NYCS First Impression: Baker Grissom ‘Saturdays & Sunday’

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Baker Grissom

By happenstance, our managing editor Christina fell upon a talented singer-songwriter named Baker Grissom via social media. As fate would have it, Grissom released his debut EP Saturdays & Sunday just last week (6/21), and subsequently signed a publishing deal with RED Creative Group, with likes of Adam Hambrick and Travis Denning also on the roster. Grissom is one to watch. His effortless vocals, creative songwriting, and poise for a new artist rivals any successful country musician in the industry.

His new project begins with his single, “Right Bar Wrong Stool.” At first glance at the title, one might assume that the track is a cliche break-up song set in a bar atmosphere, but Grissom’s clever wordplay matched with the authentic nature of the song makes it special. He laments about being in the right spot (right bar), but sitting on the “wrong stool,” watching another guy hit on his love interest. “Bartender give us your best shot / He don’t know half of what he’s got / She’s top shelf, I”m on the bottom well with no one to blame, but myself.”

Grissom continues the clever wordplay in his next track titled “Do I Drink.” Armed with an enticing beat and a catchy melody, the singer tries to figure out what is the impetus for his drinking, post-breakup. He shares in the chorus “Do I drink because I miss you / Do I miss you because I drink.” Despite the melancholy nature of the song, Grissom still comes across cool, relaxed, and confident just like successful recording artist and songwriter Eric Church.

He continues to up the ante with the middle track on the five-song EP. “You Are Who You Listen To” is truly a gem. At first listen, it almost sounds like a song that could have been cut by Keith Urban; however, the song is clearly personal to Grissom. It explores how both family (specifically his father) and music made him who he is today. He sings “I was raised on three chords and the truth / By a simple man who knew that you are who you listen to.” The message of the song seems to have a dual meaning, acting as both a thank you to his father (who he goes to for advice), as well as, showing gratitude to music for being there for him. The track name drops titles of songs that create a nostalgic look back including  Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run”,  Eric Church’s “Two Pink Lines”, Tim McGraw’s “Red Rag Top” and Kenny Chesney’s “There Goes My Life” amongst many others.

Next up, “Song for My Ex” is another lyrically driven song. Despite being one of the slower songs on his EP, it still packs a punch. Throughout the track, Grissom copes with a break-up, admitting “I’ve been drinking daily / I’ve been smoking cigarettes / She wouldn’t like that I had one lit / So what / I ain’t waiting on a miss you text / This ain’t a song for my ex.” Grissom’s vocals shine in the last chorus and verse, as he continues to exclaim that this one is definitely not about his ex, adding, “I ain’t waiting for her to come over.” The song is completely relatable, as anyone whose ever dealt with mixed feelings after a break-up can emphasize with the singer-songwriter.

Rounding out the solid debut is the simply titled “Sunday.” Much like “Do I Drink,” the final track feels like it could have been cut by Church, reminiscent of his hits “Talladega” and “Springsteen.” Grissom’s anchor track is his honest and refreshing version of a love song. He compares his love interest to the feeling of Sundays and thanks her for being his rock.

“Save me from the night / Girl you called me just in time / When I’m feeling like Sunday, kneeling on the ground / Praying that Monday don’t come ‘round / I’d give up anything, take it from me now / I’ll never found another love like we’ve found / Singing hallelujah, when you’re next to me / Second that I knew ya, baby I believe / Feeling like Sunday.”

We encourage everyone to give Grissom’s Saturdays & Sunday EP a listen- it definitely doesn’t disappoint! Like he shared via his latest Instagram post “Go give it a spin!”

To keep up with Blake Grissom follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

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

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NYCS First Impression: Aaron Watson ‘Red Bandana’

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Aaron Watson Red Bandana

Aaron Watson is celebrating a huge milestone year, being in the music industry for 20 years, with a new album, Red Bandana. In the days leading up to Watson’s latest album, he took to Instagram to describe each track and how it came about. Red Bandana is not the traditional 10-12 track album and Watson doesn’t play by the rules of the industry as an independent artist. One thing to notice about him compared to any other artists is his ability to tell a story. Whether it is his own personal journey, loss, or success, a moment with a fan turned into a song, or a meaningful conversation, Watson is able to pull great songs out of anything.

The album’s cover is a simple red bandana just like the name although it’s meaning is much bigger. Watson shared on Instagram earlier this year, “To me there’s nothing more classic, more country, or more cowboy than an old red bandana. It signifies hard work, grit, and determination… I needed a cover that would reflect the meaning behind the music. I needed something with more substance than just another cover with my picture on it. The title track is a cowboy poem, so I decided, why not just photograph my Dad’s old red bandana. We tilted the square red bandana 45 degrees and there it was, like a diamond in the rough!”

Watson is right. Upon first listen, “Ghost of Guy Clark” has is such a cowboy tone to it, just like a Chris Ledoux classic. A clear ode to staying true to yourself, something the singer-songwriter clearly represents. Fading into “El Comienzo Del Viaje,” you will notice that there are no words in the minute and a half song. The sounds of an abandoned Texas town and fiddles quickly turns into sounds of a victory, like any triumphant story.

The latest single off the record “Kiss That Girl Goodbye” is based on an encounter Watson had with a fan. He shared earlier this year on his Instagram that a girl came up to meet him after a concert and told him that she was supposed to come here with her boyfriend but after she dumped him she still came to celebrate by herself. What better way to celebrate than to have Watson write such an upbeat song! Other hits include “Trying Like the Devil,” “Old Friend,” and “Riding With Red” with new music videos for each.

Out of all the songs on the album, the last one “58” is arguably the most powerful. It’s a tribute to the 58 men and women that lost their lives at the Route 91 tragedy. A few months after the shooting in Vegas, Watson played there for National Finals Rodeo where he met a sweet woman who had lost a close friend during the tragedy. She suggested that someday he should write a song for all the victims and their families. “58” is an ode to those who passed and lost loved ones during the tragedy last year. Watson once again makes a point to pay tribute to his hero, draw awareness to issues, write heart-melting love songs, and more all into one beautiful and cohesive album.

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

Red Bandana 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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NYCS First Impression: Montgomery Gentry ‘Outskirts’

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Montgomery Gentry

Montgomery Gentry’s highly anticipated EP is out today (6/14). Outskirts feature seven songs that were recorded back in September of 2017 and is the perfect way to pay tribute and continue the legacy of Troy Gentry who lost his life just a year later in a helicopter accident.

Montgomery Gentry sing about the way you are raised and your core values when growing up on the outskirts of town. The return of the duo’s signature southern rock sound makes for a collection of tracks that fans of the band will absolutely love. Opening with the title track, “Outskirts,” which portrays the praises of living in a small town living. The lyrics explain the core values and common living patterns of living in the south.

“We stick to God’s plan / Finish what we start, man / Carve out our brand / Our here in the heartland / And on a clear night / I can see them city lights / While I watch the stars burn / Out here on the outskirts.”

Along with their own tracks, the duo also took on Merle Haggard’s “What Am I Going To Do With The Rest Of My Life,” and their take on Darrell Scott’s “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.”

The second track on the EP “Never Been Nothin’ Else” will take you back to your roots and will remind you to stay true to yourself. Also, the track “Joe Six Pack” written by Jeremy Stover, Jesse Frasure, and Travis Denning, needs to be an addition to your summer playlist. The message is direct on this chorus as Montgomery sings “We’re good with what we got / Fine with what we have.”

At the end of the EP, “King of the World” features the GRAMMY award-winning guitar player, Steve Vai. “The way he wants to live his life when he grows up,” Montgomery says of the track in a press release. This track has a folksy, rock beat that will stand out to the fans. This EP is an unforgettable soundtrack that showcases the new direction and honors the memory of Troy Gentry.

Make sure to check out Montgomery Gentry on tour, for more information visit. www.MontomeryGentry.com.

To keep up with Montgomery Gentry, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Outskirts 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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NYCS First Impression Luke Combs ‘The Prequel – EP’

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Luke Combs The Prequel

With his unassuming presence and every-man attitude, Luke Combs has captured the hearts of country music fans in a way that’s rarely seen nowadays. Rather than relying on glitz and glam, Combs has earned his legion of tried and true followers by staying true to his country roots and releasing great music. As the follow up to 2017’s This One’s For You, Combs’ released The Prequel – EP today (June 7), featuring 5 new songs, including the project’s first single, the anthemic “Beer Never Broke My Heart.”

Aside from “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” The Prequel’s two other standout tracks are “Refrigerator Door” and “Even Though I’m Leaving.” The former is a celebration of nostalgia and life’s best days while “Even Though I’m Leaving” is a heartstrings-tugging ode to the relationship between a father and a son. On “Refrigerator Door,” Combs executes such a simple concept expertly, celebrating life through the contents of a refrigerator door. “With all those pictures hanging side by side / Forgotten memories from another time/ And all the places that I’ve been before/ A couple magnets, recipes, and Polaroids / Yeah, but that’s my life on the ‘frigerator door.”

“Even Though I’m Leaving” is the chill-inducing moment of the EP, taking listeners on a journey through a father and son’s special relationship. It starts with monsters under the bed then moves to the son leaving for the military, ultimately ending with the father’s passing. The message here is clear on the simple yet intense chorus, as Combs sings, “Even though I’m leaving, I ain’t going nowhere.”

What Combs does best is on full display on this EP, weaving powerful lyrics over anthemic country music. He takes us through a wide range of emotions including nostalgia, love, and loss. Not to be missed are “Moon Over Mexico,” a slow jam that celebrates a magical moment in Mexico, and “Lovin’ On You,” where Combs brings the party to the exciting buzz that comes from new love.

When it comes to modern country, many new acts are more style than substance, but Luke Combs is truly an exception. He shines by simply releasing solid songs with an unmatched voice. The Prequel is a perfect example of that and is truly just another step towards his superstardom.

Combs will hit Long Island’s Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall next week for an acoustic show with Hunter Hayes, Gone West, and Aaron Goodvin.

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

The Prequel – 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.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Austin Jenckes ‘If You Grew Up Like I Did’

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Austin Jenckes

Austin Jenckes has had quite a musical journey. From releasing several solo projects over the last decade, to joining a group (called “The First Call), to being a Team Blake contestant on Season 5 of The Voice. While most people are familiar with him from the TV show in 2013, the Duvall, Washington native has taken a step out of that television spotlight and returns with a full album, his first since the competition.

Released via Nashville artist development company and indie label Red Dot, If You Grew Up Like I Did gives listeners a very personal glimpse into Jenckes’ journey as he lets the art take individuals on a ride through love, death, hardship, and celebration. Proving himself as both a vocalist and songwriter, Jenckes had a hand in co-writing eight out of nine tracks on the record.

Album opener “We Made It” celebrates triumphing over all odds to lead a beautiful, satisfying life that is not perfect by worldly standards, but the couple’s own. Penned by Jenckes, Jaren Johnston (of The Cadillac Three) and Jonathan Singleton, the song paints imagery of a life with joys and hardship co-existing together but still living, the couple is grateful enough to say it ain’t got what we want but got what we need, hey, we made it.

A sweet, nostalgic look back on love so sweet is then followed with “Never Forget” (Jenckes, Brinley Addington), and the feel-good “American Nights,” a celebratory anthem about the carefree in-the-moment feelings of fun and earning our stripes underneath the stars.

Lead track “Fat Kid,” which features Grammy-nominated songwriter Lori McKenna (Tim McGraw, Little Big Town), encompasses one word in 4 minutes: nostalgia. We all have felt, at some point in our almost-picturesque life, like outliers. We may be happy with our choices, but something unsettles us about a certain aspect of it. This is when Jenckes’ emotional delivery shines, along with the writing of McKenna, Neil Mason (1/3 of The Cadillac Three) and the late Andrew Dorff. The one lyric that hits? “That summer before your senior year, you lost a damn good friend. / And finally on a Sunday morning, you learned how to say Amen”

Penned with one of Sony Nashville’s newest artist, Jameson Rodgers, “Bet You’d Look Good” pays compliments to his significant other about her unceasing beauty, whether in a Willie Nelson shirt [he] bought from a southern thrift store for a couple hundred pennies or in a world that keeps on spinning. “Never Left Memphis” is a rocking, soulful, feet-thumping song that showcases Jenckes’ evident rhythm and blues influences.

An undeniable highlight on the album is the deeply personal “If You’d Been Around.” Co-written with Lynn Hutton (Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Jon Pardi) and Tammi Kidd Hutton (Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes), is delivered as a personal letter to Jenckes’ late father (who passed away when the singer was just 16) about what he would’ve witnessed in his son’s life, if he had still been around. The heart-wrenching tune explores the what-ifs and emotions entailed in a loss too soon. “The road ain’t been busy, but I found my way / Sometimes I think I might’ve turned out more like the man I’ve heard stories about / If you’d been around”

Proving the universal power of music, the same three writers team up again on “There’s A Song,” a track that lists some of the biggest songs across all music genres, in a convincing invitation to listeners to realize how there truly is a song for the roller-coaster journey of life. Jenckes then wraps up the album by taking a step back and promising his wife he knows what matters the most at the end of the day; and he’ll “Ride Away” with her anytime, wherever she wants to go

After listening to this record, we dare say, he’s “made it”– both as a writer and artist. Our guess is, it won’t be long till a major label takes interest in his artistry and the irrefutably perfect storyteller that he is. Not only is the country singer readying to bring his music across the pond to Europe later in the fall, but he is also slated to make his big Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville on June 15.

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

“If You Grew Up Like I Did” is available now. 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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NYCS First Impression: Thomas Rhett ‘Center Point Road’

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Thomas Rhett Center Point Road

Upon first listen, Thomas Rhett’s Center Point Road may come off as a fairly standard collection of country ballads and modern party tunes. Yet, upon further listening, Center Point Road is a collection of love letters. While some are to the expected recipient, his wife Lauren, there are also declarations of love to his home town (“Center Point Road”), his first car (“That Old Truck”), his younger days (“Remember You Young”), and his favorite beverage (“Beer Can’t Fix.)

“For me, Center Point Road really symbolizes what it was like to grow up in Hendersonville [Tennessee],” said Rhett in a statement. “First dates, first football games, first heartbreak, first kisses, success, and failures. I really feel like that road shaped who I am today, and it felt fitting because the record, for the most part, is pretty nostalgic. Songs like ‘Almost,’ ‘That Old Truck’ and especially ‘Center Point Road,’ really describe who I was as a kid and teenager, and who I’ve become as an adult.”

On the 16-track collection, all co-written by Rhett, he seamlessly soars from slick pop-leaning tracks to more traditional country offerings. The album shows Rhett in two main modes: reflective and ready for a good time. There are songs for both moods, and while Rhett rarely strikes out musically, he also manages to hit quite a few home runs on his latest release.

While Rhett can release a party song with the best of them, and they are aplenty, he shines on the slower, more reflective tracks. He’s at his best when he’s singing about his love for his wife, as evidenced on “Blessed.” Rhett sings, “People say I’m lucky/ but lucky ain’t the word/ Oh I’m blessed.” There’s also “Notice,” which shows that Rhett notices the little things about the woman he loves, revealing, “You think that I don’t notice, but I do.”

In a similar vein are “Dream You Never Had” and “Almost.” On the former, Rhett sings the praises of his wife who’s living his crazy life with him. “You married the music the day that you married me,” Rhett proclaims here. “Baby I’m just the singer / And you are the songs that I sing.” On “Almost,” Rhett reflects on all of the “almosts” in his past, the things he “almost” did or didn’t do that would’ve changed the entire course of his life. This is the Thomas Rhett equivalent of Garth Brooks’ “Unanswered Prayers” and it’s truly a poignant way to end the album.

If you’re here for a good time, this album is full of songs for that as well. In fact, Rhett has single-handedly created our summer playlist with songs like “VHS,” “Sand,” and “Barefoot.” In case you were wondering, “VHS” stands for “Very Hot Summer,” and is most definitely not about those tapes that went in your VCR.

Prior to the release of Center Point Road, Rhett released a handful of tracks including his collaborations with Jon Pardi (“Beer Can’t Fix”), Little Big Town (“Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time”) and Kelsea Ballerini (“Center Point Road”.) Interestingly, each of these tracks brings out a different side of the singer, as he’s a bit more country on the Pardi collab, a bit more funky with LBT, and a bit more anthemic pop-rock with Ballerini.

On Center Point Road, you can hear the superstar experimenting with different themes and sounds. The album’s opening track “Up” sets the tone as Rhett harmonizes over funky horns and unique grooves, singing along to a choir that reminds us that “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.”

For Rhett, everything is definitely going to be alright. With Center Point Road, he’s sure to continue his ascent through the ranks of the country music community. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that it’s only a matter of time before that coveted Entertainer of the Year trophy is on his mantle.

In addition to the release of the album, Thomas Rhett took New York City by storm during his album release week. With visits to iHeartRadio, Pandora and the TODAY Show, check out our exclusive coverage here.

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

Center Point Road 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Blanco Brown’s Debut Self Titled EP

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Blanco Brown

The country music world better make some room, because Blanco Brown is certainly redefining the genre. The brand-new artist released his self-titled EP today (May 31) via Broken Bow Records, and if its success is anything like that of his widely received debut single, ‘The Git Up’, it could mark a very unique and timely twist on what we know and love as country music.

Brown’s sound has been self-defined as “trailer trap” – part trailer park, part trap music, an ingenious genre of his very own which is heavily influenced by two of his greatest musical influences- Johnny Cash and Outkast.

Through the songs on this EP, such as ‘Ghett Ol Memories’ and ‘Georgia Power’, he manages to give you a glimpse into his childhood, split between the urban ‘hood and summers spent with relatives in the small rural town of Butler, GA., while at the same time seamlessly blurring the lines between hip hop and country, two genres that have always been thought of as polar opposites.

“I don’t necessarily think of the sound as being genre-breaking,” he says in his bio. “I think of it as being culture-bonding. If you listen to the messages of these songs, you’ll find it’s about the things we all go through as humans, not about race.”

“The Git Up”, his debut single released on May 2nd, 2019, has caused an overwhelming outbreak of attention to Brown, just in time for the release of his new EP. This undeniably catchy and loveable dance-along song has its own fun choreography, as posted in an instructional video on Brown’s YouTube channel, and has even led to ‘The Git Up Challenge’, consisting of swarms of online fans posting their rendition of the dance moves. Comments on the tutorial read ‘Cha Cha slide meets Old Town Road’, and ‘Country Weddings will never be the same.”

In songs such as ‘CountryTime’, and ‘TN Whiskey’, Brown mixes his stellar vocals with catchy hip hop beats that sneak in when you least expect it, and completely change the entire feel of the songs, giving them the best of both worlds.

“Making trailer-trap music really feels liberating to me because I want to bring people together. That’s what this music stands for: unity. It’s multiple influences and sounds and styles, all coming together,” Brown continues.

Brown’s authenticity, gift for detailed story-telling, artistic mind and diverse upbringing are the perfect combination for songs that will capture the hearts of many who can relate to his stories, are fascinated by his new self-made genre, and simply just want some music to listen to have a good time.

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

Blanco Brown 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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NYCS First Impression: Matt Stell ‘Everywhere But On’ EP

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Matt Stell Everywhere But On

Photo Credit: Dustin Haney

Country newcomer Matt Stell is one to look out for this year. We have had the chance to host a Swag Session with the rising artist, spotlight his talent in an exclusive interview, and be in the audience as he performed at Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17 for the first time. Now, we are excited that the singer-songwriter has officially released his new EP, under Sony Music Nashville/Arista Nashville, titled Everywhere But On.

The new record is a compilation of seven songs, all co-written by Stell. One of the tracks is of course, the singer’s lead single, “Prayed for You.” The coveted love song is currently climbing the charts, and we suspect that it will be Stell’s first top ten song, sometime in the near future. Co-written with Allison Veltz and Ash Bowers, Stell pours his heart out on the lyrics, singing a love letter to the girl of his dreams, whom he dreamt about and prayed for before he found her. Stell played this song for us, during our live Swag Session back in September.

On the contrary, just before the release of his EP, Stell premiered the heartbreaking title track. The singer-songwriter shows off his knack for creating catchy hooks and choruses and tugging at the listener’s heartstrings. “Everywhere But On” is Stell’s take on dealing with heartbreak, and struggling to move on, exclaiming “I’ve moved everywhere, but on.” The intriguing wordplay mixed with the entertainer’s raspy undertones is the perfect combination for this break-up song.

In the same vein, Stell sings about turning to alcohol to move on from a break-up. In “Better I Drink” the singer-songwriter shows off his outlaw side, delivering a song with heavier instrumentals and deeper vocals. The track is a stark difference from the previous songs he has released, but it gives the EP more versatility, which only adds to Stell’s talent. “Gonna drown my heart in a whiskey rain / The more I feel the better I drink.”

Stell sings about alcohol again in “I Bet Whiskey Would.” This time, using the liquor as a way to get comfortable with a new girl in a bar. The song is smooth, enticing, and sexy, even though its seemingly at first about alcohol. Once again, relatable, the lyrics mixed with Stell’s impressive vocals will keep this song stuck in your head.

Continuing with a more hard-hitting sound, Stell sings about not being able to break free of the love spell some girl has him under in the first track, a mid-tempo song. “Last Habit” is the singer’s realization that he’s addicted to a girl’s love and that he just can’t/doesn’t want to help it. “Yeah, the stars are just made for me wishing that dark was just made for your kisses / And all I wanna do is keep on holding you, keep on holding you / You’re my last habit.”

One of the stand-out tracks off the EP is “Home In a Hometown,” featuring fellow rising country artists, and one of our 2018 Artists to Watch, Jimmie Allen. The duo take turns, trading verses, paying homage to their perspective hometowns. Plenty of artists share their appreciation for the people and places that raised them, but Stell does so through honest and raw lyrics that stand out amongst the crowd. You’ll truly feel the nostalgia while listening to this track. “Put the back in the road / When we pull off the highway / The score on the board / On a November Friday / The hey how you been when you ain’t been around. The home in the hometown.”

Arguably the best track off the EP, Stell closes out his record with “The Reason Why.” Co-penned by the singer with songwriters, Paul Sikes and Matt Alderman, the mid-tempo love song has the ‘it’ factor. Throughout his EP, Stell has pure love songs and break-up songs, but “The Reason Why” is the perfect middle ground. It is his honest interpretation of wanting to give up on love but finding that one person that makes you want to give it another try. His cleverly crafted lyrics paired with the intriguing instrumentals will have you both crying, smiling, and singing along, which is everything you want in an uplifting anthem. “Love is a gamble, it’s a game / But those dice ain’t been rollin’ my way / It’s a song we’ve all heard / But I don’t seem to know the words / I swore I had given up on it / But you walked in and made me want it / You’re the reason why.”

Overall, Stell’s EP Everywhere But On is a solid representation of his artistry that will make you want to root for his success. We can’t wait to see where his career takes him next and will continue to champion him on as he carves his own path in the country music industry.

If you’re in the tristate area later today, head to Neptune City, New Jersey for a free Summer kickoff event, where Stell will be performing. Additionally, the singer-songwriter will be a staple at many country music festivals this summer, including CMA Fest, Carolina Country Music Fest, and Country LakeShake Festival. For tickets and more information, head to mattstell.com.

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

Everywhere But On 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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NYCS First Impression: Logan Mize ‘The Vault’ EP

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Logan Mize From The Vault

Logan Mize is one of Nashville’s most prominent and upcoming artists. He joined us last year for a Swag Session, sharing some insight into what the big year was going to bring. With his Better Off Gone tour having sold out shows, new music, and a growing fan crowd, Mize has proven what can happen with his grit and determination. Over the last few weeks, Mize has shared on his Instagram sneak peeks of some of the songs on his newest EP From The Vault, giving fans an inside look at the new project.

The first track, and arguably a top hit, “Only In This Town” pays homage to the people in his hometown. Keeping him grounded and proud to be where he is from, he is reminded that he is one of them and that will never change. For this whole album, and song specifically, Mize credits his friend and tour mate, Derek Wyatt, for making him feel comfortable playing in the studio. “He was so uplifting and complimentary to all of our playing, but you can hear on the track who was bringing the most energy. He was absolutely electric as a drummer and it was contagious whether we were in the studio or on the stage,” Mize states as he remembers his friend who passed away last year.

“I Want You” opens with an acoustic guitar feel that takes you back in time. The song is about a girl that a guy is head-over-heels for. “I want you for tonight, and I want you for forever, cause I love your rebel heart, and love the crazy weather, in your eyes, how you shine, no one else will do, I want you.” Between sparkly shoes, beautiful eyes, rebel heart, and just simply everything she does, he wants her forever.

“Best Friends” came out of a time where Mize and his wife Jill were new parents and with Mize on the road a lot, there was not a lot of time spent as a family, which had him reminiscing on the old days. This song goes back to the time where it was just the two of them laughing along and flying down the road with each other. “There was a time, you and I, don’t you remember when we were best friends.” “Best Friends” gives off the nostalgia of simpler days, maybe high school or college, when there were no worries in the world and you could be caught up in the other person, a feeling everyone can relate to.

“Thinking About You” was written by GRAMMY Album Of The Year Award-winner Daniel Tashian, who would go on to co-produced Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour and songwriter Troy Verges who has well-known tracks for Tim McGraw and Little Big Town. What a perfect song to have on your EP! The track starts off with a guitar throwback feel that makes you wanna turn up the radio and bop your head. With the vibes of the rest of the album, the song fits in perfectly, adding its own unique style. The message behind the lyrics are about loving everything about someone and not being able to get them off your mind. “I’ve been thinking about you. How you walk how you talk, such a pretty mess. I see you dancing in your boots and your black dress, stone cold you’re so fine, I gotta let you know if you were mine I’d never ever let you go. When you move, when you shake it and you down, make my heart beat so loud. You’re too good to be true, yeah, I’ve been thinking about you.” This is a great song launching us right into summer and sure to be a hit on the road.

The very last track on the EP, “Good Guys” was written with Mize’s longtime friend and collaborator Blake Chaffin. It starts off with an amazing guitar riff and lyrically instantly paints a picture in your mind. The girl in the song sees right through the tough guy look yet still they go off flying into the sunset together. Looking back Mize comments, “the vocal hits me kind of raw/harsh when I listen to it now but I think we really did a good job capturing what I had in mind writing this batch of songs. This one stands out from that time period as one of my favorites.”

The EP features Mize’s abilities to write a mix of songs that are all unique, raw, authentic, and special, and it is those very things that set him apart as an independent artist. What fans may not know about the songs on this EP is that they are actually from 2013-14. During that time phase, Mize was writing a lot and brought his band into the studio to record the songs that felt the most like him. Mize stated in a press release, “I’ve recorded a lot of material since but I don’t think there’s anything out there that’s as raw and authentically me as this body of music.” We cannot wait to see him out on the road this summer!

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

From The Vault 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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NYCS First Impression: Rodney Atkins ‘Caught Up In The Country’

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Rodney Atkins Caught up in the Country

It has been 8 years since Rodney Atkins released his last album Take a Back Road. It includes hits like “Farmer’s Daughter,” “Take a Back Road,” and “He’s Mine.” Atkins has produced countless chart-topping hits and sold over 10 million albums throughout his career and that had fans wondering why he took such a long break from music. Over Instagram throughout the last year, in anticipation of a new album, he has said that the time away from releasing music has been used to raise a family and in the previous few, to hone his craft to make more chart-topping hits. Caught Up In The Country is finally available and is Atkins newest album.

“Caught Up In The Country” was Atkins first release off the album back in the fall. The song celebrates all the good things that come with living in the country: beautiful sunsets, endless dirt roads, and countless stars in the sky. The boot-stomping single, featuring the Fisk Jubilee Singers, has already garnered over 86.6M on-demand streams and shows no signs of slowing down. “Caught Up In The Country” sets the mood for the whole album with meaningful lyrics and a rhythm that brings you back to your country roots. In our interview with Atkins last summer at Taste of Country Festival, he told us a little bit about the new music on the album stating: “It’s an organic record, but it is kind of me pushing the envelope.” Check out the full interview below.

Everyone knows Atkins song “Watching You,” about a young son who wants to be just like his dad in every way, and to accomplish this, he watches his dad’s every move. One of Atkins newest songs off the new album is “Young Man,” the continuation of the young boy’s life from “Watching You.” He stated on Instagram, “For those, my son was four years old, he’s 17 now, and this is telling him to be where he is, not try to grow up too fast. Be present, at whatever age you are.”

“All My Friends Are Drunk” is the anti-party song for all those who go to parties and don’t drink. The somber song tells a story of a group of friends who try taking their buddy out after a break up who ends up by himself when his friends go off and party. “Thank God For You” is another track off the album that shows his appreciation for the woman in his life. This upbeat song is a great one to sing along to with those around you who you appreciate every day. On a more personal note, we already see Atkins wife, Rose Falcon, appear in “Thank God For You” music video but her vocals also appear on the album in songs “Figure You Out” and “Everybody’s Got Something.” The “Figure Out You (Riddle) [Feat. Rose Falcon],” lyric video was just released and features personal photos of the singer, his two sons and Rose herself.

Other songs on the album include, “My Life,” the powerful story of his wife Rose Falcon’s beloved grandmother, “Burn Something,” a relationship that simply does not work together yet they keep running back, and “Cover Me Up,” a love song about simply being enough as you are.

In a recent press release, Atkins says. “I wanted to really tell a story in the shape and the melody of these songs—there’s more diversity on this record than I’ve ever had before—and to really take time to figure out the nuances because, ultimately, it’s a whole bunch of nuances that add up to make something special.” This album has a song for everyone and we are loving everything that it offers fans both lyrically and it’s rhythm.

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

Caught Up In The Country 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.

Rodney Atkins 2019 Tour Dates:
5/10 – Gulf Breeze, FL, Flounders on Pensacola Beach
5/17 – Johnson Creek, WI, The Gobbler Theater
5/18 – Camp Douglas, WI, Camp Douglas
5/25 – Sarepta, LA, Muddy Bottoms ATV & Recreation
6/1 – LaFayette, GA, City of LaFayette
6/7 – Wapakoneta, OH, Auglaize County Fairground
6/8 – Goodhue, MN, Goodhue Volksfest
6/15 – Cardwell, MT, Headwaters Country Jam
6/16 – Mack, CO, Country Jam
6/17 – Richmond, UT, Cherry Peak Resort
6/21 – West Peoria, IL, Crusens
6/22 – East Bethel, MN, Route 65
6/28 – Rocklin, CA, Platinum Living Amphitheater at Quarry Park
6/29 – Morgan Hill, CA, Boots & Brews Country Music Festival
7/3 – La Porte, IN, Stone Lake Beach
7/4 – Hilliard, OH, Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park
7/6 – Mitchell, SD, Corn Palace
7/17 – Kirksville, MO, Northeast Missouri Fair
7/19 – Hillsboro, MO, Jefferson County Fair
7/20 – West Liberty, IA, Muscatine County Fair
7/21 – Oshkosh, WI, Menominee Nation Arena
7/25 – Tooele, UT, Country Fan Fest
7/26 – Littleton, CO, Platte River Bar & Grill
7/27 – Kearney, NE, Buffalo County Fair
7/31 – Wausau, WI, Wisconsin Valley Fair
8/2 – Dodge City, KS, Central Station
8/3 – Springfield, NE, Sarpy County Fair
8/8 – Houston, TX, The Rustic – Houston
8/9 – Dallas, TX, The Rustic
8/10 – Lake Ozark, MO, Lazy Gators
8/30 – West, TX, Westfest
8/30 – Loveland, CO, Thunder Mountain Amphitheater
9/6 – Fredericksburg, VA, Celebrate Virginia After Hours
9/7 – Morganton, NC, Historic Morganton Festival
9/12 – Cincinnati, OH, Live at the Ludlow Garage
9/13 – Walhalla, SC, Walhalla Civic Auditorium
9/14 – Greensboro, NC, Greensboro Coliseum Complex
10/2 – Fryeburg, ME, Fryeburg Fair
10/3 – Bar Harbor, ME, Criterion Theatre
10/4 – Laconia, NH, Granite State Music Hall
10/5 – Rutland, VT, The Paramount Theatre

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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

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