Luke Combs Releases Brand New Track “Without You”

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Luke Combs Without You

In anticipation of the deluxe version of his sophomore record What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, out October 23rd, Combs surprised fans with the early release of one of the new songs. The widely-requested demo, “Without You” premiered today much to fans’ excitement.

The new tune is sentimental, honest, and highly personal. Several months ago, Combs premiered the song during a live show, explaining that he wrote the track for his parents, his wife, and his dedicated fans. An elevated version of “This One’s For You”, “Without You” is the ultimate expression of gratitude to all that have helped him get to this point in his career.

“I’d give it all up just to keep your love / but you wouldn’t let me because you care too much / about watching me watch my dreams all come true / When I’m up here on this stage, the spotlight’s on my face / But I see you / Sure it’s me behind this mic stand / and it’s me strumming this Gibson / And it’s me they love to give the credit to / But me don’t mean a thing without you”

The beautiful song also features famed singer-songwriter, Amanda Shires, playing the violin. Combs clearly appreciates the sacrifices his loved ones have made for him to have this life. The song is pure chills and if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably shed a tear or two. “Without You” is truly the epitome of Combs’ genius. Despite all of his success, he remains true to himself, true to his roots, and as humble as can be. He deserves all the success he has earned, and we are sure there is more on the horizon!

To keep up with Luke Combs, you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Without You” 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.

Luke Combs – “Without You” Lyrics – 

Dad sold every record he ever owned
Floyd and Zeppelin, Beatles, Stones
A lifetime of music gone just to get me through
Mama always had her a second job
Gone with the sun until six o’clock
Whatever it took to get by she was gonna do
Didn’t dawn on me back then but now I see
Without them, I wouldn’t be me

When I’m up here on this stage
The spotlight’s on my face
But I see you
Sure it’s me behind this mic stand
It’s me strumming this Gibson
It’s me they love to give the credit to
But me don’t mean a thing without you

You make sacrifices every night and day
Never hear the crowd scream your name
But there’s a smile and a hand to hold when the show is through
I’d give it all up just to keep your love
But you wouldn’t let me ’cause you care too much
About watching me watch my dreams all come true

When I’m up here on this stage
The spotlight’s on my face
But I see you
Sure it’s me behind this mic stand
It’s me strumming this Gibson
It’s me they love to give the credit to
But me don’t mean a thing without you

You worked overtime to buy those tickets
The gas, the beer and the babysitters
Just to spend one night with your baby at a country show
Paid twenty damn dollars for a place to park
Got in line early to grab your spot
So you deserve every word, every line of your favorite tune

When I’m up here on this stage
The spotlight’s on my face
But I see you
Sure it’s me behind this mic stand
It’s me strumming this Gibson
It’s me they love to give the credit to
I’m just trying to give the credit where credit’s due
Because me don’t mean a thing without you

 

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Keith Urban and Pink Release Brand New Song “One Too Many”

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Keith Urban Pink One Too Many

Ahead of the 2020 ACM Awards, Keith Urban and Pink surprised fans with the release of a brand new collaborative track, “One Too Many”. As we anticipate the release of Urban’s upcoming brand new record The Speed of Now Part 1, out this Friday (Sept 18.), the early release of the song came as a sweet surprise to fans ahead of the full-length project. An unexpected, but exquisite duet with pop-star and musical genius Pink called “One Too Many” is his latest release.

The new song is a vocally-driven ballad. Perfectly poised to be a duet, the track showcases how well Keith Urban and Pink’s voices blend together in a buttery and soulful way. Of course, the song just so happens to also be one of the most highly anticipated musical events of the year, as both artists are bonafide superstars in their genre and cross-genres.

The lyrical content itself is just as breathtaking. Co-produced by Urban, the single is a regret-filled expose about two people wondering where they went wrong in love. Both relatable and heartbreaking, the duet is the perfect excuse for more artists to collaborate with other talents from different genres and wheelhouses in music the way Keith Urban and Pink have in this hit song.

“I spent all my money drinking on my own, yeah / In this bar just sat here, staring at my phone /  And I keep second guessing where did I go wrong / I know I’m proud, but I’ve had one too many- come take me home”

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

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

“One Too Many” 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.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Thomas Rhett Introduces Two New Unreleased Tracks

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ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee, Thomas Rhett has been staying busy during quarantine, performing a ton of new songs he has written for his fans on Instagram. The singer-songwriter debuted two more for us recently, “Bass Pro Hat” and “That’ll Be Us Someday.”

Musically, “Bass Pro Hat” sounds a lot like his hit song, “Unforgettable,” as he sings fast with a similar chord progression and a clap backing every other beat. In the song, Rhett mentions how the term ‘paradise’ to most people means sitting on a beach when it’s sunny and 75, but to him, it’s riding a tractor with his girl sitting on his lap wearing a backwards Bass Pro hat. Check it out in the video below.

“Ain’t got a lot, but we got it made / Steady falling like it’s spring-time rain /
Sweet tea going nowhere fast / Might sound crazy but we like it like that”

There are plenty of romance songs on country radio right now, but no one does them quite like Thomas Rhett. “That’ll Be Us Someday,” if officially released, will be many couples’ wedding song. Presumably written about his wife, Lauren from the perspective of his younger self, Rhett looks forward to his future and paints beautiful pictures of what their life is going to look like together. Each chorus is different; the first one describes their wedding day, followed by raising their children, and finally, growing old and gray, sitting side-by-side on their rocking chairs. Check it out in the video below.

Rhett recently scored his 16th number one single with his “Be A Light” collaboration featuring Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Chris Tomlin and Hilary Scott. All of the proceeds from that song are going to MusiCares, and Rhett, along with Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta, just made a hefty donation of $100,000. So far, MusiCares and their COVID-19 Relief Fund has helped thousands of people affected by the coronavirus to make ends meet, directly supporting those in the music community as the need remains dire. If you’d like to donate to MusiCares, head to their website here.

Fans on social media have been begging the country superstar to release these songs. We are hoping he will combine all of these tracks and drop an acoustic, quarantine record.

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

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

For your new country music, visit 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. 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Kelsea Ballerini ‘ballerini’

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Kelsea Ballerini new album

On March 20th, Kelsea Ballerini put out her third studio album, kelsea, a project full of life and created to be sung loud at parties and arena concerts. She had so many plans that went hand-in-hand with that release, and when everything was put on pause, those plans were put on hold. While a fantastic record, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to reimagine the songs and dive even deeper into the writing itself, so she released a new version of the album titled ballerini on September 11th.

“overshare”, which was a smooth, pop-country jam on kelsea is now a groovy, folksy, and even stronger album opener. This time around, with a few lyrical and melodic changes that make you want to play it on repeat, it feels back-porch personal, which is the very intent of ballerini.

“Yeah I know there are moments that I’m missing / If I’d just shut up and listen, but /
Silence makes me scared / So then I overshare,” she sings over a catchy guitar.

“club” and “the way i used to” are examples of big, arena tour-ready songs that are turned into gorgeous piano ballads. Lyrically, they always captured some of the insecurities that come with being young and going out, but now they feel like you’ve stayed up too late and you’re too in your head.

“love me like a girl” is a stunning, perfectly quiet moment. On the new version, Ballerini leaves space and uses her voice as an instrument. Harmonies and serene guitars surround the song in a perfectly understated way, making it all about the lyrics.

“I wish you could get inside my head/Baby, maybe then, you’d understand/It doesn’t mean that you’re not my whole world/But I wish you could love me like a girl.” 

“bragger”, “hole in the bottle” and “love and hate” are three of the most country songs, and particularly on “love and hate” does Ballerini show off her Knoxville roots. “needy” and “half of my hometown” stay true to their original form, but because of the production choices, listeners are really able to focus on what she’s saying and how great of a writer she truly is.

Ballerini worked with longtime friend and frequent kelsea collaborator Jimmy Robbins to complete and produce the album together. They made a soulful, subtle record that really allows fans to dig into who Kelsea Ballerini is at the core.

ballerini proves that often times, artists don’t need all the bells and whistles and glitter that surround music today. At least if you can tell a story in the way Kelsea Ballerini can. If kelsea was self-aware, ballerini is all about intuition. We’ve met the colorful, vibrant Kelsea, but now we’ve formally met the girl behind the songs. Nice to really meet you again, Kelsea Ballerini.

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

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

ballerini 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.

 

ballerini TRACKLIST

1.     overshare (ballerini album version)
2.     club (ballerini album version)
3.     homecoming queen? (ballerini album version)
4.     the other girl (ballerini album version)
5.     love me like a girl (ballerini album version)
6.     love and hate (ballerini album version)
7.     bragger (ballerini album version)
8.     hole in the bottle (ballerini album version)
9.     half of my hometown (ballerini album version)
10.  the way i used to (ballerini album version)
11.  needy (ballerini album version)
12.  a country song (ballerini album version)
13.  la (ballerini album version)

 

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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. 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Mickey Guyton EP ‘Bridges’

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Mickey Guyton Bridges

2020 has been one of the most turbulent years in history. Between a pandemic, civil unrest, and natural disasters, it seems like it’s never-ending. With all the chaos comes clarity, though, and Mickey Guyton, one of country music’s best vocalists, has used her voice in every way, which resulted in her fantastic new EP, Bridges, out today, September 11th.

The current single and project opener, “Heaven Down Here” is the perfect song for uncertain times. The track was written by Guyton, and legends Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, and Hilary Lindsay. Guyton spends the verses speaking to God, asking him to send a little light down to Earth. It’s the kind of anthem everyone wants to hear right now.

“If you got a little love/Left in your back pocket/Rain it down like pennies/In this wishing well of tears/I know that you’re busy/But if you could hear me talking/We could use a little more heaven down here,” Guyton sings hopefully on the chorus.

The title track “Bridges” captures the feeling of hope similarly to “Heaven Down Here”, but from a different lens. Guyton is not only a talented singer and songwriter, but she is constantly using her platform to lift other women up and to speak on topics that move her.

“Gonna need more than prayers and wishes to build those bridges, bridges, bridges/It’s gonna take way more work to fix it, gotta build those bridges.”

Sonically, it feels distinctly pop country, but has Gospel undertones that make Guyton’s voice particularly shine. There are fun moments like “Rosé” and “Salt” that showcase Guyton’s effortless charm and mystique. “Rosé” is a front-porch-sipping type of track, whereas “Salt” is like a leather jacket and a red lip. Both have completely different vibes and show even more sides to who Guyton is as a person and artist.

“Two years ago, this project didn’t feel like it was even a possibility,” shares Guyton. “This EP proves that in your darkest moments, you can have your biggest breakthroughs. I think back to all of the obstacles in my life and career, including writing and recording most of this EP in quarantine during a time of social unrest, and how it has all led to the birth of this beautiful project. I hope these songs provide others with the same happiness and strength they have provided me in these uncertain times.”

“What Are You Gonna Tell Her” is an absolute show stopper of a song. The introduction is haunting; the sound of a toy piano before Guyton’s precise vocal delivery comes in. “She thinks love is love and if/You work hard, that’s enough/Skin’s just skin and it doesn’t matter,” she sings softly on the first verse. As each verse builds, her voice gets louder and stronger with more intent. “And that her friend’s older brother’s gonna keep his hands to himself/And that somebody’s gon’ believe her when she tells/But what are you gonna tell her?/When she’s wrong?” Guyton states this so plain and simple, and perhaps that’s part of what makes it so heartbreaking. Because it’s the definition of three chords and the truth.

Finally, the EP closes with the critically acclaimed “Black Like Me”, a song equally catchy and thought-provoking. Released during the start of the protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Guyton tells her story of being a Black person living in America. “I’m an adult. I’m a woman going through real shit – and my life isn’t light and fluffy,” she said in a press release. “Black Like Me” covers that side of Guyton; the side that faces the truth, even when it hurts.

Mickey Guyton is one of those rare artists who you know you’re lucky to be listening to their music in real-time. She has so much to say – and she says it well. Guyton freed herself from the chains of country radio, so she could figure out exactly how to use her voice. And once she did that, nothing could hold her back anymore, as heard on Bridges. “I realize the power in truth and love, the power in your voice,” she says. “What you do with it, is up to you.”

 

Bridges Track Listing:

“Heaven Down Here”* (Mickey Guyton, Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
“Bridges”* (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
“What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”* (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
“Rosé”** (Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks, Karen Kosowski)
“Salt”* (Mickey Guyton, Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlowe, Steven Lee Olsen)
“Black Like Me”+ (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Fraser Churchill, Emma Davidson-Dillon)

*Produced by Karen Kosowski
**Produced by Karen Kosowki and Forest Whitehead
+Produced by Nathan Chapman and Forest Whitehead

NYCS Staff Picks:

  1. “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”
  2. “Bridges”
  3. “Black Like Me”

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

‘Bridges’ 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. 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:

NYCS First Impression: Riley Green ‘IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS’

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Riley Green If It Wasn't For Trucks

We have come to expect bold, true-blue honesty from Riley Green, and that’s just what we get with his latest release. Full of personal storytelling, traditional country vibes, and heart, IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS is another peek into Green’s talent, authenticity, and soul.

All co-written by Green himself, each of the five songs are all sprinkled with a hint of charm and a whole lot of nostalgia. All reflective of the singer-songwriter’s personal journey, the collection of songs shares his values and Jacksonville, Alabama roots.

The opening track “Jesus and Wranglers” is a prideful tune about being unapologetically you. It also just so happens to be an ode to his hometown and country-boy living. “If I Didn’t Wear Boots” amplifies the same message, but manifests as a quasi-love song. With lyrics about gaining courage from a drink and charm from his boots, it has Green written all over it.

The center track and quite possibly the anchor of the whole project, “Better Than Me” is a quarantine track that gave us light during these crazy times. This version features country singer Randy Owen, but the messages continue to be the same. An emotional track, Green acknowledges the mixed feelings that have come from quarantine, but leans on his faith during this time, and has given way to the notion that God must know better than him. In other words, take each day one step at a time, find the goodness and positive thoughts, and remember that there is a purpose and a reason for everything.

“Doing some old friend checking in / It seems like where I’m going might be better than where I’ve been / With all this going on / Found the right in all his wrong / I finally see / Good Lord knows better than me”

Similarly, “Behind The Times” acknowledges that sometimes less modern people know more than we do. Green shares lessons that he has learned from someone he deems “behind the times.” I think we can all learn a little bit from this song.

Finally, the title track “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” is an appreciation song for everything a truck symbolizes for a good-ole country boy. Without being generic, Green finds a way to reminisce through his experiences of love, loss, grief, and risk, while weaving the common thread of having his truck through all of those emotions.

“Where would I have raised all that hell / And talk to God all by myself / How would I have got to Tennessee / Without a bucket seat / Where was I suppose to cry that July day grandaddy died”

These songs are a look into Green’s next full-length project, slated to be released sometime next year. Until then, the singer and his team have (virtually) invited fans for a look into his world. ‘The Golden Saw Series’ benefits musicians, who out of work due to the global pandemic. Green’s #GETTHATBANDABEER and ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund continue to assist members of the community that are in need. Green and special guests will continue to play virtual shows at the Alabama venue through most of September.

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

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Jesus and Wranglers”
  2. “Better Than Me”

IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS Tracklist:

  1. Jesus and Wranglers
  2. If I Didn’t Wear Boots
  3. Better Than Me featuring Randy Owen
  4. If It Wasn’t For Trucks
  5. Behind The Times

IF IT WASN’T FOR TRUCKS 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:

Florida Georgia Line Release Brand New Single “Long Live”

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After recently dropping the 6-Pack EP in May, the 2020 ACM and CMA nominated Duo of the Year, Florida Georgia Line wasted no time releasing new material with a song titled “Long Live.” Both Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley co-wrote the toast-raising track alongside their good friends, Corey Crowder, David Garcia, and Josh Miller. The duo also co-produced the track along with Corey Crowder.

Backed by a string-heavy production, this new track has “Here’s to the Good Times” vibes as Hubbard and Kelley pay homage to the southern way of life. In the chorus, the two list all the aspects of small-town life they never want to change.

“Long live all the small-towners, sun-up and sun-downers, and old school Haggard and Hank / Love live long-neck bottles, and wide-open throttles, and old dirt roads with no names / Long live them country girls, long live them cut-up jeans / Long live this way of life, long live nights like these”

The duo’s latest single, “I Love My Country,” hit number one the week of August 31st, marking their 17th chart-topping song. Fans can catch them perform it live at the 55th ACM Awards on Wednesday (9/16) at 8/7c on CBS.

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 Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Long Live” 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. 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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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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Carly Pearce Sends A Cautionary Message to the “Next Girl” in New Single

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Carly Pearce - Next Girl

Carly Pearce has showcased multiple facets of her personality on both her critically acclaimed debut album, Every Little Thing, and her self-titled sophomore album, Carly Pearce. She has documented love, heartbreak and, every little thing in between.

Written alongside hit songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, “Next Girl” is an instrumentally cheery song while projecting Pearce’s tongue-in-cheek lyrical portrayal. The song serves as a warning from girl to girl that the guy that the new girl is seeing, may not be all she thinks she is.

“I bet you probably met him at a bar // Let him walk you to your car // I bet he said he never falls this hard // Yeah, I remember that part // He knows how to say all the right // Things, knows how to get you outta that dress // Knows how to make you think you’re the best thing // But I know what happens next, girl.”

The diction of the word “girl” at the end of each chorus is quick on the trigger; it’s clever. It’s full of vigilant guidance and alert for the next girl that may step into her ex’s path. There’s no confirmed answer, but it’s safe to say that it could be a dig at fellow country music artist, Michael Ray, whom she filed for divorce to this summer just months after their wedding.

Noted on the songstresses’ Instagram, “I’ve spent much of quarantine thinking about where I wanted my music to go. This was not easy for me, especially without having @busbee by my side this time around. The only thing I knew to do was to get lost in all of my old records. I needed to re-discover the music that captured my heart as a teenager: Dolly. Loretta. Patty. Faith. Trisha. The Chicks. Through all the listening, I was reminded how Country music always had these straight-talking women who were so strong and sassy. They were flirty, funny and feisty. And they weren’t afraid of banjos, fiddles, mandolins and dobro. I used that inspiration, both lyrically and musically, to create “Next Girl.” This is the music that flows through my blood, that comes out of my pores. It’s everything I love– and loved — all in one song, and when it’s rushing by, it just feels good… #nextgirl”

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.

“Next Girl” 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. 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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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:

NYCS First Impression HARDY – ‘A ROCK’

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HARDY A ROCK

“We’re all just livin’ life on a rock” 

Brilliant songwriting, masterful producing, and 12 completely cohesive tracks, HARDY’s debut project, A ROCK, available everywhere today (9/4) continues to prove that the sought after songwriter-artist has something powerful to say with his music. Although this is his first solo project released with his label Big Loud, HARDY has already given fans a ton of music to get to know his persona and what truly makes him tick. His masterpiece of features, HiXTAPE Vol. 1  gave fans all over the country a taste of what it’s like to grow up in the south, giving the peaceful dirt roads or “ain’t nothin’ out here” towns an irresistible appeal. When deciding on releasing his debut full-length album, HARDY went to work, writing and delivering 12 songs to his team, that he knew would make up the project.

A ROCK takes listeners through a lifetime of moments; joy, grief, compassion, distress, and forgiveness showcasing clever wordplay and profound melodies. For each emotion singled out, there is a contrasting feeling for those who might not be going through that exact scenario. While “BOYFRIEND”, a track inspired by his girlfriend Caleigh, talks about a couple deciding to take their love to the next level and taking the ultimate plunge into marriage, “BOOTS” an angst-filled breakup song and whether its a person you are moving on from or this horrible pandemic we suggest turning it up loud.

Although each track shines on its own, an absolute stand out is “So Close” which features his labelmate, Ashland Craft, and was written with Hillary Lindsay and Mark Holman over Zoom during the quarantine. A newcomer to the scene, Craft’s debut “Trainwreck” sets the stage for a powerful female artist and this duet lets her dynamic vocals shine. Similarly, the track allows HARDY’s vocals to soar as they harmonize singing about a couple being so close in proximity and then so close to making it, before ultimately ending their relationship. In our interview to discuss the project, HARDY explains how he took the time to meticulously cut the vocals at his in-home studio. “I did take after take after take, and did all of the harmonies and I sent it back to Mark [Holman], and I said ‘I know this is a lot but I want it to sound like a freakin’ Def Leppard song.” Ultimately deciding that he wanted the song to be a duet, he loved Craft’s gritty vibe so it was a perfect fit.

 

It’s not all love or breakups on A ROCK, “WHERE YA AT” is primed and ready for the first live show back in a room full of rowdy country fans. Smattering electric guitars give a rock n roll feel with lyrics that beg fans to scream them back wearing their redneck badge high. HARDY spitfires cities across this great nation and proclaims “Country pride is countrywide / yea we’re all climbing that podunk ladder / so put your long neck up if you got a little hick in your blood then it really don’t matter, where ya at.” Continuing the pride in his home state of Mississippi and his redneck ways, “UNAPOLOGETICALLY COUNTRY AS HELL” written with Smith Ahnquist, Nick Donley, Jake Mitchell, HARDY recognizes the southern boy cliches and wears them like a badge of honor.

Our favorite from HiXTAPE Vol. 1, “One Beer” which features Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina is also included and is currently top 20 at country radio and climbing. The ultimate story song and a modern-day “There Goes My Life” the classic Kenny Chesney tune, “One Beer” not only highlights the good that can come out of mistakes but the sonogram heartbeat sound that drums through the track will have anyone who is a parent in tears, remembering hearing their babies heartbeat for the first time.

A tribute to those we’ve loved and lost, “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” is another standout, allowing a sentimental softer side of HARDY to emerge.  During a celestial conversation with someone who has passed on, the lyrics are filled with sensational imagery of a better place that we can only imagine.  “Make some thunder, make ’em wonder how you got in / Hide your beer, hide your clear from the man upstairs / Crank it loud, hold it down ’til I get there And when I do, I hope you got some new stories to tell / ‘Til then, give Heaven some hell”.

The title track “A ROCK” closes the album and serves as a quiet reflection of each of the stories you just listened to, relating them to something as simple as a rock and the multiple meanings it can have. Letting us into his genius songwriting brain, HARDY tells us in our exclusive interview: “I was just driving down the road one day and my mind was just going 100 mph like it does, and I can’t remember when or where I was but I had this weird thought of how important a rock is to lot of moments in your life,” he continues “That is what your tombstone is made out of, what rings are made out of, and then in this weird way I started thinking about how iron starts out as a rock, if it wasn’t for that, we wouldn’t have anything made of metal so the entire world comes from a rock and then the Earth is one big rock.” The quiet production allows you to zoom out and focus on the story.

It’s safe to say that with the release of A ROCK, HARDY has solidified his place in the genre as a bonafide star, an absolute fan-favorite, and a lyrical genius.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “So Close”
  2. “A Rock”
  3. “Broke Boy”
  4. “One Beer”

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

“TRUCK” 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

—————————-

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:

Kelsea Ballerini Announces New Album + Releases “club (ballerini album version)”

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Kelsea Ballerini new album

When the world paused about six months ago, two-time GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter, Kelsea Ballerini released her junior self-titled album, kelsea. Putting music out in a time where everything is uncertain was a risk, but it paid off for Ballerini. It became her highest debut on the Top Country Album Charts, and fans and critics alike praised the body of work. Quarantine tested a lot of people and their creativity, and for Ballerini, it meant reimagining the record she poured her heart into.

Now, the songstress is cleverly releasing the follow-up album, ballerini. The album is set to release September 11th, just over a year after kelsea’s lead single, “homecoming queen?” was revealed. It’s the second half of her story, the more vulnerable and honest sister to kelsea. “kelsea is glitter: bold and effervescent and dreams that are boundless. She’s who I want to be. While ballerini is emotional, vulnerable, soft: observes her surroundings and chooses her words carefully. She’s who I am,” Ballerini explained in a statement. “The album ballerini is the result of the wonder and gets down to the heart of it.”

To introduce fans into this new sound, she released the new version of “club”. What was once a poppy, empowering jam is still those things – only it is now more introspective and soul-baring. On the original track, she sounds more confident, more unapologetic, whereas on ballerini, you can hear the other side of the coin, where she really second-guesses that feeling of staying in instead of going out. It’s a stunning arrangement of piano, three-part harmonies and practically untouched vocals throughout. If “club” kelsea is midnight, “club” ballerini is 2am — heightened feelings and insecurities that take over your mind.

This project is a reminder that Kelsea Ballerini is a songwriter/producer first. The glitter and the lights are fun, glamorous, and freeing, but the quiet is just as powerful, sophisticated, and meaningful. It’s exciting to see her in this new way, and it will be thrilling to hear her new vision come to life.

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

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

“club (ballerini album version)” 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.

 

ballerini TRACKLIST – Out 9/11/20

1.     overshare (ballerini album version)
2.     club (ballerini album version)
3.     homecoming queen? (ballerini album version)
4.     the other girl (ballerini album version)
5.     love me like a girl (ballerini album version)
6.     love and hate (ballerini album version)
7.     bragger (ballerini album version)
8.     hole in the bottle (ballerini album version)
9.     half of my hometown (ballerini album version)
10.  the way i used to (ballerini album version)
11.  needy (ballerini album version)
12.  a country song (ballerini album version)
13.  la (ballerini album version)

 

—————

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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

—————————-

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: