Willie Lock’s brand new debut album, West Side Stories is out now, November 30th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand-new record below.
We love supporting our local New York artists like Willie Lock. The singer-songwriter is as talented as they come. Today, Lock releases his debut album, West Side Stories, which showcases his talent across ten new song for fans to fallen love with.
The new record features songs like “When Were 17” and “My Brother.” Both songs speak to Lock’s prowess as a story-teller. The former evokes nostalgia and memories, while “My Brother” is a poignant, yet personal song about losing someone you love too soon. Additionally one of our new favorites on the record, “Drinking About” shows off Lock’s more fun and cheeky side. The song is primed for a live show.
Lock knows a thing or two about evoking emotion in his listeners. He has the talent and charisma that we love to champion in a rising act. Learn more about the project and listen to the brand new music below.
West Side Stories Tracklist:
West Side
Drinking About
When We Were 17
College Town
My Brother
Bad Things
Other Side
Chinatown Bus
I’m On Fire
My Brother (Acoustic)
WIllie Lock shares his debut album, ‘West Side Stories,’ 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 Willie Lock releases.
West Side Stories 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/willie-lock-debut-album.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2023-11-30 18:00:122023-11-30 18:10:50Here Is Willie Lock’s Debut Album ‘West Side Stories’
Dylan Scott hits the number one spot on the country radio charts this week with his song, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).” Learn more here!
Dylan Scott adds to his catalog of number one hits, earning his third number one single of his career with his song, “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl).” The song quickly amassed over 70 million streams on Spotify alone, only second to Scott’s first number one, “My Girl.”
“Can’t Have Mine” is a perfect song for Scott and his talent. The track speaks to love in a beautiful and romantic way. While, the singer-songwriter encourages listeners to find a love like the one he describes, he reminds listeners that they cannot have his one-of-a-kind love with his own wife.
“Find you a girl that leaves you speechless // Gets wild on the town but still loves Jesus // One that’s worth the wait even when she ain’t on time // Find you a girl that loves her daddy //And talkin’ ’bout babies makes her happy // Yeah, take it from me, that’s the kind you need to find // You just can’t have mine”
A huge congrats goes out to Scott and his team on an incredible feat! It is looking like this year might be the entertainer’s biggest one yet.
Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Dylan Scott announcements and releases.
“Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/dylan-scott-bartender-song.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2023-11-27 15:20:412023-11-27 15:20:41Dylan Scott’s “Can’t Have Mine” Is Number One at Country Radio
Who is Lauren Watkins? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…
Lauren Watkins // Photo credit: Brayln Kelly
Quick Facts:
Full Name – Lauren Watkins
Birthdate – 08/25/1999
Hometown – Nashville, Tennessee
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Sheryl Crow, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert
Label – Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters
Current Single – “The Table” as of date of article: 11/27/23
The Beginning:
Today’s spotlight artist is a Nashville local that we truly believe is about to have the biggest 2024. Lauren Watkins, Songs & Daughters and Big Loud Records recording artist shared with us all about her upbringing, her journey to music, and everything in between.
“I grew up in Nashville, which I know is pretty rare. Nobody believes me anymore when I tell them that,” began the songstress, “I grew up with three sisters and my older sister, who is two years older than me, she’s super into music too. She’s a songwriter in Nashville, and I guess just growing up around country, we were around it all the time. My parents are not musical, but they are music lovers. So the two of us got into singing and playing guitar really young.”
At an early age, Watkins recalls always being captivated by the country music genre. “Honestly, country has always been at the top for me. It’s always been my favorite,” she shared. Adding, ” I was born in ’99, so I grew up in the Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band era. That was sort of my middle school.” Watkins also credits artists like Miranda Lambert and Eric Church as some of her biggest music icons.
Additionally, the singer learned to appreciate older country artists, like Alan Jackson and George Jones, from her dad. While her mom brought a different flavor of music to her catalog. She loved entertainers like Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson,” shared Watkins. “I actually have so much of that piano pop influence in my songwriting and even Colbie Caillat, like the early 2000s girls that were killing it.”
With that love of music intact prior to college, Watkins and her sister, Caroline, would play the Nashville music scene as often as they could. “I try not to take it for granted, so we’d play little bars, all the Pucketts locations in Nashville, and then when we got old enough, we’d play the Broadway bars.”
The Turning Point:
Upon graduating from high school, Watkins headed to Ole Miss for college and decided to put music on the back-burner. “When it was time for me to go to college, I don’t know if it was out of fear or what, I was like ‘I don’t think I’m going to do music for a career.’” However, while in school, Watkins never stopped loving music.
“About two years in, I was having the time of my life in school, I realized that I had to go home to Nashville, when it was over. It was in my soul. I couldn’t get rid of this pull that kept saying ‘You gotta do music.'” Still, Watkins decided to finish out her degree, but began posting some clips of her singing and playing guitar on her Instagram. “I would just sit all night in my room and play my guitar, and I would take little videos, and post them on Instagram.”
Serendipitously, Rodney Clawson, famed songwriter saw one of her Instagram posts. At the exact time, Clawson’s wife, Nicolle Galyon just started her venture as the label-head at her record label imprint, Songs & Daughters. “He showed it to Nicolle, who had just started Songs & Daughters, and she reached out to me,” shared Watkins. Adding, “I went home for a weekend, and I met with her, we had breakfast, and she basically introduced me to the team at Big Loud and introduced me to a ton of songwriters, and set me up with a bunch of writes.”
For six months, Galyon and Watkins stayed in touch before Watkins landed her publishing deal and later, her record deal. “I had a lot of developing to do as a songwriter and an artist, and eventually it led to a publishing deal. Then for another year, they just kind of let me work. I just hustled and wrote a bunch, and played shows when I could. I was just sorta booking my own shows, and just tried to play to whoever would listen. And then that turned into a record deal.”
Today:
Flash forward to today, Watkins is quickly becoming one of the most buzzed about newcomers on the block. With only two EPs to her name, she already boasts opening spots on Conner Smith’s headlining tour, as well as, Morgan Wallen’s record-breaking stadium tour this spring. We also anticipate more new music coming down the pipeline soon.
For Watkins’ current EPs, while they are different, they each tell a story that connects. Her debut EP, Introducing: Lauren Watkins came first and was followed by her latest EP, Introducing: The Heartbreak. “Accidentally, all the writing turned into ‘Introducing: Lauren Watkins’. […] Those seven songs that we put out felt like the perfect fit for ‘Introducing: Lauren Watkins,’ because it’s about where I went to school, things I have gone through, and the way I think about things. It was just the perfect little touch of what’s to come next.”
After writing some more, her second EP fell out. “I kept writing, and that’s where ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ came in, and without saying too much, I kind of feel like this one is going to be the middle ground for what’s to come next, because I wanted to introduce me and introduce what I’ve gone through, and I feel like that’s the perfect set-up for whatever else comes next.”
Watkins’ catalog of music continues to impress both fans and the industry, and it is only a matter of time before everyone knows her name!
Connect:
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about Lauren Watkins releases.
For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.
Lauren Watkins’ 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/who-is-lauren-watkins-brayln-kelly.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2023-11-27 14:54:102023-11-27 14:54:10Who is Lauren Watkins? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music
Country Swag is committed to getting you into the hottest shows in New York City and beyond. Check below for contests and giveaways for the best upcoming events.
To enter, follow the steps and make sure you’re following @CountrySwag on Instagram for additional contests and opportunities to win.
Current Giveaways:
Ashley McBryde at Webster Hall, NYC on 12/8/23 – Win 2 tickets // BUY TICKETS
VAVO at Mulcahys, Long Island, NY on 12/8/23 – Win 2 tickets // BUY TICKETS
Nate Smith at Irving Plaza, NYC on 1/13/24 – Win 2 tickets // BUY TICKETS
Drake White at Gramercy Theatre, NYC on 3/12/23 – Win 2 tickets // BUY TICKETS
Jackson Dean at Irving Plaza, NYC on 4/11/23 – Win 2 tickets // BUY TICKETS
Step 4 – Complete the form below and select the show you are entering to win tickets to.
* One entry per show, per person *
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/TICKET-GIVEAWAY.jpg6301200Team Country Swaghttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngTeam Country Swag2023-11-21 19:35:382023-11-21 22:34:02Win Tickets to Upcoming NYC Events…
Tanner Usrey releases his brand new album, Crossing Lines, out now, November 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.
With a soulful voice and confessional lyrical style, country newcomer Tanner Usrey is sure to make a splash with his debut album, Crossing Lines. Out now, the singer-songwriter’s Atlantic Records debut combines country, southern rock, Americana, and hints of soul with an uncanny vulnerability to reveal an artist on the ride.
For the Texas native, songwriting is his key to success. “I let the songs be what they’re going to be, and I pride myself on that,” he reveals in a statement. “Musically, it ranges from southern rock to country to Americana. When it comes to songwriting, I want to focus on what’s real – I don’t shy away from saying the hard things.”
The album truly takes listeners on a journey, dealing with Usrey’s demons, self-acceptance, Texas upbringing, and love stories. “I hope you hear what you want to hear, enjoy it, resonate with it, and know it’s real,” he shares. “It’s been a wild ride. I’ve busted my ass. I started off doing all of this on my own, so it’s crazy to see how this and the team around me have grown. People are going after real music right now, and that’s great. I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.”
The album opens with the swampy and stompy “Echo in the Holler,” full of banjos, bugs, howls and harmonicas. It’s reminiscent of Marc Broussard’s “Home,” and immediately sets the stage for the LP. It’s a one two-punch between “Echo” and the album’s second track, “Guns Drugs and Allergy Pills,” which finds him longing to “make it back to Texas before I go insane.” It’s a rousing uptempo with driving guitars and twinkling pianos that make it a full on rockabilly country jam that is sure to electrify live audiences.
Crossing Lines also includes two versions of Usrey’s breakout track, “Beautiful Lies,” with a new version reimagined as a duet with Ella Langley. On the stunning ballad, the pair trade verses about a relationship that has reached its end, but they’re still holding on. “So talk to me, tell me what I need to hear // Wrap me up with your beautiful lies // And I know you’re leavin’, yeah, you’re standing at that door // And I can see the heartbreak in your eyes // So keep on telling me those beautiful lies.”
The sparse “Make You Weep” and the bittersweet “Last Goodbye” with Gracie York are both powerful and heart wrenching moments, with the latter finding the pair knowing they shouldn’t be together, determined to end things, no matter how much it hurts. On the barebones ballad, they trade verses about spending one last night together before saying goodbye, singing “Let’s make the best of our last goodbye.”
“Take Me Home Tonight” is a single-ready midtempo, finding him “way too damn drunk to drive,” as he muses over how his relationship started and where it is currently. “Got a baby on the way and a dog in the yard // We started out small but we sure came far //Yeah I just wanna be where you are.”
Usrey deals with his own demons on tracks like “Down Here at the Bottom,” “Pick Up Your Phone,” “Who I Am,” and “Crossing Lines.” Each of the tracks address his struggles with alcohol, as he muses, “Down here at the bottom ain’t as bad as it seems” and confesses “I woke up on the floor again, sweating poison from my veins, I don’t know what I’ve become, but I know that it’s something that I hate.” On the title track, he finds himself an imposter in his own life, the cheerful music a stark contrast to the lyrics. “I’m getting tired of making excuses // While my mother keeps on praying to Jesus // That I make a change from my wicked ways // But I keep on doing all the same damn things.”
One thing Usrey does incredibly well is tint his music with various genres. For example, the biting “Black Widow” offers another stomping hint of rock and soul, as Usrey proclaims “I ain’t in your web no more, baby I ain’t your fool.” Meanwhile, “Destiny” hints at a Gospel revival, featuring female background vocals for a show stopping moment. “Give It Some Time” has notes of anthemic 90’s alternative, sounding akin to some of the best acts from that period as it builds to an emotionally charged guitar solo that’s as scorching as his delivery.
With an incredibly powerful voice that can be best likened to powerhouses like Chris Stapleton, Nate Smith or Larry Fleet, Tanner Usrey was bound to be a star. Pair that voice with incredible songwriting, unique stylistic choices and unparalleled musicianship, and Crossing Lines is an absolutely stellar debut album.
Crossing Lines Tracklist:
Echo In The Holler
Guns Drugs & Allergy Pills
Take Me Home
Pick Up Your Phone
Crossing Lines
Who I Am
Give It Some Time
Beautiful Lies (feat. Ella Langley)
Last Goodbye
Black Widow
Make You Weep
Destiny
Evelyn’s Eyes (feat. Jessi England)
Down Here At The Bottom
Beautiful Lies
Country Swag Picks:
Beautiful Lies
Take Me Home
Give It Some Time
Who I Am
Last Goodbye
Tanner Usrey’s debut album, ‘Crossing Lines,’ 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 Tanner Usrey releases.
For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.
Crossing Lines is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
Who is Dasha? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…
Dasha // Photo credit: Adam Budd
Quick Facts:
Full Name – Dasha
Birthdate – 2/27/2000
Hometown – San Luis Obispo, CA
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Kacey Musgraves, SZA, Medium Build, Noah Kahan, Tyler Childers
Label – Version iii
Current Single – “Austin” (as of date of article: 11/20/23)
The Beginning:
Today’s spotlight shines on a promising entertainer has been an artist and a performer her whole life. California native, Dasha has always had a knack for songwriting and a love for music. While, she started her career creating pop music, the songstress decided to head back to her roots to create country music. We chatted with her all about the switch and her story.
“I grew up in San Luis Obispo, California. It’s a small town on the coast, and I was super influenced by my community, because they are so big on live music and songwriting. There were always writer’s rounds happening, and a very big songwriting presence in my small town,” began Dasha. While her town was not known for anything musical, the songwriting community was something that spoke to the songstress at an early age.
“I first got into the whole world of entertainment when I got into musical theater around age five. I became obsessed with performing and storytelling on stage, basically just putting on a show,” she shared. Adding, “By age eight, I picked up piano and guitar. I had always been really into poetry as a kid, too. I was a really dramatic child, so the idea of writing all of these poems about the boys I liked in class, I loved it, and it was really exciting for me. I was already songwriting without knowing what songwriting was.”
At just ten years old, Dasha found herself performing at coffee shoppes with a local songwriter, who took her under her wing. “I just kept writing and writing. I released my first song at thirteen. It was my birthday present to get a song professionally recorded.” Dasha recalls finding inspiration in powerful female artists like Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, and Avril Lavigne. She knew she wanted to be an artist.
Through high school, the singer-songwriter worked with her brother, who was into the production side of music. She spent time at her family’s studio writing as much music as she possibly could. Eventually, she headed off to Belmont University in Nashville to progress her knowledge and artistry.
The Turning Point:
With eyes only for Belmont, Dasha was on her way to chase her dream. “I got in early acceptance, and got into the songwriting program. I went out there fall of 2018 and absolutely loved it. I learned so much in my two years there. I already had a good grasp on what makes a good song, but it’s really interesting learning the names for the tools or the names for the techniques that these huge songwriters use. […] I got my songs torn apart in the best way.”
While in college, Dasha primarily wrote and recorded pop music. Eventually, during the pandemic, the singer trusted her gut, and decided to quit school in favor of moving to Los Angeles to further her budding pop career. “COVID hit in 2020, and we all got sent home. Around that time is when I decided I was going to dropout, and move to L.A. because during 2020, I had started posting my songs to TikTok and I had a few viral videos, which was awesome. It got me my management. It just felt right at the time,” she shared. She even dropped her debut album, Dirty Blonde, which consists of seventeen songs.
However, despite still loving music, she was no longer feeling drawn to pop music. “I had this epiphany and was like ‘I have to go back to my roots and start making country music again’, so in the last nine months to a year, I’ve really dove into that […] I have never had such an amazing time making music before. Music has never come so effortlessly to me before as it has with this music. It’s the beginning of this new country era.”
Today:
Flash forward to today, Dasha has spent the last nine plus months falling back in love with country music, the music she would write and create as a little girl. After two years in L.A., the songstress made the move back to Nashville yet again. “I really try to incorporate the love of rhyming and poetry and storytelling into my songs because that’s what I love about it,” she shared.
Earlier this year, Dasha shared her first country single, “Even Cowboys Cry,” which showcases her incredible talent and knack for honest storytelling. She recently followed up that single with an anthemic and haunting song called, “Austin.”
“‘Austin’ is one of my favorite songs that I’ve ever written. The story behind writing the song is really cool,” she began. “We were all writing this song called “Play Dumb.” It was like this cheating song about knowing someone’s cheating on you, but playing dumb, so you can hold on a little bit longer, and I didn’t relate to the song, so I was having trouble writing it.”
Dasha went on to add, “We were trying to get the chorus, and I was like we need to country-fy this, and Adam started playing the chords for “Austin” exactly how you hear them, and I was like that’s good, even though it wasn’t in the same key or the same chords. I started freestyling over it, and I started the chorus for “Austin”… exactly how you hear it.”
Dasha and her fellow collaborators went on to ditch the song that they were originally working on in favor of creating “Austin.” The song was done in a matter of an hour. “We started creating this whole story about this guy who kind of screws you over and you leave him at this bar, and I love how angry it is. […] It crawls under your skin, because it’s not that you’re mad – mad, it’s like you’re hurt – mad, and I feel like that emotion really comes through in that song. We wrote it in an hour, which is crazy fast for a song.”
“Even Cowboys Cry” and “Austin” are the first of four singles for Dasha, as she expands into the country must genre. With a promise of a full-length album in the works for early 2024, fans can expect a lot more of the singer coming soon. Keep her on your radar!
Connect:
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news and announcements about future Dasha releases.
Dasha’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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dUQfYVoh.jpeg13652048Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2023-11-20 22:31:182023-11-20 22:31:18Who is Dasha? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music
Tim McGraw earns his 47th number one song at country radio with his single, “Standing Room Only.” Learn more below.
Country music superstar, Tim McGraw truly transcends generations. Last year, the singer-songwriter hit a major milestone, earning his 46th number one single at country radio. Today, McGraw adds to his collection of number ones with his single, “Standing Room Only.”
Written by Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, and Patrick Murphy, “Standing Room Only” depicts the true meaning of life. The song expresses the importance of living a meaningful life that is worth remembering. It is no wonder that the song resonates with both fans and country radio alike. McGraw believes that this song speaks directly to the soul, and we tend to agree.
“Lookin’ up shakin’ my fist as the thunder rolls // Now and then on nights like this I catch a thunderbolt // I wanna live a life, live a life // Like a dollar and the clock on the wall don’t own me // Shine a light, shine a light // Like mama’s front porch when I’m lost and lonely // Start forgivin’ and start forgettin’ // Be somebody that’s worth rememberin’ // Live a life so when I die // There’s standing room only, standing room only // Standing room only, standing room only”
Congrats to McGraw and his team on their 47th number one single at country radio!
Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Tim McGraw announcements and releases.
“Standing Room Only” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tim-mcgraw.jpg6301200Erica Zismanhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2023-11-20 20:57:362023-11-20 20:57:36Tim McGraw Goes Number One at Country Radio with “Standing Room Only”
Wyatt Flores releases his brand new project, Life Lessons, out now, November 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new music here.
With a voice and style way beyond his 22 years, country newcomer Wyatt Flores is garnering quite a buzz for his country-folk stylings. Much like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan, Flores uses an emotive voice, poetic lyrics, and his guitar to fill his songs with the type of magical X-factor that’s not quite describable.
Today, the Oklahoma native released his latest project, Life Lessons. On the seven song collection, the young singer-songwriter sounds like a seasoned vet, telling tales of life in Stillwater, OK. He manages to add an uncanny maturity to his youthful take on life, while still sharing the trappings of his life thus far.
”I’m so excited to put these stories of my life into y’all’s hands. I hope that this project helps others choose a different path and one that only you can choose,” He shares in a statement. “It’s never gonna be easy and life isn’t fair but never let this world tell you how to live.”
The lyrics on the EP sum up the fact that life isn’t easy or fair, but do so in a way that’s incredibly poetic and enrapturing. “Orange Bottles” offers an especially poignant moment, beginning with a voicemail from Flores’ mother checking in, as he lyrically documents life on the road as a touring artist. “I’m so numb I can’t tell if I’m alive,” He admits. “Yeah who am I kidding? Who have I become?”
Meanwhile, “3/13” finds him apologetic and remorseful, too drunk to keep his promises as he apologizes to someone who’s always his go-to, even as he crawls from a wrecked car. “I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me after all,” He growls, voice full of emotion. “I’m sorry you’re always my last call”
“Wildcat” is somewhat of a departure for the singer, a swinging and toe-tapping uptempo that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Here he plants his tongue firmly in cheek as he recounts life in a “Friday Night Lights” sort of town adding a twist as not being a player on the team, but the team’s mascot. “I never was a macho man, but I made the folks laugh in the stands,” He sings playfully over the swinging melody.
On the previously-released “West of Tulsa” and “Holes,” Flores continues his confessional style with “West” finding him waking up in a new town, another face in the crowd. “’Cause I’ve been a girl’s last call when the bar’s closin’ down // I’ve been a guy on stage to the face in the crowd,” He sings. “Somethin’ ’bout wakin’ up in a cheap hotel // Makes me wanna be somebody to somebody else.”
Likewise “Life Lessons” and the project’s closing track “Astronaut” are relatively sparse, finding him looking inwards at his life, where he’s been and where he’s going. “Grandpa dropped out of school in the fifth grade // Grandma barely made it past the eighth // So maybe it’s alright if I only made it two weeks at Oklahoma state,” He muses, voice simultaneously laced with sarcasm and sincerity. “The kind of learning that I’m looking for // Ain’t written out on a whiteboard//I’m taking life lessons.”
On Life Lessons, Wyatt Flores proves that he’s one of music’s most promising young stars. With a poetic writing style and a passionate emotive voice, it’s only a matter of time before he’s a household name. Life Lessons is just the first chapter of what is sure to be an incredible journey for the young artist.
Life Lessons EP Tracklist:
Orange Bottles
Life Lessons
Wildcat
3/13
West of Tulsa
Holes
Astronaut
Country Swag Picks:
Astronaut
Wildcat
Life Lessons
Wyatt Flores shares brand new EP, ‘Life Lessons,’ 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 Wyatt Flores releases.
For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.
Life Lessons EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
Lauren Watkins releases her new EP, Introducing: The Heartbreak, out now, November 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.
For country singer-songwriter Lauren Watkins, her personal highs and lows have inspired her newest release, Introducing: The Heartbreak. On her Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters sophomore project, the follow up to April’s Introducing: Lauren Watkins, she offers a clever continuation of that debut project.
“Introducing: The Heartbreak is basically the next step in introducing myself and my music to the world,” shares Watkins in a statement. “First, I released Introducing: Lauren Watkins, which was just saying, ‘Here’s me, here’s where I came from, what I’m influenced by.’ This is the next step, going even deeper into who I am, what I’ve gone through, how I think about things. It’s truly introducing the heartbreak I’ve experienced, which will eventually roll out into something much bigger.”
Featuring six new tracks, all of which she co-wrote with heavy hitters like Nicolle Galyon, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Monroe, Rodney Clawson, and more, the EP takes listeners on a journey through the end of a relationship. Produced by Joey Moi, the project takes listeners through the emotions of a heartbreak, ranging from jealousy, acceptance, denial, and blame.
The Nashville native kicks things off with “Fine County Line,” a catchy and twangy pop country tune about a will-they-won’t-they relationship. “It’s a real fine county line In between your lips and mine // This kiss I know you want it // But that fence we’re stuck here on it,” She sings. “Halfway off the map // Falling hard and walking that // Real fine county line // I think it’s ‘bout time We crossed it.”
Likewise, the uncertainty continues on “The Table,” offering a unique spin on an old phrase, as a couple ponder all of the options on the table before them. On the stirring ballad, she sings, “The way he looked at me // Halfway held my hand // Didn’t have to say a thing // For us to understand // What was on the table.”
Jealousy pairs with confusion on tracks like “Jealous of Jane” and “Fly on the Wall,” both which find the singer grappling with her emotions over not wanting someone in her life, but not completely accepting that he’s moved on. On “Fly,” she trades verses with Jake Worthington, whose pristine baritone perfectly complements her emotive twang. Meanwhile, on “Jealous of Jane,” she muses that she “don’t want him back, but I don’t want him to want her.” The track is a quintessential mid-tempo country song, full of fiddle and steel for an especially special moment.
The Ole Miss grad joins forces with Carter Faith on “Cowboys on Music Row,” which is an immediate highlight of the project. Here, the pair muse over the sorry state of today’s cowboys and country singers, longing for the days of the “redheaded stranger” or a “real rodeo man.” It’s a modern take on Paula Cole’s “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?,” as they lament “Where oh, where oh, where did they go, There ain’t no cowboys on music row”
“We wrote ‘Cowboys On Music Row’ with our friends. Sitting around a tv, watching old videos of our old favorites. We looked at each other and thought “they really don’t make ‘em like they used to,” and this song is what followed,” Watkins shared on Instagram. “Although I’m proudly in the era of *new country* I’ll forever keep trying to make the old *Cowboys On Music Row* proud.”
Lastly, “Stuck In My Ways” finds Watkins embracing who she is. It’s a 90’s tinted celebration of all of her best qualities, take ‘em or leave ‘em. “I keep a six pack in the Fridge // And a rocking chair out back // I keep a light on, on the porch // And a key under the mat // I don’t park in that spot where you parked your Chevrolet // I ain’t sitting ‘round hoping you’ll come back someday // I’m just stuck in my ways // Yeah I’m stuck in my ways.”
For Lauren Watkins, Introducing: The Heartbreak shows that the singer-songwriter has no plans of slowing down. In fact, she’s taken a heartbreak and translated it into art.
Introducing: The Heartbreak EP Tracklist:
Fine County Line (Lauren Watkins, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
Jealous of Jane (Lauren Watkins, Caroline Watkins, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
Fly On The Wall (Lauren Watkins, Andy Sheridan, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)*
Stuck In My Ways (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, David Garcia, Emily Landis)
Cowboys on Music Row (Lauren Watkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Ashley Monroe, Caroline Watkins)**
The Table (Lauren Watkins, Nicolle Galyon, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
Country Swag Picks:
Cowboys on Music Row
Stuck in My Ways
The Table
Lauren Watkins shares brand new EP, ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak,’ 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 Lauren Watkins releases.
For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here.
Introducing: The Heartbreak EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/lauren-watkins-ep.jpg6301200Nicole Pieringhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2023-11-17 01:05:262023-11-17 01:05:26Lauren Watkins: ‘Introducing: The Heartbreak’ – EP Review
Brian Kelley releases new song, “How We’re Livin'” out now, November 17th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.
One half of the groundbreaking country duo, Florida Georgia Line, Brian Kelley continues to build his
solo discography with his latest release, “How We’re Livin’.” Although most of his music to this point has
taken place at the beach, the Florida-native returns to the country side of his roots in this southern-rock
anthem.
Produced by Dann Huff and co-penned with Micah Carpenter, Jimmy Robbins, and Mark Trussell, this is
a classic FGL track both musically and lyrically. Backed with heavy electric guitar, pounding rhythms, and
sampled hip-hop beats, Kelley proudly embraces the small-town lifestyle and promises to keep the old school family traditions alive and well.
“‘Round here its family tradition // It’s a long, long line of lovin’ how we’re livin’ // Can’t help it it’s a country boy condition where we spend our Johnny Cash on huntin’ and fishin'”
“How We’re Livin’” is an authentic anthem celebrating family tradition and country living,” Kelley shared
in a recent press release. “Most people know my love for the beach, but I’ve been in a cowboy hat since
birth… I’m constantly inspired by everything around me, and these lyrics really do reflect a genuine
connection to my roots and what’s influencing my forthcoming debut album.”
This song follows the sentimental “Dirt Cheap” and his top 30 radio single,” “See You Next Summer.”
Kelley has a handful of shows left in 2023, including an acoustic show on Long Island at Mulcahys Pub in
Wantagh. For tickets, head to his website!
Brian Kelley shares new song, “How We’re Livin’,” 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 Brian Kelley releases.
“How We’re Livin'” 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.
https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/brian-kelley-new-song.jpg6301200Dylan Bestlerhttp://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDylan Bestler2023-11-17 01:04:062023-11-17 01:04:06Brian Kelley Shares Brand New Song “How We’re Livin'” Out Now
