First Impression Archives

NYCS First Impression: Brothers Osborne ‘Port Saint Joe’

April 20, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

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”

April 13, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

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

April 13, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

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’

March 30, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

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.

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’

March 30, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

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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First Impression: Jordan Davis Impresses with Debut Album ‘Home State’

March 23, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Cover art courtesy MCA Nashville

Rising country artist and one of our New York Country Swag 2018 Artists to Watch, Jordan Davis released his debut full-length album today. Home State, available everywhere, comes following Davis’ biggest week yet. During his Whiskey and White Wine show Wednesday night at Nashville’s Exit/In, the newcomer was presented with his very first certified gold record for his breakthrough single, “Singles You Up”. His very first headlining tour wrapped last night (Thurs, Mar. 22) and now Davis starts his album release week.

All twelve tracks on the album were co-written by Davis, allowing fans to peek into his personal story and his pride for his hometown of Shreveport, Louisana. Country radio was first introduced to the Lousiana native when he released “Singles You Up” which is now sitting in the top 10 on the country charts. The music video released earlier this year has already garnered over six million views and was the perfect single to kick off his debut LP.

Besides the playful “Singles You Up” and “Take it From Me” Davis does an outstanding job of blending sub-genres of the country music world including pop, rock and even r&b. The project features heartbreaking ballads, “Leaving New Orleans”, “Dreamed You Did”, and “Going ‘Round” as well as sensual, love songs such as “Selfish”, “Slow Dancing in a Parking Lot” and “Sundowners”.

Standouts on the LP are “Tough to Tie Down” which expresses a woman who is wild and free but despite her always leaving, he will love her “as long as this world keeps spinning ’round.” “Made That Way”, another love song highlighting taking someone as they are, quirks and all. “You’re Christmas lights in August / won’t wake up ’til 10 am / my heart pounds just like a kick drum any time that you walk in.”

Fans of John Mayer, Drake White, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett will all find something to absolutely love and appreciate on Home State. Grab your copy on iTunes here or take a listen below.

Hear some of our favorite tracks from the record on our New Country Spotify. playlist, here.

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First Impression: Devin Dawson ‘Dark Horse’

January 19, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Continuing the trend of great music being released in the new year, Devin Dawson‘s debut full-length album Dark Horse is finally here. The soulful crooner grew up near the famed Folsom Prison in Calfornia, yes the same one that Johnny Cash performed at in the 1950’s. Dawson is proud of his California roots, and the steps he took to get to where he is today in the music industry. Including spending time in a heavy metal band and growing up listening to R&B music as well as country music.

His highly anticipated album, Dark Horse is a culmination of years working towards releasing music to the world. The lead single, “All On Me” has garnered over 43 million streams on Spotify, introducing his new blend of music to country music fans who are looking for something different.

Highlights on the LP include the title track, which unapologetically describes Dawson himself, his outlook on life and his career. (“Anyone who ain’t afraid to stray off course / My heart bleeds for country music, where the honest outlaw truth is / no I ain’t no white knight, I’m a little more dark horse.”)

Dawson spins lyrics into images with “War Paint” a tale of revenge on a cheating man. (“She ain’t crazy but she’s gonna make him pay / you can see it on her face, black mascara moulin rouge, blood red lipstick high heeled shoes / it’s her turn to do him wrong, that ain’t makeup that she got on, its war paint / go on girl make that man feel your pain”) The record ends with “Prison” which a rocking mid-tempo closer, paralleling a love story to unavoidable confinement.

Late in 2017, Dawson performed in an intimate setting at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall, introducing members of the music industry to these new songs. Check out a full recap of the evening here. Listen to the full album below.

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First Impression: Anderson East ‘Encore’

January 12, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Country music is always transitioning and changing and the fluidity of it all allows genres to mesh and to come together to create something magical. That is exactly what you will find on Anderson East‘s second full-length LP, titled Encore, available everywhere today.

Dripping with soul, tenderness and plenty of angsty horns, each song combines rock, blues, country, jazz, and Americana so you soon forget which genre box he should be in and start appreciating the rising star’s undeniable talent.

Encore features insanely talented co-writers such as country megastar Chris Stapleton (“King For A Day,” “If You Keep Leaving Me”), pop sensation Ed Sheeran, and Snow Patrol’s Johnny McDaid (“All On My Mind”) The first single off of the project, “All On My Mind” has garnered over two million streams on Spotify.

East knows when to wail and knows when to quietly express his sentiment, giving the entire album and irrefutable cohesiveness. Encore also features two covers, including Willie Nelson’s “Somebody Pick Up My Pieces” and Ted Hawkins’ “Sorry You’re Sick”. East adds his own spin on each of the songs, making them sound brand new.

East was on the road with Stapleton’s “All American Road Show” tour, building his fan base and introducing his signature sound to the Stapelton fans. Listen to the full album below and be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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First Impression: Walker McGuire Self-Titled EP

January 12, 2018/in Blog, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

Jordan Walker and Johnny McGuire make up the duo Walker McGuire and released their debut EP today. The five-song collection released via Wheelhouse Records is a culmination of the band’s honest cowriting and pop country vibes.

The self-titled EP showcases their incredible harmonies, while each song is relatable and allows for modern country fans to fall in love with their lyrics. Those harmonies are particularly prominent on “Til Tomorrow” which has racked up over 23 million streams on Spotify since released early in 2017.

The second track on the EP “Lost” was co-written with Sugarland’s, Kristian Bush and impacts country radio next week.

The duo is making stops across the country in 2018. For tour dates click here.

Check out the full EP below and be sure to be following Walker McGuire on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Luke Bryan ‘What Makes You Country’ NYC Album Release Week

December 8, 2017/in Blog, Concert Reviews, First Impression /by Christina Bosch

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora)

Luke Bryan is no stranger to success when releasing music, whether the track makes you move your body or moves your soul, his singles climb the charts and he sells out arenas. His last album, Kill the Lights was the first in history to have six singles reach No. 1 on the Country Billboard charts and his “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day” tour has packed arenas all over the country this past year. His newest album, What Makes You Country, which is available everywhere today brings Bryan back to his roots. Blending his own unique brand of country music which combines pop-country with traditional lyrics. For his 6th studio album, Bryan gave fans more of what he knows they love, songs that will translate well in his live shows as well as radio-friendly hits.

(Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Pandora)

To celebrate the release of the album, Bryan took NYC by storm this past week. First up, New York Country Swag headed to The Altman Building to catch Pandora’s Up Close With Luke Bryan presented by FedEx Wednesday night. The line of fans wrapped around the long city block, hoping that they would make the first come-first serve cut into the venue. Once inside, fans were treated to free Luke Bryan t-shirts, a photo booth backdrop and a close spot in front of the stage. Although this was an album release party, fans were excited to hear plenty of Bryan’s hits from his ten-year career including, “That’s My Kind of Night”, “Play It Again” “Fast” and of course closing with a high octane version of “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”.

(Photo by New York CountrySwag.com)

Thursday, Bryan stopped by NASH FM 94.7’s Stage 17 studio to perform more singles off his forthcoming album including “Hooked On It” and the title track. The performance and interview, curated by Mike Allan, assistant program director for NASH FM 94.7 was broadcasted live across the country. DJs Katie Neal and Jesse Addy chatted with Bryan about writing the new songs and asked him to describe what he thinks “Makes You Country?” “An overall way that you view life, the way that you approach life with humility and honor and compassion and faith and belief.” the singer explained. A small group of audience members and winners from NASH FM were treated to stripped down, acoustic versions of the songs and the intimate setting was the perfect place for Bryan to be his goofy self, joking about his shirt being too tight and popping a button off. He ended his visit by taking pictures with his biggest fans.

Although all 15 tracks work well together to create a cohesive country record, a few highlights on the album include “Land of a Million Songs” a true testament to the struggles that Nashville songwriters go through to create your favorite music. Another stand out is “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” which was written by Ryan Hurd, Chase McGill and Zach Crowell. Hurd took to Instagram hours before the album was released to express his gratitude to everyone involved, especially for his fiance Maren Morris, for who he says the song was written about.

The final track on the record, “Win Life” was written by husband and wife songwriters Nicolle Gaylon and Rodney Clawson along with Ross Copperman. It fits right into Bryan’s wheelhouse, as a dad, a country superstar, and a husband just trying to do his best with the time he is given.

(Photo by New York CountrySwag.com)

For Bryan’s biggest appearance during his album release week in NYC, he took the stage at the brand new Opry City Stage in the heart of Times Square for his live performance on Good Morning America. Joined by Robin Roberts and GMA’s leading meteorologist, Ginger Zee, Bryan performed his latest single “Light It Up”, as well as another track off What Makes You Country, “Most People are Good” and other hits for the select few in the studio audience. Finally, Bryan’s fans across the country were able to hear some of the songs live and head to their favorite outlet to purchase the full album.

Grab What Makes You Country on iTunes and head to our Instagram for more from the album release week.

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