Academy of Country Music‘s nominee for Entertainer of the Year, Jason Aldean, is busy making the talk-rounds in LA this week.  Earlier today, his stop by The Ellen Show aired, where he performed his newest monster hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with his vocal companion Kelly Clarkson.  The performance was incredible per usual: Jason delivered, ‘the boys’ (Rich Redmond, Kurt Allison, and Tully Kennedy) rocked it, and Kelly’s vocals were flawless.  But it was backstage where Clarkson spilled some exciting news.  Check out this web exclusive video of two of Tragic Kingdom’s featured artists behind-the-scenes after their performance. And if you unforgivably missed the performance, Tragic Kingdom has your back.  Enjoy!…

Over the last few years, the band Train has delivered some delicious, radio-friendly ear candy (cue “Hey Soul Sister”), but when I saw the boys perform with Martina McBride at the CMT Crossroads event here in Nashville, I was blown away by Pat Monahan‘s very real talent.  This morning, when I woke up to discover that Lady Gaga‘s new single “Born This Way” is really just an updated version of Madonna‘s “Express Yourself”, I found this little treat in my inbox.  It seems Tragic Kingdom isn’t the only mega-Neon Trees fan.  Train covered the band’s hit, number-one single “Animal” with a very cool acoustic performance that is already making its way around the…

If your a follower of music, it’s no surprise why Tragic Kingdom is featuring the husband-and-wife duo, Shawna and Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square.  The two singers met at a singing competition, where they had immediate romantic chemistry, after moving to Nashville separately to pursue solo careers.  And although the chemistry didn’t initially lead them to share the stage, eventually the pair found it making sense.  When a mutual friend – who had once tried to pursuade them against forming a duo – saw the pair perform at local Nashville club, he was blown away be their energy and cutting-edge style. It became obvious that their on-stage chemistry could be just as…

When I moved to Nashville from Denver last fall, I knew things wouldn’t be easy.  Meeting new people, integrating into a new environment, and learning my way around a new city were the exciting challenges that I was ready to take on. In the next couple of weeks, I am going to shift focus from music for a minute here and there to introduce you to some of the exciting findings from my journey. While proving to be worth it, the journey to Nashville has been a rough road. When I started going through the catalog of Tragic Kingdom’s first featured songwriter, John Edwards, I couldn’t help but connect with…

Since moving to Nashville late last year, I have learned one thing: Nashville is full of true talent.  It’s not just the songbirds who spit out twangy vocals, this town has musicians (some of the best in the world), engineers, publishers, and songwriters.  As a new feature to Tragic Kingdom in 2011, the Songwriter Spotlight will give songwriters a chance to get much needed, and well deserved, attention.  First up, is by far one of the most sincere storytellers in town, John Edwards. Born in the hills of Lenior, North Carolina, songwriter John Edwards was destined for success. At the age of three, his mother moved John and his brothers…

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Time to pack up a bag full of goodies and make the trek, along with the millions of others, to see the family.  This year I am headed to Montana for some holiday cheer and home cooked meals.  And if I know my Montana family, my holiday will consist of plenty of quality time with my three favorite wise men: Jim, Jack, and Jose.  While away, I will be preparing my list of top albums and singles from 2010 – get ready because this year was a doozy. I wish you all a very Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! To put you in…

Although the biggest story here is probably that, besides being linked to Ryan Seacrest, Dancing With The Stars alum and country singer, Julianne Hough is making headlines across the music industry for her flatlining music career.  Early this week, Julianne released the video for her new single “Is That So Wrong” online.  In the summer the video appeared on CMT, but was later taken down after sources say the conservative folks at the music television network found it too “wrong” for their audiences.  The video showcases Hough strutting around her house doing what she does best: stripping, er uh, dancing… while removing articles of clothes, gyrating her hips, and spreading eagle…

Last night, Nashville showcased its charitable heart at the A Night For Hope event, which featured Kelly Clarkson, as well as Jill & Kate, Shane McNally, and more.  The event was organized to raise awareness for the Houses of Hope orphanages in Zimbabwe and South Africa.  It was at the event that Clarkson, debuted a new song, during her five song set.  “You Still Won’t Know”, the new track, was accompanied by her hits: “Behind These Hazel Eyes”, “My Life Would Suck Without You”, and “Walkaway”. Clarkson is beginning to prep the release of a new album, slated for Spring 2011, and will begin a promotional tour around the same…