending more time with his family. More at Facebook.
Scotty McCreery shares wedding video with fans
It’s been just over a month since Scotty McCreery, the man once named “Country Music’s Hottest Bachelor,” gave up his title as he married the love of his life, Gabi Dugal, in a romantic ceremony set in the mountains of North Carolina. As they settle into married life, the newlyweds are inviting fans to experience their special day with the official music video for McCreery’s current single ‘This Is It.’ The video premiered exclusively in partnership with The Knot.
“Our wedding day was everything we wanted it to be, as Gabi and I celebrated our love and commitment to each other with family and close friends in the beautiful North Carolina mountains,” said McCreery. “‘This is It’ is our story. We have received so much love and support from our fans that we felt it was only right to share our special day with them. We hope everyone enjoys the music video as much as we love being able to relive that day over and over again.” Find the video on YouTube
Michael Ray’s shoes helping animals in need
Inspired by the generosity of his fans, country star Michael Ray knew he wanted to celebrate the release of his sophomore album, AMOS by giving back. That philanthropic spirit resulted in a partnership with Puma and Zappos for Good, the charitable arm of Zappos, to design a special, one-of-a-kind sneaker. Proceeds from sales of the ‘Wrigley Cares Limited-Edition Puma Classic Suede’ benefit Ray’s charitable initiative, Wrigley Cares: Helping Animals in Need, which was inspired by his rescue dog Wrigley.
“One of the best things about the country music community is the fact that we are a community. When you ask fans for their help, they always show up,” reflects Ray. “I never dreamed that Wrigley Cares could turn into what it’s become, and I owe it all to my fans.” All proceeds from the sale of Puma Michael Ray Suede Classics directly support Wrigley Cares and its partner North Shore Animal League America. Buy/stream ‘Amos’ via his website.
The entire column will be posted at Nashville Music Guide in the next few days. Until then, catch up on July’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row.’
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com