As a long time american music fan, I only discovered what Country Music was for real since... 2006 !
September 2008, I became fan (and crazy) enough about this music genre to launch MADE IN USA magazine, the first ever, bimonthly printed in color, french magazine dedicated to Country Music.
December 2016, a decade of music, thousands of shows photos, great meets and talks with country artists and... My 50th issue printed!
No partnership with any major labels to help me to promote Country Music in France, a country which is unfortunately not considered as a real market for Country Music industry (for two mean reasons: language barrier and much too different musical culture).
Anyway, I go on to preach the 'good word' to french Country Music fans, enjoy to be invited to most popular french Country Music festivals, and sure one day I will make my way!
Already know that this 2017 version of CountryMusicMag.fr web site will be the most professional and the one I will be the most proud of.
And, when I see some of Country Music american web site... No shame to have!
As we say in France: ''I ain't got my tongue in my pocket''. Never had and never will!
I do not make it for the money, I do not make it for the fame, I make it for love of this great music, these great bands and this incredibly talented american musicians and artists.
This new year will be, as usual, full of great moments, music and thoughts to share with you, dear (american?) visitors.
If you are a country artist, any label (even a major label ;-), any guy or organisation who could help me in anyway to promote Country Music in France, you are welcome! You can contact me at contact@countrymusicmag.fr
2017, new year and after 50 issues, time for change. So long MADE IN USA magazine, welcome COUNTRY MUSIC MAG
One last word: ''forgive me please, for the mistakes I probably made (and will make) in my texts''
Jacques ''Jack'' Mouchet, COUNTRY MUSIC MAG manager and editor
KRISTIAN BUSHTALKS ABOUT HIS MUSICAL ‘‘TROUBADOUR’’AND HIS COLLABORATION WITH JANECE SHAFFER AND LINSDAY ELL
A FEW WORDS TO THANKS KRISTIAN
March 10th, 2010, I was lucky enough to be one of the rare french guys (most of the public was american) to see and listen to Sugarland in a small club in Paris, France. It was the end of your first ever (and only) European tour. A moment I will remember all my life (and I saw hundred of shows since 1976 and my deep love for american and english music), the joy, spirit, power, happyness and emotions Jennifer and you bring to your public was… exceptional! The way Jennifer sang ''love'' was… Pure magic!
Then, March 1st, 2013, I had the pleasure to meet you shortly, before CMA International Marketing Summit and Songwriters Series show at Billy Bob's, Disneyland Paris. I show you the album of photographs I took of this Paris show and you wrote some very kind words in my album. I could feel, once again, all the enthusiasm and the positive attitude you had in your eyes and heart.
So, year after year, will built - with the help of Witney Pastorek (thanks again to made these interviews possible!) - a friendly relationship. Thanks again Kristian to be as available to the most famous music magazine (ROLLING STONE not to name it) as you are to my tiny french magazine!!!
Jacques Mouchet, Country Music Mag manager and your oldest (?) french fan!!!
Kristian Bush and I (2013)
THE INTERVIEW
COUNTRY MUSIC MAG: Back to 2016... What a year ! Participation to, ‘‘Troubadour’’ your first musical; Benny Brown’s proposal to produce Lindsay Ell debut album; new single ‘‘Sing Along’’ (the first and most joyful heart breaking song I have ever heard!); a coming soon (?) new solo album in a new record company...
KRISTIAN BUSH: 2016 Was a year of the unexpected. From Troubadour to Lindsay Ell’s album to the true beginning of my second solo album, It has been everything I have wished for so many years, a chance for me to write more songs, record them, and have a home for them out in the world.
Don't you think that Jon Bon Jovi’s song : ‘‘I’ll sleep when I’m dead’’ was made for you?
Ha!!! I love those guys.
More seriously… Do you agree that your (temporary ?) break with Sugarland (because of Jennifer Nettles pregnancy and other good reasons) bring you the room and liberty you needed to spread your own wings ?
The break has given me the chance to really go out and learn from the talented songwriters, artists, and producers in Nashville that I had been too busy to meet.
Did it help to take confidence, not only in your songwriting but also, an important things too: with your own voice ?
It is a thrill for me every time I hear a song of mine on the radio, and an even bigger thrill to hear my own voice coming through the radio speaker. I am grateful every time it happens, and it never stops bringing me joy.
I have always had the feeling that life was some kind of puzzle with pieces (sometime) meeting together in a fabulous way ! What do you think of this impression ?
I love the way the world seems to constantly surprise me with something I would have never thought of that I love. If it is a puzzle, it feels like one that keeps growing bigger and one that doesn’t seem to have edges.
Now a question about your new experience: A few words to qualify your experience to work in a musical, what did it bring you more ?
Working on “Troubadour" brought me two new gifts. First, it brought me a beautiful perfect collaboration with playwright Janece Shaffer. Our dialogue while creating is something special that I have not experienced before. Her stories come alive in my mind. Second, it had been a long while since I had written songs alone. I wrote all of the songs from “Troubadour" by myself, and the confidence that it brought me in retrospect was so valuable.
Kristian Bush and Janece Shaffer (photo courtesy of Al Such Wabe 90.1)
So now, focus on your actuality: the production of Lindsay Ell debut album Return of one of the things your made of: ''good work with exceptional women''. My good hear and the magic her talent and yours already make me feel that this collaboration will make a new step on both your careers.
Can you describe me in what Lindsay got this ''special thing''. We already both know she is a exceptional guitar player but more than that, can you talk me about his voice or other think you feel rare in her ?
Lindsay’s voice as a writer, as a player, and most importantly, as a singer, speaks to me. I love the way she phrases in all three instances and I love the integrity and respect that she has for herself on the songs. She is brave on the inside and the outside now.
Kristian Bush and Lindsay Ell (photo courtesy of Rick Diamond gettyimages)
Useless to talk about the incredible way she play guitar but you compare (like I do) her voice to Sherryl Crow...
I love all of the different influences I hear in her voice and songs. I’m a big fan of Sheryl Crow and can hear that all over the place in Lindsay’s album.
Kristian, you showed in the past years how eclectic you were in your professional ways… Singer, great guitar player, songwriter, producer, musical songwriter, and it seems to be for you a dream come true : TV Theme songwriter (and I surely forget some…)
I also learned that you worked in 2013 with Sylvie Vartanone of our most famous and popular singer on a country album (''Sylvie in Nashville'').
How and why did she contact you and in what your work with her consist in?
I was asked to submit some songs for her album from her producer Michael Lloyd. Sylvie and I met one day in the lobby of a beautiful hotel in Paris and I listened to her tell me what kinds of songs she loved, what emotions she was chasing in this album, and what attitudes she was attracted to. I love that she loved my so
ngs and was honored and thrilled to be collaborating with such an iconic French artist. What are your next project (film maker, american president ;-) more seriously: an idea about what will come next?…
I am about to finish my second solo album. It is something bigger, better, louder, and more fun than I have attempted before so I am busy putting the final touches on this one. You can find me most days writing for other artists, for myself, for tv or film, and now producing.
One last word: I love this ''sing along'' song and the end of the video brought me tears each time I see it again. as a 33 years old marriage guy with a son (29) and a daughter (31) and now 2 grand sons, it touches me a lot and It shows all the sensibility you get in you and put into your songs and music.
Thank you!! Thank you for listening. That is all I ever truly wish, is for my songs to travel out into the world and help people wherever and whenever they can.
Kip Moore offered us a great third album!... Choose your own hit, most of these songs got that level and worth it!!!
What a pleasure to find again a Kip Moore motivated enough to propose us an album much more inspired and powerfull that his 2015 ''Wild Ones'' ! Great melodies, hypnotic rythmes and first of all this break voice who is his trademark! Hope to see you one of these days live on stage!!!
KIP MOORE
Slowheart
1. Plead The Fifth - 2. Just Another Girl - 3. I’ve Been Around - 4. Fast Women - 5. Bittersweet Company - 6. Sunburn - 7. More Girls Like You - 8. The Bull - 9. Blonde - 10. Good Thing - 11. Last Shot - 12. Try Again - 13. Guitar Man
MCA Nashville. 8 Septembre 2017
''THE PROJECT'', Lindsay Ell's first solo album #4 at Billboard Country Music albums charts !!!
What a way she made since I first saw her, opening for The Band Perry in this small club in Paris, France (The divan du Monde November 25th, 2013) !!!
Scooter Brown Band: Top Modern Southern Rock !
I discovered this band an hour ago and already feels that they are on their way to the top of music mountains. Four albums already printed, 100 shows a year, headlining or opening for stars such as The Charlie Daniels Band, Travis Tritt, The Marshall Tucker Band.
But most of all (?) a great new single : ''American Son'' announcing a soon to come and surely great album (September 8th)
* : ‘‘Between Hell & Texas’’ (2009) ; ‘‘Live at Big Texas’’ (2010) ; ‘‘Valor’’ (2013) ; ‘‘Scooter Brown Band (2015)
Buddy Jewell (and his french band ;-) offered to his french fans a great show at Equiblues Countrty Music Festival, France !
A REAL pleasure to meet you again 11 years after your first venue in France during Paris Country Music Festival. More than a decade ago but your magic is still the same. A great voice, melodies, songs and words ! A picture of the end of your Saint Agrève Equiblues show and a full review of your show in my next issue of COUNTRY MUSIC MAG (and may be the cover ?) will be publish by the end of august.
We just learn: Toby Keith is back (at last!)
We were waiting his new album like a worker wait for his vacation! Toby Keith between two dates on an unbelievable never ending American/canadian tour find a few days to go back in studio enough to record 7 new songs and complete with 3 revisited favourites songs plus 2 live
1. "Shitty Golfer"
2. "Wacky Tobaccy"
3. "Runnin' Block"
4. "Brand New Bow"
5. "Call a Marine"
6. "Hell No"
7. "The Critic"
8. "The Size I Wear"
9. "Ballad of Balad"
10. "Rum Is the Reason"
11. "Weed With Willie" (Live)
12. "Get Out of My Car" (Live)
Take a look at his hilarious new video : ''Wacky Tobaccy''...
An album under humour and friendship mood !!!
Gretchen is back and Back strong!... What a pleasure to feel her in such good artistic shape!
I like this girl! She almost always says what she think. A ''big mouth'' whatever it can (and already) cost her. But before anything else she realize, once more, another great album. She was abble to cross hard times to better shine then. My biggest congratulation Gretchen!
GRETCHEN WILSON
Ready To Get Rowdy
1. Stacy - 2. Salt Mines - 3. Summertime Town - 4. Rowdy - 5. Whiskey and My Bible - 6. Bad Feeling - 7. Letting Go of Hanging On - 8. I Ain’t That Desperate Yet - 9. Hard Earned Money - 10. Mary Kay & Maybelline - 11. A Little Loretta - 12. Big Wood Deck
Only one short week ago, my passport was outdated!
A hard week for the nerves when you know that you could be back to Nashville... If you get a brand new one in only height days!
Thanks to french administration and, of course to one of my customer (I cannot name) who finance this next week in ''Music City''.
Heavy schedule with: a show at Grand Ole Opry (!) of Martina McBride + Ray Benson and his legendary Asleeep at The Wheel band, BlueBird Café for a private show, Country Music Hall Of Fame and Museum visit, Ryman Auditium etc...
with Ray Scott and his sixth studio album:'Guitar For Sale', only series of two words come to my mynd: ''MASTER PIECE'' or ''GOOD TASTE'' !!!
What a f... album! Ray Scott is back and back real strong! Probably on of his best album! The energy of a young in the experience of a mature artist. What could we ask for more!?! An album you should buy eyes shut but ears wide open!!! (no more ''!'' so I shut up and listen his album twice. On last word: ''Ray, do not sold your guitar!''.
Ray Scott
Guitar For Sale
1. Livin’ This Way - 2. Put Down the Bottle - 3. The Fire - 4. Soberin’ Up - 5. Pray for the Fish - 6. Put Down That Gun - 7. Growin’ Old - 8. Worth Killin’ For - 9. Life Ain’t Long Enough - 10. Doin’ Me Wrong - 11. Guitar for Sale
Jethropolitan Records LLC - 9 juin
Congratulations to Silverado Records, an independant new Nashville Records company, to offer us the opportunity to listen to talented Crystal Yates!
CRYSTAL YATES
SIGNATURE SONGWRITER SERIES Vol. 2
1. Wearing White - 2. Raining in Amarillo - 3. Turning Me On - 4. Fall in Love Again - 5. As Long as I’m Behavin’
Silervado Records - may, 12 2017
« Amazing soul in her voice and great songs to listen to! You instantly jump on her other productions who confirmed us that she is already to the level of some Country stars»
25 years ago, Billy Ray Cyrus made me discover the Country Music... Thank you so much!
Summer of 92:
unbelievable: a Country song invided Europe: ''Achy Breaky Heart'' became one of the biggest music phenomenon, a worldwide hit!
Spring of 2017:
« A new, great, soulfull version! »
Billy Ray Cyrus will be on the cover of our 52nd issue
Thank you Joey for this ‘‘heart shaking’’ album... And thank you Rory to be abble to give this album a second chance to be heard!
IF NOT FOR YOU
1. Intro (Have I Told You Lately That I Love You) - 2. Strong Enough To Cry - 3. That’s Important To Me - 4. When The Needle Hit The Vinyl - 5. Nothing To Remember - 6. The Cowboy’s Mine - 7. If Not For You - 8. Southern Girl - 9. Red - 10. Like A Rodeo (avec Paul Overstreet) - 11. See You There - 12. Old Paint
Gaither Music Group - 7 Avril 2017
« With this great album, Joey is forever with us! »
Ray Scott will release his sixth studio album:'Guitar For Sale', on June 9, 2017
We had the pleasure to meet and interwieved him when he went in France early 2016 at Billy Bob's Saloon, Disneyland Paris. One of the most beloved Country Music american artist in France who offered us a great show.
Ray said: «When I went into the studio with my friend, and new producer, Michael Hughes, my goal was to do something a little different, something live tracked that’s not so polished, maybe even rough in spots, with the hope we’d come out with a product that had elements reminiscent of the way music first hit my ears when I was a young’un,” said Scott. “It wasn’t my intent to worry about what the rest of Nashville was doing… 'course it never has been. I’m proud to say I think we accomplished that. My first single, ‘Livin’ This Way’ is based on a classic country music theme - pain. In keeping with my habit of honesty in songwriting, I thought it was a good way introduce this new project.»
I can't wait to listen to his brand new album and come back to you to review it!
Ray Scott on january/februay 2016 MADE IN USA magazine's cover
I'll never forget the way he held my hand in his hand when I meet him in Switzerland, september 2011, at Country Night Festival in Gstaad. I told him all the good I think of him and how I made 600 miles by car to see him for the first time live on stage.
He was not in his best shape but gave us a great show in front of a cold switzerland audience...
Glad to see you back with a great album Trace!
SOMETHING'S GOING ON...
12 songs, all of equal Top quality.
Hope to see you again one of these days in... USA
What a pleasure for all french Country Music fans: this next summer at EquibluesCountry Music Festival : Buddy Jewell (He did not came back to France since Paris Country Festival, 2006) and Trent Tomlinson for the first time in France!
Almost no news about him since four long years and then... The return (at last!) of a giant. I miss you Trace but it worth the wait!
SOMETHING'S GOING ON
1. Ain’t Just the Whiskey Talkin’ - 2. Jesus and Jones - 3. Watered Down - 4. Something’s Going On - 5. If Only You Were Lonely - 6. Gonna Make You Miss Me - 7. I’m Gone - 8. Country Boy Problems - 9. Lit - 10. Still a Soldier - 11. Whippoorwills and Freight Trains - 12. Hang
Wheelhouse Records (a division of Broken Bow Records)
March 31st, 2017
« ''Something's Going On'' after 4 long silence years, marked the return of a Country Music Giant. Thanks God, It worth the wait! »
MAREN MORRIS will tour Europe for the first time ever next winter
Tickets go on sale 9am Friday 17th March and will be available at: gigsandtours.com
Congratulation to Aaron Watson ‘‘VAQUERO’’ 2nd step on Billboard Country Albums podium!!!
2 years ago Aaron Watson became the first independent Country artist to place his album (''The Unbderdog'') on the first step of Billboard Country Albums charts! He almost made it twice if... Little Big town did it.
French Country Music fans are proud to receive this next summer at 30th Country Rendez-Vous, our most popular Country Music festival in France Miss Emmylou Harris, Country Music legend
Aaron Watson will be back (february 24th) with ‘‘VAQUERO’’ his brand new album
Some of his songs can already be heard and, no surprise : we know that after his great ''The Underdog'' album, his Texas authentic raw magic is not gone!
MADE IN USA magazine is a printed edition, a web site and a YouTube TV
November, 3rd, 2011
I drive 900 miles to see my first ever Toby Keith show live on stage at Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Took a few video like that great version of ''I love This Bar'' What a good souvenir.
To play the video, click on the picture above
‘‘Act Like You Don’t’’ the new single from Brooke Eden confirmed...
Another proof that this young lady will soon make part of Nashville Country's Who's Who!
Her powerfull (and a little broken) voice already show all the energy and talent she got in.
After her 2014 great first EP and the single ''Daddy's Money'', her new single and ''Welcome To The Weekend'' EP confirmed her futur status.
She will headline her first USA spring/summer Welcome To The Weekend Tour. More informations on brookeeden.com web site
‘‘Act Like You Don't’’ single, and ‘‘Welcome To The Weekend’’ EP both to buy, eyes shut but ears wide open !
‘‘Sing It Now - Songs of Hope & Faith’’' is a pure jewel
No doubt once more Reba proove to anybody that she is the Queen of Country
Most of the songs are Gospel songs and so Incredibly interpreted! Reba, for those who doubt again (but is there some?) is on her highest level of emotion and technic. A pinacle only the biggest female stars reached: Céline Dion, Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston
‘‘Sing It Now’’, an album that got soul!
Was I asleep ? Southern Halo kick my ass and awake me!
Wake up!... Buy this album !
A pure wonder!
What a trio!
Their first album is a pure wonder! A great mix of vocal harmonies with Bluegrass-Rock on a Spicy Southern Rock hot sauce. Congratulations girls you produced a Country/Pop/Rock to raise the dead and show that talent does not wait the age. Listen the album once... You'll love it. Twice... You'll be addict!
Best songs :
‘‘ I Ain’t Crazy (But My Daddy Is)’’ - a great Country/Rock
‘‘I Don’t Wanna Move On’’ - a soulfull ballad
‘‘ Cowboys ’’ - creation of a new genre: Bluegrass/Rock!
You agree, You don't ?... Send an email to:
November 25th, 2013. Lindsay Ell opened for The Band Perry - Pioneer World Tour - at ''Divan du Monde'', Paris, France. A great show!!!
Lindsay Ell (and Kristian Bush) are back!
I had the pleasure to be one of the rare french guy to see and listen Lindsay Ell when she opened for The Band Perry at ''The divan du Monde'', Paris, France during their ''We are Pioneer'' 2013 World tour and began and instantly impressed by this young artist and great guitar player (I always loved great guitar player).
So I was suprise (and happy!!!) to learn that she worked with Kristian Bush, another american artist I met in Disneyland Paris in 2013 (God damned fuckin' good year!) and was fan of since... A decade.
Lindsay is surely a great guitar player but more than that: a great singer too! She reminds me Sherryl Crow (not so bad to be compare to !?!).
Kristian turned all he touched to GOLD so...
Talent of Kristian + talent of Lindsay sure will make a success in a few months!!!
Lindsay Ell alive and well in Paris, France, Nov. 25, 2013
Mucho Love Music is a brand new talented Record Company that will soon celebrate his first anniversary of business in the Country Music.
They helped me last month to be in contact with Trent Tomlinson, one of the artists they had the nose to help to produce his long awaited second album.
An old dream for me: Trent Tomlinson's french fan since a decade.
MADE IN USA magazine, France is proud to be the first music magazine to put Trent Tomlinson on his 50th issue's cover (before the title of the magazine change to COUNTRY MUSIC MAG) !
Wished I could be with you guys to celebrate your first anniversary!
Gretchen Wilson, an artist we love in France, will be back in 2017, and back strong ! with...
American Music industry has always been quick to forget artists that does not sell enough anymore. Even if they were very good sellers before. One of the high developped pragmatism we do not always understand in France...
Gretchen Wilson, an artist we appreciate a lot at MADE IN USA magazine, is one of them.
She made her debut in 2004, sold multi platinum, charted 13 singles (5 top 10!), got Awards and then, 2008 and... Less success.
So we are very happy to discover that she is back and back strong with 'Rowdy', this great single we hope that announce a comin' album!?!
''A good news never come alone'' and we are also happy to learn that this song was co-wrote* by Trent Tomlinson who made is great come back too!
