New Music Archives

MacKenzie Porter Releases Brand New Song “The One”

November 6, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

MacKenzie Porter’s new song, “The One” is available now, November 6th. Listen to the brand new track below and take a look as we dig a little deeper into the song.

Earlier this week we shared our interview with talented rising artist, MacKenzie Porter (Big Loud Records) in one of our Swag Spotlight features. We already love her songs “Drinkin’ Songs” and “Seeing Other People,” but today we add another incredible song to our playlist, “The One”.

The new single is a bittersweet ballad written by Porter with Tom Douglas, Claire Douglas, and one of our favorites, Madison Kozak. Leaning her relatability, the songstress sings about being the last woman a man dates before he gets married. Based on the title, it feels like the song is going to be a romantic love song, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although beautifully expressed, “The One” is a heartbreaking reminder of how it feels to watch your former love marry the one they love.

Mackenzie Porter Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection’ is available now

“I was right before our timing / The girl before the diamond / I was the road trip to the beach / She’s the honeymoon to the Caymen Islands / I made a mess and she made sense / She got your name and a picket fence / I know it’s a party, but it ain’t fun / Being the one before the one”

“The One” is included in a package of seven songs alongside the other singles in a brand new project entitled Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection. Although not technically an EP, the project is definitely a great debut of who the songstress is as both a vocalist and a songwriter.

With already three back to back number one’s on Canadian Country radio, it is only a matter of time until Porter blows up on the radio and with fans here in the U.S. Her seven-song project Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection is a stellar project that showcases her undeniable talent.

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

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

“Drinkin’ Songs” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Carolyn Miller Puts Her Chips on the Table with Single “All In”

November 5, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Julia Grubbs

Carolyn Miller’s new song, “All In” is available now on all streaming platforms. Written by Jamie Moore, Emily Landis, and Abby Anderson, take a look below to find out more about the fun new track.

“All In” tells the story of a relationship that fully encompasses commitment. With baggage from the past, Miller exudes a feeling of the weight lifted by the support of her partner. An electric guitar brings a slight pop and contemporary sound, but her voice breathes with traditional country sound with the likes of Shania Twain or Faith Hill. Miller has been continuing to stay active during the year, playing Music Mayhem’s virtual music festivals and coming out with new songs. Her most recent release “Ain’t About That” reached 130,000+ streams and was added into rotation on Music Choice Pop & Country Channel. “All In” is that comforting song you want when you’re fully submerged in a relationship and want to show your support.

“Every way, every day, every trip we take around the sun / All of the highs all of the lows I hope you know / No matter what…I’m all in, I’m all in”

As a metaphor for life, Miller encourages to put your whole self into something, and you never know the joy that could come. Either live big, or you’re not truly living.

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

To keep up with Carolyn Miller, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“All In” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Jon Langston Puts A Fun Twist on “Happy Ever After”

November 4, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Dylan Bestler

Rising country singer-songwriter, Jon Langston released a new song, “Happy Ever After,” available now, October 30th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

The term “happily ever after” is most commonly used at the end of a story when two people fall in love and get married. However, the songwriters, Langston, Blake Bollinger, and Brent Anderson, mislead the listener and use the fun, play on words to explain a man’s new feelings about his past relationship. Back in February, Langston released “Drinks,” a song that describes a scenario where the guy is taking the breakup much harder than the girl.

Now, almost eight months later, the man is finally back on his feet. Although he has not made a full-time commitment to that special someone like in the fairy tales, he learns from his buddies and other good-looking women at the bar that he is “happy ever after her.” The steel guitar and Langston’s raspy, southern vocals make this an enjoyable, drinking tune with a classic-country twist.

“I never thought I’d be this better off / Throwing back these double black label shots / in a honky-tonk heaven on earth / Here’s to happy ever after…her”

Although Langston co-wrote this song, it certainly does not represent Langston’s current situation, as he and his girlfriend welcomed their first child, Magnolia Mae to the world over the weekend. A big congratulations to the new parents!

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

Keep up with Langston by following him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Happy Ever After” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. To thank the fans for their loyalty and support, Langston has personally signed each physical copy of the EP. Check out these songs and more newly 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Kip Moore Releases “Don’t Go Changing” + Announces Deluxe Album Details

November 3, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Kip Moore’s new song “Don’t Go Changing” comes with a powerful music video that shines a light on the unfortunate reality that the live music industry is facing during the pandemic. It is the first of four new songs that will be released on Moore’s new album, Wild World Deluxe, on February 12, 2021, and shares the theme of uncertainty that the singer/songwriter’s fourth studio album already embodies. Read more about it below.

“Don’t Go Changing” is about the need for a relationship to remain a constant in an ever-changing and uncertain world. This theme of uncertainty is expressed throughout the entire Wild World record. In his fourth studio album that dropped earlier this year, Moore co-wrote and produced all but one of the thirteen tracks, including his hit single “She’s Mine”. The success of Wild World prompted its deluxe release with four additional songs: “Don’t Go Changing”, “Midnight Slow Dance”, “How High”, and “Man’s Gotta Go”.

Wild World was inspired by Moore’s sense of wanderlust, which came from his experiences as a singer/songwriter. While travel was not something Moore had done before his move to Nashville, it became a large part of his life whether it was for performing or for escaping the new life of his. This raw and emotional collection of songs reflects Moore’s desire to be alone and his constant search for simplicity and joy. In what Entertainment Tonight called “his most honest music yet”, Moore dives deep into how his career has changed his life, and not always in the obvious and positive ways that one would think. The title track reflects the way he was raised and with that, a motto that he continues to live by: live life on your own terms.

“Don’t Go Changing” reminds listeners of the importance and need of a constant in a world that seems so uncertain. While listeners can gather this from the lyrics of the song, Moore gives the song a much deeper meaning in its music video. He uses the song as a metaphor to highlight the suffering of the live music industry in the current pandemic. To see what we mean, watch the music video for “Don’t Go Changing” below.

Directed by Alex Ferrari, the music video is staged in several well-known independent music venues across Music City, including The 5 Spot, The End, The Basement, Mercy Lounge, and Exit/In. The goal of this video was to bring attention to the effect that the pandemic has had on the live music industry, specifically independent venues in Nashville. Moore performs in these noticeably empty and deserted venues to remind us of the unfortunate reality that the live music industry is currently facing. While fans are hoping for the return of concerts, those working in the music industry are hoping simply to return to work, and a decent way of life. There are so many aspects that go into the live music industry that have long gone unrealized, and continue to even now. There are bartenders, event staff, security guards, kitchen workers and many more who are essential parts of making the live music industry function, and they are suffering greatly in these times. It is not just happening in Nashville, but all across the country. The effect that the pandemic has had on the live music industry has been detrimental and what makes it even scarier, is that there is still no end in sight.

The video starts and ends with Moore interviewing Chris Cobb, owner of the Exit/In and co-founder of Music Venue Alliance Nashville, an organization whose current focus is to help independent music venues that are working to survive through the pandemic. The hope is that the music video will encourage fans to donate and help support the venues that are home to the very shows that they are longing to return to. A place like Exit/In, which averaged 20 shows a month, has now been closed for eight months. Cobb refers to the current situation that many like him are facing as living in “survival mode” as they await the unknown return of business.

While music can be our escape in these uncertain times, we can’t forget that in order for it to remain our escape, we need it to survive until its return to the stage. Moore helps to emphasize the need to save the music industry now, so that we will be able to enjoy live shows when the time comes, and it will. While Moore may desire the return of live music just as much as fans, he reminds of the difference between want and need, leisure and livelihood.

To learn more about Music Venue Alliance Nashville and donate, click here.

As Kip Moore continues to push the envelope as a genre-defying singer/songwriter, he has also earned a CMA nomination for the “International Artist Achievement Award”.

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

To keep up with Kip Moore, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Cam ‘The Other Side’ Album Review

November 3, 2020/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Lucie Bernheim

The best records are the timeless ones – the ones that move between the worlds of genre and popular music and will remain classic years after being released. When Cam embarked on her sophomore album, The Otherside, out now, she made sure to make an album that would move you, regardless of what is being played on the radio now, and she did so successfully.

Cam The Otherside Album Cover

The opener, “Redwood Tree” is a conversation between Cam and a tree that lives in her hometown, a place she hasn’t visited in quite some time. This tree watched Cam grow up and her parents get older, and it’s like her personal time capsule. It’s serene sounding, and it sounds like it could be the score of a movie.

Title track “The Otherside” is a mysterious, poppy song co-written with the late Avicii, and it’s one that Cam spent a lot of time perfecting. “[Avicii] never wound up releasing that song, so I was like, ‘Ooh, maybe that means I can,’” she shared with Apple Music. “Even though it’s such a heavy thing not having him around for the final edits, I did feel this great responsibility to work my ass off to get it right. Because I knew that’s what he would have done.”

Previously released tracks “Diane” and “Classic” are retro vibe-wise. “Diane” is like a response-song to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”. “Diane, I promise I didn’t know he was your man/I would have noticed a gold wedding band.” Rhythmically, both “Diane” and “Classic” sound old-school, but the vocal and instrumental production make it sound new – especially on the lead single, “Til There’s Nothing Left”. Cam’s main collaborator has always been Tyler Johnson, and together they crafted a sound that is modern for country radio in an artistic, effortless way.

“Forgetting You” and “What Goodbye Means” are gorgeous, classic country ballads about love that’s fizzled out but stays frozen in one’s mind. “What Goodbye Means” was written about a friend of Cam’s going through a messy divorce. “[My friend] was being so kind [to his ex]. I asked him, ‘How are you being so nice right now? I don’t get it.’ And he said, ‘Because she might change her mind,’” Cam said in an interview with Apple Music. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it. We’ve all been there, not quite ready to accept the reality of something, and that’s okay.” On the chorus, she pines, singing, “Was it something I did?/Was it something I didn’t do?/Do you just need some time?/Maybe take one more night to think it through.” You can hear the heartbreak clearly in both songs, and that’s what really makes them stand out.

Masked by a wistful, folksy rhythm, “Changes” is one of the truly evocative and uncomfortably relatable moments in the best way. Sometimes you outgrow the things you love most or the things that shaped you into who you are now – it could be a person, or in this case, a hometown – and it leaves you feeling a little lost. Did I change or did they? Cam didn’t write this song, but Lori McKenna and Harry Styles did, and they famously have ties to their hometowns of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and Holmes Chapel, England respectively. They captured that strange feeling of guilt and reminiscing perfectly.

“The demo had Lori McKenna singing with Harry on background vocals and his whistle, which is still in the track,” Cam tells Apple Music. “It was amazing to hear a song that someone else wrote that clicked so much with me personally.” The guitar is sparkly in the way that innocence is, and Styles’ whistle sounds far away, like childhood years slipping through the cracks.

The album’s closer, a stunning Natalie Hemby co-write is “Girl Like Me”, which sounds like a cross between Dawes and Carole King. “It’s funny how sometimes you can’t recognize your own self,” Cam told Apple Music. The piano aches, and vocally, she soars on the chorus. “Well, they’re gonna give up on you/You’re gonna give up on them/And if it’s somebody you really love/You’re gonna find a way to love ‘em again”. It’s a message to those who feel doubt out there, but it’s also a message to Cam herself. You can lose yourself and find yourself all over again.

It’s a cinematic, captivating multi-sided story through and through, and Cam proves herself to be one of the best artists in music right now. There is so much chaos in the world right now, and for just under 40 minutes, Cam has provided an escape. “It’s a gift to be able to see life for what it is,” she said to Apple Music. “I think anyone who has been through that phase of disillusionment will think, ‘Oh yeah, tough.’ But this side is better.”

For all your country music, tours, songwriters, news, and releases, fans can subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up newsletter here.

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

NYCS Staff Picks:

Changes

Forgetting You

Til There’s Nothing Left

What Goodbye Means

Like A Movie

THE OTHERSIDE TRACKLISTING:

Redwood Tree

The Otherside

Classic

Forgetting You

Like A Movie

Changes

Till There’s Nothing Left

What Goodbye Means

Diane

Happier For You

Girl Like Me

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

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Rob Bellamy Releases Brand New EP, ‘Starving Eyes’

November 2, 2020/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Rob Bellamy’s brand new EP Starving Eyes is available now, October 30th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new songs off the project.

Rob Bellamy’s ‘Starving Eyes’ EP is available everywhere now, October 30th

One of our favorite local Northeast artists, Rob Bellamy makes great music and has an even killer voice. He creates music that is authentic to who he is and relates to country fans everywhere. The singer-songwriter has joined us for our special events from the very beginning when he opened our show with Russell Dickerson back in 2016 and most recently when we held our first ‘Manhattan by Sail Country Cruise’ around New York City. Now, as most artists have continued to work on their craft during the pandemic, Bellamy reintroduces himself with a new collection of songs in his latest project, an EP entitled Starving Eyes.

Bellamy wastes no time delivering arguably the best song on the project. The first track, “Come This Far” is an anthem for following your dreams. Perfectly timed for 2020, the song reminds us all to regain our hustle and to keep working and clawing towards our goals.

“I didn’t come this far to slow down yet / I’m not done giving blood, tears, and sweat / I’m still running with a flame inside of me / On a path that’s following my lead”

In “Cigarette Smoke,” Bellamy leans into his nostalgic side, reminiscing about a past memory with someone special. The mid-tempo song is story-telling at its finest, which any country fan will appreciate. Similarly, listeners will find “Bedroom Door” to feel nostalgic too; however, this time the singer recounts the story of that time in 2008, where he picked his guitar back up, propelling him back towards his dream.

Bellamy speeds things up a bit with “Built to Run.” The country-rock tune features the singer’s signature vibrato, while he expresses the back and forth of a push and pull relationship. He continues to grapple with similar feelings on the rock-infused “Rearview.” Moving away from the rock elements, “Bring It on Home” has more traditional country roots. The love song is a bright spot on the project.

As the EP comes to a close, Bellamy shares one more song with fans, an acoustic track entitled “100 Proof.” The song is piercing and enticing. Bellamy’s vocals soar, as alcohol-inspired clever lyrics fill your ears. We love a song that has a double meaning, and this song fits the bill, rounding out a solid new record.

Rob Bellamy, ‘Starving Eyes’ EP, available now

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

To keep up with Rob Bellamy, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

NYCS Picks:

“Come This Far”
“Cigarette Smoke”
“100 Proof” (Acoustic)

Starving Eyes EP Tracklist:

Come This Far
Cigarette Smoke
Bedroom Door
Built to Run
Rearview
Bring It on Home
Home Proof (Acoustic)

Starving Eyes EP is now 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 the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Eric Church Releases an Ode to His Fans in “Through My Ray-Bans”

November 1, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Eric Church’s new song, “Through My Ray-Bans” is available now on all streaming platforms. Take a listen to the meaningful track below.

One of country’s most profound lyricists and voices, Eric Church continues to deliver impactful songs to fans across the genre. Church’s brand new song “Through My Ray-Bans” is dedicated to the fans he played for at Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival in 2017 and his longing to perform in front of a live crowd once again.

Written by the singer with Luke Laird and Barry Dean, “Through My Ray-Bans” reflects the story behind the performance, the tragedy that followed, and the poignancy of live music. According to a press release, “that moment of camaraderies and passion” became the muse for the song, as those memories will be forever etched in his mind and on his heart.

“I see a place where a moment in time / Is a kaleidoscope of color on a canvas of white / Where the voices roar at the noise of the poet’s rhyme / Would you believe my story or buy what I’m sellin’ / If I told you the tale I’m in the middle of tellin’ / Is as true as the blue in the grass or the green in the sky?”

Church reminds us all about how important live music truly is to our culture and our soul. As he shared in a spoken-word performance earlier this year, “I believe these halls will roar again. These stadiums will be deafening in the answer to this enemy. The silence of now will cower at the noise of soon… And I believe, I believe our best is yet to come. We shall rage. We shall roar. I cannot wait to see you again, through my Ray-Bans.” We cannot wait until that time comes again. Until then, let’s all enjoy this masterpiece.

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

To keep up with Eric Church, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Singer- Songwriter Ray Fulcher” Releases “I Got It All”

November 1, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Ray Fulcher’s new song, “I Got It All” is available now, October 30th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Ray Fulcher is a name you’re going to want to remember if you don’t already know it. The singer-songwriter has co-written numerous hits for superstar, Luke Combs, including “This One’s For You” and “Does To Me.” Despite the undeniable success, Fulcher’s goal has always been to be an artist in his own right. He continues to release great music, including his newest song “I Got It All.”

Keeping with his traditional take on country music, the singer delivers a clever song that is a complete jam. “I Got It All” is one of those songs that you think is about one thing, but when the chorus hits, you quickly realize it was about the exact opposite. In the first verse, Fulcher sings about all of the things in his life that are great, including a “membership card to the bar,” but he soon reveals that he didn’t get what he always wanted, love.

“The only thing I wanted all along / I got it all / Wrong / I got it all / Wrong,” he sings in the crucial moment. Despite the lyrical nature of the song, fans will quickly fall line love with the catchy and exciting feel of the new jam.

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

To keep up with Ray Fulcher follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“I Got It All” is now 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 the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Florida Georgia Line’s “Lit This Year” Kicks Off the ‘Holidaze’ Season

November 1, 2020/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Florida Georgia Line’s New Christmas Song, “Lit This Year” is available now, October 30th, on all streaming platforms. Written by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelly, and Corey Crowder. Learn more below about this feel-good holiday tune to get your first taste of Christmas cheer!

The perfect feel-good Christmas tune is here to get us ready for the Holiday season. Or the ‘holidaze’ if you ask the boys from FGL. Written and produced by Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelly themselves, along with Corey Crowder, Florida Georgia Line’s first-ever seasonal tune, “Lit This Year”, is available now on all streaming platforms.

The boys of Florida Georgia Line are excited about their new Christmas song. Hubbard shares that “BK, Corey, and I had a good time writing this one”. Kelly adds “This is a new one for us. T and I always felt our first holiday song would come at just the right time – we’re excited for fans to have something FGL to cheers for the season with!”

What starts out seeming like a good ole traditional Christmas, with Mama in the kitchen, Daddy cutting down the tree, everyone decorating it, and the whole family back in town, quickly brings us to what an average modern Christmas may look like for families coming together these days…especially after a loooonnggg 2020…with a ‘fridge full of cheers’ and some ‘homegrown mistletoe’, assuring us that ‘that Christmas tree ain’t the only thing getting lit this year’.

Florida Georgia Line Photo Credit: John Shearer

If you haven’t tried Old Camp Whiskey yet and want a taste of what they’re talking about, make sure to pour some ‘Old Camp in the eggnog’ to get into the holiday spirit!

Hubbard and Kelly continue to add these up-beat and feel-good songs into the country music world and this is another song to add to the mix! It follows their latest hit, ‘Long Live’ which they will be performing at the upcoming 54th Annual CMA Awards on November 11th, where they are nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year. They also received a nomination for Favorite Duo or Group – Country at the American Music Awards, which is fan-voted. Voting is open through November 16th and the show airs on November 22nd.

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

To keep up with Florida Georgia Line, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Rayne Johnson Debut, Self-titled EP – Review

October 30, 2020/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Rayne Johnson’s brand new debut self-titled EP is available now, October 30th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the collection of songs.

About a year ago, we introduced our followers to a promising new talent in the industry. Swag Spotlight alum, Rayne Johnson is an incredible budding singer-songwriter. His debut single “Front Seat” was a smash hit with fans and radio, but his brand new self-titled EP, out today, is an even bigger accomplishment.

The nine-track record is fans’ first look at a full catalog of songs by the rising artist. Johnson combines his love for country music and R&B music on this cohesive project. The record shines both lyrically and production-wise, completely leaning into both of those diverse influences.

“I want [fans] to actually hear the story,” Johnson shares in a recent press release, “Country’s my favorite genre, but I love R&B too. I’m trying to bring some of that style to country storytelling. I’m translating who I am through the lyrics and the music. Hopefully, fans can relate.”

The introductory track “Bring It Back” embodies both of those genres. Lyrically, the song is about a couple trying to bring love back to the good ole days. Johnson sings about holding hands, the meaning behind “I love you,” and of course back when Merle Haggard was on the radio. It definitely has radio appeal, and we are certain that fans are going to want to jam to it.

“Like holdin’ your hand on an old porch swing // Lovin’ like Janis loved Bobby McGee / Like Jack and Diane all over again / Let’s bring it back”

Johnson’s current radio single “Real Dang Good” stays with the upbeat nature of the first track. With traditional country production and relatable lyrics, the single is the feel-good tune that we all need right now. Switching gears, the record transitions into a slower song, the singer’s debut single “Front Seat.” The charted song shows the entertainer’s softer side, leaning into the romantic nature of the message behind the catchy lyrics.

Rayne Johnson’s self-titled debut EP is available everywhere now, October 30th

The record continues to transition into a more mid-tempo vibe. Both “Same Boat” and “Laid Back” feature clever lyrics. “Same Boat” showcases camaraderie between our generations, while “Laid Back” is a cheeky, fun-loving song that encourages not taking yourself or all music too seriously.

For fans who prefer the more vulnerable side of Johnson, both “Last Name” and “Love ‘Em While You Can” definitely fit the bill. The former is a romantic love song created for people who have a hard time expressing their feelings, but the latter is one of our absolute favorites. The sentimental and heart-wrenching song is all about appreciating the people in your life, while they are still here. He reminds us all that life is a precious gift that we shouldn’t take for granted. Through this song, it is clear that Johnson knows a thing or two about grief and pain.

“So love ‘em while you can / Cause life’s too short not to give a damn / Love ‘em while you can / Cause you might not get a second chance to / Tuck in your babies, make sure they’re okay / Hold ‘em tight cause this life will get crazy”

Overall, Johnson’s debut EP is a solid representation of his artistry. The singer delivers a fresh new take on topics like love, loss, and fun while remaining true to his influences and his roots.

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

To keep up with Rayne Johnson follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

NYCS Picks:

“Love ‘Em While You Can”
“Bring It Back”
“Front Seat”

Rayne Johnson EP Tracklist:

Bring It Back
Real Dang Good
Front Seat
Same Boat
Laid Back
Last Name
A Little Goes A Long Way
Love ‘Em While You Can
Lips Like Liquor

Rayne Johnson EP is now 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 the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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