NYCS First Impression Randy Rogers Band ‘Hellbent’

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Hellbent Randy Rogers Band

The Texas band’s first album since 2016, Randy Rogers Band came straight for relatability with their fans through Hellbent. Together for over 17 years, their eighth album tells the stories of the trials and tribulations everyone goes through when life tries to knock us down, but we come back fighting every time. Some of the tracks describe that low place when you’re all out of ideas and almost ready to give up hope, while others portray the carefree ‘let fate decide’ attitude. The title Hellbent derives from the feeling that the band isn’t giving up and is hell bent on creating music, staying loyal to their fans, and riding the waves of the music industry. Produced with Dave Cobb and recorded in the legendary RCA Studio A, the album resonates with influence from all the ones who have recorded in that studio before.

The first song on the album, “Drinking Money” starts with a solitary, disconsolate emotion. When you’ve got too much on your mind, this song expresses the mood of putting on your “poker face” to cover up the hurt, and go to a bar and spend all of your drinking money in one place.

“I’ll Never Get Over You” comes running out of the gates right at the start, with a strong beat and catchy lyrics. It tells the story of someone reflecting on a relationship that is still fresh, and even though time is moving on, closure hasn’t and probably won’t come. It’s almost a ‘throw your hands up when you don’t know what went wrong’ kind of song. You’re still thinking about someone when they’ve already moved on, so you continue to sit on your porch and drink a beer.

The third song of the album slows down to a ballad and cuts right to the heart. “Anchors Away” describes the habit of a man leaving at the first sign of vulnerability, yet unable to change this defense mechanism and open up when he finally found someone worth changing for. “Anchors away works like a charm / First sign of danger, I pull the alarm, Something’s broken in me / I don’t wanna leave, I don’t know how to stay.”

The following track, “Comal County Line”, premiered before the album release and brings the band back to their home state of Texas. Playing on the road, the group often craved coming home to their old stomping grounds. Written with fellow songwriter Sean McConnell, this song is an upbeat expression of the band on their way back home, “Just a few more miles to the Comal County Line.” This is sure to be a huge hit on the band’s tour as they make their way through several cities in Texas.

“We Never Made it to Mexico” laments missing a girl who was supposed to join him on a trip to Mexico, but now is clearly with someone else. With a few Spanish phrases thrown in a country accent, it’s a comical but sad story that brings forth images of waiting at the airport without his cohort. With a little bit of a Jimmy Buffett flair, this song is definitely perfect for the beach this summer.

“Crazy People” is the early release single that is the eighth track on this album. This song is ‘drive down old country backroads’ music. It brings up the idea that even though our parents raised us strictly, they also might have just been the crazy people everyone talks about.

The gritty vocals on the verse of “Fire in the Hole” parallel the struggle of the relationship this song describes. It’s present with so much tension and insinuates that at any moment it could explode.

What seems to be a title leading to a funny tale of stress leading to the necessity of wine and some well-picked meme, “Wine in a Coffee Cup” doesn’t stop with a surface interpretation. Instead, it narrates the morning routine of a CEO woman who’s hurting like everyone else but hiding it from the world. This song describes drowning the sorrows of her life and escaping reality but maintaining the picture perfect image to the rest of the world.

The final song on the album, “Good One Coming On” brings back the hope of the future and expectations of good things coming our way. No matter what happens, it’ll all be okay. This album really takes you on a journey through the rough realities of life, but ends with an expression that life is wonderful and we might as well make what we can of it.

To keep up with Randy Rogers Band, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Hellbent 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 Brooks & Dunn Feature New Artists On ‘REBOOT’

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Brooks & Dunn REBOOT

Making their old hits new, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have gotten together with some of country music’s hottest acts to repurpose and reimagine their biggest songs in the new album REBOOT. It has been over a decade since the best selling duo of all time released new music and exactly 10 years since they released anything at all, their last album #1s…and then some was a compilation of their hits.

For fans who are new to loving the genre, they may not be familiar with the duo or any of their songs however Brooks & Dunn have shaped the landscape of country music and helped cultivate and influence the artists that you know and love today. This new project allows fans of Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde and so many more really dig into these tracks otherwise may have been lost on them.

Released first and prior to the full album, Luke Combs and Kane Brown’s contributions (“Brand New Man” and “Believe”) gave fans a taste of what to expect from REBOOT, without changing the songs melodically, they breathed new life into them.  “What’s really intriguing to me is that we didn’t do any production meetings about how we might cut these things,” Kix Brooks said in a recent press release. “We kind of just went in, and it morphed in the process.”

Choosing which songs out of their twenty, that’s right twenty number one hits, couldn’t have been easy but each track shows a different side of the duo’s outstanding discography. A standout on the record is “Ain’t Nothin’ Bout You” which features Brett Young’s soulful and sultry vocals. Young starts the song with the familiar lyrics, sonically slowing things down to accentuate the words, changing things just a bit, instead of singing to the girl, they are singing about her to each other. The addition of a saxophone solo adds a sexy spunk to the vibe, making this track one of the best on the record.

Currently one of the most talked about country acts, Kacey Musgraves who humbly took home Album of the Year at this year’s Grammy Awards is featured on “Neon Moon”. Her sweet voice highlights the buzzing neon signs in bars that will always welcome you back when experiencing heartbreak.  The decision to have a female voice adds so much to the two tracks on the record, the ACM New Female of the Year Ashley McBryde adds her grit and unique vocals to “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”.

Possibly one of their most popular songs, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” is energized by Grammy-nominated Midland who’s debut album is filled with songs just like their cover for REBOOT. Their version is perfect for dance halls and bars across America.

While every song on the record is an absolute proven gem, when Texas native, Cody Johnson starts off the last chorus alone on “Red Dirt Road” over a quiet acoustic guitar, it will make you fall in love with the song that has been a classic since its release in 2003.

It was just recently revealed that Brooks & Dunn will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame later this year. Making timeless hits brand new again, fans Brooks & Dunn and fans of these modern day country artists will have a record to blast for years to come.

To keep up with Brooks & Dunn, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

REBOOT 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: Jake Owen ‘Greetings From…Jake’

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Jake Owen Greetings From Jake

After three long years, Florida native and ACM nominated, Jake Owen, has given fans what they have wanted for so long. Greetings from…Jake is Owen’s debut full-length album with Big Loud Records who signed him in late 2017.

The cover art is stylized as a retro postcard that was inspired by postcards from Owen’s childhood and highlight his Floridian roots. This new album reunites Jake with producer Joey Moi, who was at the helm of some of his biggest hits in the past, including “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’” and “Alone With You.”

The album’s lead single, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” was inspired by young love and also pays homage to John Mellencamp and his iconic hit. The song also became Owen’s seventh No. 1 hit when it was released to country radio in 2018. The follow-up single to the album, “Down to the Honkytonk” is currently in the Top 10 and nominated for ACM Single of the Year at the 54th Annual ACM Awards on April 7th.

“Grass is Always Greener” is a highlight on the record and not because it features the one and only Kid Rock. This feel-good track focuses on appreciating what you have and living life to the fullest without wanting for more. “We’re always gonna want a little more than we got / yeah that just the way the big world turns / ridin’ that stock market rocket, holes in your pocket, if there’s just one thing I’ve learned / If your mad at the man, or mad at the hand you were dealt, with well then you’re missing the point, the grass is always greener in somebody else’s joint.”  We can already see this being a hit during Owen’s live show and a definite hit while you are floating in your pool or on a lake this summer.

Another standout is “Homemade”, written by Bobby Pinson, Drew Parker, Jared Mullins, and Ben Goldsmith, the midtempo track will make you miss the simple pleasures of life and if you have moved away, miss your home town and all the comforts it brings. “Home made me love a dirt road / home made me crave some ice cold, homemade sweet tea only mama knows how to make, yeah homemade / home made me love a small town / home made me want to settle down in a homemade for the two of us / everything I love is homemade.” 

“In It” is Owen’s striking new ballad that was written by Jimmy Robbins, Josh Thompson, and Laura Veltz. The track is a nostalgic song about looking back on a relationship and recalling old memories, hoping the woman he set free will always think back fondly on their time together.  Like many of the songs, sonically Owen has gone back to a traditional country sound, the lyrics are smoothly laid over a simple acoustic and slide guitar.

Greetings From…Jake offers listeners the perfect songs to so many of life’s situations including, ending a relationship, drinking a cold beer, reminiscing on simpler times and recognizing that if you just slow down and take a look around, life is pretty great. Owen’s debut release on Big Loud Records brings him back to the roots where his fans first fell in love with him and we believe this album will be one that will encourage repeat spins for the entire year.

Fans can catch Owen and all of his new music on April 2nd in the big apple at Marquee for a sold-out show. To keep up with Owen follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Greetings from…Jake 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: George Strait ‘Honky Tonk Time Machine’

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George Strait Honky Tonk Time Machine

George Strait has no need to prove himself to the music community, as he is already deemed the King of Country Music, although his newest project adds more truth to that title than ever. Some people thought Strait was done making music as he plays his famous shows in Vegas and makes only special outside appearances, such as the Houston Rodeo, but they were wrong. Strait’s 30th studio album, titled Honky Tonk Time Machine, was released this morning (March 29th) and fans old and young are ready for some new music.

Honky Tonk Time Machine includes 13 songs written by Strait himself, legendary songwriter Dean Dillon, Bubba Strait, and others including Nashville’s very own Lori McKenna. To surprise fans with the album announcement, Strait released a new song “God and Country Music,” penned by Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna and features a special guest an appearance by Strait’s grandson Harvey. Describing the two subjects hand in hand, Strait sings, “It’s a dance between the sin and salvation/Come hell and high water, there’s still two things worth saving, God and country music.”

“I’m really excited to have some new music coming out,” says Strait in a recent press release. “It’s been about two years since I’ve released a record. It was great writing with Bubba and Dean again and creating such a beautiful song with Bubba and Jeff Hyde. Also, it was a very special thing for me to be able to write and sing one with the legendary Willie Nelson. I hope everyone enjoys listening to Honky Tonk Time Machine as much as I enjoyed making it.” We are so glad the album is finally here and we can get our daily dose of new Strait music.

Diving deeper into the album you will find songs you didn’t know you needed to exist. “What Goes Up” is a slower ballad that reminds us of “I Saw God Today.” Strait sings, “I believe when I pray somebody hears and when I fall on my knees my words aren’t fallen on deaf ears and he has the answers when the answers can’t be found, and oh without a doubt what goes up comes down.” The title track “Honky Tonk Time Machine” brings back the old sounds of country music. Painting the picture of the famous old school ballroom in Austin, the song tells the story of hard-working, blue-collar Americans who spend their nights dancing in honky-tonks and throwing quarters into jukeboxes.

One of the songs that have gotten a lot of attention lately is “Weight of the Badge” and as huge supporters of first responders and military here at New York Country Swag, it is one of our favorites too. The song was revealed at Strait’s Vegas show and after being captured by fans it went viral. The song tells the story of a police officer who followed in the footsteps of his father, leaving his family each day for the last 15 years to step into the line of duty. “He swore that oath to protect and serve / Pours his heart and soul into both those words / Tempered strength is always tough / But he ain’t gonna buckle / Under the weight of the badge,” Strait sings soulfully.

Other songs on the album include Strait’s December release “Codigo,” a song about his favorite drink, all the good times in life and is loaded with his signature twang. “Blue Water” makes you long for some time on the lake, ocean, or river with some sun in the sky to drown all your troubles in, in order to feel like a brand new man again. A pleasant surprise is Strait’s cover of Johnny Paycheck’s classic weeper “Old Violin” as well as a recorded version of the duet “Sing One with Willie,” which he recently debuted at the all-star Willie Nelson tribute in Nashville.

Strait will celebrate the release of the new album with thousands of fans during his one-night-only show at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta one day after the album’s release, on March 30th.

To keep up with George Strait follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook “Honky Tonk Time Machine” 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.

Honky Tonk Time Machine Track Listing & Songwriters

“Every Little Honky Tonk Bar” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Two More Wishes” (Jim Lauderdale and Odie Blackmon”
“Some Nights” (Bubba Strait, Brice Long and Phillip White)
“God and Country Music” with Harvey Strait (Luke Laird, Barry Dean and Lori McKenna)
“Blue Water” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Sometimes Love” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Código” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Old Violin” (Johnny Paycheck)
“Take Me Away” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“The Weight of the Badge” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Dean Dillon)
“Honky Tonk Time Machine” (Bubba Strait, Brice Long and Bart Butler)
“What Goes Up” (George Strait, Bubba Strait, and Jeff Hyde)
“Sing One with Willie” featuring Willie Nelson (George Strait, Willie Nelson, Bubba Strait, and Buddy Cannon)

 

 

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NYCS First Impression LOCASH ‘Brothers’

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LOCASH Brothers

LOCASH’s highly anticipated album Brothers is officially available everywhere you buy or stream music. This is the duos first full-length album release on their new record label, Wheelhouse Records/ Broken Bow Records. Brothers features eleven tracks including songs written by Nashville’s top songwriters. This new album is all about brotherhood, positivity, and bringing people together. Listeners first taste of the duo’s cheerful project was back in August with the release of their single “Feels Like a Party”. This track well deservingly debuted at country radio as #1 most added. It was written by LOCASH’s own Preston Brust and Chris Lucas along with the co-producers, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Corey Crowder.

The album starts off with a track called “One Big Country Song” and it’s exactly what the title sounds like. The ACM Duo of the Year nominees sang this one during our Swag Session earlier in the week and it sets the tone for the entire record. Written by Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, and upcoming artist Michael Hardy, this song is a fun, upbeat, potential single that’ll get everyone weekend ready. Next, the track “Summer in a Truck” is the first song you need to start a summer playlist. The writers include Ben Hayslip, Zach Crowell, and the one-and-only Rhett Akins. This is a window down, radio up, and a beach-ready track that can take over country radio during the summertime.

There are two drinking tracks that are going to catch fans attention. One is “Cold Beer Kinda Night” written by Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley, and Rhett Akins. The lyrics of this catchy tune will be stuck in your head right after listening to it.“Whatcha’ say we go / Crank up the radio / Old Alabama singing feels so right / Pop a top or two / Baby right with you until the moon runs out of light”

The other drinking track “Beers to Catch up On” is penned by Rhett Akins, Jeremy Stover, and Paul DiGiovanni. The chorus includes the lyrics “We got some years / We got some beers to catch up on” talking about going back in time to their childhood and reminiscing on the fun they used to have.

Although the title is Brothers, the album encourages a positive message of everyone getting along, seeing past our differences and enjoying life.  We can already see the fans at their live show singing along to each track, waving lighters in the air and lifting up their drinks toasting to a great night of music.

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

Brothers 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 Dustin Lynch ‘Ridin’ Roads EP

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Dustin Lynch EP

Country music heartthrob Dustin Lynch is back with new music and has released an EP with three new tracks, including his newest single “Ridin’ Roads”.  Lynch is no stranger to being atop the country music charts, as he has six number ones to date with his latest hit being “Good Girl.” Fans have been eager for the singer-songwriter to release new music and no one will be disappointed after listening to the three featured songs: “Ridin’ Roads”, “Little Town Livin”, and “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes”. He keeps up with his down-home, feel good, edgy back road country style that everyone loves.

Lynch’s new single “Ridin’ Roads” is a slow and steady depiction of ditching a standard nightclub or bar and escaping to the countryside with that special someone. Lynch sings, “Ridin’ roads that don’t nobody go down, a little trip through the countryside, these 38’s making the world go round, I hit a curb just to make you slide,” and perfectly describes the desire and admiration you feel while lost down a secluded country road.

Forget all of your worries with the second track “Little Town Livin'” as Lynch sings about a perfect night out in a small town. He starts off the verse talking/rapping and then sings the chorus ” We’re just little town livin’, where the sun goes down, we’re gonna ride, turnin’ dirt into dust, yeah that’s a ticket, we’re just little town livin’ it up.” It is nothing but good times in Lynch’s eyes as he continues with “Twist it off, turn it up, pass it around, no other place id rather be right now,” he makes us all feel like we are “Little Town Livin'” it up in a small town with him. This slower tempo, r&b infused track shows a new side to the Grand Ole Opry member who continues to explore different techniques and sounds.

The third track “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes” is a mid-tempo song about a getaway trip with a girl alongside him; a time where they dust off a bottle by the river and unwind. Lynch sings, “Gotta get you on some red dirt, get lost in your blue eyes, I want to see a little suntan, lit up in the moonlight, gonna dance you in the midnight sky, kiss you bout’ a thousand times,” and there is nothing more romantic than that.

The three tracks off of Lynch’s EP will remind you of old fashion romantic nights spending it with the one you love and making the most out of life with friends in a small town however he is continuously showcasing what a talented singer-songwriter he is by sonically branching out into new directions. Not to mention, he is also an incredible performer.

Lynch is currently on tour with Thomas Rhett for his “Very Hot Summer” tour now through October. Be sure to check out the dates here: dustinlynchmusic.com and New Yorkers, grab your tickets when the tour rolls through town at Madison Square Garden on September 20th. 

Lynch’s new music 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: Maren Morris ‘GIRL’

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Maren Morris GIRL

Nearly three years since the release of her debut album HERO, Grammy award-winning artist Maren Morris has finally released her second full-length studio album today, entitled GIRL. Morris co-wrote each of the fourteen tracks with a variety of songwriters, including her husband Ryan Hurd, who also contributed harmonizing vocals on the mesmerizing track, “Great Ones.”

Morris also put on her producing hat for the lead single and title track, “GIRL” with Greg Kurstin, who essentially produced the entire record. The Texas native has incorporated a beautiful blend of unique sounds, powerful lyrics, and badass girl power into this album. Opening up with the title-track and lead single, “GIRL” sets the tone for the stories being told throughout the remaining thirteen tracks. The female empowerment anthem dignifies the concept that there is no need for competition between women, and we should learn to truly love ourselves.

Morris debuted the second track, “Feels” while on tour with Niall Horan last summer. She expresses her preconceived feelings in this upbeat, gushy tune. “You don’t gotta light a candle / You don’t have to set the mood / What you’ve got to understand though / I’m already into you / It’s chemistry, meant to be / Incomprehensibly / Tangled up in it / Yeah boy you’re giving me the feels”

“All My Favorite People” is one of two collaborations on the record, this one featuring her platinum-selling pals, Brothers Osborne.  Morris, TJ and John have some fun with the track, explaining why they are each other’s, favorite people. And of course, no Brothers Osborne song is complete without an impressive guitar solo. This country-rock song is truly a jam.  “A Song for Everything” follows in the style of “My Church,” a nostalgic tribute to music itself. The singer-songwriter discusses life’s highs and the lows,  adamant that there is a song connected to every situation we all experience.

Morris has never felt the need or want to fit into a “box”, creatively or personally and the rebellious track “Flavor” is a true representation of that. She sings in the chorus, “I’m cooking up my own flavor / Even if it ain’t your style / You’re only seeing one layer / Original can take a while / Making a mess, straight outta scratch / Think what you think about that / Oh I’m just trying to make good a little bit greater”.  The song’s bridge contains some of the most powerful lyrics in all of the singer-songwriter’s discography, “I speak my peace / don’t do what I’m told / ‘Shut up and sing’ / Well, hell no I won’t”

“Make Out With Me” and “RSVP” are the two seductive tracks on this record, the sultry lyrics show a mature side of Morris, while the most vulnerable track on this record is “To Hell & Back.” The mid-tempo ballad tells the story of her partner’s willingness to love her fully, no matter what the circumstances.  “The Bones,” tells the story of a long-lasting relationship that can make it through anything, as long as the foundation it’s built on is strong and honest.

Closing out the record is “Shade” a love song, in which she finds her perfect match. “Baby, you’re my color / Custom made / Think I finally discovered you’re my perfect shade”  Morris displays no signs of holding back in terms of musical style or lyrics on this record. It candidly encapsulates the songstress’ authentic artistry and passion for music. GIRL is an intimate and cultivated level up from HERO.

Morris will head out to promote this project on her headlining ‘GIRL: The World Tour.’ The forty-two date run will stop in New York City on Friday, May 3rd at Brooklyn Steel and Saturday, May 4th at Terminal 5. Tickets are available now. Visit marenmorris.com for a full list of dates.

GIRL 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: Chase Rice ‘Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe)’

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Chase Rice Lambs & Lions World Wide Deluxe

A little over two years after the release of his third studio album, Lambs & Lions, singer-songwriter Chase Rice is celebrating the success of the record with a deluxe version. The platinum-selling singer has garnered international support and success, selling out shows and tours both overseas and in the United States. Rice’s remastered album, Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) is available now, featuring two brand new songs and new versions of his hits “Eyes on You” and “On Tonight.”

The deluxe album has a total of fourteen tracks, including the ten original songs, such as Top 20 lead single, “Three Chords & The Truth,” as well as, remastered versions of “Eyes on You” and “On Tonight.” Each remastered and new track add to the singer’s already impressive collection of songs.

Rice’s ‘UK Edition’ of “On Tonight” is the first reimagined track added to the record. The singer was so blown away by his fanbase in the United Kingdom that he decided to create a special UK version of the song, sharing in a press release, “We spent the end of 2018 in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham- and they sang every word to our album cuts, especially ‘On Tonight’ off Lambs and Lions. That reaction is what inspired us to create a special U.K. version of the song, and then we asked ourselves ‘why stop there.?’” This marked the start of his deluxe project. The U.K. version of “On Tonight,” features a softer sound and a more stripped-down vocal, but still has the same appeal as the original fan-favorite track.

Continuing to find inspiration from his time and fanbase in Europe, one of Rice’s new songs is entitled “25 Wexford St,” named after the address of a pub in Ireland. The track begins with an EDM-like beat drop that immediately gets your attention. Rice’s vocals are undeniably true to him; however, the song is a slight departure from his typical sound, channeling some English/Irish influences, such as pop superstar Ed Sheeran. The clever love song tells the story about meeting a girl in an Irish bar, “dancing streets to sheets,” and what “a beautiful blur” it was. The song, co-written by the singer with Chris DeStefano and Jim Beavers, definitely has radio potential.

Arguably one of Rice’s biggest hits to date, “Eyes on You” was also reimagined. The ballad was recorded acoustically for the deluxe version of Lambs & Lions. The singer changed up the lyrics to the track to commemorate his time in the U.K. In the opening verse, Rice changes the lyrics to “Drivin’ up and down the coast a few times / London, Paris, Paradise.” The heartfelt lyrics are just as impressive in the acoustic version.

Finally, the newest addition to the record is “Love Me Like You Don’t,” penned by Greg Bates, Shelley Skidmore, and Michael White.” The song fits Rice’s striking vocals effortlessly and easily seems like a story he has lived. The lyrics paint the picture of a girl choosing to love a guy; despite, his flaws. It is heartfelt, relatable, and catchy. The song will appeal to fans of the singer’s “Three Chords & The Truth.” “You knew the ride I was on / But you love me like you don’t / You don’t worry about the things I’ve done / Where I’ve been or who I was / You only see the guy I’m trying to be / You know you could have had anyone else / Made it easier on yourself / You know my crazy episode / But you love me like you don’t.”

Overall, Lambs & Lions (Worldwide Deluxe) is a solid compilation of songs that show Rice’s range and development as an artist and a songwriter. It’s clear he appreciates his fans’ support. The album is available across all platforms.

Next up, Rice will continue to play in shows in the U.K., including The O2 festival with fellow country artists, Keith Urban, Brett Eldredge, and Cam, as well as, SE Hydro in Glasgow, later this month. Rice returns to the states on March 14th, playing his first show in Seattle, Washington with newcomer, Cale Dodds. For more information and tour dates head to https://www.chaserice.com/

 

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NYCS First Impression: Smithfield ‘We Make Our Own’ EP

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Smithfield EP

While country duo Smithfield may be best known for their dark 2018 single, “Hey Whiskey,” the rising stars are back with a much sunnier EP, We Make Our Own. The EP, released today (March 1), is the first project the duo has released in three years, reflecting a more mature and polished pair. The seven-track collection is a feelgood mix of songs, highlighting the special and harmonic bond between childhood friends Jennifer Fielder and Trey Smith.

While releasing music without a major record label may possess its challenges, Smithfield embraced it with their new EP, revealing, “Achieving what we have without a major record label is something we (and our team) are very proud of, and is why we named the EP: We Make Our Own. We wanted to make a project that moved and had hooky melodies, but still stayed true who we are as artists. It’s also been 3 years since we released an EP, so we wanted to do this for the fans, as much as ourselves.”

When it came to creating the EP, the duo worked diligently to craft a varied and diverse project, reflected through various tempos, themes, messages, and emotions over the course of the tracks. There’s the declarative and uptempo title track, “We Make Our Own,” the nostalgic “Still A Few,” and the wistful if “If You Were Mine.” Of the collection, Smithfield reveals to us in a recent interview, “Our criteria for choosing songs is first always: do WE love this song as a listener? Then we have to look at the project as a whole and say, ‘Have we said everything we wanted to?” We also feel like you need to have a good mix of emotions and feeling throughout the journey as you’re listening to an EP. For instance: you don’t want all slow sad songs, but you also don’t want all upbeat party songs. It’s a long process of listening to what you’ve recorded over and over to visualize the body of work as a whole.”

While listening to the EP, an immediate standout track is “Still A Few,” which Smith lists as his favorite. “It reminds me of my grandpa, and just truly moves me when we sing it.” The song is a melodic blast from the past, celebrating nostalgia and the things that are still around today, albeit few and far between. While Smith veers to the sentimental, Fielder points to “Me No You” as her favorite track, saying, “I just love how the chorus hits you; it was one that actually surprised me when we were done with the project, and listening back. It’s such a jam!”

Other highlights of the album include the title track and the closing track, “Our World,” which shows Smithfield trading off vocals and celebrating the unique ways in which they grew up. They shine on the nostalgic midtempo, harmonizing as they sing, “We knew it all back when we didn’t have a clue” and “Everyone else was just living in our world.” The duo also shines on “If You Were Mine,” which celebrates the glory of the chase. The duo trades off lead here, starting with the guy pursuing the girl before Fielder sings, “If you were my best friend, you’d be the kind with benefits, If you were my radio, I’d turn you on and on and on.”

As for what’s next for Smithfield? The duo revealed to NYCountrySwag that they have some big shows coming up this year, including Stagecoach, CMA Fest, and the Grand Ole Opry. They also revealed that they’ll be touring all over this summer as well, and hope to have some exciting Fall tour announcements coming soon!

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NYCS First Impression: Lauren Duski ‘Midwestern Girl’

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Lauren Duski

 

Although 2019 just started, women in country music are coming out full force this year, proving that they deserve the same recognition and praise as men in the genre. Another talented female country artist, Lauren Duski is taking country music by storm with the release of her breathtaking debut EP entitled Midwestern Girl (2/20).

As the runner-up on Blake Shelton’s team on the 12th season of The Voice, Duski is now making a name for herself as an independent artist in the industry. After crafting her skills as both a singer and a songwriter, she delivers an EP complete with five tracks.

The record opens up with a string-based instrumental track that pays homage to Duski’s Michigan roots, “Journey of a Midwestern Girl.” The instrumental sets the tone for the rest of the EP beautifully. The first lyrical track featured is the songstress’ debut single, “Costume Party.” Her honesty and depth radiate throughout the entire song, navigating the emotions associated with being authentic to yourself and “leaving the mask at home.” Duski pours her heart into the song, which really resonated with fans so much that they created their own touching videos, which the singer later combined into its own music video. Check the video out below.

The next song on Midwestern Girl, is “Runnin’ (To You).” The mid-tempo song is Duski’s version of a love song, starting off slower and speeding up as the song progresses. She admits on the track that she has had her guard up with love, but learns that she was inadvertently running to a certain person as she continued on her journey. The chorus is sure to get stuck in the listeners head after just one spin. “I was running around like it was  some kind of race / Doesn’t slow me down, no baby / Couldn’t of planned this / Don’t understand it, but I was on my way / Didn’t have a clue, all this time / I was runnin’ to you / I was runnin’ to you.”

The collection of songs continues with “Heart Hurt Good.” Continuing with her unique story-telling ability, Duski tells the story of falling in love with someone, who makes her heart feel full. She calls the feeling her “heart hurt[ing] good.” The song definitely has radio single potential, as it’s catchy and relatable.

The record closes out with arguably the most poignant song on the EP, “The Weather (Grandpa’s Song).” Deeply personal, Duski shares how her grandfather is dealing with grief from losing his wife, her grandmother. Although a tearjerker, the song’s vulnerability and raw lyrics is truly unmatched. She ends the song singing the sentiment “it’s okay we can talk about the weather.” Following the ending lyric, Duski included a phone message from her late grandmother, which, although heartbreaking, allows fans to form a personal connection with the artist and makes you want to genuinely root for her success.

Overall, Duski’s debut EP is a great body of work, giving us a sneak peek of what we can expect to hear on a full-length album of hers in the future. Midwestern Girl is available across all platforms. Make sure to keep up with Duski on Instagram and Twitter.

 

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