Drew Green’s Sony Music Nashville Debut “Little More Be Alright”

/in , /by

Drew Green Little More Be Alright

Drew Green may be an up and coming country artist releasing his debut major label song, but Nashville is practically home for him. Born and raised in Tennessee, and a Tennessee Tech graduate, he couldn’t be more rooted in his home state.

After his previously released track, “Just Talkin'” which was put forth independently, Warner/Chappell Nashville and Cornman Music offered him a publishing deal that truly began his career. It was Florida Georgia Line’s “Colorado” written by Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, and Drew himself that landed him the contract as a songwriter.

Through writing, Green was given the opportunity to polish his lyrical abilities and find his own path as an artist. And it paid off. As a newly-signed artist to Sony Music Nashville, Green has begun his exhibition of singing, solidifying a singer-songwriter label.

“Little More Be Alright” is the first of many anticipated singles released under the partnership, making it his official single debut. With a Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt feel, Green showcases a bit of a country rap edge and a deep, raspy tone.  “Little More Be Alright” explores a man that leads a simple life but wouldn’t mind having a little more.

“I’m a simple man, I don’t need a lot / I’m good right here with what I got / but a little more, little more, little more would be alright / and I ain’t trying to say I’m trying to have it all / and I ain’t trying to live up higher on the hog / but a little more, little more, little more would be alright”

As the newest addition to Sony Music Nashville’s roster, Green takes you through a life where a little more money, a little more time off, a little more family, and finally, a little more time with his father would be alright. The country genre continues to evolve and blend sonically however the stories that connect with fans are at the heart of the music and that certainly rings true for this new track.

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

“Little More Be Alright” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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:

NYCS First Impression: Gone West ‘Canyons’

/in , , /by

Gone West Canyons

It officially feels like summer. The weather is warm, you can smell the summer rain before it hits, and the wind is blowing in that windows-down way that only occurs over the next few months. As places and cities start to re-open and life starts to resume in a revised way, new music is just the thing needed to kick off this new chapter of life. Gone West’s debut album, Canyons is perfect for all these things — summer, slowing down, reflecting, and beginnings.

The album’s opener is “Gone West”, a self-titled song that sums up the band’s story. In some way or another, each band member goes west to feel recharged and to feel like themselves. Whether it be Texas, Hawaii, California, Iowa, or their current home, Nashville, they’ve “gone west to bring the best back” with them. The band consists of four members: Colbie Callait, Nelly Joy, Jason Reeves, and Justin Kawika Young. Callait and Reeves have been close friends for over a decade, writing and producing songs like the award-winning “Bubbly” and the hit “I Never Told You”. Reeves is married to Joy, a fellow singer-songwriter, and is close friends with Callait. Young and Callait were formerly engaged and has been Callait’s guitar player for over a decade, and has had his own impressive solo career. Together, the four formed a band.

Songs like “Slow Down”, “Knew You” and “Tides” all have the beachy, ethereal vibes of Callait’s Californian and Young’s Hawaiian roots. “Slow Down” was written by the band and producer Jamie Kenney. “You make me want to slow down/Baby, make it easy/I’ll take the long way ‘round/Just as long as you’re with me”, the band harmonizes on the chorus. “Slow Down” sounds like driving down the California coast. Channeling their love of Bob Marley is “Knew You”, the reggae-country breakup jam that is perfect to listen to at the beach.

Despite this being the debut album from Gone West, they have such a distinct sound that is heard throughout the entire record. It’s reminiscent of Callait and Young’s earlier work and similar to the music of Jack Johnson and Gavin DeGraw. It’s a perfect blend of country, folk, pop, and reggae rolled into one.

There are quite a few breakup songs sung by Callait and Young that fit the theme of parting ways with a loved one and starting over. Among them are songs like “Home Is Where The Heartbreak Is” and their current top 30 single “What Could’ve Been”. “I’m Never Getting Over You”, a fan favorite off Gypsy Heart written by Callait, Reeves, and the legendary Liz Rose. The once poppy song is now a heartbreaking ballad about a love that needs to end, even though both parties still love each other. Another standout is “When To Say Goodbye”, which echoes the previous songs. It’s about two people parting ways because they know they loved as much as they could, and “real love knows when to say goodbye.”

“This Time” and “Tides” are the stunning reflections of life. “This Time” has magical, swirling harmonies that are reminiscent of The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac. “Tides”, the closer, has dreamy, oceanside guitar and vocals, and it exudes happiness and serenity. There is something nostalgic about it that makes it sound like it’s looking back at the other 12 songs like memories in the past.

Gone West has captured literal lightning in a bottle on Canyons; each song tells a melodic and lyrical story, and it feels like a timeless tale that can be told over and over again. There’s no doubt that it will. It’s effortless, thought-provoking, yet simple. It’s hard to make the perfect album, but Gone West comes pretty close to doing so. Country albums like this are rare, and it will be exciting to see what comes next for the group.

To keep up with Gone West, you can find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Canyons 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.

NYCS Picks:

When To Say Goodbye
Gone West
Slow Down
Tides
This Time

Gone West Canyons Tracklist:

Gone West
Slow Down
What Could’ve Been
When To Say Goodbye
Knew You
Confetti
I’m Never Getting Over You
Gamblin’ Town
Talkin’ Bout You
R&R
Home Is Where The Heartbreak Is
This Time
Tides

 

—————

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:

Maren Morris Drops New Music, “Just For Now” & “Takes Two”

/in , /by

Staying relatively quiet over the past few months as she stepped into her new role of motherhood, Maren Morris has spent quality time with her son Hayes and husband Ryan Hurd. While many other artists took to live streams to quietly drop new songs, Morris has now decided to polish a few older, unreleased tracks and gift them to her fans. She took to social media to make the announcement on Wednesday (6/10) stating “GIRL has been out over a year & has been one of the most transformative periods of my life. During this time off the road, I had the opportunity to polish up 2 older songs of mine that I couldn’t wait for you to hear. “Just for Now” + “Takes Two” out Friday. ✨”

“Just For Now” tells a story of a ‘what if’ love that comes out of a dark place. Without putting the same old pressures on a new relationship, the story focuses on the present with lyrics like “This could turn into something or tomorrow morning it could be over”.  Morris wrote the midtempo song with her husband Ryan Hurd and late producer and songwriter busbee, all before Morris and Hurd were together.

“You don’t have to be the answer to a question that’s gonna change my life /
don’t need a savior, I’m just saying I don’t want to say goodnight”

Giving life to a narrative that is often overlooked, the female in the song is not worried about whether or not the relationship will last, rather takes the opportunity to relish at the moment given, and the “gold in the love”, even if it’s just for now.

“Takes Two” has that signature Maren Morris flair, stretching the limits of genre and incorporating R&B and reggaeton vibes. The sexy track was written by Morris, Greg Kurstin, and Sarah Aarons and would compliment her live show, similar to songs from her latest full-length album, GIRL, like “RSVP” and “Make Out With Me”.

“You know you’re not leaving, I’m not leaving, either way, / takes two, takes two to love like this, to love like this”

Although her fall RSVP tour was postponed to 2021, Morris is still finding ways to connect with her fans, releasing music that they have never heard before and giving them something even more exciting to look forward to when live music resumes.

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

“Just For Now” and “Takes Two” are 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:

Canaan Smith Drops Cheeky Single “Colder Than You”

/in , /by

Canaan Smith "Colder Than You"

Round Here Records, Florida Georgia Line’s independently owned record label, recording artist Canaan Smith has released his first radio single since 2017 and it’s titled “Colder Than You.” The first impression of the song presents the album artwork. “Colder Than You” finds a rugged Smith stained with a muddy, dark-colored ambiance tracing the singer back to his Virginian back-country roots.

“Colder Than You,” written by Smith, Corey Crowder and Jared Mullins and co-produced by Smith, Tyler Hubbard, and Brian Kelley, combats the storyline of a man who has lost his girl and finds comfort in a 12-pack. But don’t get him wrong, this is not a sad drinking song. The track inaugurates with the country artist’s isolated vocals quickly meeting a guitar track bringing alongside a country, rhythm and blues nature. Smith’s cheeky side embellishes in the excellently-concocted lyrics singing: “Girl, I ain’t drowning your memory / These mountains are all that’s in here getting’ blue / Baby, I might’ve finally found something colder than you.” 

This single follows Smith’s previous track “Beer Drinking Weather” and hit single “Love You Like That” that reached number one on the Country Airplay chart in July of 2015.

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

“Colder Than You” is 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:

Summer is Sizzling Hot with Renee Blair’s ‘Heatin’ Up My Summer’

/in , /by

Heatin' Up my Summer Renee Blair

Rising Nashville singer-songwriter, Renee Blair, brings the heat with her new jam, “Heatin’ Up My Summer”. This release follows her early 2020 debut EP “The Ones to Slow Dance To”, which featured a powerful and delicate range of ballads. The new single showcases her versatility as an artist, as Blair delivers an expertly crafted country song with considerable pop influences.

The song begins with a captivating blend of country strums and synth-pop beats. The ultramodern sounds allow for Blair’s fresh and smooth vocals to shine and her confidence as an artist is palpable. This light-hearted track details the excitement and intensity of a summer romance, with sassy lyrics about someone pining over their new love interest.

Leading up to the first chorus, Blair boldly sings clever plays on words and keeps the flirtation levels high throughout.

“With the way that you / undress me with your eyes / it ain’t even June / but boy I know that I / I want you heating up my summer / keeping me up all night / don’t you dare go make me wonder/ what kissing you is like” 

Electrifying pop beats throughout convey a strong feeling of movement, and the audience is constantly excited about where the song will flow next. The listening journey is especially enjoyable, as each verse and chorus feature a unique vibe that ultimately connects into one cohesive song.

The artist belts summer-themed lines throughout the song filled with flirty innuendos, “Baby don’t you want to put your hands / on my body / where the sun don’t tan”.

The listener is given vivid and suggestive imagery throughout, further pulling them into this dreamy summer fantasy. This song could not be more perfect for hanging the pool or driving with the roof down this summer! It exudes confidence from Blair the whole way through and we look forward to hearing her future releases, as she is bound to share fresh and new sounds.

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

“Heatin’ Up My Summer” 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:

Cam Releases Timid Autobiography with New Single “Redwood Tree”

/in , /by

Redwood Tree Cam

It’s been three months since her last single release “Till There’s Nothing Left”, Cam entertains listeners with a new one. “Redwood Tree” has a soothing yet somber production whereas the lyrics talk directly to the rooted presence that is designated primarily to Northern California. This brilliant singer-songwriter, who is from the Golden State, creates this relationship with a redwood that acts as a surrogate set of eyes while the wind works as a roadmap and guides her soul.

“Oh redwood tree, now it’s just you and me / Back then it was hard to stay, and easy to leave / In the soft summer breeze, it’s so simple to see / That time kept ticking back home, while I was living for me / And I saw the world, you saw my parents grow old / You’ve got your roots, and I’ve got the wind – the wind in my soul”

A sentimental, cartoon-style video was made to tell the story of the redwood tree. Still, prior to watching, Cam paints a picture with her words in the music. “Redwood Tree” is a story, meaning the lyrics play the most important role. They take on a narrative approach, using specific and clear language in order for listeners to easily follow the concept. The short film does the same with evolving images. It opens to capture Cam facing the redwood in a shot that suggests that they are one; that they are the same. Then, the progression of Cam’s identity truly begins with a timeline of small but significant moments and ends with a true full-circle moment in relation to the tree.

Cam is set to drop her sophomore album later this year.

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

“Redwood Tree” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more recently released music 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:

Newcomers CB30 Release “We Are Right Now”

/in , /by

CB30 We Are Right Now

After releasing their sentimental love song, “Love That About Her,” one of Nashville’s newest duos, CB30 continues to impress fans with their beautiful harmonies and brightening personalities. We featured the talented brothers, Christian and Brody Clementi in one of our Saturday virtual brunches and can attest for their undeniable charm. The duo just upped the ante with a new single entitled “We Are Right Now.”

If one thing is for certain, CB30 know how to make the girls swoon with their romantic, yet honest lyrics. Christian and Brody use their voices to convey moments in time that feel as close to perfect as possible. Singing lyrics like “I can spend forever just feeling it together like we are right now,” the men definitely give a new meaning to appreciating the moment.

The addition of the layered voices towards the end of the track only amplifies the already stellar production. We love how easily these lyrics could lend itself to both a simple acoustic performance, as well as, a bigger during a live show. We are excited to see what CB30 release next!

To keep up with “We Are Right Now” follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“We Are Right Now” 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:

[Listen] Seaforth Drop New Single “Everything Falls For You”

/in , /by

Seaforth Everything Falls For You

 

The Australian country duo and one of NYCountry Swag’s Artists to Watch in 2019, Mitch Thompson and Tom Jordan, better known as Seaforth released a new song at midnight (May 29) titled “Everything Falls For You.”

This is a slow love song in which the protagonist shows their vulnerability for a particular woman. He confesses his love for her by admitting everything, including rain, rose petals, and of course, he, falls for her. Thompson sings the first verse and chorus, and Jordan takes the second verse.

Baby, what’s it like to watch the sky throw stars down / for you and nobody else? / Baby, it’s dominoes everywhere you go / and right now, I guess gravity got me too / ‘Cause everything falls for you

This is their first new release since their debut EP, “Love That” back in April of 2019. However, the two have been sharing a lot of new music on their Instagram page, so we hope this is just the first of many new songs to come from the pop-country duo.

Thompson and Jordan grew up together in Seaforth, Australia. They were classmates, played on the same soccer team, and shared a love for music. Before moving to Nashville and signing with Sony Records, the two played weddings for cash. Learn more about them in our NYCS Swag Spotlight. We caught them opening for Mitchell Tenpenny at Webster Hall back in December and they are always a delight to see perform and interview because of their fun and humbling personalities.

“Everything Falls For 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.

 

—————

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: Chris Bandi Self Titled EP

/in , , /by

Chris Bandi EP

We knew long before his record deal that it was just a matter of time before singer-songwriter Chris Bandi made it in the country music scene. The NYCountry Swag 2020 Artist to Watch made his major-label debut with his hit, “Man Enough Now,” and now is releasing his self-titled debut EP, filled with seven impressive tunes.

“I feel like I started making this EP 7 years ago when I first moved to Nashville,” Bandi shared on his social media, even acknowledging his early days. “From every open mic night, to writer’s room, to show throughout the years, I’m so proud of this EP and the hard work that everyone involved has put in. It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for you’ll to hear it.”

Beginning with “Dirt On Me,” the singer shows off his songwriting flair with a title that appears to be one thing, but is another. The guitar-heavy tune is an honest account of mistakes made, experiences had, and people that have come and gone that make up Bandi’s unique story. He sings “I got pages of me that are hard looking back on / regret written into my skin like a tattoo,” admitting later, that you don’t have to look far, if you want some dirt on him.

The next song is an ode to music. “Leave It To A Song” is as relatable as can be. Bandi sings about how music is always there for you, and ironically, this song can now be added to that list of songs. “When you need a real good / feel good / throwback feeling that you ain’t felt in so long / leave it to a love song to take you back in time / leave it to a song to get you feeling right”

In the same vein, “Free” talks about how the best things in life are free. The old cliche rings true through gritty lyrics and a fresh and exciting arrangement. The song has a gospel feel, during the hook, and a Sam Hunt vibe in the verse, where Bandi talks some of the lyrics. His versatility shines through on this track, and in the feel-good, flirty, adventure-seeking song “What If We Don’t.”

On the contrary, Bandi’s “Would Have Loved Her” is touching in a completely different way. The song is a heartfelt and heartbreaking piano tune, where the singer croons about meeting a girl that he knows his late father would have loved. In one of his live performances on Instagram, Bandi called this song one of his favorites that he’s ever written, and we agree.

“They Make Whiskey” is the other slower tune off the record. The break-up slow jam is a back and forth about all the reasons things were made. Of course, whiskey was made to get over an ex. “And they make little bars on the edge of town / for getting lost / for getting found / and hanging around / for more than a round or two”

If there was one word to describe Bandi’s new project, it would be honest. Each and every song off the record is an honest, personal, and fresh anecdote into the singer-songwriter’s life and journey. Know for his debut single, “Man Enough Now,” Bandi utilizes that platform to express different parts of his life throughout the new project. The single sits as the closer of the record, and no matter how many times we hear it, it remains as one of our favorites.

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

 

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Would Have Loved Her”
  2. “Man Enough Now”

 

Chris Bandi EP Tracklist:

  1. “Dirt On Me”
  2. “Leave It To A Song”
  3. “Would Have Loved Her”
  4. “Free”
  5. “They Make Whiskey”
  6. “What If We Don’t”
  7. “Man Enough Now”

 Chris Bandi EP 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:

NYCS First Impression: Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley ‘Snake Oil’

/in , , /by

Diplo Thomas Wesley Snake Oil

The year is 2015. You are at the club with your friends when you hear Justin Bieber’s synthesized voice sing “I need you, I need you, I need you the most” over the speakers and everyone in the crowd screams in excitement. The producer behind the Grammy Award-winning song, “Where Are Ü Now” is Thomas Wesley, better known as American DJ, Diplo. If you were a betting man/woman, you would have never guessed Diplo would drop a country-inspired album, but here in 2020, we don’t know what to expect anymore. Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil released today (May 29).

Although raised in Miami, Florida, Diplo was born in Tupelo, Mississippi – the same town in which Elvis Presley was born, so country music was always in his blood. He first dipped his feet in the industry when he released his remix to the popular Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus hit, “Old Town Road,” but received even more attention with his collaboration with country star, Morgan Wallen on “Heartless.” The song is being played on both mainstream pop and country radio and was recently certified platinum; it is becoming a staple in Wallen’s live set as well. A remix to the song with Julia Michaels was released earlier this year and all three songs appear on the new album. Michaels, who has been working with a lot of country artists as of late, also appears on the eighth song on the record, “Real Life Stuff” with Clever. Over an acoustic guitar and thumping bass, Michaels sings about wanting a real relationship with her significant other.

Although we would classify this as an EDM album, there are some real aspects of country on it. The Intro sets the mood and puts the listener inside an old western saloon. Orville Peck, the featured artist on the track, talks over an acoustic guitar, saying he wishes there was more trouble in this town. In “So Long,” Cam sings about a troubled man who acts independent but is really looking for love. Diplo adds produced-sounding string instruments to the chorus, including a fiddle, that is the perfect representation of this new sub-genre he has created.

“I know you’re fine doing life on your own / that doesn’t mean you should spend it alone / ‘Cause boy, you’ve been flying low for so long / but I think it’s time to give your heart / your heart what it wants”

Diplo gives us a brand new version of the classic square dance in “Do si do” and it’s no surprise he chose “The Git Up” singer, Blanco Brown, to feature on this track. Brown gives the dance’s instructions in a whisper and harmonica solos serve as the bass drops in the song. “Heartbreak,” featuring Ben Burgess, is probably the most country-sounding song on the album. Burgess paints the fictional picture of a whole bar strip closed by eight o’clock because no one needs alcohol to drown the pain and every song playing on the jukebox is a party song. To the average person, this isn’t an ideal situation. However, Burgess is content with his not-so-perfect life because “heartbreak makes the world go ‘round.” Instead of being upset about his break-up, he is going to raise his glass to the fact that there are better days ahead.

Diplo Snake Oil

Photo Credit: Mason Poole

Paying tribute to your roots is a classic theme in country music and Diplo covers it on this album with “Hometown.” Zac Brown and Danielle Bradberry play the role of a couple who would like to get to know each other better. They decide to visit their respected hometowns together so they can learn more about each other’s pasts and make sense of why they are the way they are now.

“We’ll pump gas before we pay for it / on some backroad, ain’t got no name for it / Headlight shining ‘til forever /Promise you gon’ know me better”

Other more pop-inspired songs we love are “Lonely” with the Jonas Brothers, “On Mine” with Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter Noah Cyrus, and “Dance With Me” with Young Thug and country star, Thomas Rhett. “Dance With Me” has some funk vibes to it, which are familiar to Rhett, as songs such as “South Side,” “I Feel Good,” “Country Gold” and “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” are all funk-infused.

This album is a great representation of Diplo’s roots, showcasing his creativity, and how versatile these modern country singers are with their cross-genre collaborations. As we are beginning to see many artists blend the genre lines, we believe it will introduce fans of all music to the country genre and give them a taste of what makes our industry so special! Although we are unsure if any of these will be embraced by country radio as positively as “Heartless” was, we feel these songs will fit perfectly into the fun vibes that lower Broadway brings to Nashville and country music fans.

NYCS Picks

  1. Hometown
  2. Heartbreak
  3. Dance With Me

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

Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to 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: