Madeline Merlo Shares New Song “same car” Out Now

March 24, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Madeline Merlo shares brand new song “same car,” out now, March 24th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Back in September, we fell in love with Canadian country artist, Madeline Merlo’s EP, Slide. Today the talented songstress is continuing to give fans more and more music. Her relatable and heartbreaking song “same car,” is officially out now.

While the new single may be about a break-up, Merlo’s signature sass and confidence can be felt all throughout the song. Merlo conveys the honesty of falling in love and becoming heartbroken in the same car, in the most relatable way. Despite the heartbreak and the vulnerability of the track, the song feels primed for singing along and screaming to in the car and during live shows.

“You pulled up at my house early that night // but something felt off // You couldn’t even look me in the eyes // when you said “we need to talk” // It went sideways in the driveway, and you never even put it in drive // If I go back take it all back // I’d give back every midnight”

Merlo’s pop-country sound is sure to resonate with fans across the genre. Her ability to both craft a meaningful lyric and deliver vocally is refreshing and intriguing. She is a true artist to look out for this year.

Madeline Merlo’s new song, “Same Car” is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Madeline Merlo releases.

To keep up with Madeline Merlo, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter.

“same car” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Stephen Wilson Jr. Releases Debut EP ‘bon aqua’ – Review

March 24, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s debut EP, bon aqua is out now, March 24th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project below.

Country music is evolving, and it is exciting. Newcomer, Stephen Wilson Jr. is changing the country music landscape to encompass his country meets Death Cab For Cutie sound. Today, Wilson officially unveils his debut EP, bon aqua in conjunction with the exciting news that he signed a record deal with Big Loud Records.

The seven song project is both innovative and unique. The record kicks off with the single “the devil,” an inside look at all the troubles the world faces day in and day out. It serves as a reminder that Wilson is not afraid to speak his mind through music.

“A snake will crawl the earth to shed its skin to make more room for the poison // And the filthy rich will rob you clean until you raise your voices // The louder one above the rest will call himself a rebel // There’s the one you know and there’s the one you don’t // But they’re still both the devil”

On track number two, the singer-songwriter enlists the help of Hailey Whitters, who is featured on the song. “American Gothic,” co-written by Wilson with Whitters is the only brand new song on the collection. The track speaks to the storytelling aspect of country music, as the two sing about growing up in the cornfields that they are both from.

Wilson continues to rely on nostalgia as a theme in the project. The theme is evident on songs, “Year To Be Young 1994” and “Hometown.” On the former, Wilson honors people in his life who have passed away, but will never be forgotten.

According to the singer’s sentiments on the song’s video, “Year To Be Young 1994″ is a chapter of the story of my life, and the VHS footage from my young and adolescent childhood stars my hero, my dad, Stephen Wilson Sr., who passed away in late 2018. This video is a tribute to him, as well as my best friend Marc Chandler who passed away shortly after my 16th birthday where I got my first electric guitar, which you will see in this video. It is also a tribute to my late stepbrother William (Paul William) who is featured in this video as a young boy. They are dearly missed.”

Similarly on “Hometown,” Wilson paints the picture of how he grew up in what feels like a love letter to his hometown.

“I wanna be home in my own hometown // Back where my roots ran wild // In the barefoot stomping ground // Yeah I wanna wake up to some of that cooking // Know my way around without looking // Home in my own hometown // I’m always gonna be hometown”

Wilson gives fans another taste of his childhood and his upbringing on “Holler From The Holler.” A shining spot on the record, the single is a true testament to the singer-songwriter’s talent as a vocalist, a songwriter, and a storyteller. On the final two tracks off the EP, “billy” and “The Beginning,” the singer leans into his storytelling side yet again.

Overall, Stephen Wilson Jr. is a talent to look out for. He is a true artist amongst a sea of singers. bon aqua is just the beginning of what’s in store for the singer-songwriter and his blossoming career!

bon aqua Track List:

the devil
American Gothic ft. Hailey Whitters
Year To Be Young 1994
Hometown
Holler From The Holler
billy
The Beginning

Country Swag Picks:

Year To Be Young 1994
American Gothic ft. Hailey Whitters
The Beginning

Stephen Wilson Jr.’s EP, ‘bon aqua’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Stephen Wilson Jr. announcements and releases.

To keep up with Stephen Wilson Jr., follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

bon aqua is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Alana Springsteen: ‘Twenty Something: Messing It Up’ – Album Review

March 24, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Alana Springsteen’s debut album, Twenty Something: Messing It Up is out now, March 24th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

Alana Springsteen knows how to create music that fans relate to, while still making her songs as personal as they come. Today, marks the first installment of her emotional and touching three part debut album. The singer-songwriter releases six new songs in a record she is calling Twenty Something: Messing It Up.

“I have a tendency to let my feelings consume me, whether they’re good or bad. That’s why I ended up becoming a songwriter, so I could have a productive outlet for those emotions and all of that turmoil,” shared Springsteen in a recent press release. This sentiment personifies each and every track on the record.

“You Don’t Deserve A Country Song” kicks off the project. The song is a powerful anthem of reclaiming yourself after a break-up. According to Springsteen, “It’s about finding my confidence and getting to a place where I could start to trust myself and my judgment again. Most importantly, it’s a reminder to myself about the importance of living in the present and being grateful for all of the ‘once in a lifetime’ moments I’ve been lucky enough to experience recently.” Fans have already fallen in love with it.

Next up, “If You Love Me Now” speaks to Springsteen’s self-aware side. The songstress shares about her journey in love, as well as, her flaws in the beautifully, honest track. Springsteen continues with the vulnerability on “Caught Up To Me;” however, this song is about getting your heart broken. She flips the script, sharing how it feels to be the heartbroken versus the heartbreaker, the role she is used to playing.

On the lone duet, “Goodbye Looks Good On You,” Springsteen enlists Mitchell Tenpenny to help bring the song to life. Continuing to put her heart on the line, the singers share what it would be like to have a healthy breakup. In the refreshing track, Springsteen and Tenpenny sing about wanting happiness for the others, rather than tearing an ex down. On the other hand, on “Tennessee Is Mine,” one of our favorites on the record, Springsteen tells her ex to stay out of Tennessee. While the song may not embody a “healthy” break-up, it is as relatable as ever.

Finally the record wraps up with one of Springsteen’s most honest and heartbreaking songs to date, “Shoulder To Cry On.” Written from a place of immense heartbreak, the songstress emotes through lyrics, while conveying a wordplay that brings the song from good to great.

“I need to talk but we ain’t talking // Tears need to fall and I can’t stop ’em // This heart’s about to break // Right on the interstate // I ain’t gonna make it home // So I’m pulling over // ‘Cause I need a shoulder to cry on”

Springsteen has unmatched talent. She gives fans an inside look into her heart and soul through her honest and vulnerable music. Each song off the first part of Twenty Something: Messing It Up is perfectly done. Springsteen knocks it out of the park with this album!

Twenty Something: Messing It Up Track List:

“You Don’t Deserve A Country Song”
“If You Love Me Now”
“Caught Up To Me”
“Goodbye Looks Good On You (feat. Mitchell Tenpenny)”
“Tennessee Is Mine”
“Shoulder To Cry On”

Country Swag Picks:

“Caught Up To Me”
“Tennessee Is Mine”
“Goodbye Looks Good On You (feat. Mitchell Tenpenny)”

Alana Springsteen’s new album, Twenty Something: Messing It Up is out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Alana Springsteen announcements and releases.

To keep up with Alana Springsteen, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Twenty Something: Messing It Up is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Here is Luke Combs’ New Album ‘GETTIN’ OLD’

March 24, 2023/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Luke Combs’ new album, GETTIN’ OLD is out now, March 24th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new album below.

The second part of Luke Combs double album is officially here. GETTIN’ OLD features eighteen new songs, including, “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old,” “Joe,” and Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s song “Fast Car.” The record is one of Combs most prolific records to date.

“This album is about the stage of life I’m in right now. One that I’m sure a lot of us are in, have been through, or will go through,” shared Combs in a recent press release. “It’s about coming of age, loving where life is now but at the same time missing how it used to be, continuing to fall for the one you love and loving them no matter what, living in the moment but still wondering how much time you have left, family, friends, being thankful, and leaving a legacy. Me and so many others have poured their hearts and souls into this record, and I hope you love it as much as we do.”

Listen to the brand-new record below, and be on the look-out for our full review.

GETTIN’ OLD TRACK LIST:

Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old
Hannah Ford Road
Back 40 Back
You Found Yours
The Beer, The Band and The Barstool
Still
See Me Now
Joe
A Song Was Born
My Song Will Never Die
Where the Wild Things Are
Love You Anyway
Take You With Me
Fast Car
Tattoo on a Sunburn
5 Leaf Clover
Fox in the Henhouse
The Part

Luke Combs new album ‘GETTIN’ OLD’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Combs announcements and releases.

To keep up with Luke Combs, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

GETTIN’ OLD is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Dylan Marlowe Drops Two New Songs “Grew Up Country” & “Empty Shotgun”

March 23, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Dylan Marlowe drops two new songs “Grew Up Country” and “Empty Shotgun,” out now, March 23rd, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new tracks below.

Newly signed recording-artist, Dylan Marlowe is giving fans a double taste of his undeniable charm and talent. The singer-songwriter drops two brand new songs, “Grew Up Country” and “Empty Shotgun (Mr. Mechanic)” out today.

The first of the two tracks, “Grew Up Country,” is Marlowe’s love letter to his hometown. While many artists talk about their country roots and how proud they are to be from their hometowns, Marlowe’s approach is fresh, innovative, and feels authentic to his artistry.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, thank God I was born and raised // Down there where the street ends and the creek bends // Weekends, we’d spend our money on // Cold beers from the county store, a couple inches on a 4×4 // Lord knows there’s a lot of ways that we coulda came up, buddy //But I’m glad we grew up country”

The singer’s second new song, “Empty Shotgun (Mr. Mechanic)” is a songwriter’s song. Written by Marlowe with Seth Ennis and Joe Fox, the artist uses double meanings and wordplay to convey his heartbreak. In its most simplistic form, the new song is as relatable as they come, while still being clever.

“Ain’t like there’s nothing in the tank // It’s full of 87 // I don’t think it’s what you think // Yeah, this thing runs like heaven // If you wanna know why // I can’t drive // When I climb in this truck // Yeah, it’s got a cab full of memories // And an empty shotgun”

Although his career is still young, Marlowe proves with each and every release that he can hang with the best of them. The singer-songwriter knows how to craft a meaningful lyric and relays each message he writes with incredible ability and authentic vulnerability.

Dylan Marlowe shares two brand new songs, “Grew Up Country” and “Empty Shotgun,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dylan Marlowe releases.

To keep up with Dylan Marlowe, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Grew Up Country” and “Empty Shotgun” are out now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Who Is Chapel Hart? The Story Behind Their Journey to Country Music

March 21, 2023/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

Who is Chapel Hart? The trio joined us to chat about their journey to country music. Get to know the all-female, familial trio here…

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Chapel Hart (Danica Hart, Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle)
Hometown – Poplarville, Mississippi
Current City – New Orleans, Louisiana
Label – JT3D
Latest Release – “Glory Days” (*as of date of article: 03/20/2023)

The Beginning:

Today we are excited to share the story behind the incredible all-female trio, Chapel Hart. The exciting country band is comprised of three family members, sisters Danica and Devynn Hart, and their cousin Trea Swindle. Together the ladies have created a beautiful legacy through music.

The women grew up in Poplarville, Mississippi, where music was at the forefront of each of their childhoods. “While we do have different stories, they all kind of intersect because Des is my sister and Tre’s our first cousin. We all come from the same family and we all have a very similar background,” they began. “We grew up in a very musical family. We had a huge family. My grandparents had 17 children and there are 108 cousins, and everything was surrounded by music.”

The women behind Chapel Hart even shared that in retrospect it feels like they grew up in a musical. “Anything you can name… birthdays, weddings, divorces, graduations, you name it, at some point, there was bound to be a piano to fly out of there or bucket drums, and then there was music.”

Despite listening to a bit of everything, due to their Mississippi roots, country music was the most prominent genre and influence. “We always say that there’s like a timeframe. Anywhere from 1913 to like 1980 or 90 is going to be Tre’s specialty and then all things 90s, early 2000s is me, and then Dev keeps up with all the newer stuff in country music, so we’ve got it all covered.”

The Turning Point:

While it was clear that music was each of their callings, Chapel Hart did not become what it is now until much later. “Growing up in Poplarville, Mississippi really prepared us for country music. If you were on the bus in the morning time, it was country music, if you were in school, it was country music, if you got a job and worked, it was country music,” shared the songstresses. Adding later, “We also lived those experiences.”

Chapel Hart started out in New Orleans as a duo. “It started out with just Danica and Trea kind of busking on the streets of New Orleans, so they kind of made their way around New Orleans and the music scene there,” began Devynn, “And then in 2018, I lost my job, so I didn’t really know what I was going to do, so I moved down to New Orleans and started singing with them.”

While grinding both in New Orleans and Nashville, Tennessee, doors started opening for the women. They secured a spot in CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2021 and ultimately found themselves auditioning for the popular talent show, America’s Got Talent (AGT). “We almost didn’t even audition for AGT because it has a bit of a negative stigma in the music community […] We were supposed to be traveling with the Indigo Girls, and then their camp got closed down for Covid, so we were like why not?,” explained Danica. She later added, “I always say ‘thank god that we did’ because I feel like it was the audition heard around the world.”

According to Chapel Hart, “AGT was the moment that all the grinding had led up to, it was the moment that everything exploded, and it’s starting to pay off for all the years we played the shows with 25 people there.”

Of course, America fell in love with their audition song, an original called “You Can Have Him, Jolene.” “People refer to it as a part 2 of “Jolene,” so it feels like we’re a part of country music history.”

Today:

Flash forward to the present day, Chapel Hart continues to build on the momentum that their hard work and AGT helped them build. With an album coming out soon and a tour happening now, the singer-songwriters are showing no signs of slowing down.

In order to continue to give music to fans, the women even released the tour’s namesake song, “Glory Days.” The single is a fun and relatable song that is hard not to fall in love with. “We couldn’t kick off the Glory Days Tour without at least giving the people the song that inspired it all,” shared Chapel Hart. “The song is literally about the good old days, where you sit around and talk with your friends about things 30 years from now, but more so it just kind of shines the light on the fact that most of us are living through our glory days now, and it’s a reminder to seize the moment.”

Like all of Chapel Hart’s music thus far, “Glory Days” is an introspective and honest portrayal of the women’s experiences thus far. “We fell in love with country music because of the story and how you can just find yourself right smack dab in the middle of the story,” and that sentiment truly embodies the single and their philosophy on music.

As we anticipate the next album, fans can look forward to a lot more from the singers. As they put it themselves, “Fans should be expecting more Chapel Hart. We are diving deeper, we’re putting together this album that is another collection of life experiences. What our goal was is to show fans a glimpse into this journey.”

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Chapel Hart releases.

To keep up with Chapel Hart, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Chapel Hart’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

‘Stoned Cold Country’ Rolling Stones 60th Anniversary Tribute Album

March 19, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

In honor of the 60th anniversary of The Rolling Stones, country artists banded together to create a tribute album called Stoned Cold Country, out now. Listen below.

In honor of the 60th Anniversary of The Rolling Stones, country music is celebrating with a tribute album called Stoned Cold Country. Country artists celebrate the legacy of The Rolling Stones through fourteen distinct covers of some of their greatest hits. The exciting new project is officially out now.

“Four years ago, I had this idea of a Country tribute record to The Rolling Stones – the greatest rock band of all time,” shared producer, Robert Deaton. “I could not be more proud of the artists and musicians that participated on this album. As the song says… ‘It’s Only Rock and Roll But I Like It’ – I hope everyone will join us in celebrating 60 years of The Rolling Stones.”

Stoned Cold Country will appeal to both country and rock fans. Some of country music’s greatest artists like Brothers Osborne, Brooks & Dunn, Little Big Town, and Lainey Wilson lent their voices to iconic Rolling Stones songs. Bright spots on the record include the opener, McBryde’s rendition of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and Eric Church’s countrified version of “Gimme Shelter,” as well as, newcomer, Elvie Shane’s cover of “Sympathy for the Devil.”

Stoned Cold Country is a true love letter from the country music genre to The Rolling Stones in celebration of their incredible career. It is also a reminder to naysayers of country music that country artists can truly do anything!

Stoned Cold Country Track List:

1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – Ashley McBryde

2. “Honky Tonk Women” – Brooks & Dunn

3. “Dead Flowers” – Maren Morris

4. “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)” – Brothers Osborne & The War And Treaty

5. “Miss You” – Jimmie Allen

6. “Tumbling Dice” – Elle King

7. “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” – Marcus King

8. “Wild Horses” – Little Big Town

9. “Paint It Black” – Zac Brown Band

10. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – Lainey Wilson

11. “Sympathy for the Devil” – Elvie Shane

12. “Angie” – Steve Earle

13. “Gimme Shelter” – Eric Church

14. “Shine A Light” – Koe Wetzel

‘Stoned Cold Country’ is available now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future releases.

Stoned Cold Country is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

The 1st Annual TK Country Fest

March 19, 2023/in Blog, News, Upcoming Events /by Team Country Swag

TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 1st!

Morgan Evans Shares New Song “On My Own Again”

March 17, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Morgan Evans shares brand new song “On My Own Again,” out now, March 17th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

In what feels like a candid response to Kelsea Ballerini’s surprise EP, Morgan Evans is speaking his truth through his new music. The Australian singer-songwriter is opening up about his divorce and future in his new song, “On My Own Again,” out today.

Written by Evans with Zach Kale and Geoff Warburton, “On My Own Again” follows the viral single, “Over For You.” Although lyrically, the song is melancholy, there is also an added hint of hope complemented by some island sounds. Evans does an exquisite just of emoting through song, while also leaving the listener with a sense that all will be okay, even though everything is changing.

“The pictures in my head are all of her I’m taking with me // The rest of it, I left back in that house // Tomorrow when she wakes up I wonder if she’ll miss me // This time I ain’t hanging round to find out // I’m gonna drive until the wheels fall of this old truck in my heart // If forever’s gonna end like that I guess I’d better start // The rest of my life like the best time’s up around the bend // Oh, on my own again”

Evans seems to be in the creative spirit, prioritizing connecting with fans and releasing new music. While “Over For You” felt heartbreakingly beautiful, “On My Own Again” feels real, honest, and like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Fans of Evans should be excited for what is in store for the artist next!

Morgan Evans shares new song, “On My Own Again,” out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Morgan Evans releases.

To keep up with Morgan Evans, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“On My Own Again” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Jake Worthington Shares Two New Songs Ahead of Debut Album

March 17, 2023/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Jake Worthington shares two new songs “State You Left Me In” and “Next New Thing,” out now, March 17th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new tracks below.

Country music’s cowboy, Jake Worthington is gearing up for his self-titled debut album, slated for release on April 7th. While fans anxiously await the record, Worthington is sharing two new songs to please country music fans. Today, the singer-songwriter released “State You Left Me In” and “Next New Thing,” out now.

Both of the new songs were co-written by Worthington. “State You Left Me In” was written by the singer with Timothy Baker and Roger Springer, while “Next New Thing” boasts writing credits for Steve Leslie and Roger Springer. On the former, “State You Left Me In,” Worthington shows off his vulnerable side. The beautiful song feels heartfelt and relatable, as the singer laments about heartbreak. On the contrary, “Next New Thing” is a mid-tempo jam. The song is a perfect fit for some line dancing. Worthington shows off his range on these two cohesive, yet different tracks.

While country music has evolved over the last several years, it is refreshing to see someone firmly plant their heels in the traditional sound. Worthington is that artist. He creates music that appeals to the traditionalist, while modern country music lovers can still appreciate his talent, emotion, and relatable songwriting. Keep your eyes and ears ready for the singer-songwriter’s debut record!

Jake Worthington shares two new songs, ahead of debut album.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Jake Worthington releases.

To keep up with Jake Worthington, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“State You Left Me In” and “Next New Thing” are now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.