Rick Alan Carpenter: News

Hey one and all, the weather's warmin' up and Summer will soon be here. Things are heating up here at RAC as well. First, there's an interview I did last year with Country Rose for her radio show which can now be heard on Songcast.net at http://www.songcast.net/songcast/playsong2.asp?songID=4585&ArtistID=149.
We're in another contest (I know, I know!), this time at Music Nation. It's called the "Next GAC Star" competition, and you can vote at http://musicnation.com/music/rickalan. The winner gets a record deal, exposure on GAC and a bunch of stuff. They asked me if I wanted in, what could I say?!
Just got back from seeing relatives in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Played a couple of shows up there (got a few pics in the photo section), had a great time!
Well, gotta wrap things up here and get back to business as unusual. Lookin' forward to recording the follow-up to "Outside of Nashville" in the next few months. I'll keep y'all posted. Stay cool!

Hey everybody, sorry the news has been sporadic of late, but just because I haven't been ramblin' on doesn't mean nothing's been happening!
First, the video of "Same Old Heartache" is gettin' a lot of plays on a new site called the Blue Comet Cafe, which bills itself as a "virtual showcase club." Here's the link: http://www.bluecometcafe.com/musicvideoshare/view_video.php?viewkey=6d3d6fa748ab6d9af3fd . The people behind Blue Comet will be bringing some of the artists (and yours truly is in the running!) who receive the most interest out to California to perform live on a soundstage. They will video songs to be placed on the site for future viewing.
Also, the SONG "Same Old Heartache" has been entered into "Your Country Music Contest" which awards cash prizes for the song with the most votes. It costs a dollar to vote, but you get a download of the song AND an opportunity to help finance future recordings (which I'm getting to!). Here's the link http://www.spectrum-entertainment.net/ycsc2008a00002.html
I've been working with some musician friends of mine on preparing new songs for a full-length CD. I've narrowed the list down to ten and we're in pre-production, working out arrangements and little surprises that we hope you'll like!
Well, that's enough for now, hope you're all well and enjoying warmer weather. I'll holler back with more news soon!

Merry Christmas to all from Rick Alan Carpenter! Thanks for visiting the site and for your support. We hope you have a healthy, happy and fulfilling New Year. Look for new music from Rick in the coming year!!

Well, hello folks! Hope y'all are well and enjoying your Summer. June was a big month at RAC.com, in fact it was our biggest month yet! We averaged 300 visitors a day for the entire month, and all our stats were through the roof. We made a lot of new friends and caught up with some old ones, thanks to all who stopped by!

A quick reminder, we're still selling Rick Alan Carpenter t-shirts. My good buddy and radio/promo/artist Terikia Jazhara has created some cool shirts that we're sure you'll love. Perfect for the real country fan in your life (maybe that's you!) Check 'em out at http://www.zazzle.com/product/235452478196697672 You'll be glad you did! By the way, I don't make a dime off these shirts, the money goes to a Native American charity of Terikia's choosing, I'm just glad to help out. Thanks to all who bought shirts, wear 'em proudly. Send us a pic of yourself in your RAC shirt and we'll put it on the site!

Finally, Clear Channel Communications, which owns thousands of radio stations throughout the US, has a new online station called "NEW!" (go figure) designed to get exposure for lesser known artists in all genres. "Same Old Heartache" has been hovering in the top ten out of 300+ songs for weeks now in the country category. We've placed links on both the Homepage, and the Links page (go figure). Give 'em a click for ol' Rick!

Hey Everyone,
Those unmistakable signs of Summer are here. Bugs, ridiculously high gas prices and oppressive heat! So here's something easy to do at home on your computer. On Thursday, May 24th at 9 pm EST, voting begins on the famecast.com (http://www.famecast.com/) video contest and yours truly is in the running! Just visit the site, click on "stage 4: country" and scroll down and click on me. The video of "Same Old Heartache" will play. Just click where it says "vote for this artist" and I will be eternally grateful, especially if I win. Thanks y'all in advance!

My good friend Terikia from Terikia Jazhara Promotions has designed some Rick Alan Carpenter T-Shirts and Hoodies for men and women. They are available at www.zazzle.com. Just type in my name and check 'em out. Nice presents for yourself or the "real Country" fans in your life.

Meanwhile, the Celebrity Cafe (www.thecelebritycafe.com)
has informed me that I am in their top 25 link searches. I'm not sure why, but it's nice to know!

Last but certainly not least, I was sent this little tidbit from a friend of mine who saw it and sent it along. It's from the Show Low, Arizona Police Report, dated May 1, 2007 (courtesy of the White Mountain Independent online) - Rick Alan Carpenter, 34, of Show Low was booked, cited and released on charges of marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia. Police reportedly contacted him after he was reported as being passed out on the sidewalk of the Deuce of Clubs. The officer reportedly offered Carpenter a ride home. For the officer's safety, Carpenter was told to empty his pockets. Marijuana and a marijuana pipe were reportedly found in his pockets.

I swear it ain't me! (reportedly)

Hope y'all have a fun and safe Memorial Weekend!

Hey Everyone, May is here and it's finally starting to warm up. Things are warming up in the RAC camp as well. First, Best Country Music Links (http://www.bestcountrymusiclinks.com/) have got yours truly featured in this month's "Up and Coming Country Singers and Songwriters" section. It's a good place to find links to your favorite artists and all things country (like me!). Also, Tunesbaby.com (http://www.tunesbaby.com/artists/) has me listed among their "Top Artists For 2007." I'm thankful and fortunate to have the support of both of these fine sites. Meanwhile, "Outside of Nashville" is still being discovered both here and abroad, and Triplestrand Productions is helping to promote us worldwide. I'm finishing up a few new songs for the follow-up to "Outside" which I hope to begin recording by midsummer. Looks like we may be onstage at the CMA Festival, too! I'll keep you posted.

Lots of good things going on! First, there were THREE radio interviews including one where I got to perform several new songs live. NIXA Country (nixacountry.com) interviewed me twice, first at noon PST on March 15th, then a live-in-studio interview on March 29th. The first one was a telephone interview with Kevin Nixa himself in California. He played several songs from "Outside of Nashville" and we had a nice conversation about influences, future plans, and the state of country music. Thanks again, Kevin! I also did a phone interview with "DJ Mom" from Dixieboys Radio (dixieboysradio.com) on Sunday Mar.25th. She was very nice, spun a few tunes and asked me about my dog. We had some laughs, thanks "Mom"! The third interview was in Old Hickory, Tn. with NIXA DJ Jimmie Johnson. I got to play four songs live, including new tunes "Your Turn To Hurt" and "Beer, Wine & Whiskey." Had a great time meeting the crew, and James Beau Edwards showed up later, so needless to say, a fun time! Thanks Jimmie, Lori and Carmen, let's do it again soon. There are some pics of the occasion on the photos page.
Finally, Dixie Vornbrock of Triplestrand Productions has invited me to join her artist roster. She promotes music all over Europe and the U.S. too. I'm looking forward to our association, Dixie!

Hey everyone, looks like Spring is finally sneakin' up on us and I'm about ready to come out of hibernation. First of all, I'd like to thank everyone who visited the site during February. Even though it's the shortest month, and there wasn't much to report, we had over 6,000 visitors! Give yourselves a hand!
I recently played the guitar on a few shows with a country/gospel/harmony band called Gospel Train. My friend Steve Burton is the lead singer and he's written some great songs. Let's do it again soon, Steve!
I have been writing some new honky tonk stuff as well, gettin' ready for some new shows. I hope to get back in the studio in the next few months, people keep asking me for some new music!
In the meantime, if you haven't already, check out the video clip of "Same Old Heartache" on the homepage. It is from my appearance on the "Smart Country" TV show last August. We've also added some new links and a new photo or two. Enjoy your visit and I'll have some more news soon!

Well, here we are again at Christmas time. A moment to pause and reflect on the blessings we've received, the hardships we've endured, and the changes in our lives this past year. I have been fortunate to have so many people enjoy my music all over the world! We've been played in many countries in Europe, also Australia and New Zealand. We've even been heard in Iraq, courtesy of the 101st Airborne! I have made some wonderful friends who have helped me with their reviews of "Outside of Nashville," interviews in print, on radio, and TV, all on the strength of a half-dozen songs that don't reflect much of what you hear on mainstream country radio these days. Special thanks to Kenita and Laurie at Country Interviews Online, Philip Corder at TOSSM Radio, UK "Superjock" Dave Smith, Bernard Boyat, who knows country music better than most Americans, Scott at True Country Music.com. Neil Murch & Noel Parry, thanks for the spins! I'd also like to thank Jimmy & Lorraine Smart, Jerry Vanek, Mike Mayo, Paul & Randy, Jody & Terikia, Diana, and many others I'm sorry if I'm forgetting. Thanks to all who bought the CD, all who came out to the shows this year, and, if you're reading this, thank you for being a part of what keeps me goin'! In closing, I would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

I would like to thank each and every one of you for visiting with us this past month. September was our busiest month yet for the site! We made a lot of new friends, sold more than a few CDs, and celebrated our first year online. I am grateful and humbled by so many kind words from so many friends and fans around the world.
Also this past month, I was interviewed by Laurie Megan for Country Interviews Online (www.countryinterviewsonline.net). We kept it light and had a lot of fun! I have posted the interview in the Press Reviews section here, it is also available on their site.
I have some new music demos you can listen to on SoundClick (www.soundclick.com/rickalancarpenter). I'll add more in the near future. Some may be on the next record (re-recorded, of course!) so you can preview them, let me know what you think. Radio stations in Texas, as well as in Germany and Canada have added songs from "Outside of Nashville" and the list keeps growing!

Lately more and more people in the media are finding me and I've been fortunate enough to do interviews on the radio, and on television. "Country Rose" from the Len Amsterdam Radio Show in Toronto recently interviewed me for her show. She played the songs "Nothing Left to Lose" and "Not Again."
I was also invited to be on a local Nashville country music show called "Smart Country" hosted by Jimmy and Lorraine Smart. Jimmy has had a few songs on the national charts over the years and has been friends with Waylon, Merle, Johnny Cash and George Jones to name a few. I got to play "Same Old Heartache" and sat down for an interview. The show airs on i Network ( formerly Pax, only in Tn and Ky) at 4:30pm CST on Friday August 25. The show will also be available to view online for a week after it has aired on http://smartcountry.net/ so all my friends "Outside of Nashville" will have a chance to see it!

"Outside of Nashville" is on the charts! According to the latest Roots Music Report, we're in at #21 on the True Country Chart. Check it out at http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/2.0/charts.php?name=truecountry. Keep requesting our songs on TOSSM Radio(http://www.tossmradio.com/samHTMweb/playlistR.html) as they send their info to RMR, and thanks so much for your continued support!

There's a brand new place you can go for info, chats, fun and games and who-knows-what else, it's called "Rick Alan Carpenter"
http://s13.invisionfree.com/Rick_Alan_Carpenter/index.php . My friend Angela from Virginia has created a site for fans, friends, and anyone else curious enough to visit, so join up! It is still in development, tell us what you want. We're thinking of having a live chat night soon, as well as a copy of "Outside of Nashville" to give away to the member of the month.
I got a chance to play some songs last week during the CMA Festival here in Nashville. I was invited to play a few writer's shows to big crowds, met some new friends (Chris Gray, very good singer/songwriter who just returned from singing for the troops in Iraq!), sold some CDs, had a good week. Stay tuned...

First of all, thanks to all of you for requesting "Same Old Heartache" on TOSSM Radio. Last time I looked it was #10 on the list of the top 50 most played songs of all time! By the way, TOSSM stands for "Texas Oklahoma Singers Songwriters Monthly" and it's nice that they've accepted this Nashville reject as one of their own.
Also, we've got a page on Myspace Music now. I admit to being a little hesitant at first after some of the things I'd heard, but it has worked out very well, lots of new friends. I highly recommend it for friends, networking, whatever your interests. Visit us and be a friend!
I've written a few new songs of late, been playing some new venues, keeping busy but I really want to get into the studio soon. Can't wait to bring out some new tunes for y'all!

It was with great sadness today that I read of the passing of Buck Owens. He was and remains an inspiration to me and a major influence on my music. He could write, sing, and play the guitar with the best of 'em and his music will live on. Rest in Peace, Buck, and say hello to Don for us.

Birds are singin', the green is returnin' to the grass, the season of rebirth is upon us. I've been writing some new songs and pickin' on the old Gibson a bit, doing a few writer's shows inside of Nashville. We've got lyrics posted on www.wowlyrics.com, pages on Garage Band and SoundClick (the SoundClick page has a demo version of a song called "Every Little Part of Me") and a nice review (in Press/Reviews section) by Bernard Boyat in the March edition of "Country Music Attitude," a French music magazine. Merci, Bernard, and thanks again for the translation! Got some irons in the fire, will keep y'all posted!

Philip Corder recently added "Outside of Nashville" to TOSSM Radio, a great Texas internet station I'm pleased to be associated with. Give it a listen, and request a song or two. Thanks Philip! Country Interviews Online has included the RAC Bio and picture in their "Who Is" section for independent artists. I'm very fortunate to have their continuing support, visit them for the latest news about your favorite artists. We've got pages on Soundclick (with 2 free downloads!) and GarageBand.com, feel free to check 'em out. A big thank you to Neil Murch and Noel Parry who have been wearing out "Outside of Nashville" on their show in Invercargill, New Zealand. Finally, Happy Valentines Day to all lovers everywhere!

It's the Christmas/Holiday season again, and 2005 is headed for the books. It has been "a very good year" to quote ol' blue eyes, we've made quite a few friends all over the world! "Outside of Nashville" has sold better than I ever expected, and has reached all corners of the globe. It is even being heard in Iraq, as we sent 20 copies to the soldiers of the 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne. Merry Christmas, guys, we appreciate y'all, God Bless! I'd like to personally thank everyone who bought the CD, all the DJs who have played the songs on their shows, friends and fans everywhere who have supported our efforts in Nashville, and "Outside of Nashville." Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, we'll see y'all in 2006!

"Outside of Nashville" is continuing to pick up speed around the globe! November started with a very favorable review by Country Interviews Online's own Kenita Vanderslice (see press reviews), thanks Kenita!
Made some new friends in the UK, including DJ Dave Smith of "Dave Smith's Jukebox Show" who interviewed me for his show. He calls me "the next Alan Jackson" which is a great compliment, Dave you're the best!
Jim Weaver of Country Stars Online (excellent site!) has added this site to their main page, thank you Jim!

DJ Ries Werwijmeren of Radio Rucphen in the Netherlands has a show called "Country Express." He is playing "Same Old Heartache" and "When the Big Money Comes" on his show. Also, Alain Joris of Radio Columbia 106.9 FM in Belguim has a show called "Country Club" He is featuring "Outside of Nashville" as his "Album of the Week." Dank U Wel Ries and Alain!