Video Makes Television Debut on CMT Monday, July 21

Click here to watch!!

Country music sensation Rissi Palmer will release a video for her latest single, "No Air." The video will make its television debut on CMT Monday, July 21 and online premiere at Yahoo! Music.

"No Air," is Palmer's third single and has become her fastest rising hit to date. Originally recorded by American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown, the song first became a huge pop hit, but Palmer made the song her own with her unique country version, which is blazing up the country charts.

Palmer experienced a chance of a lifetime when she traveled to the majestic Turks & Caicos Islands to film the video with director Kristin Barlowe (LeAnn Rimes, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert), who also directed Palmer's very first video, "Country Girl."

The two-day video shoot took place on the world-renowned white, sandy beaches along side the striking turquoise waters of the island Providenciales and the privately owned pristine Parrot Cay, home to the exclusive Parrot Cay Resort and beachfront homes for the rich and famous.

Palmer gushes, "The islands were nothing short of amazing and I think the video really captures the essence of the song and I can't wait for everyone to see it."

"No Air," produced by Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift), is currently available for download on iTunes, where it has already become a Top 10 hit. Later this summer, the song will be included on the re-release of the singer's debut album on 1720 Entertainment, RISSI PALMER.

(Pictured: VP and General Manager of Grand Ole Opry Pete Fisher, Palmer, Pride)

Featuring a live accoustic performance and a sneek peak at an exclusive interview with Rissi Palmer!

IMG MODELS SIGNS COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER RISSI PALMER TO ITS PORTFOLIO OF A-LIST CLIENTS

IMG Models is pleased to announce the newest addition to their distinguished portfolio of international talent with rising country music star Rissi Palmer. Named one of "Nine New Stars to Listen to" by People Magazine in 2008, Palmer will join the ranks of top models & celebrities such as Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Selma Blair, Mischa Barton, and many others represented by IMG.

"We are proud to add Rissi Palmer to our list of world-class talent," said Ivan Bart, Senior Vice President of IMG Models. "She is an accomplished singer-songwriter with a rapidly growing fan base and we look forward to working with her."

The 26 year-old singer released her debut CD in October 2007 and has been unstoppable ever since. Palmer has received widespread national attention from major media outlets including as Billboard, People, Newsweek, WSJ, CMT, CNN, Extra and more. Her latest single, "No Air" presently sits just outside of country music's Top 40 singles and is still heating up the charts.

IMG Models will represent Palmer for global endorsement opportunities. 

CMT.com

The Tennessean

_{(PHOTOS BY ISAAC BREKKEN)}

Here is everything included in the GAC breakfast ticket:
A hearty country breakfast.
Hosted by Mark Wills with acoustic performances and autograph signings by Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, Rissi Palmer, and The Road Hammers.
General Museum Admission.
Visit www.countrymusichalloffame.com to purchase your ticket!

Country powerhouse vocalist Rissi Palmer will rev up NASCAR fans on Saturday, May 17, singing the National Anthem prior to the 7pm All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC. The SPEED Channel will broadcast Palmer's live performance (check local listings).

Palmer's new single is currently creating a buzz at country radio. As one of radio's most added new singles of the week, "No Air" makes its entry at #58 on Billboard's country singles chart.

Hot new country star Rissi Palmer is presently being featured on www.MLB.com.  On a recent visit to their studios in New York, Palmer  performed an exclusive acoustic concert and talked with host Jeremy Brisiel, as part of their "Hot Prospect" series featuring new and upcoming artists.

MLB.com visitors can see the concert that includes six songs from Palmer's self-titled debut, including, "Country Girl," "Anybody Out There," "Hold On To Me," "Hurt Don't Know When to Quit," "All This Woman Needs" and the Patsy Cline classic, "Leavin' On Your Mind." Music fans will also have access to audio track samples from every song on her RISSI PALMER CD.

MLB.com boasts 9 million visitors per day, with 17 million registered fans. Recently featured recording artists on their site include Trace Adkins, Bon Jovi, Daughtry, Rihanna and George Strait, to name a few.

Palmer is presently on tour across the country with upcoming performances in Detroit, Michigan (5/9), Sparta, Kentucky (5/10),and Midland, Michigan (5/30). Her new single, "No Air" hit country radio on Monday and was one of the most added new singles of the week.

Watch exclusive performances by Rissi Palmer now on MLB.com !

Stoli: You had a major role in the Jordin Sparks/Chris Brown hit song, "No Air." I heard the track on your MySpace page so please explain the connection.

Rissi: I wish that I could say that I wrote that song, but I didn't. Nathan Chapman (the producer of my version of "No Air") and I heard Jordin and Chris' version, loved it, and thought it might be interesting to create our own. It was really an experiment and we're both extremely pleased with the outcome. My label and my manager heard it and loved it as well and now it is my current single.

Rissi Palmer - "No Air"

Stoli: What made you want to do your own version of, "No Air?"

Rissi: I love Jordin and Chris' version of the song; it's what inspired me to do my own!

Stoli: You are an incredible singer & songwriter. Do you assist other musicians to create music?

Rissi: First of all, thank you for the compliment! Any song that you see with my name attached to it is great primarily because of the people I have been blessed to collaborate with. Actually, I prefer to sit with another songwriter or player and create because you are able to play off of each other's strengths and vibe and make something that is completely unique.

Stoli: By first glance one might not see you as a country singer. How did you decide you wanted to pursue country music?

Rissi: I've loved country music since my childhood. I've always admired the songwriting and realness of country music and have always related to it. I grew up in a household where Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton were played along with Earth Wind and Fire, Aretha Franklin, and James Taylor, so my sound is a mixture of all those influences.

Stoli: Who are some country singers before you that inspired you to create music?

Rissi: My mom loved Patsy Cline, so she was and is one of my biggest influences. I personally love Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, and Wynonna.

Stoli: How would you describe the live music scene in Tennessee and is it diverse or mostly country?

Rissi: The live music scene in Nashville is great!!! Its way more diverse than you would think here. On any given night you can hear a new rap group, country act, or punk rock band. I think Nashville's songwriting community and musician pool draws artists from all genres to town.

Stoli: You stay busy touring a lot. What is your favorite part of being on the road?

Rissi: Performing is what I love best, but outside of that, I love going somewhere I'm never been before and meeting new people. I also like collecting hotel ink pens (ha ha).

Stoli: I was surprised to see that you are not on a major label. Is that on purpose, because you are obviously good enough?

Rissi: I'm on an independent label by choice, because that's who first understood me as an artist. Terry Johnson and 1720 Entertainment have allowed me to completely be myself and make the kind of music I wanted to make. I know I have more freedom and room to grow than a lot of major label artists.

Stoli: You lost your mother at an early age. Do you feel that she watches over you and can still hear you singing to her?

Rissi: I definitely feel she's with me and can hear me. I think of her a lot, especially right now during this exciting time and I hope that she's proud.

Stoli: What is the most personal song that you have recorded yet?

Rissi: All of my songs are based on personal experiences, but I guess the most personal song I've recorded to date, is "Love You like a Woman" that's on my new album. I wrote that about a specific person and situation and I always feel a little like I'm telling too much when I sing it.

Stoli: Your self titled album has been in stores, are you pleased with the reception that you have received from fans?

Rissi: I am pleased Every time I receive a message from someone who has bought the album and loves it, or identifies with it, I'm very satisfied.

Stoli: What is the most important part of being a musician to you besides $$?

Rissi: For me, the most important part is uplifting people. I'm in a position where people listen and watch what you say and do so I feel a responsibility to be positive.

Stoli: What can we look forward to from Rissi Palmer for 2008 & beyond?

Rissi: Lots more touring and more music!!

Photography by Jimmy Bruch

www.rissipalmer.com

Palmer says Jeremiah posed like a pro the day of the photo shoot. "A star was born," says the singer-songwriter. "What can I say, the dog's got charisma. I guess I'm going to have to get him an agent now."

Nashville Lifestyles is Nashville's premier city magazine focusing on celebrity profiles, travel, the home, local events, nightlife, cuisine, the latest in real estate and much more. Nashville Lifestyles is available now at Borders Books & Music, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Davis-Kidd, Cosmetic Market and Whole Foods.

Presently on tour in support of her self-titled debut CD, Palmer will perform at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA on Friday, May 2 along with superstars The Eagles, Trisha Yearwood, John Fogerty and more. Additional dates include Detroit, MI (5/9), Sparta, KY (5/10) and Midland, MI (5/30).

Palmer's new single, "No Air" officially hits radio on Monday, May 5. For a preview of Palmer's new single or for complete tour schedule, visit www.rissipalmer.com.

You may have noticed that I've added a new song to my profile [myspace]; this is the surprise that I was talking about in my last blog. I went into the studio a few weeks ago with Nathan Chapman, the amazing producer behind Taylor Swift and several new sensational projects, and we experimented with Jordin Sparks' "No Air" and came up with this!!! I'm excited about this song and I really hope you enjoy it; let me know what you think!!!

Rissi :-)

Palmer kicked-off the year touring with American Idol alum Phil Stacey, Nashville Star winner Chris Young and country super group Sawyer Brown. On May 2, she will join superstars The Eagles, Trisha Yearwood, John Fogerty and more for California's premiere country music festival, Stagecoach in Indio, CA. Additional upcoming tour dates include, Star City, AK (4/18), Detroit, MI (5/9), Sparta, KY (5/10) and Midland, MI (5/30). For complete tour schedule, visit www.rissipalmer.com.

Palmer's self-titled debut CD on 1720 Entertainment set her apart from most country newcomers by featuring nine of her own co-writes, including her first hit single, "Country Girl" and the follow-up release, "Hold On To Me." Since her debut onto the country charts, Palmer has received widespread national media attention, performed five times on the Grand Ole Opry and become a top selling country artist on iTunes.

Palmer is managed by Strategic Management based in Los Angeles, CA.

When Rissi Palmer was 12, she wrote a Grammy acceptance speech, sealed it in an envelope, and put it in her Bible, vowing not to open it until she was on stage accepting an award.

Given her strong debut album (released October 2007) and high-profile press, a child's hopeful dream could become a reality for the clear-voiced country music artist with a from-the-soul singing style. The 26-year-old Palmer has been featured in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Ebony, and Rolling Stone, and also appeared on CNN's Young People Who Rock.

Country music is not a genre typically associated with black people. After Palmer's first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry last summer, however, it was obvious she was the real deal. Her self-titled album's first single, "Country Girl," charted at #58 on Billboard's Hot Country Music Songs. Starbucks offered the single to customers as part of a free music download program.

Palmer's album, on which she co-wrote nine of the 12 songs, is a twangy blend of contemporary and traditional country, with a bit of gospel, blues, and soul added to the mix. She's an artist who happens to be a Christian, not an artist who makes Christian music. But unlike some believers in secular music, Palmer isn't struggling with her faith or hiding her light under a bushel. The video for "Country Girl" features Palmer singing with a gospel choir in a field. Not shy about professing Christ, she thanks her "Lord and savior" in the CD's liner notes.

"I wouldn't be here in the position I'm in right now if it weren't for God," Palmer said in a telephone interview. "So I have no issue with telling people that's what I believe or with thanking him."

Palmer's beliefs are quite explicit on the CD's bonus track, "I'm Not Of This World" (also referenced above), in which she sings: "When it's my time for leavin', how sweet it's gonna be/You can come along if you believe, oh, if you believe." On an album with romantic soulmate-searching ballads like "Anybody Out There" and catchy, upbeat country fare like "Mr. Ooh La La," why did Palmer decide to add a song with such an overt reference to her faith? "I felt like once we got done with the album, I wanted to write about something different," she said. "I wanted to talk about God, because it's something I hadn't done."

One day while driving to a co-songwriter's house, Palmer said she kept thinking about 2 Chronicles 7:14:

[I]f my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

"It just kept popping into my head ... wicked ways, wicked ways ... and I started thinking about how we're supposed to be in the world but not of the world. So that's what the song ended up being."

When asked how her faith influenced the album overall, Palmer said, "Everything that I do is inspired by God and wanting to glorify God in some way with [my] gifts and talents. I wanted to make an album that could be played in front of anybody ... everybody could find something they liked and could relate to that wasn't offensive."

In an industry known for remaking people to fit a certain image, Palmer is well-practiced in resisting such changes and staying true to what she believes. At 19, she turned down a deal offered by R&B producers Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam-the team that guided Janet Jackson's career-because they wanted to tone down her twang and play up the pop/soul.

"At the time, it didn't feel like it was that big a deal," Palmer laughed. "I wasn't thinking, Wow, I'm really brave for doing this. I was thinking this could be the dumbest thing I've ever done before in my life, but I just don't feel right about it."

Walking by faith, staying obedient to God, and resisting temptation in the secular music industry can't be easy, but Palmer stays focused. "Every night I pray for discernment, more than anything else, more than having a hit record or anything. I just pray that God will give me the power of discernment. I think that's where people go right and go wrong is in their decisions in this industry."

Whether or not Palmer gets the chance to read that Grammy acceptance speech on stage, she credits her own praying and her family's prayers for what she's achieved. She knows who's guiding her career, and she gives him the glory. "That's the only reason why I'm here, definitely not because of anything I've done."

Don't miss GAC Nights this Thursday, March 20 at 10pm ET as host Suzanne Alexander catches up with Rissi in Nashville during Country Radio Seminar Week.

Hear Rissi on Sirius...

On Tuesday, March 25, listen to Rissi as she performs a few songs from her self-titled CD and talks to host Larry Flick of "Out Q in the Morning" on Sirius Channel 109 at 9:05a ET.

Later in the week on Saturday, March 29, tune into "Beyond The Buzz," on Sirius Channel 60 (New Country) from 9pm - 11pm ET and hear Rissi as she performs and talks to host, Al Skop. (Repeats: Thursday, April 3 at 12:01am ET). Performance and interviews were both recorded from Sirius studios in New York.