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Who is Caylee Hammack? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

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Caylee Hammack // Photo Credit: Kirsten Balani

Quick Facts:

Full Name – Caylee Hammack
Hometown – Ellaville, Georgia
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Label – Capitol Records Nashville
Current Single – “The Hill”  // as of date of article: 6/18/2024

The Beginning:

This week we are re-introudcing you to an artist that we have loved for years, Caylee Hammack. Hammack a true artist in the country music genre in every sense of the word. We chatted with the singer-songwriter about her journey so far, as well as, her brand new music, and everything in between.

“I was raising in South Georgia and I think I was probably 11 or 12 when I saw an info-commercial for the golden classics of country music,” shared Hammack. “As the names were passing and scrolling up the commercial and its playing snippets of a Tammy Wynette song and a little bit of a Johnny Cash song, and Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Kline, I sat there for 15 minutes just watching this commercial, and I wanted to hear more.”

This core memory led to Hammack falling in love with the country music genre, opening up her curiosity around music and its healing powers. “I got curious, so when I found out that Loretta Lynn was playing in Columbus, Georgia, about an hour away from us growing up, I begged my Daddy to go,” she shared. “He went with me, and I remember just seeing her and listening to her story, and it captivated me, and I looked around the room and it captivated everybody. The stories are what everyone loved and the stories behind the songs that they already loved and already knew. I saw magic that day. There is something sacred about the community that could be built around stories and songs, and I sort of became obsessed with it.”

Despite loving country music, Hammack still desired to follow her first dream, to be in the medical field and to attend medical school; however, when she had a sudden medical scare at the age of sixteen, music was there for her. “I started writing songs when I was laying in bed, not able to move around that much after the surgery, and as I’m sitting here, full bent on “I’m going to go to medical school one day and I’m going to become a doctor,”” she shared. “It slowly but surely shifted, […] I just realized that I was better at making words rhyme, and telling stories than having the strength that doctors have. […] I kept doing music and kept connecting, and slowly I realized it made me the happiest.”

The Turning Point:

Hammack spent her teenage years honing her craft, before making the move to Nashville, Tennessee at the age of nineteen.” I was sleeping in my car, got downtown, I used a fake ID to get in the bar, it was Honky Tonk Central. I played with the band and the bass player who was the band manager of all those bars or a couple of those bars down there he had told me to come to Tootsie’s the next day to try out and audition officially.” 

The singer got the job and spent two and half years cutting her teeth in Nashville on Broadway. “I played down there, and then I got my publishing deal, I was writing everyday as well. I finally got the connection of my favorite person in the world, Cyndi Forman, my publisher,” shared Hammack.

The songstress continued to write songs, first as a staff-writer, but then in 2017, tragedy struck. “I had a house fire while I was on a writer’s retreat with Tenille Townes, Eric Paslay, and Brothers Osborne and I lost about 60-70% of everything. It was a beautiful blessing though, because I realized in the midst of everything I was losing a lot of material goods, I found out how loved I was and how many people cared for me and helped me go through that.”

Through this experience and the support of others, Hammack felt ready to release her own music, and subsequently, landed a record deal with Capitol Records Nashville. “It’s just kind of been a wild journey ever since. After that, we go to release the first album and we had to release it during 2020, which was kind of odd. It was very solitary. […] I was eager to get the music out, and I thought that music would be appreciated and a comforting thing during a hard time for all of us, but having to sit at home and wondering if people were connecting, almost drove me crazy,” she shared. Expressing the mixed emotions that came with the time.

Regardless, music continued to be magic in Hammack’s life. “Getting to write music, it’s been a very beautiful outlet for me. It’s bewildering to me sometimes that people can connect to it to the point where I can actually make a living out of it. I’m so grateful that people connect to these songs because it heals me to share it with them.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Hammack has entered a new music era. Kicking it off with a brand new song called, “The Hill.” “The song is about hand-holding the last straw that is about to break the camel’s back, and trying your best to keep the straw in the hand. It’s a white-flag in the middle of a battle, so that you don’t lose the war and you don’t lose the battle, the love in the middle of the war. I just felt as if a lot of people have been in that situation and that people could connect to it,” shared Hammack.

The single was written over Zoom with Tenille Townes and Logan Wall. “We made a demo, and it kind of stayed in the catalog for a bit, but it kept coming up. […] It was really cool as I was creating this record and kind of basing it off the trials and tribulations of trying to find love and finding love within yourself and others along the way, it kind of just became this heart-centered album, and I feel like “The Hill” is one of the more vulnerable, passionate songs on the record.”

Hammack’s new song speaks to her talent as both a singer and as a songwriter, as well as, a lover of music. “It felt very pivotal to have it as the first song off this album because it has a more organic nature to it that feels sincerely me, and it also has a little bit of a Celtic influence based off of some of the UK touring that I experienced,” she shared. Adding, “It’s just an appreciation for different types of music that I’ve been kind of immersed in.”

“The Hill” is the first song off Hammack’s new album that is slated for release sometime in 2025. “Until then, we’re going to roll out song after song and immerse people in the sonic playground that this album is going to be. When it does come, it’ll be like a garden in full bloom after planting the seeds this year.”

Connect:

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

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

Caylee Hammack’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Kenny Chesney Goes Number One at Country Radio with “Take Her Home”

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Kenny Chesney earns the number one song at country radio this week with his single, “Take Her Home.” Learn all the details here.

For decades now, Kenny Chesney has cemented his place in country music. The iconic ‘No Shoes Nation’ artist is incredible at cranking out music that spans generations. This week, his single, “Take Her Home” is his newest number one single at country radio!

Written by heavy hitters, HARDY, Zach Abend, and Hunter Phelps, the song is all about a growing relationship between a man and a woman. It also has that signature Chesney-style sound, that HARDY knew would work with the superstar’s fanbase. The song was made to go number one!

“Touch tune some old deep cut Cheap Trick // Got your girl singin’ every word of it // So you bring a couple shots of chilled Patrón // To the prettiest thing that you ever hit on // And somehow she ain’t got a boyfriend // So you make her laugh all night and then // Take her home, fall in love // Thank the good Lord up above // That he sent one down into your arms // And put a chain around your raise-hell heart”

Congrats to Kenny Chesney and his team on continuing to dominate country radio! We can’t wait to see what comes next for the singer!

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

To keep up with Kenny Chesney, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Take Her Home” 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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Caylee Hammack Drops Brand New Song “The Hill” Out Now

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Caylee Hammack’s new song, “The Hill” is out now, June 14th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

In a new era of music for singer-songwriter, Caylee Hammack, she is leaning into her eclectic musical influences. As always, her songs speak to her personal stories, as well as, provides a healing space for her fans. Hammack’s brand new song, “The Hill” fits the bill effortlessly.

“The Hill” marks the next creative chapter for the Capitol Record Nashville’s recording artist. The song speaks to her talent at weaving in unique influences and sharing true pain and emotions through song. On this track, Hammack laments about finally surrendering and waving the white flag, trying to hold on to a relationship that may have run its course. Despite its heartbreaking lyrics, the song feels like a battle cry for anyone who has experienced this type of heartbreak.

“These eggshells we walked on // Cut us like barbed wire // Pride has kept us holding on // We’re both getting tired // Your side or mine // A real fine line we’re painting // A mess we’re making of love // Who really cares who’s right or wrong // If this is the hill we’re dying on”

Hammack is an incredible artist in the country music industry. For years, she has shared her vulnerability through her music, showcasing the healing can often come through a song. We are excited to see what is next for the singer, as she embarks on this new chapter.

caylee-hammack-the-hill

Caylee Hammack shares new song, “The Hill,” out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Caylee Hammack follow her on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“The Hill” 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.

Troy Cartwright Drops New Single “Lincoln Continental”

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Troy Cartwright shares new single “Lincoln Continental,” out now, June 14th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new release below.

Troy Cartwright knows exactly who he is an artist in country music. Since deciding to go independent, he has been creating and releasing music that feels distinctly “him.” Each and every release feels almost more authentic than is predecessor. Today, Cartwright adds to his growing music catalog with a song called “Lincoln Continental.”

Cartwright is a true expert at crafting lyrics that read like a story. On “Lincoln Continental” the singer is able to share his grandparents love story in a truly heartwarming and special way. Throughout the song he recounts memories of his Nanny and Papa’s love story, while feeling hopeful that he and his wife can have an epic love story too.

“Sitting on a red brick mantle in an easel back 4 by 6 // Nanny and Papa in a getaway car // Yeah they looked like kids // Summer of 59 // Now they’re 85 // Still in love as they were when they were kissin’ // Underneath confetti and rice // in that Lincoln Continental // Scootin’ just a little bit closer // White dress on leather seats // in that Lincoln Continental / Runs like day one when it’s older // Feels better than new // Something borrowed, powder blue // I hope one day that’s me and you”

“Lincoln Continental” only ups the ante for Cartwright and his talent. His flair truly is a perfect blend of country lyrics with a buttery and easy vocal. We are excited to see what he has coming down the pipeline next!

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Troy Cartwright shares new song, “Lincoln Center,” out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Troy Cartwright, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Lincoln Center” 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.

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Who is Callie Twisselman? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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

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Quick Facts:

Full Name – Callie Twisselman
Hometown – Cholame, CA
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, George Strait, Britney Spears
Label – Cash is King Entrainment (own label)
Current Single – “In My World”  // as of date of article: 6/10/2024

The Beginning:

This week our spotlight shines on a talented singer-songwriter. Nashville transplant, Callie Twisselman shared all about her journey to country music, her new songs, and what fans can expect moving forward.

“I grew up on a grain and cattle ranch in California. I basically grew up with the country lifestyle and music was a huge part of my life,” shared the singer. “My mom was a singer in a local country band, so I knew I had a love for singing, but being in that lifestyle, really influenced my songwriting and the stories I tell.” For Twisselman, singing and country music went hand in hand from an early age.

Throughout her upbringing, the singer-songwriter recalls many moments in her life that confirmed her love for the genre.“Growing up I would ride horses and I was the youngest of four siblings. We all just grew up in the middle of nowhere, so there wasn’t a whole lot going on out there, but I would always find things to entertain myself with and keep me busy, and singing just happened to be one of those things that took my interest,” she shared. Adding, “I was always watching music videos on the TV when those were a big thing like the CMT countdowns. I remember watching the Shania Twain’s music video for “Man! I Feel Like A Woman,” and that was really what stayed in mind. I thought that she was such an amazing artist and I wanted to be just like Shania Twain.”

Artists of the 90s, like Shania Twain and even Pop artists too influenced Twisselman’s music taste and storytelling abilities in her own music. “When I was young, I was singing the National Anthem everywhere that I could. Then I decided that I should sing my own songs, so I said “I’ll just write them.” I wrote my first song and I didn’t know how to play any instruments or anything, but I wrote it, and I just shoved it away in my closet. One day mom found it when she was cleaning my room,” she shared. “I was all embarrassed because it was my first song, but then after that it clicked and I was hooked. I had a love for songwriting. After that, I picked up the guitar and that made it even better to write music and it blossomed into something special.”

The Turning Point:

Armed with a true passion for country music, Twisselman would make trips back and forth to Nashville, Tennessee in an effort to grow her talent and her fanbase. “I would go back and forth a lot before I moved, just recording different music and meeting people, but everybody told me I needed to move if I was going to take it seriously,” she shared. Adding, “Then I met my manager on one of my trips. […] He was the final person who told me to do it that I actually listened to. He helped me out when I got here and got me in with songwriting and demo-ing music.”

Twisselman finally made the official move to Nashville in 2017, despite some nerves that she would miss home. “Everybody here is pretty much chasing the same dream, and it’s been really inspiring and my songwriting has gotten better. The first month I was here I wrote like ten songs, and I used to write that in a year in California. It’s just been inspiring, and I love it.”

Nashville provided the songstress with a platform to really fine-tune her talents as a vocalist and as a songwriter. “It’s been amazing ever since. I’ve been doing a lot of songwriting, performing, and putting out music.”

Today:

Flash forward to present day, Twisselman is on the brink of releasing a new project. 2024 is shaping up to be the biggest year in her career so far. “This year is going to be the year. It’s been a couple of years, since my last EP, and I’ve been writing and getting it all together, ready to release, and it’s now the time.” To kick off a new era of music, the singer recently released a song called “In My World.”

The new song is a fun pop-country song. “I have my new single, “In My World” out right now, which is a lighthearted, fun song that I thought would be a good little start to get back out there,” shared the singer. Adding, “I wrote “In My World” when I was by myself one day at home. I was just kind of daydreaming, thinking about things, and I was like “what if I had all these things” and it just worked out. I was like, ‘I’m going to make that a song.’” […] I decided to record it and it felt like the perfect song to release first.”

Twisselman hopes that fans will see the positive message in the single and, of course, have fun while listening to it. Along with the new project, fans can also anticipate an exciting collaboration coming down the pipeline soon. “As far as my project, coming soon, fans can expect some of the same type of vibes, but there’s also more serious and slow songs as well. I’m hoping to drop an EP as a whole by the end of the year or the beginning of the year. I’ll be releasing singles until then.”

Connect:

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

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

Callie Twisselman’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Jelly Roll’s Song “Halfway To Hell” Goes Number One at Country Radio

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Jelly Roll earns the number one song at country radio this week with his single, “Halfway To Hell”. Learn all the details here.

Jelly Roll’s stardom continues to rise. He is arguably one of the most talented and likable musicians in the country must genre right now. His last single, “Save Me” featuring superstar, Lainey Wilson found its way to the top of the country charts. Today, his song, “Halfway To Hell” earns him another number one song.

Written by Jelly Roll with Jesse Frasure, Matt Jenkins, and Jessie Jo Dillon, the song is a true ode to authentic music. Through the song, Jelly Roll shares how it feels to be both on the path of something good, but not quite right. The song is meaningful and poignant, showing off Jelly Roll at his absolute best.

“Hope the chariot gon’ swing low // And carry me away // This little light of mine // Damn near burned me alive // Lord knows that Mama tried // And I don’t know if I’m // Halfway to Heaven or halfway to hell // My angels and demons at war with myself // One foot in the fire and I still can’t tell // Am I halfway to Heaven // Halfway to Heaven or hell”

Congrats to Jelly Roll and his team on his fourth number one at country radio! We can’t wait to see what comes next.

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

To keep up with Jelly Roll, follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Halfway To Hell” 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.

Carly Pearce: ‘hummingbird’ – Album Review

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Carly Pearce shares new album, humingbird, out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below.

When we last caught up with Carly Pearce, she was fresh off a high-profile divorce and churning out some of the best songwriting in not only her career, but mainstream modern country music. Three years later, Pearce has continued to weave her web of authentic storytelling, but with a fresh, more healed perspective. Out today, June 7th, is Pearce’s fourth studio album hummingbird.

Pearce successfully pulls from heroes of hers, like Loretta and Tammy with the soaring fiddles, melancholy steel guitars, and twangy dobros in a way that becomes distinctive to only Pearce. This is heard throughout the entirety of hummingbird, especially the first four tracks. Second song “truck on fire” (co-written with Lady A’s Charles Kelley) is the perfect mix of classic enough that it’s a shock it hasn’t been written enough to sound exactly like Pearce. Few people can write a clever breakup song like her. Similarly, “still blue”, the following track, has that familiar neotraditional country sound and the familiarly clever turn of phrase that Pearce has developed.

There’s not a song on the project that feels like a throwaway, but there are some definite standouts with “my place”, “rock paper scissors” and “oklahoma”. The latter is lyrically very strong, but it is the vocal performance on “oklahoma”, which lands perfectly in the middle of the record, that reminds you why she is a two-time Female Vocalist of the Year winner. “my place” takes you everywhere you want to go when listening to a song. It’s melodically poignant in a way that Pearce continues to pull off time and time again.

Pearce herself is one of Nashville’s strongest artist-writers, but also believes in letting the best song win, which more major artists should follow. “things I don’t chase” is an example of that. While she did not write the song, it is woven in well with the rest of the album.

It is not that hummingbird is a revolutionary country album or even chronologically cohesive in the way her previous bodies of work are. What makes this album still a standout in Pearce’s discography is that it truly solidifies her roll as one of music’s strongest storytellers and vocalists. Pearce is distinctive in a way people spend their whole careers trying to figure out. Whether it’s your style or not, it’s hard not to love her music – you will always recognize a Pearce song, even from afar.

Keepin’ The Lights On Track List:

  1. country music made me do it | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  2. truck on fire | Written by Carly Pearce, Justin Ebach, Charles Kelley
  3. still blue | Written by Carly Pearce, Natalie Hemby, Josh Osborne
  4. heels over head | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  5. we don’t fight anymore featuring Chris Stapleton | Written by Carly Pearce, Pete Good, Shane McAnally
  6. rock paper scissors | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
  7. oklahoma | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
  8. my place | Written by Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds
  9. things I don’t chase | Written by Robyn Dell’Unto, Kat Higgins, Ava Supplesa
  10. woman to woman | Written by Carly Pearce, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate
  11. fault line | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds
  12. pretty please | Written by Carly Pearce, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
  13. trust issues | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds
  14. hummingbird | Written by Carly Pearce, Nicolle Galyon, Shane McAnally, Jordan Reynolds

Country Swag Picks:

  1. country music made me do it
  2. rock paper scissors
  3. woman to woman
  4. hummingbird
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Carly Perace shares brand new album, ‘hummingbird,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

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

hummingbird 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.

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HunterGirl: ‘Tennessee Girl’ – Debut EP Review

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HunterGirl shares her debut EP, Tennessee Girl, out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below.

After coming in second on Season 20 of American Idol and making her Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this year, country starlet HunterGirl is ready to make a statement with her debut label EP, Tennessee Girl, out now. Released through 19 Recordings/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, the EP features six new tracks written or co-written by the rising star.

For the project, HunterGirl, née Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, enlisted co-writers that included Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, and more. The collection is inspired by the likes of Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and P!NK, showing the young singer-songwriter’s versatility and range as she effortlessly floats between the rocking uptempo of “Bad Boy” to the vulnerability of her first single, “Ain’t About You.”

“Tennessee Girl shows the different sides of my personality. I separate songs into two categories in my head, Blue Jean and Leather Jacket songs. Blue Jean songs are the ones I write in my bedroom opening my diary to the world. Leather Jacket songs are where I want to feel tougher and have fun,” She shares in a statement. “Most people have only seen the Blue Jean side of my personality, but with this 6-song EP, I have the chance to show the full picture of me as an artist.”  

“Bad Decisions” kicks off the album, leaning more leather jacket than blue jean as the singer admits that, like most twenty-somethings, she’s great at making bad decisions. Whether it’s having a few too many or choosing the wrong guy, it’s an utterly relatable anthem for any girl who’s ever been there. “I guess I’m good at making bad decisions,” she muses over roaring guitars and catchy pop beats. “Raise it up if you’re with me, let’s make a memory we might forget.”

Similarly, “Bad Boy” finds her dealing with those bad decisions, this time in the form of men. She’s looking for a tattooed, guitar-slinging bad boy that her daddy won’t approve of. It’s driving pop-rock-country that finds the Tennessee native attracted to guys who are no good and no good for her. With Kelly Clarkson-meets-PINK sensibilities, the track is a roaring gem of a crowd pleaser. 

“Yeah I know my daddy’s gonna really hate this song // Yeah I got it bad for someone bad for me // You can really kiss // I can barely breathe // Only kind of crazy // I could  ever need // And it’ll only be good, only be good to me… I really got it bad for a bad boy”

While HunterGirl can rock and roar with the best of them, the singer-songwriter truly shines on her more vulnerable ballads. Case in point: her single, “Ain’t About You.” Here, she deals with her own insecurities faced in the pursuit of her dreams, contemplating if she should give up. “It was the most honest and vulnerable I’d ever been in a song,” she reveals to Billboard. “I wrote it in my bedroom and never thought anyone would hear it. That song and people’s reception to it changed my songwriting because I realized people needed to hear the not-so-pretty parts of your life, the really hard things I was scared to say. After that it made choosing [songs for] the EP so much easier, because I’m like, ‘I’m just going to be myself and hopefully, it touches somebody else out there.’”

Likewise, “Clockworks” is a clear standout, a special and introspective ballad about the passage of time, and how you can never get it back. “Do you hear that? There goes another second that you can’t get back, take it from me,” She begins, immediately grabbing a listener’s attention as she sings about her grandfather as he battles with memory loss. “It’s like waking up one day full grown, and all you want is to put time in reverse, but that ain’t how the clock works.”

The EP ends with another clear standout, “Pretty Much,” which finds her grappling with the insecurities that are common among many women of all ages. Here, she ponders “If pretty is as pretty does/then who the hell decided what pretty was? And if perfect’s in, then count me out, ‘Cause I got better things that I can think about, there are days in the mirror when I don’t feel like enough, but I’m getting pretty good at not thinking ‘bout… pretty much.” Much like “Ain’t About You,” “Pretty Much” is an empowering anthem that once again finds her dealing with self-doubt and overcoming.

For HunterGirl, her new EP, Tennessee Girl, truly allows the rising star to showcase all sides of her personality from feisty firecracker to vulnerable chanteuse, and everything in between.

Tennessee Girl EP Track List:

  1. Bad Decisions (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor)
  2. Clockworks (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Joybeth Taylor)
  3. Weather in Tennessee (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Warren Garrett, Joybeth Taylor, Gabe Foust)
  4. Ain’t About You (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski)
  5. Bad Boy (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, Lindsay Rimes, Greg Bates)
  6. Pretty Much (Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski, David Fanning, Josh Kear, Andy Sheridan)
HunterGirl_TennesseeGirl-ep

HunterGirl shares her debut EP, ‘Tennessee Girl,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

Check her website for tour dates, including with Luke Bryan on his Mind of a Country Boy Tour 2024.

To keep up with the singer-songwriter, follow her on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Tennessee Girl 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.

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Matt Stell: ‘Born Lonely’ – Debut Album Review

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Matt Stell shares debut album, Born Lonely, out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new project below.

While Matt Stell has already made a name for himself with hits like “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” the singer-songwriter has yet to put out a full length album. That changes now with the release of his debut, Born Lonely, out now.

Featuring ten new songs co-written by the Arkansas native, Born Lonely is Stell’s step forward as an artist. Released via RECORDS Nashville, the collection features well-known co-writers including Ray Fulcher, Chris DeStefano, Jaron Boyer, Jon Nite, and Jordan Minton.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Born Lonely,” shares Stell in a statement. “When I started writing these songs, I decided to tell the truth – the good, the bad, the fun, the sad, all of it – and see what happened. It turned into the best batch of songs I’ve ever recorded.”

Stell kicks off the album with “Built by Broken Hearts,” an introspective and autobiographical tale of his upbringing in a broken home, detailing the Walmart parking lot handoffs between his parents, splitting him between Arkansas and Florida. He admits that he’s a bit damaged from his raising, making him the broken man he is now. “That’s why it feels like I’m home when I’m hurtin’ // It feels right when I’m falling apart,” he sings. “You understand why you’re made for goodbye // When you’re built by broken hearts.”

The album’s title track shares a similar sentiment, one that resonated so strongly with the singer that he tattooed it on his arm. “In a way that I have scar tissue from things that happened when I was a kid, and from the relationships that I have sabotaged, messed up, or have chosen poorly in terms of fit, there’s collateral damage,” he admits “This tattoo is a permanent reminder of where I have been and how I want to change for my future.”

While the song may tell a sad tale up front, it also finds Stell reckoning with his past and looking forward towards a brighter future. It’s truly a special moment for the singer, an anthem for the broken hoping to break that pattern.

“I think that you were born lonely // You wanna fall in love but you don’t know how // Hold back ’cause you think it’s only // Just a matter of time before it all goes south // Heartbreak hurts worse than goodbye // And that’s why you do what you always do // I think that you were born lonely // And I know ’cause I was born lonely too”

“Girl Gets Gone” and “Into the Sunrise” continue that anthemic vibe, soaring guitars accompanying his soaring vocals as he proclaims, “Into the sunrise, Burn through the moonlight, Baby, ’cause all night just won’t be enough.” With its boisterous proclamation and catchy hook, this track is just made for a live stage.

Alternatively, “Girl Gets Gone’ juxtaposes heartbroken lyrics with roaring guitars, drowning his sorrows on a bar stool, admitting “When a girl gets gone, the boy does too.” 

“What We Do Best” is a flirty and soulful ode to a toxic on-and-off again relationship that can’t seem to quit. “We’re the worst at pretending we’re nothing but friends,” He croons cheekily over bluesy guitars, inviting a woman to “do what they do best.”

“Take the Girl” is a hip-pop tinted jaunt about the buzz of new love, finding Stell a changed man thanks to the high that only someone special can provide. Meanwhile, “Breakin’ in Boots” finds him realizing that a girl is walking her cowboy boots over his heart. Partially inspired by a real-life run-in, he details a “cowboy killer” who will “burn you like the Bourbon in the bottle she’s shooting.”

“Smooth” provides a truly special moment on the album, Stell admitting, “My life got rough when my hands got smooth” after his family sold their farm. It’s a simple and sparse ballad, twangy guitars and shakers punctuating his confessional delivery. “Now the daily grind it never stops, I got an empty soul and a full inbox.”

“When they cut the trees down and dug up my roots // Now I’m stressed in loafers instead of sweating in boots // The price per acre can’t change the truth // My life got rough when my hands got smooth.”

“Hard Stuff” and “Cold Beer at a Time” are both catchy mid-tempos that use alcohol in different ways. While “Hard Stuff” finds him nursing both the bottle and a broken heart, “Cold Beer” is the album’s closing track that finds him looking towards the future. Here, Stell almost sounds buoyant and optimistic as he looks ahead, having left his emotional baggage on the earlier tunes. “A little more sip than shoot, A little more chill than makin’ moves,” he muses airily. “I’m getting by and taking life, One cold beer at a time.”

While Matt Stell could’ve continued to achieve success with breakup tunes and simple love songs, he looked inward on Born Lonely, releasing his best music to date.

Born Lonely Track List:

  1. Built by Broken Hearts (Matt Stell, Seth Alley, James McNair)
  2. Breakin’ in Boots (Matt Stell, Nate Cyphert, Joe Fox, Ben Stennis)
  3. Born Lonely (Matt Stell, Jake Mitchell, Benjy Davis)
  4. Girl Gets Gone (Matt Stell, Joe Fox, Jordan Minton, Travis Wood)
  5. Into the Sunrise (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano, Kyle Sturrock)
  6. Smooth (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano)
  7. The Hard Stuff (Matt Stell, Ray Fulcher, Jared Mullins)
  8. What We Do Best (Matt Stell, Andrew DeRoberts, Jon Nite, Kyle Sturrock)
  9. Take the Girl (Matt Stell, Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox, Nate Cyphert)
  10. One Cold Beer at a Time (Matt Stell, Jaron Boyer, John Marlin)

Country Swag Picks:

  1. Born Lonely
  2. Girl Gets Gone
  3. Smooth
  4. Into the Sunrise
matt-stell-debut-album-born-lonely

Matt Stell shares debut album, ‘Born Lonely,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

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

Visit his official website for tour dates and more.

To keep up with Matt Stell, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Born Lonely 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.

graham-barham-song-whiskey-whiskey

Graham Barham Releases New Song “Whiskey Whiskey” Out Now

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Graham Barham shares brand new song, “Whiskey Whiskey,” out now, June 7th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

Sony Music Nashville recording artist, Graham Barham knows how to craft a catchy song with memorable lyrics. His song “BREAK IT IN A BAR” currently has 16 million streams on Spotify alone, and it seems there is no stopping his rising star. Today, Barham is adding to his catalog with a heartbreaking, yet catchy song called “Whiskey Whiskey.”

According to Graham, “‘Whiskey Whiskey’ is about going through a really bad breakup and only being able to cope with it by forgetting with the help of some whiskey.”  The concept is clearly embodied throughout the song. It is obvious the protagonist is going through some hurt, as whiskey seems to be the only thing that can numb the pain. Barham’s gravely and moody vocals keep the listener wanting to listen to the track again and again.

“Ooh the only thing that can handle this hell // Is that handle on the shelf, so  // Whiskey whiskey, get me drunk / Hit me like some kinda drug // Fix me, fix me for the night // Take my mind and make it numb // Yeah turn my world to black // Like that Number 7 Jack // Cause she don’t miss me, miss me // Tonight I’m counting on you whiskey whiskey”

We are excited to see what comes down the pipeline next for the singer-songwriter. “Whiskey Whiskey” is another step in the direction of greatness!

whiskey-whiskey-graham-barham

Graham Barham shares new song, “Whiskey Whiskey,” out now on all streaming platforms.

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

To keep up with Graham Barham, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

“Whiskey Whiskey” 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.