New Music Archives

Walker Hayes Re-Releases 8Tracks Vol. 1 & 2 Digitally

March 19, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

Photo Credit: David McClister

We last caught up with Walker Hayes at his NYC album release show at American Beauty, back in October. Now, the rising country star has decided to give back to his fans the music that made them first fall in love with his unique take on country music. Originally released almost two years ago in Summer of 2016, Hayes has re-released 16 tracks, some of which did not make his full-length album Boom.

Without a record deal, Hayes recorded these work tapes and released them on his website for free, garnering thousands of new fans. The music caught the eye of Monument Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, which offered him a record deal back in January of 2017. Boom was released in October of last year as well.

“I have been so fortunate to get to do things in a unique way this time around. My team has let me take risks and create music that is authentic to me – even though it might not sound like anything else,” says Hayes in a recent press release. “Today, we’re putting out the music that got me here. I’ll never forget the way fans’ reactions made me feel when I first put these 8Tracks out. They are homemade and they are the foundation of who I am. This is my way of saying ‘thanks’ for everyone’s support. I hope old fans are excited to hear them again and I hope new fans love them just as much.”

Take a listen to Vol. 1 here and Vol. 2 here.

Hayes is now out on his own Good as Gold Tour as well as the opening act for Kelsea Ballerini’s Unapologetically tour, which hits NYC on April 5th. The full list of tour dates is listed below.

March 24 – Saddlebags in Savannah, Georgia*
April 5 – PlayStation Theater in New York, New York~
April 6 – Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey~
April 7 – The National in Richmond, Virginia~
April 19 – Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon~
April 20 – Knitting Factory in Spokane, Washington~
April 21 – Showbox SoDo in Seattle, Washington~
April 25 – Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara, California~
April 26 – Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California*
April 27– Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, California*

*Good As Gold Tour dates
~Unapologetically Tour dates

Walker Hayes in New York City with New York Country Swag Managing Editor, Christina Bosch (Left) and New York Country Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner (Right)

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[Listen] Jake Owen Releases Two New Songs “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” & “Something To Ride To”

February 28, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

Just a few days after announcing his summer tour “Life’s Whatcha Make It,” with Chris Janson and Jordan Davis, Jake Owen has released two brand new songs, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” and “Something to Ride To”. These singles are the first with his new record label, Big Loud Records after over a decade with RCA Nashville.

The first is an ode in every way to the classic Mellencamp song “Jack and Diane”, filled with nostalgic moments and familiar guitar riffs.

“Do you turn it up? / Do you sing along? / Every time you hear that song / Like we did then / Like we did when, / Do you close your eyes? / Does it make you laugh? / Do the memories take you back / To six-packs and a Chevy Cheyenne / Way back / When I was Jack / And you were Diane.”

It’s already apparent that this will be a great song for Owen to sing out on tour, and fans of his earlier singles like “Beachin” and “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” will fall in love with the approach to new music.

The second single released this morning, “Something to Ride To” is definitely a track you can turn up while driving around town. Owen sings about wanting to get his mind off of heartbreak, looking for an escape from the love songs.

“Give me something to ride to and forget about life to / the kind you want to get high too / lay back in the night too, Yeah used to be dance songs, slow jams and romance songs / but now that she’s gone and the radios on yeah, I just want one that don’t sing about her, give me something to ride to”

If these two songs are any indication of what’s to come from Owen, fans can look forward to great songs with even better melodies. For tour dates, tickets and more info head to jakeowen.net/events.

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First Impression: New Music from Mitchell Tenpenny, Kacey Musgraves, Brandon Ray, & More

February 23, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

Some of our favorite artists released new music this Friday including Mitchell Tenpenny, Kacey Musgraves, Brandon Ray, The Swon Brothers, Cole Swindell and more. Check out our playlist here and while you are at it give us a follow.

First up: Kacey Musgraves released two brand new songs from her next album, Golden Hour, which she announced will be released March 3oth. “Space Cowboy” is a slow burn, written with Luke Laird and Shane McAnally. The breakup tune highlights Musgraves’ delicate vocals and her ability to deliver a heartbreaking lyric. “Butterflies” is quite the opposite from “Space Cowboy” in that it focuses on those first love feelings. As a new bride, Musgraves flits and floats through the enchanting song.

New York Country Swag followers are no stranger to Mitchell Tenpenny who has a killer new song out today. “Drunk Me” is from his self-titled EP and features Tenpenny’s strong gritty voice, where his desperation rings clear that remaining sober is his only option since “…drunk me can’t get over you”. While cliched country songs are about indulging yourself in alcohol to get over an ex, Tenpenny flips that on its head, proving his versatile songwriting and deliverance is fast-tracking him to stardom.

It’s been a little while since Cole Swindell released a new song and “Break Up in the End” is a total heart-wrencher. The song puts a twist on the sentiment that it is better to love and lost than never love at all. The single is the first from his next album. Written by Jon Nite, Chase McGill, and Jessie Jo Dillion, Swindell wrote on Twitter, “This is one of those songs from the first time I heard it I knew it was special. So many people can relate to the lyrics. Even though I didn’t write it, I’m amazed the best writers in town are bringing me songs like this.”

Brandon Ray released “Small Talkin’ today, a new single which was produced by Ross Copperman and Keith Urban. The mid-tempo groove will have you snapping your fingers or tapping your foot at your desk on this dreary Friday. The track was co-written with Jon Mabe and Jessica Mitchell, an idea Ray wrote on Instagram that he has had in his phone for months.

The Swon Brothers released a nostalgia-filled tune, reminiscent of those great 80’s tunes complete with catchy guitar riffs and questions like “what ever happened to the good old days?“. Head to their Instagram to see some classic throwback photos of the brothers, highlighting those good old days as a promo leading up to today’s release.

Follow us on Spotify to keep up with our favorite new tunes each Friday.

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Dierks Bentley Gives Sneak Peak into New Album with Latest Single, “Woman, Amen”…

January 17, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

If “Woman, Amen” is any indication of what’s to come from Dierks Bentley‘s new album The Mountain, fans should look forward to heading back to Bentley’s roots. The uptempo anthem was written with Bentley’s frequent cowriters Ross Copperman and Josh Kear. It is a passionate love song dedicated to his wife Cassidy and is deeply personal for the singer.

“I feel like it all starts at home with my wife,” he told Billboard. “She is who grounds me, she is also the one who has helped me to grow as a person over all these years, so I feel if I’m going to tell these stories (on this album) right, I need to start with her.”

The accompanying video above shows the rustic cabin where the song was recorded as well as incredible shots of forests, steep hills and wheat blowing in the wind. Bentley is not only expressing appreciation for the love and devotion from his wife but also taking the time to soak in all that mother nature and this world have to offer. The Mountain is slated for release this Spring.

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Zac Brown/Sir Rosevelt’s, “It Goes On” Featured in New War Movie, ’12 Strong’…

January 16, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

In addition to recently releasing their debut album, Sir Rosevelt, (the newly formed southern pop group consisting of Zac Brown, Niko Moon and Ben Simonetti), have a new song that will be featured in the upcoming movie, ’12 Strong.’

The war drama, starring Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon, is a story of heroism based on true events that unfolded in the aftermath of 9/11. Zac Brown’s familiar voice lends itself to a song about the resilience of love in the face of adversity, fear, and doubt, over a chilling acoustic arrangement.

Take a listen to the new track below available everywhere today and ’12 Strong’ will be in theaters everywhere this Friday, January 19th.

Want more of Zac Brown? Don’t miss Zac Brown Band’s return to New York on the ‘Down The Rabbit Hole’ Tour hitting Citifield on July 28th & 29th. Check out tour info & more dates here.

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New Music Exclusive: “Take You Back” – Cale Dodds (LIVE)

January 12, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Stephanie Wagner

Kicking off new music Friday, we’re bringing you an exclusive first look at Cale Dodds’ latest single, “Take You Back” filmed LIVE in New York City at Refinery Rooftop. Tune in below.

The song reminisces about an old love, wishing he could go back in time and disclosing that he would love to take the girl back. Dodds’ uses imagery to spin pictures of how incredible their love was and admits he doesn’t know why they broke up.

Key Lyrics:

“If I had it my way, I’d take you back to the back row miss the whole movie / You’re the only thing I was watching / Cause we couldn’t stop it, so why did we stop it / If we still got it, you don’t gotta ask, I’d take you back”

We recently caught up with Cale on his first national radio tour. Check out the interview and LIVE Swag Session with the emerging star here.

If you like what you hear, make sure to share this on your socials and let us know what you think! Follow Cale Dodds on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook. Plus listen to more music by the rising singer here.

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Follow us on Spotify for this jam and more new music on our New Country Music Playlist below.
Be sure to follow the playlist for new tunes every Friday.

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New Year, New Music: Brothers Osborne & Devin Dawson, First Singles of 2018

January 5, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

New year, new music.

Brothers Osborne “Shoot Me Straight”

This month marks two years since Brothers Osborne released their debut LP, Pawn Shop. After two Grammy nominations, the reigning CMA and ACM Vocal Duo of the Year are gearing up to release their sophomore project and fans were treated to the first single today. Clocking in just under seven minutes long, “Shoot Me Straight” is everything the country genre needs to kick off the new year. TJ’s husky baritone vocals singing about whiskey drinking and the subtle art of honesty along with John taking over with an electrifying guitar solo that takes you through until the end of the song, “Shoot Me Straight” will stimulate your senses and excite you for whats to come. Check out our review from when the duo played The Paramount on Long Island just a few short months ago here.

Key Lyrics:

“Make it burn the whole way down / Lay my six foot, four-inch ass out on the ground / Tomorrow I’ll have a hard hangover and one hell of a heartache / So pour it on like a shot of whiskey and shoot me straight / Don’t give me that salt shaker and lime / Don’t give me that comeback chaser this time / Don’t muddle it up, don’t water it down / Give me everything you got right here, right now,”

Follow us on Spotify to check out the new tune on our New Country Music Playlist.

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Devin Dawson “Symptoms”

Switching gears, Warner Music Nashville recording artist Devin Dawson released another track off of his forthcoming album Dark Horse, slated for release in two weeks (January 19th). “Symptoms” is a slow burn, just another example of how Dawson blends R&B and country to create his own personal brand. The groove runs off a list of evidence and warning signs of falling hard for someone. Dawson’s falsetto at the end of the track provides a whole new dynamic to the already sensual song. Check back for our First Impression of Dark Horse on January 19th and click here for our review from when Dawson played an intimate show at Rockwood Music Hall.

Key Lyrics:

“I’ve been craving more and more / Since I started losin’ sleep couldn’t catch a wink / High fever in the sheets, knees getting weak / My heart was skipping beats, she was runnin’ deep / Like a toxin that’s all in my system / I’ve got symptoms”

Listen to these jams plus more new music on our New Country Music Playlist below.
Be sure to follow the playlist for new tunes every Friday.

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NYCountry Swag’s 2018 Artists to Watch

January 2, 2018/in Blog, New Music /by Stephanie Wagner and Christina Bosch

The New York Country Swag team loves to discover new artists that are releasing great music and share our favorite songs with New York country fans. Here is a list of 10 rising country artists we think you should look our for in the new year. —

Ryan Griffin – Releasing his debut EP, Sake of the Summer back in March, the first single “Back Seats & Burnt CDs” hits you with just the right amount of nostalgia. Fans of Thomas Rhett and Dan & Shay will love this newcomer. P.S. he also co-wrote Kelsea Ballerini’s number 1 hit, “Dibs”.

Listen: Back Seats & Burnt CDs
Stay Connected: @RyanGriffinLive

Brandon Lay – Brandon Lay’s debut single packs a punch of small-town living and growing up. Fans can look forward to a full-length EP in the new year and can catch him as an opening act for Kenny Chesney’s, “Trip Around the Sun” Tour in 2018.

Listen: Speakers, Bleachers & Preachers
Stay Connected: @BrandonLayMusic

Jordan Davis – Fans of Thomas Rhett and for more of a contemporary country sound will love Jordan Davis. Just wrapping up his opening slot on Kip Moore’s, “Plead the Fifth” Tour, Davis is currently working on his debut full-length album for Universal Music Group Nashville.

Listen: Singles You Up
Stay Connected: @JordanDavisOfficial

Jillian Jacqueline – Continuing to change the game for women in the country genre, Jacqueline released her debut EP, Side A, featuring six new tracks along with three acoustic versions of her singles. Fans of Maren Morris and Cam will relate to the singer’s honest approach to songwriting and compelling storytelling.

Listen: God Bless This Mess
Stay Connected: @JillianJacqueline

Adam Doleac – With a grit-filled, blues-inspired vocal, Doleac’s debut EP released earlier this year features all kinds of love songs. The first single on the project “Whiskey’s Fine” earned him a spot on Sirius XM’s Highway Finds Tour and since then the nationwide stations have played “Some Girls” and “Everybody Needs Somebody”. Doleac even stopped by Refinery Rooftop for Swag Sessions with us back in October.

Listen: Whiskey’s Fine
Stay Connected: @AdamDoleac

Ryan Kinder – Blending R&B and country to make his own unique sound, Ryan Kinder released the powerful “Still Believe In Crazy Love” earlier this year which has racked up over 2 million streams on Spotify. Read more about the artist in our review of his first NYC show here.

Listen: Still Believe In Crazy Love
Stay Connected: @RyanKinder

Jimmie Allen – With a larger than life personality and catchy songs, Broken Bow recording artist, Jimmie Allen is sure to have a big 2018. During a recent trip to NYC, Allen joined New York Country Swag for a Swag Session to tell us about the trials and tribulations he overcame to follow his dreams.

Listen: Blue Jean Baby
Stay Connected: @JimmieAllen

Danielle Bradbery – Reinviting herself in 2017, Danielle Bradbery released her sophomore album, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met which showcases the young singer’s beautiful vocals and songwriting skills. Check out her next single, “Worth It” which features a powerful message for women of all ages.

Listen: Worth It
Stay Connected: @DanielleBradbery

Cale Dodds – Rising artist, Cale Dodds has racked up over 8 million streams with his break out single, “People Watching”. Fans of Dustin Lynch and Ryan Hurd will definitely dig Dodds’ vibes.

Listen: People Watching
Stay Connected: @CaleDodds

Morgan Evans – Our final ‘Artist to Watch’ in 2018, Morgan Evans hails from Austraila, just married country superstar Kelsea Ballerini and has his first single on country radio. “Kiss Somebody” is infectious and watching Evans’ live show will mesmerize fans, he uses a peddle loop to play each of the instruments and acts as his own backup band.

Listen: Kiss Somebody
Stay Connected: @MorganEvansMusic

Like what you hear? Give a follow to our 2018 Artists to Watch List here.

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Thomas Rhett Debuts Touching Video For “Marry Me”

December 18, 2017/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

Directed by award-winning film and cinematographer TK McKamy, Thomas Rhett debuted an emotional video for his latest single “Marry Me” this morning. Check out the video below and let us know your thoughts!

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Swag Sessions Spotify Playlist

December 14, 2017/in Blog, New Music /by Christina Bosch

On our latest Spotify Playlist, we feature all of the songs that have been performed during our LIVE Swag Sessions with artists including Adam Doleac, Lucas Hoge, Scooter Brown Band, Jo Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jimmie Allen and Brown and Gray. Check out the playlist below.

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