NYCS First Impression: Trent Harmon Releases Debut Album ‘You Got ‘Em All’

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Trent Harmon

Singer-songwriter, American Idol winner, and one of our 2017 Artists to Watch, Trent Harmon has taken two years to write, focus on his sound and is releasing his debut album to all retailers today.  You Got ‘Em All features 11 tracks, 8 of which Harmon co-wrote including a song written by Chris Stapleton and one by Keith Urban. The project is deeply personal, including songs about heartbreak, falling in love quickly and even a song written for his grandmas, who are both named Betty.

The lyrics of each song, are a tribute to the different key players in Harmon’s life, including his most recent major breakup, chronicled in his current single and title track of the album.  “You Got ‘Em All” was written in 45 minutes with Jordan Minton and Justin Ebach after Harmon got a phone call that his longtime girlfriend was moving to Thailand to follow her dreams.  The track, which opens the album, starts quietly with haunting notes on a piano and allows the pain and sincerity seep through the simple production. Other standouts on the record include “My Money’s On You”, an uplifting, up-tempo song about believing in someone wholeheartedly as well as his ethereal cover of Sia’s “Chandelier” which helped him take the title home on American Idol back in 2016.

Sonically, Harmon blends his Mississippi roots with modern country and you’ll even hear some hints of soul, especially on “Falling” the Urban co-write.   His incredible range carries the entire record, as he slides effortlessly into an airy falsetto that will captivate the listener. Between the combination of Harmon’s rich, vocal prowess with brilliant songwriting, You Got ‘Em All will thrill his current fans and certainly work to build a greater fan base within the country music genre.  Grab your copy of You Got ‘Em All on iTunes or take a listen below and let us know your favorite song in the comments.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Ashley Campbell

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Ashley Campbell

Photo Credit: Sean M. Flynn

Paving your way for any artist in the music industry is a difficult task, but for Ashley Campbell, she has the added challenge of stepping out from her father Glen Campbell’s shadow and creating her way as an artist in the country music world.  Her debut album, available everywhere today, concisely wraps up growing up, becoming an adult and the challenges you face. Upon moving to Nashville in 2013, Campbell starting writing songs every single day, all leading up to today, releasing her own music for the world to hear.  Shannon and Cal Campbell, Ashley’s brothers also worked on the project, Shannon contributes vocals and guitar and Cal helped Ashley co-produce.

 

 

Back in February Campbell joined New York Country Swag to chat about her new music and gave us a sneak peek of songs off the album.  Performing what she said was one of her favorite songs on the album, “Nothing Day”, a love song about enjoying the simple things in life, taking in the humdrum days with someone you care about.  Giving us a further look into the tracks on the album “Looks Like Time” is “..about karma, I think we’ve all had someone in our lives where we used to date them and they were really hot stuff, then they left you crying in the dust, I know it’s happened to me for sure, otherwise I wouldn’t have written this song and then you see them years later and they look terrible!” she laughs before playing the tune.

 

Campbell showcases her songwriting and singing abilities on The Lonely One, as well as her ability to play multiple instruments and create a beautiful debut record. The project not only features her crystal clear vocal but lends itself to traditional country, pop-country, as well as a bluesy and rock feel, blending genres to create her own style, eager to carve out her own little part of this vast musical world.

Take a listen to The Lonely One and grab your copy on iTunes here.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Morgan Wallen Debut Album ‘If I Know Me’

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Morgan Wallen

Big Loud Records recording artist Morgan Wallen is not only wrapping up his first headlining tour,  but he is playing Stagecoach festival, releasing his debut album today and made his late night TV debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night to sing “Up Down” joined by Florida Georgia Line and “Whiskey Glasses”.  Talk about an eventful weekend for the rising star who is excited to finally release this new music that he has been working on since he got to Nashville.

One thing that is undeniable about Wallen and his sound, is his accent.  His first single which was released early last year, “The Way I Talk” was an important message for the rising star to be true to himself, and although If I Know Me dabbles in southern rock, r&b, and pop country vibes, his southern accent makes any song sound traditional.

Wallen spent time opening for Florida Georgia Line who collaborated with him on his breakout hit “Up Down”. The track has now garnered over 92 million spins on Spotify, just recently was certified gold and is ready to break into the top 10 on the country charts. The Tennesee native took time to chat with New York Country Swag last Fall, about recording the single and his relationship with the duo.

The album is filled with tracks that are radio ready and primed to become singles, especially “Happy Hour”, “Whiskey Glasses” and the title track “If I Know Me”. Even the slower-tempo more emotion-driven songs “Redneck Love Song”, “Little Rain” and “Chasin’ You” have a certain charm about them.

Listen to the full album below or grab your copy on iTunes.

 

Joining Luke Bryan’s What Makes You Country tour that is hitting major stadiums all over the country this summer, Morgan Wallen is showing no signs of slowing down as his career takes off.  Tickets and tour dates available at www.morganwallen.com

 

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NYCS First Impression: Keith Urban ‘Graffiti U’

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Keith Urban has been making his mark on the country music genre for the past two decades, always finding ways to reinvent his sound while staying relevant to the changes in the business and the fluidity of music itself.  In his latest release, Graffiti U certainly stays current while still highlighting Urban’s signature guitar skills as well as his ability to keep his fans engaged and singing along.

The project begins with his duet “Coming Home” written by Urban with pop star Julia Michaels, famed songwriters Nicolle Galyon and J.R Rotem.  While Galyon and Urban bring their country flair, Michaels and Rotem who have thrived in the pop and r&b worlds bring a progressive feel to the song which opens with Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried”.  Michaels is also a co-writer on three other songs on the project, “Way Too Long”, “Parallel Line”, and “Gemini”.

The opening track sets the tone for the rest of the album, classic country Urban vocals with hints of pop, reggae, and r&b. Furthering his crossover power, Urban cut a few outside tracks, among those”Parallel Line” which was written by Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Levin, Johnny McDaid, Julia Michaels, Amy Wadge and produced by Sheeran and “Horses” which was written by Matt Rad, MoZella, Jamie Scott who have all had major success in the pop world.

A standout on the record is when Urban goes back to his country roots for “Texas Time”.  The intro has Urban fiddling with his guitar and saying “You know what we need right now, we need a song about Texas.”  Another stand out is “Drop Top” which leans away from the country genre sonically and has the line “She’s going to Coachella with feathers in her hair” but features the epic pipes of Kassi Ashton on the chorus and simply put is the perfect summer, roll your windows down anthem.

Urban was most recently nominated for ACM Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year for “Female” and won for Vocal Event of hte Year for “The Fighter” which featured Carrie Underwood.  “Female” which is one of the slower songs on Graffiti U takes a stab at the #MeToo movement, empowering women.

Keith Urban

 

The Graffiti U Tour is hitting 58 cities across the country and kicks off June 15th at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, Missouri. Kelsea Ballerini is the supporting act for all tour dates.  The tour stops at Barclays Center on October 27th. For all tour dates and more info head to www.keithurban.net. 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Parmalee Releases Deluxe Party Pack EP

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Our Swag Spotlight Parmalee‘s latest release features four songs that were on their album, 27681 however available today, they have repackaged them for a brand new EP for this summer season.  Included is their latest single “Hotdamalama” as well as “Day Drinkin'”, “Musta Had a Good Time” and “Mimosas” making this collection of songs the perfect soundtrack for your summer.

“We love bringing people together for a good time and we hope they’ll smile, sing along, and raise one up,” says Matt Thomas in a recent press release. “That’s what this Party Pack is all about.”  The two new songs close out the EP, “Last Night” and “These are the Good Days”.  The tracks fit in with the rest of the project, rounding out the quintessential, roll your windows down and turn it up loud.

Listen to the new music below and for a list of tour dates and more information, head to www.parmalee.com

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Brothers Osborne ‘Port Saint Joe’

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Brothers Osborne - Port Saint Joe

 

Releasing their new album today, available everywhere you purchase music, Brothers Osborne have once again produced a stunning collection of songs true to themselves and their brand.  As of Sunday night, they were named ACM Vocal Duo of the Year for the second year in a row, have won two CMA Awards and have also been nominated for two Grammy Awards since their first music was released in late 2013. Port Saint Joe was produced by Jay Joyce who is responsible for producing Eric Church and Little Big Town. The trio spent time at Joyce’s beachfront property in the Florida Panhandle on the water’s edge recording, reflecting and creating the new project, hence naming the project after that quaint town.

Everything that fans loved about their debut record Pawn Shop can be found here, however, the album as a whole is more concise.  The duo has found the perfect blend of remaining relevant to country radio while keeping their rock-country roots. TJ’s voice is still as smooth and sultry as ever and John is still hands down one of the most talented guitar players in Nashville.  Port Saint Joe is less about being upfront, in-your-face, but more about subtly making an impact deep in your bones.

 

 

The first single debuted off the record, “Shoot Me Straight” is the biggest rock track, heavy with John’s signature guitar riffs.  The album is perfect for the summertime, with hints of beach influences as well as plenty of liquor-soaked lyrics paying homage to some country legends (“Drank Like Hank” and “Weed, Whiskey, and Willie”)

“Slow Your Roll”, kicks off the album with the sound of waves and a grooving melody about taking your time and just slowing down, while “Tequila Again” is an ode to bad decisions, comparing falling in love with tequila the way you fall in love with a woman. “I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)” is a standout love song (“I’ve seen pictures and I’ve heard stories about the boy I used to be / but I don’t remember me, before you”). “Pushing Up Daisies (Love Alive)” is also a ballad highlighting affection that will never die.

“While You Still Can” closes out Port Saint Joe a mid-tempo lyric about making the most of life while we are still here. (“Everything you thought would last forever / never lasts forever like you planned / don’t let your now become a never so take life by the hands / while you still can”) 

Stream the album below on Spotify, or purchase your copy on iTunes here.

Living in NYC and want to catch the guys? This Tuesday, April 24th, Brothers Osborne will hit Nash FM 94.7’s Stage 17 for a special Up Close & Country Performance and we’ve got your ticket in! Sign-Up for the Weekly Round-Up here for more details and be sure to be following us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

 

 

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NYCS First Impression: Jason Aldean Releases “Rearview Town”

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Jason Aldean Rearview Town

Jason Aldean‘s eighth studio album Rearview Town is available today and highlights his signature sound and ability to translate music on his albums into his iconic live performances. Heavy on the electric guitar and primed for Aldean’s band to jam to during his performance, many of the songs are uptempo and showcase his mix of country and rock. “Every song I cut, I think about that,” he said at a recent press event promoting the album. “My live shows are such an important selling tool for the record for me – I’m constantly listening for things that are going to translate live.

After listening to over a hundred songs, Aldean narrowed it down to just fifteen that he felt created his next concise record. The debut single off the project, “You Make It Easy” is currently sitting in the top 5 on the country charts and showcases Aldean at his best, smooth, loving yet meaningful in his delivery and was written by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, along with Morgan Wallen and Jordan Schmidt.

“Better At Being Who I Am” and “Drowns the Whiskey” are standouts, slowing things down, complemented by the slide guitar and sentimental lyrics. Miranda Lambert is featured on the latter, and Aldean discussed collaborating with the songstress on #JustAMinute with Bucks Stevens for B104. ” I’ve always been a big fan of her voice and her style and everything,” he explained.

Heading back to his “Dirt Road Anthem” days, Aldean raps at the end of “Gettin’ Warmed Up”.  The track would make for the perfect set opener on his next tour.  This summer, Aldean will support Rearview Town by hitting 34 tour stops on the  2018 High Noon Neon Tour. Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina will be Aldean’s special guests on the tour which hits Madison Square Garden on August 11th.

With the album dropping today and being nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year at the 53rd ACM Awards, Sunday night, this could shape up to be quite the weekend for Aldean.  Spotify Premium members can stream the full record today, or purchase your copy on iTunes here.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Tenille Townes Living Room Worktapes

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Newcomer Tenille Townes hails from Grand Prairie, Canada.  After years of playing writers rounds in Nashville including the famed Bluebird Cafe, she has finally made her music available digitally today.   The Living Room Worktapes are four songs that culminate to paint the perfect picture of what this young artist is truly capable of.  In addition to releasing her music today, Townes announced on social media that she has signed a record deal with Sony Music/Columbia Nashville.

The lyrics on this project are so well written, so thought out that it is apparent these ideas have been working their way through her life and just had to be expressed through song. Vulnerable stories coupled with Townes’ uncanny vocal ability to be strong and sweet, tender and powerful.

Teaming up with heavy hitters such as Luke Laird and Barry Dean for “Somebody’s Daughter” the story is about a woman struggling with the reality of homelessness.

“Bet she was somebody’s best friend / laughing back when she was somebody’s sister / counting change at the lemonade stand, probably somebody’s high school first kiss /  dancing in the gym where the kids all talk about someday plans / now this light will turn green and I’ll hand her a couple dollars / and I’ll wonder if she got lost or they forgot her shes somebody’s daughter” 

Another stand out is “Jersey on the Wall”, a slow ballad, burning with questions for God or a higher power including the reason for someone dying so young.

“If I ever get to heaven, you know I’ve got a long list of questions /  like ‘How do you make a snowflake?’ / ‘Are you angry when the earth quakes?’, / ‘How does the sky change in a minute?’ /’How do you keep this big rock spinning?’ / ‘Why can’t you stop a car from crashing’ /  forgive me I’m just asking”

Proving that a simple guitar and an exquisite voice can transport the listener, with very little production needed. Take a listen below to Living Room Worktapes below and follow Tenille Townes on social media here: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Ashley McBryde Releases ‘Girl Going Nowhere’

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Adding to a day of great music released by badass women in country music, Ashley McBryde‘s new album Girl Going Nowhere is available everywhere today. She has spent the last 11 years in Nashville, gigging in biker bars, growing her tattoo collection and writing songs.  Now with her very first major-label debut record, McBryde is serving up some of her best songwriting, with producing genius Jay Joyce. The debut single off the project “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” hit number one on Sirius XM The Highway’s Top 30 Countdown and is currently sitting top 35 at country radio.

She has cut her teeth in Nashville and Memphis bars, but since then has landed opening spots for Eric Church and Miranda Lambert and was also on the bill for the most recent Sirius XM Highway Finds Tour with High Valley and Adam Doleac.  During her set she told the audience  “I was four or five years old when I told my parents this is what I wanted to do for a living,  so now we are doing it and I am in New York City for the first time,” reflecting on what a ride it has been from her little town in Arkansas to the stage in the Big Apple.

The tracks are sentimental without being mushy, they all weave a story of the artist that McBryde strives to be, and the niche of the country music world that she has carved for herself. “The Jacket” is simple, about a piece of clothing that her father gave her, but the way she poetically explains the fabric and the imperfections seemingly tug at even the toughest of hearts strings.  “Livin’ Next to Leroy” doesn’t shy away from a topic that is rarely talked about, let alone sung about in country music, where beer and dirt roads are all the rage.  The track tackles meth addiction and the downfall that the main character encounters over an upbeat, soulful melody.

“Andy (I Can’t Live Without You)” is the closest thing you’ll find to a love song on the project, and McBryde says it is about one of her bandmates, not a romantic relationship.  “Radioland” takes you all the way back to a 5-year-old girl sitting in her parent’s vehicle or kitchen learning about life as it flowed out of the speakers.

Ashley McBryde

The lyrics on the project are straightforward and it is undeniable the mark that she has left on this project, co-writing the album in its entirety and recording it with the same band that she is on the road with night after night. Authenticity rings true, making Girl Going Nowhere the quintessential country album, telling stories that McBryde just knew in her soul that she needed to tell.

Grab your copy of Girl Going Nowhere on iTunes here and check out McBrydes full 2018 tour schedule below.

 

2018 Ashley McBryde Tour Dates:
4/03 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy
4/04 San Jose, CA City National Civic*
4/05 Irvine, CA Bren Events Center*
4/06 San Diego, CA The Observatory North Park*
4/11 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex*
4/17 Portland, OR Roseland Theater*
4/19 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo*
4/20 Garden City, ID Revolution Concert House*
4/21 Spokane, WA The Knitting Factory*
4/23 Vancouver, Canada Commodore Ballroom*
4/25 Calgary, Canada MacEwan Hall*
4/26 Edmonton, Canada The Ranch Roadhouse*
4/29 Indio, CA Stagecoach Festival
6/09 Hunter, NY Taste of Country Music Festival
6/20 Oshkosh, WI Country USA
6/21 Brainerd, MN Lakes Jam
6/23 Cadott, WI Country Fest
7/15 Rhinelander, WI Hodag Country Festival
7/20 Twin Lakes, WI Country Thunder- Twin Lakes
*Denotes dates on Luke Combs’ Don’t Tempt Me With a Good Time Tour

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NYCS First Impression: Kacey Musgraves Sparks Ethereal Wonder on ‘Golden Hour’

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Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour

Kacey Musgraves is a Grammy winner who writes and creates songs that are important for this generation and for the country genre.  While her sophomore album Pageant Material focused more on her hometown of Golden, Texas and the ups and downs of growing up in such a small town, Golden Hour is focused more on love, her place on this planet and even a little bit of 70’s disco flair.

From the opening track “Slow Burn” to the LSD fueled “Mother” and the closing track “Rainbow” the entire project is luminous, airy, and meaningful.  When listening to Golden Hour, you can almost see the sounds and feel the colors that she wanted to portray.  In fact, earlier this week she hosted her album listening party at a planetarium in Nashville and each song had its own psychedelic, starry-filled video to accompany the track.  The last single and instant gratification song released to those who pre-ordered the album, “High Horse” is nostalgic of the disco era, lava lamps and the word “boogie”.

Her vocals flit and float over the melodies especially in “Rainbow” and one of the first singles off the project “Butterflies”, which our team got to see her perform live when she opened for Little Big Town at Radio City Music Hall.   As a new bride, Musgraves seems to have a new appreciation for the brilliant feeling when you find the one your heart longs for.

Though many of the songs are light and playful, she stays true to her artistry in never shying away from raw, honest subjects in her music. “Happy and Sad” zeros its focus in on always waiting for the other shoe to drop, not appreciating the good things because of fear of the bad.  “Space Cowboy” one of the strongest, somber songs of the entire project was released the same day as the love song “Butterflies” proving that on this project both love, sadness, and breakup can live peacefully.

Golden Hour is a true masterpiece, weaving delicate lyrics into stories, laced over some of the most unique and colorful melodies.  Grab your copy of Golden Hour on iTunes or listen below:

 

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