Eric Church Will Not Be Rushed Into Recording a New Album.

Nobody tells ERIC CHURCH what to do . . . not even the record company suits who sign the checks.  Eric was asked if winning the CMA Album of the Year award for "Chief" might inspire him to cash in by rushing out a follow-up record. Eric will have no part of that. He said, quote, "Hell no, I'm gonna wait longer. I think there [are] a lot of reasons to make records.  The one thing I won't do is I won't make records for an economic reason. "It won't be because a label needs to make a quarterly number or we need to promote a tour. The next record will come when creatively it's the right time." Eric pointed out that he took his time recording "Chief", and that worked out pretty well. He adds, quote, "I'm not gonna rush it and when it's time it'll be time."

Lead Nominee Eric Church Will Feel at Home at This Thursday's CMA Awards.

Eric Church is the lead nominee going into Thursday night's CMA Awards with five nominations, including Album of the Year for Chief. That project spawned his first two #1 country hits with "Drink in My Hand" and "Springsteen," and these nods are further proof Eric has finally found a place the country genre.  Looking back a few years ago, Eric remembers playing clubs and not feeling like his music belonged anywhere. He tells ABC News Radio, "I felt at times like we were too rock for country and too country for rock, and we really just didn't have a home at times." Eric adds, "So, to go from there to having five nominations is really something that I had a hard time, and still do have a hard time, getting my head around. It's pretty incredible." Eric built his career playing countless shows and working tirelessly on his three albums. These CMA nods are a nice pat on the back for him, but Eric doesn't live or die by whether or not his name is called at awards shows. "I can't control how many nominations we get or how many we win," Eric says.  "I can only control the kind of record we make and the kind of show we put on. And I think if I keep it that simple, and I keep it that small of what I can control then the rest of the stuff will take care of itself." All that said, Eric is extremely proud to be recognized for his platinum album Chief in a time when the music industry is focused more and more on selling individual tracks. Of all his nominations, Eric has his eyes locked on the CMA Album of the Year category, saying, "If there's one that would mean the most to me, it's that." Eric is also slated to perform on the CMA Awards Thursday night, and he's been putting a lot of thought into how to use that three minutes of airtime. He and his band are on the road right now, so they're primed and ready to entertain. Says Eric of the performance, "It's also about maybe trying to do something a little bit different than what people see every night. Now, that's the challenge."  Eric is also nominated for Male Vocalist and Single, Song and Video of the Year for "Springsteen." The 46th Annual CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville on ABC Thursday night at 8 ET.

(ABC Country)

The 2012 ACA Nominations Have Been Announced

The nominations are out for the "2012 American Country Awards" . . . and LUKE BRYAN is your top dog with seven nominations . . . mostly thanks to his song "I Don't Want this Night to End", which picked up four nods on its own. Right behind Luke with six nominations apiece are LADY ANTEBELLUM and the ZAC BROWN BAND . . . and then ERIC CHURCH and TAYLOR SWIFT each have five nominations. This is a fan-voted awards show, so they're asking you to pick the winners. You can vote once a day from now until November 12th . . . except in the Artist of the Year category. You can vote on that one until December 7th. You can cast your vote at theacas.com. You will have to give up your email.(--Check out the nominations here.) The very tall TRACE ADKINS and very tiny KRISTIN CHENOWETH are returning as your hosts. The show airs December 10th at 8:00 P.M. on Fox.

Eric Church Is Not Afraid to Admit That His Biggest Influences Are Rock Stars Like Bob Seger, AC/DC and Black Sabbath.

I get a little annoyed when old school artists complain that country music isn't what it used to be. Of course it's not. That would be boring. So props to ERIC CHURCH for pushing the idea that change in country music is a good thing. Eric told the "Detroit News", quote, "I've always felt like evolution was a great part of the growth of country music. Yeah, I grew up on country, but I also grew up on AC/DC, Metallica, Pantera and Black Sabbath." And even though Eric has opened for a lot of big name country acts . . . like Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert and Jason Aldean, he's not afraid to admit his biggest influence as a performer was touring with BOB SEGER. Eric said, quote, "Bob came out there with sound and lights, that's it; and when he walked out there the place went (super) crazy. "It was about the music, it was about the energy in the room. Those were the loudest shows I played that year, and I played with everybody."

Eric Church Connects With His Fans . . . By Screaming at Them!

If you're planning to catch an ERIC CHURCH show, I have some advice: Pay attention! Eric HATES it when audience members aren't giving him as much as he thinks they should. He says, quote, "I'll focus on a couple people in the crowd that I think have a whole lot more left to give and I'll look directly at 'em and scream at 'em and yell at 'em. I love that . . . it's a little bit like boxing. I antagonize the crowd. I do."
Eric wants everyone involved . . . even if it means his fans end up screaming back at him. He says, quote, "I enjoy kind of prowling the stage out there and kind of going at the crowd and inviting them to come back at me." By the way, this isn't some new thing Eric is doing because he's a big star who can hide behind his security lugheads. He says, quote, "It's been that way since the clubs and bars when people didn't listen to us and I DID have to go out there and yell at 'em and scream at 'em."

Eric Church Films "Creepin'" Video, Gets Springsteen's Approval on "Springsteen.

Eric Church recently shot the video for his new single, "Creepin'," and he describes it as the most "out there" video he's ever done. Eric got to take on a part other than himself in the clip too. He said, "We got to actually wear some different clothes and do something kind of unique and cool for us, which we've never done. So, can't wait for people to see it." Eric says the "Creepin'" video should be out soon.

As for his most recent #1, "Springsteen," Eric has learned that Bruce Springsteen himself is a fan of the song.  He heard through Bruce's management staff that Bruce heard "Springsteen" and loved it.
When asked how that reaction made him feel, Eric says, "Aw hell, it made me feel incredible. I'm such a huge fan." While Eric's song inspired by Springsteen spent two weeks at #1 on the country chart earlier this year, Eric points out that Bruce recently released a new, hit album, Wrecking Ball, and is still packing stadiums at age 62. "I mean, to be that age and have all that going on, that has to be kind of cool," Eric says. "You know, it would be for me."

Eric Church Loves His "Odd" New Single, "Creepin'".

Eric Church's latest single "Creepin'" may be his most left-of-center song on the radio yet. It's the first track on Eric's platinum-selling album Chief, and Eric says he loves how it kicks off the album in an unexpected way. "Not only the title is 'Creepin’,' but it kinda creeps in," explains Eric. "It starts in one dynamic, and it ends in a totally different dynamic." Eric also loves how loose and odd "Creepin'" is, and he's gotten a lot of fun reaction from people when they first hear the song. "One of the best quotes I had, somebody heard it recently for the first time, and they got through listening to it and their response was 'What the hell?'" Eric says. "And they went back and listened to it again...they love it. It was just one of those things you didn’t expect." Eric will reveal more about the story behind "Creepin'" on GAC's Noteworthy at the Opry, airing Saturday, August 18 at 9 p.m. ET.

Eric Church Still Can't Get Over How Popular He's Become

ERIC CHURCH has had a kickass year . . . but he still feels like that guy banging it out in clubs. The success just hasn't sunk in yet. He says, quote, "It'll never feel normal for me because I'll always feel like we're the underdog a little bit. "I'll always feel like we've got to fight harder than everybody else, that we have to give it more than everybody else. I mean, I never thought I'd have a Number One anything so to have the #1 album and the second #1 single off this record, it's just bizarre."

Eric Church...Movie Star!

ERIC CHURCH did a short film called "Mixtape" . . . and it debuts this Saturday on CMT.  Eric calls it the "emotional backstory" to his song "Springsteen".


Click on the CMT link above for the whole story!

(CMT.com)

Eric Church Doesn't Regret One Single Thing

ERIC CHURCH is still projecting that badass attitude as someone who's not going to compromise his beliefs for anyone. He was asked to name ONE THING that he regrets . . . but he just couldn't go there.
He said, quote, "I'm not a guy who has a lot of regrets. I wouldn't change anything. I've always been very candid, and I've always stood for what I believe in, right? And sometimes, that's gotten me in trouble.
"But I wouldn't change it . . . I am who I am."

Eric Church Picks Up First Platinum Single for "Springsteen"

Things are going especially well for Eric Church these days. His latest single, "Springsteen," has just become his first platinum-selling single, and Eric describes hitting that milestone as "surreal." "It’s a testament to everybody else out there that feels kinda the way I did," Eric says. "You know, every time they hear that song, they’re 16 or 17 or however old they are again, and they’re back at that concert experience for them." "Springsteen" is included on Eric's latest album, Chief. Eric is also celebrating the gold certification of his 2006 debut album, Sinners Like Me.

Miranda Lambert Expects to Hear Some Groveling from Eric Church.

MIRANDA LAMBERT has accepted ERIC CHURCH'S apology for talking smack about singing competitions but that doesn't mean he's totally out of the woods. Miranda did an interview with Kenny Walker, Broadway & U-Turn on Florida's KISS Country, and they asked her how she's feeling about the whole thing. She said, quote, "To me, it's over. "It's sad that he probably got roped into a really bad interview. I think it's sad that they portrayed him that way and that he actually portrayed himself that way and cut down his friends. "He probably didn't realize he was cutting down his friends when he did it, but either way, he said something stupid and it's going to take a long time to make it up to people that he offended." So what will happen the next time Miranda runs into Eric? She said, quote, "I'll be fine. I'm sure that he (will) be groveling because he should."

John Rich Has Eric Church's Back . . . And Thinks Eric Should Be on the Next "Celebrity Apprentice".

JOHN RICH is the first artist I've heard say anything since ERIC CHURCH apologized for talking smack about singing competitions. And he totally has Eric's back on the whole thing. John said, quote, "I heard his apology. I think he just got to talkin' too fast probably and didn't realize,'Uh-oh, I didn't remember all these great singers that have come from some of these shows.' "I don't think he was trying to be that malicious about it or anything." Not only does John give Eric a pass, he'd also like to see him as a contestant on "The Celebrity Apprentice". John said, quote, "I would like to just extend an invitation that if he wants to meet DONALD TRUMP and go on "Celebrity Apprentice", I will make that happen. "The guy’s been working his tail off for however many years on the road and building his audience, and he’s a smart, tough guy. I do think he’d be good."

Eric Church Ruffles Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's Feathers with Reality TV Comments...

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert aren't very happy with Eric Church. In a new interview in Rolling Stone, Eric bluntly shares his feelings on artists that get their start on musical competition shows like The Voice and American Idol.

He says, "Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green ----ing turn around in a red chair, you got a deal? That's crazy. I don't know what would make an artist do that. You're not an artist." The Rolling Stone writer notes that Eric raises his voice and becomes angry as he continues saying, "If I was concerned about my legacy, there's no ----ing way I would ever sit there [and be a reality-show judge]. Once your career becomes something other than the music, then that's what it is. I'll never make that mistake. I don't care if I ----ing starve."

Eric's Rolling Stone interview appears in the latest print issue only and has not been published online yet. Blake Shelton responded to Eric's comments with a tweet, "I wish I misunderstood this…"

Miranda wasn't so kind with her response though. She got her start on the TV talent competition Nashville Star and tweeted Monday, "Thanks Eric Church for saying I'm not a real artist. Or @kellyclarkson, @carrieunderwood & @keithurban. Your welcome from the tour in 2010."

Eric did serve as the opening act for Miranda on the road for part of 2010. Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are both American Idol winners, and Keith Urban is currently serving as a mentor on Australia's version of The Voice. Eric released a statement late Monday clarifying the comments in Rolling Stone. He says they were "part of a larger commentary on these types of reality shows and the perception they create, not the artists involved with the shows themselves."

He goes on to explain that shows like The Voice and American Idol make it seem like artists can take a shortcut to success and don't show the hard work that goes into making a music career successful once the cameras stop rolling. "Every artist has to follow up television appearances with dedication towards their craft, but these shows tend to gloss over that part and make it seem like you can be ordained into stardom," says Eric. "I have a problem with those perceived shortcuts, not just in the music industry." Responding directly to Miranda's tweet, Eric adds, "I have a lot of respect for what artists like Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, and my friend Miranda Lambert have gone on to accomplish. This piece was never intended to tear down any individual and I apologize to anybody I offended in trying to shed light on this issue. " Eric expresses gratitude to the artists and fans that have helped him so far, and says he didn't mean for his "comments to undermine their talent and achievements."

Eric Church Kicked Out A Bone-Headed Security Guard At One Of His Shows

Looks like KEITH URBAN'S zero tolerance toward security guards harassing fans has rubbed off on ERIC CHURCH. Eric kicked out a thick-headed guard who went over the top on an innocent fan. It happened last month at Eric's show in Aberdeen, Washington, when a female fan approached the stage wanting him to sign her boot. Eric explains, quote, "She wasn't hurting anything. "She threw me her boot and the security guard tried to manhandle her. I got real irritated. I stopped singing, but the band kept playing (so) I couldn't get his attention." Eric tried THROWING the boot AT the guard in hopes he'd get the message, but the dude was clueless. Eric asked the woman to bring the boot up again, and that's when the guard went over the line. Eric says, quote, "She brought the boot to me and I'll be damned if he didn't try to kick her out again. By that time, I had lost it. So I stopped the show and had my guys kick the security guard out. The fans loved it. "I never had an encounter like that with a security guard. I wasn't sad when he was gone."

Eric Church Doesn't Think Country Music Should Sound Like It Did in 1974.

I hate it when people dismiss today's country music as "not being what it used to be". That's crazy. Nothing is what it used to be. So I'm giving huge props to ERIC CHURCH for addressing that very issue and hitting the nail on the head. It happened during an interview with AOL.com. They were talking about Eric's song "Country Music Jesus" which is on his new album "Chief". He was asked if the song's underlying message is about "saving" country music. Eric answered, quote, "That song is tongue-in-cheek. There was a particular critic who was lumping me in with a new generation, a new breed, and they didn't like where the music was heading.
"(The critic suggested) we need to harken back to JOHNNY CASH, WAYLON JENNINGS to make that kind of music. It bothered me because though I revere Cash and Waylon, I don't think we make the same music they did. "They made different music than HANK WILLIAMS made. Even at a later time, guys like GARTH BROOKS came along and made different music. They changed the genre. It's my job to pick up the flag and take it somewhere it hadn't been. "So, this song was a little bit tongue-in-cheek of my disagreeing with his inference that we had to make music sound like it was 1974. The evolution of music is good. You pay homage to who got you there, and then you take it somewhere else."