Peytan Porter: ‘Grown’ – EP Review

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Peytan Porter releases her brand new EP, Grown, out now, March 1st, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

2024 is the year of Peytan Porter re-introducing herself to the world as the incredible artist and storyteller she is. The once pop-country artist has found her true sound, drawing on soul and rock sounds to add to her country songwriting. Today, Porter released her brand new EP, Grown featuring six songs.

“I’m not apologizing for or watering down the colors of who I am anymore,” Porter shared in a recent press release. “I’m getting in tune with a sound and style that’s all mine and stepping into being more transparent with the way I think and see the world and it really feels like I’m setting myself free. It’s definitely a coming of age for me.”

The perfectly titled Grown EP shows exactly that – growth. With all six songs co-written by the artist, each of the tracks on the project showcase her own journey. The record kicks off with songs called “Lemonade” and “God’s Hotel.” On the former, Porter shares about vices and coping skills that humans tend to use. While the storytelling keeps the listener hanging on every word, the standout instrumentals, which almost feel like a bilateral beat does something to the brain. On “God’s Hotel,” Porter leans into the theme of holding space for ourselves. The Americana, yet silky song showcases the songstress’ at her best both lyrically and vocally.

“And the saints say they know where they’re goin’ // When it comes their time // But I’m windows down, rock and rollin’ // For a vacancy sign // Well maybe God’s got a hotel for people like me // That ain’t tryin’ to build a mansion on a gold gated street // All I’ve heard about Heaven is it don’t come cheap // Maybe God’s got a hotel for pеople like, peoplе like me”

Porter continues to lean into the swampy, yet sultry side of her talent on “High Road,” while “Speaking Of Georgia” finds the singer focusing more on nostalgia. The Georgia native pays homage to the relationships and the place that raised her. The song appears to be both healing and yet bittersweet. “Speaking Of Georgia” is arguably one of the best off the project.

Next up, the title track is the song that brings many of the themes together on the EP. “Grown” shares honest anecdotes from Porter’s life, as well as, the peace she has found despite the ups and downs of life. The song reads like a journal entry, something that adds that “special” factor to the already incredible song.

Finally the record culminates with the sixth and final song on the record called “Run The Radio.” The track feels like the perfect ending to the well-rounded EP. Overall Grown feels like the project  that proves that Porter has unapologetically stepped into her true calling as an artist. We cannot say enough good things about the EP!

Grown Tracklist:

  1. Lemonade – Written by Peytan Porter, Ian Christian, Matt Willis
  2. God’s Hotel – Written by Peytan Porter, Faren Rachels, Jeff Garrison
  3. High Road – Written by Peytan Porter, Brinley Addington, Matt Morrisey
  4. Speaking of Georgia – Written by Peytan Porter, Billy Montana, Mark Trussell
  5. Grown – Written by Peytan Porter, Steve Moakler, Mark Trussell
  6. Run The Radio – Written by Peytan Porter, Greg Bates, Trent Dabbs

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Grown”
  2. “Speaking Of Georgia”
  3. “God’s Hotel”
peytan-porter-grown-ep

Peytan Porter releases her brand new EP, ‘Grown,’ out now.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Peytan Porter releases.

To keep up with Peytan Porter, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Grown EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

trey-lewis-troublemaker-album

Trey Lewis: ‘Troublemaker’ – Debut Album Review

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Trey Lewis shares his album, Troublemaker, out now, March 1st on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

It’s been 3 years since Trey Lewis’ viral, smash hit, “Dicked Down in Dallas” blew up on TikTok and country bars around the U.S. If you haven’t heard the song, it is as raunchy as its name suggests. While these lyrics may be too aggressive for some, Lewis embodied this new persona and fans embraced it. His new project, Troublemaker, is full of amusing lyrics and innuendos like his hit single, however, he also explores themes of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia in the second half of the record, giving listeners a bit more variety.   

“I feel like everything I’ve been through in my life has built up to this moment,” Lewis admitted in a recent press release. “I feel like these songs really represent where I’ve been and what I’ve been through. I believe there is something on this album for every listener, whether this is their first time hearing me or they’ve been a fan for years. My hope is that people can relate to it and play it and then play it again and again and again.”

Lewis’ humor is displayed in the first half of the album, notably in songs like “Could’ve Been Me,” “Girl Problem,” “Up Yours,” and “Outlaw Us.” In “Could’ve Been Me,” the singer is thankful that his ex is marrying another man. In “Girl Problem,” the singer acknowledges that his issue with women is that he can’t settle on just one. 

The songwriters in “Up Yours” cleverly use the hostile phrase in a lighter, but still negative connotation. The singer wants to forget and move on from his ex but the songs he hears and the whiskey he sips keep bringing up her memory. “Outlaw Us” is a small-town anthem that lists the actions and beliefs of a true country boy. The singer states: “We’re gonna be who we’re gonna be ‘til the day they outlaw us.” 

Switching gears to the more vulnerable side of the record, Lewis demonstrates lust in “Pretty Hungover,” “Always You,” and “What I’m Doin’”. In the former, he eloquently expresses his admiration for his partner in every moment, whether she’s dressed up or in sweatpants, sober, drunk, and even hungover. In the latter, the singer confesses he is new to serious relationships and feels the pressure of keeping her happy. Like someone starting a new job, he is just trying not to screw up and get fired, or in this case, lose the girl.

In “Mine Never Could” and the album’s closer, “I Quit,” the singer displays his frustrations with romance. He is envious of his ex in the former, confused to how she moved on so fast after the breakup. In “I Quit,” the singer finally believes he found true love, but if the story takes a turn for the worse, he is officially cutting ties with his heart.

“I guess what it all adds up and comes down to // We’re just two hearts and it’s too soon to call it what it is // If this ain’t love for you then girl, you can split // but for me, if this ain’t it, I quit”

It is difficult for artists to re-route their musical path after having massive success with their first single. Troublemaker shows listeners that Lewis is more than the guy who gave us “Dicked Down In Dallas.” The songs on the record are reflective of him as an artist and give broader depth to him as a human. 

Troublemaker Tracklist:

  1. Drunk In A Bar (Justin Wilson, Matt Rogers, Chris DeStefano)
  2. Could’ve Been Me (Dawson Edwards, Alex Maxwell, Joe Collins)
  3. Wishin’ I Was Fishin’ (Joybeth Taylor, Matt McKinney, Tate Howell, Jared Hampton)
  4. Up Yours (Lee Thomas Miller, John Pierce, Ben Stennis)
  5. Girl Problem (Seth Ennis, Joe Fox, Trea Landon)
  6. Outlaw Us (David Lee Murphy, Rhett Akins, Michael Carter)
  7. Sounds Like Money To Me (JT Harding, Brice Long, Matt McKinney)
  8. Pretty Hungover (Tommy Karlas, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
  9. Always You (Ben Hayslip, Matt McKinney, Jacob Rice)
  10. Troublemaker (Trey Lewis, Kyle Coulahan, Davis Corley)
  11. What I’m Doin’ (Trey Lewis, Jake Rose, Stone Aielli)
  12. I’m A (Craig Wiseman, Chris Stevens, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
  13. Mine Never Could (Matt Jenkins, Zachary Kale, Deric Ruttan)
  14. I Quit (Trey Lewis, Matt McVaney, Jordan Walker)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Pretty Hungover
  2. Up Yours
  3. I Quit
  4. Mine Could Never
trey-lewis-troublemaker

Trey Lewis shares his debut album, ‘Troublemaker,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Trey Lewis releases.

Lewis will showcase the new record on his spring tour of the same name. For tickets, head to his website. 

To keep up with Trey Lewis, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

Troublemaker is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

redferrin-ep

Redferrin: ‘Old No. 7’ – EP Review

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Redferrin releases his debut EP, Old No. 7, out now, February 16th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

One of our favorite things to do here at Country Swag is to highlight and champion artists early on in their careers. Redferrin, an artist we truly believe in is making his major-label debut today with his brand new EP. The Warner Music Nashville signee shares his new project called, Old No. 7. 

“It feels good to finally be releasing a project rather than singles,” shares Redferrin in a recent press release. “I got to be super hands-on and craft the stories the way I wanted them to be told, and it’s very special to me. I’m excited for people to really get a feel for who I am and what kind of music I make.”

Throughout Old No. 7, Redferrin leans into his Tennessee roots, showcasing his talents as both a singer-songwriter and a producer. The record features seven distinct songs that speak to Redferrin’s talent and diverse musical interests. Fans of Morgan Wallen are sure to fall in love with his creativity and knack for storytelling that is evident from the first single on the project, fan-favorite and viral song, “Jack and Diet Coke.”

“You won’t know the difference when you mix it with some whiskey // It’ll still get you buzzed up just right // Don’t believe it, kiss me, boy, still gon’ get ya tipsy // So I did and your lips taste just like // Jack and Diet Coke // Jack and Diet Coke // Now, baby, all I want is Jack and Diet Coke // Jack and Diet Coke”

The record continues with two more songs called, “Lose Her For Nothin'” and “Miss Summer.” The former tells the story of heartbreak in a way that feels like an anthem. Redferrin gives listeners the nostalgia we are all craving on the standout track, “Lose Her For Nothin'”. While on “Miss Summer”, the song reminisces about a summer love. The tune reads as a true and honest depiction of a quick, but impactful romance. After just one listen, fans will be hanging on every word of “Miss Summer.”

Redferrin continues to bring the honesty on the next tracks of the EP. “Just Like Johnny” talks about being stuck in your ways. The singer compares his relationship to Johnny Cash and June Carter. Redferrin remains honest about the vices that may get in the way.

While honesty is a common thread throughout the EP, no song is as genuine as track 5, “Doin’ Life.” According to the singer, the song is one of the most vulnerable songs he has ever released. It capsules his struggles with mental health and the pain he has felt throughout his life. “I’ve battled with depression in the past and have lost friends to suicide, so it was really important to me to tell this story and put this song out into the world. Music kept me going through the hard times and I hope that someone comes across this song right when they need it too.”

“Lucky to even be alive, the way I was doin’ life // Hardly made it through the nights, I was fighting suicide // Every day feeling low, like it’s just the way it goes // When you come from down the road, you get used to getting by // Just trying to survive, the way I was doin’ life // Felt like I was doin’ life, yeah”

On the final two songs of the project, “She’s Like Whiskey,” and “Champagne In The Morning,” Redferrin continues to prove his talent. “She’s Like Whiskey” leans into the hip-hop influence in the singer’s repertoire, while “Champagne In The Morning” captivates you from the first note complemented by the intriguing production.

Redferrin’s first official outting, Old No. 7 is one of the best releases of the year so far. The record has songs that will stay stuck in your head for days, while still addressing real stories and experiences. Redferrin is an artist to look-out for.

Old No. 7 Tracklist:

  1. Jack and Diet Coke (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, Kevin Bard)
  2. Lose Her For Nothin’ (Blake Redferrin, Cooper Bascom, Rose Falcon)
  3. Miss Summer (Blake Redferrin, Chris Loocke, Michael Tyler)
  4. Just Like Johnny (Blake Redferrin, Micah Wilshire)
  5. Doin’ Life (Blake Redferrin, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard)
  6. She’s Like Whiskey (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi)
  7. Champagne In The Morning (Blake Redferrin, Tawgs Selter, Jacob Hackworth)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Lose Her For Nothin'”
  2. “Doin’ Life”
  3. “Jack and Diet Coke”
  4. “She Like Whiskey”
redferrin-ep

Redferrin releases his debut EP, ‘Old No. 7,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Redferrin releases.

To keep up with Redferrin, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Old No. 7 EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Chase Matthew: ‘We All Grow Up’ – EP Review

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Chase Matthew releases his new EP, We All Grow Up, out now, February 16th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

On his new EP, We All Grow Up, Chase Matthew is poetic and nostalgic about the trappings of life in a small town, love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Featuring six new songs, four of which he co-wrote, the project serves as a solid introduction to the Warner Music Nashville artist.

For the Nashville native with a well-publicized troubled past, the EP reflects overcoming adversity for something greater, which included a March 2023 Opry Debut. This summer, the young star will also hit the road with Jason Aldean, continuing his meteoric rise as he cleverly blends hip hop infused beats with a country twang.

“This project has been a blast to put together. Each one of these songs makes you feel something,” shares Matthew. “‘We All Grow Up’ feels reminiscent. ‘Small Town Shit’ might make you feel like a hometown badass. ‘Darlin” is one of my favorites because I’ve been in that situation before. I’ve had a great time working on this one with some great friends. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it!”

The EP opens with the title track, a nostalgic throwback that is sure to win over legions of new fans. On the mid-tempo anthem, Matthew shares a poetic look at the kids he grew up with, admitting that they all took different paths. “Some left town and some got stuck, It takes a whole lotta God, a little bit of love,” He sings. “But we all settle down and we all grow up.”

Similar themes weave through tracks like “Small Town Shit” and “Dirt Road Does.” On the former, which is remnant of tracks like Kane Brown’s “Bury Me in Georgia” or Aldean’s “Burnin’ it Down,” the newcomer booms through a barn burner as he celebrates all the things that make small towns special. Alternatively, the album’s closing track, “Dirt Road Does,” shows a more vulnerable side of the singer-songwriter as he likens his love to a dirt road, and while it shouldn’t work, it absolutely does. Over a sparse guitar ballad, he muses  “I thank God everyday for the both of you // Yeah your brown eyes and a two lane windshield view // When I’ve been gone too long // You both know how to take me home.”

“Darling” finds him suspicious of a girl on the hip-hop infused track that finds him channeling Brown and Sam Hunt as he questions her.  “If he’s just a friend, then why’s he always calling?” He asks on the earwormy track. “Why’s he call you darling, Why’s he call you daily?”

“Make You Miss Me” and “I Don’t Carolina” both find Matthew dealing with heartbreak. On “Miss Me,” he wants her to regret the end, while “I Don’t Carolina” turns to clever lyrics as he deals with a breakup with a Carolina girl. On the moving heartbreak ballad, he name drops cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and the Outer Banks before going anywhere to escape her.  “I’ll head to Texas, Times Square,” He proclaims. “Anywhere I won’t find ya, ‘Cause I don’t Carolina.”

On We All Grow Up, Chase Matthew is sure to continue his meteoric rise to stardom, and it’s only a matter of time before he’s filling arenas on his own.

We All Grow Up EP Tracklist:

  1. We All Grow Up
  2. Darlin’
  3. Making You Miss Me
  4. I Don’t Carolina
  5. Small Town Shit
  6. Dirt Road Does

Country Swag Picks:

  1. We All Grow Up
  2. Darling
  3. Dirt Road Does
chase-matthew-ep

Chase Matthew shares new EP, ‘We All Grow Up,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Chase Matthew releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here. He’ll be hitting the road with Jason Aldean this summer as part of the Highway Desperado Tour, with stops at Jones Beach on July 12 and PNC Bank Arts Center on July 13.

To keep up with Chase Matthew, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

We All Grow Up EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Drake Milligan: ‘Jukebox Songs’ – EP Review

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Drake Milligan releases his new EP, Jukebox Songs, out now, February 16th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

With a voice seasoned way beyond his 25 years, Drake Milligan is easily one of country music’s best modern traditionalists. This is on full display on his new EP, Jukebox Songs, which allows his impressive voice to shine over four new tracks. Produced by fellow Texan, Trent Wilmon, the EP continues to illustrate Milligan’s impressive talent. 

Similar to his previous releases, the Stoney Creek artist’s new EP is the best of both traditional country and modern sounds. He shares, “My goal for this EP was to write and find songs that feel classic and memorable – the kinda tunes would fit right in on some old Rock-Ola in the corner of a smoke-filled bar on the outskirts of nowhere Texas. It’s a continuation of the old-meets-new Country sound I’ve always gone for, and this time with my friend Trent Willmon at the reins as producer, I’m very excited to keep this honky tonk train rollin.’” 

The EP opens with “What I Couldn’t Forget,” a swinging and single-ready ode to finding new love beneath neon lights. While he may have entered the locale with the intention of drowning his sorrows in a sad country ballad, someone new catches his eye and a love story is forged over fiddle and steel.  “I think I walked in here running from a memory,” He admits, a playful tone lacing his booming voice. “I can’t remember what I couldn’t forget, that train of thought took off the moment we met, All I got is you girl running through my head, I can’t remember what I couldn’t forget…All I know is I’m glad you’re here.”

“I Got A Problem” starts off with a cheeky ragtime piano, as Milligan sets up the story, musing about what happens when “a guy like me gets hooked on something.” Initially, it may seem like a ballad but quickly traditions into a rocking uptempo as the singer deals with his addiction to a new woman in his life. 

“Your kiss tastes like whiskey and I’m a drinker // You play with my heart strings, and girl, I’m a singer // Nah, it ain’t no joke, you’re a smoke show // And I’m a Marlboro man when I’m holdin’ your hand // You’re a wild card, I’m a gambler // I was goin’ nowhere, you wrecked my plan, girl I got a problem // But what a damn good problem to have”

“Don’t Leave Me Loving You” is an immediate standout, finding him a broken hearted balladeer as he channels his inner George Strait, longing for a lost love on the powerful ballad. “Come leave me hurt, Come leave me mad, Come leave my heart broken in half,” He pleads. “Leave me like someone I never knew, Hating the hell you put me through, Just don’t leave me loving you.”

The collection ends with the rousing “Jukebox Songs and Barstool Beers,” a simple but effective celebration of a local and reliable haunt that’s sure to have cold beer and good music. It’s the perfect ending to the EP, leaving listeners with a smile on their faces, as they are immediately transported to the place. Akin to tracks like “Redneck Yacht Club,” “I Love This Bar,” or “American Honky-Tonk Bar Association,” it leaves listeners with a taste but wanting more.

The only problem with Drake Milligan’s Jukebox Songs EP is that it’s too short. However, the four song collection packs a powerful punch that’s sure to be played on repeat.

Jukebox Songs EP Tracklist:

  1. What I Couldn’t Forget
  2. I Got A Problem (Full Length)
  3. Don’t Leave Me Loving You
  4. Jukebox Songs and Barstool Beers
drake-milligan-ep

Drake Milligan shares new EP, ‘Jukebox Songs,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Drake Milligan releases.

Milligan will be hitting the road with Cody Johnson this Spring. For tour dates and more, click here.

To keep up with Drake Milligan, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Jukebox Songs EP is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

dasha-debut-album

Dasha: ‘What Happens Now?’ – Debut Album Review

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Dasha releases her debut album, What Happens Now?, out now, February 16th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

For rising star Dasha, her new album, What Happens Now?, is truly a return to her roots. While the singer-songwriter may have begun her career with viral pop tunes on TikTok, country music is always where her heart has been. 

When she chatted with Country Swag last November, she revealed, “I had this epiphany and was like ‘I have to go back to my roots and start making country music again’, so in the last nine months to a year, I’ve really dove into that […] I have never had such an amazing time making music before. Music has never come so effortlessly to me before as it has with this music. It’s the beginning of this new country era.”

Her passion for the music shines through on the eight song collection, which is lyrically much like a journal through her deepest thoughts and feelings. This is evident on songs like “Drown Me,” “42,” and “Even Cowboys Cry.”

Conversely, the album’s opening track is truly an outlier, a driving up-tempo that adeptly mixes electro pop beats with twangy guitar rhythms as she ponders the potential of a summer romance with a boy who “hurts so good.” 

“Austin” is a more straightforward country up-tempo, with its hand-clapping, two-stepping countrified rhythm about a guy who failed to keep his promises. “Did your boots stop workin’? Did your truck break down? Did you burn through the money? Did your ex find out?” She asks. “Where there’s a will then there’s a way and I’m damn sure you lost it // Didn’t even say goodbye // Just wish I knew what caused it.”

Of “Austin,” she revealed to Country Swag that it was one of her favorite songs she’s ever recorded.  “We started creating this whole story about this guy who kind of screws you over and you leave him at this bar, and I love how angry it is,” She shares. “It crawls under your skin, because it’s not that you’re mad – mad, it’s like you’re hurt – mad, and I feel like that emotion really comes through in that song. We wrote it in an hour, which is crazy fast for a song.”

Despite being a California native, Dasha embraces small town life on “Talk of the Town” and “Share this City,” musing that “the smallest towns have the biggest mouths” on the latter, as she deals with a relationship that’s at the root of a town’s gossip. Likewise, “Share this City” finds her trying to dodge an ex. “I’ve been avoiding all the places that we used to love, and heaven only knows I don’t get out enough,” She admits mournfully. “Maybe we should call it a truce and maybe I won’t run into you.”

Heartbreak weaves its way though many of the songs, including the incredible standout that is “Drown Me,” a sad guitar ballad that finds her sinking beneath the weight of her broken heart, powerful imagery finding her pleading with a former lover that she’s addicted to. “Empty all the air inside my lungs and shook me in the water, even when you think I’ve had enough, then hold on to me harder, Baby drown me, if you need me,” She sings. “I’m infatuated, baby, with the way you make me hate you.”

“Even Cowboys Cry” and “42” are also powerful ballads in their own ways, with the former encouraging a cowboy to open up and deal with his demons. Meanwhile, the latter is about counting down the days until you see someone again and longing to pick up where things left off, despite a year between.

“So tell all the girls you’ve been kissing that they had a good run // But it’s all over and through // Tell them that your little lady’s moving back to the city // And it’s not them, it’s that I finally get to have you // And your penthouse with the bad view // And my toothbrush in your bathroom // And you can tell I’m tryna act cool // But do I finally get to have you?”

While Dasha may have previously dabbled in pop music, it’s clear from What Happens Now? that country is truly where her heart lies… and where she belongs.

What Happens Now? Tracklist:

  1. What Happens Now?
  2. 42
  3. Austin
  4. King of California
  5. Drown Me
  6. Talk Of The Town
  7. Share this City
  8. Even Cowboys Cry

Country Swag Picks:

  1. “Austin”
  2. “Even Cowboys Cry”
  3. “42”
dasha-debut-album

Dasha shares her debut album, ‘What Happens Now?,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dasha releases.

To keep up with Dasha, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok. 

What Happens Now? is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

dalton-dover-covers

Dalton Dover: ‘Take Me Home: Covers’ – EP Review

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Dalton Dover releases his new EP, Take Me Home: Covers, out now, February 9th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

Country music rising artist, Dalton Dover continues to carve a path that is all his own. His debut single, “Giving Up On That” won the hearts of the country music fanbase everywhere. Now, Dover is sharing the songs that won his heart back when country music was just a pipe dream. His new project, Take Me Home: Covers showcases the power of music and pays homage to the greats that paved the way for the new artist in the genre.

“I grew up in a musical family, where we’d sing at church and then go home and keep singing,” shares Dover. Adding, “My grandpa would put on his favorite records, and I’d listen to the stories. Seeing my own life in those lyrics is what made me fall in love with country music, and I can’t think of a better way to honor that than sharing these songs,” says the singer in a recent press release.

On Take Me Home: Covers, Dover gives his rendition of iconic country songs, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” (Vince Gill), “Mountain Music” (Alabama), and “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” (John Denver). Each of the three covers showcase the singer’s incredible talent, but more importantly, reintroduces newer country fans to the songs that are embedded in the DNA of country music.

Take Me Home: Covers EP Tracklist:

  1. Go Rest High On That Mountain (Vince Gill)
  2. Mountain Music (Alabama)
  3. Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver)
dalton-dover-covers

Dalton Dover shares his new project, ‘Take Me Home: Covers,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dalton Dover releases.

To keep up with Dalton Dover, follow him on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.

Take Me Home: Covers is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

the-castellows-ep

Here Is The Castellows’ Debut EP ‘A Little Goes A Long Way’

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The Castellows release their new EP, A Little Goes A Long Way, out now, February 9th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

Warner Music Nashville signees, The Castellows are officially embarking on their musical journey. The country music sister trio are ready to make their debut with their new music. Their debut EP, A Little Goes A Long Way is officially out now, featuring seven new songs for fans to listen to.

“We are extremely excited to release our first project for the world to hear on Feb. 9!! This collection of seven songs mean so much to us and we hope everyone loves them as much as we do,” shared The Castellows in a recent press release.

A Little Goes A Long Way features songs like the title track, “The Part Where You Break My Heart” and “Cowboy Kind Of Love,” with all but one track co-written by the sisters. Listen and learn more about the record below!

A Little Goes A Long Way EP Tracklist:

  1. A Little Goes A Long Way (written by Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Natalie Hemby)
  2. Heartline Hill (written by Eleanor Balkcom)
  3. The Part Where You Break My Heart (written by Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Rhett Akins, Lydia Vaughan)
  4. No. 7 Road (written by Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Hillary Lindsey)
  5. Cowboy Kind of Love (written by Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom, Powell Balkcom, Parker Welling, Chris LaCorte)
  6. Hurricane (written by Keith Stegall, Stewart Harris, Thom Schuyler)
  7. I Know It’ll Never End (written by Eleanor Balkcom, Lily Balkcom)
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The Castellows’ EP ‘A Little Goes A Long Way’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future The Castellows releases.

To keep up with The Castellows, follow him on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.

A Little Goes A Long Way is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Blanco Brown Announces New Project + Drops New Single “Sunshine Shine”

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Blanco Brown announces new project and drops brand new single, “Sunshine Shine,” out now, February 2nd on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new song here.

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Blanco Brown is happiness in human form. Everything Brown touches makes you feel, which is a true mark of a superstar in the making. Today, the artist announces that his next project, Heartache & Lemonade will be released on April 5th. To celebrate the exciting news, Brown is sharing a brand new song to set the tone for the record. “Sunshine Shine” is out now.

“Sunshine Shine” is a true, feel-good anthem. The song features an incredible blend of catchy melodies, good vibes, and a fun sound that will keep fans listening again and again. Brown draws on his resilience and life experience to create his music, and “Sunshine Shine” fits the bill, while also introducing the project that is to come.

“I’ve now traveled the world, looked death in the eyes and somehow made it back alive. Bitter moments never lasted, sweeter moments brought me back to purpose…“Heartache and Lemonade” brings about a new chapter. Try turning some of your worst moments into a smile every once in a while,” shared the singer in a recent press release. Stay tuned for the project, and make sure to add “Sunshine Shine” to your music library ASAP!

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Blanco Brown shares new song, “Sunshine Shine,” off forthcoming new project.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Blanco Brown releases.

To keep up with Blanco Brown, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Sunshine Shine” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Conner Smith: ‘Smoky Mountains’ – Debut Album Review

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Conner Smith releases his debut album, Smoky Mountains, out now, January 26th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project here.

With a soulful voice and storytelling prowess far beyond his 23 years, Conner Smith’s debut album, Smoky Mountains, is sure to propel him to superstardom. With a mountain-infused type of 90’s-leaning modern country that pairs his old-soul drawl with a new-school lyrical breadth, Smith crafted his Valory Music debut alongside Nashville hitmakers like Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd, Jessi Alexander, Devin Dawson, and more.

As a songwriter for over fifteen years, the Nashville native admits that every year of his life truly contributed to this record. “It very much took 23 years to make these 12 songs,” Smith says. “I felt like I found my own lane I was able to drive down, and I’m really proud of what it has become. There’s not a wasted second on the record – every song matters. And I think it really shows all the different things that make me ‘me’ – as a songwriter, a vocalist and as a performer.” 

The album opens with the groove-laden titular track, as he opens the album growling, “Sing me a song of the smoky mountains and I’ll be home by the sun.” Here, he sets the tone for the project with a bluesy and gritty intro that’s ripe with fiddle and steel before leading directly into his breakout moment, “Creek Will Rise.” On the song, he combines bluegrass-tinged instrumentation with an uber catchy melody that’s rapidly climbing the charts. “With respect to true-hearted bluegrass fans, that sound really inspired me in this season of my artistry,” he explains of the tune. “I’ve been trying to discover what I wanted to say for the last five years since I signed a record deal, and now that I’m able to present that with this album. It might surprise some people on where it landed.”

For Smith, who co-wrote all but one of the album’s twelve tracks, the viral “I Hate Alabama,” his debut collection represents a labor of love. The tracks reflect that love, weaving its way in different forms through tracks like the “will they or won’t they?” “Roulette on the Heart,” the flirty “Trouble,” and  the ode to small town upbringing in the form of “Boots in the Bleachers.” Smith is also introspective on his desire to be more than a one night stand on “Regret in the Morning,” while he’s celebrating enjoying the simpler things on “Take It Slow.”

Smith enlists rising star Hailey Whitters to join him on “Roulette On The Heart,” a ballad about the push and pull of a possible relationship. “I wanted to keep the magic of that song intact,” He shares of enlisting Whitters. “And I love where it landed.” “Are you gonna break me? Are you gonna save me?” They sing over the simple and sparse instrumentation. “Every night with you is a shot in the dark… Holding somebody shouldn’t be this hard.”

“Meanwhile in Carolina” is another clear standout, beautifully telling the tale of two people living concurrent lives, unaware that fate will eventually bring them together. Inspired by Smith’s relationship with his now fiance, the song tells the story of their lives until they found each other, wondering if their other halves were out there. “You always imagine that person, you always think about ’em, wonder where they are, wonder what they’re doing,” he shares. “I was so proud of that song after we wrote it, because I knew it was one that mattered – it was a song that meant something.”

Another clear stand out is “Heatin’ Up,” which is a punchy and driving single-ready uptempo that is sure to set live shows ablaze. Here, Smith singsongs over the catch chorus that “Everything about this love is heatin’ up.”

Likewise, “I Hate Alabama” is sure to be a crowd pleaser, initially going viral on TikTok and launching Smith to his record deal. It’s a clever twist on regional dislike, as the Nashville native muses over his disdain for the “Roll Tide” state.

“I hate Alabama // I hate Crimson Red // And I hate how they yell “Roll Tide” // When I got a Braves hat on my head // And I love Lynyrd Skynyrd // But Lord I hate Sweet Home,” He sings. “’Cause when I hear it all I see Is a girl with houndstooth on // In the stands in Tuscaloosa // Might’ve lost by 22 // But I hate Alabama // ‘Cause that’s where I lost you.”

The album concludes with the stirring “God Moments,” which finds the singer-songwriter reflecting on the ways in which “God works in mysterious ways.” It’s akin in many ways to “Unanswered Prayers,” finding Smith accepting that there’s a bigger plan at work in his life than he could even imagine or understand.

On Smoky Mountains, Conner Smith establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. With his husky growl and introspective lyrics, the debut is only the beginning of things “Heatin’ Up” for the singer-songwriter.

Smoky Mountains Tracklist:

  1. Smoky Mountains | Conner Smith, Zach Crowell
  2. Creek Will Rise | Conner Smith, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Parker Welling
  3. Roulette On The Heart (featuring Hailey Whitters) | Conner Smith, Jessi Alexander, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
  4. Heatin’ Up | Conner Smith, Chase McGill, Daniel Ross
  5. Baby, I | Conner Smith, Devin Dawson, Mark Trussell, Parker Welling
  6. Meanwhile In Carolina | Conner Smith, Blake Pendergrass
  7. Boots In The Bleachers | Conner Smith, Ben Hayslip, Jordan Walker
  8. Take It Slow | Conner Smith, Ryan Hurd, Mark Trussell
  9. Trouble | Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Jerry Flowers, Chase McGill, Mark Trussell
  10. I Hate Alabama | Nick Columbia, Drew Green, Hunter Phelps, Lee Starr
  11. Regret In The Morning | Conner Smith, Hunter Phelps, Daniel Ross
  12. God Moments | Conner Smith, Zach Crowell, Devin Dawson, Blake Pendergrass

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Meanwhile in Carolina
  2. Heatin’ Up
  3. Creek Will Rise
  4. Smoky Mountains
  5. I Hate Alabama
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Conner Smith shares his debut album, ‘Smoky Mountains,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Conner Smith releases.

For tour dates and more, visit the singer-songwriter’s website here. 

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Smoky Mountains is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.