ALBUM SUCCESS: Moore’s “Up All Night” became the biggest-selling album by a male country music artist in both 2012 and 2013.

By Geoffery Rowlands


Kip Moore’s I’m To Blame is a new entry in the final position on Billboard’s Hot 100. But the 35-year-old country music singer/songwriter has fared rather better on the Billboard 200. His sophomore album, “Wild Ones,” is also a new entry. It has debuted at number four.
“I’m hoping my new single might climb a little higher,” smiled Tifton, Georgia-born Kip. “But I’ve only ever had one single break into the top 30 on the Hot 100. Thankfully, people seem to take considerably more interest in my albums. My first release, ‘Up All Night,’ peaked at number six on the Billboard 200.”
“Up All Night” also reached number three on the Top Country Albums chart. “Wild Ones” has debuted at number two so could well make pole position.
Even on the country charts though, Kip’s albums do seem to be more popular than his singles. He does have a trio of top ten hits on the Hot Country Songs chart. These include a number one with Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck, the song which reached number 29 on the Hot 100. But his other singles have only been relatively minor hits.
“I’m not complaining. I think most artists would be grateful to have three big hit singles. The others may not have sold so well but people had bought my album so I look on singles sales as a bonus.”
People certainly did buy his album. “Up All Night” was released in April, 2012. It became the biggest-selling album by a male country music artist in both 2012 and 2013. But there was a time when earning his living as a musician seemed an impossibility for Kip. It was rather more likely that he might become a professional surfer.
“I know how weird that must sound for someone from Georgia but I was, and am, absolutely crazy about surfing. I’d always loved music as I was growing up but didn’t start playing guitar until I was 17. I managed to quite quickly become pretty proficient and began performing at small venues when I was in college. After leaving college, the thing I really wanted to do was surfing.”
Kip moved to Hawaii where he lived in “a little hut” about two miles from the beach.
“The hut was out in the woods. I hitchhiked to and from the beach every day. I surfed and backpacked all over the island. I had a fantastic time but also discovered music was my true calling. I had my guitar and was writing songs. As much as I loved the life I was living, I realised a career in music was the only thing which would make me truly happy and fulfilled.”
He moved to Nashville, honed his song-writing ability and joined the ranks of all those would-be country stars playing the myriad venues around the city. The quality of Kip’s work earned him a loyal following and drew the attention of record labels. He was about to sign with Broken Bow records when he was introduced to songwriter/producer Brett James.
“Brett couldn’t offer me a record deal at that time. But we just hit it off so great that I knew turning down the deal with Broken Bow and working with Brett was the right thing to do.
“I owe so much to Brett. He believed in what I was doing and allowed me to develop my songs but just gave me the right amount of guidance. I’ve learned so much from him both professionally and personally. I regard him as just like a brother.”
In addition to Brett, Kip worked with fellow songwriters such as Dan Couch, Scott Steppakoff and Westin Davis.
“I’ve co-written every song on my albums. I enjoy collaborating with other writers. They are all open to my ideas of writing what I hope are different kinds of country songs. I like to write about real experiences rather than fantasy situations. I’ve actually been called the hillbilly Bruce Springsteen and I’m perfectly happy about that.”
Kip uses some of his income to aid disadvantaged young people. His Kip’s Kids Fund has helped to build or refurbish a number of skateboard parks in low-income areas across America.
“I love most sports, particularly surfing and rock climbing. But skateboarding is something kids from inner-city areas can really get into. The parks provide a safe environment where they can hopefully get involved in a positive activity. I’m fortunate to be in a position to help with these projects and it’s something I really want to do.”

IN BRIEF
Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber has set a UK streaming record with his latest single, What Do You Mean?  
Some 3.2 million plays were registered by the chart-reporting streaming services during the first week of release. This number smashed the previous mark of 2.03 million opening week plays set last month by One Direction with Drag Me Down.
The streams, downloads and physical sales gave the 21-year-old Canadian heart-throb his debut UK chart-topper. His previous best had been the number two spot reached by Boyfriend in 2012.
Justin’s career seemed to have been spiralling downwards. A succession of incidents ranging from bad behaviour to illegal activities saw him under police arrest on several occasions. Only the skill of a high-priced lawyer has kept him out of jail.
These events hurt his popularity and significantly reduced record sales. But a contrite Justin posted a video on his YouTube channel earlier this year apologising for his behaviour and expressing his desire to be a good person.
The video has certainly worked. In addition to his UK success, What Do You Mean? has also become Justin’s first number one in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. The official song video can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK_0jXPuIr0

Sam Smith

Soul star Sam Smith has also set a new UK record. His album, “In The Lonely Hour,” has now surpassed the mark of 66 consecutive weeks in the top ten for a debut album set by Emeli Sande’s “Our Version Of Events” between February, 2012, and May, 2013.
Sam’s album has spent six separate spells at number one during its record-breaking run. It has also spawned four top ten singles including the chart-toppers Money On My Mind and Stay With Me.
There are several online postings of “In The Lonely Hour.” One of these is at www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0G9T5Bnjlc&list=PLdwn3BCxVt1lc5WAbtqDDBFTE4IUnNpzd
More of Sam’s work can be found at (no www.) soundcloud.com/samsmithworld
Some of the tracks here are offered for free download.
In other news, Sam has recorded the theme song for Spectre, the forthcoming James Bond film. Writing’s On The Wall will be available to download and stream on September 25, just over a month before the world premiere of Spectre.
There have been 23 previous James Bond film themes. Many are regarded as iconic songs yet none have topped the UK singles chart.

Thunderbitch

Thunderbitch have just released their self-titled debut album.
The side project of Alabama Shakes singer/guitarist Brittany Howard, the band have been active since 2013 when two songs were posted at (no www.) soundcloud.com/thunderbitch
These tracks have now been augmented by eight more songs. The entire album is available to hear on their website. Watch the spelling though, it is www.thundabetch.com/listen/

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson releases her eleventh studio album, “Unbreakable,” early next month. It is the 49-year-old singer’s first album of new material since 2008’s “Discipline.”
Although an official video has yet to be posted, an audio stream of the “Unbreakable” title-track can be heard at www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfBL5HPS_jA
There is a video for lead single, No Sleeep, which features a guest rap from J. Cole. It can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_t0ffY3JvE