July 2009 Archives

Demi Lovato's sophomore album, Here We Go Again, debuts at # 1 on the Billboard 200 today, selling in excess of 107,000 units. With Here We Go Again Demi Lovato bested her debut album, Don't Forget which debuted at # 2 selling 89,000 units in its first week a mere ten months ago. And what an exhilarating ten months it has been for Demi.

Demi headlines the hit Disney Channel series Sonny With A Chance and starred in the smash Disney Channel movie Princess Protection Program, which ranks as the year's # 1 TV movie among Kids 6 - 11 and Tweens and cable TV's # 1 movie telecast in Total Viewers and Households. She played to over 200,000 fans in South America this spring, and launched her own headline tour last month. Now she can add chart topping album debut to that impressive list.

Demi's hard work has not gone unnoticed. In a recent New York Times Sunday Arts & Leisure cover feature, the paper touted, "Ms. Lovato stands out artistically, with tastes and attitudes that appear unscripted." They added, "Ms. Lovato is the most exciting of the company's (reference to Disney) musical stars." The New York Times is not alone in their praise for Lovato. Glowing reviews of Demi's live performances and her song-writing and singing abilities have added to the ground swell of incredible word of mouth. Of her album, the Los Angeles Times said, "Lovato channels a witty, pouty ingenue in high heels who's not afraid to call the shots, especially after a good cry." Hometown Dallas Morning News echoed the sentiment, "She sings with rocking fire and angst. With each note she's telling us there's more than teen dream appeal at work. Lovato brews and broods."

Demi shares a wonderful relationship with her fans as well, and they embrace her for her vulnerability and realness. Demi's love for her fans is mutual as well. Said Demi, "I feel like my fans are more than fans to me, they're my friends. When I sat down to record this new album, I wanted to write songs that inspire people, to get them through whatever they're going through in their lives. That's the ultimate goal of every piece of music I write."

Demi wrote or co-wrote much of Here We Go Again, and collaborated with long time friend Nick Jonas as well as John Mayer and Jon McLaughlin.

The remainder of the year shows no signs of slowing down for Demi. She continues on her AT&T sponsored tour until the end of August, then begins production on Camp Rock 2 The Final Jam. And here we go again!

Source: Hollywood Records

Daughtry's second album, LEAVE THIS TOWN (19 Recordings/RCA), debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 269,299 copies sold in its first week of release. The record is also No. 1 on the Digital Albums Chart and the Rock Chart. Daughtry moves Michael Jackson from the top of the sales charts, where the late singer has dominated for the previous three weeks.

LEAVE THIS TOWN is Daughtry's first album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 and its second consecutive No. 1 album. The band's self-titled debut entered the charts at #3, sold more than 4.5 million copies, spent two weeks at No. 1 and is still on the charts more than two years after its release. The first single from LEAVE THIS TOWN "No Surprise" is quickly ascending the pop charts and currently with the no. 1 video at Vh1.

Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely recorded LEAVE THIS TOWN with producer Howard Benson.

"This album is special because it's our first together as a band," Chris Daughtry said. "We poured our hearts into these songs to make the record we've always dreamed about. To have people respond the way they have is extremely gratifying, but even more humbling."

Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment, comments: "Daughtry have become a legitimate rock band - passionate, united and dedicated. For their sophomore album to debut at number one is a spectacular achievement. I'm proud to be associated with Chris, Josh, JP, Joey and Brian. Long may their successful journey together continue."

"Daughtry possesses a rare common touch that allows his band's music to hit a nerve with the public unlike most artists today. This great result on top of the group's last album which was the fastest-selling rock debut in history is proof of that. The RCA/Jive Label Group is thrilled to be a part of Daughtry's continued success," says Barry Weiss Chairman and CEO, RCA/Jive Label Group.

LEAVE THIS TOWN has received outstanding reviews, earning raves for singer Chris Daughtry's powerful voice. "... an instrument cleaner and stronger than anybody else singing mainstream rock right now," said the Los Angeles Times while People gave the album three out of four stars, noting: "His voice has never sounded better." The Seattle Times called the album "more confident and eclectic" a point confirmed by other publications, including The Detroit News and Free Press, which said: "a powerhouse voice that's nicely matched with some well-written, diverse material." In a cover story, Billboard observed, "... it's another record full of songs that make you want to roll down the car windows and bust a vocal cord or two while trying to match Daughtry's gravelly wail."

With LEAVE THIS TOWN, the band is poised to continue the global success it achieved with the group's debut. The album earned the band Grammy nominations, American Music Award wins and charted three No. 1 hits; a rare feat for any artist.

Source: RCA Music Group

Pop superstar Kelly Clarkson announced today her much anticipated ALL I EVER WANTED Tour for the fall of 2009. Joining Clarkson are red-hot Australian sister duo The Veronicas and rising band Parachute.

The high-energy tour kicks off in Uncasville, CT on October 2nd and concludes in Hollywood, Florida on December 13(th), covering 32 total U.S. and Canadian markets. Steve Moore of MEG/AEG Live Nashville will promote the bulk of the tour.

"We are thrilled to work with Kelly Clarkson again. She is truly one of the best vocalists in the business. And The Veronicas and Parachute round out a superstar lineup," Moore said.

Clarkson has sold more than 20 million albums since her 2002 debut. Her current All I Ever Wanted release shattered Billboard records, when "My Life Would Suck Without You" jumped from #97 to #1 in its first week of release. Clarkson premiered her current single "Already Gone" on The Late Show with David Letterman last week.

Concert attendees can expect to hear these latest hits including "I Do Not Hook Up" from the tour's namesake album, along with her signature pop anthems.

The Veronicas, who delivered five top 10 singles in Australia on their debut album, have now earned platinum record success with the electro-rock sizzler "Untouched." Parachute's current single "She Is Love" continues to climb both Hot AC and Top 40 charts.

Tickets for the first shows go on sale August 15(th), with the remaining on-sales rolling out in the coming weeks. Fans can find out more, including ticket outlets, by visiting www.kellyclarkson.com.

Tour dates, cities, and venues follow:

    DATE                    CITY                VENUE

    October 2               Uncasville, CT      Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino

    October 4               Portland, ME        Cumberland County Civic Center

    October 6               New York, NY        Hammerstein Ballroom

    October 9               Atlantic City, NJ   Borgata Hotel & Casino

    October 10              Fairfax, VA         Patriot Center

    October 13              Boston, MA          Agganis Arena at Boston
                                                University

    October 15              Orillia, ON         Casino Rama Entertainment
                                                Centre

    October 17              Youngstown, OH      Covelli Centre

    October 19              Pikeville, KY       Eastern Kentucky Expo Center

    October 21              Knoxville, TN       Knoxville Civic Coliseum

    October 23              Milwaukee, WI       Milwaukee Theatre

    October 25              Detroit, MI         Fox Theatre

    October 27              Chicago, IL         Rosemont Theatre

    October 29              Lincoln, NE         Pershing Center

    October 31              St. Charles, MO     Family Arena

    November 2              Cedar Park, TX      Cedar Park Center

    November 4              Lubbock, TX         United Spirit Arena

    November 6              Las Vegas, NV       The Joint

    November 7              Phoenix, AZ         Arizona State Fair

    November 18             Victoria, BC        Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre

    November 20             Calgary, AB         Saddledome

    November 22             Kelowna, BC         Prospera Place

    November 24             Seattle, WA         WaMu Theater

    November 28             Reno, NV            Reno Events Center

    November 29             San Jose, CA        Event Center at San Jose
                                                University

    December 1              Fresno, CA          Save Mart Center at Fresno
                                                State

    December 3              Las Cruces, NM      Pan American Center

    December 5              Beaumont, TX        Ford Park Arena

    December 7              Corpus Christi, TX  American Bank Center

    December 10             Columbus, GA        Columbus Civic Center

    December 11             Pensacola, FL       Pensacola Civic Center

    December 13             Hollywood, FL       Seminole  Hard Rock Live Arena

SOURCE 19 Recordings LLC/RCA Records

GRATIS CONCERT IN GRATITUDE TO FANS AT THE PEARL CONCERT THEATER AT THE PALMS CASINO RESORT JULY 18. ADMISSION TO THE SHOW IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED WITH DIE HARD BIZKIT FANS EXPECTED TO BE THERE EARLY AND IN MASS. ALL ADMITTED FANS GET FREE EXCLUSIVE T-SHIRT CREATED FOR SHOW!

They're ba-ack! Hard-hitting hell-raising heroes Limp Bizkit return to wreak havoc in the U.S. with their first stateside show in eight years! The band will perform a FREE concert at the Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on July 18th.

Admission to the show is first come, first served, and each fan lucky enough to gain entry will receive two tickets. Fans should plan on getting there extremely early if they want to get in since there's no doubt the die hard Bizkit fans will be there in mass! Included in their admission to the show, fans will also receive a free exclusive Limp Bizkit t-shirt created for this show only.

Limp Bizkit is teaming up with pickRset.com, an online music destination site, to allow fans to decide the songs they will play for the show at the Pearl by voting on pickRset. Go there now to vote for your favorite LB songs and help pick their set!

Opening the show for Limp Bizkit, Fred Durst is proud to present his life-long friend and new Flawless Records artist DJ Boney B, who hails from North Carolina and has pioneered his own brand of lifestyle in music. DJ Boney B has developed a rabid following in the national underground scene, developing a community of listeners who are anxious to see him go to the next level. DJ Boney B is preparing a special set for this show that will pay homage to LB and its community, and he is excited to become part of the Flawless family.

Limp Bizkit are in the middle off their 2009 "Unicorns N Rainbows" tour, which has so far rolled across Europe and Eastern Europe, wowing Bizkit-starved fans in 20 countries. Of their explosive June 12th show at the UK's Download Festival, one reviewer noted: "Within seconds, the staccato riff of 'Break Stuff' had regressed everyone to a screaming teen" and that "every song provoked roars of approval, every line of 'Nookie' belted out as if the crowd had written it." Heavy-music bible Kerrang! anointed Limp Bizkit with their April cover.

Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and DJ Lethal are gearing up to record their first new studio album with the original line-up since 2000's worldwide 12x-platinum Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water. As Durst recently told the NME: "I'm having a great feeling about going in and doing our record, more than I have about any of our albums before. It's not going to be a watered-down version of Limp Bizkit, it's going to be a more explosive, more addictive, more driven version of Limp Bizkit."

Flip/Interscope Records will announce more details and a release date in the coming months. The band's first three albums have sold more than 20 million copies in the U.S. alone, and another 13 million in the rest of the world.

For more on Limp Bizkit, please visit their official website at www.limpbizkit.com.

SOURCE Interscope Records

Dimmick Ranch in association with the County Line Foundation presents Live On The County Line featuring Grammy Award Winner Dwight Yoakam in an unprecedented, one night only, country music festival on Saturday, August 29th at the Dimmick Ranch in Piercy, CA.

Few entertainers have attained the iconic status of Dwight Yoakam. Perhaps that is because so few have consistently and repeatedly met the high standard of excellence delivered by the Kentucky native no matter what his endeavor. Since the start of his music career, Dwight Yoakam has proven he's more than just another guy with a guitar and a hat. He has risen from hot country star to being one of country music's biggest influences. While doing that, he has also become a critically acclaimed actor.

The singer-songwriter has sold more than 23 million albums worldwide -- not bad for a hillbilly in a long white Cadillac. Among his many Top 10 Country hits are Yoakam's originals "Little Ways" and "Please, Please Baby" (both from 1987's Hillbilly Deluxe), "I Sang Dixie" (from 1988's Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room), and "Fast As You" (from 1993's multi-platinum This Time). Equally popular have been Dwight's takes on country standards like Johnny Horton's "Honky Tonk Man" and the #1 smash "Streets Of Bakersfield," which Dwight recorded with the song's originator, Buck Owens.

Additional acts are "alternative country's golden goddess" Kelly Willis, John Doe & the Sadies, the "First Lady of Rock-n-Roll" Wanda Jackson, and I See Hawks In LA.

The one day festival will feature great food and unique vendors plus premier onsite camping at Cooks Valley Campground. Tickets and camping ON SALE NOW. For a list of ticket outlets and to purchase online visit www.liveonthecountyline.com. This show will sell out so get your tickets early. For more information contact the Dimmick Ranch at 707.247.3400

One month ago, a previously unreleased special mix of the Jackson 5 hit "I'll Be There" was made available on iTunes. The track was issued as a prelude to Michael Jackson: The Stripped Mixes (Motown/UMe), an album of new mixes showcasing a vocal talent that was superlative even at a young age and one that signaled the superstar he would become. Released digitally today, July 7, and on CD on July 21, Michael Jackson: The Stripped Mixes shines a bright, fresh light on his early career as both a solo artist and with his brothers in the Jackson 5.

Utilizing the original Motown session tapes, the mixes on Michael Jackson: The Stripped Mixes strip away certain instruments and studio frills to instead focus on the essence of the spectacular recordings--Michael's vocals and the harmonies provided by his brothers. The new approach enhances those sparkling vocals, makes them the star rather than the pop production, and inevitably leads to an almost acoustic tone to the recordings. The result is a unique rediscovery of each of these classic songs.

The recordings on Michael Jackson: The Stripped Mixes are proof that his music and performances will live forever.

The tracks on Michael Jackson: The Stripped Mixes are:

1. I'll Be There
2. Ben
3. Who's Loving You
4. Ain't No Sunshine
5. I Want You Back
6. ABC
7. We've Got A Good Thing Going
8. With A Child's Heart
9. Darling Dear
10. Got To Be There
11. Never Can Say Goodbye

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises

Daughtry will embark upon a short club tour this August, starting just weeks after the release of LEAVE THIS TOWN (19 Recordings/RCA Music Group), the follow-up to the band's Grammy-nominated and quintuple-platinum debut.

Singer Chris Daughtry, bassist Josh Paul, drummer Joey Barnes, and guitarists Brian Craddock and Josh Steely will use the intimate shows to perform many of the songs from the new album on stage for the first time. The 13-date tour will kick off August 2 in Orlando, FL and end August 22 in Las Vegas, NV. Tickets go on sale July 11. Daughtry will offer limited VIP packages as a pre-sale July 8th - 10th. Additionally, the band will also give a free ticket to the first 50 fans in each market who pre-order LEAVE THIS TOWN from www.DaughtryOfficial.com.

"This club tour is a thank you to our loyal fans. Its a great way for them to see us up close and, more importantly, at a cheap price," says singer Chris Daughtry.

More than a month before its official release, LEAVE THIS TOWN is already generating considerable buzz for its musical range.

Rolling Stone: "The surprisingly diverse results include everything from the clubby 'Supernatural' to the fiddle-driven Vince Gill duet 'Tennessee Line.'" ... "'Call Your Name' [is] an anthem reminiscent of 'November Rain,' complete with a stirring key change, falsetto vocal runs and an explosive Slash-style guitar climax."

Billboard: "And while Daughtry's voice and rock riffs still play center stage to most of the album's tracks, several songs take some creative chances. Daughtry wrote 'You Don't Belong' on his own; it's a hard-driving song that wouldn't sound out of place on an Alice in Chains album."

Daughtry will begin an extensive North American tour this fall.

    Tour Dates

    August
    2     Orlando, FL               House of Blues
    4     Boston, MA                Showcase Live
    7     Columbus, OH              LC Pavilion
    8     Chicago, IL               Vic Theatre
    9     Minneapolis, MN           The Cabooze
    11    Nashville, TN             Cannery Ballroom
    12    Memphis, TN               Minglewood Hall
    14    Houston, TX               Warehouse Live
    16    Denver, CO                The Gothic Theatre
    18    Phoenix, AZ               Marquee Theatre
    19    Los Angeles, CA           Henry Fonda Theater
    20    San Francisco, CA         The Fillmore
    22    Las Vegas, NV             Pure

SOURCE RCA Music Group