Underwood, Combs, Church, Bryan, & Rhett to Open ACM Awards Show

Exclusively announced with Billboard earlier today, the 55th Annual ACM Awards unveiled what will be an epic start to the special show. 2020 Entertainer of the Year nominees Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Bryan, will come together to perform a medley of their greatest hits.

Additionally, the awards show announced the winners of a few early awards. Thomas Rhett takes home the award for Video of the Year with his smash hit, “Remember You Young”. While Miranda Lambert earned the award for Music Event of the Year for her collaboration on “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” along with female powerhouses Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack, and Elle King. Hit songwriter, Hillary Lindsey received the award for Songwriter of the Year.

Previously, the awards show also confirmed the winners of the New Female and New Male Artists of the Year. Tenille Townes and Riley Green earned the accolades, and will each perform during the special show.

The rescheduled 55th annual awards show will air this Wednesday, September 16th on CBS at 8PM ET.  Hosted by superstar Keith Urban, this time performances will take place at multiple iconic venues across Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. This is the first time that the show will be held in Nashville in the award shows history. For a full list of performers, click here.

Although it is sure to be different, we feel that this might be the most incredible ACM Awards yet. The 2020 ACM Awards, “A Night of Heart and Hits” will be exactly what the country music community needs during these times. Make sure to gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on September 16th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @NYCountrySwag.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming performance announcements in the coming weeks.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music, follow along here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, and Hillary Lindsey Take Home Early ACM Awards

Ahead of the 55th Annual ACM Awards set to take place this Wednesday, September 16th, three early winners were revealed.

Thomas Rhett takes home the award for Video of the Year with his smash hit, “Remember You Young”. While Miranda Lambert earned the award for Music Event of the Year for her collaboration on “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” along with female powerhouses Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack, and Elle King. Hit songwriter, Hillary Lindsey received the award for Songwriter of the Year.

Announced earlier today (Sept. 14), The awards show also unveiled a surprise performance opening the show; each of the Entertainer of the Year nominees Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, and Luke Bryan, will come together to perform a medley of their greatest hits.

Additionally, the awards show recently announced the winners of the New Female and New Male Artists of the Year. Tenille Townes and Riley Green earned the accolades, and will each perform during the special show.

The rescheduled 55th annual awards show will air this Wednesday, September 16th on CBS at 8PM ET.  Hosted by superstar Keith Urban, this time performances will take place at multiple iconic venues across Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. This is the first time that the show will be held in Nashville in the award shows history. For a full list of performers, click here.

Although it is sure to be different, we feel that this might be the most incredible ACM Awards yet. The 2020 ACM Awards, “A Night of Heart and Hits” will be exactly what the country music community needs during these times. Make sure to gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on September 16th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @NYCountrySwag.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming performance announcements in the coming weeks.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music, follow along here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

—————

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.

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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Luke Combs Fans Will Get New Music Sooner Than Expected

 

Despite the chaos that 2020 has come to be there’s one artist who continues to provide for his fans, Luke Combs. If getting married, hosting livestreams and releasing new music weren’t enough to keep Combs busy during quarantine, the singer-songwriter also announced he will be dropping a deluxe version of his What You See Is What You Get album with the revised title, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get.

The deluxe album is set to release on October 23rd and will include five new tracks. While fans speculated over the past few weeks which songs the album would include, Combs took to social media and let fans in on a little secret; two of the five new songs have not yet been heard.

Today, Combs went back to social media dropping another huge surprise on fans, the superstar will be releasing the five titles to the forthcoming songs THIS Friday, September 18th. In addition, Combs will be releasing one of the new songs. In a second surprise post on onday, 9/14, Combs shared that the song he is releasing would be “Without You”.  While the new song will release Friday at midnight, the tracklist will be availablke at 9AM ET.

Fans can check back here at NYCountry Swag on Friday for the new song, plus join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming Luke Combs release in the coming weeks.

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

 

—————

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.

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2020 ACM Awards: What You Need to Know

The 55th Academy of Country Music Awards is ready to take on Nashville, for the first time in its history, this Wednesday night, September 16th, for its annual show that will honor the greats of country music.

Originally slated to take place last April in Las Vegas, it was postponed until September because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of having the award show in one location, it’ll now air with epic performances from three different historic iconic Nashville locations: the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe.

This year a new location also means a new host. Keith Urban will be hosting for the first time following in Reba McEntire’s footsteps. Urban brought home the biggest award of the show last year, the ACM Entertainer of the Year and is a 15-time ACM Award winner.

With performances by Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and Trisha Yearwood, there is something for every country music fan.

When are the 2020 ACM Awards: Wednesday, September 16th at 8PM – 11PM ET

Where to watch the 2020 ACM Awards: CBS, live from Nashville

WHO’S PERFORMING AT THE 2020 ACM AWARDS?

Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Stefani
Trisha Yearwood
Jimmie Allen
Kelsea Ballerini
Gabby Barrett
Kane Brown
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Riley Green
Mickey Guyton
Miranda Lambert
Tim McGraw
Maren Morris
Old Dominion
Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi
Tenille Townes
Morgan Wallen

WHO’S PRESENTING AT THE 2020 ACM AWARDS?

Lauren Alaina
Lily Aldridge
Clint Black & Lisa Hartman Black
Bobby Bones
CAM
Darius Rucker
Runaway June

WHO’S NOMINATED FOR 2020 ACM AWARDS?

Entertainer of the Year

Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett ** WINNER
Carrie Underwood ** WINNER
* For the first time ever, the ACM Entertainer of the Year award ended in a tie between Carrie Underwood and Thomas Rhett.

 

Male Entertainer of the Year

Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs ** WINNER
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

 

Female Artist of the Year

Miranda Lambert
Carrie Underwood
Maren Morris ** WINNER
Kacey Musgraves
Kelsea Ballerini

 

New Male Artist of the Year

Russell Dickerson
Jordan Davis
Riley Green ** Early Winner
Cody Johnson
Morgan Wallen

 

New Female Artist of the Year

Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Lindsay Ell
Caylee Hammack
Tenille Townes ** Early Winner

 

Duo of the Year

Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay** WINNER
Florida Georiga Line
Maddie & Tae

 

Group of the Year

Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion ** WINNER
The High Women

 

Album of the Year

Center Point Road – Thomas Rhett
GIRL – Maren Morris
Heartache Medication – Jon Pardi
What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs ** WINNER
Wildcard – Miranda Lambert

 

Song of the Year

10,000 Hours -Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
Girl Goin Nowhere – Ashley McBryde
God’s Country – Blake Shelton
One Man Band – Old Dominion ** WINNER
Some of It – Eric Church

 

Single of the Year

God’s Country – Blake Shelton ** WINNER
One Man Band – Old Dominion
Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves
Rumor – Lee Brice
What If I Never Get Over You – Lady Antebellum

 

Music Event of the Year

10,000 Hours Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
Dive Bar – Garth Brooks feat. Blake Shelton
Fooled Around and Fell In Love – Miranda Lambert feat. Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack & Elle King ** Early Winner
Old Town Road – Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
What Happens in a Small Town – Brantley Gilbert feat. Lindsay Ell

 

Songwriter of the Year

Ashley Gorley
Michael Hardy
Hilary Lindsey ** Early Winner
Shane McAnally
Josh Osborne

 

Video of the Year

10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber
God’s Country – Blake Shelton
One Man Band – Old Dominion
Remember You Young – Thomas Rhett ** Early Winner
Sugarcoat – Little Big Town

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Although it is sure to be different, we feel that this might be the most incredible ACM Awards yet. The 2020 ACM Awards, “A Night of Heart and Hits” will be exactly what the country music community needs during these times. Make sure to gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on September 16th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @NYCountrySwag.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming performance announcements in the coming weeks.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music follow along here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

—————

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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BREAKING: Taylor Swift To Perform Worldwide Premiere of “betty” at ACM Awards

Announced today (Sept. 13), Taylor Swift has been confirmed to return to the ACM Awards show stage for the worldwide premiere performance of “betty” off her latest album, Folklore. This marks Swift’s first performance from the album as well as her first ACM Awards performance in seven years.

The rescheduled 55th annual awards show will air this Wednesday, September 16th on CBS at 8PM ET.  Hosted by superstar Keith Urban, this time performances will take place at multiple iconic venues across Nashville, including the Grand Ole Opry House, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Bluebird Cafe. This is the first time that the show will be held in Nashville in the award shows history. For a full list of performers, click here.

Although it is sure to be different, we feel that this might be the most incredible ACM Awards yet. The 2020 ACM Awards, “A Night of Heart and Hits” will be exactly what the country music community needs during these times. Make sure to gear up for the big night and set your DVR’s for 8PM ET on September 16th and follow along on Twitter as we live-tweet the show, @NYCountrySwag.

Fans can also join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about the upcoming performance announcements in the coming weeks.

To keep up with the Academy of Country Music, follow along here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

—————

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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Morgan Wallen Previews Unreleased Track “Somebody’s Problem”

Morgan Wallen is keeping fans entertained, constantly dangling unreleased music at our fingertips. Between “7 Summers” (which was FINALLY released) and “Wonderin’ About the Wind,” Wallen’s sophomore album is sure to be something special. He even shared a sneak peek of another unreleased demo on his Instagram stories called “Somebody’s Problem.”

Morgan Wallen Somebody's Problem

The newest demo is right on target with the already released tunes that are slated to be a part of the next record. “Somebody’s Problem” is a narrative that is all about a budding new relationship. Wallen, ironically, sings the song in such a way that pays homage to the fact that with the start of one relationship, another one ends.

I think I’m liking where it’s goin’ / I’d like to try me some of somebody’s problem / Somebody’s goodbye / Somebody’s last call number that they can’t find / Somebody’s best day, somebody’s worst night / Somebody’s reason for leavin’ on the porch light”

The hopeful and relatable nature of the lyrics and Wallen’s uniquely special vocals are sure to have listeners swooning. Fans have plenty to be excited about! On top of continuing to release music, Wallen surprised fans with the news that the double record is a go! We will sure have plenty of new music from the superstar in the making sooner rather than later, and we cannot wait.

EDIT 11/20/20: “Somebody’s Problem” along with two additional songs, have officially been released. Learn more here

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

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

For your new country music, visit 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Thomas Rhett Introduces Two New Unreleased Tracks

ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee, Thomas Rhett has been staying busy during quarantine, performing a ton of new songs he has written for his fans on Instagram. The singer-songwriter debuted two more for us recently, “Bass Pro Hat” and “That’ll Be Us Someday.”

Musically, “Bass Pro Hat” sounds a lot like his hit song, “Unforgettable,” as he sings fast with a similar chord progression and a clap backing every other beat. In the song, Rhett mentions how the term ‘paradise’ to most people means sitting on a beach when it’s sunny and 75, but to him, it’s riding a tractor with his girl sitting on his lap wearing a backwards Bass Pro hat. Check it out in the video below.

“Ain’t got a lot, but we got it made / Steady falling like it’s spring-time rain /
Sweet tea going nowhere fast / Might sound crazy but we like it like that”

There are plenty of romance songs on country radio right now, but no one does them quite like Thomas Rhett. “That’ll Be Us Someday,” if officially released, will be many couples’ wedding song. Presumably written about his wife, Lauren from the perspective of his younger self, Rhett looks forward to his future and paints beautiful pictures of what their life is going to look like together. Each chorus is different; the first one describes their wedding day, followed by raising their children, and finally, growing old and gray, sitting side-by-side on their rocking chairs. Check it out in the video below.

Rhett recently scored his 16th number one single with his “Be A Light” collaboration featuring Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Chris Tomlin and Hilary Scott. All of the proceeds from that song are going to MusiCares, and Rhett, along with Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta, just made a hefty donation of $100,000. So far, MusiCares and their COVID-19 Relief Fund has helped thousands of people affected by the coronavirus to make ends meet, directly supporting those in the music community as the need remains dire. If you’d like to donate to MusiCares, head to their website here.

Fans on social media have been begging the country superstar to release these songs. We are hoping he will combine all of these tracks and drop an acoustic, quarantine record.

Fans can 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 Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

For your new country music, visit 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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NYCS First Impression: Kelsea Ballerini ‘ballerini’

Kelsea Ballerini new album

On March 20th, Kelsea Ballerini put out her third studio album, kelsea, a project full of life and created to be sung loud at parties and arena concerts. She had so many plans that went hand-in-hand with that release, and when everything was put on pause, those plans were put on hold. While a fantastic record, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to reimagine the songs and dive even deeper into the writing itself, so she released a new version of the album titled ballerini on September 11th.

“overshare”, which was a smooth, pop-country jam on kelsea is now a groovy, folksy, and even stronger album opener. This time around, with a few lyrical and melodic changes that make you want to play it on repeat, it feels back-porch personal, which is the very intent of ballerini.

“Yeah I know there are moments that I’m missing / If I’d just shut up and listen, but /
Silence makes me scared / So then I overshare,” she sings over a catchy guitar.

“club” and “the way i used to” are examples of big, arena tour-ready songs that are turned into gorgeous piano ballads. Lyrically, they always captured some of the insecurities that come with being young and going out, but now they feel like you’ve stayed up too late and you’re too in your head.

“love me like a girl” is a stunning, perfectly quiet moment. On the new version, Ballerini leaves space and uses her voice as an instrument. Harmonies and serene guitars surround the song in a perfectly understated way, making it all about the lyrics.

“I wish you could get inside my head/Baby, maybe then, you’d understand/It doesn’t mean that you’re not my whole world/But I wish you could love me like a girl.” 

“bragger”, “hole in the bottle” and “love and hate” are three of the most country songs, and particularly on “love and hate” does Ballerini show off her Knoxville roots. “needy” and “half of my hometown” stay true to their original form, but because of the production choices, listeners are really able to focus on what she’s saying and how great of a writer she truly is.

Ballerini worked with longtime friend and frequent kelsea collaborator Jimmy Robbins to complete and produce the album together. They made a soulful, subtle record that really allows fans to dig into who Kelsea Ballerini is at the core.

ballerini proves that often times, artists don’t need all the bells and whistles and glitter that surround music today. At least if you can tell a story in the way Kelsea Ballerini can. If kelsea was self-aware, ballerini is all about intuition. We’ve met the colorful, vibrant Kelsea, but now we’ve formally met the girl behind the songs. Nice to really meet you again, Kelsea Ballerini.

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

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

ballerini 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.

 

ballerini TRACKLIST

1.     overshare (ballerini album version)
2.     club (ballerini album version)
3.     homecoming queen? (ballerini album version)
4.     the other girl (ballerini album version)
5.     love me like a girl (ballerini album version)
6.     love and hate (ballerini album version)
7.     bragger (ballerini album version)
8.     hole in the bottle (ballerini album version)
9.     half of my hometown (ballerini album version)
10.  the way i used to (ballerini album version)
11.  needy (ballerini album version)
12.  a country song (ballerini album version)
13.  la (ballerini album version)

 

—————

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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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and all things country music in the New York metro area and beyond!

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Russell Dickerson and Wife, Kailey, Welcome Sweet Baby Boy

Country singer-songwriter Russell Dickerson and his wife, Kailey, are celebrating the birth of their first child, a beautiful baby boy. Dickerson’s rep confirmed to People that baby RD was given the name Remington Edward Dickerson, and arrived on Thursday, September 10th at 3:23PM, weighing in at 10lbs., 4oz. and measuring 22.5 inches long.

As the “Love You Like I Used To” singer adjusts to being a new Dad, he is gearing up to release his sophomore record later this year and has been active on virtual interaction with his fans through social media throughout the majority of this quarantine.

We are so happy for Kailey and Russell and can’t wait to see them as parents!

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

To keep up with Russell Dickerson, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

For your new country music, visit 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.

Saturday Night Live Combs

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Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

Subscribe to our Weekly Round-Up here
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NYCS First Impression: Mickey Guyton EP ‘Bridges’

Mickey Guyton Bridges

2020 has been one of the most turbulent years in history. Between a pandemic, civil unrest, and natural disasters, it seems like it’s never-ending. With all the chaos comes clarity, though, and Mickey Guyton, one of country music’s best vocalists, has used her voice in every way, which resulted in her fantastic new EP, Bridges, out today, September 11th.

The current single and project opener, “Heaven Down Here” is the perfect song for uncertain times. The track was written by Guyton, and legends Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, and Hilary Lindsay. Guyton spends the verses speaking to God, asking him to send a little light down to Earth. It’s the kind of anthem everyone wants to hear right now.

“If you got a little love/Left in your back pocket/Rain it down like pennies/In this wishing well of tears/I know that you’re busy/But if you could hear me talking/We could use a little more heaven down here,” Guyton sings hopefully on the chorus.

The title track “Bridges” captures the feeling of hope similarly to “Heaven Down Here”, but from a different lens. Guyton is not only a talented singer and songwriter, but she is constantly using her platform to lift other women up and to speak on topics that move her.

“Gonna need more than prayers and wishes to build those bridges, bridges, bridges/It’s gonna take way more work to fix it, gotta build those bridges.”

Sonically, it feels distinctly pop country, but has Gospel undertones that make Guyton’s voice particularly shine. There are fun moments like “Rosé” and “Salt” that showcase Guyton’s effortless charm and mystique. “Rosé” is a front-porch-sipping type of track, whereas “Salt” is like a leather jacket and a red lip. Both have completely different vibes and show even more sides to who Guyton is as a person and artist.

“Two years ago, this project didn’t feel like it was even a possibility,” shares Guyton. “This EP proves that in your darkest moments, you can have your biggest breakthroughs. I think back to all of the obstacles in my life and career, including writing and recording most of this EP in quarantine during a time of social unrest, and how it has all led to the birth of this beautiful project. I hope these songs provide others with the same happiness and strength they have provided me in these uncertain times.”

“What Are You Gonna Tell Her” is an absolute show stopper of a song. The introduction is haunting; the sound of a toy piano before Guyton’s precise vocal delivery comes in. “She thinks love is love and if/You work hard, that’s enough/Skin’s just skin and it doesn’t matter,” she sings softly on the first verse. As each verse builds, her voice gets louder and stronger with more intent. “And that her friend’s older brother’s gonna keep his hands to himself/And that somebody’s gon’ believe her when she tells/But what are you gonna tell her?/When she’s wrong?” Guyton states this so plain and simple, and perhaps that’s part of what makes it so heartbreaking. Because it’s the definition of three chords and the truth.

Finally, the EP closes with the critically acclaimed “Black Like Me”, a song equally catchy and thought-provoking. Released during the start of the protests in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Guyton tells her story of being a Black person living in America. “I’m an adult. I’m a woman going through real shit – and my life isn’t light and fluffy,” she said in a press release. “Black Like Me” covers that side of Guyton; the side that faces the truth, even when it hurts.

Mickey Guyton is one of those rare artists who you know you’re lucky to be listening to their music in real-time. She has so much to say – and she says it well. Guyton freed herself from the chains of country radio, so she could figure out exactly how to use her voice. And once she did that, nothing could hold her back anymore, as heard on Bridges. “I realize the power in truth and love, the power in your voice,” she says. “What you do with it, is up to you.”

 

Bridges Track Listing:

“Heaven Down Here”* (Mickey Guyton, Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
“Bridges”* (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
“What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”* (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
“Rosé”** (Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks, Karen Kosowski)
“Salt”* (Mickey Guyton, Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlowe, Steven Lee Olsen)
“Black Like Me”+ (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Fraser Churchill, Emma Davidson-Dillon)

*Produced by Karen Kosowski
**Produced by Karen Kosowki and Forest Whitehead
+Produced by Nathan Chapman and Forest Whitehead

NYCS Staff Picks:

  1. “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”
  2. “Bridges”
  3. “Black Like Me”

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

‘Bridges’ 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. 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.

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