First Impression Archives

NYCS First Impression The Cadillac Three ‘COUNTRY FUZZ’

February 7, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Erica Zisman

For the first time, since 2017, the country-rock trio, The Cadillac Three have a new album to celebrate! Today marks the release of the dynamic group’s fourth album COUNTRY FUZZ. The long-awaited LP features sixteen tracks that showcase the group’s undeniable talent and versatility, proving that it is a record for many types of country fans.

For fans that love the rowdy side of The Cadillac Three, the new release boasts a few fun-loving hits, including the lead single, “Crackin’ Cold Ones With The Boys” and “Hard Out Here For A Country Boy.” Both tracks lend themselves well to a high-energy live show and get your heart pumping in all the right ways. The latter features both Chris Janson and Travis Tritt. Other songs that scream The Cadillac Three vibes are ”Slow Rollin” and “Heat.”

The Nashville trio’s lead singer, Jaren Johnston shows off his writing chops, solo-writing two of the songs on the project, “Raise Hell” and “Long After Last Call.” While “Raise Hell” is a funky, upbeat tune, “Long After Last Call” features a heartfelt vocal delivery and simple instrumentation. The song may be a surprise to longtime TC3 fans, but it also may be one of their best.

Continuing to infuse elements of funk and soul into their notable county-rock sound, The Cadillac Three added songs like “The Jam” and “Blue El Camino” to their collection. Both songs showcase the trio’s musical mastery, as they play with steel guitars and drums. According to the band “the funkier aspects of this record is where [they] we’re wanting to go, but with big ol’ country hooks,” adding later, “because that is what we’re addicted to from growing up in Nashville. We love country songwriting and huge hooks.”

Other testaments to their exploration as a group include the brilliant “Labels” and “Back Home.” The former is an anthemic song about rejecting labels. The poignant track simply states “nobody wants to be a label” which can refer to many aspects of everyday life as both a human being and an artist. On the other hand, “Back Home” marks the first song the band has ever recorded that they haven’t co-written. Regardless, the nostalgic track, as well as, “Why Ya Gotta Go Out Like That” show a necessary softer side to the trio’s usual hard-hitting sound.

Of course, the trio makes sure to pay homage to whiskey, with two songs dedicated to the liquor, “Jack Daniel’s Heart” and “Whiskey And Smoke.” Both tracks have an enticing, rough-rousing quality to them, as the lead singer offers an interesting take on the widely sung about subject.

Somehow, The Cadillac Three manage to deliver a cohesive project that blurs genre lines, while still remaining true to their distinctly cultivated sound. We commend the passionate trio on their latest release. As the band says perfectly, “it’s not easy to land on something that is your own thing” but somehow they found their sweet spot on this record.

New Yorkers can catch The Cadillac Three next week when they play the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. For tickets and more information, head to thecadillacthree.com.

To keep up with The Cadillac Three follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

COUNTRY FUZZ 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.

COUNTRY FUZZ Tracklist:

Bar Round Here || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Lori McKenna
The Jam || Jaren Johnston, Corey Crowder, Brian Kelly, James McNair
Hard Out Here For A Country Boy (featuring Chris Janson and Travis Tritt) || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Jeremy Stover
Slow Rollin’ || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason
All The Makin’s Of A Saturday Night || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Josh Dunne
Crackin’ Cold Ones With The Boys || Jaren Johnston, Kelby Ray Caldwell, Neil Mason, Jefferson Mason, Benjamin Dunn, Corey Crowder, Luke Dick
Labels || Neil Mason, Corey Crowder, Luke Dick
Raise Hell || Jaren Johnston
Back Home || James McNair, Chris Thompkins, Craig Wiseman
Dirt Road Nights || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Jeremy Stover
Blue El Camino || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Adam James
Jack Daniels’ Heart || Neil Mason, Josh Dunne
Why Ya Gotta Go Out Like That || Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason, Ross Copperman
Heat || Jaren Johnston, Kelby Ray Caldwell, Neil Mason, Jimmy Robbins
Whiskey And Smoke || Jaren Johnston, Kelby Rae Caldwell, Neil Mason
Long After Last Call || Jaren Johnston

NYCountry Swag Picks:

“Why Ya Gotta Go Out Like That”
“Labels”
“Long After Last Call”
“Raising Hell”

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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: Tenille Townes ‘Road to the Lemonade Stand’ EP

February 7, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Erica Zisman

For just about two years, country fans have watched rising artist Tenille Townes grow and mature as a singer and a songwriter. She is as authentic as they come and her music is real, raw, emotional, and impactful. Her newest project, Road to the Lemonade Stand, out today, represents her artistry perfectly and shines a light on her one of a kind talent.

Townes expresses her desire to release this project to fans in such a way only she could explain. “I wanted to put out this EP to continue to tell the story of these songs,” she shares. “This EP is for everyone that has been on this road with me so far…the ones who have shared their stories at the shows and in messages and who have given these songs a home.”

The six-song EP features four of her previously released songs, including “White Horse, “Jersey on the Wall,” “I Kept the Roses,” and “Somebody’s Daughter.” Each of the tracks tells a different, but equally as an important story, while the production connects all six tracks together. In “White Horse,” Townes expresses that she found love in the most unexpected way and that it looked different than she ever imagined in the best possible way. On the other hand, “I Kept the Roses,” showcases her vulnerability through an uplifting breakup song. She sings about how experiences shape the person we are and there is always a light to be found.

Of course, “Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking)” and “Somebody’s Daughter”, two of Townes’ most popular songs, continues her unique narrative, as she explores subjects that are often taboo in country music. The former is a therapeutic track, where the singer questions God and his motives, wondering why a high school athlete lost her life. The latter, arguably the most poignant track, is one of our favorites. “Somebody’s Daughter” speaks to the important societal issue of recognizing homelessness as an epidemic and reminding listeners that everyone’s’ lives are important.

The record is bookmarked by Townes’ extraordinary cover of Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy” and a brand new track entitled “Holding Out for the One.” The new song is the outlier on the EP but shows a side of Townes that hopefully, fans will see more of on the full-length record. The upbeat jam is fierce, honest, and although different, unequivocally Tenille. She most certainly knows herself and will continue to hold out for that one of a kind type of love that we all deserve.

Road to the Lemonade Stand is just the beginning for Townes. Her piercing vocals and knack for songwriting are sure to take her far in this industry, as she continues to prove why we named her one of our 2019 Artists to Watch. Even so, the songstress credits her fans for allowing her to speak her truth sharing “You have shaped me and shaped the meaning of The Lemonade Stand. I’m so excited to walk on this Road to the Lemonade Stand with you.” Her full-length record The Lemonade Stand is due out this Spring, and it will definitely be on to look out for.

In support of the new projects, Townes will be hitting the road on her very first US headlining tour kicking off in April and coming to Rockwood Music Hall in NY on May 7th. Tickets and more info available here.

To keep up with Tenille Townes follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Road to 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.

Road to the Lemonade Stand Track List:

1. Holding Out for the One (Tenille Townes, Marc Beeson, Daniel Tashian)
2. White Horse (Tenille Townes, Jeremy Spillman, Daniel Tashian)
3. Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking) (Tenille Townes, Tine Parol, Gordie Sampson)
4. I Kept the Roses (Tenille Townes, Dustin Christensen, Chris Gelbuda)
5. Somebody’s Daughter (Tenille Townes, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
6. Stupid Boy (Dave Berg, Deanna Bryant, Sarah Buxton)

NYCountry Swag Picks:

1. Holding Out for the One
2. Somebody’s Daughter

—————

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 Chase Rice ‘The Album Part 1’

January 28, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Kristina Callahan

Chase Rice kicked off the new year with a big surprise for his fans by dropping his much-anticipated album titled, The Album Part I at last Friday. If you follow Rice on social media, he’s been teasing fans with new songs for months since topping the charts for back-to-back weeks with “Eyes on You” but never said exactly when the full package would come out. Even though this isn’t his first album, the singer-songwriter looks at this one as the beginning of his career.

“I chose to call this The Album because it’s the first thing I would encourage someone to listen to if they want to know who I am as an artist,” explains Rice in a press release. “My career has been such a rollercoaster journey, but it’s all led to this moment and these songs. So much of what I’ve learned, so much of what I’ve fought through – it’s all reflected in this music.”

When you listen to these seven songs, you truly see how much he has grown as a songwriter and an artist. Instead of singing about girls in pickup trucks, Rice’s sound has matured to something deeper and more meaningful. These seven songs are personal and paint a picture of the good times and the bad times. While his music has evolved, you still get the same gravelly-voiced vocals his fans fell in love with years ago.

The one song you’ve probably heard on your radio already is “Lonely If You Are,” the follow up to his No.1 song, “Eyes on You.” The sleek rhymes over heartland six strings and keys make this song not only catchy and relatable but extremely easy to put on repeat. Rice has been playing it in his live shows for months already and performed it last night on a very dramatic episode of The Bachelor.

“I wrote it with Lindsay Rimes and Hunter Phelps, and when you get to that bridge it’s insane live already – and I don’t think it’s even top 30 yet. When you get to that, ‘let me love the lonely right out of you,’ that’s when you know we’ve got something pretty special here,” Rice says.

“American Nights” is one of the outliers of the album, but not in a bad way. It’s one of the only songs that isn’t about a romantic love. Rice describes the song as being about diversity. “It’s about all these different people going through different things, but at the end of the day, that’s what makes us all Americans and that what makes us all so unique. So ‘American Nights,’ to me, is one of the most special songs on this whole album,” Rice explains.

Probably one of the most personal songs on this new album, “Everywhere,” Rice sings about seeing his ex-girlfriend in everything he does and everywhere he goes. He sings: “You’re in every side street, every sidewalk // Every corner booth, every corner bar // In the dark, darlin’, you’re everywhere // Woah, oh, oh, you’re everywhere”

One of the more relatable songs on the album, Rice wrote it after breaking up with a girlfriend. “It’s about a girl that I dated the last couple years. We had an amazing relationship, had a tough breakup and that’s the way it goes sometimes, but when that happens, usually you’re going to start seeing that person everywhere you go,” Rice says.

In “Best Night Ever” Rice sings about exactly what the title of the song is, the best night ever. You get a look into his word with the lyrics and how they paint a vivid image of a memorable night with his girlfriend. “I live on a farm in Tennessee and I’ve had some nights out on that farm. I’ve had some amazing nights – the sun’s going down – but every now and then, there’s a special night because there’s somebody there to make it special and that’s the case for this song, ‘Best Night Ever.’ I’ve got this old pole barn over there at the farm that, you know, the song kind of speaks for itself,” Rice says of the track.

The singer first teased this song back in November on his Instagram when he played an acoustic version of it. Watch below.

Rice describes “Messy” as one of the most emotional songs he’s put out since “Jack Daniels and Jesus.” He sings about loving every side of someone. In a relationship, even when you see each other’s messy sides, you still love each other through them. The lyrics are deep, honest and raw.

“We’ve all got messy and we’ve all got problems we deal with, but when you have someone to deal with it and help you deal with it through those problems, that’s beautiful,” Rice describes.

In one of the catchiest songs on the album, “In the Car,” Rice takes his fans back to his high school days of sneaking out with his girlfriend. It wasn’t just the thrill of not getting caught and being with your high school love though.

“In the car that night // Saturday in July // We had the radio down and you were teein’ ’em up // In the car that night // Two beautiful eyes // You weren’t even tryin’ // I was fallin’ in love // And the headlights // Met the sunrise // It was so right, oh // In the car that night // We were on fire // Couldn’t get higher // I was yours, you were mine // In the car that night”

Everyone has those songs that take them back to a high school memory and Rice does it with this song. The fun, upbeat sound with lyrics that take you back in time is the perfect mix to blast this song with your windows down.

In the final track, Rice hits it out of the park with “Forever To Go.” Expect to hear this one at weddings for years to come. The lyrics walk you through special memories of falling more and more in love yet knowing you still have a lifetime ahead of you.

“Another year down // And, baby, somehow // Our song never gets old // The honeymoon phase // And butterflies fade // But I’ll never let you go // We were just kids // Stealin’ a kiss // And it feels like forever ago // But I love you more than yesterday // We still got forever to go”

Rice predicts this song could be even bigger than “Eyes on You,” which was the No. 5 most-played country song of 2019. Expect to hear more new songs on The Album Part II later this year.

Track List:

American Nights (Kevin Griffin, Martin Johnson; produced by Martin Johnson)

Lonely If You Are (Chase Rice, Lindsay Rimes, Hunter Phelps; produced by Chris DeStefano and Chase Rice)

Everywhere (Chase Rice, Zachary Kale, James McNair; produced by Zachary Kale)

Best Night Ever (Chase Rice, Chris DeStefano, Matt Jenkins; produced by Chris DeStefano)

Messy (Seth Ennis, Kylie Sackley; produced by Chris DeStefano)

In The Car (Chase Rice, Jesse Rice, Hunter Phelps, Mark Holman; produced by Chris DeStefano)

Forever To Go (Jordan Minton, Casey Brown, Geoffrey Warburton; produced by Casey Brown)

NYCountry Swag Picks:

Best Night Ever

Forever To Go

Messy

Rice is currently headlining The Pint of Anything Tour across Europe before he hits the road with Brantley Gilbert in 2020.

To keep up with Chase Rice on tour, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Album Part I is 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 David Nail ‘Oh, Mother’ EP

January 21, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Brianna Vacca

David Nail, American country music artist native to Kennett, Missouri, released his first solo project since his release Fighter in 2016. This new collection Oh, Mother, produced by Nail himself in collaboration with Jason Hall, clamors affairs of mental health and restitution with the people close to him. The country singer + songwriter has been known for his openness surrounding his mental health struggles whereas he vowed to honestly personify himself even more in the public spotlight via his releases.

The EP Oh, Mother commences with the title track and closes with a stripped-down, intimate piano version, and cites a hauntingly nostalgic conversation with his mother proclaiming that his mental health is not an outcome of her raising during his childhood. From a parental perspective, it’s easy to accept blame for your child’s struggles, but it isn’t your fault. He sings: “Hello mother / It’s good to hear your voice / Yeah I’m fine / Better than I’ve been / I don’t mean for you to worry / It’s nowhere I ain’t seen before / I just had to say / Ain’t no one else to blame / If I don’t make it out of this storm / Mother, ain’t nothing that you did / Nothing that you said / Just all I’ve ever known”

“Forgiveness,” the follow up-track, has already received recognition and appreciation from Spotify on their Country Coffeehouse and Take It Slow playlists. It rolls off the tip of the title track’s tongue in terms of a melancholic ambiance. This track depicts the removal of bitter feelings when choosing forgiveness, but it’s easier said than done.

“I wish I held the answers / To all the questions in your mind / Wish I could say it will get better / But I can’t look at you and lie / I know I’ve had my share of troubles / So who am I to give advice / But if you ain’t felt forgiveness / Seems like now’s the time”

Nail chose to feature Ryan Adams’ “La Cienega Just Smiled” as he famously releases his spin on well-known songs. “La Cienega Just Smiled” discusses the hurt of a one-sided trust. She doesn’t want to see him anymore so he knows he’s not going to be in her neighborhood again. He sings: “And I hold you close in the back of my mind / Raise my glass ’cause either way I’m dead / Neither of you really help me to sleep anymore / One breaks my body and the other breaks my soul / La Cienega just smiles, waves goodbye.”

The project concludes with a piano version of “Oh, Mother” and leaves you with a better glimpse inside Nail’s feelings making you grasp for more.

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

Oh, Mother 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.

—————

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 Dustin Lynch ‘Tullahoma’

January 17, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Dylan Bestler

Platinum-selling, singer-songwriter, Dustin Lynch released his fourth studio album, Tullahoma, today (Jan 17). Named after his hometown in Tennessee, the record contains eleven tracks, including the three off his Ridin’ Roads EP and his 2018 number one single “Good Girl.” Lynch co-wrote six of the songs, the most he has ever contributed to one of his albums. Old Dominion frontman, Matt Ramsey, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, the late busbee, and many more talented songwriters also contributed to this record.

“Tullahoma is the town that made me the man I am,” Lynch writes in the album biography. “So, as a songwriter now, I can’t help but go back and jump in my boots as a kid or a teenager in high school and write from that frame of mind.”

Being that this project is a homage to his hometown, it’s ironic that he’d sing about burning it to the ground in the first track, “Momma’s House.” Released on December 6th, Lynch sings about how an ex-girlfriend ruined the town he grew up in and how he’d “burn this whole town down if it wasn’t for my momma’s house.” Throughout the song, he recalls memories and specific spots in the town that now haunt him because of this breakup. Already getting radio airplay, we can expect this to be Lynch’s next single.

In the next track, “Dirt Road,” he paints a more positive picture of his hometown and growing up. He starts out by comparing it to Nashville, as the buildings are taller, the lights are brighter and the town is always buzzing. He admits he doesn’t always fit into that kind of life. “Yeah I’m just out here chasing these stars / Sometimes I swear I’m living on Mars / but I grew up on a dirt road.”

Lauren Alaina is becoming the go-to female singer to feature on male country artists’ songs nowadays. Alaina, already recording songs with Kane Brown, Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, Jon Pardi, and HARDY, joins Lynch on this third track, “Thinking Bout You.” She plays the role of an ex-girlfriend (probably not the same one in “Mommas House”) that calls him up one day. Coincidently, he’s been thinking about her a lot lately.

“Ridin’ Roads,” Lynch’s current single, hit number one the first week of the New Year, making it his seventh chart-topper. Co-written with songwriting geniuses Ashley Gorley and Zach Crowell, the song had a slow and steady climb to the top, as it was originally released back in March of 2019. Lynch presents his cool, laid back attitude in this track as he takes a ride with his girl down a windy back road in the country.

“Old Country Song” begins with a hip-hop beat, but as it progresses, the traditional country sound comes into play with instruments like the banjo and fiddle. He shows off his knowledge of old-school country with references to legends, such as George Jones and Johnny Cash. This is definitely the most traditional-sounding track on the album. “Ima love you like George Jones loved to drink, like Johnny loved some June.”

Lynch has some fun with word-play in songs like “Country Star” and “Workin’ On You.” In “Country Stars,” Lynch leaves the bar with a girl to go stargazing. “I’ll get you falling like a country star” he sings, cleverly relating to both the stars is the sky and the way fans fall for artists. “Workin’ On You” has a more upbeat, rock-n-roll sound as the lyrics depict a day that was spent working in the field, and once that work is done, the singer spends time with his girl.

The record closes with three previously released songs in “Little Town Living,” “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes” and “Good Girl.” “Little Town Living” is reminiscent of Jason Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” as Lynch raps the verses.

“There wasn’t an intention to write an album inspired by my hometown,” he says of Tullahoma, “but there was an idea to aim at the character of who that small town boy is, and to write an album that that guy would like, that he would want to play in his truck and try to impress his girl with. Every single song had to check all those boxes or we just tossed it out. It was a very small bull’s-eye, but it was fun.”

Lynch will hit the road to headline his Stay Country Tour with special guest Travis Denning starting in Detroit on January 30th. A portion of each sale will benefit the Cowboys and Angels Fund supporting various philanthropic causes, including an intentional focus on children’s charities. For tickets, head to his website.

NYCountry Swag Picks:
1. Momma’s House
2. Thinking ‘Bout You
3. Old Country Song

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

Tullahoma is 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 Ronnie Dunn ‘Re-Dunn’

January 10, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Nicole Piering

When it comes to country music, there are singers and then there are SINGERS. Ronnie Dunn is the latter.

As the front-man of Brooks and Dunn, the golden-voiced vocalist has become known as one of country music’s best and most recognizable voices. With a handful of solo projects behind him, Dunn went back to the drawing board to release a cover album, Re-Dunn, out today (Jan. 10).

For Dunn, the album is a journey through his musical routes and inspirations, including artists like the Eagles, George Strait, Eric Clapton, the Hollies, and more. “This is a passion project for me,” he said in a press release. “If you put together a group of songs that define the soundtrack of my life, this is what it would look like.”

It goes without saying that Dunn shines on country music, as he was born to sing it. That’s evidenced here on his versions of the George Strait classics “Amarillo by Morning” and “The Cowboy Rides Away.” In fact, we’d be lying if we said I didn’t have these two on repeat.

Interestingly, the majority of the album features Dunn covering non-country classics. Highlights include his takes on Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight,” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by the Eagles. His version of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” is another stunner.

If Dunn decides to release another album of covers in the future, we would love to see him stretch a bit more outside of the box, maybe covering artists like Justin Timberlake or Kelly Clarkson. However, it’s often said that a good singer can sing the phone book and make it enjoyable. Here, Ronnie Dunn is a great singer with a great collection of songs, making Re-Dunn an absolute joy to listen to. It may be a passion project for Dunn, but it’s sure to make music fans just as happy as it makes him.

Re-Dunn Tracklist

“Amarillo by Morning”
“Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress)”
“That’s How I Got to Memphis”
“It Never Rains In Southern California”
“How Long”
“Drinkin’ Thing”
“Together Again”
“Peaceful Easy Feeling”
“Against The Wind”
“If You Don’t Know Me By Now”
“I Won’t Back Down”
“Cowboy Rides Away”
“Showdown”
“Wonderful Tonight”
“Ashes By Now”
“That’s The Way Love Goes”
“I’m Not In Love”
“Brown Eyed Girl”
“You Don’t Know Me”
“Ridin’ My Thumb To Mexico”
“A Showman’s Life”
“Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues”
“Aime”
“I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)”

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

NYCountry Swag Top 3:
1. Amarillo By Morning
2. I Won’t Back Down
3. Cowboy Rides Away

Re-Dunn 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 Tenille Arts ‘Love, Heartbreak & Everything In Between’

January 10, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Lucie Bernheim

The last few years have been very promising for newcomer Tenille Arts. She released her debut album, Rebel Child, which included the stunners “Cold Feet” and “Red Flag White”, performed on the television series The Bachelor, signed to a record label, and is now releasing her sophomore album, Love, Heartbreak, & Everything In Between. The Saskatchewan native digs deep on this project, and although it’s her second album, it’s like she’s re-introducing you to who Tenille Arts is. “I’m so excited about this album,” said Arts in a press release. “It’s everything I’ve been through this past year, so I decided to title it ‘Love, Heartbreak & Everything in Between.’ It’s four love songs, four breakup songs, and four songs about everything else in life. I got to collaborate with new songwriters and producers and I’m so proud of the creativity on this album.”

The album opens with current radio single “Somebody Like That”, an infectious country-pop song about what to strive for in a relationship, reminding listeners not to settle for anything less. It’s catchy in an inescapable way and based on how fans are responding to it, it’s a song to watch in 2020.

“Slow It Down” and “Wild Love” are next, and the first is a waltz-like ballad about letting love unfold naturally and linger. It’s melodically very impressive, especially during the chorus. “Wild Love” leans on the more retro side. The introduction immediately is reminiscent of Glen Campbell’s “Coming Home”, and vocally sounds like it could be sung by the Dixie Chicks. It’s a song that shows off her influences. If a weekend drive was a song, “Wild Love” is it.

The real standout on the album is “Nothing To See Here”, a gorgeous stripped-back song that sits in the middle of the record. Her voice aches with part pain, part frustration, and part resentment. There are plenty of songs about small-town loves, but this one feels different. It’s about the town, the parking lot, the old park… it’s about how run-down this drive-by town is. And yet she can’t escape these memories, despite there being nothing to see in her hometown. It’s an evocative message that many can relate to. “Got no reason to be here, cuz there’s nothing to see here,” she tells herself verse after verse, trying to coach herself through her heartbreak. It’s a stop-you-in-your-track type song. “I’ll never get that piece of my heart/myself/my life back that you got” she sings on the three choruses. This song has the potential to be a classic in her catalog for years to come.

There are two solo writes on the album: “Another Life” and “Right Guy Wrong Time”. “Another Life” is a piano ballad. It’s a heart-wrenching song that explores all of the could-have-beens in a relationship gone wrong. It showcases Arts’ vulnerable vocals. The latter, “Right Guy Wrong Time” feels like a companion to Rebel Child cut “Raindrops, Dirt Road”. It’s a reflective song about meeting the right person although the timing is wrong. He’s still hung up on his ex, and not quite ready to move on from the “girl at home”. The bridge of this song is strong, because the rhythm changes slightly, and she really utilizes her head voice in this track.

The story continues “Missing You” a perfect turning point about finally being over someone. The r&b/pop influence on the song works because it’s about going out and being the life of the party after experiencing change. “The only thing missing is me missing you”, she sings on the chorus. Arts’ has always had an ear for lyrics that have a bit of a twist. It feels like this song expands her repertoire a lot, as the production is a lot less traditional leaning. The album closes with the sing-along “Everybody Knows Everybody” which highlights small-town friendliness. The wordplay is excellent, and the chorus is full-circle and satisfying to the listener.

It’s been a long time coming, but it feels like it’s Tenille Arts’ time to shine, and few deserve it more. She’s never sounded more like herself, and that’s why country music fans are responding to it. If you listen to her sing, her voice is strong like a firecracker. Keep an eye out for Arts in the next year, because any day now she’s going to explode.

Love, Heartbreak, & Everything In Between- Tracklist

1. Somebody Like That * – Tenille Arts, Alex Kline, Allison Margaret Cruz
2. Slow it Down *** – Tenille Arts, Josh Logan, Grant Vogelfanger
3. Wild Love **** – Tenille Arts, Derek George, Palmer Lee
4. Butterfly Effect * – Tenille Arts, Lizzy McAvoy, Adam Wheeler
5. I Hate This ** – Tenille Arts, Adam Wheeler
6. Nothing to See Here ** – Tenille Arts, Whitney Duncan
7. Another Life ** – Tenille Arts
8. Right Guy, Wrong Time ** – Tenille Arts
9. Call You Names * – Tenille Arts, James Slater
10. Missing You * – Tenille Arts, Alex Kline, Allison Margaret Cruz
11. Wouldn’t You Like to Know * – Tenille Arts, Alex Kline, Allison Margaret Cruz
12. Everybody Knows Everybody * – Tenille Arts, Alex Kline, Allison Margaret Cruz

NYCS Staff Picks:
Nothing to See Here
Somebody Like That
Missing You

To keep up with Tenille Arts, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Love, Heartbreak and Everything In Between’ 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 Collectionby 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,
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NYCS First Impression Brett Kissel ‘Now Or Never’

January 3, 2020/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Just three days into the new year and country fans already have some new music to be excited about! Rising artist and Swag Session alum, Brett Kissel recently released his newest album Now or Never, which is comprised of eight unique cuts that showcase the singer’s talent in the best light.

The record begins with his latest single “Drink About Me.” Kissel explained a little bit about his inspiration for the track, as well as, sang the song for us, during our live interview back in October of this year. The song is the ideal introduction into the singer-songwriter’s artistry, and the play on words is the perfect lyrical touch to the heartbreaking breakup tune.

In the next track, Kissel relies on a rhythmic instrumental and a groovy beat to deliver “A Few Good Stories.” With a vibe similar to Thomas Rhett’s, Kissel shines on the upbeat track. The radio friendly jam has a simple message about having fun and living life to the fullest.

“I’m gonna soak up the sun / Keep the wind in my sails / Try to get to heaven while raising little hell / When it’s all said and done, I’ll know I lived it well / If I ain’t got nothing but a few good stories to tell”

In a similar vein, “Young Enough” reminds us to “love the life we live and live the life we love,” while we are young and can do whatever we want. Additionally, “She Drives Me Crazy” continues to mix catchy lyrics with an enticing backing track. Yet again, Kissel blends modern country with a smooth sound and relatable lyrics that any country fan can identify with.

Although all the songs off Kissel’s new project shine in their own right, “That’s Country Music” may one of the best. Listed as track number three, the song is an ode to what we all love, country music. The singer speaks from the heart in the honest and stripped-down track. Forgoing clichés, Kissel makes sure to name everything that he feels is part of country music, all while creating something that is at the heart of the genre, story-telling at it’s finest.

“It’s a never felt a heartbreak like this / That’s country music / That’s why we do it / It hits the heart and soul and just feels right / That’s country music / It pulls through it / It’s the ups and the down, the soundtrack of our lives / That’s country music.”

Continuing to showcase his undeniable talent, “Hummingbird” is as vulnerable as it gets. Eloquently named, the track explores the emotions associated with love and loss in the most poignant way. Referring to a lost love as a ‘hummingbird,’ Kissel laments singing, “some things are not meant to be,” and better yet, that sometimes it is a blessing to let someone go free.

The second to last song on the track “I’m Not Him I’m Not Her” features Kissel in a duet with female songstress, Christina Taylor. The two singers take turns singing verses, showcasing both the male and female perspectives as they try to make sense about how trust issues can impact a current relationship. Both the vocal delivery and the lyrical message are equally as impactful, vulnerable, and powerful. This is the song we never knew we always needed in country music!

“I’m tired of trying to find someone / smiling through the tears / when it’s all said and done / love cannot be trusted is the lesson that I learned / I’m not him / I’m not her.”

Finally, Kissel ends his creative record with a beautiful song called “Coffee With Her.” We learned from our Swag Session that the song blossomed from an interview that Johnny Cash gave with a publication about his version of paradise. Kissel took Cash’s incredibly insightful answer and created an equally as exquisite song. Although simple, the romantic lyrics are a standout and leave you wanting more.

As early fans and champions of Kissel, we are so excited to see how his music is received by county fans in the United States and hope that he achieves success here, as he already has had in Canada.

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

Now or Never 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 Walker Hayes ‘8Tracks Vol. 3 – ‘Black Sheep’

December 6, 2019/in Blog, First Impression /by Erica Zisman

Walker Hayes will always remain one of our favorite artists to work with because of his talent, but more importantly because of his unparallel devotion to his family, his craft, and to maintaining true to himself and to his fans. Keeping the tradition alive, Hayes released the third volume of his ‘8Tracks’ record entitled Black Sheep today.

The record features eight diverse tracks that all blur genre lines in the best way possible. Each song relies on rhythmic word phrasing and heartfelt song lyrics, ringing true to the singer-songwriter’s unique style. The opening song, the title track is one of those songs you cannot help but to bounce along to and to smile, while it plays. Hayes’ admits to being a bit of a misfit, reminiscing about his younger days, admitting in the hook “Now that I’m a dad, I feel bad for her daddy”

Slowing it down a bit, “Love Hate” is next song off the record. Hayes’ vocals shine on this electric song. The song is about all of those experiences in life that are a “love-hate thing” like trying to become a successful artist, going through a tough break-up, and wanting someone to love you. Ironically the song takes a turn, truly becoming about the well-crafted lyric “I just hate how much I want you to love me,” a sentiment that most people can relate to.

The next two songs present as diary entries. The first, “Dad’s Sailboat” is a quick-witted and emotional tune. Hayes’ depicts the story of mortality in such a way that is both eye-opening and relatable, as he sings about his father selling his sailboat because he is getting older and the emotional impact that has. The second, “Chapel” is Hayes’ song for his children. Being a dad is a profound title in the singer’s life, and it is refreshing to see an artist sing about it in a clever song. He talks about how a parent and a child might have different dreams, but that a parent’s role is to always to be supportive.

“Chapel, Little apple, fall as far from the tree / as you need to / My love can reach you / Chapel, little apple, fall as far from the tree / as you need to / My love can reach you”

“Goldest” and “Wish I Could Drink” are the next songs off the record. The former is the ultimate compliment to your love immersed in an upbeat tempo. Hayes shares that he would rather have love than anything else in the world, including a medal, award or a Rolex. The latter is a soulful expression of despair. Hayes admits to just wishing he could have some alcohol, during tough times; despite, not having a sip in over four years. This song is an honest recount of the daily struggles of recovery that many people go through, and it is encouraging that someone with Hayes’ platform is bringing awareness to such a vulnerable subject.

Hayes continues the vulnerability with “Acceptance Speech,” an ultimate anthem for self-acceptance. A female singer lends her voice on the chorus, which only adds to the powerful message. The entertainer admits to coping with criticisms and seeking out validation calling himself a “recovering-validation-aholic.” This song shows listeners that we can all exist with hopes, dreams, and insecurities, but we should always be our own cheerleaders.

“This goes out to myself / and every single tear that I felt / telling me that no one can tell me who to be / except for me”

Hayes ends the record with an acoustic version of his heartfelt single “Don’t Let Her.” The song is his ode to his relationship with his wife. It is one of the purest love songs out there right now, and although the lyrics are deeply personal, we are sure that fans resonate with this one.

Overall the central themes of honesty, vulnerability, and family are what will garner Hayes more and more fans. This latest project is just another notch in the singer-songwriter’s belt, showcasing his fearlessness and proving that he has the talent and work ethic to make it in the rough and tumble music industry.

To keep up with Hayes follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and make sure to visit his “Be A Craig” fund as well.

8Tracks Vol. 3- Black Sheep 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: Jason Aldean ‘9

November 25, 2019/in Blog, First Impression /by Shanna Vitaliano

Jason Aldean, the legendary ACM Artist of the Decade has released his ninth studio album fittingly entitled 9; a sixteen-track work of art that blends his traditional country roots with modern rock. The multi-platinum entertainer teamed up with long-time producer Michael Knox and Nashville’s top songwriters Josh Thompson, Rhett Akins, Jordan Schmidt, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, and Ben Hayslip to create an album showcasing exceptional storytelling from nostalgic memories and heartbreak, to good time drinking anthems.

Aldean kicks off the album reflecting on a past relationship with “Tattoos and Tequila.” With a heavy guitar background, the story tells the tale of drowning in tequila to forget about the tattoo of an ex with the chorus, “When I’m missing her I take another shot, I know it ain’t the cure but right now it’s all I’ve got. She took most of me, and now all that I have left, are tattoos to remember, tequila to forget.”

“Blame It On You” is another heartache song realizing the other person is not to blame, rather it is about admitting one’s own fault. Aldean continues on with the breakup theme mixing loneliness with booze and a traditional sound in “Champagne Town,” and is more reflective of a shattered relationship in “Some Things You Don’t Forget” admitting “she’s a buzz that stills runs through my head.” Aldean changes tune and shows off his ability to blend his country-rock persona with a pop cross over sound in the romantic love ballad “Got What I Got.”

The ACM Entertainer Of The Year gives an ode to his red dirt upbringing with nostalgic anthemic tracks including the hit single “We Back,” “Dirt We Were Raised On,” and “Keeping It Small Town.” In addition, the mid-tempo song “Talk About Georgia” is a tribute to his home state and the love he left behind. He sings about taking pride in his country roots with “Camouflage Hat,” a small-town love story. The chorus reminisces about the girls falling in love with the good old boys in a camouflage hat singing, “Here they come, rolling down Main Street/ country song spinning on a CD /Small-town looking for a good time/ Raise a little hell and a drink at the county line.”

Of course, the Georgia native gave fans a few booze-filled tracks throughout the record including “Came Here To Drink” and “I Don’t Drink Anymore.” “I Don’t Drink Anymore” is a traditional country song with a clever play on words that we may never have realized, as Aldean sings, “So I don’t drink anymore/ Ever since she left/ I don’t drink anymore/ And I don’t drink any less.”

In the last fifteen years, Aldean has scored 23 number one hits – and fans can enjoy nearly two full albums worth of songs that are nothing short of exceptional country-rock entertainment. Aldean’s latest project 9 is another notch on his belt with successfully blending his unique sound and crossover appeal. This week Aldean will be on national TV making stops to promote 9 at Good Morning America and a special Thanksgiving night performance of his Top 15 hit single “We Back” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon before returning to Las Vegas on December 6th-8th for his show Jason Aldean: Ride All Night Vegas at the Park MGM Park Theatre. Next year, the multi-platinum entertainer will be hitting the road with his 2020: WE BACK TOUR featuring supporting acts Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, and Dee Jay Silver. For more information go to www.JasonAldean.com.

NY Country Swag Picks:

“Champagne Town:

“Camouflage Hat”

“Talk About Georgia”

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

“9” 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.

Jason Aldean’s 9 Track Listing:

“Tattoos and Tequila”
“Blame It On You”
“Champagne Town”
“Some Things You Don’t Forget”
“Got What I Got”
“Keeping It Small Town”
“Camouflage Hat”
“Came Here to Drink”
“We Back”
“Dirt We Were Raised On”
“I Don’t Drink Anymore”
“Cowboy Killer”
“One for the Road”
“Talk About Georgia”
“The Same Way”
“She Likes It”

Want a chance to win an autographed vinyl copy of the album?
Fill out the form below to enter to win!
Then head to Instagram, for additional chances to win
*All winners will be notified by Wednesday, December 18th via e-mail or DM.

—————

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: