BREAKING: Thomas Rhett Just Announced The Center Point Road Tour

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Thomas Rhett just announced The Center Point Road Tour kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Thomas Rhett on tour will be show openers, Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett, although some shows will vary.

In addition to rescheduled shows, some new dates have also been added to the list.

Fans can purchase tickets for NEW shows beginning next Friday, April 23 at 10AM local time at thomasrhett.com/tour. Tickets for all remaining/rescheduled shows still apply! For any further previous ticket inquiries, fans are advised to reach out to point of purchase.

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

Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…

2021 THE CENTER POINT ROAD TOUR DATES

8/13/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/14/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/20/2021- Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21/2021- Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
8/22/2021 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
8/26/2021- Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/27/2021- Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
8/28/2021- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/29/2021- Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
9/3/2021-  West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
9/4/2021-  Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/16/2021- Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*+
9/17/2021- Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center* +
9/18/2021- Boston, MA – Xfinity Center+
9/23/2021 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
9/24/2021- Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
9/25/2021- Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/1/2021- Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre*
10/2/2021- St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/3/2021- Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/7/2021 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/8/2021- Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*
10/9/2021- Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

* Indicates rescheduled tour date    
^ Indicates Openers Rhett Akins and Gabby Barrett
+ Indicates Openers Cole Swindell and Conner Smith

Eric Church: ‘Heart’ – Album Review

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Eric Church’s new album, Heart, is available now, April 16th, on all streaming platforms. The record marks the first of 3 new albums to be released by Church this month, including ‘&’ and ‘Soul‘, which will come next week. Read our first impression review of ‘Heart‘ below as we dig a little deeper into the new music. 

Eric Church's first of three new albums, 'Heart' available everywhere now, April 16th

Eric Church’s first of three new albums, ‘Heart’ available everywhere now, April 16th

There are few artists as unique and innovative as Eric Church. Determined to bend the conventions of the music industry, Church continues down that path with the first release of his three-part collection, Heart & Soul. Heart is out today (April 16), followed by ‘&’ on April 20 (released exclusively on vinyl to members of his fan club, The Church Choir), and Soul on April 23. Each part of the collection was born during Church’s month-long retreat to the mountains of North Carolina, where he collaborated with famed producer Jay Joyce on 24 new explosive and introspective tracks, each with a unique sound and story.

The album opens with “Heart On Fire,” and it’s immediately apparent that Church is back and better than ever, ready to do something different on this record. One of the highlights of many of Church’s recent releases has been the use of a female background vocalist, and this is on full display here, as is a mean guitar solo that begins around the 2:25 mark.

“Heart of the Night” tells the tale of escaping a suffocating life, and the staccato delivery of “Let’s point this thing west //into the chest // of the still-beating heart of the night” is one of our favorite things we’ve heard in a long time. The bridge takes on a life of its own as it completely changes melodically, venturing into almost Broadway-esque territory, and it’s clear we’re witnessing something special on this album.

“Russian Roulette” is a clever take on that moment when a song can literally cripple you. Church assures us that he’s doing okay, but he needs to avoid those songs that will strike him like a bullet, “messing up my head, playing Russian Roulette with the radio.” This is such a relatable topic that those who know and love music can most certainly relate to, as everyone has a song, or songs, that can bring you to your knees. “I need a melody without a memory,” He pleads. “Take me where I’ve never been // I hear ‘em gunnin’ for me // I feel ‘em huntin’ for me // But I ain’t tunin’ them in.”

Church also continues to celebrate humanity in different ways on “People Break” and “Never Break Heart.” The first is a slow homage to heartbreak. “People break, people try // Things happen people cry // Someone leaves, love dies,” Church sings over the melancholy music. “Someone changes their mind // Baby I get it I really do // But now I gotta go and do the hardest part // Break the news to a broken heart.”

As usual, Church isn’t one to stay quiet when it comes to the realness of life, tackling some of life’s toughest topics on “Stick That In Your Country Song”, which is interestingly the only song on this collection that he didn’t co-write. Profiled on the cover of Billboard for encouraging fans to receive the COVID vaccine, Church is open to singing and talking about everything.

The album goes out with a bang, just as it began. “Bunch of Nothing” shows a different side of Church, a more twangy up-tempo than we’re used to from the Chief, lending itself midway through to a hand-clapping musical interlude that is sure to have you bopping along. 

The final song on Heart is “Love Shine Down,” a track that builds from a sparse slow tempo to a full-out Gospel-inspired jam. Here, Church gives a nod to one of his earliest hits, “Sinners Like Me,” as he sings, “It’s cold and it’s dark in this sinner’s heart // Lady let your love shine down.”

Eric Church’s Heart is a unique and genre-bending release, showing different sides of Church, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, we can’t wait for the next two releases from Heart & Soul.

NYCS Picks:

  1. Heart of the Night
  2. People Break
  3. Russian Roulette
Eric Church set to release three albums, 'Heart', '&', 'Soul' this April 2021

Eric Church’s three-album project, ‘Heart’, ‘&’, ‘Soul’, April 2021

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

To keep up with Eric Church, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Heart 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.

BREAKING: Brothers Osborne Just Announced ‘We’re Not For Everyone’ Tour

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Brothers Osborne just announced The We’re Not For Everyone Tour kicking off this Summer 2021. Check out the full list of dates below.

Joining Brothers Osborne on tour will be show openers, Tenille Townes and Travis Denning.

Fans can purchase tickets beginning next Friday, April 23 at brothersosborne.com. Special fan club presale tickets will be available to “The Family” starting 10am local time on April 20.

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

Check out the dates below for the full list of shows…

WE’RE NOT FOR EVERYONE TOUR Dates:

Jul. 29                   Philadelphia, PA                               Skyline Stage at the Mann

Jul. 30                   Boston, MA                                       Leader Bank Pavilion

Jul. 31                   Westbrook, ME                                Maine Savings Pavilion at Rock Row

Aug. 1                   Providence, RI                                  Bold Point Park

Aug. 4                   Toledo, OH                                        Toledo Zoom Amphitheater

Aug. 5                   Maryland Heights, MO                    Saint Louis Music Park

Aug. 14                 Council Bluffs, IA                              Stir Concert Cove – Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel***

Aug. 15                 Dubuque, IA                                      Q Casino Back Waters Stage***

Aug. 19                 Asbury Park, NJ                                Stone Pony Summer Stage

Aug. 20                 Bridgeport, CT                                  Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater

Aug. 21                 Farmingville, NY                               Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater

Aug. 26                 Charlotte, NC                                   Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

Aug. 27                 Raleigh, NC                                       Red Hat Amphitheater

Sep. 2                   Cleveland, OH                                   Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

Sep. 3                   Indianapolis, IN                                TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

Sep. 4                   Sterling Heights, MI                         Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Sep. 9                   Cincinnati, OH                                  The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center

Sep. 10                 Memphis, TN                                    The Orpheum Theatre

Sep. 16                 Nashville, TN                                    Ascend Amphitheater

Sep. 17                 Rogers, AR                                        Walmart AMP

Sep. 18                 Oklahoma City, OK                          The Criterion

Sep. 22                 Irving, TX                                           The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Sep. 23                 Houston, TX                                      White Oak Music Hall – Lawn

Sep. 24                 Austin, TX                                          Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater**

Sep. 25                 Helotes, TX                                        Floore’s Country Store**

Sep. 30                 Asheville, NC                                     Rabbit Rabbit

Oct. 1                   Atlanta, GA                                        Fox Theatre

Oct. 2                   Jacksonville, FL                                 Daily’s Place

Oct. 8                   Denver, CO                                        Mission Ballroom

Oct. 10                 Phoenix, AZ                                       Arizona Federal Theatre

Oct. 12                 Los Angeles, CA                                Greek Theatre

Oct. 13                 Santa Barbara, CA                            Santa Barbara Bowl

Oct. 15                 San Diego, CA                                   Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU

Oct. 16                 Sacramento, CA                               Memorial Auditorium

Oct. 17                 San Francisco, CA                            The Masonic

Oct. 20                 Portland, OR                                     Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Oct. 22                 Seattle, WA                                       WaMu Theater

Oct. 28                 New York, NY                                   Beacon Theatre

Oct. 29                 Hampton Beach, NH                       Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom*

Oct. 30                 Albany, NY                                         Palace Theatre*

Nov. 11                Kansas City, MO                               Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland

Nov. 13                Chicago, IL                                        Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Nov. 18                Richmond, VA                                   Altria Theater

Nov. 19                Washington, D.C.                             The Anthem

Nov. 20                Moon Twp, PA                                  UPMC Events Center

Eric Church Lyrics To Use As The Perfect Instagram Captions

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Eric Church has released some of the biggest hits in country music over the last few years. Here are some of our favorite lyrics that would make perfect captions for your Instagram feed.

  1. “I thank God I ain’t what I almost was.” – “What I Almost Was,” Sinners Like Me

  2. “Turn the quiet up, turn the noise down. Let this ol’ world just spin around.” – “Smoke A Little Smoke,” Carolina
  3. “All you got to do is put a drink in my hand.” – “Drink In My Hand,” Chief

  4. “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory.” – “Springsteen,” Chief

  5. “Most days in life don’t stand out, but life’s about the days that will.” – “Talladega,” The Outsiders

  6. Yeah, you’re out there now doin’ God knows how, and I’m stuck here havin’ a record year.” – “Record Year,” Misunderstood

  7. “None of it ever comes easy, A bunch of it you maybe can’t use. I know I don’t probably know what I think I do, but there’s somethin’ to some of it.” – “Some of It,” Desperate Man

  8. Don’t let fear steal your brave heart. Don’t let doubt take your faith heart. It’s okay to cry, but don’t never break heart.” – “Never Break Heart,” Heart

  9. “No hand in the deck can beat a pair of hearts.” – “Through My Ray-Bans,” &

  10. “You holdin’ me holdin’ you, it’s a hell of a view.” – “Hell of a View,” Soul

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

To keep up with Eric Church, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Take a listen to Eric Church’s most popular tracks 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.

ACM Awards Reveal Performance Setlist for Upcoming Show

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The 2021 ACM Awards have revealed their performance setlist for the 56th Annual show. Taking the stage includes Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Luke Combs and many more. The special event will take place live from Nashville this Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS. Take a look below for the setlist as it stands and be sure to tune in for some exciting surprises.

 

A recent press release from the ACM Awards notes the following:

“The 56th ACM Awards will feature an unprecedented number of world television premiere performances including Elle King and Miranda Lambert opening the show with “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” Dierks Bentley performing U2’s poignant classic “Pride (In The Name of Love)” with husband and wife duo The War and Treaty, Brothers Osborne (“I’m Not For Everyone”), Kenny Chesney (“Knowing You”), Eric Church (“Bunch Of Nothing”), Luke Combs (“Forever After All”), Dan + Shay (“Glad You Exist”), Mickey Guyton (“Hold On”), Alan Jackson with “You’ll Always Be My Baby” and a special mashup for “Drive (For Daddy Gene),” Miranda Lambert with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall (“In His Arms”), Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd (“Chasing After You”), Thomas Rhett premiering “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again,” Blake Shelton celebrating the 20th Anniversary of his first hit single “Austin” as well as “Minimum Wage,” Chris Stapleton (“Maggie’s Song”), and Chris Young and Kane Brown (“Famous Friends”).

Additional powerful collaborations include Carly Pearce and Lee Brice duetting on “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” Carrie Underwood performing a medley from her new album of gospel hymns, My Savior, which will also feature a duet with CeCe Winans, and Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney performing together for “half of my hometown.”

It was also announced today that Lady A will join the lineup in addition to recently revealed New Male Artist of the Year, Jimmie Allen, and New Female Artist of the Year, Gabby Barrett, who will all perform on this year’s show. Previously announced performers include, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, and Keith Urban. Additional details on these performances, this year’s presenters and more will be announced in the coming days.”

Additionally, it was revealed that Luke Bryan will not be performing on the show due to his recent testing positive for COVID-19.

Keith Urban will return for his second time hosting and will be joined by New Artist of the Year nominee, Mickey Guyton to co-host. Both entertainers will also take the stage to perform.

Normally airing from Las Vegas, this year the annual event will return to Nashville for a live broadcast for the second consecutive year following significant changes to the show due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The show will once again feature performances happening across three different iconic music venues in Music City: Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe.

Airing on Sunday, April 18th, 2021 from 8PM ET – 11PM ET on CBS, the 56th ACM Awards will also be available to stream live and on-demand.

Check out the full list of nominations below + visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

HERE ARE THE 2021 ACM MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR:
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

 

GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Lady A
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
The Cadillac Three
The Highwomen

 

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Dierks Bentley
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

 

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ashley McBryde
Maren Morris
Carly Pearce

 

DUO OF THE YEAR:
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

 

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]:
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

I Hope – Gabby Barrett
– Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Kale
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

I Hope You’re Happy Now – Carly Pearce & Lee Brice
– Producers: busbee
– Record Label: Big Machine Records / Curb Records

More Hearts Than Mine – Ingrid Andress
– Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

The Bones – Maren Morris
– Producer: Greg Kurstin
– Record Label: Columbia Nashville

 

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Ingrid Andress
Tenille Arts
Gabby Barrett ** WINNER
Mickey Guyton
Caylee Hammack

 

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Jimmie Allen ** WINNER
Travis Denning
HARDY
Cody Johnson
Parker McCollum

 

SONG OF THE YEAR
*Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s):
Bluebird – Miranda Lambert
– Songwriter(s): Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Natalie Hemby
– Publishers: Emileon Songs; Little Louder Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs of Universal, INC; Sony ATV Tree Publishing; Wrucke for You Publishing

One Night Standards – Ashley McBryde
– Songwriter(s): Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Canned Biscuit Songs; Smackworks Music; Smack Blue, LLC; Smackstreet Music; Tempo Investments; Warner Geo Met Ric Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp

Some People Do – Old Dominion
– Songwriter(s): Jesse Frasure, Matt Ramsey, Thomas Rhett, Shane McAnally
– Publishers: Carrot Seed Songs; EMI Blackwood Music INC; Smackville Music; Songs of ROC Nation; Telemitry Rhythm House Music; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp; Smack Hits; Tempo Investments; Warner Gro Met Ric Music

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Songwriter(s): Chris Stapleton, Mike Henderson
– Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Straight Six Music; WC Music Corp

The Bones – Maren Morris
– Songwriter(s): Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
– Publishers: Big Machine Music, LLC; Extraordinary Alien Publishing; International Dog Music; Oh Denise Publishing; Round Hill Songs; Warner-Tamerlane
Publishing Corp.

 

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
*Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s):
Born Here Live Here Die Here – Luke Bryan
– Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens
– Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

Mixtape Vol. 1 – Kane Brown
– Producers: Andrew Goldstein, Charlie Handsome, Dann Huff, Lindsay Rimes
– Record Label: RCA Nashville

Never Will – Ashley McBryde
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Skeletons – Brothers Osborne
– Producer: Jay Joyce
– Record Label: EMI Records Nashville

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton
– Producers: Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb
– Record Label: Mercury Nashville

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on April 18th on CBS.
+ Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG.

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

Thomas Rhett Releases Title Track Off Forthcoming Double Album

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Thomas Rhett released the title track to his forthcoming double album project, Country Again Side A & Side B. Side A is set to be released on April 30, and Side B later this year. Fans can pre-order Side A now, here. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new song, “Country Again”.

Thomas Rhett has been such a gift to all of us country music lovers all quarantine long. He continues to keep fans on their toes, as he gears up to release his fifth studio album COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A on April 30th. The record marks the first LP of the double project. Today, Rhett released the title track record off Side A, and fans are already in love with it.

Written by Rhett with prolific songwriters, Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley, “Country Again” is a return to home for the singer. The song relinquishes all the glitz and the glamour and production of the singer’s last couple of records. Instead, Rhett returns to his roots, relying on story-telling, simple production, and heartfelt lyrics to be center stage.

“I’ve been counting down the days to get this one out to y’all. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve written yet and honestly just feels full circle in so many ways,” shared Rhett in a recent press release. He later adds that the song is “about the crazy journey I’ve been on over the last decade and ultimately finding my way back home.”

“Country Again” feels similar to old school Rhett vibes, as well as, similar to heartfelt songs like “Dream You Never Had.” We personally love everything the singer creates, but we especially love when he talks openly with fans about his life and his experiences through song.

“I spent way less time in Nashville, 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 // I thought man, it feels good to be country again”

If “Country Again” is any indication of what Rhett has in store for his next record, then we are all in for a real treat!

Thomas Rhett Announced Plans to Release A Double Album, 'Side A' and 'Side B'

Thomas Rhett Announced Plans to Release A Double Album, ‘Side A’ and ‘Side B’

“Country Again” joins the previously released tracks, “Want It Again” and “Growing Up”, as well as Rhett’s latest #1 hit, “What’s Your Country Song?”, on Rhett’s Side A project as it currently stands. Check out the full Side A tracklist below and get your pre-order here.

COUNTRY AGAIN: SIDE A TRACKLIST:
1. “Want It Again” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson
2. “Growing Up” | Thomas Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson
3. “What’s Your Country Song” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Parker Welling
4. “Where We Grew Up”* | Thomas Rhett, Luke Laird, Josh Miller
5. “Heaven Right Now” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson, Laura Veltz
6. “To The Guys That Date My Girls” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
7. “More Time Fishin’” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Will Bundy, Josh Thompson
8. “Country Again” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley
9. “Put It On Ice (featuring Hardy)”+ | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson
10. “Blame It On A Backroad” | Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley 
11. “Ya Heard” | Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill

Produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure
+Produced by Dann Huff and Matt Dragstrem
*Produced by Dann Huff

Although no official tracklist for Side B has been released yet, we can assume that fans will see even more songs that the artist has previously shared on social media throughout the past few months. Unreleased songs like “Your Momma’s Front Porch”, “Things Dads Do”, “Bass Pro Hat” and “That’ll Be Us Someday”, kept fans on their toes as Rhett consistently took to Instagram to tease new music. Now, only time will tell which songs will make the official cut on the second album.

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

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

“Country Again” 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.

BREAKING: Kane Brown Takes Home Early Win Ahead of ACM Awards

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Kane Brown’s “Worldwide Beautiful” took home an early win for Video of the Year ahead of the 2021 ACM Awards airing this Sunday Night, April 18th.

Brown joined CBS This Morning, April 14th for what he thought was going to be an interview and ended up being surprised with an early ACM Award for Video of the Year. Brown went on to talk about the song, sharing the story of its importance and why he released it. The early win marks the singer’s first ACM Award and the first time in ACM Awards history that a black solo artist has won the honor.

Check out the interview and surprise reveal here and the award-winning video below.

The ACM Awards will take place live from Nashville on Sunday, April 18th at 8PM ET on CBS. For the full list of nominations, click here and for the full list of performers, click here.

Visit us on Instagram and let us know your vote for this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

 

Tune in to the show to see who will take home the awards on April 18th on CBS.
+ Follow us on Twitter while we live-tweet the show, @NYCOUNTRYSWAG.

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

New Miranda Lambert Campaign Helps Dogs Most in Need of Adoption

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Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation launched a new ‘Love Harder’ campaign, geared towards helping to find homes for rescue dogs that are most in need of adoption.

Miranda Lambert is one of those artists that always gives back. In 2009, she founded MuttNation Foundation with her mom, Bev Lambert to help find as many dogs as possible a safe and happy place to call home. Her new initiative ‘Love Harder’ is geared towards helping to find homes for rescue dogs that have a harder time getting adopted. The slogan “easy to love, harder to get adopted” is appropriately utilized.

To launch the campaign, Lambert sat with her SHEro, Emmylou Harris, to announce the project. In the announcement video, the two dog lovers discuss the importance of caring for older dogs and those with special needs.

Dogs that are pitbull mixes, big black dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with disabilities are amongst the many cuddly pups that need homes and are considered to be under this initiative. Fans that have rescued these types of dogs are encouraged to share their story at muttnation.com/loveharder. Those who do so will be entered for a chance to win a Miranda Lambert autographed Epiphone guitar.

To learn more about the new initiative and MuttNation’s mission in general, head to muttnation.com.

Miranda Lambert MuttNation Love Harder Campaign

Photo: Instagram/@MirandaLambert

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 Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Morgan-wallen-number-one-songs

Morgan Wallen Releases Personal Letter to His Fans

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Nearly ten weeks after leaving the spotlight due to racial slurs controversy, Morgan Wallen took to social media today, April 13th, to release a personal letter to his fans.

Morgan Wallen has had a tumultuous year. He released his record Dangerous: The Double Album early this year, but unfortunately was dropped from radio and suspended by his label over the use of a racial slur, which was captured on video. Despite that, his record spent ten consecutive weeks at the top of the all-genre charts, shattering previous records for country artists.

Today, Wallen broke his silence, sharing a handwritten four-page letter to fans on his social media platforms. The singer-songwriter thanked fans for their dedication and their love, sharing “I’m so aware that it was you all who have bought it and played it as much as you have so I truly feel I share this honor with you.”

Despite being appreciative of his fans, Wallen shared that he still has some learning and growing to do. He declared that he will not be performing at any festivals or tours this summer. He still encourages fans to support country music and go to all these shows.

Ending the letter, Wallen shares an uplifting sentiment, “My story is far from over and getting back out to see ya’ll is all I can think about. So just know you’ll be seeing me sooner than later.”

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

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

Who Is Mitch Rossell? The Story Behind His Journey to Country Music

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

Mitch Rossell

Mitch Rossell

Every now and then we get the opportunity to interview independent artists who we think have what it takes to become a superstar. Mitch Rossell is one of those artists. As a singer-songwriter, Rossell has truly found his calling. In our Swag Spotlight this week, our light shines Rossell and his journey to country music, his experience performing with the legendary Garth Brooks, and his brand new song “Ran into You” which features Trisha Yearwood.

Growing up in a small town in East Tennessee, Rossell knew what country living was all about. He recalls always being an avid music listener, “My dad was the one that, musically, I really connect with,” he tells us. “My dad was definitely the big country music listener. My mom was a bit too, but she was into all kinds of stuff, pop, alternative, a lot of great stuff that I feel was a big influence on me too, like Matchbox 20, stuff like that.”

Despite always loving his time listening to music with his family, Rossell indulged in other passions first. He played baseball before switching to golf, even winning three tournaments in the same year. Although he loved sports, he recalls getting burnt out and always wanting to pursue other passions. Still, he did not think to pursue music as a career.

This would later change as the summer before college Rossell’s father sadly passed away inevitably motivating him to do something his dad had always wanted him to do, play guitar. “When he passed away, I just vowed that I would learn one day. […] I just thought ‘hey’ this would be a good time to pick up a guitar.” Rather quickly, Rossell became obsessed with playing and writing music. “I just fell in love with it,” he tells us. After college, the artist quickly made the move to Nashville to pursue his dreams.

Flash forward to today, Rossell can be considered to be Garth Brooks’ protégé in country music by fans and critics alike. Writing songs for the legendary artist, Rossell is the sole writer on Brooks’ number one song “Ask Me How I Know” and a co-writer on his follow-up singles “All Day Long” and “Dive Bar”. When he got the opportunity to open up for Brooks on his sold-out world tour, and even performed with the singer during one of the shows, it was clear to Rossell that he was finally where he was meant to be. “It was a pretty remarkable experience,” he tells us, “It was all pretty surreal for me.” He later added that Brooks helped him to solidify his calling as an artist. “I went out there [and performed] and I couldn’t have been more sure.”

Most recently, the singer-songwriter released a beautiful and touching song with Trisha Yearwood called “Ran into You.” After working up the nerve to ask the superstar to be on the track with him, Rossell was over the moon excited about the song that he worked so hard on.  “I’ve known Trisha now for several years, and I am just a huge fan of not only here as a person, but her musically, and vocally, she’s just a freaking powerhouse,” adding “Her ability is just one of the purest things I’ve ever seen. There’s no doubt shewas  been born to do this”

The song itself is one of those songs that is relatable, yet deeply personal, a true country music story. It expresses how it feels to be scared of love and heartbreak, but finding your person amongst all the uncertainty.

Fans can anticipate more music coming at some point later this year from Mitch Rossell, when the time feels right. He also hopes to get back on the road as soon as possible. With that being said, we are certain that Rossell will continue to increase his staying power, as more and more people get to learn about this superstar talent.

“Overall there’s always something new to create, and you’re always evolving as a person, you’re going through different parts of your life, and you’re wanting to write new stuff that you didn’t want to write about 2-3 years ago,” shared the singer, “It’s always evolving, it’s always changing, it’s always growing, there’s always something to say.”

We agree! To keep up with Mitch Rossell, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mitch Rossell’s new song, “Ran into You” featuring Trisha Yearwood is available now

Mitch Rossell’s new song, “Ran into You” featuring Trisha Yearwood is available now

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Mitch Rossell’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.