NashvilleGab - Country music news and Nashville celebrity gossip

Meghan Linsey teases 'new stuff' in 2015, reveals most-wanted childhood Christmas present: Exclusive

 

Draped in a stunning black-lace dress, Meghan Linsey (most known for her work as one half of Steel Magnolia) strutted down the red carpet at the inaugural American Country Countdown Awards Mon. (Dec. 15). Always a joy to see, the singer-songwriter chatted briefly with NashvilleGab about her brand-new single "Love Never Sleeps," a cut from her new self-titled EP, and the vintage-polished music video (released earlier this week). "You know what? It was all just homemade. My boyfriend and I actually shot it with his little camera and edited it," she shared of her brand-new Instagram-filtered music clip (below). "It was really simple. It was more fun."

And that fun is palpable in the video, which also exudes confidence, class and talent. In addition to the EP, Linsey also dropped her own version of "O Holy Night" to CD Baby hours following the awards show. On what fans can expect next, she teased of future plans: "I'm really looking forward to the new year and kicking it off with some new stuff."

During the ACC Awards two-hour live show, living legend Reba McEntire was honored with the first-ever Icon Award, introduced by fellow musician and friend Kix Brooks. Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson were on hand to salute the redhead with a short medley of some of her best work, including "How Blue" and her signature "Fancy" (originally recorded by Bobbie Gentry). On what makes an icon, Linsey shared her thoughts: "I think Reba is so talented as a singer, as a performer. She's a business woman. She's an actress. [An icon] has to be able to do it all—especially to do it all as a woman. It's incredible. I actually toured with her and I feel like I learned more on that tour than any other tour I've ever been on. She has it down; she just knows what she's doing."

With Christmas less than a week away, Linsey revealed that one present she always wanted as a kid but never got. "I always wanted one of those jeep cars," she beamed. "I never got one of those."

Grab a copy of Linsey's new single "Love Never Sleeps" on iTunes now!

Follow @JasontheScott

Enjoy this story? Feel free to email me to keep the conversation going!

Meghan Linsey takes bro-country to task with 'Try Harder Than That,' films music video: Exclusive

Meghan Linsey isn't afraid to speak her mind. She might be small in stature, but she's huge in voice. So, it isn't surprising that the singer's debut solo single is a sharp-shooting female empowerment anthem, which takes direct aim at every bro-country song currently thumping through the speakers of mainstream terrestrial radio. "Try Hard Than That," the lead-in to her new EP (through a Pledge Music campaign), makes a bold statement about what it means to be a woman and how they should be treated. "It was meant to be a sassy song. I don’t want to say ‘take jabs’ but it’s more about pushing a boy you like on the playground," she shares of the song to NashvilleGab, exclusively, on the set of the song's music video.

Formerly of Steel Magnolia, Linsey has high hopes as she launches her solo career. Admittedly, she says she never had any qualms about releasing such a risky song. "I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest. In fact, when we wrote it, I was like, ‘dang, I feel like this is a single.’ I think you have to be bold anymore to stand out and make a statement, especially for women. You’re not hearing [many] women on country radio. Coming out with something different and shaking stuff up, that’s the goal."

Joshua Scott Jones on a possible Steel Magnolia reunion, being tonky and 'Healing'--EXCLUSIVE

It was clear when Joshua Scott Jones was one-half of Steel Magnolia (with Meghan Linsey) that he possessed a groovy, soulful voice that could enrapture thousands of fans. Even though the duo is no longer forging ahead together, he still holds onto his rock roots, as evidenced on his debut solo single "Honk (If You're Tonky)," the lead-in to his forthcoming set The Healing.

Despite both singers embarking on their own, there is a small possibility of a reunion in the future. "I think we’re really good together. We’re like peanut butter and jelly when we sing together," Jones tells NashvilleGab, exclusively.

Steel Magnolia member heads to rehab

Well this is unexpected.  Steel Magnolia member Joshua Scott Jones wrote a letter to fans and put it on the duo's website today to announce that he had made the decision to enter rehab.  

To all of our fans and to those whom it may concern,

God has been on my heart to announce and make public that I have entered a rehabilitation and treatment facility to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. Hundreds of thousands of people in the world struggle with these battles daily, therefore I am sincerely grateful for all thoughts and prayers at this very poignant juncture in my life and career. I would also like to thank my family, friends, record label and management team for being so supportive and having an active hand in my recovery process.

Thank you and God bless.

--Joshua Scott Jones

Kudos to Joshua for nipping this in the bud and having the strength to be honest with fans rather than ending up as a blind item on a gossip site.  

Hopefully, his decision to undergo the process of quitting drugs and recovery would serve as an inspiration to other people who are hooked on drugs but are hoping to kick the habit.

2010 Country Music Award Predictions

Although another name for the awards could be called `2010 Miranda Lambert Awards`  Let`s get it started:

Entertainer of the Year :
Lady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley - winner
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band

Let’s start off with the big one, the one that everyone looks out for.  And for the first time in a while, the line up looks different.  3 first timers make the list (Lady A, Miranda, and Zac Brown), and although they all did extremely well this year, I don’t think this is their time.  Brad Paisley is long overdue for the award, and it looks like he’s going to finally take it home.  However, I feel that Carrie should have been nominated and could have won it.

Female Vocalist of the Year :
Miranda Lambert - winner
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

As opposed to the Entertainer of the Year category, this category is exactly the same, with most of the women having great years.  Martina probably had the least impact this year, and we can count her out.  Taylor: what to say about her.  She a worldwide phenomenon, however, she was pretty laid back for most of the eligibility, so she’s probably not going to win either.  That leaves us with Reba, Miranda and Carrie, and although Reba had a great year, she didn’t have the same success that Carrie or Miranda had.  And with the critical and commercial success she had this year (along with 9 nominations), it’s looking as if Miranda has the greatest chance of winning.

If only I had a bra purse too

I'm one of those odd ladies who isn't the least bit into shoes or purses - but I must say that I'd make an exception for a fine bra purse like the one above.  It's a purse that was actually made from a bra and given to Steel Magnolia's Meghan Linsay by a fan.

Meghan tells WYCD that she's tried to lose it many times but someone always gives it back to her.

Screw that, if Meghan wants to lose it she can send it to me.  I'd pack it around with pride.   

{via WYCD}