One week from today, One Direction – currently the biggest boyband in the world – will drop their highly anticipated sophomore record Take Me Home. The collection of five young heartthrobs were picked to perform together on the UK’s version of X Factor by Simon Cowell and shortly after caught the attention of young girls everywhere with their first album and catchy single “What Makes You Beautiful”. But can defeat the dreaded curse of the sophomore slump or will they follow in the footsteps of the successful boybands before them (‘N SYNC, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block)? Pre-order the record on iTunes now and stream it in its…

It isn’t often (in Nashville especially) that you go to a show and the entire audience is quietly captivated by the performer on stage, but when Steve Moakler took Douglas Corner’s on October 16th he did just that. Debuting a variety of tracks so new that the ink hadn’t yet dried on their page, the audience listened intently to each lyric and note as if children listening to a story before bed. It’s clear at that moment they realize the person on stage has something of significance to say. A blend of country and alt rock, almost raising question where he might fit on the spectrum, the tracks illustrate why…

Happy Halloween! I am sure that in the holiday hoopla you let some of this week’s biggest stories fall through the cracks. So in an effort to help you save time, I’ve compiled a list of the biggest stories in music this week for you. No trick, consider this your TREAT! Just click the links below to get all the news you’re looking for. Here’s some of the week’s biggest headlines and stories: – Carrie Underwood, Pitbull, & P!nk were added to the American Music Awards lineup – The Avett Brothers  joined Randy Travis in Franklin, TN to shoot CMT’s Crossroads– Kelly Clarkson debuted her new single “Don’t Rush” with country crooner Vince Gill–…

The air is getting colder here in Nashville and the colorful leaves have fallen to the ground, which can only mean one thing: the holidays are just around the corner. And to help get you in the holiday spirit, Tragic Kingdom is hosting its own holiday party – a listening party! This way you Deck the halls with the sound of Cee Lo Green! The flashy R&B entertainer is releasing his first holiday record, CeeLo’s Magic Moment everywhere tomorrow, but join me for an early listen below. With appearances from Rod Stewart, The Muppets (yes, those ones), Straight No Chaser and his fellow coach from NBC’s The Voice Christina Aguilera, this holiday compilation is…

Nashville readers, listen up! Tragic Kingdom is giving you a chance to see Walk Off the Earth live when they stop at the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville on November 6th. The indie band’s new EP R.E.V.O. comes out Tuesday, but our lucky reader will get it FREE, along with two tickets to the show. Here’s how to enter and win: 1) Follow me on Twitter: @CMVetrano2) Like Tragic Kingdom on Facebook3) Vote in our poll4) Share the following on Facebook and/or Twitter (be sure to use the text below and tag us on FB, so we can track your entries) Facebook: I entered to win tickets to see Walk Off the Earth live in Nashville on Tragic Kingdom!…

Last week Tragic Kingdom was the first – and only – place to stream Taylor Swift‘s Red in its entirety. Since then, you’ve flooded my Twitter requesting the bonus tracks – yes, I heard your plea. Typically I’d send you to Target or Wal-Mart to hear those tracks, but I’m feeling extra generous this week. Maybe because the holidays are right around the corner? Or my love for all things pumpkin-flavored has been satisfied with the taste of Fall? Whatever the reason, I’m once again delivering your chance to be the FIRST to hear these six bonus tracks, which appear on the deluxe version of Red this Tuesday. You’re welcome. And as a thank you,…

In 5 days the now-not-so country Taylor Swift will release her highly anticipated fourth album Red.  Over the past few weeks, Swift has released singles one-by-one from the album giving fans a glimpse into the 16-track compilation of pop songs that bear little resemblance to the country ones that came before. In fact with cameos by indie-sensation Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol‘s Gary Lightbody it seems like a record suited for more praise by music blogs than mainstream outlets. And maybe it’s just that which makes it all just a bit coincidental that a blog – this one – which once chose not to feature the teenage sensation is now premiering her entire…

Kelly Clarkson debuted her new single “Catch My Breath” from her upcoming Greatest Hits album, which is titled Greatest Hits – Chapter 1, on On Air with Ryan Seacrest this morning. “The song represents who I’ve been, what I’ve felt, and where I’m headed as not only an artist but as a 30 year old that is now smart enough to know that it’s time to stop, catch my breath, and be proud of not only what has been accomplished but of all the people that have helped me become the woman I am today,” Clarkson said in a statement. You can purchase Greatest Hits – Chapter 1 on November 19th…