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Colt Ford's new video for "No Trash In My Trailer" should start showing up on CMT, Colt's P.R. advisor told us on Wednesday night.

Here's the statement:

(Nashville, TN) –Georgia-native and independent country entertainer COLT FORD is making his debut on CMT with top-name celebrities supporting his fresh style of country music. Beginning on Thursday, June 12^th, fans can tune-in to CMT to watch Ford's video for "No Trash In My Trailer." In addition to the celebrity cameo appearances from John Michael Montgomery, Steve Azar, Rhett Akins, Stephen Cochran, Vinny (from Trailer Choir), Brantley Gilbert, and CMT's own Lance Smith—this special CMT exclusive edit will also feature footage from the new network show, Mobile Home Disaster.

The video was produced by Tacklebox Films and shot by notable directors, The Brads, in Springfield, Tennessee in late May. "The treatment was designed to depict how country folks live," says Ford. "I am as country as it gets, so I'm not poking fun of that lifestyle by any means. I think it's a large part of American culture and I hope everyone enjoys our interpretation!"

Artists and critics agree that his approach is unlike anything currently at radio or on TV today. "Colt Ford is a star, plain and simple. 'No Trash' brings together the best of artists like Toby Keith, Kid Rock and Hank Jr. and delivers them in one big, stone-cold country package. In a time when a lot of country music sounds similar, Colt's stuff will absolutely turn your head," says Randy "Mudflap" Wilcox, of WEGX-FM.

Ford's 2008 album Ride Through The Country is available now at www.coltford.com with physical album slated for release in July 2008. No stranger to incorporating friends in his projects, Ford's record features artists John Michael Montgomery, Jamey Johnson, Brantley Gilbert, Bonecrusher, Attitude, Jeremy Popoff (of Lit), and Adrian Young (of No Doubt).

Fellow songwriter and co-writer of "Cold Beer" from Country, Jamey Johnson has helped introduce Ford to several of the other Nashville singer/songwriters that appear on the album and in the video. "Colt Ford is a unique man taking on a big job," says Johnson. "Trying to mix rap and hard core country music is like trying to blend oil and water. He might be the only man in town that knows the recipe."

Ford acknowledges that his success didn't happen overnight, and he credits his fans for the overwhelming response at the shows and for the Top 20 MySpace success. However, at the end of the day Ford still says the music is the fundamental force driving his success. "I've been fortunate to make friends with several people in town since coming up to Nashville to record." As former PGA golfer, Ford says, "I give golf tips to a lot of celebrities, so when they learn I write and then hear the music, the relationships and writing sessions seem to develop naturally. I've been incredibly blessed to work with such talented people and have the opportunity to make music for a living."

For details on Ford and to download a copy of Ride Through The Country, visit www.coltford.com. Be sure to listen for "No Trash In My Trailer" on your local station and on CMT and CMT.com.

The Georgia Music scene is a buzz about the latest fusion of music from Colt Ford. He's been touring with another Jukebox favorite Brantley Gilbert.

They just shot a video, and we'll be seeing it everywhere before long.

Well we've put a healthy dose into rotation at The South's Best Music, and below is a track to tide you over until the next one airs.

Here's a bio and a few pictures.

Colt Ford Bio

from his official website

Take a hefty portion of Southern charm, add a dash of country livin’, a pinch of urban style, wash it all down with a sweet, fresh sound, and you have Colt Ford. A man with such a blend of unique talents and tastes can only be the natural recipe for this new sound and musical format.

Colt Ford embodies the seemingly unusual pairing of the Southern country and hip-hop musical influences that he heard growing up in small-town America just outside Athens, Georgia, not far from the new Southern hub for urban music in Atlanta. His newly styled country music is truly a blend of many American musical styles, including country, rock, hip-hop, and rhythm & blues. With this musical mixture, Colt blazes forward with a new, creative sound for the all-American everyman. Although the stories may differ for rural and urban listeners, Colt delivers a common message and emotion with an uncommon sound.

A man of extraordinary talents and background, Colt still humbly considers himself an “average Joe.” A songwriter, golfer, musician, and family man, he continues to enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with his wife and two children. Although he has traveled around the globe as a professional golfer, he still prefers to live in his small Southern hometown. In the face of all of his musical and other accomplishments, he holds the moment that he got his wife to say “yes” as one of his greatest honors. He is a fun-loving guy who likes to make people smile and show them a good time, whether with a light-hearted joke or a rocking new song.

Colt Ford grew up listening to country music, and his first concert was Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers together in Georgia. He eventually gravitated towards R&B and hip-hop and made his musical debut in high school writing a rap for a friend. Colt soon found that writing came easy to him and began working with acclaimed producer Jermaine Dupri and other developing hip-hop artists.

His connections writing in the hip-hop world and his other love of country music produce unprecedented collaborations on his latest projects. Colt’s diverse co-writing credentials include country music songwriter and recording artist Jamey Johnson, songwriter/guitarist Jeremy Popoff of the alt rock band Lit, and hip-hop writer Attitude. Other musical contributions include country artist John Michael Montgomery and country music duo Montgomery Gentry, hip hop artists Bone Crusher and Sunny Ledfurd, and No Doubt’s Adrian Young.

Colt Ford debuted his new country music format in nothing less than grand style. With encouragement from his wife, a pro bull riding fan, Colt wrote “Buck ‘Em” for the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. The organization quickly adopted the song as the new PBR anthem and Colt made his musical and video debut on national television at the VERSUS Invitational Pro Bull Riding Competition in Madison Square Garden in January 2007. The unique fusion of musical styles makes “Buck ‘Em” as popular among the traditional legends as it is among the younger riders. Further honoring the sport, the video features several top bull riders and is a guaranteed favorite among the fans.

Colt’s current album appeals to the all-American everyman just like himself. To get to know Colt Ford, just listen to “RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRY,” as he invites you to Any Country Town, USA, where you can find him with all his friends. Soon you’ll learn why he calls himself “MR. GOODTIME” in this fun, feel-good song. If it’s just “one of those days,” Colt offers up “GOOD GOD O MIGHTY” to help you get through with a smile. In the great American tradition, “TAILGATE” directs you to back up the truck, fire up the grill, and have a good time. If you are looking for a rocking barroom song, check out “COLD BEER” and then two-step all your past lovers to the door with “TRASH IN MY TRAILER.” Remarking on how stress, our heritage, and our dreams can pull us in many directions, Colt takes time to reflect in “TWISTED.” Celebrating all the influences on his new country style, he brings back the party in “SADDLE UP.” As Colt works on his new album, slated for release in 2008, he is also the subject of a new reality TV show, “Who Is Colt Ford?” The show gives a glimpse into the life of this talented yet personable man as he strives for nothing less than success in his musical career.

Colt Ford Photos

Georgia music has had a record year in 2007. R.E.M was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, Athfest celebrated its 10th anniversary, and many
independent artists continued to benefit from the myspace revolution.

As the year ends, and we prepare for 2008, we wanted to give you our take on 10 Georgia artists to watch in 2008. We tried to list a diversity of artists, some you may have heard of, others you may not have.

Either way, if you follow local-music we think you'll know all of these guys by the end of the year.

Blackberry Smoke

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An appearance with Slash, a featured spot on the coveted Nascar08 soundtrack ("Up In Smoke"), a tour with ZZ Top, this Atlanta Based band has taken the "Southern Rock" banner from the likes of Black Crowes and Drivin N' Cryin and hit the ground running. Blackberry Smoke makes no bones about being a Southern band. "We don’t pull any punches about calling this Southern rock because that’s what it is,” says Blackberry Smoke front man Charlie Starr. “It’s what we think new Southern rock should sound like.”

2008 Outlook for Blackberry Smoke

How Could 2008 be better for Blackberry Smoke? The exposure they're getting touring with ZZTop will continue to gain this band more fans. A Summer 2008 release, produced by Dan Huff will be eagerly awaited by fans. 2008 could indeed be the year for Blackberry Smoke.

Buy Blackberry Smoke Music at CD Baby .

Zac Brown Band

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The Zac Brown Band is the epitome of Southern College music. "Chicken Fried", "Toes", and "Free" are essentials on long trips, and on the lake. "We like to call our music ‘lake music’", says Zac Brown, “It’s the perfect music to listen to out on the lake with your friends and a cooler full of your favorite beer. What Jimmy Buffet is to the ocean, the Zac Brown Band is to the lake.”

This Cumming Georgia native has appeared on The Rick and Bubba show on several occasions, and sells out shows on a consistent basis.

2008 Outlook For Zac Brown Band

With an early 2007 release (The Foundation), a 2008 CD will be greatly anticipated, and will cement the foundation The Zac Brown ban is building in the Southern Music Scene.

Buy Zac Brown Band music @ CD Baby, Amazon, or download it from iTunes

Nutria

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Nutria, an Athens Georgia based band is a product of a previous Athens Heavy-hitter The Possibilities. Front man Bob Spires has penned songs for The Minus Five (Featuring R.E.M.s Peter Buck) who played "You Don't Mean It" live on The Conan O'Brian. Spires former band opened for R.E.M.Nutria was a featured act at Athfest 2007, and also appeared on the CD. Their power-pop sound is infectious.

2008 Outlook for Nutria

There are actually rumors of a split in the band. We hope that's not the case. But either way, watch for Bob Spires to continue to make music either with Nutria or not. And we'll play it either way.

Buy Nutria Music at Amazon, or iTunes

Corey Smith

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Corey Smith is one of the top independent artists in the country. He sells out everywhere is goes, and gains fans with every leg of his ever-expanding tour.Many people first heard of Corey because of "I'm Not Gonna Cry" a graduation anthem that has become a favorite with High Schools all over the South, and nationwide. But this is no one-hit-wonder. Corey uses his experiences of growing-up, messing-up and trying to fix it, and life in general to hone his craft, and it is paying off. The crowds always sing-along to "Twenty-One", "If I Could Do It Again" and a certain song about the Jefferson Police department, but its songs like "Single-Wide Home", "First Dance", and "Together" that really showcase this artists writing skills, and show you why Corey Smith will be a force to be reckoned with for a long time.

As Corey's fan base grows, so does his music and "Hard Headed Fool", the 2007 release, featured more instruments, better production, and a more professional sound.

2008 Outlook for Corey Smith

The Sky's The Limit. Corey's been building a following since the early 90's and unless myspace melts down, 2008 should be a banner year for the Jefferson Georgia native.

Buy Corey Smith Music at Amazon, CD Baby or download it from iTunes.

Download Corey Smith Ringtones

Paris Luna

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If you ask anyone in the know who the best new female talent is in the Atlanta area, most of them will tell you Paris Luna, a young powerhouse of a singer. Pop/Jazz/Country undertones highlight the diversity of music The Paris Luna Band performs. Bob Lange, with Glide Magazine said of Paris: "she has the ability to sing to you and not just at you. She has the ability to cross gender barriers and touch everyone. She makes her songs personal, not just to her, but to her audience as well."

"I have already had a socially excepted career before I started my adventure in music and I was hard pressed on extreme goals and all the time I spent clawing for those goals" says Paris. "I closed my eyes to the beauty of the journey of life...Now if you want to say my goal in my music career is to have happiness in something I love to do ..and to share that with others when I play my music....oh yeah and to try and not go broke in the process!!.

To appreciate Paris, you have to see her live: "here is nothing like letting your soul out on stage I truly think its the best high you can have! Don't get me wrong we've been in some wonderful Studios in Nashville like Quad and Blackbird and others..Great people and rooms but just like putting a bird in a cage..they are not truly happy without spreading their wings..and neither are we!"

2008 Outlook for Paris Luna

Paris told us her plans for 2008: "We are going to release City Lights our new record through Universal, we just signed with an awesome manager that has worked with Ben Harper, Lenny Kravitz and others, so we are hoping that that now our path will have focus and will not have in ventures in vain, and we are just gonna put as much elbow grease into 08 as we did in 07 maybe more".

We know that the future is bright for Paris Luna. 2008 may be the year of Paris.

Download Paris Luna Music at iTunes

Brantley Gilbert

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Jefferson's Brantley Gilbert may be the biggest country music star you've never heard of. He's a growing success on myspace, with friends from all over the world hearing this Georgian's blend of country and rock music on the social network. This guy gets searched as much as these other artists on google (we have our ways) and he's got the looks that will drive Nashville record producers "and women everywhere" wild.

This guy's the real deal. He writes his own songs, and their good. He sings the kind of music you'd expect to hear from Kenny Chesney, but he's real.

2008 Outlook for Brantley Gilbert

This son of a preacher will only continue to grow in 2008. He may not sign the big recording contract this year, but he will continue to build a fan base, sell CDs and entertain people in North Georgia.

Visit Brantley's Website to buy his music

The Honor Roll

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The Honor Roll are the newest member of the Enexia Records family, and this North Georgia rock band may well be on the verge of leading the next wave of Athens style music to hit the national scene.2007 brought change to the young band, and the year proved to be a challenge for the band (Band challenges, and car trouble "coming back from FL during our summer tour our trailer started to fall apart, and on the way to a show in Dalton GA our trailer tire blew out and we were stranded for two hours."

But it seems all the hard work paid off, because the deal with Forever Winter came at the end of December, right before Christmas. The Bands Guitarist, Ben Cramer says that "it feels great to know that someone believes enough in us to invest time and money into our band, and also that they take pride in us being on their team."

2008 Outlook For The Honor Roll

We asked Bassist Eric Horvath their plans: "promotion, promotion and more promotion, we hope to reach new audiences and make new friends, also to tour nationally."

We think The Honor Roll should invest in some good luggage. The road may be a hard one, but they may be on their way.

Buy music on The Honor Roll's website

Drive By Truckers

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If you've been anywhere near the Athens music scene in the last decade, you've no doubt heard about this muscle-shoals (Patterson Hood, founder of the band is originally from Muscle Shoals, Alabama) sound that is finally starting to take the nation, and Nashville to task for pre-packaged, commercialized music that infiltrated country radio in the last 20 years. The Drive By Truckers make you feel like you're hearing a mixture of Waylon Jennings and David Allan Coe in 1972, before they made it big. They are one of the top bands on the national alt-country scene, and have built a nationwide following that can only be described as fervent.

2008 Outlook for Drive By Truckers

With the departure of Lead Singer Jason Isbell in 2007, the 2008 Drive By Truckers may sound more like the old Truckers. An eagerly anticipated 2008 release "Brighter Than Creation's Dark" is scheduled for late January, and The Georgia Jukebox (along with most of the rest of alt-country radio in the country) will be spinning it like a top.

You never know when commercial radio is going to wake up. This band could be the shot it will take to get things started.

Buy Drive By Truckers Music at Amazon (you Can Pre-order "Brighter Than Creation's Dark now" or download the EP from iTunes. We're currently playing most of the new album on the station, so give it a listen, and let us know what you think.

Buy Drive By Truckers Ringtones

Ishues

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Athens based Ishues is the only hip-hop artist on our list of Georgia Artists to watch for 2008, and theres a good reason for that. Most hip-hop coming out of Georgia is the D-south or Crunk variety, and The Georgia Jukebox, to be honest isn't a huge fan of these sub-genres. A feature with KRS1 on the Hip-Hop legend's 2006 CD is one of the young community activists many accomplishments to date.What Ishues does is more reminiscent of East Cost hip-hop, but there's even more to it than that. There's a message in the melodic, intelligent lyrics that's missing in mainstream hip-hop. Ishues talks about the issues, and he gives perspective not seen in other Georgia Hip-hop.

2008 Outlook For Issues

This guy's got the gift, and his music will take care of itself. Here's something much more important that Ishues has planned for 2008, posted on his myspace blog: "As 2008 approaches, we have to begin to challenge those negative vices that are destroying our communities. We have to create the balance for our children and re-introduce the concept of the village. Why are we waiting for others to fix and handle our problems? Here is a challenge for anyone that's frustrated and tired of the current destruction taking place in their community. Locally, we have organized a massive monthly community clean up. One day out of a month is our challenge to the world. On this day, we organize teams from various "Hoods" to do a massive clean up. By this, we are encouraging the community to stand up and become responsible for what goes on there, and stop surrendering their/our power to the Police department and all of these other agencies that profits off of the community's destruction. After the massive clean up, we organize a community meeting and encourage all the members of all the differnt Hoods to begin dialogue and discussing solutions for change."

Buy Ishues music from his website

Georgia (The Band)

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Of the 10 artists we’re featuring on this blog, Georgia, a Canton Georgia based band is the only act that has signed a major label contract (Atlantic Records). Since then, they’ve been touring the East Coast.

The Band is tuned for the end of January’s “Rock Boat” where they will share stage time with other Georgia Jukebox artists, like The Zac Brown Band. They’ve also opened for Jason Aldean recently: “It seems like country fans are gonna be loyal to us since we’re crossover between Rock & Country” says Jon Mitchell, guitarist for the band.

Georgia is a laid back group of guys. "Our hope is that our music continues to connect with people and things could get to the point where I never have to get a “Real Job.” Build up a big enough following and make our mark in this industry. Possibly help bring harmonies back in music. People just aren’t doing it anymore.” says Jon.

2008 Outlook for Georgia

A 2008 release date does not appear to have been set, but the guys are eagerly awaiting finishing up the album and writing new songs. They hope to expand their East Cost tour and build their base.

Brantley Gilbert said that when he was 14, he once snuck out to play a bar, and as he was singing a Travis Tritt song, his mom walked in. Now Gilbert has opened for country stars such as Sara Evans and Tritt himself.

The Jefferson, Ga., native, who recently joined three other musicians as the Brantley Gilbert Band, will play Athens' Georgia Theatre Friday.

Brantley Gilbert Unplugged:

Courtesy TSJ Multimedia

BRANTLEY GILBERT

Gilbert's manager, Ken Fulghum, described the band's music as "country with a rock spin."

Before forming his new band, Gilbert worked and traveled around playing with singer-songwriter Corey Smith, also from his hometown of Jefferson.

"(Corey's) my mentor and main inspiration," said Gilbert.

Gilbert followed Smith around for three years after Gilbert was in a bad car wreck. He said that after the accident, he decided to pursue a career as a musician instead of as a marriage counselor.

The car wreck impacted not only his life but also his music. Gilbert said that one aspect he wanted his audience to gain from his music and shows is that life can be very short and everyone should take advantage of every second.

"If you're gonna live, do something with it," he said. "Make it great."

Another important facet of his music is the culture of his hometown. He said everything about his songs is somehow linked to Jefferson.

"It's knowing the roads where the cops aren't - my music is this town," Gilbert said.

His first album was titled "A Modern Day Prodigal Son" and chronicled a large part of his life.

According to Fulghum, one of its songs, "Grits," was recorded by Chris Cagle.

Fulghum also said that Gilbert was recently offered a recording contract by Warner Chapel and that the deal should be worked out within the next few weeks.

When asked about the upcoming contract, Gilbert said he was pretty simple and that although he would be fine with a record deal, he would be just as fine without one.

Hear Brantley On The Georgia Music Podcast