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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NYCS First Impression: Michael Ray Releases ‘Amos’

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Michael Ray Amos

Michael Ray’s sophomore album,  Amos, was named after his beloved grandfather who inspired his love for music.  The record features eleven tracks that encompass Ray’s love for country music while still remaining current with the trends in the genre. “To say I’m excited that Amos is officially out would be an understatement,” Ray explains in a recent press release. “This album means so much to me personally because of the namesake and to finally be able to share these songs with fans is such a great feeling. Before the album was even out our fans were singing the words to so many of the new songs. It’s incredible to see them share their personal stories of what each new song means after hearing it live. Watching our fans living and loving these songs is what it’s all about.”

After reaching the top of the charts with “Think A Little Less” and “Kiss You in the Morning” from his debut self-titled album, Ray took time to focus on what his sophomore album should sound like, channeling the passion that his grandfather instilled in him for a great lyric and conviction in country music.  Amos features flirty love songs such as “Fan Girl”, “You’re On” and “One That Got Away” while also telling a more serious story in “Her World or Mine” and “I’m Gonna Miss You”.

His most poignant moment is the album closer, “Drink One For Me”, which is a tribute to our military.  “Drink one for me on Friday night /  Throw ’em back and laugh and tip the band I like / drink one for me and remember why I’m doing what I’m doing when you raise ’em high / while I’m where I need to be, drink one for me”  The midtempo will touch the hearts of Americans all over the country.

Ray offers a cohesive, well-rounded album with songs that slows down in all the right spots but also will be a great soundtrack for your summer.  Take a listen to Amos and let us know what your favorite song is in the comments.

Don’t miss Michael Ray this Monday, June 4th in New York City at Opry City Stage. We’ve got your chance to win tickets and meet + greets. Head to our Instagram here to enter to win.

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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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