For Cowboy Troy it’s all about the fans
February 27, 2010 by Stephanie Kohl
Filed under Country Music, FEATURED
CMC Exclusive: The six-feet, five inches tall, black rapping country artist takes his fans so seriously in fact, that they helped him decide what would go on his latest album, “Demolition Mission: Studio Blue Sessions,” released in Sept. 2009. The first half of the record features Cowboy Troy singing, while the second half features his signature “hick-hop”. Prior to the release of the album, he asked his fans and audiences to tell him what they wanted on the record.
“If they like it, tell me,” Cowboy Troy said. “If not, tell me.”
Already working on new material, Cowboy Troy will seek input from his fans once again. He has plans to debut some new material on tour this summer. Cowboy Troy’s Live and Loud Cowboy Stomp Tour will hit the Chicago-area March 15 for the US99 Kix Brooks Announcement Party; July 8 for the Joliet Race Fan Rally in downtown Joliet; the afternoon of July 10 for the US99 pre-race party concert in Joliet; the evening of July 10 at the Byron Festival; He’ll emcee at the LogJam Fest in Phillips, Wisc, July 30 – Aug. 1; and Aug. 29 for Zoo Tunes at Brookfield Zoo.
“I realize that I provide a service that no one requires,” Cowboy Troy said of his relationship with fans. “As a musician, no one requires what I do… if people have something of mine, it’s because they want it and I think it is important in providing a service that nobody needs but they want, that I provide what they want. That’s why I make sure I listen to what they say. They are the ones who are paying for it.”
With regard to the new album, Cowboy Troy encourages new listeners to play “Cash in the Cookie Jar” first, recognizing it is an up-tempo, snappy song that people seem to like. His favorite, however, is “Crown.”
“It talks about stuff that is very close to me,” he said. “It is my own personal experience. It is almost autobiographical.”
Cowboy Troy grew up in Dallas, Texas listening to a mix of country music, rap and rock, a combination he has used on all of his records.
“I’ve been doing that on all three of my major records I have done,” he said. “I’ve always kind of combined all three styles, so it’s not anything brand new to me. Once, it’s an accident; twice is a coincidence; three times is a trend.”
Because of a serious lack of radio play, Cowboy Troy relies on word-of-mouth to spread his music. To keep in touch with fans new and old, he utilizes social media including MySpace and Twitter.
“People can see the conversation we are having and people get to be in on that,” he said. “It’s kind of a cool thing.”
With 3,100 followers, Cowboy Troy is an avid “tweet-er”. When he’s just sitting around watching television, or his kids do something silly, or he goes out somewhere, he tweets about it. He thinks Twitter is a way to let all of his followers in on his conversations with others. Find Cowboy Troy on Twitter.com @cowboytroy.
On the web: cowboytroy.com – cowboytroyent.com
Randy Rogers Band back at Joe’s
February 25, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Chicago, Concert Alerts, Events, FEATURED
Win tickets to their show on Country Music Chicago!
Concert Alert:
While their Windy City debut has long passed (six times over), The Randy Rogers Band is no stranger to Chicago, especially not Joe’s Bar. This Texas, by the way of Nashville, based band is leaving their 70 degree Austin sunshine for Chicago’s blustery-cold weather to perform, once again, at the north side venue.
“We always have a great reception playing at Joe’s,” said Geoffrey Hill, the band’s lead guitarist. “It’s always cool to catch up with our Chicago following.”
Fresh out of the recording studio, the band will perform live on Thursday.
“We just finished our new album title ‘Burning The Day,’ Hill said. “The first single off the album is a great song called ‘Interstate’. We’re sure to play this one for you.”
While “Burning The Day” isn’t expected until sometime this summer, fans need not to worry as the band has quite an extensive play-list to choose from. Their dossier of songs spans over six albums.
Over the years, the Randy Rogers Band has opened for acts like Willie Nelson, the Eagles, Gary Allan and Dierks Bentley while being labeled as a must-see touring act by the Rolling Stones Magazine. In addition to their extensive touring, including their multiple Joe’s Bar gigs, the Randy Rogers Band has perform on The Tonight Show, The Late Show and the Grand Ole Opry, which have all helped them earn a solid, steady following.
Tickets are $10 and available on Ticketmaster.com or at Joe’s (Cash only).
Check them out: Download “Kiss Me In The Dark”, “In My Arms Instead” and “One More Goodbye” on iTunes. 
CONCERT INFO:
Randy Rogers Band
WHEN: Thursday, March 4, 2010 – 8PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
TICKETS: $10 – Ticketmaster.com or Joe’s Box Office (Cash Only)
On the web: randyrogersband.com
Only Country Music…
February 21, 2010 by Scott Winterroth, Editor
Filed under Live Reviews, News
LIVE REVIEW:
Last minute plans led me to Joe’s Bar on Friday to catch a favorite local group GRIMM TAYLOR. Walking into the show, I knew that one of Nashville’s newest faces, the Trailer Choir, was billed as the evening headliner. At the time, I was half as excited to see them.
A few months back, Trailer Choir released a free music video download of their single “Rockin’ The Beer Gut.” Because it was free, the video made its way into my collection. Don’t get me wrong, I like a corny country song as much as the next guy but this single was probably not the best prelude to Friday’s performance.
To my surprise, Trailer Choir’s live performance nearly blew my double-wide expectations out of the park! The trio, comprised of two guys and a girl, is lead buy a guy named Butter. Joining him is Big Vinny’s, whose signature is a trucker style camo-hat and bib overalls and the girl, Crystal, who you can’t help but think why is this girl is partnered with these average Joes. All quirkiness aside, their highly energetic act, along with the $1 long-necks, transformed the nearly sedated crowd into a fun-loving, rough and rowdy mix.
Trailer Choir’s set list ranged from classic country to ’80 pop hits. Memorable cuts included the trio’s own “Rollin’ Through The Sunshine” and “In My Next 5 Beers” to a cover of Jerry Reed’s famous “East Bound and Down” and of course their very own “Rockin’ the Beer Gut”.
While Trailer Choir’s lead is a great entertainer, Big Vinny can easily steal the show. The 400-pound Tennessee-bred performer worked the small stage with everything from trading harmonies to his amazing “snake” dance, which he busted-out right on the small stage.
After this experience, I can see why Toby Keith signed the trio to his Show Dog Nashville label as their uniqueness and energy really made for a great show. Now, the question is, will this energy translate into a full-album.
Download “Off The Hillbilly Hook – EP” on iTunes.
Word on the Street – Feb 21
February 21, 2010 by Scott Winterroth, Editor
Filed under CMC News, Chicago Country, News, Word on the Street
With a chart topping album release, an Oprah Show exclusive and a couple of GRAMMY “wins”, Lady Antebellum’s country music career continues to soar in 2010.
Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott had a remarkable 2009 but for the trio best known as Lady Antebellum, 2010 is rolling out quite nicely. Just after their album release of “Need You Now”, which spent two weeks atop of The Billboard 200 music chart, the trio took home their first GRAMMY Award for Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for “I Run To You”.
The new hardware they picked up at the Grammys was not the only trophy the trio took home from the televised award show. Their performance of “Need You Now” seemed to have caught the attention much larger audience outside of the country genre. The trio seemed to impress the Queen of day-time T.V. as Lady A made their way to Chicago to performed live on Friday’s airing of the Oprah Show.
Watch the Oprah Show recap and the premiere of the Lady Antebellum “American Honey” music video on oprah.com.
New Music:
Josh Turner continues spinning with his third studio album, “Haywire” which was released on on February 9. His unmistakable baritone pipes are strategically fitted into this 11 plus track album. Check out the full review on the Chicago Country Music Blog.
Video Stars:
Laura Bell Bundy might not be a household name but with her debut music video this Kentucky-bred singer/songwriter is dancing her way to the top. Her old-west infused music video, “Giddy On Up”, mixes country music with the choreography of a Britney Spears video. Choreographed dancing in country music videos is nothing new but if Bundy starting a trend for 2010, it would be interested to see Alan Jackson or George Strait kickin’ it up like Bundy in their next videos. – Preview/Download “Giddy On Up” on iTunes
On the other side of the spectrum, Sarah Buxton has been trying to edge her way into country music stardom over the last several years. Since her debut duet with Cowboy Troy on “If You Don’t Want To Love Me”, Buxton has been brewing up a full-fledged album ever since. Five years in the making, Buxton is hitting the shelves with her self-titled debut on Feb. 23. Word on the Street is Buxton produced her “Outside My Window” music video with the song’s co-writer for about $80. While the production budget was slim, it’s making waves on CMT and GAC. Watch “Outside My Window” on CMT.com
Concert Watch:
Kix Brooks (Brooks & Dunn) has tapped country music artist Cowboy Troy and local group Cross County Junction for a special “House of Blues” performance coming up on March 15. The event is billed as a special US99/Kix Brooks Announcement Party. More details to come…
MEGA TICKET
The 2010 US99 Country Mega Ticket is here. Grab your seats for six of Chicago biggest summer country music concerts. Headliners include Montgomery Gentry (5/22), Tim McGraw (6/26), Brad Paisley (7/16), Brooks & Dunn (8/8), Rascal Flatts (8/28) and Toby Keith (9/18). All concerts are billed for the South Suburban, First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Ticket packages range from $150 – $600. Live Nation
Mark Your Calendar:
Country music is returning to Brookfield Zoo this summer. Jimmy Wayne, Cowboy Troy, Cross County Junction and a “TBA” will take the stage on August 29 for Zoo Tunes. Concert is free with paid admission to the Zoo!
Mega Ticket Mania
February 19, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Burbs, Concert Alerts, Events, FEATURED, Ticket Line
TICKET ALERT:
While Rascal Flatts might not be bringing their 2010 tour on Wrigley Field – as they did in 2009 – the Flatts Boys along with headliners Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry are all, at some point, “swinging by” one of Chicagoland’s more traditional country music confines this summer.
For those planning to attend every concert, as recommended, you’ll be happy to here that Live Nation, US99 and the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater are returning the 2010 Country MEGA ticket. The promotional package guarantees seats at all six country music concerts headed to the South Suburban amphitheater.
Don’t delay, the Mega Tickets general public sale begins today through Live Nation. Packages range from $150 for lawn seats all the way up to $600 for “100” level seat, per person. While that might seem like a big tank to your recession-run pocket book, if you do the math, it really is a great deal. Plus, existing Mega Ticket holders have first dibs on next year’s tickets.
Lineup Lowdown:
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Country Throwdown Tour featuring:
Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Jack Ingram, Eric Church, Eli Young Band, The Lost Trailers, Heidi Newfield and more.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Tim McGraw with Lady Antebellum and Love & Theft
Friday, July 16, 2010
Brad Paisley with Darius Rucker
Sunday, August 8th, 2010
Brooks & Dunn (The Last Rodeo Tour) with Gary Allan
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler & Chris Young
Saturday, September 18
Toby Keith
Live Nation – Concert Tickets On Sale Now!
Church of Joe’s
February 7, 2010 by CountryMusicChicago.com Staff
Filed under Chicago, Concert Alerts, Events
CONCERT ALERT:
While Nashville may have the Ryman, here in Chicago our downtown country music venue is Joe’s Bar. Some might say you can’t compare Joe’s with a historic landmark like the Ryman, but with Joe’s Academy of Country Music win for “Nightclub of the Year” and its countless back-to-back country shows it’s “History in the Making” (Thanks Darius) here in the Windy City.
While some of us do worship our favorite country stars at Joe’s, the “Church” play on works is really in reference to the country music star, Eric Church, who is set to return the north side venue on Feb. 18. Church is no stranger to Chicago as he’s played Joe’s at various stages of his career and even poked his head, as the only country music act, into last year’s Lollapalooza festival in Grant Park. While his latest album, “Carolina”, was released just about a year ago, he’s had one heck of a year to practice, and refine, his current set-list. Church’s hits include, “How ‘Bout You”, “Guys Like Me” and “Love Your Love The Most”.
Joining Church on the Jagermeister Country Tour is newcomer Josh Thompson who is making his way into mainstream country with the single, “Beer On The Table”. Thompson’s will release his debut album, “Way Out There”, on Feb. 23.
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THIS SOLD OUT SHOW!
CONCERT DETAILS:
Eric Church with Josh Thompson and Rick Monroe
DATE: Thurs, Feb. 18, 2010 | 8:30PM
WHERE: Joe’s Bar: 940 W. Weed Street, Chicago
TICKETS: $25 & $150 V.I.P. – ticketmaster.com
DETAILS: This concert is currently sold-out at the $25 level. Must be 21+ to enter.
