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Morgan Wallen & More Win Big at Inaugural Country Now Awards

Morgan Wallen and other country artists win big at the inaugural Country Now Awards. Check out our recap of the virtual event and the winners below.

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Last week, founder and editor-in-chief of ‘Country Now’, Lauren Jo Black hosted the first ever  ‘Country Now Awards.’ The virtual event featured live performances by country artists across the genre and brand new enticing awards up for grabs.

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter, Jimmie Allen opened up the broadcast with an exciting version of his current single, “Freedom Was A Highway.” Artists like Jameson Rodgers, Laine Hardy, Lainey Wilson, and Lily Rose also performed. ‘Favorite Breakthrough Artist’ winner, HARDY also performed, singing his current single, “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL.”

Although many artists won, during the livestream, three artists topped the rest. Morgan Wallen, Ashley McBryde, and Carly Pearce took home two awards each. Wallen earned both fan-voted awards for ‘Favorite Male Artist’ and ‘Favorite Album,’ for his record breaking project, Dangerous: The Double Album.

Check out the  full list of winners from the incredible Country Now Awards broadcast below.

Country Now Awards Winners:

Favorite Breakup Song:
“What He Didn’t Do”- Carly Pearce

Favorite Sentimental Song:
“Gone But Not Forgotten”- Brantley Gilbert

Favorite Collaboration:
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl”- Carly Pearce ft. Ashley McBryde

Favorite TikTok Artist:
Kaleb Austin

Favorite Breakthrough Artist:
HARDY

Favorite Female Empowerment Anthem:
“Footprints On The Moon”- Gabby Barrett

Favorite Viral Song:
“Fancy Like”- Walker Hayes

Favorite Party Song:
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home”- Elle King & Miranda Lambert

Favorite Debut Album:
Here’s To Anyone- Laine Hardy

Favorite Male Artist:
Morgan Wallen

Favorite Album:
Dangerous: The Double Album- Morgan Wallen

Favorite Singing Competition Contestant:
Chayce Beckham

Favorite Famale Artist:
Ashley McBryde

Favorite Duo or Group:
Brothers Osborne

To keep up with Country Now, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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

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CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022 Announced

Last week, Country Radio Seminar (CRS) officially announced the CRS New Faces of Country Music Class of 2022. Check out the class here.

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The CRS New Faces of Country Music is one of the most coveted showcases during the Country Radio Seminar that spotlights five emerging artists that have achieved significant success in the country genre. This year, Gabby Barrett, Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Jason Rodgers, and Lainey Wilson were honored with the title.

Over the past year, all five artists have had significant success. Barrett earned her second number one single, while Hayes’ “Fancy Like” catapulted him back into stardom. Both McCollum and Rodgers continue to make waves on the country charts, each earning top singles at country radio. Additionally, newcomer, Wilson, received notoriety and praise for her hit single “Things a Man Oughta Know.”

The New Faces of Country Music is a long-standing tradition in the country music genre. Prominent artists like Reba, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Eric Church, and more are just some of the few who have been honored with the title and praise early on in their respective careers.

It is clear that this year’s class have all proven their talent and their tenacity over the course of their careers, but especially this year. It will be exciting to see them perform at the coveted showcase next year! The upcoming Country Radio Seminar will be held February 23rd to February 25th, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

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

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Who Is Warren Zeiders? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

Who is Warren Zeiders? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about his journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Photo Credit: Chris Phelps

The Beginning:

Country artists have many different career paths and stories, which makes the industry so interesting and exciting at the same time. This week we spotlight a new artist who found his start recently thanks to social media and loyal fans.

Warren Zeiders hails from Pennsylvania, where he shares that his supportive family is everything to him.”It really started in church for me,” Zieders explains, regarding his introduction to music. “I come from a family that grew up in church,” he continues, “I just found a love for singing old hymns and singing in church.”

The 22-year-old spent his childhood enamored with music; despite, never considering it as a career.Being raised in church and realizing that I loved to sing, music was always my outlet, but it was never a career path in my eyes or my family’s eyes,” he shared.

Regardless, that did not stop Zeiders from collecting a large variety of influences and, of course, learning to play guitar in 6th grade.“The first concert I ever went to was with my father. It was a Jeremy Camp, TobyMac concert and those are two Christian artists. […] It was something that really left an impact on my life and my love for music.”

Zeiders also shared with us a love for southern rock, country music, and rock music. “I have a lot of different influences when it comes to where I take inspiration from, so my music really has hints of southern rock in it. I like to incorporate my Christian side into my music with my lyrics and certain messages that I spread to my fans and what I believe in.”

The Turning Point:

Things really started to shift for the singer-songwriter during his sophomore year of college. Up until that point, Zeiders focus was on playing Lacrosse and getting a degree in marketing. However, quarantine stopped him in his tracks, and really changed the course his life was on.

“The whole music thing did not really start until after quarantine,” begins Zeiders. “So after I gave up lacrosse my sophomore year and moved back home and had a change of pace in my life, I had some things to think through and figure out what I wanted to do in my life as a young adult.”

With some encouragement from a friend, the singer starting posting himself singing covers on social media apps like TikTok. “As a person who always loved to sing and probably sang more than he spoke, quarantine kind of came out of nowhere and I had a friend tell me you should make a TikTok and post on TikTok and Instagram and make it solely for music.”

Quite quickly, Zeiders found success and a fanbase on social media; garnering over 1.5 million fans on TikTok today alone. He eventually found the ears of a manager in the country music industry, who truly believed in his talent, leading the singer to release his own original music, as well as, a project of fan-favorite covers.

“I started recording music in my bedroom and starting putting it on social media […] Fans were consuming it at such a large rate where I never would have expected that. With that being said, that’s kinda where it all started to open my eyes to I might have an opportunity to pursue this.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Zeiders is definitely pursuing a career in the music industry. In his young career, he continues to show off his undeniable talent, charisma, and ability to craft music. Earlier this year, the singer released his first project of original music on what he calls the 717 Tapes. The EP features five original songs all co-penned by the newcomer, including fan-favorite “Ride the Lighting.”

Zeiders shared with us the interesting story behind the lead single, “‘Ride the Lighting,’ my most popular song right now, was actually the first song I ever wrote. It was the first song I ever wrote in Nashville during my first time in Nashville.” The singer wrote the song over Zoom, sitting in his manager’s guest bedroom.

Of course, Zeiders’ covers are just as popular as his own music. The recently released Acoustic Covers (Deluxe) album features some of his most incredible renditions that fans have fallen in love with on social media, including “Outskirts of Heaven.” Zeiders’ rendition features none-other than Craig Campbell on the track as well.

It is safe to say that Zeiders is the real deal. He will continue to release original songs and covers that speak to the diehard fanbase he has organically built, as well as, speak to his own journey as as a country music singer-songwriter. Keep your eyes peeled for more from the singer coming in 2022!

Connect:

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

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

Warren Zeiders’ 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.

My Country Secret Holiday Show - Mulcahy's Pub & Concert Hall, NY

Kaylee Ettinger | Video Editor for Country Swag

Kaylee was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. She is currently a senior at Rider University majoring in Film and Television with a minor in Event Planning. In her free time, you can find her boating, fishing, or at the beach jamming out to the latest country hits. You can connect with Kaylee on Instagram: 2000kaylee.

 

VIDEOS EDITED BY KAYLEE ETTINGER FOR COUNTRYSWAG:

Title: Country Brunch Goes Virtual
Date: April 1, 2020
Title: Country Brunch Goes Virtual • Round 2
Date: April 9, 2020
Title: Country Brunch Goes Virtual • Round 3
Date: April 14, 2020
Title: Country Brunch Goes Virtual • Round 4
Date: April 24, 2020
Title: Country Brunch Goes Virtual • Round 5
Date: May 6, 2020
Title: Country Brunch Goes Virtual • Round 6
Date: May 12, 2020
Title: 60 Seconds with Ashland Craft
Date: September 7th, 2021
Title: 60 Seconds with NELLY
Date: September 2nd, 2021
Title: 60 Seconds with Dylan Scott
Date: July 28, 2021

Ernest Reveals Morgan Wallen Collab, “Flower Shops” Pre-Save Available Now

Ernest officially reveals forthcoming Morgan Wallen collab, “Flower Shops”. Pre-Save for the new track is available now.

After the two teased the track through several live performances and cryptic posts to social media, Ernest has officially revealed that “Flower Shops”, the highly anticipated duet from Ernest and Morgan Wallen will officially be released on 12/31/21!

Fans can pre-save the song now wherever they listen to music. Click here to pre-save and make sure to follow us on Instagram, so you don’t miss any upcoming news.

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

To Keep up with ERNEST, follow him on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

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

Check out recently released tunes 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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Willie Lock Shares His Rendition of “Merry Christmas Baby”

Willie Lock releases his rendition of, “Merry Christmas Baby,” available now, December 10th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

Willie Lock is one of our favorite local New York country artists. He has the spunk, the charisma, and the talent to entice fans across the genre. In celebration of the holiday season, Lock is giving fans his spin on the iconic, “Merry Christmas Baby.”

Drawing inspiration from the pop-rock infused version by Hanson, the singer creates an enticing new rendition of the Christmas classic. Lock’s harmonies are incredible. This is a version of “Merry Christmas Baby” that will make you want to dance and sing-along, all while rejoicing in the holiday spirit.

“Santa came down the chimney // Half past three, y’all // Left all them a good ol’ present // For my baby and for me, ha, ha, ha // Merry Christmas, baby // Sure did treat me nice // You bought all those good ol’ presents // I love you, baby, rest of my life”
If you are loving Lock’s sound, make sure to checkout his other previously released songs, such as “My Brother” and “Bad Things.” Both are original songs, penned by the singer.

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

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

“Merry Christmas Baby” 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.

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Chris Lane Releases Romantic New Song “Stop Coming Over”

Chris Lane’s new song, “Stop Coming Over” is available now, December 10th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track here.

Multi-platinum selling singer, Chris Lane is leaving it all out in the open on his brand new song. Today, the artist releases a tender and romantic new track entitled, “Stop Coming Over.”

Written by Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi and Brett Tyler, Lane is able to make the lyrics come to life with his signature country-soul sound. Throughout the song, the singer expresses his desire to take the next step in a relationship. Although a married man and father in real life, Lane is able to convey the feelings of wanting a relationship to progress in a way that feels so real and relatable.

“Yeah things been going good // You and me been going great // It’s time to have a conversation // So girl let’s conversate // You already got a drawer // Hair pins on the floors // And half the bathroom  // Baby these four walls hate it when you’re gone // So I have to ask you // Hey what you say, we decorate and slap some paint on these doors”

“Stop Coming Over” might be one of our favorite Chris Lane songs to date. We are sure fans are going to fall in love with this heartwarming new tune.

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Chris Lane drops brand new song “Stop Coming Over,” 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 Chris Lane releases.

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

“Stop Coming Over” 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.

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HARDY Collabs with Morgan Wallen & Chris Shiflett on New Song “Goin’ Nowhere”

HARDY collaborates with Morgan Wallen and Chris Shiflett on final new HIXTAPE song, “Goin’ Nowhere,” out now, December 10th. Listen to the new song here.

In the final track off the incredible record HIXTAPE VOL 2., HARDY collaborates with his label-mate and friend, Morgan Wallen and the Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett. The new song, “Goin’ Nowhere” is a true-blue country song. It is the perfect tune to close out an incredible project of music and collaborations.

The song begins with a verse sung by HARDY. The singer-songwriter loves his small-town roots. Wallen lends his voice to the second verse, furthering the notion that these men are made for the small-town stoplights and stars in the sky. Of course, throughout the entire song, the hard-rock nature is on full-display. Shiflett’s guitar solo is also a prominent feature.

“‘Cause I’m stuck in this town in my truck riding ’round with a plus of log cut in my lip // You’d have to cut the whole tree down // Can’t rip these roots out the ground ain’t getting out and I don’t care // ‘Cause why in the hell would I leave // I don’t need anything but fried chicken and crickets”

There is nothing quite like a HARDY and Wallen collab. Fans can catch the two on stage next year during The Dangerous Tour. Find all the information here.

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HARDY collaborates with Morgan Wallen and Chris Shiflett on “Goin’ Nowhere,” out now.

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

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

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

“Goin’ Nowhere” 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.

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Country Music Community Supports St. Jude in ‘Love Music, Stop Cancer’ Campaign

The country music community supports St. Jude in their ‘Love Music, Stop Cancer’, campaign. Find out more about the initiative here.

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The 2021 ‘Love Music, Stop Cancer’ initiative brings together country musics stars and industry to raise money for St. Jude families. St. Jude, located in Memphis, Tennessee is a research hospital for children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. Perhaps the most special part about the organization is, thanks to very generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food.

Families receive the best care in the country, at no cost, making the worst and darkest days of their lives a little bit brighter – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. In addition, St Jude’s research facility and labs are open 24/7 and freely share their findings with hospitals and doctors across the country. They are working towards a world where no family ever has to hear the words “you have cancer”.

Launched more than 30 years ago, Randy Owen from the band Alabama stood up during Country Radio Seminar in Nashville and asked his friends, colleagues, and radio partners to join together to help St. Jude and the children they serve, and so, “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids” was born. The program unites more than 200 radio stations and dozens of country music artists annually to raise awareness and support for St. Jude kids.

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In addition, Owen, who has been an example of compassion and support since the beginning, kick-started the beloved tradition of giving the “Angels Among Us” award to others who have shown his spirit and exceptional dedication to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This year, the organization introduces the “Love Music, Stop Cancer” t-shirt. For a monthly donation of just $20, you can get the exclusive tee and help support this incredible cause. It costs over a million dollars daily to operate St. Jude each and every day. Donations allow St. Jude to continue to help children everywhere.

Join us and many of your favorite country artists like Carly Pearce, Brett Eldredge, Carrie Underwood, Jimmie Allen, and more in kicking cancer’s ass! #MusicGives

To donate and get your own “Love Music, Stop Cancer” t-shirt head to www.stjude.org.

5 New Male Country Artists to Be Excited About

Here are five new male country music artists that you should be paying attention to as they establish themselves in the genre.

Elvie Shane

Listen: “My Boy”

The incredible single-songwriter recently released his debut project County Roadsfollowed by his follow-up project,BacksliderShane’s debut radio single, “My Boy” landed him his first number one song back in October and thee singer-songwriter shows no signs of slowing down. His unique charm, charisma, and honest songwriting make him one of the artists we are most excited about this year. His talent is cool and fresh, and he is already vibing with country fans across the genre. Keep up with Shane on Instagram here.

 

Jackson Michelson

Listen: “Tip Jar”

Another artist we are loving, Jackson Michelson is one to look out for. Modern country lovers will fall in love with him in no time. He has radio appeal, swagger, and talent for days. Similar to one of our favorites, Filmore, Michelson is all about fun-loving and heartfelt songs. Check out his new EP, Back To That Summer, here. Make sure you give him a follow on Instagram.

 

Kameron Marlowe

Listen: “Giving You Up”

Arguably one of our standout favorites, Kameron Marlowe has intrigued us since the first moment we heard his music. His self-titled debut EP is one of the best we have heard in a long time. The singer writes and sings songs that are enticing, relatable, and as real as they come. Although we would recommend his whole record, his current single, “Giving You Up” is a must-listen. Follow along with him here.

 

Heath Sanders

Listen: “Common Ground”

We are also so excited about Heath Sanders and you should be too. When we interviewed the singer back in January about his Common Ground EP, we learned just how passionate he is for his craft. The four-song project conveys his love for country music and its listeners. We recommend that everyone add Sanders to their music rotation! Keep up with Sanders on Instagram here.

 

Jordan Rowe

Listen: “More Me”

Rounding out our list is the super talented, Jordan Rowe. The rising star has a sound that’s both modern yet traditional. He has written with some of the most talented songwriters in the industry, and it’s clear that now is the time for him to shine as an artist. With support from superstars like Luke Combs, who he opened for, there’s no denying that this is just the beginning for Jordan Rowe. Check out his debut album, Bad Case of the Good Ole Boy, here. Keep up with Jordan Rowe on Instagram here.

 

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

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.