DALLAS SMITH INKS NEW U.S. RECORD DEAL

Blockbuster Vocalist Gears Up For Release Of Single “Kids With Cars” 

Already Amassing International Appeal & Opening Slots On Major Tours

Photo credit: Kristin Barlowe

Earlier today, Dallas Smith inked a new U.S. record deal with Blaster Records through the label’s recent partnership with Big Loud Mountain. In celebration of the signing, the record-breaking Canadian country artist will release his new super-charged single “Kids With Cars” to Country radio this September and to digital retailers September 11. Produced and mixed by Joey Moi (Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen), a preview of the high-octane song is now available on YouTube.

“Nothing excites us more than being involved with great music and with passionate, committed people,” says Blaster Records’ President Derek Simon. “We loved the music Dallas was making and jumped at the chance to partner with Big Loud Mountain to become his American label. Spend 10 minutes watching one of Dallas' shows and it’s clear how special of a singer and performer he is. The new music he's making is so strong and compelling and we couldn’t ask for better partners than Craig, Seth, Chief and Joey.”

"It's great to collaborate with the team at Blaster. They are equally as passionate as I am," shares Dallas Smith. “I’m excited to continue to build on what we are doing and take it to the next level."

Armed with an arena-sized voice, Smith has amassed international appeal since making his American country debut with the infectious single “Tippin’ Point” and dominating the Canadian Country charts with songs like "Lifted" and multi-week #1 hit "Wastin' Gas." Named one of the Huffington Post’s 15 Country Artists to Watch in 2015, Smith is the only Canadian male country artist to spend multiple weeks at the top of the Country Airplay Chart in the Nielsen BDS era for single “Wastin’ Gas.”

The accolades continue to pile up for the Vancouver, British Columbia native as he will vie for four honors at the 2015 CCMA Awards - Album of the Year (LIFTED), Single of the Year (“Wastin’ Gas”), Male Artist of the Year and Fans’ Choice Award - and earlier this year, won the JUNO Award for Country Album of the Year (LIFTED).

Smith is currently in the studio working on his first American full-length debut with longstanding producer Moi, who produced his prior award-winning Canadian projects JUMPED RIGHT IN and LIFTED.

Previously touring with Florida Georgia Line, Smith has been tearing up U.S. roads playing major festivals and opening select shows for Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett. Fans can catch the blockbuster performer and former lead singer of the multi-platinum rock group Default at upcoming tour stops in Gardendale, TX (8/23) and St. Paul, MN (9/4 & 9/5).

For tour dates and more information, visit DallasSmithmusic.com.

BLASTER RECORDS INKS DEAL WITH MONTGOMERY GENTRY

PRESS RELEASE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Tuesday, February 18, 2014) – Blaster Records has signed Platinum-selling, award-winning country music duo Montgomery Gentry to their artist roster. Michael Knox (Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Thomas Rhett and the ABC hit show Nashville) has been tapped to produce their new album expected for release in 2014; Knox previously produced the duo’s Top 10 single “Where I Come From.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about welcoming Montgomery Gentry to the Blaster Records family,” shares Derek Simon, President of Blaster Records. “Eddie and Troy are proven hit makers and consummate professionals.  We can’t wait to get started and look forward to a very successful run together.”

Gentry echoes Simon’s sentiment noting, "Eddie and I couldn't be more excited to be on the Blaster roster. Signing with these guys was a no brainer for us when we saw the team they have to put around us. It's a great bunch of people that we look forward to working with." Montgomery adds, “Man, I can't say enough about the Blaster guys and we haven't even cut the album yet! I can already tell this is going to be an awesome ride!

Montgomery Gentry is comprised of Troy Gentry and Eddie Montgomery who, together, have celebrated multiple awards and nominations from the CMA, ACM, and GRAMMYs. They have released more than 20 charted singles, with anthems like "My Town" and "Hell Yeah" becoming indelible parts of the honky-tonk landscape. They have hit the top of the singles charts five times, with "If You Ever Stop Loving Me," "Something To Be Proud Of," "Lucky Man," "Back When I Knew It All" and "Roll With Me."

Montgomery Gentry joins Chuck Wicks, Hank Williams Jr., Aaron Lewis, Jared Ashley, Brother Trouble and more on the label’s roster.

Blaster Records is distributed through Warner Music Nashville. Montgomery Gentry is managed by Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis and booked by WME’s Greg Oswald.

For more information visit www.montgomerygentry.com and www.blasterentertainment.com.

CHUCK WICKS RELEASES NEW SINGLE “US AGAIN”

Country Star Announces Forthcoming Album on New Label Home Blaster Records

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan 14, 2014) – New music from Chuck Wicks is coming to country fans as Wicks’ new single “Us Again” has just shipped to radio for a Jan. 27 impact date. The song will also be available for download via iTunes and all other major digital outlets on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Co-written by Wicks, Andy Dodd and Tiffany Vartanyan, the contemplative love song is the lead single from his forthcoming album, which Wicks recently announced he will be releasing on his new label home, Blaster Records. Wicks joins an accomplished roster of talent, including Aaron Lewis, Hank Williams Jr. and newcomer Jared Ashley.

“Chucks Wicks is an incredible singer and an equally gifted writer,” says Blaster Records President Derek Simon. “He’s a consummate professional with an amazing connection to his audience. We expect that audience is going to grow exponentially with Chuck’s new music. We couldn’t be more excited about having him join our family.”

Wicks demonstrated his writing and producing talents last year on his independently released EP Rough, which received an overwhelming response from fans and rave reviews from critics. GAC praised his “remarkably seasoned delivery” and “impressively soulful inflections” while Country Weekly hailed him as “one of the most talented young artists in country music.” Since the release of Rough, Wicks has been hard at work on a full-length release and is eager to give fans a taste with the release of “Us Again.”

“‘Us Again’ is one of those songs that reminds us all why we fall in love in the first place,” shares Wicks. “It reminds us to never lose those moments that were so great and so simple in the beginning... and if we do? It's never too late to get them back again.”

For more information, please visit www.chuckwicks.com. Follow him on Facebook @ChuckWicks and on Twitter @ChuckWicksMusic.

AARON LEWIS, CMT, AND BLASTER RECORDS PARTNER FOR A HIGH SEAS ADVENTURE

"Set Sail Aboard The Simple Man Cruise With Aaron Lewis”

Sweepstakes To Launch July 10

 

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 9, 2013) – Coinciding with the launch of his new single, “Granddaddy’s Gun,” Aaron Lewis, Blaster Records and CMT have partnered to give one lucky fan and their guest a four-day adventure aboard Lynyrd Skynryd’s Simple Man Cruise VII. Lewis will be performing for the first time on the seventh annual excursion of the music intensive getaway, which departs Miami on October 20 and visits Key West and Great Stirrup Cay before returning to Miami October 24. The sweepstakes will officially launch July 10 at sweepstakes.cmt.com.

CMT debuted the video for “Granddaddy’s Gun”, directed by Jim Wright for Taillight TV, on July 4. Shot in Watertown, TN, the music video depicts the power of family and the traditions they share between generations. The video is also available for streaming on CMT.com via on.cmt.com/1cIxczw.

“Granddaddy’s Gun” is the latest single from Lewis' critically acclaimed album The Road. The song, which was written by Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Bobby Pinson, marks the first time Lewis has ever recorded a song that he didn’t write.

“I was on a hunting trip with Rhett and he grabbed a guitar and started playing me the song,” recounts Lewis. “He was about halfway through the first chorus and I knew I was going to ask for his blessing to put it on my record. It was very much the kind of song I could have written. The lyrics really closely portray my life.”

The song shipped to radio in late June and is being greeted warmly by programmers. “’Granddaddy’s Gun’ is a smash that speaks to the heart of our format,” says Kerry Wolfe, Program Director of WMIL/Milwaukee. “It’s a song about family and values passed down from generation to generation. It’s a song about my audience.”

The winner of the "Set Sail Aboard The Simple Man Cruise With Aaron Lewis” sweepstakes will be presented with a once-in-a-lifetime prize package that includes a cabin for two on board the Norwegian Pearl plus round-trip airfare and local transportation for themselves and a guest for Simple Man Cruise VII. The lucky winner and their guest will also have the opportunity to get to know Lewis and bowl a few games with him at the ship’s bowling alley.

For the latest information on Lewis, visit www.aaronlewismusic.com.

BLASTER RECORDS TAKES OFF WITH SINGER/SONGWRITER JARED ASHLEY

Epiphone Guitars Partners with Jared for Exclusive Contest

 

Nashville, TN...(April 22, 2013)...Blaster Records, home to multi-platinum selling artists Hank Williams, Jr. and Aaron Lewis, is gearing up to deliver its next new star, singer and songwriter Jared Ashley.

With a driving, edgy and undeniably country vocal, Jared’s soulful first single, “Last Train To Memphis,” impacts country radio today. Music Row’s Robert Oermann, who calls Jared “a major, major new talent” also cites the song’s “terrific production, full of throbbing energy, a deep bass bottom and ringing, minor-key guitar work,” and “moody, emotionally tense vocal performance.” The track, written by Jared along with Jeremy McComb and Nick Sturms, will be available at iTunes and all other major digital outlets tomorrow.

 The former Navy hand discovered his passion for songwriting and performing in high school, but realized it was his real future while serving our country abroad. Jared would practice guitar during his downtime aboard the U.S.S. Independence and U.S.S. Kitty Hawk and began performing acoustic shows at George’s Country Bar in Yokosuka, Japan. After completing his four years tour of duty and returning to the United States, Jared made the big move to Nashville, where he earned a regular weekend gig at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. He threw himself into a heavy touring schedule and the business of building a fan base. In 2012, he signed to Blaster Records, realizing a lifelong dream of being able to head into the studio and focus only on his own material.

To celebrate the release of Jared’s first single, revered instrument maker Epiphone Guitars has partnered with their long-time endorsee to give away a autographed Masterbilt Series DR-500MCE guitar. One lucky fan will have the chance to win the mahogany acoustic guitar, personally autographed by Jared, at www.jaredashley.com/guitar. Epiphone has also wrapped Jared’s tour bus and provides his band with guitars for the 150+ live shows they play each year.

ABOUT JARED ASHLEY: Born in Hobbs, NM, near the oil fields of the West Texas border, Jared Ashley relocated to Newnan, GA with his father as a small child. After high school, Jared joined the Navy, where he served for four years including two tours of duty in the Persian Gulf. When not on duty, he would practice guitar while away at sea and play acoustic gigs at George’s Country Bar in Yokosuka, Japan. Jared’s genuine love of music and songwriting led him to Nashville’s thriving scene where he landed a regular weekend gig onstage at the world famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. With time and dedication, Jared developed a loyal touring and fan base, which gave him the chance to further hone his songwriting and live performance talents.

The singer and songwriter counts Alan Jackson and Bob Seger as strong musical influences, which proves evident on his melodically haunting debut single “Last Train To Memphis.” Co-penned along with Nick Sturms and Jeremy McComb, the song is featured on his forthcoming album for Blaster Records, expected to launch in early 2014. With a driving edgy vocal and lyrical prowess to match, Jared is a seasoned live act, playing over 180 dates a year. He is currently out on a national radio tour in support of the single. Learn more about Jared at www.JaredAshley.com and engage with him on Twitter and Facebook.

Aaron Lewis’ Solo Album, The Road, Top 10 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart

"'The Road' is one of the best and most cohesive country releases of the year."

Chicago Tribune

Nashville, TN (November 21, 2012) — Multi-platinum selling artist Aaron Lewis debuts into the Top 10 on the Billboard Country Albums charts with his recent full-length solo album, The Road, released on Blaster Records.  Earning the No. 7 spot on the charts and selling over 20k albums in its first week of sales, it is obvious that the rock front man has found his new home in country music.

The Road delivers ten tracks of classic Lewis to captivate and entertain his long-standing fans, as well as his new country fans. In a recent interview with Reuters, Lewis talks about his diverse mix of fans at his shows confirming, “It's been quite the pleasant eclectic mix…”

The clothes don’t necessarily make the fans as Lewis plans on taking everyone along for the ride on The Road. With seven studio albums released totaling sales over 15 million units throughout his 17 plus year career, country listeners will find a true work of art as Lewis honors traditional country, a genre the singer/songwriter was raised on as a child.

Lewis' latest single, "Forever," is off to a strong start at country radio, earning No.1 “New & Active" status in Billboard after just two weeks.  Lewis has recently kicked off a nationwide full-band solo tour in support of the new single and album that is scheduled to run through March 2013.

For more information on Aaron Lewis, visit www.aaronlewismusic.com

AARON LEWIS' "THE ROAD" HITS SHELVES TODAY, NOVEMBER 13

Nashville, Tenn. (November 13, 2012) — The highly anticipated full-length solo album, The Road, from Blaster Records’ multi-platinum selling artist Aaron Lewis hits stores today, November 13. Co-produced by Lewis and Nashville hit-maker James Stroud, The Road, follows Lewis’ debut solo EP, Town Line, which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart last year.

The Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and guitarist tells one story after another on The Road. Echoing traditional country, some of those tales are hilarious and heartwarming, while others are pensive and personal. Nevertheless, they're all equally powerful, vibrant, and unforgettable.  For Lewis, The Road continues to wind and surprise like it always has.

Featuring ten songs, with all but one (“Granddaddy’s Gun”) written by the Lewis, The Road unfolds with a classic grit and an invigorating energy all directly from Lewis's heart and soul.  The new album has resonated with the Boston Herald, who went as far as proclaiming Lewis “the state’s first country king.”  The Chicago Tribune says, “The Road is one of the best and most cohesive country releases of the year," while GAC notes Aaron Lewis and The Road “creates a work that honors country tradition while injecting his own soul and experience." Country Weekly declares “The Road is just getting smoother for the country music version of Aaron,” and the popular country blog, Roughstock.com, concludes, "The Road is positive proof that Aaron Lewis has the musical goods and can most certainly deliver.”

"Forever," the current single just released to radio November 12, is a true product of the road itself. The new song captures the longing and loneliness of life on the tour bus, while reflecting the immortality of true love. It's touching and thought-provoking all at once.  A live acoustic version of "Forever" is available as part of an iTunes-exclusive deluxe version of the album along with four other live acoustic tracks.

Fans can visit AOL’s The Boot to view exclusive behind-the-scenes video with Lewis explaining much of his inspiration while writing for the new album. Visit, http://www.theboot.com/2012/11/13/aaron-lewis-the-road-video

To purchase Aaron Lewis’ The Road, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-road-deluxe-version/id574626565

For more information on Aaron Lewis, visit www.aaronlewismusic.com

VIDEO PREMIERE: "FOREVER" - AARON LEWIS

It's Big New Music Weekend on CMT and FINALLY, the new video for "Forever" from one of our favorites, Blaster Records artist and country boy, Aaron Lewis has made it's world premiere. Check it out, it's a good one! Request it on your local stations by phone, tweet, email, Facebook or email. Heck, send an old fashioned handwritten letter to your favorite DJ if you have to!

AARON LEWIS' NEW VIDEO "FOREVER" TO WORLD PREMIERE ON CMT'S BIG NEW MUSIC WEEKEND

New Full-Length Album, The Road, In Stores Tuesday

Nashville, TN (November 8, 2012)— The new music video for “Forever,” by Blaster Records’ Aaron Lewis, is set to make its World Premiere during CMT’s "Big New Music Weekend" starting Friday, Nov 9 at 6am ET/PT and running throughout the weekend.

Lewis penned “Forever,” which addresses the toll time apart can take on a relationship, while on tour earlier this year. The video for the song, directed by Jim Wright for Tailight TV, documents Lewis life behind the scenes while out on the road. The video's main performance was shot in last month in Nashville, TN. Fans can see "Forever", plus seven brand new videos from some of country’s hottest acts this weekend exclusively on CMT.

“’Forever’ is a pretty honest song about how lonely it can get out on the road,” explains Lewis. “But realizing at the end of it, it really was all just doubt and when you walk through the door and see your wife and kids, it all goes away.”

The song is the new single from his first full-length studio album, The Road, which hits stores on Tuesday, November 13.

Fans can catch Lewis out on the recently announced “The Road Tour” with Mercury Nashville’s Randy Montana as his special acoustic opener. For up-to-date information on Aaron Lewis, visit www.aaronlewismusic.com.

“THIS IS NRA COUNTRY” ANNOUNCES AARON LEWIS AS ARTIST OF THE MONTH

TWEET: @AaronLewisMusic is @NRACountry’s Artist Of The Month!  Register for prize & check out exclusive performance video at www.nracountry.com!!!

Nashville, TN… (November 5, 2012)… Music star Aaron Lewis has been chosen as the NRA Country Artist Of The Month for November. The frontman for multi-platinum selling rock band Staind, Aaron is heading back to his country roots with the release of his first full-length solo album, The Road, on November 13, 2012. He joins some of country music’s biggest artists in teaming up with NRA Country to celebrate his support of our brave men and women in uniform, appreciation for the great outdoors, and love of family.  

"I love what NRA Country stands for,” says Lewis. “I love my family.  I love this country and the rights and freedoms that this great nation gives to each of us. I am Aaron Lewis and I am NRA Country."

As part of the November promotion, fans can register to win an Aaron Lewis prize pack including:  a signed copy of the new album The Road, t-shirt, camo hat and a limited edition lithographic.  Fans can also check out an exclusive behind the scenes video intimate performance of “Granddaddy’s Gun”!  

Visit http://nracountry.com/this-is from now through the end of November to check out the exclusive video and register to win.

Each month a new country music artist will be featured on NRACountry.com, highlighting what makes them ‘NRA Country.’ Past featured artists include: Justin Moore, Lee Brice, Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins, Craig Morgan, Sunny Sweeney, Rodney Atkins, Gretchen Wilson, Josh Thompson, Love and Theft, Easton Corbin, Heidi Newfield, and TV personality Storme Warren.  Celebrate our country and learn more at www.NRACountry.com!

Blaster Records’ Aaron Lewis Announces “The Road Tour” with Mercury Nashville’s Randy Montana to Open

First Full Length Solo Album, The Road, To Be Released November 13

Nashville, TN (November 1, 2012) - Blaster Records’ Aaron Lewis will kick off the first leg of “The Road Tour” beginning November 3 in Mount Pocono, PA.  Mercury Nashville’s Randy Montana will join Lewis on the 20 plus-city tour wrapping on December 15, in Albany, NY. To purchase tickets visit www.aaronlewismusic.com

"Touring and connecting with the audience has a huge influence on my music," says Lewis.  "This new record was essentially written and recorded while I was out on the road and the songs really reflect all the emotions that come with that."

Lewis proudly shares his country roots with the release of his first full-length solo album, The Road, in stores November 13. The album, co-produced by Lewis and legendary Nashville producer James Stroud, is deeply rooted in traditional country and features nine powerful, pensive and unforgettable new Lewis compositions.  The Road also features the first song Lewis has ever recorded by an outside writer, the Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Bobby Pinson-penned "Granddaddy's Gun."  

A new single from the album, "Forever," has just shipped to radio and a video for the track will soon debut on CMT, GAC and other outlets.

Mercury Nashville singer/songwriter and Nashville native, Randy Montana, joins Lewis as an acoustic opener on the upcoming tour dates.  No stranger to the road, Montana has toured with acts such as Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum, and he's thrilled to add Lewis to this musically diverse lineup.

"I'm really excited to be a part of this tour and looking forward to getting back on the road to play a lot of the new music I've been working on.  I'm also a huge fan of Aaron's music, so I'm fired up to be able to watch his show every night."

KELLY'S QUARTERBACK CORNER: BLASTER RECORDS TO RELEASE AARON LEWIS’ NEW ALBUM “THE ROAD” ON SEPTEMBER 11TH

Nashville, Tenn. (June 28, 2012) -- Blaster Records has announced that the highly anticipated new album from multi-platinum selling artist Aaron Lewis, “The Road”, will be released on September 11th and will be available for pre-sale along with exclusive merchandise beginning mid-July at www.aaronlewismusic.com.

Co-produced by Lewis and legendary Nashville hit-maker James Stroud (Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Chris Young), "The Road" follows Lewis' debut solo EP, "Town Line," which bowed at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart last year. The forthcoming album contains ten brand-new songs, including first single "Endless Summer," which CMT has hailed as "the anthem of the Summer of 2012." It also contains the Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Bobby Pinson-penned "Granddaddy's Gun," marking the first time in Lewis' entire career that he has cut a song he didn't have a hand in writing.

The songs that make up "The Road" mirror the country roots of Lewis' childhood. “This music and these songs represent who I am and where I come from,” says Lewis, who still resides in rural western Massachusetts.

Released in March of 2011, Lewis’ inaugural solo project was met with resounding acclaim from both critics and his passionate, dedicated fan base. His debut solo single, “Country Boy,” featured contributions from country stalwarts George Jones and Charlie Daniels and achieved Gold certification. The song and video also garnered Lewis multiple CMA, ACM and CMT Music Awards nominations. And though he has toured extensively in a solo and acoustic fashion for the last eight years, Lewis is about to embark on his first full-band tour as a solo artist this summer.

Fans can catch Aaron Lewis on tour here:

6/30/12 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre
7/01/12 Pharr, TX Pharr Entertainment Center
7/03/12 Odessa, TX Dos Amigos
7/05/12 Lake Charles, LA L’Auberge Du Lac Casino
7/06/12 Bossier City, LA Horseshoe Casino
7/07/12 Duluth, GA Wild Bill’s
7/08/12 New Orleans, LA Mahalia Jackson Theater
7/09/12 Dallas, TX House of Blues
7/12/12 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
7/13/12 Las Vegas, NV Hard Rock Casino
7/14/12 Wendover, NV Peppermill Casino
7/15/12 Scottsdale, AZ Talking Stick Resort
7/18/12 Chicago, IL Joe’s
7/20/12 Belmont, OH Jamboree in the Hills
7/21/12 Twin Lakes, WI Country Thunder Festival
7/22/12 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
7/24/12 Alexandria, VA The Birchmere
7/25/12 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
7/26/12 Huntington, NY Paramount Theater
7/28/12 Chester, PA Harrah’s Chester Downs
7/29/12 Boston, MA House of Blues
7/31/12 Hampton Beach, NH Hampton Beach Casino
8/08/12 Sturgis, SD Buffalo Chip – with Eric Church
8/10/12 Springfield, IL Illinois State Fairground – with Eric Church

Ticket information, on-sale dates, and fan club promotions will be available at www.aaronlewismusic.com.

"I hope people hear the record and realize that this is all me," Lewis says of the songs on "The Road." "I'm writing songs about who I am and where I am, just like I've done my whole career. The setting for the songs might be different but they're as honest as anything I've ever done."

Track Listing:

75
The Road
Endless Summer
Red, White & Blue
Lessons Learned
Forever
Granddaddy’s Gun
State Lines
Anywhere But Here
Party in Hell

Aaron Lewis joined Hank Williams, Jr., Neal McCoy and Brother Trouble as part of the Blaster Records family earlier this year. Blaster Records is distributed by Warner Music Nashville.