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Lady Antebellum

In the summer of 2006, three gifted young adults walked into a house hoping to create music together—and Lady Antebellum walked out. The sound that Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood cooked up while hanging at the Nashville-area home of Charles’ brother throughout the summer of 2006 is a unique blend that mingles classic country, 1960s R&B soulfulness and the heart-on-the-sleeve openness of 1970s singer-songwriters, all presented with a razor-sharp contemporary edge. It’s a sound that had Lady Antebellum, as the threesome dubbed itself, generating deafening buzz as one of modern country’s brightest hopes even before the release of their new self-titled debut album. Already the trio earned “Top New Group” honors at the 2008 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards. They’ve watched the group-penned first single from Lady Antebellum, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” soar up the country radio charts, while its video has become a staple on CMT and GAC. They’ve performed on the legendary Grand Ole Opry, served as the opening act on Martina McBride’s 2008 arena tour, and opened shows for Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Phil Vassar, Rodney Atkins and Little Big Town. Outlets like Billboard, Country Weekly, MSN Music and the Boston Globe included Lady Antebellum among their annual shortlists of artists to watch in 2008, and Nashville Lifestyles magazine flat-out called them “the next big thing.” GAC has devoted a special, Introducing … Lady Antebellum, to tracing their brief but eventful history. Martina summed up the general consensus of both fans and the media when she told one audience on their tour together, “You can say you saw them when.” But it all began on that day in 2006 when Hillary Scott’s sultry alto, Charles Kelley’s gritty tenor and multi-instrumentalist/ harmony vocalist Dave Haywood’s musical overview first intersected. Hillary, whose parents are Grammy-winning country artist Linda Davis and accomplished musician Lang Scott, had met Charles at a downtown Nashville music spot—having recognized him from his MySpace page. She introduced herself, and they struck up a conversation that ended in an agreement to try writing together. Enter Dave Haywood, Charles’ friend since they met at Riverside Middle School in Augusta, Ga., and co-writer since they attended college together at the University of Georgia. Dave had moved to Nashville in March 2006 at his pal’s suggestion, and both were staying at the home of Charles’ brother, singer-songwriter Josh Kelley. Hillary came by the house, and over the ensuing months she, Charles and Dave fell into a fruitful songwriting partnership. “We held ourselves hostage in a writing room until the early hours of the morning every night,” Dave remembers. At first, the three weren’t sure what exactly they were writing for—but it soon became obvious that Charles and Hillary produced a combustible chemistry as a vocal duo, and that Dave’s instrumental prowess and harmony vocals filled out the picture perfectly. It helped matters a great deal that the three also sparked as friends, finding an easy balance of personalities. “I’m the analytical perfectionist, Hillary brings the silliness and the emotion, and Dave is the calming glue,” Charles explains. “Everyone balances everybody else out.” Each also brought diverse influences into the collaboration, ranging from The Allman Brothers Band to Vince Gill, from The Eagles to Keith Urban, and from Gladys Knight to Travis Tritt. All those elements added up to something distinctly modern, yet grounded in old-fashioned gut-level passion. “It’s like a Neapolitan blend of all these flavors,” Dave says. “It’s a really great marriage, musically and lyrically.” Their old-school influences led them to choose an old-time moniker, inspired by a just-for-fun photo shoot in front of an Antebellum-style home: Lady Antebellum. (“There’s not anything too terribly meaningful behind it,” Charles admits.) The three began posting demos on MySpace to see what kind of reaction they’d receive, and visitor feedback was immediately, overwhelmingly positive. Audience reaction was just as instantaneous when Lady Antebellum began playing small gigs around Music City. “It took on a life of its own,” marvels Dave, who booked their first shows himself. “There was no plan, we just kept churning out as many songs as we could.” Early fans soon took it upon themselves to bestow upon the trio the shorthand nickname “Lady A.” By April 2007, the group had signed a recording contract with Capitol Nashville and begun work on their debut with the aid of megaproducer Paul Worley and award-winning songwriter Victoria Shaw. The resulting album is a vivid document of the group’s verve, versatility and vibrancy. Lady Antebellum’s 11 songs—10 of which were co-written by the band—effortlessly capture the trio’s musical interplay, emotional directness and all-for-one spirit. The chugging hit “Love Don’t Live Here” (inspired by a breakup Charles had just endured) announces their intent from its opening moments, as the chiming guitars give way to Charles’ gutsy voice, quickly seconded by Hillary’s backing vocal. Throughout the album, the two lead singers shift easily between taking the spotlight and sharing it, whether they’re trading off lines in the great tradition of country duet singers or supporting one another with sparkling harmonies. The range of emotion on Lady Antebellum encompasses both the joyfully romantic “Love’s Lookin’ Good On You” and the desolation of the swelling ballad “All We’d Ever Need” (the very first song the trio composed together). Between those extremes is the driving “Long Gone,” a display of attitudinal assurance from Hillary; “Lookin’ for a Good Time,” an irresistible come-on from Charles; “Slow Down Sister,” a churning rocker with touches of Southern rock and Stax groove; and the pulsing “I Run to You,” in which the voices circle one another tantalizingly before melding seamlessly in the chorus. Fans drawn in by “Love Don’t Live Here” are about to discover just how much more there is to Lady Antebellum—and given the trio’s breathtaking rise to newly minted star status, it’s a sure bet that there are plenty of listeners out there waiting to do just that. “It still overwhelms me,” Hillary admits. “I’m a true believer that what’s meant to be will fall into place. When the ride starts, you’ve just got to jump on.” With a one-of-a-kind vocal chemistry that evokes the tradition of classic country, an up-to-the-second modern sound, and a songwriting partnership that’s both timely and timeless, Lady Antebellum offers a combination that’s both shockingly fresh and as familiar as an old friend.

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Whatever the day holds for you tomorrow I hope you enjoy the holiday with a thankful heart!! We love all of you Lady A'ers! ~hills
09:05 PM November 25

Lady A reveals cover art for their forthcoming album, "Need You Now"

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Lady A's Music Video For "Need You Now" Premieres on YouTube Sep 15
This Rocks May 4
Tour Rehearsals and Vegas Recap May 4

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Sep 15, 03:34 PM

Lady A's Music Video For "Need You Now" Premieres on YouTube Today

The music video for Lady Antebellum's brand new single "Need You Now" world premieres on YouTube today. The video was directed by David McClister and shot in Toronto in late August.

"We really wanted this video to be a little more dramatic and stylized than anything we've done before," explains lead vocalist Hillary Scott. "It was an exhausting shoot...physically and emotionally...because we worked through the night and just poured every ounce of ourselves into our characters. It's a passionate song, and we wanted the video to be just as passionate."

To watch "Need You Now," visit www.youtube.com/ladyantebellum
May 04, 08:31 AM

This Rocks

This Rocks!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thYMll05k6Q
May 04, 08:27 AM

Tour Rehearsals and Vegas Recap

Hey guys, Mr. Haywood here, live from rehearsals here in Nashville! Had a long day of rehearsals for the Kenny Chesney tour which starts THIS weekend up in Uncasville, CT. Can't even explain how excited we are. So ready to get back into the touring routine, and ready to see all you guys in person!

We also had a blast out in Vegas at the ACMs. What a neat opportunity for us to get to play on TV. We were quite nervous, but I think our adrenaline definitely took over. We've been back in Nashville since then, always writing and working on new material, but more than anything ready to hit the road!! We're covering the entire U.S. with Kenny (and Miranda, LOVE HER!), so no excuses for not coming to see us! HA!

Peace!
May 04, 08:27 AM

Gold Plaque and the Grammy's

Lady A'ers-

Thank you SO MUCH for all of you who have picked up our album. If you saw Ellen on Monday, you may have noticed we were surprised with our first GOLD RECORD!! What an unbelievable and exciting thing you guys have helped make happen!

It's been a crazy few days but we're finally back in Nashville. Had an absolute BLAST out at the Grammy's on Sunday. What a cool experience - seeing all those stars, being able to walk the red carpet, getting to meet John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Leona Lewis, plenty of star sightings. Just tons of fun, and what's so cool about the night is no matter who wins in any category, everyone still tells you "Congratulations!" for just being nominated. It was truly an honor to be nominated and be at that event.

2009 has kicked off fast, and we're having the time of our lives. Thanks to all you guys. We love seeing you out at the shows, and we do this for YOU!!!

PEACE!
May 04, 08:26 AM

Ellen & Rockin' Shows

Hey everyone, it's Charles here.

We just pre-taped Ellen this past thursday. She was so amazing and actually surprised us on stage with our first gold record. We couldn't believe it! You can watch it on Monday.

I can't tell you how excited the three of us are for this year to begin. Can't wait for all the shows and making new fans and friends out there.

Last night we had a rocking sold out show in Jackson, Mississippi. The crowd was so fired up and it got us so ready for all the touring we have coming up.

Also, we're about to head out back to LA for the Grammy's baby. Can't imagine what i'm going to be feeling tomorrow morning. Wish us luck.

Take care everybody and see you soon!

Charles
May 04, 08:25 AM

We Need Africa More Than Africa Needs Us

Hey Lady Aers,

As you've probably heard, we have partnered up with the Mocha Club, which is an initiative where people can sign up to "give up 2 mochas a month" - or $7 - to support a project in Africa in a team environment. We have chosen to focus on Learn To Earn, which is a project that seeks to train, develop, and assist any unemployed persons in various skills so they may become employed, self-supportive, and financially independent.

We think a good way to sum up as to why we are involved with the Mocha Club is because we feel that WE need Africa more the Africa needs us. Now, don't get me wrong, our support and efforts are desperately needed in Africa. But what we need to understand is that a person's circumstances do not define their joy and happiness. We need Africa to teach us to have peace in our life, which is not based upon our material well-being or situation. Some of them have nothing, yet have a joy that is well beyond what we have!

So this is why we need Africa and why we are involved with the Mocha Club. We need Africa because it continues to inspire us & make us realize what life is all about. We hope that you can join us in our efforts by becoming a Lady Antebellum Mocha Club team member. Click HERE to join!
May 04, 08:24 AM

Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you Lady A'ers!!! This is Dave, and go figure but it's 4pm on Christmas Eve and I'm STUCK in the Laguardia airport here in NYC! If you saw us this morning on the Today show I jokingly (I must have jinxed myself) made the comment that I may not make it out of NYC due to all the craziness and weather for Christmas. And sure enough, Charles and I are delayed a few hours....looks like I'll make it back just before Santa gets to my house. Haha.

Anyways, just taking a little time (I've got 4 hours to kill) to say hello to you all out there. Hope you all have a great Holiday, New Year, the whole deal. All of us were talking the other day about how blessed the 3 of us feel with everything going on. We really feel so grateful to be doing what we love to do, and I really hope people believe us when we say that. We had NO IDEA we would do anything like win an ACM...then a CMA....and Grammy nominations??! It's completely unexpected (maybe a tad underserving), but gosh, we can hardly swallow it all and figure out what it all means!!

But anyways, enough rambling....we love all you to death, and seriously couldn't do this without you all. We've enjoyed meeting a lot of you out on the road.

Alright, wish me luck getting home.....gotta make it for Christmas with the fam down in Georgia!!! LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!
May 04, 08:24 AM

Our CMA Week

Hey Lady A'ers!!!!

I'm sitting here on the bus, and it's the last weekend of the CMT Tour with Jason Aldean, and I wanted to write and kind of give you an inside view of what our CMA week was like.

Monday was a day full of interviews with radio stations all across the country. The cool part about that was that all the stations were in the same room...we practically table hopped for 3 hrs.! Haha! Monday night was a magical night to say the least. The guys and I, with my Daddy as my date, went to the SESAC Awards. I'm a member of SESAC, and that night was given the award for Songwriter of the Year. I was so shocked, humbled, emotional...so many different feelings! It meant the world to me for the guys to be there to support me.

Tuesday was not as busy. We had rehearsals in the Sommet Center with all the lights. Tuesday night was the BMI Awards, which the guys are members of, and I went with them. That is always a star-studded event. I saw Miley Cyrus, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Hank Williams Jr., and many more. I tried to get to sleep early that night, but I was so excited for Wednesday that I tossed and turned...thank goodness for my makeup artist, who made me up so you could never tell...haha!

Wednesday we had a full dress rehearsal, and then I went straight into hair and makeup...waaaaaaay before Charles and Dave did...jerks. =) Just kidding. I actually love getting all fixed up. My dress was one of my favorites I've ever worn...and SO comfortable, which was a major plus! Our moms were our dates and it was fun for them to walk the red carpet with us, pose for pictures...a precious memory we will have forever with them. The awards were pretty crazy. We were on a very tight schedule because our performance was pretty early in the show, and then the 2 awards we were nominated for were soon after our performance. We literally RAN to our seats after our performance in time for the Group of the Year category, which of course was given to Rascal Flatts...they'll make it one day...haha! After that, it seemed like no time and there was Taylor Swift on stage, presenting the award for Best New Artist. We all grabbed our moms hands, knowing that the award was going to Jason, Rodney, Kellie, James, anyone but us...and then to our surprise, Taylor called OUR name!!! We were so shocked. I think my face was frozen in a "no way" face for the rest of the night. We hugged our moms, and who better to hug in that moment, and ran up to the stage. I don't remember a word of what we said, all I remember is walking off stage and there was George Strait...the hot, talented, superstar, hot, did I say HOT George Strait. He shook our hands and told us "Congratulations!" I can die a happy woman now!

All of this to say, our CMA week would not have been half of what it was if it wasn't for you, the fans, and the AMAZING Country Music Industry!!!!! I hope that you all read this and get a little bit of an inside picture of what our week was like...

THANK YOU FOR BEING THE GREATEST FANS IN THE WORLD!!!!

Hillary
May 04, 08:23 AM

CMT Tour Update

What's up guys!!!

Dave here from Lady A. We just got off a GREAT weekend with Jason Aldean. Great shows in Huntsville, Savannah, Clemson, and Columbus. I love playing in the south. It's so nice being from Georgia because a lot of my family could come see us at these shows. They had a blast!

We had a KILLER crawfish boil on Saturday in Clemson, SC. Ordered crawfish up from Louisiana and they were rockin! You guys are so much fun on the road. Love all the signs and energy everywhere.

See ya'll out there, come party with us!!
Apr 18 2008, 10:08 AM

Help Make Lady Antebellum #1 On iTunes!

Calling all Lady A fans...we need your help! Lady A is currently the #4 best selling album on iTunes right now. We need to make this album #1, but we can only make this happen with YOUR help. If you haven't already purchased your copy of the album, buy it today. If you have already purchased it, then "gift it" to someone else. The album is ONLY $6.99 on iTunes...it's a great way to give someone an amazing gift at a low cost. If you can't afford to gift the album to all of your friends & family, then recommend the album to them & be sure to let them know why you love it and why they will too! How cool would it be to say that YOU helped make Lady A's album #1 on iTunes & the #1 best selling country album this week!?!

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