Seaforth Drops A Catchy New Tune Called “Close Enough”

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Seaforth’s New Song “Close Enough” is available now, November 6th. Listen to the catchy tune from the duo here plus learn more as we dig a little deeper into the track.

If you haven’t heard of Seaforth yet, you may start to hear a lot more of them real soon. Last December when we first sat down with the duo, their charming personalities, hilarious banter, and incredible artistry made us love them, and now the country-pop pair, made up of Mitchell Thompson and Tom Jordan, just released their latest single “Close Enough”. This release follows their recent singles “Talk About”, released in September, and “Everything Falls for You”, released this past May. 

“Close Enough” is about that one relationship that everyone can relate to. The one where you keep saying you’re going to stop seeing the other person but never seem to be able to. No matter how hard you try to resist, you keep finding yourselves going back to each other. The two may know that they’re not each other’s perfect match, but they’re okay with being “close enough”. They both know that it isn’t a ‘forever thing’, it’s just exactly what they want right now. 

“We don’t know what it is / but if this ain’t it / it’s close enough / close enough/ if this ain’t love, it’s close enough”

Thompson and Jordan are life-long friends from Sydney, Australia who moved to Nashville in 2017 to follow their dreams of playing country music together. After being in Music City for a little over a year, they released their first two songs: “Talk to Me” and “Love That”. “Love That” eventually became the title track of their first EP, released in April of 2019, which added two additional songs: “Good and Gone” and “Take Your Picture”.

In 2019, Seaforth were also featured on Mitchell Tenpenny’s hit song “Anything She Says”, which just went Gold last month. This collaboration came from the duo spending much of 2018 and 2019 opening shows and touring with Tenpenny. They’ve also opened shows for Kane Brown, Brett Young, Morgan Wallen, and even two shows for Keith Urban, back home in Sydney in December of 2019. Additionally, Seaforth also made their Opry debut in September of 2019.

Thompson and Jordan describe fellow-Aussie Urban as their idol and the one who sparked their desire to get involved in country music and experience it in Nashville. Urban’s influence helps to explain Seaforths unique sound and their inability to fall into one single genre. Not only do they love the different musical backgrounds that find their way into country music, but they are obsessed with the genre’s story-telling nature. 

Just past their three year anniversary of moving to Nashville, Seaforth’s success thus far has not disappointed. Three years of playing shows, opening on tour, writing songs, and even getting a few on the radio has led them to this very exciting time that they are currently in. Country music lovers can expect to hear a lot more from Seaforth going forward. 

Seaforth New Song Close Enough

Seaforth’s new song “Close Enough” is available now, November 6th

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

To keep up with Seaforth, follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Close Enough” 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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MacKenzie Porter Releases Brand New Song “The One”

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MacKenzie Porter’s new song, “The One” is available now, November 6th. Listen to the brand new track below and take a look as we dig a little deeper into the song.

Earlier this week we shared our interview with talented rising artist, MacKenzie Porter (Big Loud Records) in one of our Swag Spotlight features. We already love her songs “Drinkin’ Songs” and “Seeing Other People,” but today we add another incredible song to our playlist, “The One”.

The new single is a bittersweet ballad written by Porter with Tom Douglas, Claire Douglas, and one of our favorites, Madison Kozak. Leaning her relatability, the songstress sings about being the last woman a man dates before he gets married. Based on the title, it feels like the song is going to be a romantic love song, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Although beautifully expressed, “The One” is a heartbreaking reminder of how it feels to watch your former love marry the one they love.

Mackenzie Porter EP Drinkin' Songs

Mackenzie Porter Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection’ is available now

“I was right before our timing / The girl before the diamond / I was the road trip to the beach / She’s the honeymoon to the Caymen Islands / I made a mess and she made sense / She got your name and a picket fence / I know it’s a party, but it ain’t fun / Being the one before the one”

“The One” is included in a package of seven songs alongside the other singles in a brand new project entitled Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection. Although not technically an EP, the project is definitely a great debut of who the songstress is as both a vocalist and a songwriter.

With already three back to back number one’s on Canadian Country radio, it is only a matter of time until Porter blows up on the radio and with fans here in the U.S. Her seven-song project Drinkin’ Songs: The Collection is a stellar project that showcases her undeniable talent.

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

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

“Drinkin’ Songs” 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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The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

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Carolyn Miller Puts Her Chips on the Table with Single “All In”

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Carolyn Miller’s new song, “All In” is available now on all streaming platforms. Written by Jamie Moore, Emily Landis, and Abby Anderson, take a look below to find out more about the fun new track.

Carolyn Miller All In

“All In” tells the story of a relationship that fully encompasses commitment. With baggage from the past, Miller exudes a feeling of the weight lifted by the support of her partner. An electric guitar brings a slight pop and contemporary sound, but her voice breathes with traditional country sound with the likes of Shania Twain or Faith Hill. Miller has been continuing to stay active during the year, playing Music Mayhem’s virtual music festivals and coming out with new songs. Her most recent release “Ain’t About That” reached 130,000+ streams and was added into rotation on Music Choice Pop & Country Channel. “All In” is that comforting song you want when you’re fully submerged in a relationship and want to show your support.

“Every way, every day, every trip we take around the sun / All of the highs all of the lows I hope you know / No matter what…I’m all in, I’m all in”

As a metaphor for life, Miller encourages to put your whole self into something, and you never know the joy that could come. Either live big, or you’re not truly living.

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

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

“All In” 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Jon Langston Puts A Fun Twist on “Happy Ever After”

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 Rising country singer-songwriter, Jon Langston released a new song, “Happy Ever After,” available now, October 30th, on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the track.

The term “happily ever after” is most commonly used at the end of a story when two people fall in love and get married. However, the songwriters, Langston, Blake Bollinger, and Brent Anderson, mislead the listener and use the fun, play on words to explain a man’s new feelings about his past relationship. Back in February, Langston released “Drinks,” a song that describes a scenario where the guy is taking the breakup much harder than the girl.

Now, almost eight months later, the man is finally back on his feet. Although he has not made a full-time commitment to that special someone like in the fairy tales, he learns from his buddies and other good-looking women at the bar that he is “happy ever after her.” The steel guitar and Langston’s raspy, southern vocals make this an enjoyable, drinking tune with a classic-country twist.

“I never thought I’d be this better off / Throwing back these double black label shots / in a honky-tonk heaven on earth / Here’s to happy ever after…her”

Although Langston co-wrote this song, it certainly does not represent Langston’s current situation, as he and his girlfriend welcomed their first child, Magnolia Mae to the world over the weekend. A big congratulations to the new parents!

Jon Langston

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

Keep up with Langston by following him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“Happy Ever After” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. To thank the fans for their loyalty and support, Langston has personally signed each physical copy of the EP. Check out these songs and more newly released music 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Kip Moore Releases “Don’t Go Changing” + Announces Deluxe Album Details

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Kip Moore’s new song “Don’t Go Changing” comes with a powerful music video that shines a light on the unfortunate reality that the live music industry is facing during the pandemic. It is the first of four new songs that will be released on Moore’s new album, Wild World Deluxe, on February 12, 2021, and shares the theme of uncertainty that the singer/songwriter’s fourth studio album already embodies. Read more about it below.

Kip Moore Deluxe Wild World

“Don’t Go Changing” is about the need for a relationship to remain a constant in an ever-changing and uncertain world. This theme of uncertainty is expressed throughout the entire Wild World record. In his fourth studio album that dropped earlier this year, Moore co-wrote and produced all but one of the thirteen tracks, including his hit single “She’s Mine”. The success of Wild World prompted its deluxe release with four additional songs: “Don’t Go Changing”, “Midnight Slow Dance”, “How High”, and “Man’s Gotta Go”.

Wild World was inspired by Moore’s sense of wanderlust, which came from his experiences as a singer/songwriter. While travel was not something Moore had done before his move to Nashville, it became a large part of his life whether it was for performing or for escaping the new life of his. This raw and emotional collection of songs reflects Moore’s desire to be alone and his constant search for simplicity and joy. In what Entertainment Tonight called “his most honest music yet”, Moore dives deep into how his career has changed his life, and not always in the obvious and positive ways that one would think. The title track reflects the way he was raised and with that, a motto that he continues to live by: live life on your own terms.

“Don’t Go Changing” reminds listeners of the importance and need of a constant in a world that seems so uncertain. While listeners can gather this from the lyrics of the song, Moore gives the song a much deeper meaning in its music video. He uses the song as a metaphor to highlight the suffering of the live music industry in the current pandemic. To see what we mean, watch the music video for “Don’t Go Changing” below.

Directed by Alex Ferrari, the music video is staged in several well-known independent music venues across Music City, including The 5 Spot, The End, The Basement, Mercy Lounge, and Exit/In. The goal of this video was to bring attention to the effect that the pandemic has had on the live music industry, specifically independent venues in Nashville. Moore performs in these noticeably empty and deserted venues to remind us of the unfortunate reality that the live music industry is currently facing. While fans are hoping for the return of concerts, those working in the music industry are hoping simply to return to work, and a decent way of life. There are so many aspects that go into the live music industry that have long gone unrealized, and continue to even now. There are bartenders, event staff, security guards, kitchen workers and many more who are essential parts of making the live music industry function, and they are suffering greatly in these times. It is not just happening in Nashville, but all across the country. The effect that the pandemic has had on the live music industry has been detrimental and what makes it even scarier, is that there is still no end in sight.

The video starts and ends with Moore interviewing Chris Cobb, owner of the Exit/In and co-founder of Music Venue Alliance Nashville, an organization whose current focus is to help independent music venues that are working to survive through the pandemic. The hope is that the music video will encourage fans to donate and help support the venues that are home to the very shows that they are longing to return to. A place like Exit/In, which averaged 20 shows a month, has now been closed for eight months. Cobb refers to the current situation that many like him are facing as living in “survival mode” as they await the unknown return of business. 

While music can be our escape in these uncertain times, we can’t forget that in order for it to remain our escape, we need it to survive until its return to the stage. Moore helps to emphasize the need to save the music industry now, so that we will be able to enjoy live shows when the time comes, and it will. While Moore may desire the return of live music just as much as fans, he reminds of the difference between want and need, leisure and livelihood.

To learn more about Music Venue Alliance Nashville and donate, click here.

As Kip Moore continues to push the envelope as a genre-defying singer/songwriter, he has also earned a CMA nomination for the “International Artist Achievement Award”.

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

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

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
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Matt Stell’s “Everywhere But On” Earns Him Second #1

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Matt Stell’s “Everywhere But On” earns him his second career number one as the song hits the top spot on the country charts this week.

In 2019, rising artist, Matt Stell’s debut single “Prayed For You” was the only debut artist single to reach the top of the country charts. The single held the coveted spot for two consecutive weeks and became an unofficial anthem for weddings across the globe. Now the singer has another #1 single to add to his catalog. His second song to country radio, “Everywhere But On” officially earned him another number one hit.

The title track for Stell’s debut EP, Everywhere But On tells the story of a man avoiding the memories of an ex by moving around. The protagonist is doing anything in his power to avoid the feelings of heartache. Appealing to the masses, the single clearly tugged the heartstrings of country music lovers across the nation.

“I’ve been from Savannah to Long Beach / Trying to keep your memory out of reach / But there you were in the Delta nights, the Santa Fe Sun, the Colorado sky / I could add another pushpin to the map / But that don’t stop me from missing you or looking back / Guess there’s just one place I haven’t gone / I’ve moved everywhere, but on”

We got a little preview of the track when the singer played the song as a part of one of our Swag Sessions, which you can watch below. Recently, Stell released his second EP, Better Than That. Ultimately, in his short career, Stell has proven that he is a hitmaker and that fans value his honesty and sentiments. We look forward to seeing what he does next!

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

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

“Everywhere But On” 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.

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police, and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Cam ‘The Other Side’ Album Review

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The best records are the timeless ones – the ones that move between the worlds of genre and popular music and will remain classic years after being released. When Cam embarked on her sophomore album, The Otherside, out now, she made sure to make an album that would move you, regardless of what is being played on the radio now, and she did so successfully.

Cam The Otherside

Cam The Otherside Album Cover

The opener, “Redwood Tree” is a conversation between Cam and a tree that lives in her hometown, a place she hasn’t visited in quite some time. This tree watched Cam grow up and her parents get older, and it’s like her personal time capsule. It’s serene sounding, and it sounds like it could be the score of a movie.

Title track “The Otherside” is a mysterious, poppy song co-written with the late Avicii, and it’s one that Cam spent a lot of time perfecting. “[Avicii] never wound up releasing that song, so I was like, ‘Ooh, maybe that means I can,’” she shared with Apple Music. “Even though it’s such a heavy thing not having him around for the final edits, I did feel this great responsibility to work my ass off to get it right. Because I knew that’s what he would have done.”

Previously released tracks “Diane” and “Classic” are retro vibe-wise. “Diane” is like a response-song to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”. “Diane, I promise I didn’t know he was your man/I would have noticed a gold wedding band.” Rhythmically, both “Diane” and “Classic” sound old-school, but the vocal and instrumental production make it sound new – especially on the lead single, “Til There’s Nothing Left”. Cam’s main collaborator has always been Tyler Johnson, and together they crafted a sound that is modern for country radio in an artistic, effortless way.

“Forgetting You” and “What Goodbye Means” are gorgeous, classic country ballads about love that’s fizzled out but stays frozen in one’s mind. “What Goodbye Means” was written about a friend of Cam’s going through a messy divorce. “[My friend] was being so kind [to his ex]. I asked him, ‘How are you being so nice right now? I don’t get it.’ And he said, ‘Because she might change her mind,’” Cam said in an interview with Apple Music. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it. We’ve all been there, not quite ready to accept the reality of something, and that’s okay.” On the chorus, she pines, singing, “Was it something I did?/Was it something I didn’t do?/Do you just need some time?/Maybe take one more night to think it through.” You can hear the heartbreak clearly in both songs, and that’s what really makes them stand out.

Masked by a wistful, folksy rhythm, “Changes” is one of the truly evocative and uncomfortably relatable moments in the best way. Sometimes you outgrow the things you love most or the things that shaped you into who you are now – it could be a person, or in this case, a hometown – and it leaves you feeling a little lost. Did I change or did they? Cam didn’t write this song, but Lori McKenna and Harry Styles did, and they famously have ties to their hometowns of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and Holmes Chapel, England respectively. They captured that strange feeling of guilt and reminiscing perfectly.

“The demo had Lori McKenna singing with Harry on background vocals and his whistle, which is still in the track,” Cam tells Apple Music. “It was amazing to hear a song that someone else wrote that clicked so much with me personally.” The guitar is sparkly in the way that innocence is, and Styles’ whistle sounds far away, like childhood years slipping through the cracks.

The album’s closer, a stunning Natalie Hemby co-write is “Girl Like Me”, which sounds like a cross between Dawes and Carole King. “It’s funny how sometimes you can’t recognize your own self,” Cam told Apple Music. The piano aches, and vocally, she soars on the chorus. “Well, they’re gonna give up on you/You’re gonna give up on them/And if it’s somebody you really love/You’re gonna find a way to love ‘em again”. It’s a message to those who feel doubt out there, but it’s also a message to Cam herself. You can lose yourself and find yourself all over again.

It’s a cinematic, captivating multi-sided story through and through, and Cam proves herself to be one of the best artists in music right now. There is so much chaos in the world right now, and for just under 40 minutes, Cam has provided an escape. “It’s a gift to be able to see life for what it is,” she said to Apple Music. “I think anyone who has been through that phase of disillusionment will think, ‘Oh yeah, tough.’ But this side is better.”

 

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

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

NYCS Staff Picks:

Changes

Forgetting You

Til There’s Nothing Left

What Goodbye Means

Like A Movie

THE OTHERSIDE TRACKLISTING:

Redwood Tree

The Otherside

Classic

Forgetting You

Like A Movie

Changes

Till There’s Nothing Left

What Goodbye Means

Diane

Happier For You

Girl Like Me

The Otherside 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.

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Written By: Tyler Johnson – The Hit Songs You Know, by the Songwriters You May Not Know

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The best music comes from a world where genres are limitless and all that matters is getting lost in the lyrics, melody, and instruments. Behind every song are the songwriters, and Tyler Johnson, this month’s featured writer, has one of the most eclectic and magical catalogs there is. Here, we spotlight 10 of the songs that he has written and produced.

Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson

“Where The Heart Is”, Brett Eldredge (Sunday Drive)

The opener on Brett Eldredge’s latest record, Sunday Drive, is one that is met with such a feeling of wonder and liveliness. “In a world that’s gone cold, show me where the heart is,” reads the chorus. Without even reading the song credits, lyrically, it sounds like a Tyler Johnson song – there are multiple layers of hope and vulnerability spread throughout the track.

 

“People Need A Melody”, The Head and the Heart (Living Mirage)

The Americana hit by the Seattle natives The Head and the Heart is a gorgeous, hopeful tune about music being what people need in hard times. “People need a melody to open their eyes/To a memory frozen in time.”  Tyler Johnson co-wrote and produced the track, as well the entire Living Mirage album, and he did a spectacular job at making it sound radio-friendly and personal at the same time.

 

“Diane”, Cam (The Otherside)

The lead single from Cam’s newest album, The Otherside, was the outstanding “Diane”, a song written from the other woman’s perspective. “It’s kind of like she’s Jolene, but she wanted to come at it from the other side, and focus on the idea that this is an apology that a lot of people deserved that they never got,” Johnson told Billboard in an interview. Sonically, it’s an epic song that really focuses on the vocal delivery.

 

“Maybe You’re Right”, Miley Cyrus (Bangerz)

Perhaps one of the most influential pop records of the 2010s was Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz. Tyler Johnson, along with the incomparable Cam, co-wrote the deep cut “Maybe You’re Right” with Miley. Melodically, it is clear that both Tyler had a hand in writing it. In many of the pop songs he is a part of, he goes for these harmonic, soaring choruses.

 

“Shade”, Maren Morris (GIRL)

While never released as an official single, “Shade”, off Maren Morris’ latest record, became a fan-favorite after Morris performed it at the CMT Awards. Tyler Johnson had a hand in writing it, and similar to the Miley Cyrus cut, the melody and harmonies are distinct.

 

“Gone Tomorrow (Here Today)”, Keith Urban (Ripcord)

Johnson co-wrote and produced another major country artist’s album opener, and that artist is the three-time entertainer of the year Keith Urban. The jaunty track, which features upbeat pop drums and slick banjo is one that Johnson is proud of. “I love how that track sounds. It has a different sonic basis but Keith, as an artist, knew what he wanted and it comes across as authentic,” he told Sounds Like Nashville in an interview.

 

“Photograph”, Ed Sheeran (x)

Tyler Johnson didn’t actually write this major Ed Sheeran hit, but it’s one of the first songs that he helped engineer and produce and put him on the map. The four-minute-song is all about trying to preserve a relationship forever – making it stand the test of time, keeping the love ageless in a photograph.

 

“Two Ghosts”, Harry Styles (Harry Styles)

The second single from Harry Styles’ debut solo project, “Two Ghosts” is a stunningly sparse song about lovers who aren’t the same people they were. It’s country in the way Beck, Jeff Tweedy, or even Kacey Musgraves is – folksy with rock and pop undertones. Harry is known for experimenting genre-wise on his records, and country is a sound he dabbles in frequently. Tyler Johnson’s expertise in the Nashville sound definitely has influenced Harry’s own sound to make it a cohesively alternative country song.

 

“Burning House”, Cam (Untamed)

It’s hard for a ballad to work at country radio. But a woman in country releasing a ballad and going #1 is even rarer. It went on to be nominated for a GRAMMY. “Burning House”, which Tyler co-wrote/produced with Cam, is practically an acoustic track, with just vocals, guitar, and string arrangements. “There’s a weight to [this song]. Writing [it] was amazing and incredibly life-changing,” he told Sounds Like Nashville. It’s painted with intense imagery, and it’s the type of song to stop you in your tracks.

 

“Fine Line”, Harry Styles (Fine Line)

It’s hard to put into words the brilliant, yet simple song that is Fine Line, the closer on Harry Styles’ latest chart-topping LP. Tyler co-wrote and produced the song, and he did it flawlessly. Lyrically, it reads like a folk song. “We’ll be a fine line/We’ll be alright,” is repeated throughout the choruses, with verses of more intricate poetry throughout. It’s about how in life, one will never be 100% happy or 100% sad. We’ll walk the line between all those emotions, and it’s okay to feel. The bridge is absolutely epic as it builds up to a swell of trumpets, crashing drums, and an orchestral arrangement. It’s beautiful lyrically, but Tyler Johnson’s vision as a producer, sonically, speaks volumes on this song. It’s more than a song – it’s an experience.

To keep up with Tyler Johnson, you can find him on Instagram here.

To listen to some of Tyler Johnson’s discography, you can find the playlist here.

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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. A portion of sales from each purchase is donated to different foundations that support our heroes. We are dedicated to honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook:

Who Is MacKenzie Porter? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

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This week’s Swag Spotlight artist is one that we think is primed for success in the near future. Canadian country artist and Nashville transplant, MacKenzie Porter has had music in her blood since she was a young kid. Recently signed by Big Loud Records, the songstress is proving that she is the real deal.

Mackenzie Porter

Mackenzie Porter Photo Credit Bree Marie Fish

Growing up on a ranch outside of Alberta, Canada, Porter found herself gravitating to music when she was only four years old. “We lived on a ranch. There was nothing else to do other than play music,” she shared, “I was constantly surrounded by it, and I think living out in the country, you also listen to country radio all the time, and that’s kind of how I became obsessed with it, and fell in love with the genre.”

Following her father and grandmother’s lead, who both played in bands, Porter learned to play classical piano, violin, and started singing at four years old. Despite playing in many concerto competitions and orchestra shows, she still knew she wanted to play country music.  “I just wanted to do what you hear on the radio, not classical music,” she tells us, recounting exactly what she told her mom growing up.

With artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride, The Chicks, and Deana Carter on her radio airwaves, Porter aspired to move to Nashville and fulfill her dreams. She started writing songs at around eighteen years old and began making trips back and forth to Music City, the songstress finally made the big move in 2014.

Armed with a desire to make music and a hustle that does not quit, she set her sights on making more meaningful connections in Nashville. “I just kind of started meeting people and just going out as much as I can. That’s the cool thing about Nashville, it’s such a relationship-based town, if you’re out and meeting people and making friends, it really does get you places, I think.”

Currently, Porter has become one of those women on the radio that she aspired to be like. Already a star in Canada, the songstress is steadily increasing her fanbase here in the states but remains as humble as can be, admitting that being a part of the ever-growing badass women of country music is a great honor. “The more that are on the radio, the more me, as a fan, feels excited, and the more me as an artist feels excited because women are knocking doors down right now.”

So far, Porter’s song “Seeing Other People” and her newest release, “Drinkin’ Songs” have made waves in the states. The former, although not written by the songstress, was an immediate “must record” for the singer. “As an artist, I always want to write my own songs,” she tells us, “But if there’s a song that someone else writes […] if they write something that I connect to, I just feel like a million other people are going to connect to it too.”

The latter, “Drinkin’ Songs” was inspired by what happens to that song you have with your boyfriend or girlfriend that changes meaning after a break-up. “It kinda haunts you and like the meaning of the song is totally different,” she explains, “Now instead of it being a song that makes you feel secure, it kinda makes you feel the opposite.”

Music lovers can anticipate a full-length album coming out next year by Porter with all new original music. She hopes to tour next year and continue to deliver more and more impressive music to the fans and country music fans in general. For now, though, fans can enjoy her current singles and a special new track slated to come out this month!

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

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

“Drinkin’ Songs” 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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SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Rob Bellamy Releases Brand New EP, ‘Starving Eyes’

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Rob Bellamy’s brand new EP Starving Eyes is available now, October 30th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dig a little deeper into the new songs off the project.

Rob Bellamy's 'Starving Eyes' EP is available everywhere now, October 30th

Rob Bellamy’s ‘Starving Eyes’ EP is available everywhere now, October 30th

One of our favorite local Northeast artists, Rob Bellamy makes great music and has an even killer voice. He creates music that is authentic to who he is and relates to country fans everywhere. The singer-songwriter has joined us for our special events from the very beginning when he opened our show with Russell Dickerson back in 2016 and most recently when we held our first ‘Manhattan by Sail Country Cruise’ around New York City. Now, as most artists have continued to work on their craft during the pandemic, Bellamy reintroduces himself with a new collection of songs in his latest project, an EP entitled Starving Eyes. 

Bellamy wastes no time delivering arguably the best song on the project. The first track, “Come This Far” is an anthem for following your dreams. Perfectly timed for 2020, the song reminds us all to regain our hustle and to keep working and clawing towards our goals.

“I didn’t come this far to slow down yet / I’m not done giving blood, tears, and sweat / I’m still running with a flame inside of me / On a path that’s following my lead”

In “Cigarette Smoke,” Bellamy leans into his nostalgic side, reminiscing about a past memory with someone special. The mid-tempo song is story-telling at its finest, which any country fan will appreciate. Similarly, listeners will find “Bedroom Door” to feel nostalgic too; however, this time the singer recounts the story of that time in 2008, where he picked his guitar back up, propelling him back towards his dream.

Bellamy speeds things up a bit with “Built to Run.” The country-rock tune features the singer’s signature vibrato, while he expresses the back and forth of a push and pull relationship. He continues to grapple with similar feelings on the rock-infused “Rearview.” Moving away from the rock elements, “Bring It on Home” has more traditional country roots. The love song is a bright spot on the project.

As the EP comes to a close, Bellamy shares one more song with fans, an acoustic track entitled “100 Proof.” The song is piercing and enticing. Bellamy’s vocals soar, as alcohol-inspired clever lyrics fill your ears. We love a song that has a double meaning, and this song fits the bill, rounding out a solid new record.

Rob Bellamy's 'Starving Eyes' EP is available everywhere now, October 30th

Rob Bellamy, ‘Starving Eyes’ EP, available now

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

To keep up with Rob Bellamy, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

NYCS Picks:

  1. “Come This Far”
  2. “Cigarette Smoke”
  3. “100 Proof” (Acoustic)

Starving Eyes EP Tracklist:

  1. Come This Far
  2. Cigarette Smoke
  3. Bedroom Door
  4. Built to Run
  5. Rearview
  6. Bring It on Home
  7. Home Proof (Acoustic)

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

 

—————

SHOP THE HERO COLLECTION

The Hero Collection by NYCountry Swag is inspired by the men and women of the Fire, Police and Military Departments across the country. Specially selected foundations that support our heroes will receive donations from each purchase. Honoring their service and remembering their sacrifice is what we are dedicated to.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here 
for ticket giveaways, meet & greet contests, upcoming events,
and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

+ Follow our country music adventures on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: