What We’re Listening To: June Picks

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NYCountry Swag’s “What We’re Listening To” playlist highlights the wide range of our team’s favorite songs and artists when it comes to the country music genre.  At the end of the day, we are all fans first with a passion for country music and are eager to share with you all what we’ve got on repeat each month.

Find below each of our team member’s favorite songs and why in our June picks. Then be sure to give our Spotify account a follow and listen to our favorite tracks!

 

JUNE PICKS:

 

 

Stephanie Wagner, Founder

Pick: “Would Have Loved Her” – Chris Bandi
Songwriters: Chris Bandi, Zach Kale

This month I chose Chris Bandi’s “Would Have Loved Her” off his recently released debut EP. When I say I’m listening to this song on repeat, I mean literally I’ve got it looped all day long. I fell in love with the concept of the song even before hearing it and once it was officially released I was immediately hooked. Much like the song I chose last month, this is another piano-led ballad, but the heartfelt tearjerking lyrics are truly what drew me in. The song starts with the singer speaking to his late father, talking about meeting a girl he wishes his Dad could have met and he knows he would have loved her.

“She’s from a small town just like you // She’s got a smile that could light up the room // She’s pretty as a hallelujah // But don’t let it fool ya / ‘Cause she’ll dance when she drinks // And she’ll say what she thinks // She makes me a better man like you did // I miss you and wish you could just meet each other // ‘Cause I bet you would’ve loved her”

As the song progresses, each line moves through the phases of falling in love, getting married, and having a baby of his own, circling back to the idea that the late father would love her. From start to finish it’s an all-around beautiful song that truly deserves to be heard.

 

Christina Bosch, Managing Editor 

Pick: “Never Will” – Ashley McBryde
Songwriters: Ashley McBryde, Blue Foley, Chris Harris, Christian Sancho, Matt Helmkamp, Victor Hill

One of the most authentic creators in the country genre is Ashley McBryde. Her powerful voice carries over some of the truest lyrics ever written, and she has a way of recording and releasing music that is so specific to her story and yet, I always find a way to relate.

“Never Will” the title track of her latest full-length project, tells the tale of looking back proudly of never giving up, never giving in to the people who didn’t believe in you. In McBryde’s case, it probably is a reflection of her early years in the music business, in my case, it’s following a determination and a dream.

The lyrics in the bridge are the perfect kick in the ass that the CMA New Artist of the Year winner is known for and inspire dreamers everywhere: “Money and fame, it’ll go to your head if you get it / They never did understand all the reasons we did it / I can call out the names and the faces of the people who said it / Oh, but honestly, I just don’t want ’em to get any credit” 

Her entire sophomore album is a masterpiece, each song tells the truth about life and I constantly listen in awe of her talent.

 

Lucie Bernheim, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Love Me Now” – Josh Kerr
Songwriters: Josh Kerr, Tom Douglas

My friends and I have loved watching movies over Zoom during quarantine, and one of the movies we watched was “Perks of Being a Wallflower”. So much moved me about the movie; besides longing for my time at high school to end as it did in the final scene, it started a conversation amongst my friend group: what would our tunnel song be? The song that we turned up to listen to so freely while driving down the highway, feeling forever young in that moment?
“Love Me Now” by Josh Kerr isn’t that song, although he has plenty of epic songs that could be. “Love Me Now” is the coming of age movie. It’s about high school, graduation, youth, hurting, moving on, and evolving into a better version of yourself. “I admit I’m kind of broken, but I’ll heal,” Kerr sings honestly on the second verse. It’s not the song they play in the beginning or at the end, it’s the song that sits perfectly in the middle. You’ve changed, and you know you have, but there’s still so much life you’ve yet to live and experience. There is something so poignant about the delivery of this song. It’s cinematic and thoughtful, equal parts due to Kerr and Douglas’ writing, Kerr’s flawless production, and the vulnerability in his voice. When I think about finishing high school, I think about how much I have evolved since freshman year. Walking in 14 and leaving 18 is a huge difference, and as Kerr says, “Candles at both ends burning / Baby don’t the world keep turning”.

Dylan Bestler, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Worldwide Beautiful” – Kane Brown
Songwriters: Kane Brown, Jordan Schmidt, Ryan Hurd, Shy Carter

In a time when everyone is fighting each other on all different issues, I find comfort in songs that talk about unity. If we all stop judging individuals based on their skin color, uniform, political view, etc. and come together as a nation, the world would be a better place to live in. This is the message Kane is trying to get across in this song. I know I am so greatly influenced by music and hope this song reaches and impacts those who, like Kane says, have unmovable hearts.

“We ain’t that different from each other / From one to another, I look around and see worldwide beautiful”

 

Kristina Callahan, Contributing Writer

Pick: “We Do” – Kenny Chesney
Songwriters: Kenny Chesney, Craig Wiseman, David Garcia, Scooter Carusoe

Everyone has a summer anthem and after listening to this Kenny Chesney song about 500 times, it’s safe to say this is mine. The first song off his Here and Now album, it’s one of those songs that’ll bring a smile to your face every time you hear it. When I close my eyes, I see myself tailgating at MetLife Stadium before his 2018 concert and it brings back so many great memories.

Yeah, we laugh and we love // And we can’t get enough // As loud as we’re livin’, man / We still turn it up // We’re amplified, come alive // Side by side // No matter where it goes // You know we’re here for the ride// Who gets to roll like we do? // We do // // Yeah, who wants to rock like we do? // We do // Yeah, who ain’t gonna stop, man, no matter what? // And who gets to live like we do? // We do

Everyone is still bummed about the Chillaxifcation tour being postponed until 2021 but this song and this entire album give me hope that next year’s version of the tour will be even better, even if we have to wait another year for it.

 

Jeremy Chua, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Soldier” – Craig Morgan
Songwriters: Gavin DeGraw

This is a track off Craig Morgan’s latest album, God, Family, Country, and a cover of Gavin DeGraw’s original song. Morgan’s rendition kicks an emotional punch, in a good way. It’s an undeniable feel-good anthem with uplifting lyrics like “I’ll get it if you need it / I’ll search if you don’t see it / If you’re thirsty, I’ll be your rain / If you get hurt, I’ll take your pain.” Also, I love that Morgan and producer/writer Phil O’Donnell enlisted a choir of vocalists to do the background vocals. There’s something special when you hear the soulful “oooo’s” and soaring echoes of certain words in the song! If you need a good pick-me-up, especially during this time, take a listen. You’ll have it on repeat after, I’m sure!

 

Alexa Ebner, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Church in a Chevy” – Jordan Davis
Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins

I cannot stop listening to “Church in a Chevy” by Jordan Davis. This song is featured on his self-titled EP, released in May. From the very first listen, this is the type of song where you feel the deep emotion flood throughout your entire body as each lyric is sung. I love Davis’ music for the refreshing energy, but this mid-tempo ballad shows us a different side to the singer.

He raises the idea one does not have to attend church in order to practice their own personal form of religion. For Davis, the cathartic act of driving in a car is a mode for personal growth and self-discovery. The song is filled with vivid imagery, making one feel very connected to the message. At the close of the chorus, Davis sings, “Amazing grace came flooding through the windshield / felt some broken parts of me start to heal”. Everyone can relate to feeling that healing is personal to everyone, and can happen at any time and in any place.

 

Julia Grubbs, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Hard To Forget” – Sam Hunt
Songwriters: Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley, Audrey Grisham, Josh Osborne, Luke Laird, Mary Jean Shurtz, Russ Hall, Sam Hunt

I have always been a fan of Sam Hunt, from his very beginning to songs you’ve never heard of. My aunt is friends with his aunt, so I basically feel like I know him, and have heard stories about watching him grow up doing small shows in his hometown. This song does him justice with his constant talk-singing and the unforgettable catchy beats. We were waiting for new music, and this does not disappoint. The opening is such a cool modern twist on an old song banjo vibe, and a bit different from some of his others. It’s another perfect song for the summer to drive with the windows down, or in my case, the top down. Everyone always talks about playing hard to get, but they never mention playing hard to forget. A little more lighthearted than his “Break Up In A Small Town”, but with the same themes, you can jam while maybe feeling a little bitter about a breakup. This will be on my playlist for a while.

 

Molly Holmberg, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Make Em Wanna Change” – Adam Sanders
Songwriters: Adam Craig, Adam Sanders, Dallas Wilson

This month I have been listening to Adam Sanders’ new song “Make Em Wanna Change”. While you may not know him as a singer, yet, you definitely know his songs including Cole Swindell’s “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey” and Dustin Lynch’s “Hell of a Night”. Sanders’ ability to write honest songs is what has kept me inching to hear everything he puts out. In his latest, he explains how some relationships, some people, just have something about them that makes you want to become a better person. With an upbeat tempo, a catchy chorus, and lyrics that you can instantly apply to your life, I see Sanders’ new song doing very well in the coming months.
“Yeah ’cause guys like me just need a girl like you to make ’em wanna change,”

 

Pick: “Break. Up. Drunk” – Chase Rice
Songwriters: Chase Rice, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt

My June pick is “Break. Up. Drunk.” by Chase Rice. I chose this song because it’s not your typical sad song. Rice took a sad situation and put an upbeat twist on it.  It’s the perfect song to dance to this summer whether you are going through a breakup or not.
Pick: “What Could’ve Been” – Gone West
Songwriters: Colbie Caillat, Danelle Reeves, Jamie Kenney, Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young
It’s hard to find a breakup song that feels unique from what’s already out there, especially in country music, but this track does it for me. Between the perfect harmonies, the simple arrangement, and the poignant lyrics, it checks every box. I have always been a Colbie Caillat fan but I think she and her new bandmates fit perfectly in the country genre. The story in the song is so relatable to listeners but told in a way that feels new and different. I’m so excited to follow this group as they continue to release new music!
“‘Cause we left blood the on the tracks / Sweat on the saddle / Fire in the hills / A bullet in the barrel / Words never said in a story that didn’t end / Looks like you’re on the mend and I’m on the bottle / We folded our hands with money on the table / Tried moving on but I keep coming back again, hmm / To what could’ve been”

 

Erica Zisman, Contributing Writer

Pick: “Show Me Around” – Carly Pearce
Songwriters: —

A lot of songs this month have hit me hard in the best possible away. My favorite thing about music is when a song can make me feel something and Carly Pearce’s unreleased “Show Me Around” did just that for me. Although it has not yet been released, Pearce blew me away with her tribute to her late friend and phenomenal producer/songwriter busbee. I cannot fully articulate how much the lyrics touched me.

“I hope you know you left your mark on this world / I swear I’d give anything on this earth to see your face, but for now I’ll wait.”

I often think about the “afterlife,” and the only thing I know for certain is I hope my loved ones are the first people I see. Although it can feel like a taboo or morbid subject, “Show Me Around” somehow evokes pain and hope in the most beautiful of ways. I look forward to hopefully adding this song to my music library one day.

 

Listen to our picks on our “What We’re Listening To” playlist on Spotify and be sure to give it a follow, so you can catch our monthly updates.

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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. 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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Craig Morgan Honors Frontline Workers In New Song “The Mask”

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The Mask Craig Morgan

Despite producing the song long before the term “mask” had established itself into our everyday vocabulary, this new one from Craig Morgan could have easily been promoted as another brilliant coronavirus pandemic-inspired track. Still, “The Mask” finds sentimental value in its newfound depth as a dedication to frontline heroes.

Though, Morgan has not simply just played his cards right on this release. “The Father, My Son, And the Holy Ghost” singer continues to show his artistry through heartache melodies and lyrics. And, this new single does not venture off from that. Michael Rogers transcribed these lyrics along with Morgan which involves face-to-face interactions with God, a staple in a vast majority of his songs.

“Cause when I get home and it’s late at night / No one’s around and I turn off the light / I cry and scream and yell like a crazy man / I don’t have to pretend that I’m doing well, I can tell the world it can go to hell / It’s just me and God when I take off the mask”

On April 25, “The Mask” may have found its rightful place on the Grand Ole Opry stage where Morgan first introduced it as a Gratitune, which is a consumer-generated music platform that celebrates patients and healthcare workers of Vanderbilt University Medical Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the mid-tempo ballad is exactly the kind of track that would become a fan-favorite on an album and climb to the top of the country charts all on its own.

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

“The Mask”  is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more recently 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. 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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Zac Brown Band Drop “The Man Who Loves You the Most”

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The Man Who Loves You The Most

Grammy-winning country group, Zac Brown Band returns to their original sound with their newly released, Father’s Day-inspired track, “The Man Who Loves You the Most.” This song serves as a reminder to Brown’s four daughters that that even after they grow up and get married, no man will ever love them more than their dad.

I hope you let the whole world in your heart / But you still got room for me / I hope you find a guy that treats you right / On your wedding night, I’ll raise a toast / Hope he understands /
I’ll always be the man that loves you the most

The band’s 2017 song, “My Old Man,” is about a boy who is trying to live out the lessons his now, deceased father taught him growing up. Now, the role has switched and Brown is the one giving his children one last message before they enter the next stage of their lives. Before Friday’s release, this song was heard on The Office star, John Krasinski’s Some Good News YouTube show when Brown performed it to serenade a bride and her father during a couple’s virtual wedding.

The band’s latest project, The Owl, experimented with a whole new sound. “The Man Who Loves You the Most” more closely resembles their early work. Although we’re not sure if this will feature on the band’s next album or if it’s just a stand-alone single, we can expect more music similar to this style going forward.

To keep up with Zac Brown Band, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

“The Man Who Loves You the Most” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. 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.

—————————-

Thank You for supporting Country Music in NYC & Beyond!

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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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Luke Bryan Releases Emotional Track, “Build Me A Daddy”

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Build Me A Daddy

Country superstar, Luke Bryan released a new, timely track that’s right in time for Father’s Day called “Build Me A Daddy”. The song will feature as the sixth track on his upcoming Born Here Live Here Die Here album.

The ballad, written by Brett Tyler, Jake Mitchell, and Josh Thompson has all the gloomy vibes of his classic hit, “Drink a Beer,” as Bryan sings about a loss in the family. A young boy goes into a wooden toy shop and asks the man behind the counter if he could build him a daddy. He describes what he wants him to look like: strong as Superman, ten feet tall, a southern drawl, and a crooked smile. He also mentions that he was looking forward to his dad teaching him how to aim a gun and throw a curveball. The chorus ends with a line about how happy it would make his mother if he could bring his father back, talk about pulling at the heartstrings.

 

‘Cause I sure miss him / Maybe you can bring him back / If I walked in with him it’d sure make my momma happy / if you could build me a daddy

“Build Me a Daddy” follows Bryan’s current single “One Margarita.” The release date for his upcoming seventh studio album, Born Here Live Here Die Here was originally scheduled for April 24th but has been pushed back to August 7th due to the Covid-19 pandemic

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

“Build Me a Daddy” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

—————

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:

NYCS Swag Spotlight: Josh Kelley

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Josh Kelley

Josh Kelley, photographed by Justin Hackworth

 

I love being a dad. I just love it. Family is extremely important, it’s everything. It’s just a feeling, it’s something, I love to grow these babies up, to spend time with them and nurture them, something about building a family.”

 

In honor of Father’s Day this upcoming weekend, we are highlighting dad of three and singer, songwriter, and producer, Josh Kelley. Growing up in Augusta, Georgia, he and his younger brother, Charles Kelley (frontman of Lady A) were surrounded by music. The hometown of legend, James Brown, they were influenced by a diverse range of music growing up including Luther Vandross and the Doobie Brothers when with their mother, classic country music with their father or Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin when driving around with their older brother. “When I started teaching myself to play guitar, I think I was 11 or 12 and I remember getting really good,” Kelley tells us. ” I became a blues guitarist, and James Brown’s band had a side project called First Born and I would sit in and play guitar with them, I was 16-17 and they taught me so much, it was like going to soul-funk camp.”

While in college he wrote and recorded a song called “Amazing” that had a ton of traction on college radio and eventually landed a record deal thanks to the very first streaming platform, Napster. ” When I figured out my little clever angle as to how I was going to make it happen, I remember knowing that it was going to happen,” he recalls. Staying authentic and always writing what he knows, Kelley has produced and recorded the majority of his latest music in a barn turned studio in his home which he shares with his wife, movie, and television star Katherine Heigl.

He and Katherine live in Park City, Utah tucked away in the mountains and are raising a beautiful family, teaching them to appreciate the simple things in life and have really taken to this quarantined time together. “Busy Making Memories” is a touching tribute to slowing down life and taking in the small joyous moments. The video edited by Katherine and Josh features their three children and plays out like an intimate home movie. “It was a little revelation I had, I needed to make sure that, just because I am still a dream chaser, I want my career to grow and get bigger and better and play for more people but I don’t want to do it at the expense of my family,” he tells us. “There is a sweet spot I’ve been trying to find for years and I think I found it.”

He even admits that the next song he is getting ready to release was inspired by his children after watching the movie Trolls together and hearing one of the characters sing in autotune. They all went into Kelley’s at home studio, put on headphones, and started recorded sounds and he was instantly inspired. “I put a groove to it to make it fun and the next thing you know, it started becoming a song,” he laughs.

This new song he tells us has an islandy, summertime vibe, and it is apparent that he continues to push himself into different directions sonically. “It 100% would not be fun for me to write the same kind of music for the rest of my life. I like to produce different kinds of music, I don’t stay in a lane production wise but there is a consistency with my lyrics,” Kelley tells us. “I just love music, I love it to death I typically don’t like putting things in different drawers and compartmentalization.”

During the pandemic, the innovative creator has found a way to involve his fans in his process virtually by hosting “Fan Jam” on FaceBook live. Instead of just playing music, he has given fans the chance to send in lyrics in the comments as he produces a song from start to finish. Check out the finished song from his most recent live below.

Having the ability to create and produce his music in his home, he tells us that his upcoming record is just about finished and he looks ahead to the fall to releasing it. Fans that have followed Kelley’s career since the start or if you are just discovering his music now, you can always count on hearing genuine lyrics, with a fresh new sound each time.

To keep up with Josh Kelley 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. 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,
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Country Artists Making A Difference Through Music

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A huge part of our company is using our platform to give back to the community. We think it is important to support the heroes among us every day. Today, we wanted to highlight some artists in the country music industry, who have taken it upon themselves to do the same and have been making a difference through their music.

 

  1. Walker Hayes Partners with NY Country Swag

We teamed up with our friend Walker Hayes and his ‘Be A Craig’ Fund, as well as,  NY Country 94.7 to help feed the frontlines. With each purchase of our Kindness Isn’t Canceled t-shirt, all profits will be donated to provide meals by IGC Hospitality for our healthcare heroes. Of course, the added incentive is that everyone who purchases a shirt will be invited to an EXCLUSIVE virtual show by Walker himself. The show will take place on June 17th. More details here.

 

  1. Kane Brown’s “Worldwide Beautiful”

The superstar recently released the long-awaited tour namesake single. “Worldwide Beautiful” is an impactful song that is geared towards encouraging people to acknowledge our differences but to love each other because of them rather than in spite of them. Brown released the song early because of today’s climate and is donating all proceeds to the Boys and Girls Club, an organization that enables young people to reach their full potential.

 

  1. Thomas Rhett is a Light with “Be A Light”

Thomas Rhett has been a pioneer for hope, during these unsettling times since day one. Back in March, Rhett teamed up with Reba, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, and Christian singer Chris Tomlin to release a beautiful and much-needed song called “Be A Light.” All of the proceeds of this song are going to the COVID-19 Relief fun for MusiCares, which directly supports those in the music community.

 

  1. Luke Combs Gives Back

Platinum-selling megastar, Luke Combs has been a staple and a force in country music, even during these times. Along with premiering a powerful song entitled “Six Feet Apart,” back in April, Combs joined Miller Lite, supporting bartenders with a live stream event. The event raised millions of dollars for those who were out of work to the pandemic.

We look forward to seeing more and more country artists step up and find ways to help others give back, during these unprecedented times. As always, we are thankful for this community and for country music for getting us through.

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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,
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Carolyn Miller Drops New Track, “Ain’t About That”

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Ain't About That Carolyn Miller

Carolyn Miller, an emerging New York city country artist, is set to make 2020 an impressive year. Following singles “Summer Time” and “What You Can’t Have”, Miller has released her latest summery love chant “Ain’t About That”. “Ain’t About That” is the first of three singles set to be released in 2020. Written by Lance Carpenter, the writer behind Kelsea Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It”, and Makayla Lynn, this uptempo anthem represents the emotions shared with a loved one that can never be taken away. It’s a joyous commemoration of being in love and one that makes you wanna be in love.

The single opens up with a vivacious introduction, almost commercial resembling, welcoming Miller’s airy vocals and infatuation brimmed lyrics such as, “It’s the way my heart goes racing every time, you tangle your fingers around mine.”

Miller has shared the stage with a cumulative number of established artists such as Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Walker Hayes, Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch, and Chris Janson. She has been named CMT “Next Up Now” artist and one to keep your eye on from Ty Bentli. During quarantine, Miller has been taking advantage of live streaming presenting over 40 live stream concerts for a number of media outlets, radio stations and venues noting, “COVID can’t stop the music. It can’t stop our passion. It is our duty as artists to spread joy and love, especially in the darkest times. Music is needed now more than ever.”

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

“Ain’t About That” 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. 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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Levi Hummon Releases Breakup Tune, “Rock and Roses”

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Rock and Roses Levi Hummon

Country music heartthrob and one of our most recent Swag Sessions artists, Levi Hummon has been working to build his catalog of music this year. He released “Wedding Dress” and “The Story” earlier this year, and today, he premiered “Rock and Roses.”

As always, Hummon’s vocals are piercing and soothing, as he opens his heart to fans through his music. “Rock and Roses” may sound familiar as the singer-songwriter often sang it on his first-ever headlining tour last year. The song, co-written by Hummon with Ben Wells, depicts how Hummon feels after a break-up. As many of us have felt, he starts to recognize his mistakes and what he could have done better. Hindsight is always 20/20.

“One foot in, one foot out / How stupid was I for that / And how did I go and mess it up / I can’t blackout / I can’t forget / All those nights and not be sad / Who taught me to be so dumb”

Moreover, Hummon manages to cleverly utilize “rock and roses” to memorialize that he should have bought a ring for his ex, but unfortunately, things are broken and cannot be fixed. This is a song of repentance and truly feels like a diary entry. Kudos for Hummon for being so honest and vulnerable.

We anticipate that Hummon will continue to release more music before the year is up, and we are excited to see what he comes up with.

To keep up with Levi Hummon follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Rock and Roses” 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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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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[Listen] Matt Stell’s Rockin’ New Track, “If I Was A Bar”

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Matt Stell If I Was A Bar

 

Matt Stell was put on the map with his singles “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On”, but those don’t quite capture his rock country vibe that he brings to his live shows but his new single, “If I Was A Bar” certainly does. He tells the story of a breakup, describing how if he was a bar, he’d be getting over it must faster. There’s a hint of anger still left about the breakup, leaving a bitter taste on the tongue, providing the perfect stage for a gritty, dirt road anthem that’s got a lot of punch.

“I wouldn’t have this broken heart, wouldn’t take your leaving half as hard / Wouldn’t be falling this apart if I was a bar”

Stell always writes from the heart, but this one cuts a little deeper, to someone who’s been wronged and feels the need to let it out. He sings about “letting your exes drink for free” creating camaraderie against the injured. It’s a head-banging, electric guitar track that creates solidarity against the girl who walked out. He creates the armor needed to get through the breakup, and sometimes that works better than sinking into despair. Stell has shown his fans that he can do both: the heart-wrenching love songs and the breakup anthems, both the rock and the country that they love.

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

“If I Was A Bar” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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. 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:

Drew Green’s Sony Music Nashville Debut “Little More Be Alright”

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Drew Green Little More Be Alright

Drew Green may be an up and coming country artist releasing his debut major label song, but Nashville is practically home for him. Born and raised in Tennessee, and a Tennessee Tech graduate, he couldn’t be more rooted in his home state.

After his previously released track, “Just Talkin'” which was put forth independently, Warner/Chappell Nashville and Cornman Music offered him a publishing deal that truly began his career. It was Florida Georgia Line’s “Colorado” written by Hunter Phelps, Michael Hardy, and Drew himself that landed him the contract as a songwriter.

Through writing, Green was given the opportunity to polish his lyrical abilities and find his own path as an artist. And it paid off. As a newly-signed artist to Sony Music Nashville, Green has begun his exhibition of singing, solidifying a singer-songwriter label.

“Little More Be Alright” is the first of many anticipated singles released under the partnership, making it his official single debut. With a Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt feel, Green showcases a bit of a country rap edge and a deep, raspy tone.  “Little More Be Alright” explores a man that leads a simple life but wouldn’t mind having a little more.

“I’m a simple man, I don’t need a lot / I’m good right here with what I got / but a little more, little more, little more would be alright / and I ain’t trying to say I’m trying to have it all / and I ain’t trying to live up higher on the hog / but a little more, little more, little more would be alright”

As the newest addition to Sony Music Nashville’s roster, Green takes you through a life where a little more money, a little more time off, a little more family, and finally, a little more time with his father would be alright. The country genre continues to evolve and blend sonically however the stories that connect with fans are at the heart of the music and that certainly rings true for this new track.

To keep up with Drew Green, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Little More Be Alright” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more 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. 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: