NYCS First Impression: Jon Langston ‘Now You Know’ EP

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Rising country singer-songwriter, Jon Langston released his new Extended Play, Now You Know on Friday featuring songs such as “Now You Know”, “Dance Tonight”, “When It Comes To Loving You”, “Cigarettes And Me” plus two brand new songs in “Dial One Up” and “Sunday Morning Heart”.  The Georgia-native co-wrote all six tracks.

The title track, “Now You Know” was just released on June 14th and is the song Langston used to open his sets on Luke Bryan’s Sunset Repeat Tour. Like Langston, it is very heavily influenced by rock n’ roll. In the song, he mentions all the things he does that make him a true southern boy, like fishing, hunting, drinking, etc.

I just go with the flow, with a whiskey and Coke / If you ever wondered how I roll / Well, now you know

The next two songs, “Dance Tonight” and “When It Comes To Loving You” are both slower, love songs. They were originally released as singles in February of 2019 and February of 2018, respectively. “Dance Tonight” is simply about sharing a dance with the person you love. In “When It Comes To Loving You”, Langston says nothing, not even a cold beer on a Friday night or watching college football with his grandpa, compares to a night with this girl.

“When it comes to loving you / All my walls fall down / Your touch in the dark lights a fire in my heart / That can’t be put out”

“Dial One Up” contains a blend of all different genres including country, pop, and rock. In this song, Langston sends a message to all the lonely girls out there that if they’re looking for a good time, dial his number. In the bridge, he mentions that if he has a good time tonight that he’ll be the one to call her tomorrow.

“I got you covered if you need a little crazy / We can watch the sunrise in the bed of this truck / If you want another late night, baby / I’ll be the one to dial one up”

The girl featured in “Sunday Morning Heart” leaves Langston in awe as he is amazed at how such a nice, sweet girl can tear up a Saturday night with the best of them. To him, the most impressive part is not how she can close down the bar but how she can put on a smile and be ready for church the next morning; her “Sunday morning heart” is his favorite thing about her.

“She’s got a Saturday night wild streak, and a sweet southern charm / and a Sunday morning heart”

“Cigarettes And Me” was originally released on his 2015, self-titled EP. This track was written for his father as Langston praises how he never gave up on him. Although the lyrics are the same, there were changes made to the song as some extra sounds were added, the electric guitar became more prevalent and he threw in a couple of transitional words like “oh yeah” and “come on”.

“All those junkyard parts that never fit / My daddy never quit / Cigarettes, Chevy trucks, and me”

The Sunset Repeat Tour wraps up today in Detroit as Langston also continues his headlining tour that ends November 30th. He will then hit the road with Morgan Wallen on his Whiskey Glasses Roadshow tour starting January 2nd. For tickets, head to his website.

NYCountry Swag Must Listens: “Dial One Up” and “Sunday Morning Heart”

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

Now You Know is available everywhere you buy or stream music. To thank the fans for their loyalty and support, Langston has personally signed each physical copy of the EP. Check out these songs and more newly released music 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 
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NYCS First Impression: Old Dominion Release Self-Titled Album

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Old Dominion

It has been two years since the phenomenon that is Old Dominion put out a new record. After a widely successful headlining tour earlier this year, making a stop at New York City’s Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden on May 25th, 2019, the band’s self-titled album has finally been released in its entirety, and well, it was definitely worth the wait.

The record is full of twelve well-rounded tracks, covering the whole gamut of emotions and of course, showcasing their stellar songwriting. The band promised via Twitter, back when their album date was released that the record would be different, stating, “We pushed ourselves to be more raw and vulnerable with our songwriting on this album. It’s a side of us we haven’t shown as blatantly on our projects,” they lamented, setting the tone for the impressive tracklist.

The lead single, “Make It Sweet,” encourages listeners to make the most of life; despite, the negative. The track reached the top spot on the charts, making it the ACM Vocal Group of the Year’s seventh career number one. Its rhythmic tempo is just as charming as the clever lyrics. Transitioning into “Smooth Sailing,” a song with an air of ease and a beachy vibe, Old Dominion show off their songwriting yet again. They continue to keep things positive, without living in a dreamland, singing about looking to get back on track in this catchy tune.

“Come hell or high water / The sun’s gonna shine / Might not be tomorrow / But I know I’m going to find smooth sailing / Watch me sail away”

Old Dominion

Mike Spotz (@illkoncept) for NYCountry Swag

Both fan-favorite ballad “One Man Band” and one of the pre-released tracks, “My Heart is a Bar” are definitely cut from the same cloth. The former expresses one’s desire to be in a relationship. The group uses their perspective as musicians to write a heartfelt and emotional tune. “My Heart is a Bar” is equally as profound, but for a more melancholy reason. Lead singer, Matthew Ramsey compares his broken heart to a bar; lamenting that people use him until they feel better and then, they pick up and leave. Although a heartbreaking sentiment, the song is one of the best on the new project.

“My heart is a bar and I’m closing it down / So find somewhere else to get drunk in this town / I’m tired of being a shoulder and never having one around”

Next up, the upbeat track “Never Be Sorry” aims to remind people who have had their heart broken that falling in love is never something to apologize for. Breakups can be messy, but we can and should learn to cherish the memories and the lessons learned from our previous relationships. In the same vein, they sing about finally getting it, now that the relationship has ended in “Hear You Now”. After all, is said and done, they finally hear their ex loud and clear, as all the things she said finally came true. If nothing else, these two songs teach us tough lessons, inspiring us to grow from the hardships. It’s safe to say Old Dominion’s unique talent shines on these tracks.

For fans who love Old Dominion’s hard-hitting and cheeky stuff, the self-titled release has that too. “Midnight Mess Around” fits the bill. The song, written with the late Andrew Dorff, is straight to the point. Even though it’s a new vibe for the band, the song’s lyrics will resonate with fans, who love their hits “Hotel Key” and “Snapback,” except this song is sexy and racy in all the best ways. If you’re looking for another song that’s full of clever innuendos and flirty lyrics, look no further than track number seven, “Do It With Me.”

“I’ll Roll” and “American Style” both have that traditional mixed with modern country vibes. Laced with confidence throughout, the former is a laid-back song about just living life and letting it ride. The band doesn’t put much pressure on making decisions in this unique bop. Meanwhile, the latter, “American Style” is sure to be a staple at live shows. It starts with a fun drum instrumental and we can picture fans singing the lyrics back to the guys on stage.

“Rock and roll / and peace and love / and breaking in your baseball glove / Ain’t ever going to go out of American style”

Nearing the end of the record, “Paint the Grass Green” is one of our favorites, standing out for its romantic notions and killer displays of affirmations. Ramsey’s delivery as he pours heart out into the lyrics, highlight a man willing to give his love everything and anything to keep her happy.

Just like “Paint the Grass Green,” the final song off the new record is one of the most lyrically-driven songs of the year. “Some People Do” is arguably the most vulnerable cut by Old Dominion yet, showcasing a whole new level of artistry for the songwriters and artists. The song questions humanity’s ability to change and learn from their mistakes. Although ultimately a break-up song, the track poses philosophical questions that will keep you thinking and playing the song again and again.

“Some people quit drinking too much / And some people quit lying / Some people decide to grow up / But it’s never good timing / Most wouldn’t forget / What I put you through / But I’m here tonight / Hoping some people do”

Prior to album release day, the group shared via social media, “Part of our job as songwriters is, to tell the truth, even if it’s hard to go there.” They did not disappoint, and this sentiment is the common thread that links all the songs together in this cohesive, heartwarming, and creative record.

NYCountry Swag Must Listens: “Paint The Grass Green”, “Hear You Now”, “My Heart Is a Bar”

To keep up with Old Dominion, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Old Dominion 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 
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NYCS First Impression: Bailey Bryan ‘Perspective’

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Bailey Bryan EP

It’s officially Fall, the season of shifting and change. Nashville based singer/songwriter Bailey Bryan is embracing this whole-heartedly, as she celebrates the release of her sophomore EP, Perspective, out today, October 11th. “I’m trying to allow myself the space to experiment, whether it’s the sound of my music or the things I wear, to figure out who I am and how to be true to me,” Bryan shared in a recent press release.

This statement rings true on “Perspective”, as she blends her pop influences with a country sound. The EP opens up with previously-released “Songbird” which was co-written by the songstress along with songwriter turned artist Michael Hardy, along with Dennis Matkosky. The guitar compliments Bryan’s vocals perfectly as she sings, “I am just a songbird/trying to find my way”. It’s a quintessential opening track- it asks the questions the rest of the EP explores.

She follows it with “Where We Started”, a song about a relationship that is on the rails that she wants to save. It’s poppy and singer-songwriter at the same time, a seamless transition from country to a more pop-heavy sound. This song has real hit potential, as it’s relatable and catchy at the same time.

The title track “Perspective” is next, and instead of including the original single put out at the beginning of 2019, she included the demo. This song is Bryan’s mission statement, and it marks her official transition to pop music. “Now I got a new perspective/All ’cause you respected / Finally liking what I see”, she sings on the soaring chorus.

Next is the fourth song “Watered Down”, which is the standout of the 5 song EP. It’s Nashville writing at it’s finest: it’s vulnerable, authentic and memorable. “You get a lot of people telling you things like, ‘You’re great. What you do is cool.” Bryan explains. “But the way to make [this relationship] work would be to tone yourself down.”  The production is low key, but perfect for the message of the song. It’s filled with synths and balanced out with some guitar, adding to the elements of her pop/singer-songwriter identity.

The EP closes with anthemic “Pressure”. “There’s this weight on us—when you’re scrolling through social media or talking to your parents or comparing yourself to your friends—to know exactly who you are and to present yourself as if you’re having the time of your life,” Bryan explains. “[It] really sums up my last couple of years.”

Transitioning and melding one genre into a different one can be tricky for some artists. For Bryan, it was the most natural thing she could have done. Her songwriting remains honest throughout, writing each of the songs on the project and it seems that the songbird herself finally found her voice. She should be proud because this is her best work yet.

Bryan’s second EP, Perspective, is out now. Catch her on her upcoming “Perspective” limited-club tour next month. For more info and tour dates head to www.baileybryan.com

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

Perspective 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!

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NYCS First Impression: Kelleigh Bannen ‘Favorite Colors’

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Kelleigh Bannen Favorite Colors

If you’re searching for a record that is emotional, raw, fierce, honest, and impactful, look no further than Kelleigh Bannen’s debut record Favorite Colors. The independent artist showcases true artistry in all of her music, but this record is all her. She throws caution to the wind, and delivers an album that is authentic to who she is as a person.

All co-written by Bannen, the record consists of fourteen well-rounded and vulnerable tracks. All reflective in nature, the songstress leans on themes of love, love lost, empowerment, and story-telling. Beginning with, “Damn I Still Love You,” the singer-songwriter reflects about running into an old flame, surprising herself with the revelation that she’s still in love. On the contrary, “Sleeping Alone” is reflective and a tad melancholy, but ultimately, it is a powerful song about being on the other side of things, overcoming the heartache.

Both “Happy Birthday” and “Time Machine” are songs that revisit the past, leaning on the nostalgia that is laced throughout the entire project. The former shows off Bannen’s vocals as she reminisces about all the birthdays she spent with her ex. She just calls to say “Happy Birthday.” The latter skews towards a more general wondering, eventually transitioning into remembering memories with an old lover. She cleverly calls songs, a “stranger’s perfume,” and landmarks- time machines that bring you back to those exact moments.

Like “Happy Birthday,” Bannen included the two other songs off her EP on this record, “John Who” and “The Joneses.” The first song is smooth, soulful, and thoughtful. It is inspired by a whirlwind romance with a man named John, who Bannen is seemingly trying to get over after he just up and leaves. She sings “I need a clean slate from this heartache / I need a reason to forget,” later adding “I need a don’t look back / Kiss that stops me in my tracks.” In “The Joneses” Bannen uses quick, impactful lyrics to describe the old age adage that there’s no point in trying to “keep up with Joneses.” Like with her music, Bannen refuses to fit in and continues to blaze her own path and create her own mold. To learn more about these songs, check out our Swag Spotlight with the singer-songwriter from earlier this year.

Four of the songs were pre-released, including “Deluxe,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Diamonds,” and “Faith in You.” Although all different in nature, the group of songs are all inspiring and hopeful. “Deluxe” is inspired by an extravagant type of love. She compares a man’s advances to high-end luxury in the sonically-pleasing song. “Boys Don’t Cry” is a plea to girls who are going through a break-up, not to compare themselves to how guys go through a break-up. She encourages the ladies to “pull yourself together,” and of course to “get to getting over.” Finally, both “Diamonds” and “Faith In You” pay tribute to having someone to lean on, when times get tough, describing long-term commitment as the holy grail.

Favorite Colors boasts two true-blue upbeat tunes with “Suit” and “Haters.” The songs are on the opposite side of the spectrum, when it comes to context and instrumentals; however, they are both indicative of passion and truth-telling. “Suit” is a romantic, flirty track, where Bannen daydreams about her wedding day, cheek-fully singing “I can see you in a suit and tie / I can see you at the end of an aisle.” On the other hand, “Haters” confronts the social media monsters, calling out the trolls that hide behind their technology to bring others down. Both of these songs prove that no topic is off-limits.

Finally, “Your Favorite Colors” and the closing track, “Long Shadow” may be the best of the beautiful collection of songs on this project. Both showcase her songwriting chops, projecting the brutally-honest vulnerability that is so important in great story-telling. “Your Favorite Colors” depicts the ebbs and flows of getting through heartbreak. She admits the truth that “I don’t know where love goes when it’s gone.” In the later, “Long Shadow” the singer contemplates her thoughts, ultimately realizing that the ones we loved and lost, never really leave us.

Overall Bannen’s body of work is innovative and pleasing to listen to. It’s safe to say that Bannen’s goal of “telling stories and bringing people together” has been accomplished, as her record far exceeded expectations.

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

Favorite Colors 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: Stephanie Quayle ‘If I Was A Cowboy’ EP

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Stephanie Quayle

Last Friday, one of our favorite female artists, Stephanie Quayle released her newest EP entitled If I Was a Cowboy. Quayle is both a Swag Spotlight alum, as well as, a past performer at our 2nd annual Babes, Booze & Brunch event last March. She is as talented as they come, and her new EP is a perfect snippet into her musical style, showcasing heartfelt delivery.

The new project begins with the spunky title track. Written by extraordinary songwriters, Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, and Nicolle Gaylon, “If I Was a Cowboy” is a nostalgic anthem for female empowerment and strength. The lyrics create pronounced imagery, as Quayle sings candidly about the differences between how men and women deal with heartache.

“Cowboys don’t cry / Cowboys can lie to themselves and to everyone else when it’s over / Cowboys ain’t fragile, they’re back in the saddle / Don’t wait for their heart to unbreak / They just ride away”

The songstress slows things down a bit in the equally impactful and cleverly titled, “Evel Knievel.” Co-written by the Montana native with Karen Kosowski and Tori Tullier, the track inspires listeners to take that risk and to chase your dreams. It is inspired by a fearless stuntman from her home state. In the poignant chorus, Quayle shares “ain’t no one born with nerves of steel,” adding “sometimes we gotta take our hands off the wheel to fly like an eagle, like Evel Knieval.” In other words, take that leap of faith. It’s always worth it.

Quayle switches gears yet again, singing about her curiosity about a man, whose drinking alone at the bar in another track she co-penned. In her current single, “Whatcha Drinkin’ Bout,” she sings along to an enticing mid-tempo instrumental. The track cuts right to the chase lyrically but still packs a punch. “Whatcha Drinkin’ Bout’ should definitely be a staple at her live shows.

Continuing to rely on her strong and sassy vibe, Quayle shows off her personality in “Second Rodeo.” She preaches, yet again, to keep going, despite adversity. This time, relying on her past experiences to tell listeners that everyone is both working towards something and fighting their own demons. Quayle reminds us to “get back on the horse” and that “ain’t nobody got their shit together” just yet, and that’s okay.

Finally, the EP concludes with arguably the most poignant song of the project simply called “Untitled.” The ballad feels like Quayle’s lyrical autobiography. In the first verse, she cleverly reminds us of the lyrics to songs that we know all too well in order to explain that her story has just begun. We are ultimately all on our own journey to find ourselves and to live in our own authenticity. It is the perfect way to wrap up the well-rounded project.

“I’m still making it up as I go along / But for now I’m calling this song untitled / It’s untitled”

Overall the record encompasses all the aspects of Quayle’s unique talent. She exudes courage of conviction, strength, and vulnerability, through her five-song EP. We are eager to see what her full-length record will encompass in the future.

If I Was a Cowboy 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.

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

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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!

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

 

NYCS First Impression Kalie Shorr ‘Open Book’

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Kalie Shorr Open Book

If you’re looking for a record that is honest, raw, and relatable with a delightfully unique perspective, look no further than Kalie Shorr’s debut record Open Book. The new project gives us a front row seat into the songstress’ life experiences, her thoughts, and her feelings, all wrapped up with pretty melodies and enticing vocals. Shorr delivers an impressive melding of genres while remaining true to her songwriter roots, co-writing and co-producing each and every one of the 13 tracks.

The record begins with the essence of an old-western instrumental in “Too Much To Say,” but it is the opening line that packs quite the punch. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, as Shorr exclaims in the opening lyrics, “I’ve never been worse, thanks for asking / Is it making you nervous, all this honesty?!,” only to add later that she’s an “open book.” She reminisces again in “Big Houses,” a cut that comes later on the tracklist that depicts positive moments with her mother, while still having a somber layer of wishing to be anywhere but ‘here’.

 “Escape” and “Messy” follow the first song. The former is the listener’s first introduction to her demons. She unapologetically attests to how her struggles in her childhood led her to seek love in the wrong places and to find her own version of an escape. She sings, “Everybody needs an escape / And mine was leaving.” The later also shows off Shorr’s vocals. In “Messy,” the singer-songwriter plays with her vocal range while seeking answers as to why her relationship ended the way it did.

Shorr continues to explore how she felt in a former relationship in “The One.” Between the clever wordplay and tempo-changes, “The One” is a stand-out song on the tracklist. For different reasons, “F U Forever” is arguably one of the most impressive songs off the project. In the upbeat jam, the songstress empowers women to wear their heartbreak and vulnerability like a badge of honor.

Her impressive use of wordplay and expressive singing is apparent again in “Alice in Wonderland.” Besides being cleverly titled, the song is another explorative track with strong imagery about wanting to escape from a bad relationship. Relating the song to the movie ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is not only brilliant but reminds us all of our vulnerabilities. “Wonder if you’re good enough / Or if you’re the only one / You wonder if he’s lying again.”

 As we delve deeper into Shorr’s masterpiece, she openly shares her grieving process with us in “The World Keeps Spinning.” In memory of her late sister, the singer laments about how hard it is to get through a day, when you lose someone you love, “The sky didn’t even have the decency to cry / And that damn sun / Still found a way to shine / When my heartaches hitting / I think it’s kinda cruel that the world keeps spinning.” The powerful ballad is for anyone that has ever experienced loss.

After tugging at our heartstrings, Shorr switches gears and delivers three more upbeat tracks that fans of recent Taylor Swift and Alanis Morissette would love. In “Gatsby,” she sings the sarcastic sentiment, “people like me because I’m happy.” The song rivals the Morissette classic “Ironic.” As for, “Thank God You’re a Man,” the play of tempos feel like Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” or “Red” by Swift. It will have you singing along after just one listen. Finally, “Vices” will have you relating to Shorr’s struggles with her “vices” and hopefully help you to give yourself compassion for not always making the ‘right’ decisions.

Continuing to play with the gamut of emotions, Shorr shares her journey through heartbreak in her current radio single “Lullaby”. The ethereal song was inspired by the end of a six-year relationship. She takes us through the process of moving on both lyrically and rhythmically. The beautiful track begins with just Shorr’s voice shining through an acoustic guitar evolving into a full instrumental backing track. She sings “This is the sound of letting it go / of learning to sleep and your sleeping alone / of figuring it out how to love when you don’t.”

The record ends with “Angry Butterfly.” The obscure titled song begins with heavier guitars and polarizing vocals. Shorr admits to being a ‘walking contradiction,’ relishing in the “beauty in the breakdown.” It’s the perfect way to bookmark a thoughtful and innovative debut.

Open Book is a catalog of songs for the individual, who is looking to find healing in the music. As Shorr shared in a recent press release, “These songs are like three minute journal entries,” adding, “I’m happy to have the freedom to share my truth on this album.” Shorr’s refreshing perspective is one that will surely resonate with music fans across many genres, but her niche at perfectly speaking her truth, while still standing up for women is arguably what will keep her successful in the industry for a long time to come.

To catch some of these songs live along with your favorite cover songs, come to our Manhattan By Sail on October 11th where we will feature Kalie Shorr as our musical guest. More information and tickets available here.

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

Open Book 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: Zac Brown Band ‘The Owl’

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The Owl Zac Brown Band

Grammy winning country group, Zac Brown Band released their 6th studio album, The Owl this past Friday. This eleven-song record is one of the band’s most personal and experimental albums to date, blending all types of sounds from a variety of genres. Skrillex, Max Martin, Poo Bear, Ryan Tedder, Caroline Jones, and other songwriters contributed to the album, mashing up and blending each of their unique talents.

“Our music has always been a melting pot and lived outside of anyone single category, The Owl is no exception,” frontman Zac Brown said of the new album. “The collaborators we worked with on this album have been on my wish list for a long time and when everyone brings something new and different to the table, something special comes out of it.”

Fans got a hint of the direction Zac Brown Band was headed with The Owl when they released the lead single, “Someone I Used to Know”. Co-written by pop-star Shawn Mendes, the track has much more of a modern country sound than their previous singles. The group uses synthetic sounds after the final line of the chorus; creating a country-styled bass drop, something the group has never experimented with before. After the first listen, one might think it is another song about a lost love. When you dig deeper into the lyrics, you realize that “someone” is actually the narrator of the story and he is trying re-find himself. The music video tells the story of a high school football star who enlists in the military and comes back with PTSD.  “’Someone I Used to Know’ is a touchpoint to remind people that they don’t have to be alone in what they feel,” Brown says at the end of the video. “Pain and depression doesn’t discriminate; this song is me facing that part of myself of where I want to go and not where I’ve been.”

“The Woods” starts the record off with the positive message of “just because you do something differently doesn’t mean you’re wrong” with lyrics: What floats your boat might sink mine / And what makes me smile might make you cry / You might get low, I might stay high / To each their own, ain’t that right?” Instrumentally, this is completely different from what we’ve heard from Zac Brown Band in the past. They will perform this song tonight on NBC’s Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

“OMW” is another pop-infused song on the album. The verses have that snapping noise you hear on pop radio and now in many country song as well. For the post-chorus, they bring in the electric guitar to get the rock n’ roll sound they love so much back involved.

 “God Given” has to be the most diverse song on the album, in terms of blending genres; it’s honky-tonk meets funk. Brown surprises listeners when he breaks out into rap during the verses. The song’s message is self-explanatory, the men in the song are all fawning over this particular woman because of her looks and swagger.

“I don’t know if you notice that you’re fine as you are / I don’t understand how you keep raisin’ the bar / You know everybody wants to know who you are / I can’t wait to get you into my car”

“Warrior” was another song released before the whole album and is another dedication to the US military. Brown says the lyrics were inspired by a speech written by his friend who was part of the special operations branch of the military. It sounds like the type of track you would hear over sports highlights, hyping up a big, upcoming game. Brown sings: “No one’s born to be a warrior / No one born an average man / We made one or the other / And we try to understand”

Zac Brown Band is heavily influenced on rock n’ roll as any fan who has been to one of their live shows would know. They are known to cover a lot of songs, many of which are rock n’ roll and heavy metal. Between their two shows at Jones Beach Theater this summer, they covered songs by Rage Against The Machine, Def Leopard, Van Halen, Beastie Boys, White Stripes, Kings of Leon, Metallica and more. They have also collaborated with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters and Chris Cornell of Soundgarden on songs in the past. They display country-rock on The Owl in songs such as “Me and the Boys in the Band” and “Already on Fire”.

 

More traditional sounding country songs included “Shoofly Pie” and “Finished What We Started”, which features Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and member of The Highwomen, Brandi Carlile. “Shoofly Pie”, recorded originally by The Wood Brothers, is an upbeat song about a man’s craving of his woman’s shoofly pie. Whether the listener wants to interpret “shoofly pie” literally or metaphorically is up to them. “Finished What We Started” is much slower and describes a mutual breakup between a man and a woman. They both agree that living their unhappy lives together isn’t fair to either of them and they should finally put an end to things.

Closing out the record is “Leaving Love Behind” which serves as the album’s heart wrenching, breakup song. Although the music video features an adorable mash-up of animals in order to raise awareness and encourage fans to make a donation to Best Friends Animal Society’s Disaster Relief Fund which supports efforts helping animals displaced by disasters like Hurricane Dorian, the lyrics indicate that it’s about a love lost and the woman has found a new man to call her own. He knows that it’s probably for the best, but the “moving on” part has been very hard on him.

“I believe, yes I do /  Oh, that everything we lose will be a gift in time /  I believe, yes I do / The hardest part is leaving love behind”

Zac Brown Band is currently on its 2019 The Owl Tour. Recently, the group extended their Fenway Park sellout venue record with back-to-back sold-out shows during the tour’s stop in Boston, marking their eleventh consecutive sold-out show at the famed venue.

The Owl is available everywhere you buy or stream music. 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.

To keep up with Zac Brown Band, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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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 
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NYCS First Impression: Ryan Hurd ‘Platonic’

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Ryan Hurd Platonic

Acclaimed Nashville songwriter, Ryan Hurd, settles into his own style on his new EP, Platonic. No stranger to the limelight, the country artist has written hit songs for everyone from Jake Owen and Dierks Bentley to Florida Georgia Line and Rascal Flatts. Yet, where he really shines is with his own brand of romantic storytelling immersed in hooky melodies.

In 2018, he released an emotional ode to his wife (country superstar Maren Morris) with the single, “Diamonds and Twine” to a smattering a success. The track positioned the artist as more than just a songwriter, but a musician in his own rite. On Platonic, he settles effortlessly into the sound that fans have come to expect, with a renewed focus on the power of storytelling.

If there’s one thing that the “To a T” songwriter does well, is bring a touch of summer sunshine to any track he writes. That’s never more apparent than on “Half Hoping.” Bursting with radiant energy, the regretful breakup song sizzles with the kind of melody you hope never ends — sort of like summer itself. “I’m wishing you would stay / wishing you’d come over /you’re the angel and the devil talking on my shoulder / wishing I’d forget you / but happy I remember / baby, wishing I could pick a side but I’m right in the center”

Title track, “Platonic,” is one of those slow burn romantic stories people write novels (and music) about. Hurd languishes in his usual style, where he paints such a clear picture with his lyrics you can almost see it playing out in front of you. A mid-tempo shuffle that begs for a couples dance, this is a song that’s bound to climb it’s way up the charts and into our hearts.

If ever there was a song that brought you back to your first love, it’s “Florida With A Girl.” The laid back ballad taps into the dizzying anticipation of falling in love for the first time. It captures the moment when you step boldly into adulthood and wrangle with feelings, unlike any you’ve ever felt. From the gentle lull of the melody to the hushed vocals, the songwriter transports us to that place in time. “It was warm cheap beer chasing first kiss fear when the sun goes down / it wasn’t just one week / wasn’t just some beach in a spring break town / it was Florida with a girl”

The final track will break your heart for all the right reasons. A dreamer’s oasis wrapped in a melody, it reflects on how more love in the world would do us all some good. Acoustic guitar mingles with Hurds honied vocals, building a warmth that infuses the meaning of the song into the arrangement itself. On the track, Hurd shares one final line that stands out as a motto we could all live our lives by: “If I could make a wish for the world there would be more music / whenever you got lonely you could always find a friend”

Check out our interview with siner-songwriter from earlier this summer when we caught up with him at Taste of Country Music Festival.

 

The Nashville rising star knows a thing or two about writing great songs, but with his newest EP, he taps into the format that serves him best. Positive vibes and feel good charisma pack the melody-fueled EP — making Platonic a must listen.To keep up with Ryan Hurd follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Platonic is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist.

 

 

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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,
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NYCS First Impression: Brett Young The Acoustic Sessions

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Singer-songwriter, Brett Young released the final track off his The Acoustic Sessions EP on today (9/13). It contains five songs from his most recent album, Ticket to L.A. Young’s current single to country radio, “Catch”, the lead single, “Here Tonight” (featuring Charles Kelley), “Don’t Want To Write This Song” (featuring Sean McConnell), “Chapters” (featuring Gavin Degraw), and the title track, “Ticket to L.A.”

The acoustic version of “Catch” has a totally different vibe than the one you hear on the radio. The piano is emphasized making it more of a ballad. The lyrics stayed the same however as the song is about an unintended relationship forming between two people at a bar. The man just wanted to have a nice, chill time with his friends before he caught glimpse of this girl. This track was penned by Young, Ross Copperman, and Ashley Gorley.

Young slowed down his fourth number-one single, “Here Tonight” for this EP and added Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley, who co-wrote the song with Young, Ben Caver, and Justin Ebach. The song is about a man who wants this exact moment with his girl to last forever. Kelley takes the second verse and the two team up to make the second chorus sound even more beautiful than the original.

Just when you thought “Don’t Wanna Write This Song” couldn’t sound more melancholy, Young releases the acoustic version of it. This song is Ticket to L.A.’s “Mercy”; it is the most heart wrenching track on the album as it’s about a man having a tough time moving past the death of his wife.  Sean McConnell’s vocals feature in the background of this song, unlike on the original recording. McConnell co-wrote the song with Young and Zach Crowell.

Young kept his childhood inspiration, Gavin DeGraw on the acoustic version of the next song. “Chapters” is based on Young’s true story. He was the star pitcher on his high school and college baseball teams before a serious arm injury ended his career. Luckily for Young, he was blessed with other extraordinary talents, singing, and songwriting. Young wrote this with DeGraw and Copperman.

Just released today, “Ticket to L.A.” is about how two strangers get to know each other in an airport due to a delayed flight and quickly hit it off. She’s headed to L.A., not far from Young’s hometown. Young sings the verses in this acoustic recording with hardly any instruments backing him. Young, Crowell and Jon Nite wrote this song.

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

Listen to the whole EP on Spotify. 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!

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NYCS First Impression: Hailey Whitters ‘The Days’ EP

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Hailey Whitters The Days

Photo Credit: Harper Smith

We love when a strong female artist delivers a record with an undeniably unique perspective and songs with the depth and emotion that we so crave. Rising artist, Hailey Whitters delivered just that with the first part of her newest project entitled The Days.

The EP opens up with arguably the most prolific song off the record, “Ten Year Town.” Our Managing Editor Christina picked this song as her ‘Song of the Month’ back in March, and it’s been one of our favorites ever since. Whitters wrote the song with the exceptional Brandy Clark, during a time in her life, where she was falling out of love with Nashville, after a decade of trying to ‘make it’ in the music industry.

She shared in a recent press release that she was tired of trying to “water herself down to fit in,” and that she was “craving something that [was] raw, real, and imperfect.” Those statements embody the opening track to a ’t.” Although highly personal, the track is as relatable as it gets for anyone who is feeling lost in their current situation. Last Friday evening during her opening slot on Maren Morris’ GIRL The World Tour stop at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Whitters said “To anyone out there tonight hanging on to the tail end of a dream, and wondering if you should just give it up…don’t,” before playing the track for the audience who hung on to every last word.

“Lesser fools woulda given up / They don’t go for broke like a dreamer does / Gotta get back up when you get knocked down / I’m twelve years into a ten year town.”

Next up, the title track is rhythmic and sonically-enticing. Drawing inspiration from her childhood and all the moving moments since, Whitters sings about all the little things that make up this adventure we call life. She flips the script and focuses on the little moments that we sometimes let pass us by. “The other day it hit me like a hammer / that you can’t get back those moments that really matter.”

“Red Wine & Blue” is a bluesy slow-jam, where Whitters emotes how it feels to go through a break-up, while “Dream Girl” is a more upbeat track with an 80s vibe that uplifts women, encouraging them to know their worth and remember that, “you’re someone else’s dream girl” and to “never settle for less than what you need girl.”

In “Loose Strings” Whitters relies on her gritty, yet beautiful vocals. With a simple instrumentation, she reveals her truth in the breathtaking song. The track was written by Whitters with a team of A-list female songwriters, including Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsay, Nicolle Gaylon, and Brandy Clark.

Rounding out the expressive record is “Heartland.” The final song on the first part of this project was inspired by Whitters’ Midwest upbringing. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and catchy. The play on words is simple, yet effective, as she sings about letting her “heart- land in the middle of nowhere” and despite life not going the way it would have if she stayed in her smalltown, she knows that she can always fall back on her roots.

As Whitters says, “this is the first record that feels 100 percent me. It’s a time capsule of my time in Nashville and coming to terms with dreams and what they mean to you,” and The Days is truly just that. It’s an enticing project that makes you feel like you know exactly who she is, which is both inspiring and makes you want to root for her success.

We recently caught Whitters in her opening spot on tour with Maren Morris and Kassi Ashton at the iconic Radio City Music Hall. Check out some of our highlights from the show here. She will continue to play shows on ‘GIRL The World Tour’, through September. In October, the songstress will open up for singer-songwriter, Brent Cobb. For tickets and more information, head to haileywhitters.com.

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

The Days 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: