NYCS First Impression: Ben Danaher ‘Still Feel Lucky’

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Ben Danaher Still Feel Lucky

The sentiment “music is healing” is personified in country singer, Ben Danaher’s 11 track debut album Still Feel Lucky.  Despite the pain and trauma Danaher and his family have endured, which includes losing his father to a battle with cancer only two years after his brother was murdered, he coped with the anguish through music.

After the tragedies, the singer-songwriter moved to Nashville from Texas to begin his healing. The influence his father and brother had on his album is proven through his songs, especially “My Father’s Blood” and “A Little While.” In “My Father’s Blood,” he talks about the impact his late father has had on his life, sharing his appreciation for his father’s legacy and own songwriting ability. Danaher sings “It’s all because I got my father’s blood”.

Both the title track “Still Feel Lucky” and “A Little While” share with the listener the phases of grief, but more importantly the hope and belief for a better tomorrow, despite facing adversity. These songs, encompass Danaher’s main message, as he stated on his Twitter, ” “Still Feel Lucky” was the last song I wrote on this album. It was a huge turning point for me not only creatively, but personally. I hope this song will help everyone find a way to turn their sorrow into joy.”

Fans can watch the acoustic video for “Still Feel Lucky” here.

One of the more radio-friendly tracks on the record is the first song, “Hell or Highwater”, co-written with rising country star, Maren Morris. With its killer bass guitar instrumentals, soulful vibes, and story-telling lyrics, Danaher delivers everything we could want in a country music jam, while still staying true to his story. The singer gives us a taste of the song in a live acoustic performance below.

You can catch Danaher next Wednesday, September 19th at Rockwood Music Hall in NYC.  Grab your tickets here and take a listen to the full album below.

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Runaway June

NYCS First Impression: Runaway June Debut EP

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Runaway June

The rising trio Runaway June, which includes the beautiful and talented ladies Naomi, Hannah, and Jennifer, have given fans exactly what they have been waiting for. Today they dropped their self-titled EP and it can be downloaded and listened to everywhere music is available. The group has been working on this project for two years with well-known producer Dann Huff. In a press release about the EP, Jennifer said that Dann Huff has changed their lives, while Hannah said it best with “The EP is a really fun and diverse look into our sound as a band. It incorporates the fun of the live show, but also shows some soft moments that fans can relate to.”

The EP consists of 5 songs, “Buy My Own Drinks”, “I Am Too”, “Got Me Where I Want You”, “Wild West” and their own spunky version of Dwight Yoakam’s “Fast As You”.  The trio gave fans a taste of their EP last month when they released “Buy My Own Drinks” which was written by the ladies themselves alongside songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Josh Kear. Fans love that single and will love the rest of the songs on the EP.

The collection of songs feature their spectacular harmonies on lyrics that touch on heartbreak, finding the perfect love and being badass, empowering women. This being their debut release on Wheelhouse Records, the project proves that the chicks of Runaway June are primed for stardom.

Last month Runaway June joined us for a Swag Session where they performed “Wild West” and “Buy My Own Drinks.” They talked to us about their exciting plans for next year. They will be joining Maddie and Tae on Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty 360 Tour. You will not want to miss the trio when the tour hits NYC next year, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can also watch the full Swag Session below.

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NYCS First Impression: Aaron Watson ‘Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show’

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Aaron Watson Performs Live At Rodeo Houston

Aaron Watson is lending a helping hand to his fellow Texans with his upcoming album, Aaron Watson Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show. Today, Aug. 24, marks the one year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey hitting south Texas. Impacting the singer-songwriter’s friends and fans, he was determined to make a difference by raising money for the relief.

The Category 4 storm caused over $125 billion in damage and impacted 13 million people. Watson is donating $1.41 from each album sold that will benefit the Rebuild Texas Fund, in recognition of the widespread devastation across the Lone Star state. The Rebuild Texas Fund works alongside organizations within the impacted communities that are working towards economic development; health; housing; education and childcare; transportation and workforce; and capital for rebuilding small businesses in the areas that were hit the hardest.

This live album was recorded during the Houston Rodeo, in front of 65,000 fans on opening night. The album includes 13 songs from Watson’s previous albums, including “These Old Boots Have Roots”, “That’s Why God Loves Cowboys”, and his hit song “Outta Style”.  It also includes the acoustic bonus track, “Higher Ground,” which he wrote while Hurricane Harvey was destroying his home state. “Seeing that on the news and the people there struggling to escape, rescue each other and recover was the inspiration for writing the song ‘Higher Ground,” he says in a recent press release.  We hosted Waston and his band at Opry City Stage earlier this year on Texas Independence Day. Check out the Live Swag Session below.

“We had planned on releasing this album in the second half of 2017, but after the storm, it just didn’t feel right,” he commented.  “I’ve always wanted my music to do good in the world and it became clear that there was a real opportunity to hold onto this project and release it on the one year anniversary of the hurricane. So much of my home state of Texas was affected. Hopefully, by bringing the recovery efforts back to the forefront, it will remind people that there is still so much work left to do. I’m also extremely proud to partner with the Rebuild Texas Fund, which makes sure every dollar goes back into the local communities, and help them raise money by donating a portion of the live album sales.”

Aaron Watson Performs Live At Rodeo Houston

Aaron Watson Performs Live At Rodeo Houston Photo credit: Bradford Coolidge

Watson will play a special Houston-area show with Gary Allan tonight at the Smart Financial Centre.  Aaron Watson Live at the World’s Biggest Rodeo Show track listing is listed below.

  1. “These Old Boots Have Roots” (Aaron Watson)
  2. “Freight Train” (Aaron Watson, Troy Olsen, Tim Nichols)
  3. “Real Good Time” (Aaron Watson)
  4. “Raise Your Bottle” (Aaron Watson)
  5. “That’s Why God Loves Cowboys” (Aaron Watson, Troy Olsen, Sarah Buxton)
  6. “That Look” (Aaron Watson)
  7. “Outta Style” (Aaron Watson)
  8. “Bluebonnets” (Julia’s Song) (Aaron Watson)
  9. “They Don’t Make Em Like They Use To” (Aaron Watson)
  10. “Fence Post” (Aaron Watson)
  11. “Wildfire” (John Mayer)
  12. “Getaway Truck” (Aaron Watson)
  13. “July in Cheyenne” (Song for Lane’s Momma) (Aaron Watson)

  14. “Higher Ground” (Acoustic Bonus Track) (Aaron Watson)

You can help Aaron Watson and people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting his store to purchase his new album and packages or www.rebuildtx.org.

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NYCS First Impression: Cole Swindell’s Third Studio Album ‘All Of It’

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Cole Swindell All of It

Long gone are the days when Cole Swindell is introduced as “the guy who used to sell merch for Luke Bryan”.  Although that is where the Georgia native got his start, with the release of his third studio album, Swindell is proving as a country music singer and songwriter, he is here to stay.

All Of It, released everywhere you can buy music today, follows a string of seven no. 1 hits from his previous sophomore and debut albums. He also has ten no. 1 hits as a songwriter including Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Roll”, Luke Bryan’s “Rollercoaster” and Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some of That”.  As a co-writer on five of the twelve tracks on his latest project, Swindell continues to release radio-friendly hits that will have fans buying tickets to his concerts and streaming his music.

The instant downloads when you pre-ordered All Of It include his current radio single “Breakup In the End” which is climbing the charts and “Somebody’s Been Drinkin'” which go hand in hand telling the tale of a broken relationship.  “I have been so excited about releasing the music for my third album, and my fans have been so patient with me while I took the time needed to make it right that I had to give them something,” Swindell says in a recent press release. “They are the ones who got me here to this important third album, and I felt they deserve to be the first ones to get a taste of the new music, so we have been quietly releasing a few of the songs every few weeks for them. It has been great to hear what they think of the songs because they are the reason I am still here getting to do this.”

All of It certainly has plenty of broken-hearted laments, as well as love songs making sure to cover whatever stage your relationship happens to be in. If you appreciate the artist for his ability to release great drinking songs, don’t worry, All Of It has its fair share.  “Reason to Drink” and “Sounded Good Last Night” will definitely become fan favorites while they raise their cups of beer and “Both Sides of the Mississippi” will be a staple in his live set as he travels the country.  The album closes with the most poignant song,”Dad’s Old Number” a sort of follow-up to “You Should Be Here” a song Swindell released right after his father passed away.  The track was written by Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill and will pull at your emotions as it reflects on calling a phone number that no longer belongs to the person you once loved, wanting so badly to hear their voice one more time.  Touching on each aspect just as any good country album should do Swindell has made sure to solidify his mark in the country music genre.

Following the release, Swindell is hitting the road tonight on a six-night “All Of It” Tour which kicks off in St. Louis and concludes in Pittsburgh, giving fans all across the country the opportunity to hear tracks from the brand new album live.  For full lineup of his upcoming tour dates including his run with Dustin Lynch and Lauren Alaina head to coleswindell.com.

 

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Chesney

NYCS First Impression: Kenny Chesney ‘Songs for the Saints’

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Kenny Chesney Songs for the Saints

“Every color, every creed, together in good times, together in need, all of God’s love for love city…”

Kenny Chesney is known for his easy-going lifestyle, championing the phrase  “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” and the luxury of living life on a tropical island when he isn’t on the road selling out football stadiums.  For his new record deal with Warner Music Nashville, Chesney released Songs for the Saints, available everywhere today. After catastrophe struck Chesney’s most beloved islands in the form of Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 Hurricane last year, wreaking havoc on the Caribbean, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, he decided to set up Love for Love City Foundation, a fund to channel relief to the people who reside on these islands. All of the proceeds from this album will go directly to the foundation.

The entire record was written and recorded in a three week period after the massive storm hit, Chesney channeled his anxiety and inner turmoil, which is heard throughout each track.  “This album isn’t about the devastation, it isn’t about the destruction, it’s important to me that everyone knows that, but what it is about is the people and their heart and their spirit and the sense of community in these islands because those communities, these people make up the Caribbean and makes up everything I love about it. I love them and this record is for them,” Chesney stated in a recent Instagram post.

The first single from the project “Get Along” is a tribute to the community the people of the islands offer, hoping that in such a chaotic world we can all put our differences aside and realize how truly similar we all are.  Chesney landed his 30th career No. 1 on  Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with “Get Along” and became the artist with the most No. 1 hits in the history of the chart.

Chesney collaborates with three very different, yet impeccable guest voices on Songs for the Saints,  Ziggy Marley on “Love for Love City”,  Jimmy Buffet on “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season” and Mindy Smith on the closing track “Better Boat”.  The album as a whole is an easy listen, most of the songs won’t become staples in his energetic live show, but the purpose and objectives are clear, write music that represents a lifestyle, a community and a family that you are proud to support.

Each track fills your heart with warmth and tropical vibes that will carry you through even the coldest winter months as Chesney finds inspiration and a muse in the hope and love the people of the islands showcased after the cataclysmic disaster.

Grab your copy of Songs for the Saints, keeping in mind the proceeds will directly benefit the people of the islands and the recovery efforts.  Kenny Chesney hits Metlife Stadium on August 18th for his Trip Around the Sun tour.  For tickets and additional tour dates head to https://www.kennychesney.com/events.

 

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First Impression: Mason Ramsey Releases Debut EP

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Mason Ramsey

After a video of 11-year-old Mason Ramsey singing Hank Williams Jr.’s “Lovesick Blues” in the middle of a Walmart in Illinois went viral, America was reintroduced to yodeling and this charming young boy.  The video has now garnered over 54 million views and Ramsey quickly rallied thousands of fans across the country.

Over the course of the last few months, Ramsey has not only played at The Grand Ole Opry, CMAFest and California’s Stagecoach Festival for countless music lovers but he has also signed a record deal with Big Loud Records and Atlantic Records.  His debut single “Famous” which was written by Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, Sarah Buxton, Corey Crowder, and Canaan Smith has climbed the Billboard Charts and is the title and first track on the singer’s debut EP, available everywhere today.

Featuring three covers including Hank Williams’ “Love Sick Blues”, “Jambalaya (On the Bayou) and “I Saw the Light” as well as three new songs including the title track, “The Way I See It” and “Yo Da Lady Who” Ramsey brings a unique spin on the vintage songs and brings the yodel sound in to the future.  When the New York Country Swag team caught up with Ramsey at Nash FM 94.7 his adorable demeanor and incredible singing voice really impressed us, check out the review from the Stage 17 performance here.

Ramsey will make his television debut performance of “Famous” on Good Morning America July 26 and will perform at Florida Georgia Line’s inaugural outdoor FGL Fest on September 8th during Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 25th annual NASCAR weekend.  Check out the full EP below and grab your copy on iTunes here.

 

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Chris Lane Laps Around the Sun

NYCS First Impression: Chris Lane ‘Laps Around the Sun’

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Chris Lane Laps Around the Sun

 

Chris Lane’s sophomore album Laps Around the Sun, available everywhere today feature fourteen tracks written by some of Nashville’s top writers including Rhett Akins, Busbee, Rodney Clawson as well as Brian Kelley from Florida Georgia Line and Ryan Hurd. His debut album Girl Problems secured Lane his spot in the country world with hits such as “Fix” and “For Her”, which were both certified gold. This project is filled with Lane’s signature pop-country blend which lends perfectly to his live show.  We caught him most recently playing Nash FM 94.7’s Summer Shindig where he engaged fans by playing his hits and covering some classic country tunes.

With the summer in full swing, Laps Around the Sun is being released at the perfect time.  Three songs that stand out to add to your go-to summer soundtrack are the title track, “Fishing” and “Sun Kiss You”.  Picking songs to record for his second album, he feels like he has found out in the process the kind of artist he wants to be.  “I’ve learned a lot,” Lane tells Billboard, “With my first record, I was trying to figure out exactly what kind of sound I wanted to have, and now I know. I know what I truly love and what kind of artist I want to be. My goal was to make sure anyone who hears this album finds a song they can relate to. I hope I accomplished that.”

The album features two duets with female artists, his smash hit “Take Back Home Girl” with Tori Kelley and “Without You” with Danielle Bradbery. The former is climbing up the country radio charts and has quickly become a favorite during his live set.  Fans are familiar with two of the tracks, “Old Flame” and “All the Right Problems” which were featured on his latest EP and Lane has been playing in his live shows as well.

The North Carolina native channeled his childhood influences on this record including Kenny Chesney. The quintessential summer album mixes country with beer, sunshine, and boats, something Lane does well to represent on all of the feel-good tracks.  The album closes with “Hero” a ballad that takes a more serious note but just happens to be the perfect way to end the project, showing Lane’s undeniable growth over the past few years as an artist and an entertainer.

Grab your copy on iTunes or take a listen below.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Dan + Shay Release Self-Titled Album

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Dan + Shay

Dan + Shay released their third studio album today on Warner Music Nashville, the self-titled project highlights the duo’s undeniable ability to use their outstanding harmonies to convey messages of love and sincerity. “Our first two albums helped us build an incredible, and super-loyal, fan base, so we knew it was our responsibility to them to put out the best music we could on this record,” Dan + Shay explains in a recent press release. “Most importantly, we wanted to deliver a project that would satisfy the people who got us where we are in the first place.”

The record evokes powerful images, an especially high point on the record is their duet with Kelly Clarkson “Keeping Score”, an ode to letting the small things go and just appreciating life.  With both members getting married since their last album release, Obsessed in 2016, it is apparent that the affection from their wives has truly given the boys a new kind of love to sing about.

Either Dan Smyers or Shay Mooney had a hand in writing all but one track, they poured their hearts into this record, showcasing their songwriting skills as well as their vocal ability to deliver the music. Additionally, Smyers co-produced the project with Scott Hendricks.

The debut single from the project “Tequila” is currently sitting in the top 3 spot on the charts and was an instant hit for the duo, with fans singing the chorus back to them almost immediately after its release.

Dan + Shay will be hitting the area on Rascal Flatts 2018 Back to Us Tour where they will be joined by Carly Pearce on July 6th at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater.  For tickets click here.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Brown and Gray ‘Salt in the Coffee’

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Brown and Gray

Brand new duo Kaci Brown and Sam Gray, also known as Brown and Gray have released their debut EP Salt In The Coffee.  The EP is a compilation featuring five new songs including their smash breakout hit “Top Down”.  We first caught up with Brown and Gray in December when “Top Down” had just hit the radio waves.  The duo has already played across the country as a part of Sirius XM’s Highway Finds Tour as well as playing at Stagecoach.

Sam hails from the east coast of England, while Kaci is a Texas native, combine the skills and craft they honed before becoming a duo.  They take turns taking the lead on vocals but always harmonize beautifully.  The EP features “Good Night” which showcases a catchy, EDM backbeat, perfect for driving with the windows down or late night in the bar.  While “Home” and “This Is The Stuff” is more country and traditional and “Outta My System” has a reggae vibe, the duo is proving their versatility.

Brown and Gray are performing on Long Island this summer as a part of My Country 96.1’s The Fest including Russell Dickerson and Dustin Lynch. For tickets click here, and be sure to follow Brown and Gray on their socials, Instagram,  Twitter, and Facebook.  Check out Salt In The Coffee below.

 

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NYCS First Impression: Dierks Bentley ‘The Mountain’

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Dierks Bentley The Mountain

Reflective, emotive and moving, Dierks Bentley’s latest release, available everywhere today The Mountain is a transition for the singer-songwriter. For every song like “5-1-5-0”, “Drunk on a Plane” and “Am I The Only One” which are primed and appropriate for his drinking days and his live show, Bentley has “Riser” and “I Hold On” which show his depth and love for meaningful lyrics.  The new album showcases mostly slower songs, but powerful none the less.

The record was written and recorded in Telluride, Colorado bringing to life the beauty of nature and self-reflection, heartache, loss, and love. “Telluride just makes you want to reach for your guitar,” Bentley says in a recent press release about his experience writing in Colorado. “We’d wake up every morning, grab a coffee, take the gondola up, watch the sun come up over the mountains, and by 8:30 we were writing. We just wrote non-stop.”

The first single from the project “Woman, Amen” was released right after the new year, which Bentley explains is a tribute to his wife.  During his live show on the Mountain High Tour, during the song, black and white photos of women of all different races and ages dance across the backdrop,  ending with a beautiful photo of Cassidy, his wife.

Fans who have seen his newest live show can now appreciate the esthetic after listening to The Mountain in full. Beautiful songs that are accompanied by visions of our incredible country, our earth and all of the people who share it. Specifically “Son of the Sun”, “Stranger to Myself” and “Burning Man” which features tour mates Brothers Osborne are self-reflective, a true testament to the man that Bentley has matured into. “Nothing On But the Stars” is a seductive, breakup song while the album closes with “How I’m Going Out” which discusses leaving a legacy on this music industry.

The Mountain showcases a matured sound, features ethereal production and Bentley’s smooth vocals.  Take a listen below and grab your copy on iTunes here.

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