Country Is Well-Represented In Film

Thomas Rhett, Hunter Hayes, Lady Antebellum, Eric Paslay, Kacey Musgraves, Kip Moore, David Nail, Thompson Square and Colbie Caillat, among others, are among the artists featured on The Best of Me soundtrack.

“Having a song in The Best of Me soundtrack is really cool for me," says Thomas. "Me and my wife have been huge fans of Nicholas Sparks for a long time. I thinkt hat most girls were since they saw The Notebook. For me, I actually got to read the book, The Best of Me, which was awesome. This is the first song I’ve ever had in a movie before. So, it’s a really cool thing,"

Hunter agrees, and says it's a dream come true for him to have a song in the movie. "One of the coolest things as a songwriter is being anywhere at any point in time and being caught off guard by hearing your song," says Hunter. "And one of the coolest, I’ve always thought, one of the biggest dreams is sitting in a movie theater watching a movie [and having your song come on]."

The soundtrack to the film was released this week, while the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' film hits theaters nationwide October 17th.

Thompson Square Cancels CRS "New Faces" Appearance

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that Shawna Thompson's father George Michael "Mickey" Mcllwain passed away yesterday evening in Alabama after a valiant battle with cancer. Shawna and her family were by his side when he passed. Please keep both Shawna and Keifer as well as Shawna's family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

As a result, they had to miss the opportunity to appear at the Country Radio Seminar's final event.

Get More: Glass, Thompson Square, Thompson Square Videos

MCA Recording Artist David Nail, who also was a CRS New Face of 2012, will fill in for Thompson Square this weekend at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit, MI and the Ford Center in Evansville, IN.

Thompson Square Helps Joplin With Cash

Thompson Square's show of support for tornado victims in Joplin, Missouri has turned into a new storm relief fundraiser. At the CMT Music Awards earlier this month the duo's Keifer Thompson wore a basic black t-shirt with "Joplin, MO" printed in white letters. 

Thompson Square is using selling the shirt to help Joplin through the Thompson Square's website. 

The black tee features the phrase "Joplin MO" across the chest and "Thompson Square" on the left sleeve sells for 20-dollars, with all the proceeds from the sales going to the American Red Cross' disaster relief efforts in Missouri.

Rush Limbaugh made an unscheduled stop in Joplin in support of the town over the Fourth of July holiday as well. 

Lady Antebellum Picks Future Stars

Lady Antebellum is enjoying the latest music being released out of Nashville. "That new Blake Shelton song ('Honey Bee') is a monster. I love it. It's such a good song," says Lady A's Charles Kelley. "There is so much good new stuff. I think Easton Corbin keeps putting out great music. I'm excited about hearing some of his new stuff."

"We listen to a lot of country radio," notes Dave Haywood, "and we are always interested to hear when new people like Steel Magnolia or Thompson Square come out, and we're like, 'Wow, that's really cool.' We know Chris Young and couple of these other guys that are just killing it with No. 1s. Luke Bryan ... over and over. We're obviously big fans of all of these guys."

Lady Antebellum anticipate that Luke Bryan is getting ready to explode. "Luke is going to be, and I'm not just saying this because we are such good friends, but I feel like Luke is poised to be the next big male artist," says Charles. "He is right there, he and obviously Blake, too."

Hillary, has some thoughts on the next it group. “A brand-new band that just got signed, and I've just become friends with them because they played a couple of shows with us, [called] Eden's Edge. They are just three really sweet people, and really, really talented. It's much more of a grass-roots, kind of bluegrass-based vibe, which I think is a breath of fresh air. I just wish them well, I love them."

Dress To Help

When Shawna Thompson, half of the husband-and-wife duo Thompson Square, found out recent news of a family in ruins from the recent tornados that ripped through near her hometown of Chatom, Alabama, she knew she had to do something to help.


It was a quick decision to auction off her dress worn in the music video for their No.1 hit, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not.” All proceeds from the auction will directly benefit The Box Family of Deer Park, Alabama who on April 15 were struck with tragedy in the wake of the tornado.


“Our hearts go out to all of those that lost so much. Deer Park is so close to my home and my family. When we were told the tragic news, we felt we needed to try and help the Box family in some way,” says Shawna Thompson. “So many in Alabama lost so much and we just want them to know we are praying for them.  This is a small way for us to try and show our support.”


To bid on the dress and help out a family in need, click HERE to go to the E-Bay page.


Opening bid is $500. The auction closes at 12:00 AM on Thursday, May 19.


For more information on Thompson Square, visit www.thompsonsquare.com

Kix Brooks Solo Album Half Done

Photo courtesy of Sony BMG Nashville

Kix Brooks is making progress with writing some new music of his own.


“I’ve got probably half of an album done,” Brooks said. “But I’m actually growin’ a little scruff here. I’m fixin’ to start a new movie in a few weeks, and I just finished another movie which has kind of slowed down my recording process, but my label seems to be very supportive about my movie roles. They’re not in a hurry, and I’m not either, honestly.”


“The new movie is called ‘To Kill a Memory,” he continues. “They’re actually building a cast right now. The movie I just got finished with is called ‘Thrift Store Cowboy.’ It’s kind of a darker version [of the original]. It’s fun, it really is. I was actually a theatre major in college, so it’s really fun to get around to try to remember some of those skills.”


Brooks says he’s got nothing but kind words to send Dunn’s way, regarding this year’s solo ACM performance and the release of ‘Bleed Red‘: “I think he’s doin’ great. He’s doin’ good and I’m happy for him.”


“He was really ready to just take the time and run on into his solo career, and I’m a little more inclined to take a step back and scratch my head while I’m working on this. We’re not the same guy!” he adds.


Brooks says he’s thrilled to be watching the blossoming careers of the country newcomers whom he’s worked with thanks to ‘American Country Countdown.’


“It’s a little different, not touring with Brooks and Dunn after 20 years of doing it,” he admits. “But I’m still doing quite a few shows right now. I’m doing the on the road series with American Country Countdown, working with any number of different acts: Luke Bryan, Craig Morgan, Lee Brice, Thompson Square.”


If you happen to be one of those lucky new acts on the rise, Brooks has one piece of solid advice: “Believe in what you’re doing, and keep doing it. Perseverance seems to be the common denominator on anyone that’s ever made it.”