Blog Archives

HARDY Shares HIXTAPE: Vol. 2 “Hometown Boys” ft. Dierks Bentley & Matt Stell

September 11, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Dylan Bestler

HARDY shares first taste of HIXTAPE: Vol. 2 with new song, “Hometown Boys,” featuring Dierks Bentley and Matt Stell. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

HARDY and Bentley are becoming quite the team. The two recently joined forces on Bentley’s fun bar tune, “Beers On Me.” Now, the two come together once again along with Matt Stell for the very first taste of the highly anticipated collaborative project, HIXTAPE: Vol 2. “Hometown Boys” is all about nostalgia and the friendships that have stood the test of time. Even though they are beyond their glory days, they still drink together, send each other fish pics, and reminisce on all of their past football games and dirt road shenanigans. Stell takes the first verse and chorus, followed by Bentley, and then HARDY closes it out, singing the final bridge and chorus.

“Still wild as a whiskey shot // Straight out the bottle in a parking lot // Man, I got a lot of love ’cause I wouldn’t be me without ’em // ‘Bout time somebody sang a song about them hometown boys”

HIXTAPE VOL. 1 contained ten songs, including the number one smash hit, “One Beer” with Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson, and featured seventeen different artists. VOL. 2 ups the ante, with fourteen songs and an impressive collection of 33 artists, such as Ashland Craft, Brantley Gilbert, Brothers Osborne, Chase Rice, Chris Lane, ERNEST, Jake Owen, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, The Cadillac Three and many others. Unlike the first project, HARDY’s vocals will not appear on all tracks; only six. VOL. 1 was very popular among fans and was essential to launching HARDY’s career as a singer. Now a star in the industry, anything HARDY is involved in is must-listen material.

“I am beyond excited about this release,” HARDY states in a recent press release. “I think it’s really the first one that’s going to truly introduce what HIXTAPE is all about, how it can take on a life of its own, and just be the first original Country mixtape with all different artists. I think the songs are great and everybody involved from the singers to the songwriters to the Big Loud family are some of my favorite people in the world. I’m just happy to be part of such a cool project and I have really high hopes for it.”

HARDY is still riding the success of his debut album, A ROCK, with the current single “GIVE HEAVEN SOME HELL” slowly rising up the charts. He is currently supporting Jason Aldean on his Back in the Saddle Tour. For tickets, head to his website.

The first single from HARDY’s collaborative project ‘HIXTAPE VOL. 2,’ “Hometown Boys” is out now featuring Dierks Bentley and Matt Stell.

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

To keep up with HIXTAPE, Follow Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Hometown Boys” 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.

Sam Hunt Releases Nostalgic New Song “23”

September 11, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Lucie Bernheim

Sam Hunt’s brand new song “23” is out now, September 9th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

Sam Hunt released one of the best records of 2020, Southside, six years after his debut chart-topping album Montevallo. Now, the singer-songwriter returns with a brand new track, “23”. The nostalgic song captures youth, young love, and a last-taste of summer vibe perfectly. “23” opens with a groovy guitar and drum moving you through the first verse.

“You could marry an architect // build you a house out on the water // that really impresses your father”

Hunt continues to name things that sound glamorous on paper, but even when you’re living a sophisticated lifestyle, there will always be the lingering memory of that one young love. The one whose memories together can never be replaced.

“No matter where I go, no matter what I do // I’ll never be 23 with anyone but you // You can marry who you want // Go back to Tennessee // But you’ll never be 23 with anyone but me”

The idea is both simple and universal, and it’s unlike other songs Hunt has released so far. Lyrically, it has all the elements that make any song he touches gold: it tells a specific, transportable story and is undeniably catchy. In some ways, though, it feels like Hunt is not the protagonist of the song. Over the last 8 years of his career, he has grown up, so it sounds like a true reflection of his past. It makes it more compelling to listen to.

It’s exciting to evolve with Sam Hunt and to see how he writes and processes different seasons of life. He remains recognizable on “23”, but continues to grow as a writer and artist. We can’t wait to hear where he goes next and to be on this musical journey with him.

Sam Hunt’s new song “23” is 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 and announcements about future Sam Hunt releases.

To keep up with Sam Hunt follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“23” 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 Music Songs Inspired by September 11, 2001

September 11, 2021/in Blog /by Team Country Swag

As we remember the tragic events that took place 20 years ago today, we remember the lives lost, as well as those families that were forever changed. In the wake of September 11th, 2001 as the country came together to mourn and lift each other up, country artists contributed to the healing by releasing songs that will forever honor the heroes in remembrance of that day.

Alan Jackson: “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)

Darryl Worley: “Have You Forgotten?”

Aaron Tippin: “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly”

Brooks & Dunn: “Only In America”

Eagles: “Hole In The World”

Lonestar: “I’m Already There”

Don’t miss this touching tribute from Cole Swindell performing his hit single, “You Should Be Here” in front of One World Trade Center honoring the heroes of 9/11…

Cole Swindell Performs Emotional 9/11 Tribute at World Trade Center

September 10, 2021/in Blog, News /by Team Country Swag

Back in May 2016, singer-songwriter Cole Swindell visited New York City to perform his hit single “You Should Be Here” on Fox and Friends in honor of the heroes of September 11th, 2001. Set on top of World Trade Center Four with the Freedom Tower of One World Trade Center creating the perfect backdrop, Swindell gave a whole new meaning to the powerful song which was originally written in memory of his father.

Families of those who lost their lives in the attacks on 9/11, first responders, and military personnel were all invited to attend the special performance. Before beginning, Swindell adds “This is absolutely the most special thing I’ve ever got a chance to do. I want everybody to know how much I respect this place and respect the families.”

Check out the full video below.

For more country music moments inspired by September 11th, click here.

Conner Smith Follows Up Debut with New Song “Take It Slow”

September 10, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Conner Smith’s new song “Take It Slow” is out now, September 10th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

Back in June, newcomer, Conner Smith made his artist debut. The singer-songwriter shared two brand new songs with fans. Both “Learned From It” and “Tennessee” showcased captivating sides of his artistry. Today, the singer is back with another new release, a song called “Take It Slow.”

The new track is smooth, nostalgic, and inviting. It depicts young love in a way that makes us all feel like we are experiencing it again for the first time. Smith is a breath of fresh air in country music. He does not try to be anything, but himself, and delivers music that is both believable and relatable. The song is romantic, yet innocent, a hard quality to have.

“You came down your stairs with that sundress and your Chuck Taylors on // Your pops said don’t keep me up all night long // We pulled out your drive about the time the sky went pink // I said baby what you think // You said take it slow // I know a backroad we can find a spot we can be alone // We can sway back and forth to what’s on the radio”

The song comes on the heels of Smith’s 21st birthday. A true entertainer, the singer is giving fans the song as a gift to celebrate. “Take It Slow” is sure to get stuck in your head after one listen. Kudos to Smith for another great release to add to his growing catalog of songs.

Conner Smith’s new song “Take It Slow” 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 Conner Smith releases.

To keep up with Conner Smith, follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Take It Slow” 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.

Cole Swindell Releases Brand New Song “Some Habits”

September 10, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Rebekah Milsted

Cole Swindell’s new song “Some Habits,” is out now, September 10th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig into the track.

After teasing fans on social media with photos and lyrics, Cole Swindell has released a new tune called, Some Habits” and it’s a good one! The new song comes on the heels of Swindell’s tenth number one song with “Single Saturday Night.”

Bad habits are hard to break, and everyone has picked up a bad a habit at some point in their lifetime, whether that is swearing too much, eating too much fast food, biting your fingernails, etc. However, when you meet the right person, they will bring the best out of you and help you change those bad habits into good. And that is what Swindell shares in this heartfelt ballad.

“Cause good bourbon is hard to put down // That high road is hard to stay on // That good book is hard to pick up // That old me is hard to turn off // Girl I’ve been trying like hell // Might be getting ahead of myself // But the longer I love you the more I know some habits ain’t meant to be broke”

The Georgia native started teasing the song on September 1^st, posting lyrics to the song accompanied by images of the singer in an open field. Three similar posts followed, accompanied by a presave link in his Instagram bio. When fans saved the song, they were thanked by three emojis of whiskey, a bible and a heart, leaving fans in suspense. And we are thrilled with the outcome!

While this is Swindell’s first solo release of 2021, he’s certainly been busy. The singer has been preparing new music and has been back out on the road on the Center Point Road Tour with Thomas Rhett. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Cole Swindell’s brand new song “Some Habits” 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 Cole Swindell releases.

To keep up with Cole Swindell follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Some Habits” 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.

Mitchell Tenpenny: ‘Midtown Diaries’ – EP Review

September 10, 2021/in Blog, First Impression, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Mitchell Tenpenny’s new EP, Midtown Diaries is out now, September 10th on all streaming platforms. Check out our full review and listen to the brand new music below.

It has been almost a year, since Mitchell Tenpenny released an original project. Back in October, the singer-songwriter debuted a special holiday project, Neon Christmas. Today, the rising artist is sharing more music with his fans. Tenpenny’s newest EP, Midtown Diaries is officially available.

The new record features eight brand new songs, all co-written by the singer. The EP kicks off with “To Us It Did.” In 2019, the singer teased this song with Seaforth at his sold-out New York City show. It was an instant crowd favorite. The nostalgic tune uncovers all the memories from our youth that we often think about and miss at times. He harps on the simple times, where having fun was your only objective.

Another fan-favorite song, “Bucket List” is also included on the project. On the single, Tenpenny reflects on his life and vows to cross everything off his bucket list. The third previously released song is “Truth About You.” The track, one of our favorites, is all about a messy break-up. Tenpenny shares the perspective of the person, who is being gossiped about.

“One of them went down and one is made up, but in the end, we both lose // Why can’t we meet in the middle, call it even, call it a truce // Yeah if you quit telling lies about me, I won’t tell the truth about you”

The other five songs are all brand new tracks. “Good Thing,” track number two is another reflective song. Tenpenny gives credit to the special woman in his life for keeping him on the straight and narrow. Similarly, on “I Can’t You Love Any More,” professes his love to that special person.

“I know a lot about a lot but I do know one thing // I can’t love you any more // I can’t love you any more // I can’t love you any more // Than I do right now // I can’t love you anymore // I can’t love you anymore // I can’t love you anymore // Than I do right now”

On “Girl’s Love,” Tenpenny leans into a more groovy melody. The purposeful phrasing of the lyrics feels both infectious and inviting. Tenpenny keeps up with those smooth vocals on “Don’t Let Me Let You.” The song feels most similar to the singer’s previous releases. New and old fans of Tenpenny alike will fall in love with this jam.

Lastly, Tenpenny includes “She Hates Me Too” on the project. Although the slowest song on the project, the song is one of the most poignant and rhythmic. The track is an olive branch to another man, who has been through a shared experience. Tenpenny shows empathy for a guy that they share an ex with. An interesting concept, the singer is always sharing fresh and new ideas in his songwriting.

We have been huge fans of Tenpenny, since before his record deal and before his first number one with “Drunk Me.” He continues to up the ante with each and every release. We are excited for fans to fall in love with this brand new EP as much as we have!

Midtown Diaries Tracklist

To Us It Did (Mitchell Tenpenny/Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt)
Good Thing (Mitchell Tenpenny/Thomas Archer/Kyle Fishman)
I Can’t Love You Any More (Mitchell Tenpenny/Michael Hardy/Jordan Schmidt)
Bucket List (Mitchell Tenpenny/Chris DeStefano/Laura Veltz)
Truth About You (Mitchell Tenpenny/Matt Alderman/Thomas Archer)
A Girl’s Love (Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt/Brad Tursi)
Don’t Let Me Let You (Mitchell Tenpenny/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth)
She Hates Me Too (Mitchell Tenpenny/Kyle Fishman/Justin Wilson)

Mitchell Tenpenny’s brand new EP ‘Midtown Diaries’ 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.

Midtown Diaries 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.

Lauren Davidson Shines On New Song “A Little Love”

September 10, 2021/in Blog, New Music, News /by Erica Zisman

Lauren Davidson’s brand new song “A Little Love” is available now, September 3rd, on all streaming platforms. Check out the track below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Our friend, local artist, and Country Swag’s On Air Personality, Lauren Davidson continues to release songs that we fall in love with. As we await her next EP, HINDSIGHT is 2020, the songstress continues to drop songs to keep us excited. Following her single “Silver Linings,” Davidson dropped her new song “A Little Love” today.

The new song is the fifth song off the upcoming project. Unlike the last release, “A Little Love” is a heartbreaker. The song feels straight from the heart and gives us a deeper look into the singer’s journey. According to Davidson, “This song “A Little Love” is the most personal and vulnerable song I have ever written. It started from an actual page out of my diary.” She added later, “To love something you have to risk losing it and we’ve all experienced a lot of loss this past year. I wanted to share a deeper part of myself with my fans and give them a piece of my messy heart.”

“The last time I was on the stage // It was the third week of March // April 4th you went and walked away with pieces of my broken heart // Someone asked and I said the wrong age because I forgot how old I was // Cause it feels like nothing has changed // and everything all at once // Sometimes, it feels like, I’m stuck between these four walls”

Davidson delivers authenticity and relatability on this new song. We praise her for being able to be this open and honest with her fans. “A Little Love” is one of her best songs to date.

Lauren Davidson’s new song “A Little Love” is 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 Lauren Davidson announcements and releases.

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

“A Little Love” 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.

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.

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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.