KIXS FM 108 » Interviews

Lisa Matassa Finally Singing the Music She Always Wanted to Sing

Billy Dukes — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:33:18 +0000

She calls it “Long Island country music.” Lisa Matassa says she coined the phrase to mean a mix of rock and modern country, the two genres that root the properly trained vocalist. Her new song ‘Somebody’s Baby’ exemplifies that mix, and fans are loving it to the tune of nearly four million views on YouTube. [...]

Brett Eldredge Wraps Red Tour Dates, Shares What He Learned From Taylor Swift

Amanda Hensel — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:03:19 +0000

For 20 minutes on Thursday night (May 16), Brett Eldredge owned the crowd that was still trickling into Houston's Toyota Center to see perhaps the biggest tour of the year -- Taylor Swift's 2013 Red Tour. It was a short set for the country newcomer, but like he did at each of the other 18 shows he played with the superstar, he maxed out every second, walking onstage armed with ammo given to him by his grandfather and Swift herself.

Tim McGraw Reveals How He Learned of His True Paternity

Amy Sciarretto — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:03:36 +0000

Tim McGraw‘s father was late Phillies relief pitcher Tug McGraw, who died of brain cancer in 2004. While the two didn’t form a strong relationship until Tim was 18, the ‘Highway Don’t Care’ singer revealed to Larry King how he discovered his birth certificate and thus uncovered his true paternity. McGraw responded to King’s question [...]

Taylor Swift Admits a 'Cruise' Obsession, Mourns George Jones in Billboard

Sterling Whitaker — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:39:31 +0000

One woman pop country juggernaut Taylor Swift is an unstoppable force in today’s music business, not just in country, but cutting across genres. She performed at the Billboard Music Awards and she spoke to Billboard Magazine to share her highs and lows of the last year. “I’m obsessed with ‘Cruise’ by Florida Georgia Line,” Swift gushes [...]

Carrie Underwood Not Ready for Kids Yet

Christina Vinson — Mon, 20 May 2013 18:37:22 +0000

Now 30, Carrie Underwood has a thriving career, a bursting bank account and an incredibly supportive hockey playing husband — and she’s content to bask in the joy of her almost three-year marriage… without kids. For now, anyway. “I don’t feel old enough to have kids,” the singer — who was recently named the new ‘Sunday [...]

Ronnie Dunn's Country This: The Reality of Radio Station Playlists

Ronnie Dunn — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:07:06 +0000

Ronnie Dunn is a country music legend with as many awards under his belt as road miles. Twice a month he'll provide his thoughts on country music, the music industry, or life as he sees it in a feature called Ronnie Dunn's Country This, exclusively on Taste of Country.

Hunter Hayes Insists He'd Make a Terrible Prom Date

Christina Vinson — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:05:45 +0000

Country cutie Hunter Hayes is the dream date of thousands of high school girls -- who wouldn't love to dance with a tux-clad singer at their high school prom, swaying to the beat of a sappy love song at the envy of all of their friends? Surprisingly, the country star insists that he'd actually make a terrible prom date.

Carrie Underwood Admits Her Flaws, Swears She's Not a Sociopath in Marie Claire Cover Issue

Christina Vinson — Sat, 18 May 2013 12:39:35 +0000

Carrie Underwood's celebrity status makes her seem almost untouchable, but she's not afraid to admit that, just like every other human being, she has flaws. The singer recently opened up in the cover issue of Marie Claire and explained just exactly what her idiosyncrasies are -- and why they don't make her a sociopath.

George Strait Feels 'Love Is Everything' Album Is His 'Best Release in a While'

Sterling Whitaker — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:33:42 +0000

King of Country George Strait just released his new album, ‘Love Is Everything,’ with the same goal in mind that he’s always had — to top himself. “Every time I go into the studio, I wanna make the best album I’ve ever done in my life,” Strait says. “So you’re always looking for those songs [...]

Natalie Maines: Country Music 'Burned My Ears'

Sterling Whitaker — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:11:29 +0000

Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines recently released her first rock solo album, 'Mother.' In a new interview to promote the disc, she reveals that she's more at home in that genre than she ever was in country.

Keith Urban Recounts Crazy Fans and His Rolling Stones Experience on 'Conan'

Christina Vinson — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:11:09 +0000

Like many world-class performers, Keith Urban has hilarious stories of his highly unpredictable life as a touring musician. He recently appeared on Conan O'Brien's late night TV show and revealed a few entertaining highlights of the past few months, including a body part he didn't think he'd ever autograph and what it was like to play with the Rolling Stones.

Miranda Lambert's Mom Comments on Singer's Pregnancy Rumors

Billy Dukes — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:00:32 +0000

Miranda Lambert‘s mom, Beverly Lambert, has heard all the rumors about a baby being in the singer’s belly. And she’s quick to dismiss them. She says she’d be the first to know if her only daughter was pregnant, and she hasn’t heard a thing. “They are totally not expecting!” Mrs. Lambert told RadarOnline. “And I’m [...]

Tim McGraw: Taylor Swift Can Date Whoever She Wants

Sterling Whitaker — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:43:19 +0000

Tim McGraw has made no secret of his fandom for fellow performer Taylor Swift. He invited her to collaborate with him on his current single, 'Highway Don't Care,' and she's also taking part in his upcoming TV special, 'Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night.' But although he's older and more experienced than Swift, McGraw says there's one area that he wouldn't dream of giving her advice about -- her dating life.

Lady Antebellum Remain Loyal to Country Music

Christina Vinson — Sat, 04 May 2013 18:41:56 +0000

There are several artists who have crossed the lines between country music and pop -- superstar Taylor Swift is one of the first to come to mind. There are other musicians, such as Kelly Clarkson or iconic singer/songwriter Jewel, who have jumped from pop music into success on country radio. With trio Lady Antebellum's raw talent and infectious albums, it would be easy for them to walk away from country music. But they're committed to staying country.

Taylor Swift Spills All to Her Co-Writers

Christina Vinson — Sat, 04 May 2013 17:11:45 +0000

While superstar Taylor Swift effectively dodges questions left and right in regards to her personal life, there’s one group that she’ll always spill the elusive details to: her co-writers. The ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ hitmaker explains why she thinks it’s important to delve into the whole story before writing a song. “When I go into a [...]

Brittany Kerr's Mom Denies Daughter Contributed to Jason Aldean's Divorce

Christina Vinson — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:03:02 +0000

Jason Aldean's name has been hot in the news lately, but not for his music. The singer filed for divorce from his wife of 12 years last month, and there has been much speculation that dancer/former 'American Idol' contestant Brittany Kerr may have been the root of the cause, as she was photographed kissing Aldean last year.

The Best Way to Dump a Girl? 'Love Expert' Katie Armiger Critiques Common Tactics

Billy Dukes — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:41:52 +0000

Katie Armiger‘s new album contains songs about heartbreak, revenge and falling for Mr. Wrong. The singer wrote the album from personal experiences — boyfriends who’d treated her wrong over the past couple of years. That’s “boyfriends” plural, not one single creep. “I wish,” the ‘Playin’ With Fire’ singer tells Taste of Country. “They were different [...]

Blake Shelton Spills the Worst Career Advice He Ever Received

Christina Vinson — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:33:09 +0000

Blake Shelton has seen much success over his lifetime, from multiple Grammy nominations to Gold and Platinum albums, and it seems that he's always taken the right steps to get him toward his goals. However, had the Oklahoma native taken some bad career advice early on, it could have easily ruined his career.

David Nail Insists Upcoming Album Will Surprise Fans

Sterling Whitaker — Wed, 01 May 2013 15:39:58 +0000

Hot country star David Nail broke through to mainstream success in a big way with ‘Let It Rain,’ but he’s hoping to show his fans something new with his next record, which he says is “unlike anything I’ve ever done.” While in Vegas for the ACMs, Nail told Taste of Country that he’s got a [...]

Brad Paisley on George Jones: 'The Greatest Voice Country Music Will Ever Know'

Amy Sciarretto — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:07:36 +0000

Brad Paisley offered one of the most touching and heartfelt tributes to the late George Jones, who passed away on Friday, April 26 at the age of 81. Paisley issued his "in memoriam" style statement via Twitter, calling the singer "the greatest voice country music will ever know" and "one of the greatest friends you could ever have."