Historically, a successful band will undergo several iterations of band members throughout its lifetime. The sounds change and mature, but sometimes that original flavor is missed. Fortunately for Country band Lonestar, Richie McDonald, the band’s revered original vocalist, decided to return to the band in 2011 after three years of being away. With McDonald back in the lineup, Lonestar plans to release Life As We Know It, its first full-length release in over three years, on June 4 via the band’s own 4 Star Records, in partnership with The Orchard.
The album’s second single, “Maybe Someday,” is a mournful breakup song written by Lonestar’s own McDonald and Dean Sams with help from songwriters Frank Myers and Billy Montana. It is currently being spun nationwide on Country radio, so turn that dial up, folks! For some visuals, catch the music video on CMT.com, and a video of the band speaking about the writing process for the song on YouTube. Recently shot in Nashville, the music video features Sunny Mabrey (Mad Men, Desperate Housewives, CSI: Miami), who also starred in the video for their hit song, “Amazed.”
Though Lonestar‘s future looks bright with the forthcoming release of Life As We Know It, success is not something that’s new to this multi-genre Country band. According to the RIAA, the band has sold over 10 million records since they began making music in 1995. Lonestar also boasts an impressive 18 Top 10 songs, including three Top 5 peaks, and nine No. 1s. With all of this previous success, these guys have no one with whom to compete besides themselves.
On the touring front, Lonestar debuted the reunited group at Stagecoach: California’s Country Music Festival just yesterday, sharing the stage with artists such as Zac Brown Band, Darius Rucker, Thompson Square, and many more. A nationwide tour is on its way now too… Check out the full tour schedule after the jump.
With this new album set to be released in a little over a month as well as the handful of tour dates on deck, Lonestar is on track to make a triumphant comeback.
Freeloaders, I hope you’re excited today, because we’ve got a boatload full of treats for you! From live streams to a killer Janet Jackson cover, this one’s going to keep you entertained all weekend and more. First up, if you missed the three Bloc Party performances at Terminal 5 this week, catch the live stream courtesy of The Bowery Presents on YouTube — only available for 24 HOURS! So start watching…. NOW! Other clips will be available for longer, including “Helicopter,” “Octopus,” “Real Talk” and “Hunting for Witches.”
For the rest, we’ve got a mix of streams and free downloads from newly signed partner Lonestar, Levek, Naytronix, Enslaved and PAWS.
Enjoy!
Bloc Party: Live from Terminal 5 via YouTube, courtesy of The Bowery Presents: LIVE
Four out August 21 on Frenchkiss Records
Lonestar: “The Countdown” via SoundCloud
The Countdown out now on 4 Star Records
Levek: “French Lessons” via Pitchfork
Look A Little Closer out September 25 on Lefse Records
Naytronix: “What Have You Done For Me Lately” via GOOD
Dirty Glow out on October 9 on Plug Research Music
Enslaved: “Thoughts Like Hammers” via NPR Music
RIITIIR out September 28 in Europe and October 9 in North America on Nuclear Blast
PAWS: “Miss American Bookworm” via SoundCloud
Jellyfish (Single) out now on FatCat Records
Celebrating our 15th anniversary AND celebrating the 20th anniversary of our newest signing is cause for an extra large celebration, right? If you remember “No News,” “Come Crying To Me,” and “Amazed,” then you know who we’re talking about. This newcomer is none other than Lonestar!
The four good ‘ole boys from Texas originally formed in Nashville in 1992 and to mark their 20-year anniversary, the multi-platinum country music quartet has reunited with original lead singer Richie McDonald. “Twenty years ago, when we put this little band together to play in some bars and make a little money, I dreamed it pretty good,” admits keyboard player and songwriter Dean Sams. “But I never dreamed it quite this good.”
With more than ten million albums sold, ten #1 country hits, hundreds of concerts and 20 years of music, the band has become a country music standard, known for merging their country roots with strong melodies and rich vocals.
Lonestar is starting its third decade of making music with The Orchard and will be releasing their forthcoming record via their label 4 Star Records. The best may be yet to come! “I’m so excited to think about the songs that are going to come out of the next chapter of Lonestar,” concludes drummer, Keech Rainwater. “And I’m looking forward to another twenty years of great music.” …so are we!
To mark this exciting day, we have Lonestar’s new track “The Countdown” — out TODAY! — available for your listening pleasure:
Welcome to The Orchard!
Click here for our official announcement and more details.
