Josh Thompson — Way Out Here
Last modified on 2010-04-23 18:14:20 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Josh Thompson’s new single, “Way Out Here,” is also the title of his stellar debut album. But, according to Josh, the song was written just before he went to the studio to record the album. So what would the album have been called if the song hadn’t been written in time?? Well, any track on the album could probably have done the job, but Josh says that “Way Out Here” sums it all up.
Check it out below as we hear from Josh and spin his new one, “Way Out Here.”
Josh Turner — All Over Me
Last modified on 2010-04-23 17:45:00 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Hot off the heels of his latest #1, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” Josh Turner’s got a new one that we think you’re gonna be hearin’ all summer long.
Josh admits that he thought “All Over Me” was a hit the first time he heard it… even if he changed it up quite a bit once he got in the studio! Check it out as we give it a spin and chat with Josh in this week’s New Music Spotlight:
Laura Bell Bundy — Giddy On Up
Last modified on 2010-04-23 17:32:45 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
By now, you’ve seen Laura Bell Bundy shimmying all over GAC, CMT and the ACM Awards Show. And I’m willing to bet you’ve even line-danced to her debut single, “Giddy On Up.” Right? … Right??
We recently caught Laura when she wasn’t dancing and chatted with her about her new single and album, Achin’ and Shakin’. Check it out below in the New Music Spotlight!
Jerrod Niemann — Lover, Lover
Last modified on 2010-04-01 21:43:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The first time I heard Jerrod Niemann’s new single, “Lover, Lover,” I thought it was a pretty savvy song choice. The song was originally recorded by the group Sonia Dada back in the ’90s under the name “You Don’t Treat Me No Good No More.” Jerrod’s take on the song gives it a laid back Country vibe that works pretty well.
However, I’ve gotta say that “You Don’t Treat Me No Good No More” is a WAY better Country song title than “Lover, Lover”!!! 
Check it out below as we hear from Jerrod and spin a song that will be stuck in your head for the rest of the week!
David Nail — Turning Home
Last modified on 2010-04-01 21:09:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
A funny thing happened the other day as I was going through the CD library hear at the HitMakers office. I was looking for a CD when I noticed one by David Nail. But this CD was way on back with our older CDs.
I thought that was strange considering David is a new artist who just had a hit with “Red Light.” Well, David’s CD was back in the stacks because he’s been around for a while! His single “Memphis” (the one I found) was released in 2002 off of his self-titled album that was recorded and sent to radio stations… but never released.
David took some time off from the music biz and actually helped coach a baseball team before signing with MCA Nashville in 2007. It took another 2 years after that before David would finally see his album, I’m About to Come Alive, on store shelves.
Well, David tells us that he enjoys finally being able to go into a store and buy his record… even if it does lead to some awkward moments when he checks out! So check it out below as we hear from David and spin his new one, “Turning Home,” in the New Music Spotlight.
Burns & Poe — Don’t Get No Better Than That
Last modified on 2010-03-19 18:30:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I believe it was Aristotle who famously said, “It don’t get no better than that!” Wait, no… I think it was Chaucer. Or maybe it was Thoreau… At any rate, let’s not worry about who first uttered the phrase, let’s talk about who’s saying it now!
While Keith Burns & Michelle Poe are not new to Country music, they’ve only recently broken out as a duo. So listen in as we spin their new one, “Don’t Get No Better Than That,” and hear Keith insist that his rapping on the song was spontaneous.
Blaine Larsen — Chillin’
Last modified on 2010-03-11 22:41:39 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Blaine Larsen grew up in Buckley, WA. So, he’s seen plenty of mountains. Blaine tells us that he’d much rather be on the beach.
Well, his new single, “Chillin’,” sounds like the beach! And let’s be honest: It also sounds like another Country artist whose name rhymes with Shmenny Shmesney 
Now don’t worry all you Blaine-iacs out there, we mean that all in good fun! Heck, even Blaine admits that naming his new album Not Too Bad is just asking for it from the critics.
We’re not critics! But we know a good tune when we hear one! So check out “Chillin’” below in the New Music Spotlight!
Katie Armiger — Kiss Me Now
Last modified on 2010-03-11 22:09:15 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Katie Armiger’s new single, “Kiss Me Now,” is a song that is rooted deep in symbolism and relies heavily on metaphors pondering the deeper complexities of life.
Ahhhhh, just kiddin! Katie says her new one is pretty self-explanatory! So we’re not gonna try to explain it, but we are giving it a spin in the New Music Spotlight below!
Jason Aldean — Crazy Town
Last modified on 2010-02-24 22:51:00 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
Jason Aldean knows a thing or two about how to get a song to the top of the charts. His last three singles have all hit the #1 spot, so don’t be surprised if his new one, “Crazy Town,” follows suit.
But believe it or not, there was a time when Jason considered packing it all up and heading back to Georgia. We’re glad he didn’t, otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to spin “Crazy Town” in the New Music Spotlight! So, give it a listen and tell us what you think!
Miranda Lambert — The House That Built Me
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:44:13 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
If you’re not paying attention to the music that Miranda Lambert is putting out, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Our favorite Texas firecracker released Revolution last year and, like her previous albums, it is wonderful.
So where does Miranda get these great songs?? She steals them from Blake, duh! We’ll let Miranda explain how she pilfered her new one from her boyfriend and why her mom cries every time she hears Miranda’s new single, “The House That Built Me.” That’s all below in the New Music Spotlight!
Tim McGraw — Still
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:38:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I’m pretty sure it’s a rule that when you’re a big star, you can refer to yourself in the 3rd-person. Such is the case with Tim, who calls his new one “classic Tim McGraw.” We’re not gonna argue with Tim, because he knows a thing or two about making a project successful.
Listen in as we catch up with Tim below in the New Music Spotlight!
Danny Gokey — My Best Days Are Ahead of Me
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:28:55 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Given all of his success since his run on American Idol, Danny’s proclamation that his best days are ahead of him seems bold. But Danny backs it up with his debut single. Danny says that everything has had a way of just working out since his wife passed away… But he doesn’t want to be known as “that guy whose wife died.”
Danny explains his past, present & future as we spin “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” below…
Josh Thompson — Beer On the Table
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:23:42 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
One sure-fire way to get the crew at Country HitMakers to listen to your song is to have “beer” in the title somewhere. And, it seems many people are taking notice of Josh Thompson’s debut single. Josh tells us the song is all about working hard to get a cold beer. Now that’s something we can get behind!
Check it out below as we check in with Josh and keep our words straight!
Matt Kennon — The Call
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:18:50 GMT. 1 comment. Top.
Newcomer Matt Kennon is making quite a splash with his powerful debut single, “The Call.” Matt tells us that he felt like he needed a big, powerful song to make an immediate impact. We think he’s done just that.
Listen in and sing along as we give “The Call” a spin in the New Music Spotlight.
Lee Ann Womack — There Is a God
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:11:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
There are few country artists who crank out music as consistently good as Lee Ann Womack. Her albums are always chock-full of beautiful songs, many of which never hit the radio waves. A lot of that has to do with the fact that radio likes to play upbeat, shiny, happy songs and, well, that’s just not Lee Ann’s thing.
Lee Ann’s new one certainly has a religious tone to it, but that isn’t a first for Lee Ann. When I first saw the title, I was reminded of a song from her There’s More Where That Came From album, “Stubborn (Psalms 151).” Do yourself a favor and listen to that song! And then listen to “There Is a God” below in the New Music Spotlight…
Steel Magnolia — Keep On Lovin’ You
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:01:53 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Things have taken off pretty quickly for the beautiful duo of Steel Magnolia. They’ve quickly moved from the karaoke bars of Nashville to the stage of CMT’s Can You Duet, where they were this past season’s winners. And now they’re racing up the country charts with their debut single, “Keep On Lovin’ You.” The single is also on the Valentine’s Day soundtrack.
We recently caught up with the lovely Miss Meghan Linsey and she told us about how they had to pick a song quickly. Seems like they picked a good one! I mean, it’s gotta be good if we’re spinning it in the New Music Spotlight!
The Band Perry — Hip To My Heart
Last modified on 2010-02-19 21:49:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
The may have a peculiar name, but this brothers & sister group are undeniably poised to have a breakout year in 2010. Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry call their debut single, “Hip To My Heart,” a “smile song that gives you a shot of caffeine over the airwaves.” Sounds… groovy, man…
Listen in below and sing along as we give their new one a spin in the New Music Spotlight!
Lady Antebellum — American Honey
Last modified on 2010-02-19 21:43:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I know I’m going out on a limb here, but you may want to pay attention to this group, Lady Antebellum. I see big things in their future…
We recently caught up with Charles, Dave and Hillary to get the scoop on their new chart-topping album and awesome new single, “American Honey.” Check it out!
Gretchen Wilson — Work Hard, Play Harder
Last modified on 2010-02-19 22:45:36 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Your favorite redneck woman is back! Where has she been and what has she been up to? Oh, not much… just getting her high school diploma, starting her own record label and releasing a greatest hits album. All in a day’s work I guess. While Gretchen may work hard, she likes to play harder (betcha didn’t see that one comin’!).
Gretchen co-wrote her new one with John Rich & Vicky McGehee — two people that Gretchen says she’s very comfortable writing with. Listen in as we give “Work Hard, Play Harder” a spin in the New Music Spotlight!
Whitney Duncan — Skinny Dippin’
Last modified on 2009-07-02 19:18:04 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Ahh… Whitney Duncan. I really like Whitney Duncan. Wait — that was last post! Sorry!
I’m always taken aback when I see Whitney Duncan in person because I’m so used to seeing the 12″ cardboard cutout of her that sits on top of my desk. But I sure ain’t complainin’!
Whitney recently dropped by HitMakers HQ and talked about her new single, “Skinny Dippin.” Check it out below as we catch up with Whitney and hear how she was nearly attacked by a snake in the water. I tell ya — that thing could have killed her… if it weren’t dead!
Sarah Buxton — Outside My Window
Last modified on 2009-07-02 19:09:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Ahh, Sarah Buxton… I really like Sarah Buxton. She’s just so positive and she smells nice — seriously! A little on my personal background with her:
- Very early on in our relationship, I told my girlfriend that I was going to marry Sarah Buxton.
- I’ve got to meet Sarah a few times, but the only thing I was ever able to say to her was, “I love your songs.” Man, I’m smooth.
- My aforementioned girlfriend saw Sarah play acoustic at the Nashville Screenwriter’s Conference and told me she understood my previous statement.
- I once heard a knock on my door here at the HitMakers office (it’s the back door, so visitors rarely come in this way). When I opened the door, there was none other than Sarah Buxton. I thought maybe she had arrived so that we could start our life together, but alas, she was just here for an interview
Well lucky for you, some bits from that interview are below in our New Music Spotlight. In it, Sarah talks about the fun she had making her video for “Outside My Window.” Check it out as we catch up with Miss Buxton and spin her new one in the New Music Spotlight!
And here’s the music video for “Outside My Window”:
Steve Azar — Moo La Moo
Last modified on 2009-07-02 18:53:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Even though Steve Azar could be making some serious moo-la on the PGA tour, he’s got his heart set on cranking out solid Country tunes. Last year, he started Dang Records and released Indianola. Now he’s back with a brand new one, Slide On Over Here, featuring its first single, “Moo La Moo.” We’re not going to pretend that we know exactly what that means, but it sounds catchy, right? Steve thinks so — and we’ll let him tell you all about it in the New Music Spotlight below:
Jesse Lee — It’s A Girl Thing
Last modified on 2009-06-26 19:19:24 GMT. 5 comments. Top.
According to Wikipedia, Jesse Lee was an American Methodist Episcopal clergyman and pioneer who helped spread Methodism in the late 1700s… Wait, wrong Jesse Lee! Okay — the Jesse Lee we’re worried about started recording demos in Nashville at age 14 and has some pink hair. Wait again, pink hair in Country music?? Well, according to her Wikipedia, she is dating Paramore’s bass player. But seriously, you all know that Country music has plenty of room for any hair style or color! That’s why we’re spinning Jesse’s new one, “It’s A Girl Thing,” in our New Music Spotlight:
Jason Aldean — Big Green Tractor
Last modified on 2009-06-26 19:11:16 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Hot off the coattails of his second #1 single (”She’s Country”), Jason’s back with more down-on-the-farm Country goodness. And he’s feelin’ good about “Big Green Tractor”! Will we see another #1 from Jason? Well, check it out below and tell us what you think!
The Parks — As Long As You’re Going My Way
Last modified on 2009-06-26 19:07:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
I suppose the first thing you have to mention when introducing the Parks is that they’re a father / son duo. Clint (son) and Johnny (dad) Parks aren’t the male version of the Judds, but they definitely have a throwback sound. So if you’re a fan of Country music and remember when records sold well, you should most certainly check out “As Long As You’re Going My Way” in the New Music Spotlight below!
Joe Nichols — Believers
Last modified on 2009-05-29 18:57:07 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
When he hasn’t been cutting his hair or getting into character for his Broadway debut in Pure Country, Joe’s been putting out new music. And he’s issued a challenge to all of his fellow believers. Check it out here and check out Joe’s new one as we give it a spin in the New Music Spotlight:
Miranda Lambert — Dead Flowers
Last modified on 2009-05-01 18:16:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Fresh off the heels of her critically acclaimed Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Miranda’s got a new one out with “Dead Flowers.” If you’re anything like us, you’ve been rocking this song since it came out. We think it’s gonna be another big hit for Miranda. She debuted the song at the ACMs in April, and admits that modern technology has made it more difficult to “debut” new material live. Check it out as we give it a spin in the New Music Spotlight:
Heidi Newfield — What Am I Waiting For
Last modified on 2009-05-01 19:02:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Heidi’s back with the third single off of her solo debut album, What Am I Waiting For. The title track follows Heidi’s strong singles “Johnny & June” and “Cry, Cry (’Til the Sun Shines).” Heidi says it was nice being able to write the new one with her former Trick Pony bandmates. We’re giving it a spin below in the New Music Spotlight, so… what are you waiting for!? (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
Caitlin & Will — Address In the Stars
Last modified on 2009-04-24 19:33:02 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Like Joey & Rory, new duo Caitlin & Will got their big break on CMT’s Can You Duet? Unlike Joey & Rory, they won the first season of the reality talent competition. After a last-second switcherooski on their debut single, they’ve released “Address In the Stars.” Will says the song wasn’t what he expected it to be, but that made it all the more powerful. Check it out below as we give it a spin in the New Music Spotlight:
Tracy Lawrence — Up To Him
Last modified on 2009-04-24 19:32:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Tracy Lawrence is back, and this time around he’s giving a spiritual twist to things. His forthcoming album, The Rock, features some inspiriational songs, including the lead-off single, “Up To Him.” Tracy said the timing was right for him to make an album like this and that he wanted to do it for his parents. Check it out below in the New Music Spotlight:
Brad Paisley — Then
Last modified on 2009-04-23 22:24:17 GMT. 2 comments. Top.
Brad’s got a new one out with “Then,” and it’s shooting right up the charts now. We’re giving it a spin in the New Music Spotlight below, so check it out and let us know what you think!
Eric Church — Love Your Love the Most
Last modified on 2009-03-20 19:42:32 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
You may know Eric from his songs “How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines” and “Guys Like Me.” Eric describes his new one, “Love Your Love the Most,” as a change of pace for him — a song that shows a little more depth. Well, if you like mustard on your fries, a Friday night at the honky tonk or NASCAR Sundays, this one’s right up your alley. Check it out below in the New Music Spotlight!
Keith Urban — Kiss A Girl
Last modified on 2009-03-20 19:35:49 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
I don’t think you need us to tell you that Keith Urban has a new song out. But, just in case you didn’t know, it’s called “Kiss A Girl” and we’re giving it a spin in the New Music Spotlight below. Tell us what you think in the comments!
Billy Currington — People Are Crazy
Last modified on 2009-03-13 23:12:35 GMT. 4 comments. Top.
Have you heard Billy’s new one? It’s called “People Are Crazy,” and we’re thinkin’ you’re crazy if you don’t like it! Ha! Check it out below and let us know what you think!
Jamie O’Neal — Like a Woman
Last modified on 2009-03-06 23:03:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
Jamie O’Neal’s got a new one, and we’re giving it a spin in the New Music Spotlight. Check it out below and tell us what you think about it in the comments!
Dierks Bentley — Feel That Fire
Last modified on 2008-10-06 16:54:18 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
I saw Dierks Bentley at Starbucks a few weeks ago. And even though that has nothing to do with his new song — “Feel That Fire” — I just figured I would mention that because it shows how down-to-earth Dierks is. While some artists would have one of their handlers run & grab them a venti-vanilla-iced-soy-mocha-latte, Dierks is a man of the people… even if not everyone recognizes him when he’s out and about.
ANYHOW, we’re giving “Feel That Fire” a spin in the New Music Spotlight, so check it out!
Darryl Worley — Tequila On Ice
Last modified on 2008-09-29 22:14:44 GMT. 8 comments. Top.
This week, we’ve got Darryl Worley in the New Music Spotlight. Darryl says his new song, “Tequila On Ice” struck a chord with him because it reminds him of his wife, Kimberly… but not so much of his ex-wife, Beverly. Listen in as we hear from Darryl, and spin some cool, Country music on the rocks:
Justin Moore — Back That Thing Up
Last modified on 2008-09-19 20:23:15 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
Most new artists don’t get to open for superstars like Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top before they release a single. But don’t tell that to Justin Moore. With breakout digital singles “I Could Kick Your Ass” and “Back That Thing Up,” Justin landed those coveted opening slots and got a record deal with Valory Music Group.
Not too shabby, eh? We’re giving “Back That Thing Up” a spin to see what all the fuss is about, and giving you a chance to get to know Justin. Check it out below:
Now, why don’t you go ahead and learn the line dance yourself?
Eli Young Band — “Always the Love Songs”
Last modified on 2008-09-12 20:16:16 GMT. 3 comments. Top.
Whether you’ve caught them on tour with the Dave Matthews Band or seen their video for “When It Rains,” you know that the Eli Young Band are a promising young country band.
We’re giving their new one, “Always the Love Songs,” a spin in this week’s New Music Spotlight. Listen in as the guys talk about the song and why it was perfect for their Jet Black & Jealous album.
And feel free to tell us what you think about the song in the comments!
Phil Vassar — “I Would”
Last modified on 2008-09-05 18:13:46 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
People like Phil Vassar have to make you kind of sick. And I mean that in the best way possible!
The guy’s a talented piano player and songwriter — his songs have been cut by let’s just say “everyone,” (including Engelburt Humperdinck) — and he seems to always be smiling. And as I was listening to “I’m Alright” on the radio as I drove to work this morning, well, it’s hard not to smile when you’re singing along to a Phil Vassar song.
We’re giving his new one, “I Would,” a spin in this week’s New Music Spotlight. Listen in as Phil talks about the mysterious forces that make a song a hit, plus Phil shares the inspiration he got to write “I Would” while he was in Las Vegas. Don’t you just love it when you get a great song idea and can just hammer it out at the piano… in your hotel room!?
Kristy Lee Cook — 15 Minutes of Shame
Last modified on 2008-08-29 22:27:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
American Idol finalist Kristy Lee Cook is the latest AI alum to go Country, and she’s startin’ off with a bang! “15 Minutes of Shame” is her debut single, and it sounds pretty promising. It’s catchy, its title is a play-on-words and it mentions “radio” in the first verse (radio stations love to play songs that say “radio” in them). Sounds like a hit to us, so we’re giving it a spin in the New Music Spotlight. Use the audio controls to check it out!
Link: Kristy Lee’s MySpace
Lee Brice — Upper Middle Class White Trash
Last modified on 2008-08-29 21:39:44 GMT. 0 comments. Top.
No, that’s not what we’re calling Lee — that’s the name of his new single. It’ll be on his upcoming album, Picture of Me and Lee says it was inspired by a true story. Check it out as we give it a spin by using the audio controls below:
Image via LeeBrice.com