STREAM: "Camo" by The CO

As April kicked off, Tragic Kingdom introduced you to the latest crop of talent added to our growing list of featured artists.  The CO is one of the most promising new talents featured since Neon Trees appeared on the site around this time last year. And if following in the same footsteps, it could be an exciting year for these pop-rockers.  In the coming weeks, the band will be releasing a special packaged version of their new single "Camo", which will include the original track, an acoustic version, a remixed take, and a brand new video to accompany the song.

To close out the month, the band is giving Tragic Kingdom the exclusive first listen to share with our readers.  The not-yet-released single is streaming exclusively here until it's digital release later next week.  Now a permanent fixture in the Tragic Kingdom family, you can keep checking back for all the latest news, music, and updates from Collin, Nate, and Troy, but for now enjoy the brand new single,"Camo".



Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and find me on Facebook for more on The CO and all of our Tragic Kingdom artists!

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Hollywood With A Touch of Twang

One of the best things about moving to a new city is discovering its local cuisine and the favorite hot spots of its residents.  In Nashville, this means being in the company of some chart topping artists and well-known songwriters.  Since my move to this great city, which was almost a year ago (WOW!), readers, friends and family have asked me my recommendations on my favorite spots in town.  Although a bit of a detour from the music-related posts, I put together some of my picks to add to your itinerary if you're planning a trip to Music City anytime soon.

Start your day at one of the great coffee shops in town.  My favorite is Edgehill Cafe, which is right off of Music Row - there's no telling who might pop in - and has a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy some of the best coffee in town.  The Rouge's Joshua Vaught and The CO's Troy Akers are some of the regulars.  Another popular place to get your caffeine fix is Fido, where Taylor Swift was first spotted with her for-the-moment love interest, Jake Gyllenhal. A drive down the historic Music Row is necessary, but unless you have someone well-versed from the city who can give you some of the backstories and point out notable buildings it may leave you unimpressed.  Downtown offers a lot of opportunities to learn more about the city's music history, whether strolling through the Country Music Hall of Fame or hearing backstage stories at the Ryman Auditorium, home of the first Grand Ole Opry. For lunch, PM Nashville has one of the best menus in town, including a unique and fresh sushi selection as well as a take on fried pickles that could literally change your life.  If sushi isn't your thing, Taco Mamacita has a unique variety of tacos that are easy on the wallet, delicious, and can be enjoyed on the sprawling outdoor patio that overlooks the Row.  Cap your lunch off with a sweet treat at Gigi's Cupcakes, a home-grown shop that offers an original and mouthwatering assortment of fresh cupcakes, like the Banana Creme (a yellow cake with vanilla filling, topped with banana buttercream and vanilla wafers). And it's there you might run into your favorite songwriter in line, like John Edwards who stopped in to meet Gina, or Gigi herself.

If you have a buck to spend and want to get some southern threads, Green Hills Mall has premiere shopping in Nashville and a stadium-style movie theater playing the latest blockbusters.  After you've shopped until you've dropped, rehydrate with the refreshing homemade limeade at Zoe's Kitchen.  It was there that I had my first run-in with Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.  When it's time for some dinner, Patterson House is the place to check out.  The certified mixologists will perfect your favorite cocktail and introduce you to some incredible new concoctions.  While the food selection may be small, it packs a big punch.  You can't go wrong with anything your feeling in the mood for, but the sliders and tater tots are like none I have had before.  And who knows, Tragic Kingdom favorite, Kelly Clarkson, and television star Melissa Peterman just might be at the table next to you celebrating one of their latest career milestones.

To finish the night, or ring in the morning, head down to Broadway where you'll get a taste of honky tonk at its finest.  Known as NashVegas, the strip of historic venues and bars will surely provide you a good time and great music. To find the best options on the strip, be sure to contact someone in town to navigate your route of bar hopping, so you don't get stuck in the tourist trap.  But don't expect to see your favorite Tragic Kingdom friends down there, the honky tonks are purely a tourist experience.  Once you've done it, let me know and I'll give you some tips for a real Nashville night.

Most importantly, if you're headed to the Nashville area be sure to hit up your favorite music blogger (unless it's not Tragic Kingdom), as I am always happy to rap and rhyme with my loyal readers.

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Nashville hot spots and sightings.

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The CO Live at 12th & Porter

Tragic Kingdom's featured artist this month, The CO, stopped by 12th & Porter in Nashville for a charity event, raising awareness for the DALIT Freedom Network - click here for more information - and the boys rocked.  Despite the sound guy's unfortunate performance, we captured the newest members of the Tragic Kingdom family performing their latest single "Camo" for your enjoyment.

The single will be released digitally later this month, along with a whole slew of goodies from the band.  And Tragic Kingdom is gearing up to bring you a little something special from Collin, Troy and Nate, as well.  So, don't forget to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook for updates, exclusive news, and cool contests.

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Neon Trees Surrenders For Promotional Purposes

It looks like Neon Trees, who Tragic Kingdom named the Best of 2010, is going to have another big year. Their newest single, "Your Surrender", is burning up radio stations all across the country including Radio Disney thanks in large part to the song's partnership with Disney's Prom movie which hits theaters at the end of the month.

Don't get me wrong, Neon Trees and Disney doesn't quite scream "match made in heaven", but I am far from calling Tyler Glenn & Co. sellouts. Think about the promotion that the folks at Disney put into anything attached to their name.  No doubt this video will play in between a number of shows about wizards and bratty teens, and the song will play heavily on the brand-owned radio stations.  So while the early fans of this indie band might be thinking their headed down a dangerous road, I think they just played their smartest move, proving they're here to stay.  I am looking forward to what is next for 2010's breakout stars, just as long as it doesn't include collaborations with Miley Cyrus or any other Disney-produced starlet for that matter.

Check out Neon Trees' latest video "Your Surrender", featuring scenes from Disney's upcoming film Prom.

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No Doubt About It, Another Record This Year

Gwen Stefani, the leading lady of No Doubt, called into Ryan Seacrest's radio show yesterday to talk about her visit with the latest crop of American Idol hopefuls.  During the interview, Stefani delighted fans with the news that the band's long (overdue) album will be out this year, definitely.... er, um, hopefully. Obviously inspired by the band, I cannot wait to see what their new tunes will sound like and how this next era of their long, successful career will play out.  Listen to the whole interview below for some details on the upcoming release below.

To skip the Idol chat and get right to the No Doubt news, start playing around the 4:50 mark.

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Artist To Watch: The CO

Now that jokes and pranks have subsided, it's time to introduce you to Tragic Kingdom's featured artist for April.  It's not often that you stumble upon music that is so compelling and rich in content it moves you to action.  However, when I first heard The CO, made up of Collin Brace, Troy Akers, and Nate Fleming, I was reminded of why I love this industry.  The trio, who are joined by Will Harrison and Phil Snowden when they hit the stage, are a Nashville based band setting out to break the mold of the city's stereotypical sound.

In January of last year, the band released their debut self-titled album independently, which is full of infectious melodies and family friendly content - a refreshing step away from the oversexed party anthems currently rocking the airwaves.  Standouts on the album include "Permanent Mistake", "Keep It Together", and "Sweet Home".  The 8-track LP is packed with haunting melodies and soulful vocals that resemble those of Denver-based chart toppers The Fray. But while the comparisons might appear painfully obvious at times, it's the spirit in which these music makers deliver their performance that sets them apart from the rest of the soulful pop-rock wannabes.  From what I can tell, these talented musicians are a true band of brothers who aren't so jaded by the industry that they refuse a little hard work.  Instead, they tirelessly devote time giving back to their fans and taking a stand for what they believe.  It's become a rarity to see musicians in this industry that can confidently deliver positive messages that inspire listeners, but The CO does it effortlessly. Whether a phone call to a loved one reminding them you care or giving a piece of your time and/or resources to help those less fortunate, this album inspires action.  In fact, Akers is heading to India later this year to share a bit of his own positive energy with the Dalit people, who are in so much need of support and hope. 

If this industry handed out college degrees for writing and sharing music The CO would be well on their way to earning the top honors, which is clear as their next slew of pop-genius prepares for release. The boys kicked off 2011 with a new single, currently available on iTunes.  Emerging with a more matured sound, "Heartbeat" has the makings of an instant pop classic and is screaming for radio-time.  Later this month, the band will release their next single "Camo", which will likely be accompanied by a video on their popular YouTube channel.  The song, which is masterfully produced, offers more of the same winning formula that will easily resonate with their fans as well as the masses, leading me to believe these soldiers in music are going to the next big breakout hit.

You can purchase their full length debut album on iTunes now and check back later this month for more on our newest members of the Tragic Kingdom family.  And for more information on how you can help Troy with his efforts in India, visit his website and do what you can.

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