Garth Brooks photo by Mark Tucker, courtesy of Pearl Records.
Each week country music expert Neil Haislop answers your questions!
Q: Is Garth Brooks going to do any more concerts this year?
(Shonda, Bentonville, AR)
A: Shonda, Garth Brooks is always capable of surprise announcements, but he said recently that after the big shows in Kansas City last year and Los Angeles this year, he’s back in retirement.
Q: Is Kenny Chesney planning on releasing any more dates for his 2008 tour?
(Laura, Caledonia, MS)
A: So far, Laura, Kenny Chesney has announced 40 performances in 38 cities with 14 dates being huge stadium shows. That already represents a mighty tour season for him. But, since he announced these dates in two phases it’s always possible that he could add a few more cities. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me the best way to get lyrics to an artist?
(Dennis, Battle Creek, MI)
A: Dennis, a lot of people ask questions similar to this, wanting to get songs, lyrics or song ideas to an artist. Assuming you want to get to a known star, and you are not a known singer, writer, song publisher, musician, producer or close friend that the star knows and respects, it’s nearly impossible for a stranger to get a song, song idea or lyrics to an established performer. There are many reasons for this, first and foremost is the danger that a star could be sued for stealing their idea if they happen to release a song that has a similar lyric or title to the one sent to them, or given to them by a stranger.
Q: I miss Shania Twain so much. When — or will — she return?
(Jackie, Salem, VA)
A: Jackie, that’s been a popular question for the last couple of years. And, even though we still don’t exactly when Shania Twain will offer up new music and surface again as a performer, there seems to be a strong indication that there could be new music from her this year. Don’t hold me to that, because nobody at her label is ready to go on record to say it will happen this year.
Q: I love to sing and write songs, which I've been doing since I could write. My friends say I'm good. I'd like to ask Taylor Swift, how do I get started? Any advice on what to say at record labels?
(Brittany, Elizabeth City, NC)
A: Brittany, Taylor Swift gets a lot of requests like this from young girls inspired by her songs and success. And, you can send the same question to her at her MySpace site. But in a way, Taylor’s history so far provides a good path to follow. Taylor has worked hard to practice her singing and guitar playing, while continuing to do well at school so she could be smart enough to go into the business side of the music business. So, you’d do well to learn a musical instrument, and keep writing and singing. With your parents’ help, find places where you can get used to singing in public — school, church, fraternal clubs, retirement and nursing homes, talent contests, etc. They can help you find other musicians to play and write music with. If you love it as much as Taylor does and want to keep doing it, you may get good enough to be approached by a record company. By that time, a manager or lawyer will help you say the right things to them.
Q: Sure hope you can tell me why Tim and Faith disbanded their Soul 2 Soul club. It was said that it closed because they are not touring anymore, but according to them, that is temporary. I would still keep it open, unless they are not actually as "together" like some of their fans are thinking?
(Myra, Breese, IL)
A: Myra, folks should just take theTim McGraw and Faith Hill camps at their word. The Soul 2 Soul club existed as a promotion tool for that two-year tour which is now done. I’m sure that if they come back in the future with Soul 2 Soul III, they’ll revive the club. Don’t forget that from the beginning of their marriage, Tim and Faith were careful to keep their careers separate (different labels, different managers, separate fan clubs, etc.) and kept it that way for many years before they toured together for the first time as a married couple. Meanwhile, Tim has movies to do and promote, and new music coming, and Faith is busy again on gathering new music for her next project. So, Tim will do the heavy lifting tour-wise this year, as they’ve done in the past, while the couple remains happily together, even on the few days they're apart.
Q: I just watched Carrie Underwood’s video for the song, "All American Girl," and I was wondering, who is the football star that appears in the video? Someone told me it Tony Romo — is that true?
(Larry, Perry, IN)
A: Larry, Carrie Underwood did briefly date Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback, Tony Romo, but that’s not him in the video. As far as we know he’s just a young actor, among many actors in this amazing video full of multiple characters including those played by Carrie.