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Here Are The 2021 CMA Awards Nominations

September 9, 2021/in Blog, News /by Team Country Swag

The Country Music Association has revealed the nominees for The 55th Annual CMA Awards! Eric Church and Chris Stapleton lead the pack with five nominations each, while Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris and Chris Young secure three nominations apiece.

The awards show will air on November 10th on ABC at 8PM ET. Check out the full list of nominations below + click the image below to visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

SINGLE OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
Mix Engineer: Sean Moffitt
“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett
Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
Mix Engineers: Chris Galland, Manny Marroquin
“Hell Of A View” – Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“One Night Standards” – Ashley McBryde
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s), Producer(s) and Mix Engineer(s)

29 – Carly Pearce
Producers: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Jimmy Robbins
Mix Engineer: Ryan Gore
Dangerous: The Double Album – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Dave Cohen, Matt Dragstrem, Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome and Joey Moi
Mix Engineer: Joey Moi
Heart – Eric Church
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
Producer: Jay Joyce
Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

SONG OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Songwriter(s) 

“Forever After All”
Songwriters: Luke Combs, Drew Parker, Robert Williford
“The Good Ones”
Songwriters: Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick
“Hell Of A View”
Songwriters: Casey Beathard, Eric Church, Monty Criswell
“One Night Standards”
Songwriters: Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally, Ashley McBryde
“Starting Over”
Songwriters: Mike Henderson, Chris Stapleton

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Gabby Barrett
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Producer(s)

“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan
Producer: Paul DiGiovanni
“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Teddy Reimer
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King & Miranda Lambert
Producer: Martin Johnson
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young
“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Aaron Sterling, Drums
Ilya Toshinskiy, Banjo
Derek Wells, Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Award goes to Artist(s) and Director(s) 

“Chasing After You” – Ryan Hurd with Maren Morris
Director: TK McKamy
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young with Kane Brown
Director: Peter Zavadil
“Gone” – Dierks Bentley
Directors: Wes Edwards, Travis Nicholson, Ed Pryor, Running Bear, Sam Siske
“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (featuring Kenny Chesney)
Director: Patrick Tracy
“Younger Me” – Brothers Osborne
Director: Reid Long

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Jimmie Allen
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Mickey Guyton
HARDY

“THE 55th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINALISTS FOR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR (by market size):

Weekly National

“American Country Countdown” (Kix Brooks) – Westwood One
“Country Countdown USA” (Lon Helton) – Westwood One
“Country Gold” (Terri Clark) – Westwood One
“The Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – iHeartMedia
“Honky Tonkin’ with Tracy Lawrence” (Tracy Lawrence and Patrick Thomas) – Compass Media Networks

Daily National

“The Big D and Bubba Show” (Derek Haskins, Sean Powell, Patrick Thomas and Carsen Humphreville) – Compass Media Networks
“The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez and “Utility Hillary” Borden) – Premiere Networks
“CMT After Midnite” (Cody Alan) – Premiere Networks
“The Lia Show” (Lia Knight) – Westwood One
“The Music Row Happy Hour” (Buzz Brainard and Ania Hammar) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio

Major Market

“Angie Ward” – WUBL, Atlanta, Ga.
“Double-L” (Lois Lewis) – KNIX, Phoenix, Ariz.
“Hawkeye in the Morning with Hawkeye and Michelle” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk and Michelle Rodriguez) – KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
“The Morning Bull: George, Mo & Cowboy Dave” (George Lindsey, “Mo” Monica Lunsford and “Cowboy Dave” Bayless) – KILT, Houston, Texas
“Tampa Bay’s Morning Krewe with J.R., Launa and Kevin” (“J.R.” Jon Jaus, Launa Phillips and Kevin Ebel) – WQYK, Tampa Bay, Fla.

Large Market

“Jesse Tack” – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
“Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
“Lexi & Banks” (“Lexi” Elena Abatgis and “Banks” Jared Danielson) – KUBL, Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, Utah
“Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
“The Wayne D Show” (“Wayne D” Danielson and Taylor Rosenberg) – WSIX, Nashville, Tenn.

Medium Market

“Brent Michaels” – KUZZ, Bakersfield, Calif.
“Ellis and Bradley Show” (Bill Ellis and Beth Bradley) – WSSL, Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C.
“Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy and “D.J. Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
“Mo & StyckMan” (“Mo” Melissa Wagner and “StyckMan” Greg Owens) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
“Steve & Gina In The Morning” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa

Small Market

“Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
“Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (Shane Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
“KTTS Morning Show with Nancy & Rick” (Nancy Simpson and Rick Moore) – KTTS, Springfield, Mo.
“Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
“Steve, Ben and Nikki” (Steve Stroud, Ben Walker and Nikki Thomas) – WXBQ, Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.

“THE 55th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” – FINALISTS FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (by market size):    Major Market

KNIX – Phoenix, Ariz.
KNUC – Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
KYGO – Denver-Boulder, Colo.
WNSH – New York City, N.Y.
WXTU – Philadelphia, Pa.
WYCD – Detroit, Mich.

Large Market

WFMS – Indianapolis, Ind.
WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio

Medium Market

KATM – Modesto, Calif.
KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
KUZZ – Bakersfield, Calif.
WQMX – Akron, Ohio
WXCY – Wilmington, Del.

Small Market

KCLR – Columbia, Mo.
KTTS – Springfield, Mo.
WBYT – South Bend, Ind.
WXBQ – Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tenn.-Va.
WXFL – Florence-Muscle Shoals, Ala.
WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.

—

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on November 10th on ABC. + Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @COUNTRYSWAG.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music.

Who Is Jenna Paulette? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

September 7, 2021/in Blog, News, Swag Spotlight /by Erica Zisman

Who is Jenna Paulette? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

Jenna Paulette // Photo Credit: Nick Swift

The Beginning:

This week we shine our spotlight on Texas-raised country star, Jenna Paulette. Growing up in North Texas, Paulette embodies everything that country music is all about. “I grew up loving country music. It was always on in the kitchen when my mom was cooking dinner,” shared the singer. Adding that she would even listen to music out on the cattle farm with her grandfather. “I’d be listening to George Strait, The Chicks, I was just really kinda heavily influenced by very commercial versions of Texas country music that kind of sang about the life that I grew up in and love and admire so much.”

At an early age, Paulette knew she was made to be a country music singer and songwriter. She recalls her mom and her family instilling confidence in her throughout her childhood and teen years. “I remember watching the ACM’s with my mom, and her being like ‘you’re going to do that one day.’” Later the songstress declared, “There was never really a doubt in my mind about what I’m supposed to do in my life.”

Although country music in general was her passion, Paulette specifically loved female artists like Lorrie Morgan and Lee Ann Womack. Today, she finds inspiration in artists like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves. “My voice is more the nuances and the texture that I bring in the storytelling aspect,” shared Paulette, addressing her similarities with Lambert and Musgraves.

“I always felt it was such an honor to sing about the life that I come from and the people I get to represent through country music.”

The Turning Point:

After high school, Paulette headed to The Savannah College of Art and Design on a full scholarship. Although she did not apply to the school, she was offered a full ride after the school saw her perform. “I knew when I went to college that I wanted to be a country artist and I knew what I wanted to represent.”

With the desire to use her education to further her career, Paulette majored in Marketing and utilized her school projects to build her own personal brand. “I wanted to be able to figure out how to communicate who I am so well that people listen to a song or go to my Instagram or Spotify for whatever and they know exactly who they’ll get.”

After college and a brief stint in Austin, Texas, Paulette finally decided to make the move to Nashville, Tennessee. “I’ve been doing this ever since. It’s just been growing the whole time,” she shared. “We’ve been here for 5.5/6 years and I absolutely love it,” said Paulette, about Nashville.

“It’s just so cool to kind of look back at my whole life and see everything that led me to where I am now with so much purpose. I couldn’t love what I’m doing more.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Paulette is making strides in her music career. Her latest two songs “Country In The Girl” and “Pretty Ugly” have been a hit with fans and social media. The former went viral on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. The songstress shared that she wanted to write a song about her life growing up raising cattle.

“It’s gotta be something about the way real life people live on a daily basic verses what people think about the country because I did grow up in it,” she shared during a write with her co-writers. The track was something special almost instantly, and after it went viral, Paulette knew she had to record it.

As for “Pretty Ugly,” the track was one of the several songs the singer wrote on a writing trip. Although she initially passed on the title three times, it was in that writing room on the beach that she finally felt the title was the right song for her. “Parker [one of the writers] said ‘heartbreak makes pretty ugly,’ and it was the fastest song we wrote.”

“It feels pretty and badass at the same time. And that’s the type of songs I like to listen to. […] And it’s really fun for me to get to perform a type of song like that.” Paulette also shared that the music video for “Pretty Ugly” is slated to come out soon.

As for other new music, Paulette has three songs coming down the pipeline soon. The two originals are called “Bless Your Heart” and “Slow Draw.” The last song is a cowboy version of the popular Christmas song “Santa Baby.” Fans can look forward to the new music and for the singer to get out on the road with artists like John Michael Montgomery and Aaron Watson this fall.

Connect:

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

To keep up with Jenna Paulette, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Jenna Paulette’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY: The Latest in Country Music – 9/3/21

September 3, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Stephanie Wagner

NEW MUSIC FRIDAY – 9/3/21

LILY ROSE – Lily Rose blew fans away with her debut single, “Villain” and continues to up the ante with each new release. Tonight she drops her latest track, “I Don’t Smoke”. Full of clever wordplay and relatable lyrics, listen to the new song here… More >>
ADAM DOLEAC – Adam Doleac consistently releases new songs that feel fresh, romantic, and fun at the same time. His latest track, “Somewhere Cool With You”, out now, fits the bill… More >>
RESTLESS ROAD – One of the most exciting new acts out of Nashville, Restless Road dropped a stunning new track, “Headlights”… More >>
ASHLAND CRAFT – As a new artist, Ashland Craft manages to deliver a debut album that leaves us fully satisfied, yet still yearning for more. Listen to the 11-track record, TRAVELIN’ KIND here… More >>
LAUREN ALAINA – Lauren Alaina’s third full-length album, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World is out NOW. Check out the new music and read out full review here… More >>

Take a listen to all of these tracks and more here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Lauren Alaina: ‘Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World’ – Album Review

September 3, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Lauren Alaina’s third full-length album, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World is available everywhere today, September 3rd. Alaina co-wrote fourteen out of the fifteen brand new tunes. Check out the full review below.

In the ten years since the release of her debut record Wildflower, Lauren Alaina has grown into an incredible singer and songwriter in country music. While her first album introduced her artistry, her sophomore record, Road Less Traveled solidified her staying power. Today, Alaina premiered her most impressive full-length album to date, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World.

The brand new record marks her most personal project yet. According to Alaina, “It’s about a dreamer becoming an achiever. It’s being broken and ending up healed. It’s all of me. The early chapters. The new beginnings. The hope for the future and total appreciation for the past. Taking the Road Less Traveled and ending up Sitting Pretty on Top of the World.”

Songs like “It Was Me” and “If The World Was A Small Town” introduce the project. Both songs shine a light on self-awareness and growth. While the former is pensive and retrospective, “If The World Was A Small Town” is more celebratory and dreamy. Similarly, Alaina’s single, “Getting Good” also celebrates life and all its glory. This version features superstar Trisha Yearwood on the track.

“Once I get a house that I can hang my hat on // I bet I’ll want to build a bigger one if I could, yeah // I’m thinking, once I learn to grow right where I’m planted // Maybe that’s when life starts getting good // Oh, getting good // Getting good // Life starts getting good // I’m thinking maybe that’s when life starts getting good”

Alaina also collaborates with pop sensation, Lukas Graham and country artist, Jon Pardi. Graham lends his vocals to “What Do You Think Of?,” while Pardi sings “Getting Over Him” with the songstress. Both songs are incredibly different, but equally mesmerizing. Alaina picked the perfect duet buddies to complement her powerful vocals.

The songstress’ story-telling continues throughout the project, but it is especially extremely evident on track three and track eight. On track three, “Same Story, Different Saturday Night,” Alaina dissects how we all feel, during a night out. She talks about the girl crying all alone at the bar, the couple fighting, and the birthday girl on the dance floor. On the other hand, “I’m Not Sad Anymore” feels like a more personal story.

“When I’m not sad anymore // When there ain’t tears falling on the floor // When I’m not looking for a shoulder // My phone lights up with a “will you come over?” // When I’m not thinking one thing about you // You always do that thing you do // Yeah you decide that I’m worth fighting for // When I’m not sad anymore”

Alaina’s vulnerability continues on “Good Ole Boy” and “Goodbye Street.” The former, one of our favorites, tells the story about a broken relationship. Through the heartbreak, the singer still emerges with strength. That inner strength is also evident in songs “When The Party’s Over” and “You Ain’t A Cowboy.”

The record culminates with “Written In The Bar” and “Change My Mind.” “Written In The Bar,” is a slow burn. The song is not necessarily about love, but about lust and falling in love for the moment. The final song, “Change My Mind” is about opening your heart to love. It feels like the perfect way to end this chapter of the singer’s music.

Congratulations to Alaina and her team for creating a record to be proud of, and one fans can relish in.

Lauren Alaina’s Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World Track List:

It Was Me (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey)
If The World Was A Small Town (Lauren Alaina, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
Getting Good (featuring Trisha Yearwood) (Emily Weisband)
Same Story, Different Saturday Night (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
On Top Of The World (Lauren Alaina, Jordan Reynolds, Sasha Sloan)
Run (Lauren Alaina, Ben Johnson, Kennedi Lykken)
What Do You Think Of? (with Lukas Graham) (Lauren Alaina, Jens Carlsson, Asia Whiteacre)
I’m Not Sad Anymore (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Getting Over Him (with Jon Pardi) (Lauren Alaina, Paul DiGiovanni, Emily Weisband)
Good Ole Boy (Lauren Alaina, David Garcia, Josh Miller)
When The Party’s Over (Lauren Alaina, David Garcia Corey Crowder)
You Ain’t A Cowboy (Lauren Alaina, Casey Brown, Parker Welling)
Goodbye Street (Lauren Alaina, Jacob Durrett, Ernest K. Smith)
Written In The Bar (Lauren Alaina, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Change My Mind (Lauren Alaina, Cameron Bedell, Seth Ennis)

Country Swag Picks:

“Getting Good”
“Good Ole Boy”
“It Was Me”

Lauren Alaina releases brand new album ‘Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World,’ available now.

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

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

Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Ashland Craft: ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’ – Album Review

September 3, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Ashland Craft’s debut album, TRAVELIN’ KIND is available everywhere today, September 3rd. Craft penned nine out of the eleven original tracks on the one-of-a-kind record. Check out the full review and listen to the new music below.

Big Loud Records recording artist Ashland Craft is a true star in the making. The songstress utilizes her one of a kind vocals to showcase true heart and grit. Up until now we have only heard bits and pieces of Craft’s talent in her single releases, but now the wait for a full length project is finally over. Today the singer-songwriter dropped her debut album TRAVELIN’ KIND.

The record is a culmination of all of life’s experiences and adventures. Having written nine out of the eleven tracks, Craft has felt each of these songs and experiences deeply herself. “I really wanted this project to capture all the little sides of life in general that we’re kinda going through right now and what we have gone through recently because I think real life is the best way to connect with people,” shared the entertainer in an exclusive interview with Country Swag.

TRAVELIN’ KIND kicks off with the title track. Almost instantly, the listener knows that this record is going to take you on the ultimate journey. “Your Momma Still Does,” one of the two outside cuts off the record delivers the sentiment of heartbreak in a new and innovative way. Craft’s soulful and gritty tone is on full display on arguably one of the best songs on the project.

“Bet you don’t even think about picking up the phone // You don’t even think about saying you were wrong // You don’t even miss what me and you had // Yeah, I bet you don’t even think about that // You don’t even call me saying your sorry, you messed up // Yeah, but your momma still does”

Next up, “Leavin’ You Again” portrays how it feels to break-up again with someone you gave a second chance to. Craft delivers an emotive, yet cheeky delivery of the somber lyrics. In the same vein, one of the previously released singles, “Make It Past Georgia,” portrays angst too. The song conveys the heartbreaking connection between people and places. The songstress sings about traveling through state to state, but still having a hard time when she hits Georgia, a state that houses memories of a broken relationship. Craft’s honesty and vulnerability shine through on the track.

“Oh I never had trouble leaving them behind me // Oh it never took much to move on // I left Texas in the red dirt dust // It was easy leaving Louisiana // I hit 80 in a 55 // Just trying to cross Alabama line // Don’t miss a thing about Mississippi / Carolina keeps calling me // But I can’t seem to make it past Georgia”

Craft picks up the tempo on the center track, “Last 20 Dollars.” The fun-loving, 90s inspired country jam showcases the sassier side of the budding star. Similarly, both “Mimosas In The Morning” and “Come Down” show Craft shedding her more cynical side, and cracking the door open for love. All three songs feature incredible wordplay and storytelling.

“Highway Like Me” featuring Marcus King, another personal favorite off the project is a songwriter’s dream. Craft lays her heart out for fans in this poetic and beautiful song. She compares herself to a highway in a way that is ethereal and raw. Moreover, if you are not convinced by now of Craft’s talent, you will be after listening to this song and hearing her incredible vocals.

“That’s The Kinda Place” perfectly sits in the last spot of the tracklist. It wraps up all the stories Craft tells in the previous ten songs. It feels inviting, relatable, and homey, all ways country music is made to feel.

As a new artist, Ashland Craft manages to deliver a debut album that leaves us fully satisfied, yet still yearning for more. Kudos to Craft and her team for this masterpiece. Country fans, mark our words now: Craft is a superstar in the making.

Ashland Craft’s TRAVELIN’ KIND Track List:

“Travelin’ Kind” (Ashland Craft, Erik Dylan)
“Your Momma Still Does” (Jenna LaMaster, Jonathan Singleton)
“Leavin’ You Again” (Ashland Craft, Jenna LaMaster, Faren Rachels)
“Make It Past Georgia” (Ashland Craft, Reid Isbell, Willie Morrison)
“Last 20 Dollars” (Ashland Craft, Wyatt Beasley Durrette, III, Jonathan Singleton)
“Highway Like Me (feat. Marcus King)” (Ashland Craft, Jessi Alexander, Reid Isbell)
“Mimosas In The Morning” (Ashland Craft, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jonathan Singleton
“Day By Day” (Tori Allen, Corey Grogan)
“Letcha Fly” (Ashland Craft, Willie Morrison, Lee Starr)
“Come Down” (Ashland Craft, Adam Hood, Rob Snyder)
“That’s The Kinda Place” (Ashland Craft, Rodney Clawson, Jonathan Singleton)

Country Swag Picks:

“Your Momma Still Does”
“Highway Like Me”
“Make It Past Georgia”
“Mimosas In The Morning”

Ashland-Craft-New-Song-Make-It-Past-Georgia

Ashland Craft’s debut album ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’ is officially out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

TRAVELIN’ KIND is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Lily Rose Drops Brand New Song “I Don’t Smoke”

September 3, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Lily Rose’s new song “I Don’t Smoke” is out now, September 3rd, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

Since she bursted on to the country music scene, we just cannot get enough of up and coming artist Lily Rose. Her debut single “Villain” blew us away. Moreover, every release since then including “Overnight Sensation” and “Remind Me of You” have continued to up the ante. Today, Rose releases another brand new song titled “I Don’t Smoke.”

The new track, written by Lalo Guzman, Michael Tyler and Daniel Breland, marks the singer’s fifth release. A mid-tempo jam, Rose pours her heart into the new tune. On the track, Rose deals with heartbreak by going out and getting drunk, mentioning that it is hard to act like she is unphased. This is an all to relatable sentiment for most of us.

Lily Rose’s new song “I Don’t Smoke” is out now, September 3rd

“So I got a little faded // ‘Cause I know how much you hate it // But still low key // Tryna act like you don’t love me // That’s like saying I don’t smoke when I drink // Every Friday night, baby, I won’t lie // That’s like saying I don’t know anything // When my momma asks ’bout where you’ve been at”

“I Don’t Smoke” also features clever wordplay and a hooky melody, which captivates the listener almost instantly. So far in her blossoming career, Rose has managed to produce only hits! She continues to stay true to herself and her sound with each song. We cannot wait to see her career continue to take off!

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

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

“I Don’t Smoke” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Restless Road Release Brand New Song “Headlights”

September 3, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Dylan Bestler

Restless Road’s new song “Headlights” is out now, September 3rd, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

Restless Road are becoming one of the most exciting new acts out of Nashville. With the support of Kane Brown, there is truly no stopping this group. The trio’s upbeat, feel-good lyrics mixed with their stunning harmonies give them a unique niche in the industry. “Headlights” follows the fun sing-along “Bar Friends” and the romantic “Hometown Tonight,” but unlike those, this one does not look at life in a positive light.

“Headlights” is the fourth track the group have released since their debut self-titled EP dropped in early 2020. In the song, the main character is doing everything he can to forget his ex. This includes removing her picture off the dashboard. He even stops playing her song. However, every time he hops in his Chevy, the memories come back. This has the protagonist feeling all sorts of emotions.

“I can’t get you out of my high beams // I see you all around town and in my dreams // I know everything we had is in the rearview // But baby I can’t get you out of my headlights”

Restless Road will join Kane Brown on his 35-stop Blessed and Free Tour which will also feature rotating support from Jordan Davis and Chase Rice. New York country fans can catch them at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on November 5^th, or at Madison Square Garden on January 15^th. For tickets, head to their website.

Restless Road’s new song “Headlights” is out now, 9/3.

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

To keep up with Restless Road follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Headlights” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Adam Doleac Drops New Track “Somewhere Cool With You”

September 3, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Adam Doleac’s new song, “Somewhere Cool With You” is out now, September 3rd, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

Adam Doleac is one of those artists who constantly blow us away with his releases. Both Doleac and his music are always smooth and perfectly put together. Today, the singer-songwriter drops his new track “Somewhere Cool With You.”

Doleac consistently releases new songs that feel fresh, romantic, and fun at the same time. “Somewhere Cool With You” fits the bill. The new tune features a budding romance on full display. Doleac’s creamy vocals take centerstage as he sings about wanting to go anywhere with his love.

“Somewhere cool with you // See a different side of the same full moon // Lose a little sleep in a hotel room // Living in and out of a suitcase // I’ll take palm trees, I’ll take Paris // Let’s make all our friends jealous // Anyway I don’t care, as long as you’re right there, baby it’s cool with me // Somewhere cool with you”

“Somewhere Cool With You” comes on the heels of his song “Key to The City,” which was released back in June. The new song feels current and dreamy. We hope this is the start of a full-length project for Doleac.

Adam Doleac’s new song “Somewhere Cool With You” is out now.

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

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

“Somewhere Cool With You” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

5 Things to Expect from Ashland Craft’s Debut Album ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’

September 2, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Stephanie Wagner and Erica Zisman

We chatted with country songstress Ashland Craft about her debut album, TRAVELIN’ KIND due out this Friday, September 3rd. Here are five things to expect from the project.

Ashland Craft did not intend to write nine out of the eleven songs off the project, but we’re so glad she did!

“Honestly it was never really a thing to me that I have to write every song. I just wanted whatever song that was going to compliment the record to go on the record. It’s always about that songs first.”

She wants fans to really ‘feel’ the record and the story behind the songs.

“I think the biggest thing I hope is kind of the start of it all, is hopefully the fans seeing a little bit of my story and getting to connect with them on a deeper level, and connecting the music and the fans.”

TRAVELIN’ KIND is intentionally the culmination of all aspects of life.

“I really wanted this project to capture all the little sides of life in general that we’re kinda going through right now and what we have gone through recently because I think real life is the best way to connect with people.”

Some of the songs such as “Come Down” were written during the pandemic.

“That song touched me because it’s one of those more poetic-sense songs that remind me of who you are. If the pandemic hadn’t of happened, I don’t think those songs would have came to life.”

Craft believes that songs [like hers] that came out of the pandemic are going to be some of the best music out there.

“It really made us get a little bit more hone in on what we wanted to say and how we wanted to say it. I predicted from day one when the pandemic happened that there’s going to be a ton of amazing music that comes out of this.”

Ashland-Craft-New-album-debut-travelin-kind

Ashland Craft’s debut album ‘TRAVELIN’ KIND’ is due out this Friday, September 3rd.

Check back here on Friday, September 3rd and click here for our exclusive interview and full album review of Ashland Craft’s TRAVLIN’ KIND.

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

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

* Interview Conducted by: Stephanie Wagner // Written by: Erica Zisman for Country Swag

Luke Bryan Scores 27th #1 Song with “Waves”

September 1, 2021/in Blog, News, Number One Songs /by Erica Zisman

Luke Bryan’s latest single “Waves” earns him his 27th number one as the song hits the top spot on the country charts this week.

On the heels of his incredible documentary, Luke Bryan has scored his 27th number-one single of his career! Truly a staple in country music, Bryan is an absolute superstar. The singer’s current radio single “Waves” catapulted to the number one spot on the charts just four months after it impacted country radio. It follows the chart-topping success of his song “Down To One.”

The fourth single off his latest project Born Here Live Here Die Here, “Waves” is clearly a crowd-favorite. Written by Chase McGill, Zachery Crowell, and Ryan Hurd, the single is one that will make anyone swoon. Bryan’s piercing vocals make this song hard not to fall in love with.

“You were made for summer // Just like these stars we’re under // We’re made for lighting this // July sky up // Blanket down made for me and you tied up // All night long, over and over // Crash into me and pull me closer // Kiss by kiss, one after another // Don’t let go, baby, let this summer // Just keep on coming in waves”

The track is an easy and effortless love song that fits Bryan’s style and vocals. The mid-tempo tune is one of those tracks that screams nostalgia. “Waves” fits in perfectly with the singer’s already incredible live show setlist. It will be exciting to see what song Bryan announces as his next radio single!

Luke Bryan’s single “Waves” is officially number one!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Luke Bryan announcements and releases.

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

“Waves” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.