Black River Entertainment artist Kelsea Ballerini has had a whirlwind of a year, from touring with superstar Keith Urban to releasing her successful debut album, Unapologetically, there is no stopping the country pop princess. Just this past week, Ballerini released the music video for her current single “Miss Me More.”
The empowering new single is the ultimate anthem for girls who are just getting out of a seemingly toxic relationship. The track is a refreshing take on a break-up song, where the singer chooses herself over a broken relationship. The visuals in the video show the internal battle a person goes through at the end of relationship, trying to regain a sense of themselves again. Ballerini battles herself, literally, in the boxing ring, only to come out the other side as a fighter, a survivor, and ultimately an empowered woman.
See how Ballerini fights off her demons in the music video below. “MissMeMore” is featured on her expanded sophomore album, Unapologetically (Deluxe Edition), available everywhere you buy or stream music.
Up next, the Female Vocalist of the Year nominee will perform at The 52nd Annual CMA Awards, airing live from Nashville on Wednesday (11/14) at 8/7c p.m. on ABC. Ballerini will then find her wings as a featured musical guest at The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special broadcast on December 2 (10 p.m. ET) on ABC.
As for 2019, Ballerini will embark on her 2019 headlining ‘Miss Me More Tour’, with Brett Young and Brandon Ratcliff in April, after she joins Kelly Clarkson on the Meaning of Life Tour this coming January. Find tickets and more information on kelseaballerini.com.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/kelsea-ballerini-miss-me-more-cover.jpg288480Erica Zismanhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngErica Zisman2018-11-12 04:09:492018-11-12 04:12:55Kelsea Ballerini Debuts Music Video for “Miss Me More”
On the heels of success with his breakout single, “Whole Lot in Love,” Austin Burke delivers another love song anthem with his new track, “Slower.” The singer-songwriter has been teasing fans with clips of the song, cute images, and sweet videos, all week, gearing up for the release.
“Slower,” co-written by Burke, is a story about having someone who helps slow down this fast-paced life and a reminder to focus on each and every moment. The opening lyrics embody that sentiment perfectly, “There’s never enough time in the day and those hands on the clock don’t take a break / Seems like I don’t either these days / That freeway, speedway high speed chase, makes it hard to hit the breaks / But she knows how to make my heart race / Just a little slower / Take my time when I get to hold her / Heaven feels a little closer, with her head right on my shoulder / Next to her, the fire burns and the world turns, just a little slower.”
The singer shared via his Twitter, his inspiration for the song, shouting out his long-time girlfriend, Lexy Kadey. The country music newcomer allowed fans to understand his personal reasons for writing the track through a video he posted, just before the debut, “I had just quit my job and I was just starting to do music full-time. It was just in the middle of chaos. Luckily I’ve been with my girlfriend for six years, and she has the ability to slow life down, and make it- make it simple again when it’s crazy. I wanted to write about her, and how much that means to me. I think everybody needs that person that slows life down, when you get home from work or need someone to talk to. She’s that person for me.”
The sweet sentiment behind the lyrics blends effortlessly with its fresh sound and cool vibe. “Slower” is available, wherever music can be bought or streamed. Check out the song and other new tracks on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist on Spotify. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix. For more information about Burke and his ventures, including shows, head to austinburkemusic.com.
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St. Louis native Chris Bandi, has released his poignant new single entitled, “Why I Don’t Drink.” Co-written with Kat Higgins, the agonizingly intimate track concedes the story of knowing someone is not “the one” but no matter what, after a few too many drinks, finding yourself at their doorstep, deceitfully telling them things you know they want to hear out of loneliness. Acknowledging his continuous habit, Bandi chose to put an end to the one thing that began this endless cycle. He sings in the chorus, “Cause I know what I feel ain’t love / The only time I open up / Is when I’m drunk, standing at your door / These whiskey lies we both believe / Just when you’re gettin’ over me / I’ll break your heart like every time before / I don’t want to tell you things, then in the morning leave / That’s why I don’t drink”
The singer-songwriter previously took this song out on the road once the writing process was complete and knew it was something special from the audience’s response. In a recent press release, Bandi shared, “Some of the best advice I ever received about writing songs was to try not to write a song. Just tell the truth and say what you know. I knew about growing up, learning from your mistakes and relationships. Mostly, I learned what not to do. I immediately started playing it live with just an acoustic guitar after Kat and I wrote it. “Why I Don’t Drink” was the song that people would always ask about after shows. That’s what first made me think we had something special. I’m so happy to finally be able to share it!”
Be sure to follow the rising country star on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for future announcements and song releases. “Why I Don’t Drink” is now available everywhere you stream or buy 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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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bandicov1.jpg288480Danielle Tornatorehttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDanielle Tornatore2018-11-02 11:27:052018-11-02 11:27:05[Listen] Chris Bandi Drops New Single “Why I Don’t Drink”
Big Machine Label Group recording artist Carly Pearce, has had an incredibly successful year following the release of her 2017 debut album Every Little Thing. She is now ready to begin the next chapter of her life and career, with the release of the lead single from her upcoming sophomore studio album, entitled “Closer To You.”
Pearce teased fans all week long via her social media accounts with multiple video clips. The rising country star began with three separate short clips spelling out “Closer To You” over the course of three days. She then posted an eight-second video of the single’s melody with clips from the road and in the recording studio. “There’s a diamond sky that’s waiting for us just outside of town / With the moon hanging for me and you baby / We can cut the headlights out when there ain’t no else around / Kill the space in between, slide across that leather seat,” she sings acapella as she puts on mascara in the fifth clip. Finally, on Wednesday (Oct. 31), Pearce officially announced the single’s release date, along with unveiling its cover art.
Penned by Gordie Sampson, Hillary Lindsey, and Troy Verges, this upbeat love song exemplifies the feeling of being so eminently in love with someone, you yearn to be as close to them as possible. Pearce sings in the chorus, “Kill the space in between / Slide across that leather seat / Heart to heart / Face to face / You know all I wanna do / Is get closer, closer, closer to you” Watch the lyric video below.
Pearce is offering a “Closer To You” package exclusive to her website with a brand new t-shirt and digital download of the single which is now available here. You can catch Pearce performing at the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airing live on NBC from 9 am- 12 pm on November 22nd.
“Closer To You” is now available everywhere you stream or buy music. 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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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cpcov1.jpg288480Danielle Tornatorehttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngDanielle Tornatore2018-11-02 10:34:552018-11-02 10:34:55[Listen] Carly Pearce Releases New Single “Closer To You”
Back in June of 2017, NYCountrySwag hosted a special night with rising country star, Brandon Ray, at Printers Alley NYC. This past Friday, Ray released his debut EP, Body Language. The six-song release is the perfect introduction for music lovers to Ray, who has spent much of the last year on the road with the likes of Devin Dawson, Cody Johnson, Bobby Bones, and Muscadine Bloodline.
On Body Language, Ray shows off his impressive range, seamlessly melding country, pop, and hints of R&B. The EP opens with the title track, a sexy uptempo about the object of Ray’s attention who needs to “say nothing at all” to catch his attention. Written by Brett Eldredge, hints of the superstar are evident on the song, but it is also the perfect intro to Ray’s music, as he then slows things down with the romantic “Still Got You.” “Even if the oceans all run dry, even if the stars fall out of the sky, even if we lose everything we got, even if the world just stops, I still got you,” Ray croons on this one that’s sure to make listeners swoon.
On “Small Talking,” Ray channels his inner Kip Moore, and this is easily a standout of the collection. “I’m done with small talking,” Ray sings. “Dancing all around it, when we know we both want it.” “Second Thoughts” follows the tone of “Small Talking,” Ray’s deep growl on display. Things slow down on “Bring Your Love Back,” which is a slow, groovy track that shows Ray pleading with an ex-lover over a moody guitar. “Bring your love back,” He pleads. “Show up at my door at midnight, fall into the past, we could pretend that we didn’t end with a bad goodbye… I just miss you tonight.”
The EP ends with “Ends of the Earth,” which has been on our writer Nicole’s playlist since its initial release over a year ago. The track is one of Ray’s best, with a catchy chorus that promises Ray will go to the ends of the Earth to make someone happy. The song caps off the EP perfectly, leaving the listener ready for more. For Brandon Ray, Body Language is a solid debut EP, sure to win over new fans with each listen.
Brandon Ray is currently on tour and you can catch a glimpse of his Body Language as he opens for Jon Pardi and Chase Rise throughout the fall.
Body Language is now available everywhere you stream or buy 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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It’s the best day of the week… New Music Friday! Today we see plenty of new releases included a deluxe album from Kelsea Ballerini on the one year anniversary of Unapologetically. Brett Eldredge gets us in to the Christmas spirit with a deluxe release of his holiday album, Glow. New albums from Josh Turner, I Serve a Savior, Dillon Carmichael, Hell On An Angel and an EP release from Levi Hummon. In addition, we see new music from Brett Young, Mitchell Tenpenny, Brandon Ray, Pistol Annies, Sara Bareilles and more. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:
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It’s the best day of the week… New Music Friday! A few holiday tunes released today, Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as well as a complete holiday album from Martina McBride. Check our First Impression of the record here. In addition, we see new music from Kip Moore, Kane Brown, Delta Rae, Pistol Annies and more. Check out our Spotify New Country Music Playlist below and be sure to follow for updates each and every Friday:
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There are few distinct voices in country music that feel like home. Martina McBride’s is one of those such voices, nowhere more so evident than on her festive new album, It’s the Holiday Season. On the cheery collection, released today, the country superstar adds a surprisingly jazzy touch to some of the most classic Christmas songs, and frankly, the only thing missing on this album to make it all the more quintessential Christmas is a duet with Michael Buble.
The album opens with spirited takes on the classics, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” While it’s hard to offer a fresh take on tunes that have seemingly been recorded 19,000 times, McBride’s voice pairs perfectly with the music throughout the album, neither outshining the other. For McBride fans, the album definitely shows a different side of the singer, focusing heavily on the LP’s orchestration, rather than just her golden voice.
One of the highlights of the album is McBride’s take on “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” The track could’ve easily veered off into being cheesy, but McBride offers a fresh take that’s hard not to tap your toes to. Other highlights include “Happy Holidays/ It’s the Holiday Season,” and “Home for the Holidays.” The show tune staple, “My Favorite Things” closes the album perfectly, McBride’s voice covering each and every note like a warm blanket on a cold evening.
Despite the fact that It’s the Holiday Season does not include any originals, it’s a fun take on many of the most classic Christmas songs. Interestingly, it’s an album that could’ve been recorded in the 1950’s or the 2050’s and not sounded out of place. It’s poised to be a future classic, and we can only advise you to add this one to your Christmas mix; you definitely won’t regret it.
In addition to the release of her holiday album today, McBride will be releasing her cookbook, Martina McBride’s Kitchen Mix on October 30, with the premiere of her cooking show, Martina’s Table, premiering on the Food Network on November 18th.
Additionally, McBride will be taking her holiday cheer on the road, performing with a full symphony on The Joy of Christmas Tour. Full dates are as follows:
November 23: Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage
November 24: Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
November 25: Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
November 29: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
November 30: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 1: Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 4: Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
December 6: Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
December 7: Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
December 8: Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
It’s the Holiday Season 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.
For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements from Martina McBride, visit martinamcbride.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/martinacov1.jpg288480Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2018-10-19 00:27:572018-10-19 15:25:17NYCS First Impression: Martina McBride ‘It’s The Holiday Season’
Last November, during our Swag Session with Jimmie Allen, we said we couldn’t wait to watch his career blossom, as he garnered more and more fans and mainstream success. Today (10/12) marks an incredible milestone for the singer-songwriter. His debut album, Mercury Lane is now available everywhere music is sold. Mercury Lane is truly a passion project for the singer. The record shows perseverance and versatility, two characteristics that describe Allen too. It is clearly personal to the Stoney Creek Records recording artist, as the record is named after the street in Delaware, where he grew up and learned the lessons that have led him to this point in his career.
The record is a complete body of work, offering a song for all music lovers. Allen, who NYCountry Swag named a 2018 Artist to Watch, adds some flavor to mainstream country music, mixing in some rock, pop, and R&B influences into the album, produced by Ash Bowers and Eric Torres. From love songs to inspiring songs to songs to drink to, the singer is proving that he is the full package. The recording artist co-wrote on eight of the fifteen tracks, including “Make Me Want To,” Back of Your Mind,” and his hit single, “Best Shot,” with some of Nashville’s hottest songwriters.
Each track shows a different part of the singer’s personality and range as a vocalist, songwriter, and as a human being. “Deserve To Be,” one of the slower songs on the record tells the story from Allen’s perspective about a girl, who deserves to have the most fulfilling life and be treated like someone’s “world.” The track is sure to resonate with the millions of fans, who already fell in love with the lead single “Best Shot”, which is climbing up the charts. The singer expresses another side of his personality with “Underdogs.” With its catchy hook and smooth beat, the song is bound to be a fan favorite. It is Allen’s take on an anthem for people, who are different, and trying to push through adversity. Although the singer didn’t write this one, we can see how the lyrics relate to his 10-year journey to ‘make it’ in the music industry.
If you’re looking for a new tailgate song, don’t worry, Mercury Lane has that too. The soulful track, “County Lines,” which Allen recently released a lyric video for, is sure to become a staple at summer tailgates. “County Lines” has an R&B vibe, with a catchy chorus that keeps listeners wanting to tap their toes and sing along from first listen.
Following the release, the Delaware native announced via his Twitter, three album listening parties, beginning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 14th. After a short stint in the U.K. with Chase Rice, Allen will embark on Scotty McCreery’s tour, which hits New York on January 26th and Kane Brown’s tour in November, where he will definitely be playing music off his new record.
Mercury Lane 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.
For future tour information, upcoming news and announcements from Jimmie Allen, visit jimmieallenmusic.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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Since the 2017 release of his debut American single “Kiss Somebody,” Australia’s Morgan Evans has been lauded as one of country music’s next big things. Today, Evans released his debut album on Warner Music Nashville, Things That We Drink To. While much of the album reads as a love letter to Evans’ wife, Kelsea Ballerini, and believe me, it’s swoon-worthy, the overall body of work is a solid and diverse debut.
Evans, who NYCountry Swag named a 2018 Artist to Watch, co-wrote all eleven songs on the album with producer, Chris DeStefano and a handful of Nashville’s hottest hit-makers including Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kear, Jaren Johnston, and Jon Nite. Additionally, Evans joined forces with DeStefano to play every instrument on the LP.
“My album is a collection of songs that I wrote over the last two years,” said Evans in a statement. “It’s my story. It’s leaving behind everything and everyone you know to chase down a country music dream on the other side of the world. It’s the excitement of the unknown, it’s the fun, it’s the loneliness and it’s the struggle. It’s losing someone and finding the strength to keep your head up and make them proud. It’s meeting a girl, falling hopelessly and marrying the love of your life. It’s the Things That We Drink To.”
The album opens with “American,” an anthemic up-tempo about an American girl who enchanted Evans from the get-go. It’s immediately evident that the track is about Ballerini, without ever veering into cheesy. He credits feeling at home whenever he’s with his American girl. “She’s American, making my world better than it’s ever been,” He sings. “One part Norma Jean, and one part Marilyn. She’s making me fall in love with everything…American.”
The album continues up-tempo with the aforementioned “Kiss Somebody” and “I Do,” both which provided Evans’ with his initial introduction to the U.S. country scene. There’s “Day Drunk,” which like the former two tracks appeared on his EP, and is easily one of the ear-wormiest tracks on the album. The song celebrates living in the moment and getting day drunk, enjoying happy hour on the hour. It’s sure to be a staple of Evans’ live shows and merchandise for years to come, and we fully expect this to be the song that the crowd sings back at the top of their lungs, drinks buoyantly raised in the air.
While other songs simply allude to Evans’ relationship with Ballerini, the golden-voiced blonde lends her vocals to the album’s first ballad, “Dance with Me.” Written by Evans and DeStefano, the romantic track is easily a future first-dance classic. Using Ballerini on background vocals here makes it all the most personal, but also adds a haunting hint to an already sweet track.
Other highlights of the album include the title track, “Things That We Drink To,” a sparse piano ballad made uber-powerful by an anthem of voices in its chorus. “We Dream” creates another compelling moment, using a choir of children’s voices to emphasize the song’s wishful meaning. They remind us, “When we look at the world and don’t like what we see, we close our eyes and we dream.”
The album concludes with “Young Again,” which has been a favorite of ours since we first heard it. Channeling his inner Ed Sheeran, “Young Again” celebrates a perfect night out with friends that just can’t last long enough. “So what the clock says 3am?” Evans asks, “We will never be this young again.”
With Things That We Drink To, Morgan Evans has released a stellar debut album, cementing himself as Australia’s most exciting country music export since Keith Urban.
Things That We Drink To Track List & Songwriters:
“American” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
“Kiss Somebody” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
“I Do” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley)
“Song for the Summer” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, David Hodges)
“Day Drunk” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Lindy Robbins)
“Dance with Me” feat. Kelsea Ballerini – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano)
“Me on You” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
“Things That We Drink To” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Osborne)
“We Dream” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Jaren Johnston, Jon Nite)
“Everything Changes” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Blair Daly)
“Young Again” – (Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano, Josh Kear)
Things That We Drink To 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.
Evans hits the New York area in December for Chris Young‘s “Losing Sleep Tour” along with Dan + Shay. Tickets and more information here. For upcoming news and announcements from Morgan Evans, visit morganevansmusic.com, and follow the rising star on his journey via Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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https://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/mecpv1.jpg288480Nicole Pieringhttps://countryswag.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-new-cs-white.pngNicole Piering2018-10-12 00:04:282018-10-12 00:04:28NYCS First Impression: Morgan Evans ‘Things That We Drink To’
