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Maddie & Tae Drop New Song “Madness”

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Maddie & Tae’s new song “Madness” is out today, October 29th, on all streaming platforms. Learn more about the brand new track below.

Incredible female country-duo known as Maddie & Tae have had quite the career thus far. The songstresses reinvented themselves over the year, and now truly create music that is reflective of their lives and their hearts. Today, Maddie & Tae dropped a brand new powerful song called “Madness.”

The new single is a poignant love song that depicts where the singer-songwriters are in their own lives. In their March 2021 release, “Woman You Got,” the singers showcased their real-life husbands in the music video. On this song, it is clear that they are drawing inspiration from the relationships they are in. “Madness” shares all the incredible parts of love, but does not shy away from the hard parts too. It is a refreshing take on a popular topic in music.

“You’re my north star // You’re my hideaway // You’re my lighthouse shinin’ in a hurricane // You’re my best friend // You’re my favorite thing // Changed my mind, change my heart, change my last name”

Maddie & Tae have taken their fanbase for a ride, since their song “Girl In A Country Song.” It seems the singers are firmly planted in their artistry right now, and we cannot get enough of it! We look forward to more new music coming from Maddie & Tae sooner rather than later.

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Maddie & Tae’s brand new song “Madness” 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 Maddie & Tae releases.

To keep up with Maddie & Tae, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Madness” 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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Elvie Shane: ‘Backslider’ – Album Review

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Elvie Shane’s debut album Backslider is out now, October 29th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

Earlier this year, we were introduced to a brand new recording artist in country music, Elvie Shane. We were blown away by his debut EP County Roads, which featured six country-rock songs that showcased his artistry and grit. Today, the singer-songwriter released his debut album, Backslider. The record boasts fifteen original songs that traditional and modern country fans alike will fall in love with.

The album kicks off with a stunning song called “I Will Run.” The powerful track depicts all of the instances in our lives that we normally run away from. Instead, the beautiful thing is, what we run towards. Shane has a way of flipping a poignant word on its head and making you rethink it, proof of his incredible songwriting.

Another common thread on Backslider is Shane’s ability to showcase his personal story through fun and alluring songs. His number one single “My Boy” depicts his unconventional road to fatherhood, while “My Mississippi” is the personal story of his life. Similarly, Shane brings the nostalgia on “Love, Cold Beer, Cheap Smoke” and the EP’s title-track, “County Roads.”

Shane slows things down on his previously-released “Sundress.” One of our favorites from his debut EP, “Sundress” portrays the singer’s sensitive side.  The sensual lyrics are both vulnerable and touching. Of course, the singer’s vocals also shine on the track. Proving that the artist is just as talented as a songwriter as he is a vocalist.

“We snuck off just around midnight // Threw a little red dust in her tail lights // Drove far enough to get real close // Pulled off on a no-name road // I still think about her now and then // How the night looked on her skin // Ain’t never seen a sunset like // her sundress sitting in the moonlight”

Similarly, we cannot help, but to love Shane’s song “Rocket Science.” Although somber, the new song is relatable and beautiful. The singer professes that understanding the one he loves is like learning “rocket science.” After just one listen, it is clear the singer knows a thing or two about heartache. Shane continues to break himself right open for fans on his killer collaboration with Tenille Townes, “Nothin’ Lasts Forever” as well.

Of course, Shane makes sure to double down on the country-rock elements of his artistry on his full-length record as well. “Saturday Night Me” depicts the slower elements of rock, while “Heartbreaks & Headaches” and “My Kinda Trouble” are the best of the country-rock genre!

However, the record culminates with another intricate ballad called “Miles (with my Mama).” The song is deeply personal, as it portrays the singer’s struggle with losing his father and the emotions that come from that pain. A tribute of sorts, the song digs into the good and the bad of loving and missing someone. Similar to the vulnerability of the hit, “My Boy,” “Miles” is another example of why Shane has cemented a place in country music.

Overall the fifteen-track debut is one of the best of the year. Shane is unapologetically himself. He can write, sing, and convey a story like no one else right now. Backslider is everything we hoped it would be and a must-listen for all.

Backslider Tracklist

  1. “I Will Run” (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
  2. “Love, Cold Beer, Cheap Smoke” (Elvie Shane, Russell Sutton, Drew Green)
  3. “Sundays in the South” (Elvie Shane, Derrick Southerland, Albert E. Brumley)
  4. “Sundress” (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
  5. “County Roads” (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
  6. “Rocket Science” (Elvie Shane, Joybeth Taylor, Jakob Miller, Oscar Charles)
  7. “My Kinda Trouble” (Elvie Shane, Erik Dylan, Ray Fulcher)
  8. “Kickin’ Stones” (with The Fletch) (Fred Eltringham, Steve Mackey, Rob McNelley, Tom Bukovac, Kris Donegan, Matt Nolen)
  9. “Saturday Night Me” (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
  10. “My Boy” (Elvie Shane, Russell Sutton, Nick Columbia, Lee Starr)
  11. “Heartbreaks & Headaches” (Elvie Shane, Dakota Payton)
  12. “Nothin’ Lasts Forever” (with Tenille Townes) (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Oscar Charles, Matt Willis)
  13. “Keep on Strummin’”(Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles, Clinton Payton)
  14. “My Mississippi” (Elvie Shane, Jakob Miller)
  15. “Miles (with My Mama)” (Elvie Shane, Jonathan Sherwood, Luke Preston)
elvie-shane-debut-album

Elvie Shane’s debut album ‘Backslider’ is available now.

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

To keep up with Elvie Shane, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Backslider 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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Mitchell Tenpenny: ‘Naughty List’ – Album Review

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Mitchell Tenpenny’s full-length Christmas Album, Naughty List is available now, October 29th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

It may be Halloween weekend, but Mitchell Tenpenny has us dreaming about Christmas with his full-length holiday album, Naughty List. The 11-track project is filled with holiday classics and original songs. It is the perfect album to curl up by the fireplace with your loved ones and enjoy the season.

While seven of the tracks were featured on the singer-songwriter’s 2020 EP Neon Christmas, Tenpenny is sharing his spin on two more covers as well as two originals.

We learned with Neon Christmas that Tenpenny can make the classics such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!”,  feel brand new.  There was no doubt that he would deliver again.  Putting his one-of-a-kind vocals together with an electric guitar, you will be up and dancing in no time when listening to “Jingle Bell Rock”.  You’ll continue to be on your feet with “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”. Filled with an epic guitar solo, an appearance from Santa and standout vocals from Tenpenny, it shows the Nashville native’s originality.

“I Hope it Snows” featuring Meghan Patrick is one of the best original Christmas songs we’ve heard. It tells the story of bringing your significant home for the first time to meet your family and take part in the season’s traditions. The ballad starts out with Patrick bringing in M10 during the second verse and chorus. Their vocals blend perfectly creating an instant classic.

“I hope it snows on Christmas Eve // Like a winter wonderland in my parents backyard // And I hope you know how much it means to have you in the picture of our postcard // Holidays in the South is all you know // So we’re headed up North and I hope it snows”

“Don’t Hang the Mistletoe” is the second new original. It’s a fun love track that will have you hanging up mistletoe as soon as possible. But be warned you may never leave the house due to the amount of kissing you’ll be doing. With his country charm with a bit of R&B flare, Tenpenny shows his many vocal ranges.

Overall, Naughty List shows how great of an artist Tenpenny is. We will certainly have the album on repeat all season long!

Naughty List Tracklist:

  1. “Neon Christmas” (Mitchell Tenpenny/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers)
  2. “Snow Angels” (Mitchell Tenpenny/Ernest Keith Smith/Rafe Tenpenny)
  3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane)
  4. “Naughty List” (Mitchell Tenpenny/Andy Albert/Jordan Schmidt)
  5. “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” (Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne)
  6. “Don’t Hang the Mistletoe” (Mitchell Tenpenny/Kyle Clark/Jordan Schmidt)
  7. “Joy to the World” (Public Domain)
  8. “Jingle Bell Rock” (Joe Beal/Jim Boothe)
  9. “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (J. Fred Coots/Haven Gillespie)
  10. “I Hope It Snows” (feat. Meghan Patrick) (Mitchell Tenpenny/Jeff Cibulka/Meghan Patrick)
  11. “O Holy Night” (Public Domain)
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Mitchell Tenpenny’s holiday project ‘Naughty List’ 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 Mitchell Tenpenny releases.

To keep up with Mitchell Tenpenny, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Naughty List 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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Summer 2022 Country Music Festivals Worth Traveling To

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Festival season will be here before we know it! As the colder weather sets in and we start to plan ahead, we have compiled a list of country music festivals worth traveling to next Summer 2022, from right here, in New York to California, and everything in between.

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Erik Voake // Stegecoach 2017

Stagecoach (April 29th-May 1st)

One of the biggest country music festivals in the country, Stagecoach kicks off on April 29th in the desert of Indio, California. The three-day event features everyone from rising artists to superstars in the country music genre, including entertainers like Luke Combs, HARDY, Jordan Davis, Tanya Tucker, and more. For more information click here.

 

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of CMAWorld.com

CMA Fest (June 9th- June 12th)

Arguably the biggest country music event of the year, CMA Fest is held in Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium. For 2022, the four-day extravaganza is being held June 9th- June 12th. Find tickets to the epic weekend at visitcmafest.com or just book your plane ticket to Nashville, and experience some of the many free shows held throughout the week! Expect to see the biggest names in country music on the stadium line-up, which will be announced sometime in 2022.

 

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of @CarolinaCountryMusicFest Facebook

Carolina Country Music Fest (June 9th- June 12th)

If Nashville is too far to travel, another great option is taking a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for Carolina Country Music Festival. The awesome beach festivities are being held June 9th through June 12th. Big names like Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean have already been announced as 2022 headliners! For more information head to carolinacountrymusicfest.com.

 

 

Faster Horses Country Festival (July 15th- July 17th)

Michigan’s three-day country music festival is set for July 2022! Fans who love spending the weekend camping with good music will love this fun and exciting festival. The lineup has not yet been released, but the festival boasts past performers such as Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, and more. For more information head to http://fasterhorsesfestival.com.

 

Summer Festivals

Photo Courtesy of http://www.countryjamwi.com

Country Jam USA (July 21st- July 23rd)

The Wisconsin country music festival, Country Jam USA will take place this year July 21st through July 23rd. Country Jam USA has been a staple, during festival season for over 25 years, featuring popular artists such as Blake Shelton and Eric Church. Make sure to check out countryjamwi.com for more information, including tickets an camping passes.

 

 

Country Thunder (Wisconsin) (July 21st- July 24th)

The Country Thunder festival has expanded to five cities over the years; however, Wisconsin remains one of the favorites. This year, the festival boasts Morgan Wallen as their headliner for multiple cities. Tickets and more information for the four-day event are already available at countrythunder.com.

Summer Festivals

Photo Couresty of @WindyCitySmokeout Facebook

Windy City Smokeout (August 4th- August 7th)

If you’re looking for some great country music, beer, and some good BBQ food, Windy City Smokeout might be your festival! The three day Chicago festival is being held August 4th through August 7th. For more information head windycitysmokeout.com and look out for tickets becoming available soon. Past headliners include Brett Young, Walker Hayes, and Kane Brown. 2022 artists will be announced early next year!

 

Country music lovers, make sure to check out one of these great festivals next Summer!

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

For music, check out the freshest new 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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Here Is The Full List of Who’s Perfoming at The 2021 CMA Awards

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The Country Music Association has revealed who fans can expect to see performances from during The 55th Annual CMA Awards!
Taking the stage on ‘Country Music’s Biggest Night’ will be:
Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Old Dominion
Chris Stapleton
Chris Young and Kane Brown
Jimmie Allen
Brothers Osborne
Eric Church
Dan + Shay
Mickey Guyton ft. Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards
Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
Blake Shelton
Additional performers and presenters will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Hosted by Luke Bryan, 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

—

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.

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Morgan Wallen’s Unreleased Cuts That You Need to Listen To ASAP

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Although Morgan Wallen has had a rollercoaster of a career thus far, the singer-songwriter continues to share new music with fans in the form of unreleased cuts. Here are six Morgan Wallen unreleased cuts that you need to listen to ASAP.

 

“You Proof”

Already a fan-favorite, Wallen posted a 1 minute clip of this song back in July, and fans have been begging for its release everyday since. The song is a rhythmic, love song that you cannot help, but to jam to.

 

“Thought You Should Know”

One of our absolute favorites, “Thought You Should Know” is Wallen’s song for his mother. The singer-songwriter shared the full song on his socials back in May. The song shows that Wallen is continuing to grow both as a human and as a songwriter.

 

“Don’t Think Jesus”

“Don’t Think Jesus” is one of the newest songs that Wallen has unveiled to fans. Although he didn’t write this one, the ballad clearly touched the singer and reminded him of his own journey thus far. Although Wallen dabbles with different sounds in his song, this one is pure traditional country music at its finest.

 

“Drink U Back”

A frequent collaborator, Wallen wrote “Drink U Back” with Ernest. The song conveys all the emotions involved in a difficult break-up. All vocals and all heart, the song features a vocally-impressive performance by Wallen, showing his softer and more vulnerable side.

 

“Untitled”

Even without a formal title, this song is a hit! Similar to Wallen’s songs like “Warning” and “865,” the singer leans into a fresh sound with this song that depicts a fling that did not go according to plan on Broadway in downtown Nashville.

 

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

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

For the latest releases in country music, check out our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Jimmie Allen Gives Emotional ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Horror Night Performance

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Jimmie Allen gave an incredibly moving and emotional performance during week six of Dancing With The Stars.

This week was Horror Night on Dancing with the Stars, and despite the spooky theme, Jimmie Allen was quite emotional during the Monday night broadcast. Allen and his partner, Emma Slater danced a contemporary piece designed to resemble a scene from the movie, A Quiet Place. Allen and Slater thrilled judges and fans alike, earning their first 10s of the season and a combined judges score of 38, allowing them to sail through to the next round. The country singer and father of three was moved to tears after the dance, explaining that the theme of the performance, protecting those you love at all costs, resonated so deeply that he couldn’t help but convey his emotions.
Jimmie Allen fans can vote for him and other celebrity favorites when Dancing With The Stars airs Mondays at 8PM ET on ABC.

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

To keep up with Jimmie Allen, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Jimmie Allen’s music 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.

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Spotify Premieres New Season of ‘Living & Learning with Reba McEntire’

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Spotify premiered a brand new season of ‘Living & Learning with Reba McEntire,’ with two episodes featuring Rex Linn and Trisha Yearwood.

reba-living-&-learning-new-episode

Country royalty, Reba premiered her podcast ‘Living & Learning with Reba McEntire’ last year, featuring incredible guests. This week, in conjunction with Spotify, Reba premieres not one, but two episodes to kick off Season 2 of the successful podcast!

On Episode one, Reba is joined by her boyfriend Rex Linn. The two dive in to a deep conversation about life, love, and their careers. This marks the first time the couple have ever publicly let fans know intimate details of their life and relationship.

On the second episode of the double feature premiere, Reba brings on another legend in country music, Trisha Yearwood. Reba and Yearwood gab about their careers, their friendships, and much more. Individually both women are undeniable living legends, so this episode is absolutely iconic.

If you are looking for a new podcast to get into, we definitely suggest ‘Living & Learning with Reba McEntire,’ especially if you’re a true-blue country music fan.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more.

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Who Is Harper Grae? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

who-is-harper-grae
The Beginning:

Today we shine our light on another singer-songwriter and badass female country artist in the industry. Harper Grae is an incredible entertainer, who has spent years honing her craft and finding her voice. We chatted with her about her upbringing, her journey to country music, and where she is now.

Hailing from a small town in Alabama, Grae was raised by her grandparents. “They were so full of music and love,” shared the singer as she reminisced about her childhood. According to Grae, both of her grandparents were musical. Her grandfather played guitar and her grandmother sang in church. Similarly, the songstress got her start in church.

“The first song I ever learned was ‘Amazing Grace’ and I sang that in church before I even went to Kindergarten,” she shared. Grae was that little girl who was constantly singing and putting on shows for her family members. Despite her love of music, she never dreamed that she could do this as a career, until she headed to college.

“When you’re from such a small town you really don’t know that there’s so much more out there, unless you’re influenced by it or you get the opportunity to go somewhere,” she began. “So when I was in college, I really had a ton of opportunities to really just culture myself and understand that I can do music for a living.”

During her time at Auburn University, Grae studied musical theatre. As fate would have it, the singer got cast on a show called “The Glee Project” her senior year of college, marking her first ‘big break’ and the first time she had been West of the Mississippi River. The journey led her to Hollywood, where she learned important lessons that she would not have learned otherwise.

The Turning Point:

Despite how incredible the show was, Grae knew she wanted something different. Deciding against going to New York City to try out for Broadway, Grae hightailed it to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her heart’s desire. Growing up, she recalls country music being a staple of her youth. Artists like Martina McBride and Reba were her inspirations.

“I actually wanted to go back to my roots in country music and move to Nashville,” she recalled, when discussing this time in her life,” adding later, “I moved to Nashville right after that show. I’ve been here now writing and releasing music, touring, just really doing it from grassroots.”

Now a Nashville transplant for over a decade, Grae realizes how influential country music has been throughout her whole life. “I was listening to a lot of country music and realized I was that little girl singing ‘Concrete Angel’ in Kindergarten. […] I related so deeply to the lyrics.”

Grae continued to find her people and hone her craft through her years in Nashville. She has become a positive role model and a light for many, who are fans of her music. “I feel honored to walk the walk that I am in country music, being a lesbian country music singer. There’s still a lot of work to be done. […] For me personally, I just want to be that encouraging voice to anyone who is in a small town, who is in a conservative time […] if I could help a child not have to undo something because of my music, then it’s priceless.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Grae is at the point in her career where she is confident and truly herself. “There’s so many supportive voices and there’s so many minorities being lifted up right now by the industry,” she shared. Adding, “I’m not chasing anything anymore other than writing great music and making art.”

That sentiment describes Grae’s music beautifully. We chatted with the songstress about two of her poignant songs, including “Still Your Mother.” The track resonated with people everywhere for its vulnerable lyrics and somber honesty about miscarrying before giving birth to her rainbow baby girl. “I had never put pen to paper about the experience of my miscarriage before,” she began, “I finally felt like I was ready to talk about this and sing about this.” She went on to add, “When I wrote “Still Your Mother” I just wanted to honor the life that was lost and for that little boy to have his own legacy and song.”

On the flip side, Grae has the ability to showcase multiple facets of her personality through her music. Most recently, the singer-songwriter released “I Think About You.” The song was inspired by all the exes that came out of the woodwork, once Grae went public with her now, wife. “There was this thru-line of like ‘I don’t understand how you don’t think about me,'” shared the singer, when thinking about what all her exes would say when they reached out to her.

Grae even let Country Swag followers in on a little secret about the song and its lyrics. “When you’re listening to “I Think About You” you’re probably going to think it’s about one person. […] But really, what this song is about, every single lyric is about a different ex of mine.”

It is safe to say that this is only just the start for the songstress. She has more music in the works for the top of next year, as well as, tour dates on the books. Hopefully, Grae will even get to go out on tour with her fellow class of 2021 CMT Next Women of Country comrades too!

Connect:

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

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

Harper Grae’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.

Country Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner Featured on ‘Unplugged’

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Interested in learning a bit more about Country Swag and our Founder, Stephanie Wagner? Check this out!

Country Swag Founder, Stephanie Wagner was asked to be a part of a new series called “Unplugged”. Created by two college students, Kaylee & Kelly who major in Film & Television, “Unplugged” tells the stories and experiences of successful women in various media fields.

In this episode, Stephanie talks about the start of Country Swag, running a country music company in New York City, the challenges of the business through COVID and she debunks some myths of the job!

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

For new recently released tunes, follow our ‘New Country Music’ playlist.

Plus, follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more.