NYCS First Impression: Brett Young ‘Ticket To L.A.’

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Brett Young - Ticket to L.A.

Since the release of his self-titled debut album, Brett Young has been one of country music’s fastest rising stars. Today released the highly anticipated follow-up, Ticket to L.A., produced by Dann Huff and Jimmy Harnen, only furthering his future superstardom. With a soulful voice and a penchant towards heart-wrenching ballads, Young has that undefinable X-factor. His music stands out in the sea of sameness that sometimes plagues other young male country singers, combining powerful lyrics, different tempos, and the delivery of a true storyteller.

“I decided to name the album Ticket to L.A. because flying home to Los Angeles has become such a big part of my life,” Young revealed in a statement to RollingStone.com. “A lot of the first record reflected a kind of hard point in my life when I was moving from Los Angeles to Nashville, but I’m in a completely different place now. I’m so happy, and I think you can really hear that shift on the new record.”

Young co-wrote 10 of the album’s 13 tracks, including the opening title track and the album’s first single, “Here Tonight”. Of the single, Young revealed to entertainment-focus.com “‘Here Tonight’ is about those moments, if you’re lucky enough to have them in your life, that are so good that you wish they could last forever. It’s very light—intentionally—and sonically it’s upbeat. That doesn’t exist as much on the first album, so I wanted to showcase a bit more versatility this time around. I think it’s the perfect way to cap off the summer.”

While Young can do uptempo with the best of them, he truly shines on the mid-tempos and ballads. “Catch” is a highlight of the album, both lyrically and musically as seen in the video above from an early sneak peek of the track during a special Nash FM 94.7 Up Close & Country event. Co-written by Young, Ashley Gorley, and Ross Copperman, “Catch” is about a person who unexpectedly changes your life. The writers here use the word “catch” creatively, formulating a masterful chorus, “I thought that I’d catch a buzz, catch a game / Catch up with the boys the same old thing / Catch a cab back to my place / But then I saw your face / Now you got me trying to / Catch you a ride, catch your name / Catch a spark and start a flame.”

One of the album’s highlights is “Chapters,” which features Young’s idol and mentor, Gavin DeGraw. The track, co-written by Young, Copperman, and DeGraw, is a reflection on the various chapters of one’s life, including Young’s idolization of his father and his baseball career-ending injury. “Every page you’ve turned/ is a lesson learned / and we all, and we all/ just trying to get it right/ These are the chapters of my life,“ DeGraw adds the last verse of the song, and his background vocals on the final chorus of the song compliment Young’s perfectly, and this is truly a magical musical moment.

Other highlights of the album, include “Change Your Name” (Ross Copperman, Matt Jenkins, Jon Nite), which should become a huge wedding song. Alternatively, there’s the heart-breaking “The Ship And The Bottle,” (Nicolle Galyon, Chase McGill, Jon Nite) about letting someone go, as to not hold them back. The ship and the bottle metaphor is used exceptionally throughout this track, perfectly conveying the song’s sad sentiment. “You just might have to break me/ to do what you’re meant to do/ You’re the ship, I’m the bottle/ And I can’t do that to you.” Additionally, the subtle use of a phrase from The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” is a unique and clever way to conclude the track.

The album closes with “Don’t Wanna Write This Song,” a melancholy ballad co-written by Young, Zach Crowell and “Mercy” co-writer, Sean McConnell. “Maybe the hardest part/ Is we didn’t break this heart/ Nobody cheated or lied/ I still have to live with goodbye/ But how can I just move on?/ I’ve loved you for way too long/ I don’t want to admit that you’re gone/ I don’t want to write this song.” While this may immediately seem like a breakup song, the lyrics go so much deeper, and the album’s last verse are sure to raise goosebumps as Young deals with the ultimate loss.

With an undeniable talent for turning a phrase and an unmatched voice, Young is poised for hit after hit with this new album. There’s no sign of a sophomore slump here, and on Ticket to L.A, Brett Young offers an utterly delightful and delicious piece of perfectly-crafted pop country.

Ticket to L.A. 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: Adam Wakefield ‘Gods & Ghosts’

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Adam Wakefield

Adam Wakefield’s anticipated album Gods & Ghosts was released this past Friday. The Voice season 10 contestant has put varied tracks together that represent his roots. It has a mix of bluegrass, rock n’ roll, and soulful melodies that show it’s coming from the heart.

Wakefield decided to come to Nashville and try his luck in the music business. He and his girlfriend drove down in their van. Starting a bluegrass group when he arrived in Nashville, he started writing more and more. Thankfully an opportunity came about when a scout for The Voice heard him play at Soulshine Pizza and then invited him to audition. Making it to the finals of Season 10, America only had a small taste of what Wakefield was capable of.

This album has proven Wakefield’s vocal ability and songwriting that shows a personal and embracing point of view. Starting out with a track that stood out the most was “Cheap Whiskey & Bad Cocaine” because of the lyrics: “I ain’t ever been on the radio, barely got a dime to my name. Never walked down no red carpet, never had my 15 minutes of fame. But I know in my heart I could be a star.” It’s a classic country song showcasing his humble roots. Followed by the album title track “Gods & Ghosts” that perfectly ties the album together. It’s a love song that shows his intimate yet vulnerable side.  In “Good Morning Sunday”, Wakefield’s vocal performance showcases a vibrant, warm feeling while the lyrics allow the listener to always hope for better days.

All of these tracks on the album show his poetic songwriting ability of what it means to be an artist. You can listen to Gods & Ghosts everywhere today, make sure to give it a listen below.

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NYCS First Impression: Tucker Beathard ‘Nobody’s Everything’

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Tucker Beathard, "Nobody's Everything" / Photo courtesy of The Greenroom PR

Tucker Beathard, “Nobody’s Everything” / Photo courtesy of The Greenroom PR

“Sometimes following your heart means not knowing where you’re going, how you’re going to get there, who’s going with you, when it’ll pay off or when it’ll make sense as to why you followed it in the first place.” This is the sentiment expressed by country singer-songwriter Tucker Beathard today via his Twitter, about his journey to album release day. After a less than easy journey to “make it” in country music, his debut album, Nobody’s Everything is finally available. The record is truly one of a kind and an inside look into Beathard’s feelings and growth as not only an artist and musician, but as a human being.

The first half of a two part album was released today which features nine tracks, including “Leave Me Alone”, which the singer dropped a music video for earlier in this week. The second part of the LP is slated to drop early 2019, with nine more songs to look forward to. Beathard depicts the independent album as authentic to who he is, which one can attribute to the project’s refreshing sound, story-telling lyrics, and overall vibe.

The record is the entertainer’s unapologetic take on the events he has experienced in his life, beginning with the first track entitled “Ride On”. The song encourages listeners to keep the past in the past and continue to “Ride On” to one’s soul’s journey. Co-written by Beathard, it is easy to see how his experiencing becoming an independent artist inspired the lyrics: “I always act like I don’t care / When the black tops go nowhere / Keep my head down, tough it out, don’t think about how life ain’t fair / And Ride On”.

With a similar lyrical vibe of “Leave Me Alone,” a therapeutic and emotive track about wanting closure, “Hate It” is another heartbreaking song, where the singer tries to work through feelings of still wanting a broken relationship. The song is another example of a track, where Beathard pours his heart out, singing some of the most honest lyrics that can be written. “I just don’t want to see you with anyone, but me / Now I can barely breathe, drowning in my jealousy/ I know, I never been the kind to leave my heart out on the line / it’s too damn hard to fake it and keep saying that I’m fine / I hate it / I still love you and I hate it”

Keeping with the theme of honesty, “This Life” follows “Hate It,” as the second to last song on the record. Beathard premiered a music video for the vulnerable track with Billboard today. Check out the video above. Although the song can be about a lot of different circumstances, for the singer, his inspiration stemmed from being a teenager in the music industry, who was susceptible to “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll”. This song is real, raw, and emotional, exactly what country music is all about.

Finally, Beathard closes the record out with the heartfelt, “How Gone Will I Go”. The beautiful notion about this track is that it can be applied to some many facets of life and, depending what a person’s going through, it can evoke a different type of message and emotion for each person. “I’ll be back, sure goes with denial / It’s so easy to say, to tell me why I ain’t so / How gone will I go? (3x) / Tell me I ain’t that gone”

Overall, Nobody’s Everything may be one the most honest and raw albums that have been released this year. Beathard’s musical ability and songwriting talent, far surpasses that of any former released songs by the artist. He has entered a different realm of artistry, that we can only hope will continue, during ‘Part 2’ of the record. Follow Beathard’s journey on social media and head to tuckerbeathard.com for future tour information.

Nobody’s Everything 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: Kip Moore ‘Room to Spare: The Acoustic Sessions’

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Kip Moore Room to Spare

 

Multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Kip Moore delivered on a promise he made to loyal fans who yearned for an acoustic project from the artist. Today, the entertainer dropped an acoustically-driven EP, entitled Room to Spare: The Acoustic Sessions. The record features six new beautifully crafted tracks, with lyrics co-penned mostly by Moore that will tug at any listener’s heartstrings, as well as, a stripped-down version of the singer’s previously released song “Plead the Fifth.”

Moore has a reputation for having a way with words and a unique, but still distinctly country sound, which is evident throughout the songs on the EP. Each track has a beautiful melody, showcasing the singer’s raspy and cutting vocals. The third track on the record “Love You to the Moon” is Moore’s funky take on a love song, where the lovers aren’t able to be in the same place right now. Although stripped down, the song has a unique beat and a chorus that will be stuck in listener’s heads in no time. “It don’t matter where I’m at / We’re stuck together like a zodiac / Baby I’m coming home soon / I love you to the moon.”

Another highlight is “Wish It Was Me.” The juxtaposition between the sweet instrumentals and Moore’s soothing voice verses the heartbreaking lyrics is so special. This song needs to be added on everyone’s playlist. The lyrics tell the story from the singer’s point of view, as he tells his ex who has moved on, that she is going to miss him. “Girl theres gonna come a day / When you have to look away / When he’s whispering your name / You’re gonna wish it was me.”

The song “Part of Growing Up” closes out the record, perfectly bookending the heartfelt project. Moore illustrates his journey and experiences, growing up, sharing both positive and negative moments in life. The song does not sugar coat real-life challenges but is still uplifting at the same time. “Some doors are open / more shut / I’ve had some dreams that turned to dust / Yeah life has hit me just because it can / but daddy ain’t/ but that’s all part of growing up.” The message is clear that as long as we yearn for learning and experiences, we will always still be growing up.

The singer humbly announced the release of Room to Spare: The Acoustic Sessions on his Twitter, earlier today, sharing “You guys have been asking for an acoustic project for years & most of these songs were buried for years… I’m stoked you guys get to finally hear them.” Moore did not disappoint with this record, as it truly is an inside look at what is in the singer’s heart and soul.

Traditionally following a headlining tour such as Moore’s, ‘After the Sunburn’ tour, the singer will play a few additional acoustic shows for diehard fans of his music. In honor of those fans and the new record, the singer-songwriter will embark on a limited tour to celebrate, kicking off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 29th. Lucky fans will be able to experience the new tracks live at a few special shows. For more information and tickets, head to kipmoore.net.

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NYCS First Impression: Kane Brown ‘Experiment’

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Kane Brown Experiment

 

It’s been two years, since Kane Brown rose to country music stardom, with the release of his self-titled debut album. Since then, the singer-songwriter has only garnered more and more fans and continues to push the envelope with his artistry and blur the lines of musical genres with his songs, finding inspiration in R&B, soul, pop, and even rock music. Brown’s sophomore album, Experiment, which officially dropped today, blends those influences into a country album that only he could deliver.

Similar to his previous album, Brown’s new project is filled with tear-jerkers, anthems, and everything in between. Properly named, the record truly is the singer’s culmination of his experiences and the experimentation of different sounds and arrangements. The 12 track LP is filled with songs that anyone can relate to, dance to, sing along to, and appreciate.

Experiment begins with“Baby Come Back To Me.” which features an infectious beat that will keep any listener tapping their feet or bopping their head along to the music. The sultry track is the singer’s plea to a partner to come back to him, and a promise to change his seemingly worrisome ways. “Don’t go throwing that away / I need you so damn bad / Baby come back to me / Give me one more chance / One more chance to be- to be a better man / This don’t have to be- goodbye / Don’t do this to me, tonight / Please come back to me / Baby come back to me.”

Brown transitions effortlessly, into his recently released track, and potential single, “Good As You”, a love song to his wife and the backdrop to their picturesque wedding. The heartfelt lyrics showcase Brown’s signature smooth vibe, and fit his vocals perfectly, as he confesses his love and admiration for his now, wife. The chorus is catchy and will be stuck in your head in no time.

Another notable track on the record is the heart-wrenching, “It Ain’t You It’s Me.” In this song, Brown continues to tap into a gamut of emotions, as he explores the feelings associated with dealing with a break-up. The recent American Music Award winner puts a unique twist on dealing with heartache, bitterness, and moving on. “It ain’t you that’s been going through hell / It ain’t you with a heart for sale / It ain’t you riding around this town with a ghost in the shotgun seat / It ain’t you that’s been trying to call / It ain’t you that still misses it all / You ain’t the one that can’t move on- still holding memories / It ain’t you, it’s me.” For fans who prefer fun-loving, radio-friendly songs from Brown, like “Found You” and “Hometown,” Experiment has that too. “One Night Only” is a cheeky rendition of meeting a girl and wanting more than just a hook-up, whereas, “Short Skirt Weather” and “Weekend” are perfect songs to tailgate to.

One of the more poignant songs off the record is entitled “American Bad Dream.” The entertainer, like many other musicians, such as Eric Church, is speaking his piece about the turmoil Americans have experienced, due to school shootings and untimely deaths. Although this song will probably not be a radio single, the vulnerability the singer expresses and the conversation about the important narrative that he touches upon is both refreshing and meaningful.

Brown celebrated the release of Experiment with several exclusive events including a sold out show at New York City’s Hulu Theater in partnership with Budweiser’s One Night Only Concert Series. Check out our full recap of the special show here.

Experiment is available everywhere music can be bought or streamed. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix. Next up, Brown will embark on his 2019 headlining tour, ‘Live Forever Tour,’ with direct support from country singers, Granger Smith, Raelynn, Danielle Bradbery, and Jimmie Allen on select dates. Find more information about the tour on kanebrownmusic.com.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Lauren Davidson ‘Ballads’

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Lauren Davidson Ballads

CMA artist Lauren Davidson is a New York City/New Jersey-based singer-songwriter that is getting the attention of everyone around her. She tells us in a recent interview is inspired daily by artists from all genres of music including Contemporary Country, Rock, and Pop. Because of this her music has a little something for everyone in it. Last Friday Davidson released her second EP Ballads, the first time she has released new music since 2016.

Fans got a glimpse into the new EP back in June when she released “Pouring Rain”, which quickly became her most-streamed song on Spotify to-date, already raking up more than 17,000 streams. In the song, Davidson tells how she has learned life is not a bed of roses and not always fair. She has been “walking in the pouring rain trying to wash away this aching pain”. The strong chorus kicks in and is bound to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day. It is catchy, has a great rhythm, and meaningful lyrics.  She also joined the New York Country Swag team for a Live Swag Session to sing the new song for our followers.  Watch the full Swag Session below.

The opening track “Just A Memory” starts with Davidson’s powerful vocals as she starts to describe the feeling of being held by a loved one that is now just a memory. Experiencing a first love at 17, she prays that these little memories will always stay with her. While the song is a more upbeat ballad than normal, the meaning and lyrics are hopeful and powerful. It’s a perfect track to introduce the EP. “Hole in My Heart” shows another contrasting side to Davidson. This break-up ballad showcases her soft side while bringing deep lyrics that hit hard.

To top off the EP, Lauren Davidson delivers an upbeat, unrequited love song, “To The Moon And Back”. From the very beginning the guitar riffs that open the song immediately pull you in. The song highlights the ability to love someone completely if they would only let you. It’s a simple concept that her fans can relate to, inspiring repeat spins.

This EP shows off Davidson’s ability to create a well-rounded EP all the while keeping in the theme of ‘ballads’. “Ballads” puts her unique and powerful voice on display, take a listen to the songs below and follow Lauren Davidson on Instagram to stay caught up and be on the lookout for a new single soon.

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NYCS First Impression: Carter Winter ‘Temptation’

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Carter Winter Temptation

We had the pleasure of working with country up and comer, Carter Winter back in 2016 on a few different occasions including when the singer-songwriter performed acoustically at Printers Alley in NYC to celebrate NYCountry Swag’s first birthday. Since then, the artist has garnered success and recognition with his debut album The Whiskey in Me, and most recently was signed by Average Joes Entertainment and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Publishing.

Winter, who has been touring for the better part of the last few years and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, as he just released his follow-up album entitled Temptation. The record is a cohesive collection of seven songs, all co-written by the singer, and produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Chad Carlson. Showcasing his country roots and infusing rock elements, according to the singer the album was “two years in the making”.

Winter shared his feelings about his new record deal and album on Twitter stating “You sign a record deal and all of the sudden you’re rich & famous & everything is given to you right? No. Wrong. It’s starting at the bottom again, humbled, on a bigger playing field. It’s extending my family and my team to help the music reach as many people as it possibly can..” Temptation personifies Winter’s humbleness and growth as a musician.

The first song off the record and title track, “Temptation,” solidifies the singer’s bad-boy edge, similar to former label-mate Brantley Gilbert’s vibe. The track focuses on its hard-driving melody, as well as, its story-line about giving into lust with a person the singer meets at the bar. Its catchy lyrics could possibly make it be mistaken as a Cole Swindell song. Winter premiered a music video for the jam, just before his album dropped.

Another standout track on the album, “Skylines,” fits effortlessly into the country hits that are on the radio right now. “Skylines” is Winter’s interpretation of a small-town, country girl, wanting to leave home for the lights and skylines of a big city, without forgetting her roots. The slow-jam has hints of Sam Hunt’s signature charm, and will surely resonate with Hunt fans. Winter showcases his moody, bad-boy vibe, yet again, in “I Got Me.” The killer guitar riffs and powerful lyrics tell the story of a man taking back his independence, after the end of a seemingly toxic relationship. “Thought I needed you to feel alive / but you only loved me when I was down / I know how you treat me when i’m not around / So I did what I had to / Went what I went through / To find out I don’t need you / Cause I got me / Yeah I got my own back / I’m going to bleed for where I want to be out / I don’t need you to be okay with that / Yeah cause I got / I got me.”

Switching gears from some of the more guitar-heavy, power-punching songs, the recording artist commits to showing his softer side with “Another Lie.” Winter admits on the heartbreaking track that he’s “no saint,” as he tries to navigate his feelings about a disintegrating relationship. “Another Lie” is one of the most poignant and honest songs on the singer’s record.

Temptation 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. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Winter heads to Brooklyn’s Knitting Factory on November 10th, where he is sure to play songs off the new record. Find tickets for the show here. For additional tour information, visit carterwinter.com. Make sure to follow the singer on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to keep up with his journey.

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Pistol Annies ‘Interstate Gospel’

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Pistol Annies Interstate Gospel

Pistol Annies, Interstate Gospel

After five years and a handful of solo projects, the Pistol Annies are back with their third LP, Interstate Gospel, the follow-up to 2013’s Annie Up. If there was any concern about the trio having lost its luster during its hiatus, those fears are allayed immediately with this new release. On Interstate Gospel, the women do what they do best: turn clever lyrics into phenomenal country songs, delivered with honesty, vulnerability, and straight-up storytelling genius.

With Miranda Lambert (“Lonestar Annie”) at the helm, the Annies don’t stray too far from Lambert’s classic sound, but Angaleena Presley (“Holler Annie”) and Ashley Monroe (“Hippie Annie”), help to dirty it up in all of the best ways. While Lambert sometimes caters to the masses on her solo projects (think “Something Bad” or “Little Red Wagon”), she’s at her best as the lead Annie, bringing the twang that’s often missing from the current country climate. On Interstate Gospel, the ballads are overwhelmingly honest and vulnerable, the harmonies are powerful, and there’s a clever snappiness to the lyrics that are unmatched.

On “Sugar Daddy,” the women celebrate a man with money, who’s got “diamonds in his watch, a boat on his dock…chrome on his bike, bourbon on ice.” The lyrics and phrasing here are masterful, discussing the sugar daddy, while then cleverly offering a turn of phrase with “Give me some sugar, daddy.” In that same vein is “Got My Name Changed Back,” written by Monroe and Presley, which is quite simply an ode to the merits of divorce. The track shows Lambert’s sassy site, as she laments, “I don’t want to be a Mrs. on paper no more, got my name changed back.” The instrumentation here perfectly compliments the lyrics, and this song is bound to be the anthem of divorcees for the rest of time.

Although we’re now years removed from Lambert’s divorce from a certain The Voice coach, it’s hard not to wonder which of these songs may have been written during that time. Obviously, “Got My Name Changed Back,” fits that theme, as does “Masterpiece,” a vulnerable track that laments a failed relationship in the public eye.,”Baby, we were just a masterpiece, up there on the wall for the world to see,” the lyrics reveal, and it’s clear what the song is the story of. That’s not to say it’ s a bad thing, as this track is one of Lambert’s all-time finest (think “Tin Man” or “Over You”), proving why she’s been country’s reigning queen for the better part of the last decade.

“Best Years of My Life” and “When I Was His Wife” tell similar tales of marriage gone wrong, while “Stop Drop and Roll One” shows the three women trading lead vocals. The album’s title track does the same, with the trio mixing religious stories (“Even Moses was a basketcase“) to tell the story of how the road is saving them. “This Interstate Gospel is saving my soul,” they sing. “These church signs, they light up these roads that I roam, they’re leading me closer to calling me home.”

While a Pistol Annies project may never get the attention of a solo Lambert release, Interstate Gospel is the album that the genre has so desperately needed. While female artists and girl groups struggle to get the airplay they deserve, the Annies have put out one of mainstream country’s strongest and most honest releases in years. Together, the trio combines their diverse voices, experiences, and styles into traditional country storytelling and the result is truly a masterpiece. While much of the album deals with marriage gone wrong, Interstate Gospel tells of a different kind of musical marriage between three incredible women that has gone incredibly right.

Interstate Gospel track listing:

“Interstate Prelude”
“Stop Drop and Roll One”
“Best Years of My Life”
“5 Acres of Turnips”
“When I Was His Wife”
“Cheyenne”
“Got My Name Changed Back”
“Sugar Daddy”
“Leavers Lullaby”
“Milkman”
“Commissary”
“Masterpiece”
“Interstate Gospel”
“This Too Shall Pass”

Interstate Gospel 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. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Blackberry Smoke ‘The Southern Ground Sessions’

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Blackberry Smoke

The boys of Blackberry Smoke have been garnering fans across the rock and country genre for over a decade. Their smooth, American Southern rock and country sound has always resonated with music lovers. After releasing their sixth studio album, Find a Light back in April, they dropped an accompaniment to that album, an acoustic EP entitled The Southern Ground Sessions.

The record is a captivating six-song EP that the group, consisting of Charlie Starr, Richard Turner, Brit Turner, Paul Jackson, and Brandon Still, wrote and recorded in Southern Ground Studios. In a press release, the leader singer (Starr) stated, “It felt really cool to come back to Southern Ground Studios and play music with some good friends. It was like stripping it down and playing in the living room.”

Just like their previous full-length, independently-released Blackberry Smoke albums, The Southern Ground Sessions is a unique mix of soulful vocals, beautiful harmonies, and lyrics, as well as, killer acoustic instrumentals. Songstress, Amanda Shires lends her vocals to two tracks, “Let Me Down Easy,” as well as, the band’s tribute and rendition of Tom Petty’s, “You Got Lucky.” Additionally, singer Oliver Wood shares his talent on the track, “Mother Mountain,” which was previously released over the summer.

All six tracks transition and flow effortlessly into one another, each showcasing a 70’s musical flair with contemporary lyrics. One of the standout tracks off the EP, “Best Seat In The House,” shows off those 70’s vibes both sonically and lyrically, “ You got a right to  your opinion / You got a right to speak your peace / You got a right to be silent / Well that ain’t ever work for me.”

After listening to the record, it is evident how humbled and excited the band felt to have the tracks available, wherever music can be bought or streamed, sharing on Twitter, “Brothers and Sisters, friends and family: The Southern Ground Sessions EP is officially out everywhere today! We had a blast putting this together and hope you enjoy it.”

For the next month, Blackberry Smoke will continue to tour throughout Europe, returning to the United States just before Thanksgiving, to play their annual, “Brothers and Sisters Holiday Homecoming Show” in Atlanta, Georgia. If the band makes it to the tri-state area, we will be sure to let you know. Go to blackberrysmoke.com for more information about the band.

The Southern Ground Sessions Track List:

  1. Run Away From It All
  2. Medicate My Mind
  3. Let Me Down Easy (feat. Amanda Shires)
  4. Best Seat In The House
  5. You Got Lucky (feat. Amanda Shires)
  6. Mother Mountain (feat. Oliver Wood)

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NYCS First Impression: Jessie James Decker ‘On This Holiday’

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Jessie James Decker is getting us all into the holiday spirit with her brand new studio Christmas album entitled, On This Holiday. This cheery collection of ten songs features Decker’s renditions of six holiday classics, along with four original Christmas tunes, all co-penned with Daniel Tashian: “Snowlight,” “Wonderful Day,” “Christmas In Cabo” and “Baby! It’s Christmas.” Plus, fans who purchase the album exclusively at Target will receive an eleventh bonus track entitled, “My Favorite Holiday.”

The singer-songwriter put her own personal twists on “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire),” “Santa Baby,” “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Her distinct vocals belt out each tune with such grace.

The two standouts of these classic covers have to be “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Decker opted for a bit more of an upbeat tune with both of these songs, while the originals carry on a slower tempo. Each of them has a “sway to the beat” element.

“Snowlight” is a fun song about dancing in the snow with her husband. Decker sings in the chorus,
“Just meet me in the snowlight / Come on and dance with me tonight / The streets are shining so bright / Don’t you love the feeling in the snowlight”.

“Wonderful Day” tells the story of Decker’s version of the perfect holiday day spent with her husband. She sings in the chorus, “The countdown begins / I can’t imagine it without ya / Ain’t it fun, everybody is feeling the love / It’s a wonderful day / Feeling so good to have you home for the holiday / And I can’t wait to unwrap you / Hey, it’s a wonderful day on this holiday / And I can’t wait to spend it with you”.

“Christmas in Cabo” is an island vibe tune about spending Christmas on the beach in Cabo, rather than in the cold weather. Decker sings in the chorus, “Spending Christmas in Cabo / So long Chicago / I need sun rays on this holiday / Taking shots of tequila / So long, we’ll see ya / Let’s have our fun by the sea, adios”.

“Baby! It’s Christmas” is a cheery jam about the best aspects of Christmas time. Decker sings,  “It’s that time again where we all get to be together / The snow is falling in this frightful weather / And I can’t wait to see all the lights on the tree at night / Baby! It’s Christmas, say yeah”. 

“My Favorite Holiday” tells the many reasons why Christmas is Decker’s favorite holiday. She sings in the chorus, “Oh Merry Christmas / Oh you don’t wanna miss this / It’s Santa and his sleigh / It’s Rudolph and his gang / Oh Merry Christmas, it’s my favorite holiday”

To celebrate the album’s release, the country star will be playing a holiday show at City Winery in Nashville, Tennessee on December 5th featuring special surprise guests. Tickets are available here.  On This Holiday 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. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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