NYCS First Impression: Midland ‘Let It Roll’

/in , /by

Midland Let It Roll

Country group, Midland, are known for their cohesive mix of classic rock and country twang, an undeniably catchy sound that defined their debut album On The Rocks. The critically acclaimed debut garnered them a slew of accolades including winning the ACM Top New Duo or Group award and two Grammy nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Performance, not to mention grabbing #1 single at country radio with “Drinkin’ Problem”. The eclectic band, consisting of lead singer/guitarist Mark Wystrach, lead guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson and bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy, return with the follow-up to their debut, the immersive Let It Roll.

The 14 track album is chock full of songs that range from Eagles-influenced classic rock, just begging for an open road, to a hint of old school Garth Brooks style. The Dripping Springs, Texas band recruited the best musicians in the genre for the project, including Shane McAnally, Dan Huff and Josh Osborne (producing and writing) as well as songwriters Liz Rose, Rhett Akins, and Bob DiPiero. Needless to say, Let it Roll is crafted to entice the classic cowboy, folky songstress, and ramblin’ man in all of us.

The album starts fresh and light with the wistful title track, “Let It Roll.” This one makes you want to roll down the windows and lose yourself in the California desert, with its layered vocals and sweeping guitars. Equal parts Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, it launches the album with effortless musicality.  On “Fourteen Gears” and “Mr. Lonely,” Midland sink into a cowboy’s paradise with stacked steel guitar, pristine harmonies, and rhythms made for dancing on an old wood floor.

Another standout on the project is the beachy, do-me-wrong “Cheatin’ Songs.” It’s a Kenny Chesney meets early Zac Brown Band feel-good vibe, designed for stadium sing-alongs and couples dances. In fact, we think this line sums it up, “steel guitars are back in style / like tears falling from a smile / yeah its been a while since country music loved a fool / and running around was cool.”

Heartbreak washes over you on “Put The Hurt On Me,” a country-western shuffle with a wild, yet painful Spanish guitar. It melds easily into “I Love You, Goodbye,” with its mariachi influences and aching vocals provided by the ever emotive Wystrach.  They give country music fans what they love most in the form of “Every Song’s A Drinking Song.” This meandering shuffle moves along almost as if there was a little alcohol involved in the production itself.

Then there’s “21st Century Honky Tonk American Band.” If ever there was an album moment that took you back to outlaw country and hair metal all at once, this is it. Booming guitars, howling vocals, and a hint of twang raise the roof off this rock-forward moment. Of course, there’s a surprise twist towards the end, but only after they’ve sung “And the wheels keep rolling on and on / and I hear them singing some song / ever since hank sang to me I knew I was born to be a 21st-century American band.”

The rocking anthem is followed up by quieter, more emotional album moments “Fast Hearts And Slow Towns,” “Cheatin’ By The Rules,” and “Lost In The Night.” There’s the rambunctious, just-get-drunk number, “Playboys,” that’s sure to be on repeat at tailgates come football season. And, of course, we can’t forget the moment where Carson’s vocals shine on the slow, emotional ballad “Gettin’ The Feel.”  It all comes to an elegant, harmony-infused end with the rambling “Roll Away.” The steel guitar shines bright on this stripped track, making for a stunning melody that, even if just for a moment, takes us back to the music of the ’70s.

Midland has crafted a remarkable record, catering to fans from all walks of life and country music, on their new album, Let It Roll.

New Yorkers can catch Midland on September 17th at Terminal 5 for their Let It Roll Tour. Grab your tickets here.

You can keep up with Midland on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Let It Roll 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.

 

 

—————————-

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: Vince Gill ‘Okie’

/in , /by

Vince Gill Okie

Time and time again, twenty-one time Grammy Award-winning Country Artist Vince Gill unveils his truth by continuing to put his heart on his sleeve for all to see. With penned hits like “When I Call Your Name,” “Whenever You Come Around” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member is no stranger in making hearts bleed. Three decades since Gill’s country music debut, he’s back stronger than ever with another remedial release.

Available everywhere you buy or stream music, Gill’s new album Okie cites a number of sensitive discussions; those that require care being one of Gill’s most personal and honest albums in years. A lot of the “Go Rest High on That Mountain” singer’s core truths are told, through life lessons, love, and spiritual values and even lessons learned from his musical idols. Musically, it’s as authentically minimized as possible and it really hones in on the depth of Gill’s songwriting abilities instead of the nature of production. Gill states in a press release: “I thought this was going to be a songwriter record, not a concept album. It wound up being more information than I’d envisioned. A friend sent me an email saying, ‘You could have only written this record after living a 60-year-plus life.’ He continues, ‘There’s no struggle in these songs, just truth, and your experience.”

In “Forever Changed,” the country singer-songwriter defies the consequential affair of sexual abuse. We were there when the Country Hall of Famer debuted this track over a year ago at a music industry’s Country Radio Seminar in Nashville where he received a standing ovation. Gill employes his own maturity looking back at his own experience as a seventh-grader being touched by his basketball coach and publicly scolds sexual abuse singing: “You put your hands where they don’t belong / And now her innocence is dead and gone / She feels dirty, she feels ashamed / Because of you, she’s forever changed”

The country music singer-songwriter refuses to remain hushed about controversial matters that are needed to be spoken about. “What Choice Will You Make” is written through the perspective of a woman who is deserted because of an unplanned pregnancy and the singer urges listeners to empathize with women’s reproductive rights. “The Price of Regret” battles the topic of race.

There are lighthearted songs as well included on Okie and a lot of tributes dedicated to the ones that make Gill who he is today. Gill writes about his mother in “A Letter To My Mama” originally titled “Love I Owe” and about his wife, Amy Grant in “When My Amy Prays,” where he confesses his relationship with God through his marriage to Amy. There are also tributes to his musical icons such as Merle Haggard in “A World Without Haggard’ and “Black and White.”

Still making music that matters, Gill proves on Okie that time, life experiences and growing older doesn’t always have to be a hindrance, rather a way to impart wisdom and reflect on a life well lived.

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

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

 

 

—————————-

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: Dylan Scott Covers Keith Whitley on ‘An Old Memory’

/in , /by

Dylan Scott An Old Memory Keith Whitley

Fans of Dylan Scott know that the singer-songwriter always shares his love for classic county music during his live shows by speaking about his idols and singing covers of their songs. Country music extraordinaire, Keith Whitley is especially inspiring to the artist, leading him to release his own EP entitled An Old Memory, which serves as an ode to the late Whitley and his greatest hits. Scott pays tribute to Whitley’s music with exceptional covers of seven of his songs on his newest project, which premiered today.

The record begins with “Don’t’ Close Your Eyes.” The exquisite ballad fits Scott’s southern drawl and emotive voice perfectly, bringing new life to the special track. Similarly, the singer-songwriter’s rendition of “When You Say Nothing at All” is nothing short of extraordinary. He incites feelings in the listeners that one can only assume are the emotions that Whitely wanted to convey with the classic love song. We caught Scott’s live performance of the song, during his opening set for Chris Young at PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey back in May.

The country crooner goes on to sing one of Whitely’s breakup songs, “I’m Over You,” which works well, despite being a stark departure from Scott’s usual relationship-oriented perspective in his own music. On the contrary, the singer delivers a stellar cover of a song right in his wheelhouse, with “Ten Feet Away.” The track depicts a romanticized encounter between strangers.

Continuing to pay tribute to his musical hero, Scott goes on to cover both “Miami, My Amy” and “Between an Old Memory and Me.” The former is probably the most upbeat song on the record, focusing on a catchy hook and chorus with clever word-play. The later, “Between an Old Memory and Me” is story-telling at its finest. Scott delivers it effortlessly, and it almost feels like it could have been an original.

To wrap up the record, Scott enlisted the help of Whitley’s wife, Lorrie Morgan on the final track, “Tell Lorrie I Love Her.” The recording artist is known for writing songs inspired by his relationship with his beautiful wife, Blair and it appears that his hero Whitley was cut from the same cloth, using his love life as his muse. The duet is arguably the most poignant and heartfelt song off the tribute record.

Overall, Scott did Whitely proud. He kept the authenticity of each and every song off the record while introducing contemporary country fans to classic, gritty, and enticing old-school country music. It’s clear that Whitely is a big inspiration to Scott, and we’re excited to see what is in store for him in the future.

Catch Scott on touring throughout the country through August. Head to dylanscottcountry.com for tickets and more information.

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

An Old Memory 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.

—————————-

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: Avenue Beat Debut EP

/in , /by

Avenue Beat

One of Big Machine Label Group’s newest acts, Avenue Beat are storming the country scene as an empowering girl group comprised of Sami Bearden, Savana Santos, and Sam Backoff. These girls can be categorized with some of the powerful rising female artists that NYCountrySwag has spotlighted such as Twinnie, Runaway June, Lacy Cavalier, and more! If Avenue Beat’s new and fresh sound is not enough to get you hooked their style is bringing something unique and modern to country music. Available now the ladies released their debut self-titled EP filled with sass and flair.

The first track on their EP is a song called “Delight” which is one of our favorites. It is humorous and catchy while also spreading an important message to its audience. “Delight” is the perfect way to tell a prospective date that you have self-love and are a delight to be around and should they feel should feel honored date them. At first listen this one should bring a smile to your face because usually in country music melancholy ballads about breakups are prevalent, however, Avenue Beat puts a spin on that classic heartbroken feeling and makes it into a happy and humorous song. Another song on the EP has the same positive spin on a classic ballad feeling is “Ruin That For Me” which stresses a break up is not going to ruin how one feels about certain places, songs, and memories the couple once had. Avenue Beat carries this breakup song not with a slow tempo and somber beat but with a catchy chorus and anthem-like lyrics.

“Be a Bro” is a song about female empowerment and the importance of “girl code.” This girlfriend anthem about women helping each other throughout life is a great addition to Avenue Beat’s EP and what these three friends stand for. “If you hold a sister down /It will all come back around/ So be a bro, know the girl code” the contrasts of the title and the concept of the song also caught our attention as a listener. The final song of Avenue Beat’s EP the three girls give more of an acoustic stripped song on “Broke (Wrktp).” This track solidifies to fans that money is not necessary to feel worth. They add, “Don’t got a lot a cash or a lot of green/ But I don’t need no riches to be feeling like a queen.” The contrast of having no riches and still feeling like a queen followed by the chorus repeating “I’m broke but I’m living happily all my life” genuinely show these girls are happy where they are.

While Avenue Beat is a new girl group in the country music world their future is looking bright because they sing truly authentic songs. Their new sound as Avenue Beat’s website coined it, “…lands somewhere between Taylor Swift ascending and Billie Eilish at her most real” will be a powerful force in the music world.

To keep up with Avenue Beat follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Avenue Beat EP 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.

—————————-

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: Mason Ramsey Twang EP

/in , /by

Mason Ramsey Twang

At only 12 years old, rising country music star Mason Ramsey has just released his newest EP Twang today, July 26th. Remember the video of Ramsey yodeling in Walmart that went viral over a year ago making him an instant social media sensation and immediately immersing him into the country music industry? Well, over a year later, Twang is strongly believed to mirror the mass success of Famous, his widely received first music release.

The 5-song EP kicks off with its title track, “Twang”, an instant fan favorite, all about loving someone for their country roots. “She likes these boots with these blue jeans, she likes my cowboy hat, but she loves me for my twang”, he sings. The music video for “Twang” (below) was released just over a month ago to YouTube and currently has over 5 million views which should only continue to increase with his new music.

Following “Twang”, other songs on this EP include “Puddle of Love”, “How Could I Not”, “On My Way”, and “Before I Knew It”. The release of this EP could not come at a more perfect time for Ramsey in the wake of his show-stopping feature on the remix of Lil Nas X’s much talked about single “Old Town Road” exceeding over 20 million streams globally and catapulting him to Twitter’s #1 Worldwide Trending Topic.

What many don’t know about Ramsey that is just as impressive as his unrivaled vocals and star power at such a young age is that with the release of Twang, he is credited as a co-writer for the first time, something that is almost unheard of for 12-year-olds.

TWANG EP Track List:
1. Twang  (Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, Hunter Phelps, Ernest K. Smith)
2. Puddle of Love  (Mason Ramsey, Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder)
3. How Could I Not  (Corey Crowder, Ernest K. Smith, Brian Kelley, James McNair) 
4. On My Way  (Emily Shackelton, Alex Kline, Tenille Townes)
5. Before I Knew It  (Tyler Hubbard, Jon Pardi, Corey Crowder)

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

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

—————————-

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: Justin Moore ‘Late Nights and Longnecks’

/in , /by

Late Nights and Longnecks

Two-time platinum-selling and ACM award winner Justin Moore releases his fifth studio album, Late Nights and Longnecks available everywhere tomorrow. The Arkansas native sticks to his roots with his latest project filling our ears with raw, booze-infused, traditional country music. Moore co-wrote all of the ten tracks on Late Nights and Longnecks along with songwriters Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Paul DiGiovanni, Chase McGill, and Rhett Akins. He has mastered the art of songwriting and showcases his unique craft on each track as he reflects on growing up a down-home country boy. Moore has given his loyal fans some of his best work to date.

Late Nights and Longnecks speaks to the reality of the word we live in, addressing everything from drinking through the good times and the bad, embracing fatherhood, and saluting our military. The first cut is the energetic drinking anthem “Why We Drink.” Moore explains every conceivable reason we may want to throw one back. No matter what day of the week, or what time it is, “it’s alcohol abuse if you pour one down the sink, that’s why we drink.”

“That’s My Boy” is a heartfelt track about fatherhood and it is Moore’s first time writing a song about one of his children. The sentimental ballad speaks to the type of man his son is and will become, and his poignant vocals stand out singing “that’s my heart, that’s my soul, that’s my last name, that’s a love like I’ve never known, yeah, that’s my boy.” Next up is Moore’s latest chart-topping tearjerker “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” an emotional tribute told with a genuine appreciation for our fallen heroes. One of the more uniquely written songs on the album “Jesus and Jack Daniels” is a story that goes down memory lane growing up with a Mother who is religious, and a Father who loves to drink. With a simple acoustic guitar strumming, Moore creates nostalgia with lyrics, “I got a little bit from both of them, a little bible, and a little buzz.”

On a more light-hearted note, he puts a creative twist on the upbeat song “Airport Bar,” proving you don’t have to be anywhere else than an airport bar to escape from reality, get over an ex, and take off. “Small Town Street Cred” is an electric’ up-tempo track with a modern take on growing up in the country. The electric guitar strum with Moore’s vocals makes for a rockin’ small town anthem melody. Moore continues the liveliness with “Never Gonna Drink Again” The party song has a catchy beat and a different take compared to many of his other songs which could be appealing to a more modern age of country music fans. Moore goes on a bender when everything seems to be going wrong singing, “Right now Jim Beam is the only thing gonna fix me, and I’m gonna drink till I swear that I’m never going to drink again.”

Slowing things down again, “On the Rocks” is a moving ballad that showcases Moore’s incredible vocals. Beginning with a simple piano, the dramatic story unfolds as he compares his failing relationship to drinking until he’s cut off because “this whiskey ain’t the only thing on the rocks.” Going back to his twangy outlaw side, “Some Day I Gotta Quit” is all about reminiscing on mistakes he’s made all the while knowing he has to eventually put a stop to it. Finishing out the record, “Good Times Don’t” is reminiscent of a nostalgic country song about all the things in life that we enjoy, and a reminder that “the world spins round, and kids get grown, but you still turn it up when Hank comes on, yeah, times change, but good times don’t.”

With his latest album Late Nights and Longnecks, Moore proves he has an unbelievable ability to connect to listeners through his artistry. He sticks to what fans know and love about his authentic music, all while pushing boundaries. There is no doubt Moore’s unique twang and infectious voice will continue to captivate traditional country fans as well as newcomers for years to come.

New York City fans will have the opportunity to meet Justin Moore on Wednesday, 7/31 at 11AM at The Shop at NBC Studios at 30 Rockefeller Plaza.

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

Late Nights and Longnecks 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.

 

—————————-

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: Ryan Hurd Panorama EP

/in , /by

Ryan Hurd Panorama

For those who have been fans of Ryan Hurd for years, the Panorama EP is an old-friend they first met years ago. For those of us who are newer fans of Hurd, the EP is a welcomed new release from one of Nashville’s most talented and prominent singer-songwriters.

Originally written and recorded in 2015 when the Michigan native was just starting to make a name for himself, the four-track collection is a celebration of Hurd as both a writer and artist. Each of the EP’s four tracks were co-written by Hurd with a variety of other Nashville heavy-hitters, including Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon, Maren Morris, and the late Andrew Dorff.

He took to Twitter just prior to the release, writing, “Two more things. Even before we were anything romantic, singing with Maren has felt like magic. This was the first thing we ever together that wasn’t demos, and to still get to do it today makes my heart very happy.” He then continued, “The second thing: I grew up with
@aaroneshuis. We started making music together when we were 14. He’s made every recording you’ve ever heard from me and this one is still our favorite.”

Although the EP was initially released four years ago, today marks it’s first wide release. It’s a four-track collection that shows the different sides of Hurd, from the wistful title track to the brooding “Mississippi to Me” and the hopeful “Good As You Think I am” to the darker “I’ll Be the Moon.”

The EP’s titular track is a simple message that everyone needs to hear once in awhile, as he reflects on a moment of tranquility with the person he loves and enjoying the moment. “Laying back on a blanket/ Looking at a blanket way up high/ Between the darkness in the distance/ And the way the whole thing shines,” Hurd sings. “Makes you feel like you see God/ Makes you feel like you’re alive/ For the first time/ Like you were my first time.”

“Mississippi to Me” is a darker cut about loss and a relationship ending, as the singer-songwriter grapples with a breaker. “You don’t want to hurt me/ But you ain’t in love with me.” He reveals on the heartbreaking track. “You’re talking reasons/ but you lost me back at I’m leaving.”

There’s the introspective “Good As You Think I Am,” which was co-written by Dorff and Morris, and reflects on a man trying to live up to what the woman in his life believes he can be. Speaking to Sounds Like Nashville, Hurd revealed, “I think when you see yourself through the lens of someone else’s love it changes you. This song hits me because the melody lives up to the sentiment in the lyrics. As a love song, it’s such an overwhelming realization, trying to become the person that she sees, wanting to live up to the love you’ve been given.”

The EP concludes with the brooding “I’ll Be the Moon,” a song previously released by Dierks Bentley on his 2016 Black album that featured none other than Morris. Hurd’s version here is less produced and more stripped, fully putting the powerfully painful lyrics on full display. Here, he’s a man so in love that he’s willing to settle for being the other man. He’ll take her where can, however, conceding, “I don’t want to be your secret/ But I will if you want me to/ You can leave me in the dark/ If that’s all I get from you/ He can be the sun/ I’ll be the moon.”

In advance of the release, the Michigan native expressed his gratitude to his fans, writing, “I don’t have a much to say tonight except that sometimes life is all about timing. If you’ve been here since the beginning or if it’s brand new to you, thank you for listening to Panorama tonight.”

Earlier this year, Hurd sold out New York City’s Bowery Ballroom, and he spoke to NYCountry Swag a few weeks ago at the Taste of Country Festival at Hunter Mountain. While no local shows are currently announced, Hurd will be joining Old Dominion’s Make It Sweet Tour for much of the rest of 2019.

To see tour dates and more, visit his official website or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Panorama EP 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.

—————————-

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: Clare Bowen Self Titled LP

/in , /by

Clare Bowen

Australian born singer-songwriter and actress, Clare Bowen rose to fame on the popular television show Nashville, where she starred as singer-songwriter Scarlett O’Connor. She is now embarking on the role of a lifetime, braving the music industry as herself, emerging as her own artist in her breathtaking debut self-titled record.

Bowen’s latest project features eleven tracks, all produced by Josh Kaufman, with an all-star crew of collaborators contributing to the songwriting process, such as Lori McKenna and Nathan Chapman. Bowen also created many of the tracks alongside her husband, Brandon Robert Young. The record relies on the imaginative lyrics, story-telling aspects, and Bowen’s incredible vocal delivery.

It beings with her debut solo single, “Let It Rain,” a whimsical story about getting through and persevering after experiencing heartbreak. The story of resilience is evident throughout the mid-tempo song and stands out even more in the music video, which premiered months prior. “Tide Rolls In,” although more upbeat and theatrical, is another track off the album that features the same message, confronting adversity with resilience and letting life ebb and flow as it should.

Bowen continues captivating listeners with her enchanting voice throughout all of the songs on her record; however, the slower-tempo, more lyrically-driven songs prove to be her sweet spot. The folk-infused track, “All The Beds I’ve Made” creates empowering imagery, as she sings about wanting to stay in bed forever with her love. Although a seemingly simple concept, it’s relatable, yet intricate. The songstress’ husband lends his voice to the track too, which adds to its unique beauty.

Similarly, “Grace of God & You” showcases Bowen’s vocal ability yet again. The song focuses on the importance of God and love. She sings “all I need is the grace of God and you,” a beautiful sentiment that comes across powerfully. In “Sweet William,” Bowen channels her inner Regina Specktor, once again delivering a mesmerizing track with a simple melody. She sings about lost love in the simplistically striking song.

Adding some depth to her record, Bowen shines on the unexpectedly catchy “Lijah & The Shadow.” The bluegrass-inspired track embodies a sultry flavor, while still painting a picture for the listener. Sonically similar, “Little By Little,” encourages fans to take it one step at a time, reminding people “to take that leap of faith / you’ve got what it takes / we’ve only just begun.”

Finally, Bowen’s self-titled project ends with “Warrior,” which is arguably the most poignant song on her record. It’s both a tearjerker and empowering, packing a quiet punch with every lyric. The song was inspired by Bowen’s experience with childhood cancer but can be uplifting for anyone who is going through something difficult.

The singer exclaims in the impactful chorus, “They’ll call you a hero, guardian angel, one in a million who didn’t stand a chance / call you a survivor / say you’re a fighter / turned this battle into a dance / warrior, warrior.”  Her determination and sheer will to survive through the trials and tribulations life throws at you make this one of the most impressive songs on the entire LP.

Although she may not fit the ever-growing country music ‘mold,” Bowen is a force to be reckoned with. As long as she continues to have something to say, we’ll continue to listen and be inspired, as other fans are sure to do as well.

Bowen will play a string of shows across the United States to celebrate the release of her new LP. She stops at the City Winery in New York City on July 29th. For tickets and more information, head to clarebowenofficial.com.

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

Clare Bowen 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.

—————————-

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: Lacy Cavalier ‘k’ i’m done’

/in , /by

Lacy Cavalier K Im Done

At only 22 years old, Lacy Cavalier is a young country artist who certainly isn’t here to play around. Having known that she was made to perform her entire life, the release of her newest EP k i’m done certainly has the potential to gain her the attention and following that her honest, relatable and badass lyrics deserve.

k i’m done features 6 songs that have a pop-country feel and showcase her heart, independence, God-given talent, while at the same time promoting female empowerment. These songs are the type that you will want to blast in your car after a break-up to remind yourself who you are and give you the strength it takes to move on, while at the same time provide you with Instagram selfie captions and lyrics to post for days.

The lyrics of these songs are not only relatable but are very reflective of our society and common views on dating in 2019, something that many people have found almost impossible. Cavalier’s intentions were definitely not to write your average country love song, but to share her stories and feelings in a raw and realistic way, while at the same time displaying her passion and seriously incredible vocal range.

Through songs like “Distraction”, “Cheating on U” and “Single” she shares her experiences of leaving a toxic relationship only to see that person get into another relationship immediately after and dump their problems on someone else. “I been taking my time but you took no time to get back to your game”, she sings in “Single”.

In the track released last week, “Tea”, Cavalier is giving a subtle heads up to her ex’s new love interest, letting them know how awful the guy really is. “Let me serve you some tea, he ain’t what you think”, she sings. And in “Dumbest Thing”, she gets real about accidentally contacting someone who you know you shouldn’t only to realize how ridiculous your thoughts were the next morning, something many of us have experienced first hand.

Last, but certainly not least, “Blue Suede Couch” will have you wanting to listen to her story about a past relationship on repeat for her exceptional vocals on this track. The songstress reminisces from an old couch that has seen the good times and the hard times throughout the story.

She’s soulful, honest and engaging and this 6 song project certainly tells her story and will have you wanting to be her best friend and make you feel bad for anyone who has wronged her in the past. The combination and blending of R&B, pop and country storytelling will definitely encourage repeat spins of k i’m done.

To keep up with Lacy Cavalier, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

k i’m done 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.

 

—————————-

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: Runaway June ‘Blue Roses’

/in , /by

Blue Roses Runaway June

Just nine months after the premiere of their self-titled debut EP, the talented ladies of Runaway June have finally released their debut album Blue Roses. Complete with ten brilliant tracks, the songstresses channel their heartbreaks, sassiness, vulnerability, and girl-power into an impressive compilation of songs.

The record opens up with “Head Over Heels,” a song that honestly expresses the stigma of women having a one night stand. We caught up with two of the members of the trio, Hannah and Jennifer, during Taste of Country Music Festival, where they shared that they wanted to write and sing about a subject that is not typically discussed in country music, especially from the perspective of an all girl-trio. Check out the interview where they discuss the album and the song below.

Cleverly placed as the next song on the track list, Runaway June’s current infectious single, “Buy My Own Drinks” celebrate women empowerment and independence, post-break-up. The ladies continue their confident and sassy attitudes in “Fast As You,” another track that debuted originally on their EP. Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer put their own twist on Dwight Yoakam’s song, reminding men that they can “break hearts too.”

On the contrary, the songstresses sing in “I Know the Way” that they “know the way to unbreak your heart.” The flirty song is a unique twist on a classic love story, featuring more uptempo instrumentals and a confident female protagonist, enticing a love interest to come to the bar downtown to dance with her.

Slowing it down a bit, the singer-songwriters harmonize on the nostalgic song “We Were Rich.” The ladies reminisce about simpler times, where finding money in a couch cushion, the old church, family time, and singing hymns meant that they had everything they could have ever wanted. Admitting in the last verse that though they’ve become more successful, they would always view those times as their ‘richest.’ “We didn’t have it all / but we all thought we did / Mama always said that we were blessed and I believed her / Never thought the grass was greener / on the other side of our old chain link fence / Yeah, we were rich.”

The women continue the theme of gratitude in their song “Good Bad & Ugly,” which depicts a healthy relationship. Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer harmonize beautifully, as they sing the chorus, sharing “I’m a saint, I’m a sinner, I’m a train-wreck / Just about as wild as they get / but you still love me, good, bad, and ugly,” adding that they “must have done something right in another life” to be with the one they’re with.

On the opposite spectrum, Runaway June’s lament about loss and heartbreak on the record in both “I Am Too” and the title track. The former is a self-reflective ballad, picking apart the emotions and situations associated with a recent break-up, and wondering if their ex is feeling the same way. The chorus, though heartbreaking, is as relatable and raw as it gets.

The latter, “Blue Roses” is a deeply personal song that deals with loss in a unique way. Despite how personal it is, the songstresses openly sing about their vices and wanting their loved ones back on the track, which will surely resonate with fans everywhere, and make naysayers stop to listen and appreciate the talented trio that are Runaway June.

Runaway June delivered a well-balanced debut album that will surely garner them praise and many more fans. We cannot wait to see what is next to come for the girl group, and look forward to their future success. New York fans can catch the ladies on Carrie Underwood’s ‘The Cry Pretty Tour 360’ alongside duo, Maddie & Tae on October 2nd at the iconic Madison Square Garden. For a complete list of tour dates and more information, head to runawayjune.com

To keep up with Runaway June, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Blue Roses 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.

 

—————————-

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: