Luke

Luke Combs Premieres New Unreleased Song “Joe” at Opry

Luke Combs premiered a new kind of drinking song during his Grand Ole Opry performance, telling the story of “Joe” in the unreleased track. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Over the weekend, Luke Combs took the stage at Nashville’s coveted venue, the Grand Ole Opry. The singer performed hits like “Forever After All,” “Beautiful Crazy,” and “When It Rains It Pours,” but decided to surprise fans as well. As many who get the chance to perform at the Opry do Combs unveiled a brand new unreleased song to the audience, simply titled “Joe.”

Combs shared with fans that the song was only a few days old. He collaborated with Erik Dylan on the track, after Dylan had started it with another songwriter, James Slater. “I just thought it would be real awesome, and we finished it together,” shared the singer on stage, “I guess the title of this song would be “Joe.” So just hear me out and tell me what you think.”

Combs uses his voice to share a powerful story of a blue-collar worker and his redemption and recovery from alcoholism. A simple and quiet song, “Joe” is a top-notch story-telling song in country music. Combs’ rich voice and incredible delivery make you want to hang on to every lyric.

“Thank the Lord every morning with a sweet Amen // For how far I’ve come from where I’ve been // So here’s to good days and a better tomorrow // And a light at the end of the bottle”

For anyone who has ever found themselves or known someone who struggles with alcoholism, this song will hit home. It is all of our stories of struggle and redemption. Once again, Combs proves why he is one of the best in the business! Check out the full Opry performance below.

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

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

For the latest new country music tunes, follow our  ‘New Country Music’ playlist for your weekly new country music fix.

Miranda Lambert Releases “Geraldene” with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall

Miranda Lambert along with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall surprised fans today, April 28th with the release of their new song, “Geraldene” ahead of The Marfa Tapes, due out May 7th. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

County music superstar Miranda Lambert has joined forces with fellow musicians, Jack Ingram and Jon Randall on a brand new record entitled The Marfa Tapes, slated to come out on May 7th. The record is a culmination of intimate songs that the threesome wrote and recorded together in the tiny town of Marfa, Texas. This week, the singer-songwriters released a new song entitled “Geraldene.”

Continuing to make music that is good for the soul, Lambert, Ingram, and Randall add “Geraldene” to their early releases. With Lambert taking the lead on this track, the songstress pours her heart out in the song that respectfully mimics Dolly Parton’s hit song “Jolene.” The singer’s vocals soar on the song, as she clearly lets her emotions take center stage. Just as noticeable, the acoustic guitar feels almost palpable in the stunning song.

“Geraldene, Geraldene // Why ya gotta make me mean // Don’t make me cause a scene now Geraldene // Geraldene, Geraldene”

What makes this project as a whole and this song specifically so much fun is that the trio showcases every part of themselves on this record. Fans can hear Lambert’s voice crack a little about 2 minutes into the song, but instead of redoing the recording, the singers laugh it off. In the end, you can even hear the men telling Lambert to “Take a bow Geraldene.” We agree and are looking forward to the full release of this unique project on May 7th!

Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, & Jon Randall's "Geraldene" is available now, April 28th

Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, & Jon Randall’s “Geraldene” is available now, April 28th

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

To keep up with Miranda Lambert, follow her on TwitterInstagram, and Facebook.

“Geraldene” is now 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.

Woman of the Month: Lauren Black

In New York Country Swag’s “Woman of the Month” series, we’re bringing you stories from women who are chasing their dreams and building a life that they love.

Each month, we highlight a different female pursuing her passions. Introducing you to women who are taking risks, working relentlessly, and turning their dreams into reality. These are empowering women of the country music community, and beyond, who serve as role models and should be celebrated.

April 2021 Woman of the Month: Lauren Black

April 2021 Woman of the Month: Lauren Black

“I feel like as long as Im still feeling excited to go to these events and be included in that stuff, thats when I know Im doing something right” – Lauren Black

This month, we celebrate Lauren Black, Editor-In-Chief of Country Now as our April 2021 Woman of the Month.

Black is an absolute boss both in her professional and personal life. A mother of two, an entrepreneur, a content creator, and an editor, she is a force to be reckoned with. In our conversation, Black shared her tips for success, her love of country music, how she got her start, her role now, and everything in between.

Growing up in Florida, Black was a kid who was always into the creatives. From a young age, she was mesmerized by country music, finding herself listening to country radio with her parents as far back as she can remember. “I always tell this story, because it’s my first music memory,” she begins, “My parents always played country music and I remember listening to Trisha Yearwood’s “She’s In Love With The Boy” and it was my first favorite song that I ever had.” This set her on a trajectory to want to make country music a part of her everyday life.

During her adolescence, her dreams started to take shape. An early pioneer of vlogging, Black and her friend got a video camera one summer and began documenting everything. “We would go around town, I would interview people on this camera,” she shared, “With my love for country music, I thought, I want to interview country artists!”

Armed with a desire to be a journalist, Black attended college with her specific mission at hand. She learned very quickly that broadcast journalism just wasn’t for her. Continuing to pivot, she created her first-ever website with her best friend. “I started a website in 2008 when I was still in college,” she tells us, “I called it Country Music Is Love.” She also credited her then-boyfriend, now-husband for inspiring her to bring her love of country music to the world.

Four years after creating the website, which was geared towards providing all things country music to fans in the form of a blog, (i.e. covering shows, new music, country news, etc.) Black and her husband decided to move to Nashville from Florida. She had garnered many connections, since beginning her website over the years, and it was the right time to make the move to further grow her brand.

What Black did not plan for was a prominent group in Nashville wanting to buy her business from her. “In 2015, Universal Music Group approached me and was interested in buying ‘Country Music Is Love,’” she shared with us, adding, “It was an amazing opportunity, so I sold it to them, and it rebranded itself […]. Then I was there for 2.5 years as editor. Later, when my contract was over, we split ways.”

At the time, Black admits she was devastated and felt at a loss in her professional life. “At that moment in 2018, I hit rock bottom. I never felt like that in my life before,” adding later, “I honestly thought about leaving the music industry.” After a series of setbacks, the right opportunity finally fell into her lap. “I was approached later that year with the idea to start Country Now. Despite being a little hesitant, I was still initially really excited about it.”

Flash forward to today, Black is the content creator and editor-in-chief of a mega-successful country music entertainment website called Country Now. Although she worried at first if she could “do it again,” the website officially launched in 2019 and has survived and grown tremendously in spite of all the odds over the last couple of years.

While every day looks different for Black, as she juggles wearing many hats, she could not be more grateful for her life, career, and her family, including her two small children. “It’s kinda cheesy, but literally my dreams came true,” she tells us, “I just kinda found a lane that I wanted to be in. I just like that this [Country Now] is an outlet for music.”

As always, we wrapped up our conversation with the talented and inspiring professional by asking what advice she has for people hoping to break into the industry. Besides encouraging people to prioritize and figure out a work/life balance, something she admits is difficult for her, her advice is rather simple; “Just work hard. If someone asks you to do something, go above and beyond.” She also adds, “This industry is so much about who you know, let people know what you’re good at, and if opportunities come, they’ll come to you.”

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

 

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

The Best Taylor Swift Country Music Songs of All Time

As Taylor Swift relives her start with the re-release of Fearless (Taylor’s Version), we’re rounding up our all-time favorite Taylor Swift country music songs.

Taylor Swift / Photo Credit: @hogieaaa__ via @taylorswift on Instagram

Taylor Swift / Photo Credit: @hogieaaa__ via @taylorswift on Instagram

  1. Our Song 

Starting off with the first song I ever heard by Taylor Swift is “Our Song”. To think Taylor Swift was a freshman in high school when she wrote this absolute jam is unbelievable. The chorus is undeniably hooky and clever and holds up many years later.

  1. Tim McGraw

Taylor’s debut single was “Tim McGraw” and it’s the perfect high school sweetheart love song. The hook of the song is, “When you think Tim McGraw, I hope you think of me”, and in general it captures youth and the feeling of being seventeen very well.

  1. Fifteen

There are few story songs, in country music and beyond, that are as strong and evocative and will stand the test of time like “Fifteen”.  A song about the first days of high school and meeting her best friend Abigail, the two navigate friendship, love, first adult decisions, and realizations. “Back then I swore I was gonna marry him someday // But I realized some bigger dreams of mine // And Abigail gave everything she had to a boy who changed his mind // we both cried // …I found time can heal most anything // And you just might find who you’re supposed to be // I didn’t know who I was supposed to be // at fifteen.” 

  1. Love Story

“Love Story” is perhaps one of the most important songs in Taylor’s discography. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet,  Taylor swaps a new ending and new story for the very famous play. It’s the perfect pop-country jam; you can sing it with your friends in the car, at karaoke, and more. Sonically, the banjo in the song is spectacular, as is the key change. It truly is a perfect country song.

  1. Dear John

The pure genius of “Dear John” should not be lost on fans just because it’s almost 7 minutes long. Most likely about her infamous relationship with John Mayer, this is her Dear John letter to him. She channels him in this song and the beginning guitar riffs themselves are inspired by his hit “Gravity”. The lyrics are angry, emotional, and even reminiscent, and it builds into an incredible chorus and even better bridge. “But I took your matches before fire could catch me, so don’t look now // I’m shining like fireworks over your sad, empty town.”

  1. Never Grow Up

One of Taylor’s saddest and most beautiful songs about getting older is “Never Grow Up”. The song takes you through multiple stages of life- being little tucked into bed, embarrassed by your parents as a teenager, and moving away to an apartment by yourself. It’s a picture poignantly painted, and her vocals and delicate guitar arrangements are perfect accompaniments to the lyrics. “Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room // Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home // Remember the footsteps, remember the words said, and all your little brother’s favorite songs // I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone.” 

  1. Sparks Fly

I have a theory that the second song on any album is actually just as important as the opening track. “Sparks Fly” is a perfect second song. It’s upbeat and fun and makes you want to roll the windows down with your friends and feel infinite. Country music is about a lot of things: life, love, and of course storytelling, but much of it has to do with having fun. And that is just what this song is: a perfect, young summer country song.

  1. Enchanted

“Enchanted” is one of the most magical, almost mysterious songs in Taylor’s entire discography. it feels like an entire movie wrapped into one, it’s so cinematic and dreamy in the best way possible. “The playful conversation starts // Counter all your quick remarks, like passing notes in secrecy // And it was enchanting to meet you.” This song is a fan-favorite for many reasons and it will never get old.

  1. Treacherous

“Treacherous” is one of my all-time favorite Taylor songs. The lyrics are picturesque and so poetic, and the production and her vocal delivery is stunningly serene and intense at the same time. “This slope is treacherous // And I like it.” To me, it walks the tightrope of infatuation and trusting your gut, and it makes for possibly one of her best songs.

  1. I Almost Do

What makes “I Almost Do” a phenomenal, more acoustic country track is the plainly stated vocal delivery and simplicity in its story. “And I just wanna tell you // It takes everything in me not to call you // And I wish I could run to you // And I hope you know that every time I don’t // I almost do”. It’s direct and so honest that it feels like you’re reading a diary entry, and that’s what makes it so effective.

  1. Begin Again

“Begin Again” is a picturesque, thoughtful, and amazing album closer to Taylor’s Red album. The music video takes place in a coffee shop, and that’s exactly what the song sounds like. It’s about meeting someone new after a hard relationship ends. “You say you never met one girl who had as many James Taylor records as you // But I do // We tell stories and you don’t know why // I’m coming off a little shy // But I do.”  

  1. All Too Well

“All Too Well” is one of, if not Taylor’s most beloved album cut ever. And rightfully so. The iconic track 5 is dramatic in all the right ways, and if a song sounded like fall, this would be it. “All Too Well” is responsible for one of Taylor’s most iconic bridges. “Hey, you call me up again just to break me like a promise // So casually cruel in the name of being honest”. It’s a song as good to listen to with friends as it is by yourself, focusing on the lyrics. It’s a song that if it wasn’t so great, would be overrated.

  1. Right Where You Left Me 

The haunting bonus track on Taylor’s latest album Evermore captures the feelings of being stuck in the past and the melody, banjo, and guitar, as well as stellar lyrics prove to be as country as ever. No matter what Taylor makes, her compass will always point in the direction of one thing, and that’s storytelling.

Check out Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version of her album, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) here.

To keep up with Taylor Swift, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Country Stars Cover Songs off Justin Bieber’s ‘Justice’ Album and More

Justin Bieber is one of the most successful superstars of our generation. Despite his pop sound, Bieber has appealed to the masses and has fans from every genre, including country music. In celebration of his latest hit record, Justice, we’re taking a look at some of the country artists who have shared their own versions of Justin Bieber’s music.

 

  1. “Off My Face”- CB30

One of our favorite brother-duo groups, CB30 showed off their insane talent and harmonies, covering Bieber’s song “Off My Face” off the brand new record Justice. Fans are already insisting that the singers release their version of the song to streaming services ASAP. For now, fans can listen below on their Instagram.

 

  1. “One Less Lonely Girl”- Russell Dickerson

We are still in love with this old-school cover of “One Less Lonely Girl” by Dickerson. This 2011 cover is still just as amazing as it was back then. The song is one of the few songs that put Bieber on the map, and it’s exciting to look back at it through Dickerson’s (a virtually unknown artist at the time) eyes. Check it out below!

 

  1. “Intentions” – Temecula Road

The harmonious and talented trio, Temecula Road covered Bieber’s song “Intentions” last year. It is safe to say that they absolutely slay the cover, showing off their country roots, on an otherwise pop-infused jam.

 

  1. “HOLY”- Alana Springsteen

One of our newest favorite songstresses, Alana Springsteen is an absolute Queen when it comes to covers! She has covered songs from artists like Taylor Swift, Dan + Shay, and of course, Justin Bieber. Her cover of “HOLY” is so smooth and soothing, and we cannot get enough of it! Check it out below. While you’re at it, make sure to download her new song “Trying Not To” with Roman Alexander.

 

  1. “Love Yourself”- Kane Brown

Before he was a superstar and selling out arenas, Brown was just a kid trying to make it in country music. In 2016, he performed “Love Yourself” in a live studio radio performance, and doubters were stopped in their steps. His version still gives us chills. Watch the clip below!

 

who-is-tenille-arts

Tenille Arts Scores First #1 Song with “Somebody Like That”

Rising star Tenille Arts lands her very first career number one song at country radio this week with “Somebody Like That”.

For the second week in a row, a female country artist has the top song on the country music charts! Following Gabby Barrett, newcomer and NYCountry Swag 2021 Artist to Watch, Tenille Arts has landed her first number one song with her current radio single “Somebody Like That.”

Back in 2020, when we reviewed Arts’ record Love, Heartbreak & Everything In Between, we coined her single “one to watch,” and it looks like we were right. The songstress is one of those singer-songwriters that feels like your best friend giving you great advice. Her song “Somebody Like that” is all about not settling in a relationship until you find a love like no other. Her confidence, pride, and power all come through in this anthemic single. The infectious country-pop song is the perfect introduction to all of Arts’ talents!

“But I want that all in, falling’ // Keep the fire burning like the first time feeling // No matter what if I’m gonna love // I’m gonna love somebody like that // Kinda heart, open arms // Says forever and will never ever take it back // If I’m gonna love // I’m gonna love somebody like that”

We are excited to see what is in store for Arts as her career continues to blossom. We also hope that this is a turning of the tides for female artists in the industry, as more and more, get the recognition they deserve on radio.

Congrats to Tenille Arts and her team!

Join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Tenille Arts releases.

To keep up with Tenille Arts, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Somebody Like That” 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.

Who Is Sacha? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

Sacha

“Music has been ever-present in my life from my earliest recollections.” – Sacha

This week we are excited to introduce a rising singer-songwriter, who hails all the way from a small town in Ontario, Canada. Sacha, our next Swag Spotlight artist, is a budding talent in the industry, who is making waves with her music. A CMT’s ‘Next Women of Country’ inductee, this is only the beginning for the songstress.

Born and raised in a musical family from Ontario, Sacha has always had music in her heart and in her soul. “The impact of country living and country music just had an effect on me,” she tell us, “I grew up in a household of musicians. Every instrument was available in my house.” With an ear for all music, her family introduced her to the likes of artists like Patsy Cline, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and even Bob Marley.

“I didn’t even realize what kind of music I was falling in love with, it was just what I heard over the speakers that really struck a chord with me,” she shared, later adding that it was her mom’s Patsy Cline’s records that really stuck out to her. “I remember singing along and wishing I was the voice on the other side of the speaker.”

As she grew older, the idea of being a female singer-songwriter in the industry felt more possible after she discovered a brand new artist at the time, Taylor Swift. As a young girl, Swift was breaking records, writing music, and being portrayed in the best light by fans and the industry. I just wanted to sing,” she recalls, “You just dont know how youre going to connect those dots from a small town to the stage, to the dream.”

Armed with a passion, but a need to pay the bills, Sacha juggled both the “typical” life, working and grinding away with playing gigs wherever she could. I was playing the guitar for three hours a day, working on my guitar skills, writing, and then I started going down to the open mics,” shared Sacha, adding, “When I picked up my guitar to write a song, it was just natural to me to write a story, thats just what was natural to me, its just what came out of me, country music.”

After entering and winning a singing competition called “Canada’s Next Country Music Star” in 2016, doors started to open for the budding entertainer. Her dream of being a country artist continued to become more real when she connected with the incredible Leslie Fram of CMT and eventually was inducted into the 2021 class of CMT’s ‘Next Women of Country.’

Around the same time, Sacha released her EP The Best Thing, featuring her current charted hit “Standards.” As an independent release, the song broke the top 50 on the Canadian charts and created more buzz about her in the country music world. The song also happens to be an incredible anthem for people everywhere.

“The second I heard it, it just hit me like a ton of bricks,” she shared when she first heard the pitch for the song, “I always loved making music for the love of it, but the main thing is having a good message to go along with. […] We have a lot of heartbreak songs on country radio, but not a lot of songs that might help you avoid one,” she laughs, adding later, “Stick to your standards!”

Sacha promises that more music is in the works and continues to write as much as she can. Of course, as soon as it’s safe to travel, she hopes to come back to Nashville to be surrounded by people that inspire her. It’s safe to say it is only just the beginning for the songstress and her blossoming career.

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

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

Sacha’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.

Blake Shelton Releases New Song “Bible Verses” Ahead of New Album

Blake Shelton released a brand new song, “Bible Verses” ahead of his 12th studio album, ‘Body Language’ due out May 21st. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

As we anticipate the release of country superstar, Blake Shelton’s 12th studio album, Body Language, the singer gives fans another taste of the upcoming record. After releasing “Minimum Wage” and his duet with Gwen Stefani, “Happy Anywhere,” Shelton debuts the another track off the project called “Bible Verses.”

In a recent press release the singer shared, “No matter where you are in your faith, there are times you feel like you don’t measure up,” adding, “[The song] is an honest take on that conflict, but without preaching too much, it’s hopeful that everything will all work out in the end.”

One of Shelton’s most vulnerable ballads to date, the singer conveys what it’s like to struggle with your flaws. Written by prolific songwriters, Joe Fox, Andrew Peebles, and Brett Sheroky, the story is one that many people can find themselves in. It is clear in the singer’s impactful delivery that he is baring his heart, playing the role of a tortured soul.

“That I can open up that good book // And Heaven don’t look // Like it’s out of reach // When it feels like those apostles // Are giving me the gospel // And not the third degree // I just want it to read // Like Bible verses // And not the Bible versus me”

In the twenty years that Shelton has been a staple in country music when he burst on to the scene with “Austin,” he has provided us with an incredible catalog of songs. From the looks of it his next studio album, Body Language seems to fit the bill!

Blake Shelton's new song, "Bible Verses" is available now, April 23rd

Blake Shelton’s new song, “Bible Verses” is available now, April 23rd

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

To keep up with Blake Shelton, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and  Facebook.

“Bible Verses” 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.

Kip Moore Surprises Fans with New Song “Good Life” Ahead of Album

Kip Moore surprised fans with a brand new radio-ready single ahead of his yet-to-be-revealed fifth studio album. “Good Life” is available now, April 23rd, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Fans of the multi-platinum-selling artist, Kip Moore, are in for a treat today! The singer-songwriter released a brand new song earlier today, perfectly titled “Good Life.” The release marks Moore’s first new song, since the debut of his album Wild World Deluxe, and the first single from his upcoming, yet-to-be-revealed fifth studio album.

Co-written by Moore with Dan Couch and Jay Joyce, “Good Life” is all about appreciating the present and living for the moment, a message we can all use in today’s climate. Sonically, the song is a certified bop. It’s groovy, fun, and innovative. Plus, it’ll make for an incredible song to be played at a live show in the future.

“I’m livin’ me a good life // I wouldn’t change it if I could life // I might tell you that I’ll see you on down the road // But I’ll never tell ya goodbye”

“I haven’t been this fired up about new music in a good while,” shared the singer in a recent press release, “I wrote this song and many more while suffering this past winter and I can’t wait for the fans to hear what’s coming.” It’s clear Moore found inspiration in the depths of his soul, during this whirlwind year. It will be exciting to see what the rest of the project looks like going forward!

Kip Moore's new song, "Good Life" is available now, April 23rd

Kip Moore’s new song, “Good Life” is available now, April 23rd

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

To keep up with Kip Moore, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Good Life 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.

Sasha Sloan Teams Up with Sam Hunt on New Song, “when was it over?”

Sasha Sloan and Sam Hunt have joined forces on brand new song, “when was it over?”, available now, April 23rd, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new music.

Since Sam Hunt has been making music, he has melded pop and country together, creating one of the most popular movements in country music. Now, he has collaborated with singer-songwriter Sasha Sloan on the incredibly evocative track that features Hunts’ insane ear for country lyricism and storytelling and Sloan’s strong pop melody sensibilities.

“when was it over” opens with Sloan’s voice and smooth acoustic guitar guiding you through the story. Sonically, it is delicate, and it matches the lyrical nature of the song. “That time I met your friends, I was indifferent // The way you’re acting got me questioning // when was it over for you?”, she poses on the chorus.

Hunt’s perspective enters during the second verse, seconding Sloan’s questioning of a past relationship. The verses truly sound like you are inside their head as they sing; every thought and feeling that is lingering is being sung. “When I didn’t ask if you were okay // Aftеr a fight with your mom // The last time I stayed ovеr at your place // And you woke up alone // Was it the first time you pulled away?”, he sings softly.

Both Sloan and Hunt have exceptional voices, and the production is gorgeous, but it is the lyricism that makes this song as special as it is. It doesn’t feel overly country or pop, it just feels like a really well-written, natural song – the best kind of song.

“when was it over?” is co-written by the incomparable Shane Mcanally, who shared on Instagram that the duet and co-write was Hunt’s idea; and Sloan is the only artist he has ever told McAnally he needs to write with immediately.

In a recent press release, Sloan explained the meaning behind the song.“’when was it over?’ is about not being able to let go of someone even when you know there’s nothing left. Shane brought the title into the room and Sam and I both loved it. The rest fell into place from there.”

In many of Sloan and Hunt’s songs, they can be clever when talking about some of the heavier things in life, and it makes for great songs. But “when was it over?” is simply a classic, stunning song, (like Hunt’s “2016” or Sloan’s “Thoughts”) and sometimes that is all you need to make the perfect thoughtful heartbreak song.

Sasha Sloan & Sam Hunt's new song, "when was it over?" is available now, April 23rd

Sasha Sloan & Sam Hunt’s new song, “when was it over?” is available now, April 23rd

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

To keep up with Sasha Sloan, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
To keep up with Sam Hunt, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“when was it 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.