Jimmie Allen Releases Noteworthy Collaboration Project ‘Bettie James’

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Jimmie Allen, Bettie James

With the exception of a few remixes and covers, fans of Jimmie Allen have not been given new music since his 2018 debut album Mercury Lane. Still, the “Best Shot” singer has maintained his spot in country music and has developed a devoted community through social media. With his growing fanbase, Bettie James is here to reintroduce Allen in a way that could not have been more anticipated, in the very best way: with a collaborative project.

With six, out of seven, unreleased tracks with entertainers such as Nelly, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and more, Bettie James works as a mesh of creatively diverse tracks. There are feel-good, powerhouse songs, estranged love ballads, inspirational messages laid over music, and reflective lyrics that contemplate tragedy and, in another production, potential growth.

Bettie James was undoubtedly worth the wait, not only for Allen’s listeners but for country music as a whole. It showcases a grown, matured, and versatile artist who is capable of honesty and vulnerability as well as performing those country music classics that get people moving and grooving. Not only does it provide Allen with a chance to redefine himself in a multifaceted, cross-genre way, but the well-known contributors are able to play with their preferred style of music, too. For instance, “Made for These” practically demands Tim McGraw’s involvement since it walks the same line as McGraw’s 2004 hit, “Live Like You Were Dying”. Additionally, “Freedom Was A Highway” aligns with Brad Paisley’s high-esteemed inclinations to incorporate a dense, electric riff.

Further exploring a mix of genre-bending music from top to bottom, the album kicks off with the infectious and fan-favorite “Good Times Roll” featuring Nelly and ends with the final and seventh track, “This Is Us” featuring Noah Cyrus. Fans got a bit of an early taste for each of these two tracks. While the latter was released on its own in February, Allen also began including a sneak peek of “Good Times Roll” in his live show as early as December 2019. Check out the video below for a clip of the live performance.

Although, Bettie James in its entirety is a true gift, there are two notable pieces, and it would be a great disservice if “Drunk & I Miss You” and “Why Things Happen” were not specifically given the words, and the space, to officially discuss and acclaim. The former is with Mickey Guyton and the melody practically sends the listener into a dizzying mental state, as if a camera is rotating 360° around an object to cause chaos and confusion. It only adds to the anguish and desperation of the song, though the mixed feelings of honesty battled with alcohol-induced longing creates a conflicted, muddled mental state that allows the track to be what it is. And, it’s great.

“Why Things Happen”, with Charley Pride and Darius Rucker, takes on a more serious route with the lyrics searching for answers as to, well, why things happen as they do. It’s political, without having to get political. And, it’s an emotional, thought-provoking production that tugs at the heart-strings. With Rucker’s natural tremble in his voice and Pride’s established, rough yet muted tone intertwining with each other and echoing Allen, a full-blast exploratory creation is born that leaves us wanting more.

Bettie James is an epiphanic, significant and well-built project from Allen that takes you on a whirlwind of emotions in seven tracks, leaving you dazed and confused, in the very best way.

To keep up with Jimmie Allen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Bettie James is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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NYCS First Impression: Brett Eldredge ‘Sunday Drive’

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Brett Eldredge Sunday Drive

 

“Why do I, always try, to run away from you?” Brett Eldredge asked on his 2017 self-titled album. At the time, the closer, “Castaway” was the most vulnerable he had ever gotten with fans. On his latest release Sunday Drive, out today, July 10th, Eldredge has stopped running from himself and embraced everything he used to shy away from. Lyrically, sonically and personally, this is Eldredge’s bravest piece of work.

The opener is the overwhelmingly joyous “Where The Heart Is”, co-written by Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Tyler Johnson. The acoustic guitar is folksy and the soaring strings and harmonies add an extra layer of depth. “Where’d you lose your sense of wonder? / The firework goin’ off in your head / ’Cause there was a time we weren’t thinkin’, we were flyin’ / We were alive / I wanna feel alive.” Next is “The One You Need” which follows the same energy. It’s in the same vein as “Love Is A Wild Thing” by Kacey Musgraves – it’s ethereal in its sound and lyrically, about finding a love you can trust.

Eldredge collaborated with Ian Fichituk and Daniel Tashian, who are responsible for projects like Musgraves’ Golden Hour, Little Big Town’s Nightfall, and their band, Skyline Motel’s After Dark. “I couldn’t imagine having created this album with anyone other than Ian and Daniel, who are both incredible and so musically inclined,” Eldredge stated in a press release. “I’ve always wanted to have more space for my voice, not only vocally but also lyrically, and they provided a way for me to do that with this beautiful music. Collaborating with them helped take this album to wonderfully different places, introducing me to a unique sound that is unlike any of my other records.”

Songs like “Fall For Me” and “Then You Do” are two of the more starry-eyed, poppy vibes on the project, while tracks like “Magnolia”, “When I Die”, and “Fix a Heart” lean on the Americana/Triple A-side. Eldredge’s love of indie-pop, traditional country, and swing jazz are sprinkled in each song differently. Sometimes it’s through a slide guitar or a brush drum, or through the storytelling and powerful vocal delivery. No matter the track, everything remains cohesive.

“I knew I had to do things differently this time, so I threw caution to the wind and got away from all that I was comfortable with in order to go deeper,” Eldredge said. “I didn’t even listen to the radio for a year because I didn’t want to know what music somebody else was making. Not because I don’t care, but because I had to figure out what I needed to say for myself. By making sure I wasn’t being influenced by anything other than what my heart was saying, I was able to write what I wanted to, which was important. Recording this album ended up being the most powerful thing I’ve ever been a part of.”

“Sunday Drive”, the title track and the only song that Eldredge didn’t have a hand in writing, and closer “Paris, Illinois”, are beautifully cinematic and atmospheric. Eldredge’s love of the blue-eyed soul is at it’s most prominent, and you can hear the emotion in his voice telling the story. “And that’s where I learned it all, from them / To fight, to love, to laugh again / Man, I thought we were only wasting time / Out on a Sunday drive”. Eldredge grew up in a map-dot town, but it doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are; these stories are universal, and a reminder of how much we share in common. “Paris, Illinois”, is truly a musical moment. The minute-long outro feels like the end of an old-school black-and-white movie, where there’s a convertible going down the road in slow motion. It’s as if the credits are rolling, and you can take in the whole picture that is Sunday Drive. It’s reflective and classic, which is exactly what the album is.

“You have to give yourself permission to do anything in life, to be brave a little bit,” Eldredge explained. “I got to a certain point where I felt like I wasn’t giving enough of myself and it took a lot of self-awareness to finally realize that if I do have more in me, then I’ve got to step up and take that step off the edge.”

Eldredge did more than just take that step off the edge. He opened his heart, jumped, and took a chance that resulted in this timeless album. In 50 years, when people talk about Brett Eldredge, this is the record they’ll remember. It’s not about radio airplay or hit chasing. It’s about taking the long way down a road until you know where you’re going. He held on to these messages and songs for a long time, and it may have taken 7 years and a few detours, but Brett Eldredge has finally arrived.

 

SUNDAY DRIVE TRACKLIST

1. Where the Heart Is – Brett Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tyler Johnson
2. The One You Need – Brett Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Rogers
3. Magnolia – Brett Eldredge, Scooter Carusoe
4. Crowd My Mind – Brett Eldredge, Ross Copperman
5. Good Day – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
6. Fall For Me – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
7. Sunday Drive – Barry Dean, Don Mescall, Steve Robson
8. When I Die – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
9. Gabrielle – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk
10. Fix A Heart – Brett Eldredge, Scooter Carusoe
11. Then You Do – Brett Eldredge, Scooter Carusoe
12. Paris Illinois – Brett Eldredge, Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk

 

NYCS Staff Picks:
Where The Heart Is
Sunday Drive
Then You Do
The One You Need
Fall For Me

 

To keep up with Brett Eldredge, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Sunday Drive’ 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.

 

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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NYCS First Impression: Tenille Townes ‘The Lemonade Stand’

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Tenille Townes Lemonade Stand

It has been a long journey, but we have finally arrived at The Lemonade Stand, emerging country artist Tenille Townes’ debut album. Produced by Jay Joyce, the Canadian musician continues to showcase her creative songwriting skills with five new songs compiled with previous tracks from her Road to the Lemonade Stand EP and Living Room Worktapes, including the emotional “Jersey on the Wall” and her Billboard-charting hit “Somebody’s Daughter.” The virtual video interview below, Townes talks to us about what fans can expect from the record.

“The Lemonade Stand is a collection of songs that mean so much to me and are the way I see the world in this season of my life right now,” Townes shared. “I want this music to be like a gathering place, where people can come and be filled up. I hope this record reminds people of who they are, that they are not alone, and reminds them of their dreams.”

“Jersey on the Wall” and “Somebody’s Daughter” touch on two themes that we have never heard on country radio before. “Jersey on the Wall,” tells the story of a high school student who passed away in a car accident, which compels the singer to question God on tragedy and other aspects of life. In “Somebody’s Daughter,” which peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot Country Charts, she sings about a homeless woman on the corner of the street. That woman is a person too, just like herself, which makes Townes wonder how that woman got there and why she’s the one driving by in her car and not the one holding the cardboard sign.

 As for the rest of the album, love is a major theme and it is expressed in various ways. It could be as simple as “The Way You Look Tonight” featuring Keelan Donovan, where the two just describe how looking at the other person makes them feel. In “Lighthouse,” Townes explains that the two people in any given relationship need to be there for each other to guide them through hardships. In one of the previously released tracks, “White Horse,” she explains how your love story doesn’t have to be one out of a fairy tale; love comes in all different forms.

“Maybe not the way I was dreaming of / But you rode in and won my love / And now I’m finally on the right course / Who needs a white horse?”

As those songs describe love in relationships, there are songs about trying to find love as well, which is represented in “Find You,” “Where You Are,” and “Holding Out for the One.” In both “Find You” and “Where You Are,” Townes describes how relentless she would be and all the things she would do to find love. “Holding Out for the One” is a fun, upbeat song where she turns down every guy trying to pick her up at the bar because she knows none of them are “the one” and she is saving her heart for that person.

“I’m not the girl with her high heels in her hand / In last night’s little black party dress / Yeah, maybe I’m a little bit different I guess / But I ain’t giving my heart to just anyone / No, I’m holding out for the one”

“I Kept the Roses” is a vintage sounding ballad and the lone break-up song on the record. In this song, Townes sings about physical things from her former relationship that she has gotten rid of or given up, like the pictures, his t-shirts, the bar they went to, and even the friends they hung out with, to erase certain memories they once shared. However, the one thing she kept was the roses he bought her to show that there was good that came from it. Relationships, good or bad, shape the person you are today and she doesn’t want to forget what love feels like.

Townes touches on faith in ballads, “The Most Beautiful Things” and “When I Meet My Maker.” The latter is a Townes solo write and is not your typical song in terms of structure; it’s more of a poem. In it, she talks about the day she arrives in heaven and what her first conversation with God will be like. To hear more about “When I Meet My Maker”, check out our exclusive interview below. In “The Most Beautiful Things,” she lists things in life such as sunsets, shooting stars, and diamonds that are visually stunning. However, she states the things in life that are the most beautiful are the ones we cannot see, like love and faith.

“So why do we close our eyes / When we pray, cry, kiss, dream / Maybe the most beautiful things in this life are felt and never seen”

One of our favorite songs on the record, “Come As You Are” goes in its own category. Conveniently placed in the middle of the record, “Come As You Are” serves as the feel-good, party track to break up all the different emotions Townes makes us feel throughout The Lemonade Stand. This song is a reminder that it’s okay to let your worries go once in a while, let loose and just be yourself.

“Life is a party on a rooftop / So just go ahead and let your heart stop / All you gotta do is bring what you got / ‘Cause this elevator only goes up”

“This record is the dream that I had when I was a seven-year-old kid singing along in the backseat of the car,” Townes admitted. “She would really be freaking out right now.”

And the “freak-out” is well deserved. This album is a true reflection of Townes and her craft. Listeners can easily tell she poured her heart into this record by how genuine each and every lyric is. We understand how difficult it can be to honestly express yourself as a female in a male-dominated genre. We hope that young and talented musicians like herself motivate others to tell their stories and follow the same path. If Townes is the source of inspiration for aspiring female country artists, then the industry is in very good hands.

 

The Lemonade Stand Track List:

  1. Holding Out for the One (Tenille Townes/Marc Beeson/Daniel Tashian)
  2. Where You Are (Tenille Townes/Daniel Tashian/Keelan Donovan)
  3. Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking) (Tenille Townes/Tina Parol/Gordie Sampson)
  4. Lighthouse (Tenille Townes/Dan Agee)
  5. White Horse (Tenille Townes/Jeremy Spillman/Daniel Tashian)
  6. I Kept the Roses (Tenille Townes/Dustin Christensen/Chris Gelbuda)
  7. When I Meet My Maker (Tenille Townes)
  8. Come as You Are (Tenille Townes/Marc Beeson/Daniel Tashian)
  9. The Way You Look Tonight (Tenille Townes/Daniel Tashian/Keelan Donovan)
  10. Find You (Tenille Townes/Sacha Skarbek/Daniel Tashian)
  11. Somebody’s Daughter (Tenille Townes/Luke Laird/Barry Dean)
  12. The Most Beautiful Things (Tenille Townes/Gordie Sampson/Josh Kear)

 

NYCS Picks:

  1. Jersey on the Wall
  2. Somebody’s Daughter
  3. Holding Out for the One
  4. Come As You Are

Keep up with Tenille Townes by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Lemonade Stand 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.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS First Impression Nick Wayne American Original EP

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Nick Wayne EP

Nashville is filled with a plethora of unsigned and ridiculously talented artists, and one of the most striking in Music City would be Nick Wayne. Wayne is one of the few born and raised in Nashville, cultivating a unique and soulful sound that’s resulted in projects like his new EP, American Original.

The title track and the first on the EP was written by Wayne, Bob DiPiero, and Jason Grant. It’s the most country-rock of the collection and has the same vibe production-wise as “Ex To See” by Sam Hunt. Lyrically, it’s a foot-stomping, feel-good song about his love for fiancé and fellow singer-songwriter Hannah Ellis. “That needle hits the groove/And she moves/In her own direction”, Wayne sings on the first verse, before sailing into the chorus, where he declares that his love is “an American original”. Melodically, there are a lot of effortless note changes that come when you least expect them to. It’s a song made to be played in the car with your friends, sung at the top of your lungs.

Next is the soulful and groovy “Just Getting Started”, written by Wayne, Trent Harmon, and Mark Trussell. Dispersed throughout the entirety of the song are some really great samples of concert crowds, a busy bar, and glasses clinking. Rhythmically, it’s the most pop/r&b of the bunch, almost sounding like a Niall Horan cut. Something that Wayne does seamlessly is he combines multiple different sounds and genres together, making for something distinctive that sounds like him. The harmonies in this song hit you out of nowhere, and it showcases his vocal versatility.

The closer is the upbeat, almost traditional country track, “Hang On, My Wife’s Calling”, written by Wayne, Jason Massey, and Mark Trussell. It’s made to sound like it was performed outside during a party of some kind, intentionally casual. The guitar is cool rhythmically and melodically. Wayne sets the scene, describing the party he’s at and the shots he’s about to drink with his friends when he pauses from “the buzz in his pocket…/Woah, hang on my wife’s calling”, to which his friends laugh. He continues to answer his phone throughout the whole night, because “guys like me/don’t get girls like her”. There’s tambourine that hits by the second chorus that makes it even hookier. It’s a breezy, fun way to end the EP.

Nick Wayne has released other projects before, and each time he does, he raises the bar even higher than before. He’s got an incredible, smooth voice, and a real ear for hooks and rhymes, and continues to challenge himself and his fans sonically. There are big things ahead of Wayne, and it will be exciting to see and hear what happens next.

To keep up with Nick Wayne, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

American Original 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.

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Gabby Barrett ‘Goldmine’

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Gabby Barrett Goldmine

Gabby Barrett’s biggest strength, besides her powerhouse voice and killer songwriter’s instinct, is her ability to not take no for an answer. For any female artist, unfortunately, it is a feat to get played on country radio. The NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch never let that stop her: “I Hope”, her debut single, went #1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, Billboard’s Country Streaming Songs chart, and Country Digital Sales Chart. Her follow up single, “The Good Ones” has surpassed 10 million streams and it was just sent to country radio. Her debut album, Goldmine is out today, June 19th, and is as much of a firecracker as Barrett is.

Prior to the release, NYCountry Swag caught up with Barrett for a virtual interview to chat about the record, her songwriting, and her incredible career so far. Check it out in the video below.

“Thank God”, is the album’s second track following bonafide hit “I Hope”, and was co-written by Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite and, Jimmy Robbins. The lyrics explore Barrett’s don’t-take-no-for-an-answer attitude, and on the first verse, she sings, “Not having that much money/Led to dreaming that much more/And that got me to Nashville, trying to knock down slamming doors”. It’s an upbeat anthem all about being thankful for all the hardships in her life because they led her to where she is now, and she is a better person because of it.

Barrett co-wrote all but one song on the album, with the title track, “Goldmine” being the exception. The production on this song is reminiscent of an old Carrie Underwood record, and it suits her style perfectly. Caitlyn Smith is one of the writers, and although it sounds very Gabby Barrett, there’s something about the chorus and the way the lyrics are woven into the melody that also screams Smith. “Goldmine” showcases Barrett’s unbelievable range sonically and vocally. “If your kisses are your riches/then you’ve hit the jackpot”, she sings on the chorus. The track has self-confidence mixed with gratitude for her partner.

Every song on her record sounds like a hit. It’s not that there are no evocative moments on the record; “The Good Ones”, “Strong”, and “Got Me”, the latter featuring Christian duo Shane&Shane are songs where it’s clear that they’re coming straight from Barrett’s heart. Barrett’s love for her husband, family, and her faith are all strong themes throughout the record. Yet, even in the deepest of her songs, the ear-candy hooks and production buildups allow each and every song to be radio-ready while still remaining personal.

“I am so excited that my first album is finally complete,” Barrett shared in a press release. “I’ve been writing for this project for almost two years, pulling together who I am as an artist and working hard with my team to make this album an expression of that. To see it come together like this feels amazing and is such a huge blessing.”

A moment where Barrett absolutely shines is on “Hall of Fame”. There’s something very youthful and summer-esque about it, and it’s addictively catchy. The song opens with an acoustic guitar lick that’s unlike anything else on country radio. Lyrically, it’s very universal, but there are little phrases that she and the songwriters were able to flip on their heads. “Living to the rhythm of your heartbeat/Beats everything I’ve ever felt,” she sings on the first verse. The chorus is describing her relationship with husband Cade Foehner, and why she feels like it belongs in the “hall of fame”. “For the way you look at me/It should all go down in history/They’d hang your picture on the wall and write your name/If love had a hall of fame.”

There’s a willingly naive part of Gabby Barrett and an older-than-she is maturity that spreads throughout the whole album. That in part has to do with her being only 20, yet taking on the responsibility of being a wife and having a rising career. This reflects in her choice of co-writers, who are a mix of seasoned veteran writers, like Liz Rose and Josh Kear, current hit-makers, like Nicolle Galyon and Ross Copperman and newer, emerging writers, like Trannie Anderson and Emily Landis.

If this debut album is any indication, music fans will be hearing Gabby Barrett’s name for a long time. She is full of fire and has grit, while also displaying grace and class. In the words of Barrett herself, she seems to have hit the jackpot.

To keep up with Gabby Barrett, you can find her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Goldmine 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.

Goldmine Track List & Songwriters
1. “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
2. “Thank God” (Gabby Barrett, Nicolle Galyon, Jon Nite, Jimmy Robbins)
3. “Write It on My Heart” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
4. “Footprints on the Moon” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite)
5. “You’re the Only Reason” (Gabby Barrett, Ross Copperman, Josh Kear)
6. “Goldmine” (Nicolle Galyon, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Rose)
7. “The Good Ones” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick)
8. “Jesus & My Mama” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Cliff Downs, Marti Dodson)
9. “Hall of Fame” (Gabby Barrett, Adam Doleac, Trannie Anderson, Zach Kale)
10. “Got Me” feat. Shane & Shane (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Shane Barnard, Cade Foehner, Bryan Fowler)
11. “Rose Needs a Jack” (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Joe Clemmons)
12. “Strong” (Gabby Barrett, Emily Weisband, Ross Copperman)
13. “I Hope” feat. Charlie Puth (Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Jon Nite, Charlie Puth)

NYCS Staff Picks:

Hall of Fame
Strong
I Hope
Thank God

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Gone West ‘Canyons’

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Gone West Canyons

It officially feels like summer. The weather is warm, you can smell the summer rain before it hits, and the wind is blowing in that windows-down way that only occurs over the next few months. As places and cities start to re-open and life starts to resume in a revised way, new music is just the thing needed to kick off this new chapter of life. Gone West’s debut album, Canyons is perfect for all these things — summer, slowing down, reflecting, and beginnings.

The album’s opener is “Gone West”, a self-titled song that sums up the band’s story. In some way or another, each band member goes west to feel recharged and to feel like themselves. Whether it be Texas, Hawaii, California, Iowa, or their current home, Nashville, they’ve “gone west to bring the best back” with them. The band consists of four members: Colbie Callait, Nelly Joy, Jason Reeves, and Justin Kawika Young. Callait and Reeves have been close friends for over a decade, writing and producing songs like the award-winning “Bubbly” and the hit “I Never Told You”. Reeves is married to Joy, a fellow singer-songwriter, and is close friends with Callait. Young and Callait were formerly engaged and has been Callait’s guitar player for over a decade, and has had his own impressive solo career. Together, the four formed a band.

Songs like “Slow Down”, “Knew You” and “Tides” all have the beachy, ethereal vibes of Callait’s Californian and Young’s Hawaiian roots. “Slow Down” was written by the band and producer Jamie Kenney. “You make me want to slow down/Baby, make it easy/I’ll take the long way ‘round/Just as long as you’re with me”, the band harmonizes on the chorus. “Slow Down” sounds like driving down the California coast. Channeling their love of Bob Marley is “Knew You”, the reggae-country breakup jam that is perfect to listen to at the beach.

Despite this being the debut album from Gone West, they have such a distinct sound that is heard throughout the entire record. It’s reminiscent of Callait and Young’s earlier work and similar to the music of Jack Johnson and Gavin DeGraw. It’s a perfect blend of country, folk, pop, and reggae rolled into one.

There are quite a few breakup songs sung by Callait and Young that fit the theme of parting ways with a loved one and starting over. Among them are songs like “Home Is Where The Heartbreak Is” and their current top 30 single “What Could’ve Been”. “I’m Never Getting Over You”, a fan favorite off Gypsy Heart written by Callait, Reeves, and the legendary Liz Rose. The once poppy song is now a heartbreaking ballad about a love that needs to end, even though both parties still love each other. Another standout is “When To Say Goodbye”, which echoes the previous songs. It’s about two people parting ways because they know they loved as much as they could, and “real love knows when to say goodbye.”

“This Time” and “Tides” are the stunning reflections of life. “This Time” has magical, swirling harmonies that are reminiscent of The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac. “Tides”, the closer, has dreamy, oceanside guitar and vocals, and it exudes happiness and serenity. There is something nostalgic about it that makes it sound like it’s looking back at the other 12 songs like memories in the past.

Gone West has captured literal lightning in a bottle on Canyons; each song tells a melodic and lyrical story, and it feels like a timeless tale that can be told over and over again. There’s no doubt that it will. It’s effortless, thought-provoking, yet simple. It’s hard to make the perfect album, but Gone West comes pretty close to doing so. Country albums like this are rare, and it will be exciting to see what comes next for the group.

To keep up with Gone West, you can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Canyons 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.

NYCS Picks:

When To Say Goodbye
Gone West
Slow Down
Tides
This Time

Gone West Canyons Tracklist:

Gone West
Slow Down
What Could’ve Been
When To Say Goodbye
Knew You
Confetti
I’m Never Getting Over You
Gamblin’ Town
Talkin’ Bout You
R&R
Home Is Where The Heartbreak Is
This Time
Tides

 

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Tyler Farr ‘Only Truck In This Town’

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Tyler Farr EP

Tyler Farr hit the ground running amidst the mud and the backroads since the five years since his last album release Suffer In Peace. Known for hits “A Guy Walks Into A Bar” and “Whiskey In My Water,” Farr has released his long-awaited EP Only Truck In Town this past Friday.

The title-track “Only Truck In Town” is heavily guitar-stricken, highlighting Farr’s raspy vocals in this backroads love song. This past Saturday, June 6th, the official music video for the track premiered on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown.

“Soundtrack to a Small Town Sundown” takes on an oppositional vibe from the kickoff track with picked fretwork and a mid-tempo beat. It discusses the impact of music, the powerful connotation it can, or cannot hold. Every moment, every story, every town owns a curated soundtrack. One song can take you back anywhere. He sings: “Should’ve heard it in a parking lot dark // Like a match lighting backseat sparks // I knew I had her when the Silverado speakers started singing what I couldn’t // What I should’ve, yeah // Should’ve heard the first time I kissed her // Just don’t sound the same now // That light, it was perfect, it was like a soundtrack to a small town sundown.”

“I Wish Dogs Could Live Forever” catches your attention immediately because who doesn’t wish their pet could live with them forever. It’s a confessional ballad that expresses all the memories that the protagonist and their dog would do together while the chorus lists all heartbreaking things that he wishes wouldn’t happen. “Heaven In Dirt” closes out the EP with its immense contemporary country influences.

“You got me flying on a cloud right now // The way you look in that rearview sure makin’ me want to // Pull it over, maybe slow it on down // Let your wild go crazy, slide on over here baby // Take our time, let the night get to work // Girl, you’re makin’ these backroads feel like heaven on dirt”

The singer shared his excitement on Instagram on the EP’s release date noting, “After 5 years, I’m proud to say my new EP is out! My buddy @jasonaldean produced it and I’m excited for y’all to give it a listen. You’ve really been patient and I can’t thank you enough for the support all these years. Check out #OnlyTruckInTown at the link in my bio.”

Aldean also expressed his excitement writing, “The EP is out today just to give you a taste of what is coming your way. Crank it!”

Nearing the end of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, this disease has really hit home for Farr. His wife is a critical care nurse who worked in the COVID unit in Franklin, Tennessee. He’s been an avid advocate for frontline workers and essential workers.

To keep up with Tyler Farr follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Only Truck In Town Tracklist

1. Only Truck In Town — Ben Hayslip, Deric Ruttan, Josh Thompson

2. Soundtrack To A Small Town Sundown — Jonathan Singleton, Jon Nite

3. I Wish Dogs Could Live Forever — Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace

4. Heaven On Dirt — Jeremy Bussey, Taylor Phillips, Jordan Rager, Michael Tyler

Only Truck In Town EP 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Chris Bandi Self Titled EP

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Chris Bandi EP

We knew long before his record deal that it was just a matter of time before singer-songwriter Chris Bandi made it in the country music scene. The NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch made his major-label debut with his hit, “Man Enough Now,” and now is releasing his self-titled debut EP, filled with seven impressive tunes.

“I feel like I started making this EP 7 years ago when I first moved to Nashville,” Bandi shared on his social media, even acknowledging his early days. “From every open mic night, to writer’s room, to show throughout the years, I’m so proud of this EP and the hard work that everyone involved has put in. It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for you’ll to hear it.”

Beginning with “Dirt On Me,” the singer shows off his songwriting flair with a title that appears to be one thing, but is another. The guitar-heavy tune is an honest account of mistakes made, experiences had, and people that have come and gone that make up Bandi’s unique story. He sings “I got pages of me that are hard looking back on / regret written into my skin like a tattoo,” admitting later, that you don’t have to look far, if you want some dirt on him.

The next song is an ode to music. “Leave It To A Song” is as relatable as can be. Bandi sings about how music is always there for you, and ironically, this song can now be added to that list of songs. “When you need a real good / feel good / throwback feeling that you ain’t felt in so long / leave it to a love song to take you back in time / leave it to a song to get you feeling right”

In the same vein, “Free” talks about how the best things in life are free. The old cliche rings true through gritty lyrics and a fresh and exciting arrangement. The song has a gospel feel, during the hook, and a Sam Hunt vibe in the verse, where Bandi talks some of the lyrics. His versatility shines through on this track, and in the feel-good, flirty, adventure-seeking song “What If We Don’t.”

On the contrary, Bandi’s “Would Have Loved Her” is touching in a completely different way. The song is a heartfelt and heartbreaking piano tune, where the singer croons about meeting a girl that he knows his late father would have loved. In one of his live performances on Instagram, Bandi called this song one of his favorites that he’s ever written, and we agree.

“They Make Whiskey” is the other slower tune off the record. The break-up slow jam is a back and forth about all the reasons things were made. Of course, whiskey was made to get over an ex. “And they make little bars on the edge of town / for getting lost / for getting found / and hanging around / for more than a round or two”

If there was one word to describe Bandi’s new project, it would be honest. Each and every song off the record is an honest, personal, and fresh anecdote into the singer-songwriter’s life and journey. Know for his debut single, “Man Enough Now,” Bandi utilizes that platform to express different parts of his life throughout the new project. The single sits as the closer of the record, and no matter how many times we hear it, it remains as one of our favorites.

To keep up with Chris Bandi follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Would Have Loved Her”
  2. “Man Enough Now”

 

Chris Bandi EP Tracklist:

  1. “Dirt On Me”
  2. “Leave It To A Song”
  3. “Would Have Loved Her”
  4. “Free”
  5. “They Make Whiskey”
  6. “What If We Don’t”
  7. “Man Enough Now”

 Chris Bandi EP 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley ‘Snake Oil’

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Diplo Thomas Wesley Snake Oil

The year is 2015. You are at the club with your friends when you hear Justin Bieber’s synthesized voice sing “I need you, I need you, I need you the most” over the speakers and everyone in the crowd screams in excitement. The producer behind the Grammy Award-winning song, “Where Are Ü Now” is Thomas Wesley, better known as American DJ, Diplo. If you were a betting man/woman, you would have never guessed Diplo would drop a country-inspired album, but here in 2020, we don’t know what to expect anymore. Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil released today (May 29).

Although raised in Miami, Florida, Diplo was born in Tupelo, Mississippi – the same town in which Elvis Presley was born, so country music was always in his blood. He first dipped his feet in the industry when he released his remix to the popular Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus hit, “Old Town Road,” but received even more attention with his collaboration with country star, Morgan Wallen on “Heartless.” The song is being played on both mainstream pop and country radio and was recently certified platinum; it is becoming a staple in Wallen’s live set as well. A remix to the song with Julia Michaels was released earlier this year and all three songs appear on the new album. Michaels, who has been working with a lot of country artists as of late, also appears on the eighth song on the record, “Real Life Stuff” with Clever. Over an acoustic guitar and thumping bass, Michaels sings about wanting a real relationship with her significant other.

Although we would classify this as an EDM album, there are some real aspects of country on it. The Intro sets the mood and puts the listener inside an old western saloon. Orville Peck, the featured artist on the track, talks over an acoustic guitar, saying he wishes there was more trouble in this town. In “So Long,” Cam sings about a troubled man who acts independent but is really looking for love. Diplo adds produced-sounding string instruments to the chorus, including a fiddle, that is the perfect representation of this new sub-genre he has created.

“I know you’re fine doing life on your own / that doesn’t mean you should spend it alone / ‘Cause boy, you’ve been flying low for so long / but I think it’s time to give your heart / your heart what it wants”

Diplo gives us a brand new version of the classic square dance in “Do si do” and it’s no surprise he chose “The Git Up” singer, Blanco Brown, to feature on this track. Brown gives the dance’s instructions in a whisper and harmonica solos serve as the bass drops in the song. “Heartbreak,” featuring Ben Burgess, is probably the most country-sounding song on the album. Burgess paints the fictional picture of a whole bar strip closed by eight o’clock because no one needs alcohol to drown the pain and every song playing on the jukebox is a party song. To the average person, this isn’t an ideal situation. However, Burgess is content with his not-so-perfect life because “heartbreak makes the world go ‘round.” Instead of being upset about his break-up, he is going to raise his glass to the fact that there are better days ahead.

Diplo Snake Oil

Photo Credit: Mason Poole

Paying tribute to your roots is a classic theme in country music and Diplo covers it on this album with “Hometown.” Zac Brown and Danielle Bradberry play the role of a couple who would like to get to know each other better. They decide to visit their respected hometowns together so they can learn more about each other’s pasts and make sense of why they are the way they are now.

“We’ll pump gas before we pay for it / on some backroad, ain’t got no name for it / Headlight shining ‘til forever /Promise you gon’ know me better”

Other more pop-inspired songs we love are “Lonely” with the Jonas Brothers, “On Mine” with Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter Noah Cyrus, and “Dance With Me” with Young Thug and country star, Thomas Rhett. “Dance With Me” has some funk vibes to it, which are familiar to Rhett, as songs such as “South Side,” “I Feel Good,” “Country Gold” and “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” are all funk-infused.

This album is a great representation of Diplo’s roots, showcasing his creativity, and how versatile these modern country singers are with their cross-genre collaborations. As we are beginning to see many artists blend the genre lines, we believe it will introduce fans of all music to the country genre and give them a taste of what makes our industry so special! Although we are unsure if any of these will be embraced by country radio as positively as “Heartless” was, we feel these songs will fit perfectly into the fun vibes that lower Broadway brings to Nashville and country music fans.

NYCS Picks

  1. Hometown
  2. Heartbreak
  3. Dance With Me

Keep up with Diplo by following him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil is now 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

NYCS First Impression: Kip Moore ‘Wild World’

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Kip Moore Wild World

“She said, ‘Ooh baby, it’s a wild world” are the first lyrics in the chorus of the title track of Kip Moore’s fourth studio album available today (5/29). While that sentiment couldn’t ring truer during a global pandemic, Moore has forged ahead with the release of his highly anticipated project, giving fans just what the world might need right now, a little bit of musical medicine.

Opening with a song that he first played for attendees of CRS (Country Radio Seminar) back in February in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium, “Janie Blu”, the story of a lost girl from his past that he is clinging to.  Moore has a way of filling the entire space in a song with a smattering of instruments while his lyrics are insightful and quietly express the story. The project was recorded live with a full band to capture the full emotion of each of songs.

Throughout the project, Moore’s vocals sound better than they’ve ever been, intentional yet breezy. He sings each word with conviction, something that fans have gravitated towards since his debut album and sing back to him with the same confidence during his live shows.

One of the many highlights on Wild World comes at the very end of “Fire and Flame” where after several cathedral-like chords,  Moore echos the chorus one final time as if speaking a confessional. “Someday I might find my way to heaven and Lord I hope there’s still room on that train / if you’re looking for me tonight, I’ll be out here burning bright, somewhere between the fire and flame”. The reflective track acts as a mirror showing the internal struggle you face as you grow older, trading in your vices for better practices.

“Music is the one thing where I really try to unveil where I’m at mentally, where my soul is,” the MCA Nashville recording artist explains in a press release. “As you get older, you start thinking about bigger concepts and where you fit in the grand scheme of this whole thing, and I’ve always lived my life simple. But the more I’ve lived, the more I understand that all this stuff we crave and seek, I see how much of life is smoke and mirrors. When I strip it down to the bare essentials, that’s when I’m the most happy.”

Although songs are written, recorded, and produced sometimes years before they become available for fans to hear, the title track seems as if Moore and songwriter Josh Miller could predict the crazy world they would be releasing this treasure into. “Wild World” reads like a list of advice a parent would give to their sons or daughters all the while, encouraging childlike wonder and to ultimately give up control. “Mama said, “Wild man, won’t you listen?” / Every second is God given / So forgive yourself, you’re just a man / And he’s too big for us to understand” he sings.

Moore’s version of a simple love song, “More Than Enough” highlights an effortless declaration that no matter what challenges may arise, a strong relationship can face anything. “I say the grass is pretty green right here, and this glass is past full, baby, cheers / to you, to me, to life and dreams, to all the little simple things / like this little piece of land that we’re on right now,” he croons in the second verse. “If it gets any better, hell, I don’t know how”.

“South” has a distinct sound, instantly catching your ear as Moore reminiscences of a summer romance over a bright cross-picking guitar while “Crazy For You Tonight” is sonically simple and sensual. The album closes with “Payin’ Hard”, for anyone who is following an unconventional dream. An acoustic masterpiece Moore outlines a life of sacrifices to play music, something that is specific to him and so many artists starving and yearning for the spotlight. “At the expense of my heart Lord, I’ve cashed in my soul / Chose this old guitar before the only love I’ve known / I gotta live with that, lose sleep with that when I close my eyes I’ll die with that yeah / My life’s a credit card, play now, pay later and I’m paying hard”.

Cowriting all but one song on Wild World, Moore bares his soul, laying out personal struggles and triumphs and managing to be sonically refreshing and nostalgic throughout.  One of his most stunning works to date, this project continues his legacy in the country music world.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Payin’ Hard”
  2. “More Than Enough”
  3. “South”

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

Wild World 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.

Kip Moore, Wild World Track List:
1. “Janie Blu” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
2. “Southpaw” (Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
3. “Fire and Flame” (Cary Barlowe, Brett James, Kip Moore, Will Weatherly)
4. “Wild World” (Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
5. “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” (Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, Philip Lammonds)
6. “She’s Mine” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Scott Stepakoff)
7. “Hey Old Lover” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
8. “Grow on You” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
9. “More Than Enough” (David Garcia, Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
10. “Sweet Virginia” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Erich Wigdahl)
11. “South” (Adam Browder, Dan Couch, Manny Medina, Kip Moore, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl)
12. “Crazy for You Tonight” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
13. “Payin’ Hard” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: