New Music Archives

Ian Munsick: ‘Coyote Cry’ – Album Review

February 26, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erin Crosby

Ian Munsick’s brand new album Coyote Cry is available now, February 26th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the project.

Ian Munsick’s new album, ‘Coyote Cry’ is available everywhere now, February 26th

Ian Munsick, who formerly released a self-titled EP in 2017 and won iHeartRadio’s Rocky Mountain Song of the Year with “Horses Are Faster”, has signed with Warner Music. After a tumultuous, active year releasing six tracks that are now featured on today’s LP Coyote Cry, listeners are given the full-length story with four additional productions.

“Solo”, which preluded this project and acted as the first song to mark a new musical journey for Munsick, acts as a reminder of Jason Derulo’s famous 2010 hit “Ridin’ Solo”. This transformative, renowned time in history that marked the end of those middle school relationships along with the immediate change of a relationship status on Facebook will forever be held dear. Though, the country twangy-rasp that swarms through this modern-day story brings dixie cups and shotgun ridin’ to the table in an unexpected yet incredibly genre-permitting way.

“She got me ridin’ solo / Down here at the bar drinkin’ all alone / Sippin’ from a Dixie, wishin’ it would fix me / Had me on a high like Colorado / Now she got me ridin’ solo”

While “Solo” showcases the drinking-heartbreak-away storytelling aspect of country music from this Wyoming-born and raised musician, “Mountain Time” seeps lyrical creativity and good, old-fashioned lightheartedness to the mix. The echo involvement creates a back-and-forth interaction between the singer himself and accompanying instruments, suggesting a successful delivery on a production-conscious process. At the same time, old country hee-haw sensations are modernized as if Munsick was intentionally giving the genre a nicely wrapped present to the past.

“It don’t matter where I go / I always find my way back home / After all, my heart belongs to you (You) / I’ve been near and I’ve been far / But there’s nowhere like where you are / Hey, honey, it’s about time / To settle on down in Mountain Time / (Ya-hi, ya-hi-i-hi) / (Ya-hi, ya-hi-i-hi)”

This release is not a traditional, formal introduction from an aspiring, upcoming Nashville-based act. Munsick, a newly signed artist, seemingly raises awareness to his musical icons by spinning classics to fit his style whether these renditions originate from pop, R&B or rock. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac is put under a microscope and transformed in a way that is familiar yet nearly unrecognizable over a male vocal. The production is loosely engrained with pop-country elements while still remaining true to its historical leverage.

“Coyote Cry is a soundtrack for the modern western lifestyle,” Munsick said in a press release. “A firm handshake between cowboy and hippy, traditional and contemporary and everything in between.”

One of the brand new features, “Like It Ain’t”, could be considered the epitome of what we can expect from Munsick. An original track with musical contribution unguarded from genre limitations while maintaining singer-songwriter, southern accolades, and finger-snapping, tender notes.

Raised in the mountains of Wyoming, there’s no doubt that this new artist with Warner Music will incorporate a refreshing sense of artistry and perspective to the country music scene. “It’s the life I’ve lived so far and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. No matter who you are, I think you’ll find a piece of yourself in there and maybe even lose yourself to the howling in the hills.”

With more music coming soon, fans are encouraged to join the Munsick club cleverly named “The Heard” after his ranch-bred musicianship. Subscribers will be the first to hear about music announcements with access to exclusive merch and more. Join here: IanMunsick.com

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

To keep up with Ian Munsick, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Coyote Cry 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.

BRELAND Gets Personal in his Latest Release “Cross Country”

February 26, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

BRELAND’s new song “Cross Country” is available now, February 26th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

BRELAND’s new song “Cross Country” is available everywhere now, February 26th

After finally finding a place for himself and his music in this business, BRELAND gets the chance to share the journey of how he got here in his newest single “Cross Country”. This release follows the success of his debut single “My Truck” as well as his seven-track self-titled EP which includes two versions of “My Truck”, the original and the Sam Hunt Remix, and “In The Woulds” featuring Chase Rice and Lauren Alaina.

BRELAND’s unique and cross-genre sound can be explained through his musical influences which include the Beatles, Rascal Flatts, Prince, and his number one influence, Stevie Wonder. BRELAND began his musical career as a songwriter for rappers like Elhae and YK Osiris. However, wanting to give his own music a chance, he released “My Truck” on social media to see if it could gain some attention. When it did, BRELAND self-released the song and it is now certified platinum. He went on to release a remix with Sam Hunt and in May 2020 he released his self-titled EP.

BRELAND’s EP gave fans an intro into his story right off the bat. From this collection of songs, you can gather a lot about his journey and about his love and appreciation for two genres which until recently, have scarcely been meshed. “Cross Country” beautifully captures the struggle of BRELAND’s story about never feeling as though he fit in where he was and always searching for his purpose. He has been chasing this dream of his for so long and trying to find a place in this world for his music. With such a love for two genres that only recently received acceptance and attention when combined, BRELAND struggled to find someone who would listen and help find a place in this world for his music.

Photo Credit: Jimmy Fontaine

With nothing against the places he has been or the people he had there, BRELAND expresses that he has always felt like something was missing and that he didn’t belong. As he tells his story of never being heard or being able to catch his break, he continued to show confidence in a situation where it would have been difficult to stay optimistic. He knew he would find his place somewhere and knew he wasn’t going to give up because one day he would have what he had always dreamt of. While this may be an autobiographical song of BRELAND’s journey, it is certainly a message that is shared by so many.

“Cross Country” poses as motivation for anyone who may feel like they don’t belong or that they don’t fit in where they are. It encourages them to believe that their spot is out there and their time will come if they are willing to work to get there and never give up.

“I tried to fit in, but didn’t, I’m different yeah I know / the houses I stayed in, were great but they never felt like home (no) / I’m going Cross Country / I won’t stop running til I find where I belong / I’m going Cross Country / know they might judge me, I ain’t gotta prove ‘em wrong / cause I know it’s okay, to be in my own lane / when I’m doing what they say can’t be done”

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

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

“Cross Country” 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.

Fellow New Yorker Willie Lock Releases New Song “Bad Things”

February 26, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Willie Lock’s new song “Bad Things”, co-written by Lock, Dan Emino, and John Pizz, is available now, February 26th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Willie Lock’s new song “Bad Things” is available everywhere now, February 26th

For our local New Yorkers, Lock will be playing the 6th Ward in Brooklyn tonight (2/26) with his co-writer Dan Emino in celebration of their song release. The two posted a clip of the song the day they wrote it way back in May of 2019. They also posted an acoustic version of the song on Instagram Live in May 2020. Lock will also be playing Sunday at The Inn in Long Beach with his other co-writer John Pizz.

Willie Lock is a local New York country artist that has spent the better half of the last decade performing across the country. He may actually be more known to local New Yorkers and specifically Long Islanders than they realize. Lock has been the lead singer of the cover band Mean Machine since early 2016. Mean Machine has played across the tri-state area and are frequent performers of summer night gigs at popular locations across NYC and Long Island including The Inn (Long Beach), Salt Shack (Babylon), Dublin Deck (Patchogue), Tiki Joe’s Beach Hut (Smith Point), and Dockers (The Hamptons).

With three released songs so far, Lock’s journey is only just beginning and he believes “Bad Things” will be the biggest song of his career. Lock’s debut single “Follow Your Soul” was released in June of 2019. This song is the story of his journey as an artist including moving to New York City and the challenges he faced along the way including his fight to make ends meet and continuing to believe in his dream of making it as an artist. When Lock was sleeping on his friend’s floor and unable to afford the subway fare to and from work, he spent many nights walking home from his restaurant job. It was on those walks that he wrote “Follow Your Soul”. He says this song “is a story about not caring about what anybody thinks of you, taking the opinions of outsiders with a grain of salt, and staying true to yourself.” If it weren’t for following his soul and believing whole-heartedly in the lyrics of this song and its message, he would likely not be where he is now, continuing to release music and chase his dream of making it as an artist.

Following his debut single in 2019, Lock went on to release three new songs in 2020 including “Radio”, “100 Ways” and an original Christmas song, “Footprints”. In June of 2020, Locke also formed the duo Sunrise Highway, a group with his good friend, guitarist, and fellow Mean Machine member, John Pizz. Lock made his Nashville performance debut this past June when Sunrise Highway toured from New York to Nashville.

Continuing on the momentum that the last year has brought him, Lock has now released his newest single “Bad Things”. This song is about that person that you know isn’t good for you, but you keep going back to them anyway. Just because you know they’re bad for you, doesn’t mean that’s going to stop you from wanting them.

“Like I’m stealing things when I knew I’d get caught and / Touching fire when I knew it was hot and / Mixing liquor at the end of the night / You’re one of the bad things that I like / Getting high off the Cali Fire and / Doing 90 in a 75 and / A cigarette at the end of the night / You’re one of the bad things that I like”

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

To keep up with Willie Lock, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Bad Things” 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.

Noah Schnacky Releases New Single, “She Broke My Heart”

February 26, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Noah Schnacky’s ‘glass half full’ point of view on heartbreak in his new song, “She Broke My Heart”, available now, February 26th, reminds us that everything really does happen for a reason. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Noah Schnacky’s new song “She Broke My Heart” is available everywhere now, February 26th

Noah Schnacky had an impressive 2020, releasing his debut EP in July, which included two pre-released singles: “Comeback” and “Where’d You Go”, and wrapping up the year with the December release of his current single “Every Girl I Ever Loved”. Continuing with this momentum, Schnacky kicks off 2021 with his brand new song “She Broke My Heart”, written by Schnacky with Lindsay Rimes, and Laura Veltz.

Though its title may be deceiving, “She Broke My Heart” is an optimistic ‘glass half full’ take on a brutal break-up. If his ex never broke it off out of nowhere, then he never would have been led to the girl he’s with now. Schnacky can justify the heartbreak by saying “if there was still a her, there wouldn’t be an us,” which is a much-needed reminder that something that seems so bad at the time can truly be a blessing in disguise.

“She broke my heart / she left me all alone / did it on the phone, about twenty seconds long / she broke my heart / I never saw it coming / I thought that we were something, she thought we were nothing / she broke my heart, she called it quits / but looking back man, I sure am glad she did”

This is really the ‘when one door closes, another one opens’ idea we all need to be taking from a breakup or any hardship. Everything really does happen for a reason. The night that he met the girl he’s with now would never have happened if his ex didn’t break his heart first.

“I wouldn’t have been riding solo Friday night at the House of Blues / and I wouldn’t have been here to accidentally spill my drink on you / You wouldn’t have laughed at how I dance / I wouldn’t have tried to hold your hand / I wouldn’t have thought I had a chance, but here you are / Thank God she broke my heart”

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

To keep up with Noah Schnacky, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“She Broke My Heart” 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.

Brett Young Releases New Song, “You Got Away With It”

February 26, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Brett Young’s new song “You Got Away With It” is available now, February 26th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

2020 proved to be a busy year for Brett Young, between caring for his newborn baby and touring (at least for a little while) on his Chapters Tour, which was named after his most personal song from his 2019 album, Ticket to LA. Luckily for us, Young was able to make it to NYC in February just before having to cancel the tour due to the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Young and his wife Taylor Mills also announced a few weeks ago that they are expecting their second child.

Now, the singer-songwriter is releasing a brand new song, “You Got Away With It”, which follows his 2020 hit single “Lady”, written for his daughter Presley, as well as his incredible collaboration on “I do” with Astrid S. “You Got Away With It” is an upbeat tune with the classic Brett Young wordplay that we’ve come to love from the singer-songwriter. It’s about a girl that stole everything from a guy and he let her get away with all of it. From the start of the night, she stole his attention and a kiss at the bar and she goes on to steal his time and then his heart. He was just single on a Saturday night and let her get away with whatever she wanted.

“You got away with it, so don’t you go breaking it / Girl you’ve been making it tough for me to not love every little thing that you do baby / You got away with it, and girl I ain’t hating it / It’s too late I don’t want it back, it’s yours and that’s that, and you stole my heart / You got away with it”

Brett Young’s new song “You Got Away With It” is available everywhere now, February 26th

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

To keep up with Brett Young, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“You Got Away With It” 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.

Hailey Whitters: ‘Living The Dream’ – Deluxe Album Review

February 26, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Hailey Whitters’ brand new deluxe album LIVING THE DREAM is available now, February 26th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the project.

Hailey Whitters’ ‘Living The Dream – Deluxe Album’ is available everywhere now, February 26th

For almost exactly a year, rising singer-songwriter and former Swag Spotlight artist, Hailey Whitters has been riding the high from the release of her debut full-length record The Dream. Clearly feeling like the album’s journey was not completely finished, the profound songstress is releasing a deluxe version of the project adding five new songs to the record, officially out today!

The record features familiar songs and fan-favorites like “Ten Year Town” and “Janice at the Hotel Bar.” The former is her dynamite former single, a song that paints the picture of what it was like for Whitters as she was trying to figure out if she should continue to try to ‘make it’ in Nashville. Written with the exceptional Brandy Clark, the track is one that will be a staple for Whitters for a long time coming.

The latter is another one of our favorites. Reminiscent of Lori McKenna’s awe-inspiring, “Humble and Kind”, Whitters combined forces with McKenna to express a real-life tale about an encounter with a wise woman named Janice. The song offers advice on how to live a good life, suggesting simple lessons like “get on the pill if you ain’t ready to start a family” and “make good love, good company.”

The songstress continues to remind us to be appreciative of life’s little moments in “The Days,” while expressing her truth in the breathtaking “Loose Strings,” a song about both love and loss. In “Heartland,” Whitters once again sings about life not going the way she thought it would, but alas, she knows she can always fall back on her Midwestern roots. “Heart – land in the middle of nowhere.”

The record also features “Happy People”, a song that Whitters wrote and was recorded by Little Big Town on their album, The Breaker. This new version is a mid-tempo jam that is laced with authenticity, gritty lyrics, and a traditional-country rooted instrumental. It focuses on the simple, yet complex concept of happiness and how to obtain it.

Whitters even collaborates with LBT on a brand new song on the record called “Fillin’ My Cup.” The track is a fun-loving, traditional-country jam, filled with banjos and eloquent harmonies. We’d love to see Little Big Town and Whitters perform this one live!

Like “Fillin’ My Cup,” the other four brand new songs are also collaborations. On “How Far Can I Go,” the songstress fulfills a childhood dream and duets with country superstar, Trisha Yearwood. The duet is truly timeless, and it feels like the two women have been singing together forever. Similarly, “Glad To Be Here,” Whitters’ dueling duet with Brent Cobb is just as enticing. The song is a nostalgic track about appreciating where you are, especially your hometown.

One of our favorite collaborations off the record is “How To Break A Heart.” A song that is truly songwriting and storytelling at its finest. It’s no surprise that Whitters combined her talent with two extraordinary musicians, Lori McKenna and Hillary Lindsey. The song is so beautiful and captivating both lyrically and melodically.

Whitters also collaborates with fellow rising country star, Jordan Davis on “The Ride,” the final song on the record. Although different than the other collaborations, Whitters and Davis prove how talented they both are. Their ability to stay true to their individual sounds, while creating something new and fresh has superstardom written all over it for both of them.

Of course, we would be remiss if we did not mention the closing track off the original version of the album, a song entitled “Livin’ The Dream.” Whitters inspires people to look at every step, every trial, and every hardship as part of ‘The Dream.’ For the songstress, her grind in Nashville, which included waiting on tables and living in a small apartment are all important parts of her journey, her story, and ultimately, her dream.

“Oh the one thing I’ve learned is that the world keeps on spinning / Love is the only thing that makes it go round / I’ve given it all with the time I’ve been given / I’m out here livin’ / Yeah we all just livin’ / the dream”

Whitters is an artist that is done trying to fit whatever mold the industry tries to push female singers into. Her artistry rivals that of any established superstar in country music, but it is her infectious vocals, stellar songwriter, and pure talent and perseverance that is going to take her far. Moreover, the fact that she chose to collaborate with the artists and songwriters that have helped her or inspired her on her journey just shows how proud she is of her craft.

NYCS Picks:

“Ten Year Town”
“The Ride”
“Janice at The Hotel Bar”
“How To Break A Heart”

LIVING THE DREAM Deluxe Tracklist:

Ten Year Town
The Days
Red Wine & Blue
Dream, Girl
Loose Strings
Heartland
Janice at the Hotel Bar
Happy People
The Devil Always Made Me Think Twice
All The Cool Girls
The Faker
Living the Dream
Fillin’ My Cup (feat. Little Big Town)
Glad To Be Here (feat. Brent Cobb)
How To Break A Heart (feat. Lori McKenna & Hillary Lindsey)
How Far Can It Go? (feat. Trisha Yearwood)
The Ride (feat. Jordan Davis)

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

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

Living The Dream 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.

Niko Moon “No Sad Songs” Is the Perfect Feel-Good Tune

February 19, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Niko Moon’s new track, “No Sad Songs” is available now, February 19th, on all streaming platforms. Written about music and not wanting to hear any sad songs while you’re busy having a night to remember, take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Following the release of his “Good Time” remix with Shaggy last month, 2021 NYCountry Swag Artist to Watch, Niko Moon just dropped a brand new track, “No Sad Songs”.

The new tune has a classic Niko Moon vibe and is another great addition to your feel-good playlist that’s probably already loaded with other Moon songs like “Good Time”, “Paradise to Me” or “Dance with Me”. “No Sad Songs” was written by Moon himself, his wife Anna, as well as Joshua Murty, Steven Lee Olsen, and Alysa Vanderheym.

“No Sad Songs” is all about a good night out of dancing and drinking, and wanting to hear all the feel-good sing-alongs that will keep the night going on forever. We’re talking “Wagon Wheel”, “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Chicken Fried”, “Sweet Caroline”, and Moon makes sure to add “Good Time” to the mix, which just so happened to go Platinum this week! This song is everything you want after a long hard week: just to kick back and relax, have a fun night out with friends, and listen to everything but sad songs.

“I don’t wanna hear no sad songs / I just wanna have some fun tonight / Dancing all the way till last call / Drink in my hand got me feelin’ right / It’s been a long week / A gone wrong week / So keep that GOOD TIME spinnin’ on repeat, yeah / I don’t wanna hear no sad songs / I don’t wanna hear no sad songs”

Niko Moon’s new song “No Sad Songs” is available everywhere now, February 19th

Before the pandemic hit, Moon was on the Platonic Tour with Ryan Hurd, which did a two-night run in NYC in what ended up being the last few shows of the tour. Since then, Moon has taken to social media in order to stay connected with fans, much of which he does through two weekly Live shows. “Stir Crazy” is a cooking show he does every Friday night on Instagram and Facebook Live with his wife, Anna Moon. The other is the Live Home Concerts he plays every Monday night. After almost a year of these weekly occurrences, Moon has been able to stay very connected with fans in a very consistent way and fans have been able to hear a ton of music from the singer-songwriter and learn more and more about him each week.

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

To keep up with Niko Moon, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“No Sad 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.

Kylie Morgan Brings the Heat in Edgy New Single “Shoulda”

February 19, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Alexa Ebner

Kylie Morgan’s new song, “Shoulda” is available now, February 19th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Nashville newcomer, Kylie Morgan, is taking the country music scene by storm with her edgy hits and unapologetic lyrics. Best known for the songs “Break Things” and “Cuss A Little” which feature Walker Hayes, the singer-songwriter strikes again with a shameless breakup anthem, titled “Shoulda.”

Hailing from Oklahoma, Morgan grew up with a knack for songwriting and a one-of-a-kind singing voice. It’s been exciting to see these talents create captivating songs. “Shoulda” hits on Morgan’s strengths; masterful storytelling coupled with an edgy melody.

In “Shoulda,” Morgan sings about unabashedly acting on impulse following a messy breakup. The rock-inspired instrumentals are bold and catchy, helping to portray Morgan’s fiery confidence in her own decisions, whether good or bad. The quick-witted and honest lyrics tell an impassioned story around a lack of self-control.

Kylie Morgan’s new song “Shoulda” is available everywhere now, February 19th

“Shoulda laid low / Shoulda poured two for one alone… Shoulda hung up when I saw your name / Oh I knew better than to ever think that you could change / Shoulda woulda coulda / I ain’t never been no good at staying home when I know that I shoulda / Shoulda woulda coulda / I ain’t never been no good at saying no when I know that I shoulda”

The fast-paced rhymes and powerful vocals stir up heavy emotion. The singer utilizes vivid imagery, allowing the listener to get lost in the storyline.

“Next thing I know I’m sleeping in your bed again / Next thing I know I’m sneaking out in your jacket / Like a bad habit / High heels in my hand”

Morgan delivers something fresh and exciting with each single released. “Shoulda” stands out with its boldness and is the perfect song to turn up loud and sing like no one is watching. We look forward to all that is to come from this rising star.

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

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

“Shoulda” 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.

Carly Pearce: ’29’ – Album Review

February 19, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Lucie Bernheim

Carly Pearce’s brand new album 29 is available now, February 19th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the 7-song project.

Carly Pearce’s new album ’29’ is available everywhere now, February 19th

What was a hard year for the world was a year just as hard personally for Carly Pearce. Navigating heartbreak, loss, and self-worth, she released “29”, a remarkable 7-song record out today, February 19th.

The first two tracks are the previously released “Next Girl” and “Should’ve Known Better”. The latter is a mid-tempo Pearce, Jordan Reynolds and Emily Shackleton co-write about how she should have known better than to let her ex in and he should’ve known better than to mess it all up. “Next Girl”, Pearce’s current single is a buzzy, upbeat 90s-sounding song where Pearce is warning the “next girl” on what happens ‘next, girl’. Both are a familiar yet new sound to add to Pearce’s repertoire.

Title-track “29” is filled with guitar and melodic fiddle and perhaps the most country Pearce has ever been. “29 is the year I got married and divorced…From a Ms. to a Mrs. then the other way around/The year I was gonna let it up/Now I’m never gonna live it down”. The sound is reminiscent of The Wrecker’s “Tennessee” – it’s sweet, sad, but there are also hints of acceptance surrounding it as well.

“Liability” is a real stand-out. It has a real groove to it, and it’s clear that this song is meant to be played live. The chorus is incredibly clever: “Your fabricated love’s become a lie… ability, and oh it’s killing me”. Her vocal range on this song is also showcased very well.

Although Pearce’s marriage to fellow singer-songwriter Michael Ray and subsequent divorce is the major theme of “29”, losing Busbee, her longtime producer is another. “Show Me Around” is a gorgeous, spiritual song about when they’ll find each other again. “I think these songs are not just for me, but for anyone who just has life and is trying to get through it and trying to figure it out as they go,” she said in 29: The Interview. Although specific to her experience, one of the strongest elements about this record is how universally personal it feels.

“Day One” is the perfect track to close off the collection. It’s all about making it through and just getting through “day one” – because eventually, you will be okay. You just have to be patient. You can feel through the words that Pearce is not fully healed herself yet, and that’s okay. She knows she will be – she’s already on the mend, and it’s almost similar to opener “Next Girl” in the way it feels like an older sister coaching you through another phase of life.

It’s unclear where Carly Pearce will go next, and that’s part of what makes this such a strong collection. It is cohesive and yet it leaves you wondering. Without the glitz and the glamour that she experiences by being a major country artist, she falls, gets back up, and survives just like all of us. It’s a really great reminder for the time we’re in right now.

NYCS Picks:
1. “Day One”
2. “Liability”
3. “Should’ve Known Better”

Carly Pearce, ’29’ Tracklist:

1. “Next Girl” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
2. “Should’ve Known Better” | Carly Pearce, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Shackelton
3. “29” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
4. “Liability” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
5. “Messy” | Carly Pearce, Sarah Buxton, Jimmy Robbins *
6. “Show Me Around” | Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton, Ben West
7. “Day One” | Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey

produced by Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne
* produced by Jimmy Robbins

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

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

29 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.

Walker Hayes Debuts New Song, “I Hope You Miss Me” For His Daughter

February 19, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Caleigh DeCaprio

Walker Hayes’ new song “I Hope You Miss Me” is available now, February 19th, everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

Walker Hayes’ latest song, “I Hope You Miss Me” was written for his daughter who he believes will go chase her dreams in Hollywood the second she gets the chance.

The song is a beautiful message from a proud and supportive parent who wants their child to chase their dreams even if it means they’ll miss them while they’re doing it. Hayes knows that his daughter’s dream is to be in LA and admits that he always knew that’s where she’d end up and that he knows people like her don’t get old with people like him. He hopes she gets every callback, gets her star on Hollywood Blvd, runs into J. LO, finds someone to run lines with and never gets homesick. He wants her to have the world and for it to be everything she ever dreamed of and more. Only after all of this does he hope she misses him a little along the way.

I hope you’re living out by the ocean / That’s where you always said you were going / LA baby on the sunset driving / City of Angels, you should fit right in / You want the part, baby go get it / can’t wait to see your name in those credits / I hope you find yourself but selfishly, I hope you miss me

Walker Hayes’ new song “I Hope You Miss Me” is available everywhere now, February 19th

Hayes’ latest singles include “Trash My Heart” and “Don’t Let Her”, another touching tribute but instead for another important woman in his life, his wife. In the beginning of the pandemic, NYCountry Swag partnered with Hayes and the ‘Be A Craig’ Fund to feed the front lines in NYC thanks to our “Kindness isn’t Canceled” t-shirt donations.

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

To keep up with Walker Hayes, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“I Hope You Miss Me” 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.