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5 Things to Know About Carly Pearce’s New Album ‘29: Written In Stone’

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As we wait for Carly Pearce’s third studio album, 29: Written In Stone to be released September 17th, we’re sharing 5 things to know about the record after chatting with Pearce herself.

  1. In many ways, 29: Written In Stone is a tribute to women everywhere.

“I feel so honored because I’m really excited about the [class of women artists] coming up behind me. I hope that little girls at home that are writing songs right now can see that anything is possible.”

 

  1. The new record features multiple co-writes with fellow artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Sasha Sloan, and Brandy Clark.

“[These artists] are songwriters outside of their own artistry and have unique ways of telling stories..who would have ever thought Sasha Sloan and I would write the most honky tonk country song ever? I met her on zoom …. It’s just fun. You never know… I’m just a fan of [other artists] and wanna try writing [with them].”

 

  1. The sonic inspiration for 29: Written In Stone stems everywhere from classic country to Americana to indie pop.

“Sonically, it was Patty Loveless, The Judds, Lee Ann Wommack, and lyrically, Adele, if I’m honest, Loretta Lynn, and vocally, I pulled from Tammy Wynette.”

 

  1. “Mean It This Time” is one of the most personal and hopeful songs Pearce has written to date.

“When I was writing [this song] I was crying so hard. I was [at a writer’s retreat] and I remember Jordan Mitton had the title and I was like ‘grab the guitar’… I was so inspired in that moment and melodies and words just flew out of my mouth for the chorus. I think it will be one that really hits me just everytime in my heart when I sing it.”

 

  1. The Ashley McBryde duet “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” is a dream fulfilled for Pearce. 

“I’ve only wanted to write with two of my peers, one being Luke Combs, and one being Ashley. In a lot of ways, musically and vocally, we are quite similar. I would sit next to her at rounds that we’ve played over the years and be like ‘I want to sing with her!’”

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Here are five things to expect from Carly Pearce’s upcoming album ’29: Written In Stone.’

Check out our full review of Carly Pearce’s 29: Written In Stone and listen to the project here.

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

For all your country music, tours, songwriters, news, and releases, fans can subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up newsletter here.

To keep up with Carly Pearce, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

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Thomas Rhett Scores 18th Number One Single with “Country Again”

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Thomas Rhett’s song “Country Again” officially marks his eighteenth number one single on Country Radio. The track follows the success of “What’s Your Country Song.”

Platinum-selling superstar, Thomas Rhett can truly do no wrong with fans and the country music industry alike. His talent transcends genres and generations. Back in March, his lead single “What’s Your Country Song,” the lead single off his record Country Again Side A, earned him his seventeenth number one song. Today, the second single off that project, “Country Again” is the next number one song of his career.

“Country Again” peaked the interest of fans, even before its release. The song strips back the production and focuses on simplicity. As the lyrics state, Rhett favors small-town life to the glitz and glam of fame. The song marks the singer’s return to his roots. Although we love everything Rhett puts out, it is nice to see him return to the sound and style of music that made him a household name.

“I spent way less time in Nashville // And more time in L.A. // My back home buddies, they quit callin’ // Thought I had too much on my plate // But last night we cracked some cold beers // And cranked Eric Church to ten // Thought, Man, it feels good to be country again”

Only time will tell what is next for Rhett’s career. It seems everything he touches is a success, and for good reason. Fans can look forward to the next installment of the singer’s double album, slated to come out later this year. Congrats to Rhett and his team for another hit!

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

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“Country Again” 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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Who Is Trey Lewis? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

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The Beginning:

This week our spotlight shines on Birmingham, Alabama native, Trey Lewis. Lewis has been grinding in the music industry for over a decade. Although his viral song “Dicked Down In Dallas” might have introduced you to him, there is so much more to the singer-songwriter’s story. 

Despite the fact that Lewis did not start playing music until he was nineteen, he grew up loving music. “I remember looking at him and thinking man I might want to something like that someday. That’s pretty cool- being a songwriter,” he tell us, sharing about a family friend. As a child, the singer recalls listening to the music his mom and sister were into.

“I’ve always been a fan of country music […] In the 90s, back then we had a ton of female country singers. We had Jo Dee Messina, Lorrie Morgan, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, The Chicks, all these great female country artists.” Lewis also credits artists like Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, and Jason Aldean as some of his early influences.

Over the years, his music taste began to widen. “When my sister went off to college and it was just me in the house, that’s where I started to find the music that I liked,” he shared. “I went through a rap phase and a hardcore metal phase, but like, I feel like country music was always a part of that.”

Unfortunately, Lewis hit a rough patch in his adolescence. He found himself in and out of jail and addicted to drugs. However, when he was nineteen he went to rehab and has been sober for the last fourteen years and counting. “Part of me getting sober, I was working at a smoothie shop and took half my paycheck and my grandfather gave me the other half and I went and bought a guitar and I taught myself how to play it.”

Lewis candidly added later, “Music totally saved my life. I don’t know where I would be without it.”

The Turning Point:

Though getting sober is what allowed him to pursue his dream of playing music for a living, Lewis’ endless drive and determination is what propelled his career forward. Three years ago, the singer-songwriter made the move to Nashville to pursue a music career.

Lewis spent time playing countless shows across the southeast of the United States. He played cover songs and some unreleased originals, garnering fan after fan. He continues to grow his organic fanbase, even to this day both in person and on social media.

The singer felt blessed to be making a living playing music, but yearned for some more success as his own artist. “I’ll never forget, that one day I’m driving around in my van and I was like,” he begins. “God if all you want me to do is play cover songs for a living, that’s fine, but wouldn’t it be cool for me to have a little success and show people to never give up.” Soon after that his song, “Dicked Down In Dallas” went viral.

His success on social media led him to share more and more original songs on TikTok, ultimately leading to his most recent EP, Shut the Door. “I’ve been sharing songs on TikTok and people were like ‘when is this song coming out?’ ‘when is this song coming out!?’” he tell us.  “I just said screw it, instead of doing a single, let’s just put five songs out.”

Today:

Lewis’ EP is a collection of five songs that really give the listener an inside look into what he is all about as a person and as an artist. Whether he wrote the song or chose to cut it, every song was hand-selected by Lewis. “My life is so different now where I’m at today. I’m finally making a decent living and things are great in my life. I feel like I’m turning the corner on a lot of stuff,” he shared, as he discussed the meaning behind the title track.

On the record, Lewis has more cheerful songs like “Backup Man” and more nostalgic songs like “Whatever Happened To That.” On one of our favorite songs off the project, “Anybody Other,” fans get a taste on the unapologetically authentic side of the singer. “I just am who I am and that’s all there is to it,” shares Lewis.

Ultimately, the project is solid. According to Lewis, “I do think all the songs do go together, sonically and lyrically. […] I feel like there’s a song on the EP for everybody even though every song is not for everybody.”

Fans can expect even more music coming soon too! “We’re going to keep coming at you all with more music and the best music we can.” There is truly no stopping Lewis!

Connect:

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

To keep up with Trey Lewis, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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

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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.

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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.

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Sam Hunt Releases Nostalgic New Song “23”

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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Cole Swindell Releases Brand New Song “Some Habits”

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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 1st, 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!

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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.

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Mitchell Tenpenny: ‘Midtown Diaries’ – EP Review

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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

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